U.S. patent application number 11/252275 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-20 for battery cooling device for vehicle use.
This patent application is currently assigned to DENSO Corporation. Invention is credited to Yoshimitsu Inoue.
Application Number | 20060080986 11/252275 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36179301 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060080986 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Inoue; Yoshimitsu |
April 20, 2006 |
Battery cooling device for vehicle use
Abstract
The air suction mode can be switched among the inside air mode
in which the air sucked by the battery cooling blower 15 to cool
the battery 3 for vehicle use is the air inside a vehicle passenger
compartment, the outside air mode in which the air sucked by the
battery cooling blower 15 is the air outside the vehicle passenger
compartment and the cooling air mode in which the air sucked by the
battery cooling blower 15 is the air cooled by an evaporator of the
rear seat side air conditioner 2.
Inventors: |
Inoue; Yoshimitsu;
(Chiryu-city, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Assignee: |
DENSO Corporation
Kariya-city
JP
|
Family ID: |
36179301 |
Appl. No.: |
11/252275 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/259.2 ;
62/186; 62/408 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60L 2240/545 20130101;
B60H 1/00057 20130101; Y02T 10/72 20130101; B60H 2001/00085
20130101; H01M 10/6563 20150401; B60L 2270/44 20130101; Y02T 90/16
20130101; B60H 1/00207 20130101; H01M 10/625 20150401; Y02T 10/70
20130101; H01M 10/663 20150401; B60L 2240/36 20130101; H01M 10/6566
20150401; B60L 58/26 20190201; H01M 10/615 20150401; B60L 1/003
20130101; Y02E 60/10 20130101; H01M 10/633 20150401; H01M 10/613
20150401; B60L 2240/662 20130101; B60L 2250/12 20130101; B60H
1/00278 20130101; B60L 3/0023 20130101; B60L 2240/34 20130101; B60H
2001/003 20130101; B60L 3/0046 20130101; B60L 2240/28 20130101;
B60L 1/02 20130101; B60L 2270/142 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/259.2 ;
062/186; 062/408 |
International
Class: |
F25D 17/04 20060101
F25D017/04; F25D 23/12 20060101 F25D023/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 18, 2004 |
JP |
2004-302839 |
Dec 2, 2004 |
JP |
2004-350356 |
Claims
1. A battery cooling device, cooling a battery for vehicle use,
applied to a vehicle on which an air conditioner having a cooling
means for cooling air passing through the cooling means is mounted,
comprising: a battery cooling blower for blowing suction air to the
battery for vehicle use; and a mode switching means capable of
switching a mode among an inside air mode in which the suction air
is the air inside a vehicle passenger compartment, an outside air
mode in which the suction air is the air outside a vehicle
passenger compartment and a cooling air mode in which the suction
air is the air cooled by the cooling means of the air
conditioner.
2. A battery cooling device for vehicle use according to claim 1,
wherein the air outside the vehicle passenger compartment is the
air in a trunk.
3. A battery cooling device for vehicle use according to claim 1,
wherein the mode switching means switches the mode in the order of
the outside air mode, the inside air mode and the cooling air
mode.
4. A battery cooling device for vehicle use according to claim 3,
wherein the mode switching means switches a mode in the order of
the outside air mode, the inside air mode and the cooling air mode
according to the temperature of the battery for vehicle use in the
case where the temperature outside the vehicle passenger
compartment is not more than a predetermined value, and the mode
switching means switches a mode in the order of the inside air mode
and the cooling air mode according to the temperature of the
battery for vehicle use in the case where the temperature outside
the vehicle passenger compartment is higher than the predetermined
value.
5. A battery cooling device for vehicle use according to claim 1,
wherein the mode switching means switches a mode among the inside
air mode, the outside air mode and the cooling air mode according
to the temperature of the air outside the vehicle passenger
compartment and the temperature of the battery for vehicle use.
6. A battery cooling device for vehicle use according to claim 1,
wherein the air conditioner mounted on a vehicle is a front seat
side air conditioner arranged on the front seat side of the vehicle
and a rear seat side air conditioner arranged on the rear seat side
of the vehicle, and the cooling air mode is a mode in which the
suction air is the air cooled by the cooling means of the rear seat
side air conditioner.
7. A battery cooling device cooling a battery for vehicle use,
applied to a vehicle on which an air conditioner having a cooling
means for cooling air passing through the cooling means is mounted,
comprising: a battery cooling blower for blowing suction air to the
battery for vehicle use; and a mode selecting means for selecting a
suction mode of the battery cooling blower between the inside air
mode, in which the air in the vehicle passenger compartment is
sucked, and the cooling air mode in which the air immediately after
it is cooled by the cooling means is sucked.
8. A battery cooling device for vehicle use according to claim 7,
further comprising: an outside air temperature detection means for
detecting a temperature outside the vehicle; and a battery
temperature detection means for detecting a temperature of the
battery, wherein the mode selecting means selects a suction mode
between the inside air mode and the cooling air mode according to
the temperature of the air outside the vehicle detected by the
outside air temperature detection means and also according to the
temperature of the battery detected by the battery temperature
detection means.
9. A battery cooling device for vehicle use according to claim 8,
wherein the mode selecting means selects a suction mode between the
inside air mode and the cooling air mode according to the
temperature of the battery in the case where the temperature of the
air outside the vehicle is higher than a predetermined temperature,
and the mode selecting means selects the inside air mode in the
case where the temperature of the air outside the vehicle is not
more than the predetermined temperature.
10. A battery cooling device for vehicle use according to claim 9,
wherein the mode selecting means selects the inside air mode in the
case where the battery temperature is lower than a reference
temperature when the temperature of the air outside the vehicle is
higher than the predetermined temperature, the mode selecting means
selects the cooling air mode in the case where the battery
temperature is not less than the reference temperature, and the
reference temperature is decreased as the temperature of the air
outside the vehicle is increased.
11. A battery cooling device for vehicle use according to claim 7,
wherein the air conditioner mounted on the vehicle includes a front
seat side air conditioner arranged on the front seat side and a
rear seat side air conditioner arranged on the rear seat side of
the vehicle, and the air immediately after it is cooled by the
cooling means of the rear seat side air conditioner is sucked in
the cooling air mode.
12. A battery cooling device for vehicle use according to claim 7,
wherein the mode selecting means selects a mode in which the air in
the vehicle passenger compartment is sucked together with the air
immediately after it is cooled by the cooling means at the time of
the cooling air mode.
13. A battery cooling device cooling a battery for vehicle use,
applied to a vehicle on which an air conditioner having a cooling
means for cooling air passing through the cooling means is mounted,
comprising: a battery cooling blower for blowing suction air to the
battery for vehicle use; and a mode selecting means for selecting a
suction mode of the battery cooling blower among the inside air
mode, in which the air in the vehicle passenger compartment is
sucked, the cooling air mode, in which the air immediately after it
is cooled by the cooling means is sucked, and a mixed air mode in
which both the air in the vehicle passenger compartment and the air
immediately after it is cooled by the cooling means are sucked.
14. A battery cooling device for vehicle use according to claim 13,
further comprising: an outside temperature detection means for
detecting the temperature of the air outside the vehicle; and a
battery temperature detection means for detecting the battery
temperature, wherein the mode selecting means selects a suction
mode among the inside air mode, the cooling air mode and the mixed
air mode according to the temperature of the air outside the
vehicle detected by the outside air temperature detection means and
also according to the temperature of the battery detected by the
battery temperature detection means.
15. A battery cooling device for vehicle use according to claim 14,
wherein the mode selecting means selects a suction mode among the
inside air mode, the cooling air mode and the mixed air mode
according to the temperature of the battery in the case where the
temperature of the air outside the vehicle is higher than a
predetermined temperature, and the mode selecting means selects the
inside air mode in the case where the temperature of the air
outside the vehicle is not more than the predetermined
temperature.
16. A battery cooling device for vehicle use according to claim 15,
wherein the mode selecting means selects the inside air mode when
the battery temperature is lower than the first reference
temperature in the case where the temperature of the air outside
the vehicle is higher than the predetermined temperature, the mode
selecting means selects the cooling air mode when the battery
temperature is not less than first reference temperature and lower
than the second reference temperature and the mode selecting means
selects the mixed air mode when the battery temperature is not less
than the second reference temperature, and at least one of the
first and the second reference temperature or both the first and
the second reference temperature are lowered as the temperature of
the air outside the vehicle is raised.
17. A battery cooling device for vehicle use according to claim 14,
wherein the air conditioner mounted on the vehicle includes a front
seat side air conditioner arranged on the front seat side and a
rear seat side air conditioner arranged on the rear seat side of
the vehicle, and the air immediately after it is cooled by the
cooling means of the rear seat side air conditioner is sucked in
the cooling air mode and the mixed air mode.
18. An air conditioner for vehicle use comprising: an
air-conditioning unit including a cooling air generation means for
generating cooling air by cooling the passing air, a heating air
generation means for generating heating air by heating the passing
air, a conditioned air generation means for generating conditioned
air by mixing the cooling air and the heating air by a ratio of the
hot air to the cold air, and an air-conditioning blower for
generating conditioned blowout air blowing out to a passenger in a
vehicle passenger compartment; a battery cooling unit including a
battery cooling blower, which sucks the cooling air, for generating
a flow of battery cooling air to be blown out to a battery mounted
on a vehicle; and a control unit including a conditioned air ratio
calculating means for calculating a ratio of the hot air to the
cold air, a correction means for correcting at least one of the
ratio of the hot air to the cold air and the conditioned air volume
level according to the battery cooling air volume level, a
conditioned air volume level control means for controlling a
conditioned air volume level which is the air volume level of the
conditioned air blown out, and a battery air volume level control
means for controlling a battery cooling air volume level which is
an air volume level of the battery cooling air blown out.
19. An air conditioner for vehicle use according to claim 18,
wherein the correction means for correcting the ratio of the hot
air to the cold air conducts a correction so that a ratio of the
cooling air in the conditioned air can be increased according to an
increase in the battery cooling air volume level.
20. An air conditioner for vehicle use according to claim 18,
wherein the correction means for correcting the conditioned air
volume level conducts a correction so that the conditioned air
volume level can be increased according to an increase in the
battery cooling air volume level.
21. An air conditioner for vehicle use comprising: an
air-conditioning unit including a cooling air generation means for
generating cooling air by cooling the passing air, a heating air
generation means for generating heating air by heating the passing
air, a conditioned air generation means for generating conditioned
air by mixing the cooling air and the heating air by a ratio of the
hot air to the cold air, an air-conditioning blower for generating
conditioned blowout air blowing out to a passenger in a vehicle
passenger compartment, and a conditioned air blowout temperature
detection means for detecting a conditioned air blowout temperature
which is a temperature of the conditioned blowout air; a battery
cooling unit including a battery cooling blower for generating a
flow of battery cooling air to be blown out to a battery mounted on
a vehicle, and a mode switching means for switching a mode between
the inside air mode, in which the sucked air is the inside air in
the vehicle passenger compartment according to the battery
temperature, and the cooling air mode in which the suction air is
the cooling air; and a control unit including a conditioned air
ratio calculating means for calculating the ratio of the hot air to
the cold air, a conditioned air volume level control means for
controlling a conditioned air volume level which is an air volume
level of the conditioned blowout air, and a battery air volume
level control means for controlling a battery cooling air volume
level which is an air volume level of the battery cooling blowout
air, wherein the battery air volume level control means reduces the
battery cooling air volume level to a value not more than the
predetermined value at the time of switching the mode, and the
battery air volume level control means further reduces a change
rate of the battery cooling air volume level in the case where the
change rate of the conditioned blowout air temperature exceeds the
predetermined value.
22. An air conditioner for vehicle use according to claim 21,
wherein the battery air volume level control means stops the
battery cooling blower at the time of switching the mode.
23. An air conditioner for vehicle use according to claim 21,
wherein the mode switching means is capable of adjusting a
switching rate of switching the mode.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a battery cooling device
for vehicle use. More particularly, the present invention relates
to a battery cooling device, for vehicle use, for cooling a battery
mounted on a vehicle provided with an air conditioner.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Conventionally, in a battery cooling device, for vehicle
use, for cooling a battery which is mounted on a hybrid powered
automobile or electric automobile, the battery is cooled when a
flow of air sucked from a vehicle passenger compartment is blown to
the battery by a battery cooling blower. From the viewpoints of
prolonging the battery life and ensuring safety, the volume of air
blown out by the battery cooling blower is changed according to the
temperature of the battery so that the temperature of the battery
is maintained at about 40.degree. C.
[0005] Further, a battery cooling device has been disclosed which
is capable of cooling a battery without being greatly affected by
disturbance such as sunshine or heat emitted from an exhaust gas
pipe. For example, this battery cooling device is disclosed in the
official gazette of JP-A-2004-255960. According to the Patent
Document, the battery cooling device includes: an inside air
blowing mode in which the air inside a vehicle passenger
compartment is sucked and blown to the battery; and an outside air
blowing mode in which the air outside the vehicle passenger
compartment is sucked and blown to the battery. This battery
cooling device further includes a cooling means for cooling the air
to be blown to the battery during the inside air blowing mode
period.
[0006] However, the battery cooling device described in the above
Patent Document has an exclusive cooling means at, for example, an
air inlet and other places. Therefore, the manufacturing cost is
increased.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention has been accomplished in view of the
above circumstances. It is an object of the present invention to
provide a battery cooling device, for vehicle use, capable of
reducing the manufacturing cost.
[0008] Conventionally, various cooling systems for cooling a
battery mounted on a hybrid powered automobile or an electric
automobile have been devised. For example, a cooling system
described in the official gazette of JP-A-2004-1674 is provided
with a battery cooling blower. This battery cooling blower sucks a
portion of the cooling air blown out from a blower used for air
conditioning, and the thus sucked cooling air is blown to the
battery so that the battery can be cooled.
[0009] However, according to the above battery cooling device, when
a volume of air blown out from the battery cooling blower is
changed, that is, when a volume of cooling air sucked by the
battery cooling blower is changed, a volume of the conditioned air
blown out to a passenger and a temperature of the conditioned air
are changed. Due to the foregoing, the passenger feels
uncomfortable. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention
to provide an air conditioner for vehicle use characterized in
that: even when a volume of the air blown out from the battery
cooling blower is changed, a volume and temperature of the
conditioned air which is blown out to the passenger are not
changed.
[0010] In order to accomplish the above object, according to a
first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery
cooling device, cooling a battery for vehicle use, applied to a
vehicle on which an air conditioner having a cooling means for
cooling air passing through the cooling means is mounted,
comprises: a battery cooling blower for blowing suction air to the
battery for vehicle use; and a mode switching means capable of
switching a mode among an inside air mode in which the suction air
is the air inside a vehicle passenger compartment, an outside air
mode in which the suction air is the air outside a vehicle
passenger compartment and a cooling air mode in which the suction
air is the air cooled by the cooling means of the air
conditioner.
[0011] That is, the battery cooling device of the present invention
includes an air inlet capable of taking in three types of air
including the inside air, the outside air and the cooling air. In
this case, the cooling air is the air cooled by the cooling means
provided in the air conditioner. That is, without providing an
exclusive cooling means,. it is possible to take in three types of
air including the inside air, the outside air and the cooling air.
According to this constitution, as no exclusive cooling means is
provided, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
[0012] In this connection, in the case where the battery for
vehicle use is arranged at the rear of the vehicle, the above air
conditioner may be an air conditioner for rear seat use. Due to the
above structure, it becomes possible to decrease a distance in
which the cooling air flows. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a
heat loss to the cooling air.
[0013] In the second aspect of the present invention, the air
outside the vehicle passenger compartment may be air in the trunk.
As the trunk is located relatively distant from a passenger, it is
difficult for the passenger to hear noise such as a sound of
sucking air from the trunk. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent
the passenger from feeling uncomfortable due to the sound of
sucking air.
[0014] In the third aspect of the present invention, the mode
switching means may switch the mode in the order of the outside air
mode, the inside air mode and the cooling air mode. When the
priority is given in the order of the outside air mode, the inside
air mode and the cooling air mode, it becomes possible to save
energy as follows. The sucked air in the cooling air mode is air
cooled by the cooling means. As the cooling means is used in this
case, the most energy is consumed in this case. The sucked air in
the inside air mode is air which has been conditioned. This
conditioned air is generated by driving the air conditioner in many
cases. That is, in the inside air mode, energy is also consumed for
driving the air conditioner although the energy consumption is not
higher than that of the cooling air mode. The sucked air in the
outside air mode is the outside air itself, therefore, no energy is
consumed in this outside air mode. Accordingly, when the mode
switching means switches the mode in the above order, the energy
consumption can be reduced.
[0015] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the
mode switching means may switch a mode in the order of the outside
air mode, the inside air mode and the cooling air mode according to
the temperature of the battery for vehicle use in the case where
the temperature outside the vehicle passenger compartment is not
more than a predetermined value, and the mode switching means may
switch a mode in the order of the inside air mode and the cooling
air mode according to the temperature of the battery for vehicle
use in the case where the temperature outside the vehicle passenger
compartment is higher than the predetermined value.
[0016] In the case where the temperature of the air outside the
vehicle passenger compartment is not higher than a predetermined
value, operation is started from the outside air mode. In the case
where the temperature of the air outside the vehicle passenger
compartment is higher than the predetermined value, operation is
started from the inside air mode. For example, in the case where
the predetermined value is 30.degree. C., as it is necessary to
maintain the temperature of the battery for vehicle use at about
40.degree. C., the battery for vehicle use can be cooled by the
outside air when the temperature of the air outside the vehicle
passenger compartment is not higher than the predetermined
temperature. That is, in the case where the temperature of the air
outside the vehicle passenger compartment is not higher than the
predetermined value, the outside air mode, in which the energy
consumption is the lowest, is utilized. On the other hand, in the
case where the temperature of the air outside the vehicle passenger
compartment is higher than the predetermined value, it is
impossible to use the air outside the vehicle passenger compartment
for cooling the battery for vehicle use. Therefore, when operation
is started from the inside air mode without using the outside air
mode from the beginning, it is possible to prevent blowing the air
outside the vehicle passenger compartment, the temperature of which
is relatively high, to the battery for vehicle use.
[0017] In the fifth aspect of the present invention, the mode
switching means may switch the mode among the inside. air mode, the
outside air mode and the cooling air mode according to the
temperature of the outside the vehicle passenger compartment and
the temperature of the battery for vehicle use. Due to the
foregoing, the air, the temperature of which is an appropriate
value, can be blown to the battery for vehicle use.
[0018] In the sixth aspect of the present invention, the air
conditioner mounted in the vehicle may be a front seat side air
conditioner arranged on the front seat side of the vehicle and a
rear seat side air conditioner arranged on the rear seat side of
the vehicle, and the cooling air mode may be a mode in which the
sucked air is cooled by the cooling means of the rear seat side air
conditioner of the vehicle. In the cooling air mode, when air is
cooled by the cooling means of the rear seat side air conditioner
of the vehicle, air conditioning in the vehicle passenger
compartment can be positively conducted by the front seat side air
conditioner of the vehicle. Accordingly, a passenger does not have
a feeling of discomfort, and the vehicle battery can be positively
cooled. Naturally, the above cooling mode may be a mode in which
the above sucked air is air which has been cooled by the cooling
means of the front seat side air conditioner of the vehicle.
[0019] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a
battery cooling device cooling a battery for vehicle use, applied
to a vehicle on which an air conditioner having a cooling means for
cooling air passing through the cooling means is mounted, may
comprise: a battery cooling blower for blowing suction air to the
battery for vehicle use; and a mode selecting means for selecting a
suction mode of the battery cooling blower between the inside air
mode, in which the air in the vehicle passenger compartment is
sucked, and the cooling air mode in which the air immediately after
it is cooled by the cooling means is sucked.
[0020] That is, the battery cooling device has an air inlet capable
of taking in two types of air of the inside air and the cooling
air, and the cooling air is the air cooled by the cooling means of
the air conditioner. Due to the foregoing, it is unnecessary to
provide an exclusive cooling means, and two types of air of the
inside air and the cooling air can be positively taken in. As no
exclusive cooling means is provided, the manufacturing cost can be
reduced.
[0021] In this case, in the cooling air mode, the sucked air to be
blown to the battery is cooled by the cooling means of the air
conditioner. Therefore, the cooling capacity of cooling the battery
is higher than that of the inside air mode. On the other hand, when
the temperature of the air outside the vehicle is extremely low,
for example, when the temperature of the air outside the vehicle is
not higher than 0.degree. C., it becomes impossible to operate the
refrigerating cycle composing the air conditioner. Therefore, it
becomes impossible to cool the sucked air with the cooling
means.
[0022] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a
battery cooling device for vehicle use, may further comprise: an
outside air temperature detection means for detecting a temperature
outside the vehicle; and a battery temperature detection means for
detecting a temperature of the battery, wherein the mode selecting
means may select a suction mode between the inside air mode and the
cooling air mode according to the temperature of the air outside
the vehicle detected by the outside air temperature detection means
and also according to the temperature of the battery detected by
the battery temperature detection means. Moreover, according to a
ninth aspect of the present invention, the mode selecting means may
select a suction mode between the inside air mode and the cooling
air mode according to the temperature of the battery in the case
where the temperature of the air outside the vehicle is higher
than. a predetermined temperature, and the mode selecting means may
select the inside air mode in the case where the temperature of the
air outside the vehicle is not more than the predetermined
temperature.
[0023] When the temperature of the air outside the vehicle is low,
the temperature in the vehicle passenger compartment is relatively
low in many cases. Therefore, in the case where the temperature of
the air outside the vehicle is higher than the predetermined
temperature, when the battery temperature is lower than the
reference temperature, the inside air mode is selected. When the
battery temperature is not lower than the reference temperature,
the cooling air mode is selected. When the temperature of the air
outside the vehicle is raised, the reference temperature is
decreased. Due to the foregoing, the frequency of using the cooling
air mode, the energy consumption of which is large, can be reduced
and energy can be saved.
[0024] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the
mode selecting means may select a mode in which the air in the
vehicle passenger compartment is sucked together with the air
immediately after it is cooled by the cooling means at the time of
the cooling air mode.
[0025] Air cooled by the cooling means is originally used for
air-conditioning the vehicle passenger compartment. However, at the
time of cooling air mode, a portion of the cooled air is used for
cooling the battery. Therefore, when a large volume of cooling air
is used for the battery, a feeling of air conditioning the vehicle
passenger compartment is deteriorated. Therefore, at the time of
the cooling air mode, when the air in the vehicle passenger
compartment of the vehicle is sucked together with the air
immediately after the air has been cooled by the cooling means, it
is possible to increase a volume of air used for cooling the
battery without deteriorating a feeling of air-conditioning in the
vehicle passenger compartment.
[0026] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a
battery cooling device cooling a battery for vehicle use is applied
to a vehicle on which an air conditioner having a cooling means for
cooling air passing through the cooling means is mounted, may
comprise: a battery cooling blower for blowing suction air to the
battery for vehicle use; and a mode selecting means for selecting a
suction mode of the battery cooling blower among the inside air
mode, in which the air in the vehicle passenger compartment is
sucked, the cooling air mode, in which the air immediately after it
is cooled by the cooling means is sucked, and a mixed air mode in
which both the air in the vehicle passenger compartment and the air
immediately after it is cooled by the cooling means are sucked.
[0027] That is, the battery cooling device includes an air inlet
opening capable of taking in three types of air including the
inside air, the cooling air and the mixed air in which the inside
air and the cooling air are mixed with each other, and the cooling
air is air cooled by the cooling means of the air conditioner. Due
to the foregoing, two types of air of the inside air and the
cooling air can be positively taken in without providing an
exclusive cooling means. As no exclusive cooling means is provided
as described above, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
[0028] As described above, the battery cooling capacity of the
cooling air mode is higher than that of the inside air mode. On the
other hand, in the case where the temperature of the air outside
the vehicle is extremely low, it becomes impossible to cool the
sucked air with the cooling means of the air conditioner for
vehicle use. According to a fourteenth aspect of the present
invention, a battery cooling device for vehicle use, may further
comprise: an outside temperature detection means for detecting the
temperature of the air outside the vehicle; and a battery
temperature detection means for detecting the battery temperature,
wherein the mode selecting means may select a suction mode among
the inside air mode, the cooling air mode and the mixed air mode
according to the temperature of the air outside the vehicle
detected by the outside air temperature detection means and also
according to the temperature of the battery detected by the battery
temperature detection means. Moreover, according to a fifteenth
aspect of the present invention, the mode selecting means may
select a suction mode among the inside air mode, the cooling air
mode and the mixed air mode according to the temperature of the
battery in the case where the temperature of the air outside the
vehicle is higher than a predetermined temperature, and the mode
selecting means may select the inside air mode in the case where
the temperature of the air outside the vehicle is not more than the
predetermined temperature.
[0029] As described above, when the temperature of the air outside
the vehicle is low, the temperature in the vehicle passenger
compartment is relatively low in many cases. Therefore, in the case
where the temperature of the air outside the vehicle is higher than
the predetermined temperature, when the battery temperature is
lower than the first reference temperature, the inside air mode is
selected. When the battery temperature is not lower than the first
reference temperature and lower than the second reference
temperature, the cooling air mode is selected. When the battery
temperature is not lower than the second reference temperature, the
mixed air mode is selected. When the temperature of the air outside
the vehicle is raised, at least one of the first and the second
reference temperature is decreased or both the first and the second
reference temperature are decreased. Due to the foregoing, the
frequency of using the cooling air mode, the energy consumption of
which is large, can be reduced and energy can be saved.
[0030] According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention,
an air conditioner for vehicle use comprises: an air-conditioning
unit, a battery cooling unit, and a control unit. The
air-conditioning unit includes a cooling air generation means for
generating cooling air by cooling the passing air, a heating air
generation means for generating heating air by heating the passing
air, a conditioned air generation means for generating conditioned
air by mixing the cooling air and the heating air by a ratio of the
hot air to the cold air, and an air-conditioning blower for
generating conditioned blowout air blowing out to a passenger in a
vehicle passenger compartment.
[0031] The battery cooling unit includes a battery cooling blower,
which sucks the cooling air, for generating a flow of battery
cooling air to be blown out to a battery mounted on a vehicle. The
control unit includes a conditioned air ratio calculating means for
calculating a ratio of the hot air to the cold air, a correction
means for correcting at least one of the ratio of the hot air to
the cold air and the conditioned air volume level according to the
battery cooling air volume level, a conditioned air volume level
control means for controlling a conditioned air volume level which
is the air volume level of the conditioned air blown out, and a
battery air volume level control means for controlling a battery
cooling air volume level which is an air volume level of the
battery cooling air blown out.
[0032] According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention,
an air conditioner for vehicle use comprises: an air-conditioning
unit, a battery cooling unit, and a control unit. The
air-conditioning unit includes a cooling air generation means for
generating cooling air by cooling the passing air, a heating air
generation means for generating heating air by heating the passing
air, a conditioned air generation means for generating conditioned
air by mixing the cooling air and the heating air by a ratio of the
hot air to the cold air, an air-conditioning blower for generating
conditioned blowout air blowing out to a passenger in a vehicle
passenger compartment, and a conditioned air blowout temperature
detection means for detecting a conditioned air blowout temperature
which is a temperature of the conditioned blowout air.
[0033] The battery cooling unit includes: a battery cooling blower
for generating a flow of battery cooling air, which is blown to the
battery mounted on the vehicle, from the sucked air; and a mode
switching means for switching the mode between the inside air mode,
in which the sucked air is made to be the inside air in the vehicle
passenger compartment according to the battery temperature, and the
cooling air mode in which the sucked air is made to be the cooling
air.
[0034] The control means includes: a conditioned air ratio
calculating means for calculating a ratio of the hot air to cold
air; a conditioned air volume level control means for controlling a
conditioned air volume level which is a level of the volume of
conditioner air to be blown out; and a battery air volume level
control means for controlling a battery cooling air volume level
which is a volume level of cooling air to be blown to the
battery.
[0035] Further, the battery air volume level control means
decreases the battery cooling air volume level to a value not
higher than a predetermined value at the time of switching the mode
and further decreases a rate of change in the battery cooling air
volume in the case where a rate of change in the conditioned air
blowing temperature exceeds a predetermined value.
[0036] In this case, in the eighteenth and twenty-first aspect, the
conditioned air generating means of the air conditioner for vehicle
use is a means for generating the conditioned air by which the
temperature in the vehicle passenger compartment air-conditioned
zone is made to be a temperature, which has been set by a
passenger, by mixing the cooling air with the heated air, the
temperature of which is higher than that of the cooling air.
[0037] The battery air volume level control means controls a
battery cooling blower so that the battery cooling air volume level
can be raised in the case where the battery temperature is high.
Due to the foregoing, for example, the temperature of a superheated
battery for vehicle use can be quickly lowered. On the contrary, in
the case where the battery temperature is low, the battery air
volume level control means controls the battery cooling blower so
that the battery cooling air volume level can be lowered. Due to
the foregoing, the battery temperature can be maintained at an
appropriate value.
[0038] In the eighteenth aspect, the following effects can be
provided by one correcting means provided in the air conditioner
for vehicle use. In this case, the correcting means for correcting
a ratio of the hot air to the cold air according to the battery
cooling air volume level corrects the ratio of the hot air to the
cold air so that the air conditioning blowing temperature, which is
changed according to a change in the battery cooling air volume
level, can be maintained constant. The correcting means for
correcting a ratio of the hot air to the cold air according to the
battery cooling air volume level will be referred to as the hot air
to the cold air ratio correcting means in this specification,
hereinafter. For example, in the case where the battery cooling air
volume level is increased, that is, in the case where the suction
volume of the cooling air blown out by the battery cooling blower
is increased, a ratio of the cooling air contained in the
conditioned air is decreased. Then, the temperature of the
conditioned air blown out into the air-conditioned zone in the
vehicle passenger compartment is raised. Therefore, in order to
replenish the cooling air, the hot air to the cold air ratio
correcting means conducts correction so that a ratio of the cooling
air in the conditioned air can be increased. Due to the foregoing,
the temperature of the conditioned air to be blown out can be
prevented from rising. On the other hand, in the case where the
battery cooling air volume level is decreased, a ratio of the
cooling air contained in the conditioned air is increased. Then,
the temperature of the conditioned air blown out into the
air-conditioned zone in the vehicle passenger compartment is
lowered. Then, in order to reduce a volume of the cooling air, the
hot and cold ratio correcting means conducts correction so that a
ratio of the cooling air in the conditioned air can be decreased.
Due to the foregoing, the temperature of the conditioned air to be
blown out can be prevented from lowering. That is, the temperature
of the conditioned air blown out can be maintained constant by the
hot and cold ratio correcting means irrespective of a change in the
battery cooling air volume level. Accordingly, the passenger can
have a comfortable time in the vehicle passenger compartment
without feeling unconfortable due to a change in the temperature of
the conditioned air blown out.
[0039] In the eighteenth aspect, the following effects can be
provided by the other correcting means provided in the air
conditioner for vehicle use. In this case, the correcting means for
correcting a conditioned air volume level according to the battery
cooling air volume level is a means for correcting the conditioned
air volume level so that a volume of the conditioned air blown out
(a volume of air blown out to the passenger), which is going to
change according to the change in the battery cooling air volume
level, can be maintained constant. The correcting means for
correcting a conditioned air volume level according to the battery
cooling air volume level is referred to as an conditioned air
volume level correcting means in this specification, hereinafter.
For example, in the case where a battery cooling air volume level
is increased, that is, in the case where a cooling air volume
sucked by the battery cooling blower is increased, a volume of the
conditioned air blown out is decreased. Therefore, in order to
replenish the volume of the conditioned air blown out, the
conditioned air volume level correcting means conducts a correction
so that the conditioned air volume level can be increased, and a
decrease in the volume of the conditioned air blown out can be
suppressed. On the other hand, in the case where the battery
cooling air volume level is decreased, the volume of the
conditioned air blown out is increased. In order to decrease the
volume of the conditioned air blown out, the conditioned air volume
level correcting means conducts a correction so that the
conditioned air volume level can be decreased. Due to the
foregoing, an increase in the volume of the conditioned air blown
out can be suppressed. That is, the conditioned air volume level
correcting means maintains the volume of the conditioned air blown
out irrespective of a change in the battery cooling air volume
level. Accordingly, the passenger can have a comfortable time in
the vehicle passenger compartment without feeling uncomfortable due
to change in the temperature of the conditioned air blown out.
[0040] In the eighteenth aspect, when the air conditioner for
vehicle use has one of the hot air to the cold air ratio correcting
means and the conditioned air volume level correcting means, the
effect can be respectively provided as described above. When the
air conditioner for vehicle use has both the hot air to the cold
air ratio correcting means and the conditioned air volume level
correcting means, both effects can be provided.
[0041] In the twenty-first aspect, the mode switching means of the
air conditioner for vehicle use switches the mode between the
cooling air mode and the inside air mode according to the
temperature of the battery for vehicle use. The suction air of the
cooling air mode is the cooling air generated by the cooling air
generating means. When this cooling air is blown out to the
battery, it is possible to effectively cool the battery in a short
period of time. On the other hand, the suction air of the inside
air mode is the air in the vehicle passenger compartment. Different
from the generation of the cooling air, the cooling generation
means is not needed for the generation of this inside air.
Accordingly, in the case of the inside air mode, it is possible to
save energy compared with the cooling air mode. That is, according
to the air conditioner for vehicle use of the twenty-first aspect,
the mode switching means appropriately switches between the cooling
air mode and the inside air mode. Therefore, the battery can be
effectively cooled, and it becomes possible to save energy.
[0042] At the time of switching the mode, to be specific, at the
time from the start of switching the mode to the completion of
switching the mode, the battery air volume level control means
reduces the battery cooling air volume level to a value not more
than a predetermined value, and the level of noise generated at the
time of switching the mode can be reduced. Naturally, the time of
switching the mode is defined as both the time of switching the
mode from the inside air mode to the cooling air mode by the mode
switching means and the time of switching the mode from the cooling
air mode to the inside air mode.
[0043] Further, the battery air volume level control means reduces
a rate of the change in the battery cooling air volume level in the
case where a rate of the change in. the temperature of the
conditioned air blown out exceeds the predetermined value as
described above. For example, the battery cooling air volume level,
which has been reduced to a value not more than a predetermined
value at the time of switching the mode from the inside air mode to
the cooling air mode, is increased by the battery air volume level
control means after the completion of switching. In other words,
the cooling air suction volume of the battery cooling blower, which
has been reduced to a value not more than a predetermined value at
the time of switching the mode, is increased by the battery air
volume level control means after the completion of switching. Due
to the foregoing, a ratio of the cooling air contained in the
conditioned air is decreased. That is, the temperature of the
conditioned air blown out is raised. Further, the volume of the
conditioned air blown out is decreased. In the case where a rate of
the increase in the temperature of the conditioned air blown out
and a rate of the decrease in the volume of the conditioned air
blown out are low, the passenger hardly has a feeling of
incongruity. However, in the case where a rate of the increase in
the temperature of the conditioned air blown out and a rate of the
decrease in the volume of the conditioned air blown out are high,
the passenger has a feeling of incongruity. Therefore, in the case
where a rate of the change in the temperature of the conditioned
air blown out exceeds a predetermined value, when a rate of the
change in the battery cooling air volume level is reduced, in the
same manner as that of the effect of the eighteenth aspect, the
passenger can have a comfortable time in the vehicle passenger
compartment without feeling uncomfortable due to the change in the
temperature of the air blown out and by the change in the volume of
air blown out.
[0044] The battery air volume level control means described above
may stop the battery cooling blower at the time of switching the
mode. Due to the foregoing, the noise level, which tends to be
caused at the time of switching the mode, can be positively
reduced.
[0045] Further, the mode switching means may be composed so that
the mode switching rate can be adjusted. In this case, the mode
switching rate is defined as a period of time from the start of
switching the mode to the completion of switching the mode. When
the mode switching rate is lowered, that is, when the period of
time from the start of switching the mode to the completion of
switching the mode is prolonged, it is possible to avoid a sudden
temperature change of the conditioned air blown out at the time of
switching the mode. Further, in the case where the mode switching
means is a door, the door closing rate may be lowered compared with
the door opening rate. Due to the foregoing, an intensity of the
sound generated at the time of closing the door can be reduced to a
level that the passenger cannot detect.
[0046] The present invention may be more fully understood from the
description of preferred embodiments of the invention set forth
below, together with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] In the drawings:
[0048] FIG. 1 is an arrangement view showing a model of the battery
cooling device 1 and the rear seat side air conditioner 2 for
vehicle use;
[0049] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a process of switching ON/OFF
of the battery cooling blower 15;
[0050] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a process of switching a
blower level according to battery temperature T.sub.b;
[0051] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a process of switching the
mode in the first embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a process of switching the
mode in the second embodiment;
[0053] FIG. 6 is a view showing modes with respect to battery
temperature T.sub.b and air temperature T.sub.am outside the
vehicle passenger compartment;
[0054] FIG. 7 is a view showing modes with respect to another
battery temperature T.sub.b and air temperature T.sub.am outside
the vehicle passenger compartment;
[0055] FIG. 8 is a view showing modes with respect to battery
temperature T.sub.b and air temperature T.sub.b outside the vehicle
passenger compartment in the third embodiment;
[0056] FIG. 9 is a view showing modes with respect to battery
temperature T.sub.b and air temperature T.sub.am outside the
vehicle passenger compartment in the fourth embodiment;
[0057] FIG. 10 is a view showing a model of the overall arrangement
of an air conditioner for vehicle use;
[0058] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an arrangement of ECU
119;
[0059] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a degree of opening of the
correction of the air mixing door 12 with respect to a change in
the battery blower level;
[0060] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a correction of the air
conditioning blower level with respect to the battery blower
level;
[0061] FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the battery blower level
calculation processing;
[0062] FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the first half of the
processing of switching ON/OFF of the battery blower;
[0063] FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the second half of the
processing of switching ON/OFF of the battery blower;
[0064] FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the processing of
controlling a battery blower level changing rate;
[0065] FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the processing of the mode
switching control;
[0066] FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the air-conditioning blower
level calculation correcting control processing; and
[0067] FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the air-mixing door opening
degree calculation correcting control processing.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0068] Next, referring to an embodiment, the present invention will
be explained in more detail.
[0069] First of all, the first embodiment will be explained
below.
[0070] (1) Outline of Arrangement of Battery Cooling Device and Air
Conditioner for Vehicle Use
[0071] The battery cooling device 1 for vehicle use of this
embodiment is applied to a hybrid powered automobile provided with
an internal combustion engine and electric motor which are used for
driving the automobile. This hybrid powered automobile includes a
front seat side air conditioner (not shown) and a rear side air
conditioner 2. Referring to FIG. 1, explanations will be made into
an outline of the battery cooling device 1 and the rear seat side
air conditioner 2 for vehicle use of this embodiment. FIG. 1 is an
arrangement view showing a model of the battery cooling device 1
and the rear seat side air conditioner 2 for vehicle use. In this
connection, the front seat side air conditioner for vehicle use is
arranged in a front seat side space of the vehicle and mainly
conducts air-conditioning on the front seat side in the vehicle
passenger compartment.
[0072] (1.1) Air Conditioner 2 on Rear Seat Side of Vehicle
[0073] The air conditioner 2 on the rear side of a vehicle is
arranged in a rear seat side space of the vehicle and mainly
conducts air-conditioning on the rear seat side in the vehicle
passenger compartment. As shown in FIG. 1, this air conditioner 2
on the rear side of the vehicle includes an air-conditioning case
21, air-conditioning blower 22, evaporator 23, heater core 24, air
mixing door 25 and electronic control unit 26 used for the air
conditioner.
[0074] The air-conditioning case 21 includes: an air inlet 27 for
taking air from the rear side in the vehicle passenger compartment;
and a conditioned air blowout opening 28 for blowing out the
conditioned air to the rear side in the vehicle passenger
compartment. Further, the air-conditioning case 21 includes a
partitioning plate, which is arranged in the intermediate portion
of the passage, for dividing the passage (the left passage in FIG.
1), in which the evaporator 23 is arranged, and the passage (the
right passage in FIG. 1) in which the heater core 24 is arranged.
These two passages are joined to each other on the downstream side
in the air-conditioning case 21.
[0075] The blower 22 used for the air conditioner is arranged on
the upstream side of the air flow in the air-conditioning case 21.
The blower 22 used for the air conditioner sucks air from the air
inlet 27 and sends it to the conditioned air blowout opening 28
side. The evaporator (the cooling means) 23 is arranged on one side
passage (the left passage in FIG. 1) which is arranged on the
downstream side of the air flow of the blower 22 for the air
conditioner and branched by the partitioning plate. Therefore, the
evaporator (the cooling means) 23 cools air passing through the
evaporator. The evaporator 23 composes a heat pump cycle. This heat
pump cycle includes a condenser for exchanging heat with the
outside air. The heater core 24 is arranged on the downstream side
of the air flow of the blower 22 for the air conditioner in the
other side passage (the right passage in FIG. 1) partitioned by the
partitioning plate. This heater core 24 heats the air passing
through the heater core while the cooling water of an internal
combustion engine is being used as a heat source.
[0076] The air mixing door 25 is arranged on the upstream side of
the air flow of the partitioning plate in the air conditioning case
21. The air mixing door 25 adjusts the opening areas of one side
passage, in which the evaporator 23 is arranged, and the other side
passage in which the heater core 24 is arranged. That is, the air
mixing door 25 adjusts the temperature of the conditioned air
blowing out from the conditioned air blowout opening 28 of the
air-conditioning case 21.
[0077] The electronic control unit 26 used for the air conditioner,
which will be referred to as ECU for A/C hereinafter, switches
ON/OFF of the rear seat side air conditioner 2. Specifically, the
electronic control unit 26 switches the drive of the refrigerating
cycle including the evaporator 23. Further, ECU 26 for A/C adjusts
the temperature of the conditioned air blowing out into the vehicle
passenger compartment by controlling the position of the air mixing
door 25.
[0078] (1.2) Battery Cooling Device 1 for Vehicle Use
[0079] The battery cooling device 1 for vehicle use is mounted on
the trunk side in the rear seat side space and cools the battery 3
for vehicle use which supplies electric power to an electric motor
used for driving. This battery cooling device 1 for vehicle is
different from the front seat side air conditioner and the rear
seat side air conditioner 2 for vehicle use described before. In
this case, the battery 3 for vehicle use is a secondary battery
capable of being electrically charged and discharged. This battery
3 for vehicle use stores electric power generated by a generator
driven by an internal combustion engine and supplies electric power
to an electric motor used for driving.
[0080] This battery cooling device 1 for vehicle use includes a
battery casing 11, duct 12 inside the vehicle passenger
compartment, duct 13 on the trunk side, duct 14 on the evaporator
side, blower 15 for cooling the battery, first switching door 16
for switching the suction, second switching door 17 for switching
the suction, battery temperature sensor 18 and electronic control
unit 19 for cooling the battery which will be referred to as a
battery cooling ECU, hereinafter.
[0081] The battery casing 11 accommodates the battery 3 for vehicle
use and composes a passage of air supplied to the battery 3 for
vehicle use. The downstream side of the air flow of this battery
casing 11 is communicated with the outside of the vehicle passenger
compartment.
[0082] The duct 12 inside the vehicle passenger compartment
communicates the upstream side of the battery casing 11 with the
most upstream side of the air conditioning case 21. That is, the
air inside the vehicle passenger compartment is introduced from the
air inlet 27, which is formed on the air-conditioning case 21, to
the battery 3 side for vehicle use, that is, to the battery casing
11 side. The trunk side duct 13 communicates the upstream side of
the air flow of the battery casing 11 with a trunk (not shown).
That is, the air in the trunk, which will be referred to as trunk
air hereinafter, is introduced to the battery 3 side for vehicle
use, that is, to the battery casing 11 side. The evaporator side
duct 14 communicates the upstream side of the air flow of the
battery casing 11 with the downstream side of the evaporator 23 in
one side passage in which the evaporator 23 is arranged in the
air-conditioning case 21. That is, the air cooled by the evaporator
23, which will be referred to as cooling air hereinafter, is
introduced to the battery 3 side for vehicle use, that is, to the
battery casing 11 side.
[0083] The battery cooling blower 15 is arranged in a joint portion
in which the battery casing 11 and the respective ducts 12 to 14
are joined to each other. This battery cooling blower 15 sucks the
air from the vehicle passenger compartment through the air inlet 27
into the battery casing 11 side via the duct 12 inside the vehicle
passenger compartment. The battery cooling blower 15 sucks the
trunk air from the trunk into the battery casing 11 side via the
duct 13 on the trunk side. The battery cooling blower 15 sucks the
cooling air to the battery casing 11 side via the duct 14 on the
evaporator side. The battery cooling blower 15 blows out the air,
which is sucked via the respective ducts 12 to 14, to the battery 3
for vehicle use.
[0084] The first door 16 for switching the suction is arranged to
be capable of oscillating between the battery casing 11 side of the
duct 12 inside the vehicle passenger compartment and the battery
casing 11 side of the trunk side duct 13. Therefore, one of the
opening on the battery casing 11 side of the duct 12 inside the
vehicle passenger compartment and the opening on the battery casing
11 side of the trunk side duct 13 can be closed by the first door
16 for switching the suction.
[0085] The second door 17 for switching the suction is arranged to
be capable of oscillating between the battery casing 11 side of the
duct 12 inside the vehicle passenger compartment and the battery
casing 11 side of the duct 14 on the evaporator side. Therefore,
one of the opening on the battery casing 11 side of the duct 12
inside the vehicle passenger compartment and the opening on the
battery casing 11 side of the duct 14 on the evaporator side duct
can be closed by the second door 17 for switching the suction.
[0086] That is, according to the positions of the first door 16 for
switching the suction and the second door 17 for switching the
suction, the air sucked by the battery cooling blower 15, which
will be referred to as suction air hereinafter, is selected to be
one of the air inside the vehicle passenger compartment, the trunk
air and the cooling air. The first door 16 for switching the
suction and the second door 17 for switching the suction can switch
the suction air among the inside air mode, in which the suction air
is the air inside the vehicle passenger compartment, the trunk air
mode (the outside air mode), in which the suction air is the trunk
air, and the cooling air mode in which the suction air is the
cooling air.
[0087] The battery temperature sensor 18 detects temperature
T.sub.b of the battery 3 for vehicle use, which will be referred to
as a battery temperature hereinafter.
[0088] Into the battery cooling ECU 19, battery temperature T.sub.b
is inputted from the battery temperature sensor 18. Into the
battery cooling ECU 19, air temperature T.sub.am outside the
vehicle passenger compartment, which is detected by the temperature
sensor 4 outside the vehicle passenger compartment, is inputted.
Further, into the battery cooling ECU 19, ON/OFF signal of the rear
seat side air conditioner 2 is inputted from ECU 26 for A/C use.
According to the inputted battery temperature T.sub.b and air
temperature T.sub.am outside the vehicle passenger compartment,
battery cooling ECU 19 controls ON/OFF of the battery cooling
blower 15 and the air volume level of the battery cooling blower
15, which will be referred to as a blower level hereinafter, so
that battery temperature T.sub.b can be a temperature not higher
than a predetermined temperature (for example, 40.degree. C.).
Further, battery cooling ECU 19 controls positions of the first
door 16 for switching the suction and the second door 17 for
switching the suction. That is, according to various inputted
information, battery cooling ECU 19 (the mode switching means)
conducts processing of switching a mode among the inside air mode,
the trunk air mode and the cooling air mode, that is, battery
cooling ECU 19 conducts the mode switching processing.
[0089] (2) Processing of Battery Cooling ECU 19
[0090] Next, processing of battery cooling ECU 19 will be explained
below. As described above, processing of battery cooling ECU 19
includes: ON/OFF switching processing of the battery cooling blower
15; switching processing of the. blower level of the battery
cooling blower 15; and mode switching processing.
[0091] (2.1) ON/OFF Switching Processing of the Battery Cooling
Blower 15
[0092] Referring to the flow chart shown in FIG. 2, explanations
will be made into ON/OFF switching processing of the battery
cooling blower 15. FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing ON/OFF switching
processing of the battery cooling blower 15.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 2, it is judged whether or not battery
temperature T.sub.b, which is inputted from the battery temperature
sensor 18, is not. more than the first battery temperature
threshold value T.sub.b.sub.--th1 (for example 32.degree. C.) (step
S1). In the case where battery temperature T.sub.b is not more than
the first battery temperature threshold value T.sub.b.sub.--th1
(step S1: Yes), it is successively judged whether or not the
battery cooling blower 15 is being driven (step S2). In the case
where the battery cooling blower 15 is being driven (ON) (step S2:
Yes), the battery cooling blower 15 is stopped (OFF) (step S3), and
the processing is ended. On the other hand, in the case where
battery temperature T.sub.b is not more than the first battery
temperature threshold value T.sub.b.sub.--th1 and the battery
cooling blower 15 is stopped (OFF) (step S2: No), the processing is
ended as it is.
[0094] In the case where battery temperature T.sub.b is higher than
the first battery temperature threshold value T.sub.b.sub.--th1
(step S1: No), it is successively judged whether or not the battery
cooling blower 15 is being driven (step S4). In the case where the
battery cooling blower 15 is being driven (ON) (step S4: Yes), the
processing is ended as it is. On the other hand, in the case where
battery temperature T.sub.b is higher than the first battery
temperature threshold value T.sub.b.sub.--th1 and the battery
cooling blower 15 is stopped (OFF) (step S4: No), the battery
cooling blower 15 is driven (ON) (step S5), and the processing is
ended as it is.
[0095] That is, in the case where battery temperature T.sub.b is
not more than the first battery temperature threshold value
T.sub.b.sub.--th1, the battery cooling blower 15 is stopped. In the
case where battery temperature T.sub.b is higher than the first
battery temperature threshold value T.sub.b.sub.--th1, the battery
cooling blower 15 is driven.
[0096] (2, 2) Switching of Blower Level according to Battery
Temperature T.sub.b
[0097] Next, referring to the flow chart in FIG. 3, switching of
blower level will be explained below. FIG. 3 is a flow chart
showing a process of switching a blower level according to battery
temperature T.sub.b.
[0098] As shown in FIG. 3, first of all, it is judged whether or
not the battery cooling blower 15 is being driven (ON) (step S11).
In the case where the battery cooling blower 15 is stopped (OFF)
(step S11: No), the processing is ended as it is. On the other
hand, in the case where the battery cooling blower 15 is being
driven (ON) (step S11: Yes), it is successively judged whether or
not battery temperature T.sub.b is in a predetermined temperature
range (T.sub.b.sub.--min
(n).ltoreq.T.sub.b.ltoreq.T.sub.b.sub.--max (n)) at the present
blower level (step S12). In this case, the predetermined
temperature range at the blower level is a temperature range which
is set for each blower level. For example, the temperature range at
the minimum blower level is set in the temperature range from
32.degree. C. to 35.degree. C. In this case, n in the above
conditional expression is a blower level value, T.sub.bmin (n) is
the minimum temperature at the level n, and T.sub.bmax (n) is the
maximum temperature at the level n.
[0099] In the case where battery temperature T.sub.b is in the
predetermined temperature range at the present blower level (step
S12: Yes), the processing is ended while the present blower level
is being maintained. On the other hand, in the case where battery
temperature T.sub.b is not in the predetermined temperature range
at the present blower level (step S12: No), it is further judged
whether or not battery temperature T.sub.b is lower than the
minimum temperature T.sub.b.sub.--min (n) in the temperature range
at the present blower level (step S13). In the case where battery
temperature T.sub.b is lower than the minimum temperature
T.sub.b.sub.--min (n) concerned (step S13: Yes), the blower level
is lowered by one level, and the processing is ended (step S14). As
the battery 3 for vehicle use is sufficiently cooled, processing is
conducted so that the blower level can be lowered.
[0100] On the other hand, in the case where battery temperature
T.sub.b is not lower than the minimum temperature T.sub.b.sub.--min
(n) in the temperature range at the present blower level (step S13:
No), that is, in the case where battery temperature T.sub.b is
higher than the maximum temperature T.sub.b.sub.--max (n) in the
temperature range at the present blower level, the blower level is
raised by one level, and the processing is ended (step S15). As the
battery 3 for vehicle use is not sufficiently cooled at the present
blower level, the processing is conducted so that the blower level
can be raised.
[0101] (2.3) Processing of Switching the Mode
[0102] Next, referring to FIG. 4, the mode switching processing
will be explained below. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a process
of switching the mode in the first embodiment.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 4, first of all, it is judged whether or
not the outside air temperature T.sub.am is not more than outside
air temperature threshold value T.sub.am.sub.--th (for example,
30.degree. C.) (step S21). In the case where outside air
temperature T.sub.am is not more than outside air temperature
threshold value T.sub.am.sub.--th (step S21: Yes), the mode is
switched to the trunk air mode (step S22). Specifically, the trunk
air is introduced into the battery casing 11 and blown out to the
battery 3 for vehicle use.
[0104] When the mode is switched to the trunk air mode, it is
successively judged whether or not the blower level of the battery
cooling blower 15 is the maximum level (step S23). In the case
where the blower level of the battery cooling blower 15 is not the
maximum level (step S23: No), the judgment is repeated until the
blower level becomes the maximum level. That is, until the blower
level becomes the maximum level, the trunk mode can be
maintained.
[0105] On the other hand, in the case where the blower level is the
maximum level (step S23: Yes), it is further judged whether or not
the blower level raising processing is going to be conducted in
step S15 in FIG. 3 (step S24). In the case where the blower level
raising processing is not going to be conducted at the maximum
blower level (step S24: No), the program is returned to step S23
and the processing is repeated.
[0106] On the other hand, in the case where the blower level
raising processing is going to. be conducted at the maximum blower
level (step S24: Yes), the mode is switched to the inside air mode
(step S25).
[0107] In this connection, in the case where outside air
temperature T.sub.am is higher than outside air temperature
threshold value T.sub.am.sub.--th (step S21: No), the mode is
switched to the inside air mode (step S25).
[0108] When the mode is switched to the inside air mode, it is
judged whether or not the blower level is the minimum level (step
S26). In the case where the blower level is the minimum level (step
26: Yes), it is further judged whether or not the blower level
lowering processing is going to be conducted in step S14 in FIG. 3
(step S27). In the case where the blower level lowering processing
is going to be conducted at the minimum blower level (step 27:
Yes), the mode is switched to the trunk air mode (step S32).
[0109] On the other hand, in the case where the blower level is not
the minimum level (step S26: No) or in the case where the blower
level is the minimum level and the blower level lowering processing
is not going to be conducted (step S27: No), it is judged whether
or not the blower level is the maximum level (step S28). In the
case where the blower level is not the maximum level (step S28:
No), the program is returned to step S26 and the processing is
repeated.
[0110] On the other hand, in the case where the blower level is the
maximum level (step S28: Yes), it is further judged whether or not
the blower level raising processing is going to be conducted in
step S15 in FIG. 3 (step S29). In the case where the blower level
raising processing is not going to be conducted at the maximum
blower level (step S29: No), the program is returned to step S26
and the processing is repeated.
[0111] On the other hand, in the case where the blower level
raising processing is going to be conducted at the maximum blower
level (step S29: Yes), it is successively judged whether or not the
rear seat side air conditioner 2 is being driven (ON) (step
S30).
[0112] In the case where the battery cooling device 1 is being
driven (step S30: Yes), the mode is switched to the cooling air
mode (step S31). At this time, the blower level of the battery
cooling blower 15 is fixed. Successively, it is judged whether or
not battery temperature T.sub.b is not more than the second battery
temperature threshold value T.sub.b.sub.--th2 (step S32). In the
case where battery temperature T.sub.b is higher than the second
battery temperature threshold value T.sub.b.sub.--th2 (step S32:
No), the processing is repeated until battery temperature T.sub.b
is decreased to a value not higher than the second battery
temperature threshold value T.sub.b.sub.--th2. On the other hand,
in the case where battery temperature T.sub.b is not more than the
second battery temperature threshold value T.sub.b.sub.--th2 (step
S32: Yes), the mode is switched to the inside air mode (step S25),
and the processing is repeated.
[0113] In the case where A/C is not being driven as a result of
judging whether or not the battery cooling device 1 is being driven
(step S31: No), while the inside air mode is being maintained,
processing is conducted so that an output of the battery 3 for
vehicle use can be reduced (step S33). Then, the program is
returned to step S26 and the processing is repeated.
[0114] As explained above, in the case where outside air
temperature T.sub.am is not more than outside air temperature
threshold value T.sub.am.sub.--th, switching is conducted in the
order of the trunk air mode, the inside air mode and the cooling
air mode. On the other hand, in the case where outside air
temperature T.sub.am is higher than outside air temperature
threshold value T.sub.am.sub.--th, switching is conducted in the
order of the inside air mode and the cooling air mode.
[0115] Next, the second embodiment will be explained below. Only
the mode switching processing of the second embodiment is different
from that of the first embodiment. Therefore, only the mode
switching processing will be explained as follows. The mode
switching processing conducted in the second embodiment will be
explained referring to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flow. chart showing a
process of switching the mode in the second embodiment.
[0116] As shown in FIG. 5, first of all, it is judged whether or
not outside air temperature T.sub.am is not more than the first
outside air temperature threshold value T.sub.am.sub.--th1 (for
example, 25.degree. C.) (step S41). In the case where outside air
temperature T.sub.am is not more than the first outside air
temperature threshold value T.sub.am.sub.--th1 (step S41: Yes), the
mode is switched to the trunk air mode (step S42), and the
processing is ended.
[0117] On the other hand, in the case where outside air temperature
T.sub.am is higher than the first outside air temperature threshold
value T.sub.am.sub.--th1 (step S41: No), it is further judged
whether or not outside air temperature T.sub.am is not more than
the second outside air temperature threshold value
T.sub.am.sub.--th2 (for example, 30.degree. C.) (step S43). In the
case where outside air temperature T.sub.am is not more than the
second outside air temperature threshold value T.sub.am.sub.--th2
(step S43: Yes), it is further judged whether or not battery
temperature T.sub.b is not more than the first battery temperature
threshold value T.sub.b.sub.--th3 (step S44). In the case where
battery temperature T.sub.b is not more than the first battery
temperature threshold value T.sub.b.sub.--th3 (for example,
43.degree. C.) (step S44: Yes), the mode is switched to the trunk
air mode (step S42), and the processing is ended.
[0118] On the other hand, in the case where outside air temperature
T.sub.am is higher than the second outside air temperature
threshold value T.sub.am.sub.--th2 (step S43: No) or in the case
where outside air temperature T.sub.am is not more than the second
outside air temperature threshold value T.sub.am.sub.--th2 and
battery temperature T.sub.b is higher than the first battery
temperature threshold value T.sub.b.sub.--th3 (step 44: No), it is
further judged whether or not battery temperature T.sub.b is not
more than the second battery temperature threshold value
T.sub.b.sub.--th4 (for example, 45.degree. C.) (step S45). In the
case where battery temperature T.sub.b is not more than the second
battery temperature threshold value T.sub.b.sub.--th4 (step S45:
Yes), the mode is changed to the inside air mode (step S46), and
the processing is ended.
[0119] On the other hand, in the case where battery temperature
T.sub.b is higher than the second battery temperature threshold
value T.sub.b.sub.--th4 (step S45: No), it is further judged
whether or not the rear seat side air conditioner 2 is being driven
(ON) (step S47). In the case where the rear seat side air
conditioner 2 is not being driven (step S47: No), the mode is
switched to the inside air mode (step S46), and the processing is
ended.
[0120] On the other hand, in the case where battery temperature
T.sub.b is higher than the second battery temperature threshold
value T.sub.b.sub.--th4 and the rear seat side air conditioner 2 is
being driven (step S47: Yes), the mode is switched to the cooling
air mode (step S48).
[0121] Referring to FIG. 6, a relation of each mode with respect to
battery temperature T.sub.b and outside air temperature T.sub.am in
the case where the mode is switched as described above will be
explained below. FIG. 6 is a view showing modes with respect to
battery temperature T.sub.b and air temperature T.sub.am outside
the vehicle passenger compartment. As shown in FIG. 6, in the case
where outside air temperature T.sub.am is not more than the first
outside air temperature threshold value T.sub.am.sub.--th1, the
mode is set in the trunk air mode.
[0122] In the case where outside air temperature T.sub.am is higher
than the first outside air temperature threshold value
T.sub.am.sub.--th1 and not more than the second outside air
temperature threshold value T.sub.am.sub.--th2, the mode is
different according to battery temperature T.sub.b. Specifically,
in the case where battery temperature T.sub.b is not more than the
first battery temperature threshold value T.sub.b.sub.--th3, the
mode is the trunk air mode. In the case where battery temperature
T.sub.b is higher than the first battery temperature threshold
value T.sub.b.sub.--th3 and not more than the second battery
temperature threshold value T.sub.b.sub.--th4, the mode is the
inside air mode. Further, in the case where battery temperature
T.sub.b is higher than the second battery temperature threshold
value T.sub.b.sub.--th4, the mode is the cooling air mode in
principle. However, if the rear seat side air conditioner 2 is not
being driven, in the case where battery temperature T.sub.b is
higher than the second battery temperature threshold value
T.sub.b.sub.--th4, the mode is the inside air mode.
[0123] In the case where outside air temperature. T.sub.am is
higher than the second outside air temperature threshold value
T.sub.am.sub.--th2, the mode is different according to battery
temperature T.sub.b. Specifically, in the case where battery
temperature T.sub.b is not more than the second battery temperature
threshold value T.sub.b.sub.--th4, the mode is the inside air mode.
In the case where battery temperature T.sub.b is higher than the
second battery temperature threshold value T.sub.b.sub.--th4, the
mode is the cooling air mode in principle. However, if the rear
seat side air conditioner 2 is not being driven, in the case where
battery temperature T.sub.b is higher than the second battery
temperature threshold value T.sub.b.sub.--th4, the mode is the
inside air mode.
[0124] In this case, a relation of each mode with respect to
battery temperature T.sub.b and outside air temperature T.sub.am
may be set as shown in FIG. 7., FIG. 7 is a view showing each mode
with respect to battery temperature T.sub.b and air temperature
T.sub.am outside the vehicle passenger compartment in the same
manner as that of FIG. 6.
[0125] As shown in FIG. 7, in the case where outside air
temperature T.sub.am is higher than the first outside air
temperature threshold value T.sub.am.sub.--th1 and not more than
the second outside air temperature threshold value
T.sub.am.sub.--th2, the first battery threshold value
T.sub.b.sub.--th3 is made to be different according to air
temperature T.sub.am outside the vehicle passenger compartment.
Specifically, in the case where outside air temperature T.sub.am is
higher than the first outside air temperature threshold value
T.sub.am.sub.--thl and not more than the second outside air
temperature threshold value T.sub.am.sub.--th2, when outside air
temperature T.sub.am is high, the first battery threshold value
T.sub.b.sub.--th3 is made to be low, and when outside air
temperature T.sub.am is lower, the first battery threshold value
T.sub.b.sub.--th3 is made to be higher.
[0126] In this connection, in the above embodiment, the evaporator
side duct 14 is communicated with the downstream side of the
evaporator 23, which is located in one side passage in which the
evaporator 23 is arranged, in the air conditioning case 21 of the
rear side air conditioner 2. However, the present invention is not
limited to the above specific embodiment. For example, the
evaporator side duct 14 may be communicated with the downstream
side of the evaporator of the air conditioning case of the front
seat side air conditioner (not shown). That is, when the battery
cooling device 1 is in the cooling air mode, the cooling air may be
introduced from the rear seat side air conditioner to the battery
casing 11 side.
[0127] Next, referring to FIG. 8, the third embodiment of the
present invention will be described as follows. The third
embodiment is greatly different from the above second embodiment in
the viewpoint that no trunk air mode exists in the third
embodiment. Accordingly, the battery cooling device 1 of this
embodiment (not shown) does not include the trunk side duct 13 and
the first door 16 for switching the suction which are illustrated
in FIG. 1. Other structural points such as blower level switching
processing of the third embodiment are the same as those of the
first and the second embodiment.
[0128] The mode switching control of this embodiment is conducted
as follows. As shown in FIG. 8, in the case where outside air
temperature T.sub.am is higher than predetermined temperature
T.sub.am.sub.--th (T.sub.am.sub.--th =0.degree. C., in this
embodiment), the suction mode is selected between the inside air
mode and the cooling air mode according to the above battery
temperature T.sub.b. In the case where outside air temperature
T.sub.am is not more than the predetermined temperature
T.sub.am.sub.--th, the inside air mode is selected.
[0129] Specifically, in the case where outside air temperature
T.sub.am is higher than the above predetermined temperature
T.sub.am.sub.--th, when battery temperature T.sub.b is lower than
reference temperature T.sub.b.sub.--th, the inside air mode is
selected. When battery temperature T.sub.b is not less than
reference temperature T.sub.b.sub.--th, the cooling air mode is
selected. In this connection, in this embodiment, it is set that
when outside air temperature T.sub.am is raised, reference
temperature T.sub.b.sub.--th is lowered.
[0130] Due to the foregoing, when the outside air temperature is so
low that the evaporator cannot exhibit the cooling capacity, the
inside air mode can be selected.
[0131] When outside temperature T.sub.am is raised, the air
temperature in the vehicle passenger compartment is also raised in
many cases. In this case, it is desirable to transfer the mode to
the cooling air mode earlier than the usual case. In this
embodiment, it is set that when outside air temperature T.sub.am is
raised, reference temperature T.sub.b.sub.--th, at which the
cooling air mode is used, is set at a lower value. Therefore, when
outside air temperature T.sub.am is raised high, it is possible to
transfer to the cooling air mode earlier than the usual case.
[0132] In this connection, in the cooling air mode of the first and
the second embodiment, only the cooling ail, which has passed
through the evaporator of the air conditioner for vehicle use, is
used. However, in the cooling air mode of this embodiment, both the
cooling air, which has passed through the evaporator of the air
conditioner for vehicle use, and the air inside the vehicle
passenger compartment are simultaneously used. Due to the
foregoing, it becomes possible to blow out a large volume of
cooling air flow to the battery without missing a feeling of
air-conditioning in the vehicle passenger compartment. This effect
is not limited to the present embodiment, that is, this effect can
be provided in the first and the second embodiment described
before. Naturally, in the same manner as that of the first and the
second embodiment, only the cooling air may be used for the cooling
air mode of this embodiment.
[0133] Next, referring to FIG. 9, the fourth embodiment of the
present invention will be described below. When the fourth
embodiment is compared with the above third embodiment, the
different point is described as follows. In the fourth embodiment,
the cooling air mode in the third embodiment is divided into one
region, in which only the cooling air is used, and the other region
in which both the cooling air and the inside air are used. Other
points of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the third
embodiment.
[0134] As shown in FIG. 9, the mode switching control is conducted
in this embodiment as follows. In the case where temperature
T.sub.am of the air outside the vehicle passenger compartment is
higher than predetermined temperature T.sub.am.sub.--th
(T.sub.am.sub.--th=0.degree. C. in this embodiment), according to
the value of battery temperature T.sub.b, the suction mode is
selected among the inside air mode, the cooling air mode and the
mode in which both the inside air and the cooling air are used. In
the case where temperature T.sub.am of the air outside the vehicle
passenger compartment is not more than predetermined temperature
T.sub.am.sub.--th, the inside air mode is selected.
[0135] Specifically, the mode is selected as follows. In the case
where temperature T.sub.am of the air outside the vehicle passenger
compartment is higher than. predetermined temperature
T.sub.am.sub.--th, when battery temperature T.sub.b is lower than
reference temperature T.sub.b.sub.--th5, the inside air mode is
selected. In the case where temperature T.sub.am of the air outside
the vehicle passenger compartment is higher than predetermined
temperature T.sub.am.sub.--th, when battery temperature T.sub.b is
not less than reference temperature T.sub.b.sub.--th5 and lower
than reference temperature T.sub.b.sub.--th6, the cooling air mode
is selected. In the case where temperature T.sub.am of the air
outside the vehicle passenger compartment is higher than
predetermined temperature T.sub.am.sub.--th, when battery
temperature T.sub.b is not less than reference temperature
T.sub.b.sub.--th6, the mode, in which both the inside air and the
cooling air are used, is selected.
[0136] In the same manner as that of the third embodiment, it is
set that when temperature T.sub.am of the air outside the vehicle
passenger compartment is raised higher, reference temperatures
T.sub.b.sub.--th5 and T.sub.b.sub.--th6 are decreased.
[0137] In this embodiment, in the case where temperature T.sub.am
of the air outside the vehicle passenger compartment is higher than
predetermined temperature T.sub.am.sub.--th and battery temperature
T.sub.b is not less than reference temperature T.sub.b.sub.--th6,
controlling may be conducted so that a volume of air blown out by
the blower can be increased.
[0138] In this connection, in the third embodiment and this
embodiment, in the same manner as that of the first and the second
embodiment described above, in the vehicle having both the front
seat side air conditioner and the rear seat side air conditioner,
the battery cooling device uses the cooling air cooled by the
evaporator which is a cooling means incorporated into the rear seat
side air conditioner. However, the present invention is not limited
to the above specific embodiment. The battery cooling device may
use the cooling air which has passed through the evaporator
incorporated into the front seat side air conditioner. Naturally,
the present invention may be applied to a vehicle having only the
front seat side air conditioner.
[0139] Next, referring to FIGS. 10 to 20, the air conditioner for
vehicle use of the fifth embodiment of the present invention will
be described as follows.
[0140] (3) Arrangement of Air Conditioner for Vehicle Use
[0141] First of all, referring to FIG. 10, the arrangement of the
air conditioner for vehicle use will be explained below. FIG. 10 is
a view showing a model of the overall arrangement of the air
conditioner for vehicle use. In this connection, the void arrow in
FIG. 10 shows a flow of air. This air conditioner for vehicle use
includes an air conditioning unit 102, a battery cooling unit 101
and ECU (control means) 119.
[0142] (3.1) Air Conditioning Unit 102
[0143] The air conditioning unit 102 is arranged on the rear seat
side and conducts air-conditioning mainly on the rear seat side. As
shown in FIG. 10, this air conditioning unit 102 includes an
air-conditioning case 121, evaporator (cooling air generating
means) 123, heater core (heating air generating means) 122, air
mixing door (conditioned air generating means) 125, air
conditioning blower 122, blowout air temperature sensor
(conditioned air blowout temperature detecting means) 131,
air-conditioning operation panel 132, air-conditioning blower drive
circuit 133 and air mixing door servo motor 134.
[0144] The air-conditioning case 121 includes: an air inlet 127 for
taking air from the rear side in the vehicle passenger compartment;
and a conditioned air blowout opening 128 for blowing out the
conditioned air to the rear side in the vehicle passenger
compartment. Further, the air-conditioning case 121 includes a
partitioning plate 130, which is arranged in the intermediate
portion of the passage, for dividing the passage, in which the
evaporator 123 is arranged, and the passage in which the heater
core 124 is arranged. These two passages are joined to each other
on the downstream side in the air-conditioning case 121.
[0145] The evaporator 123 is arranged in the air-conditioning case
121. To be specific, the evaporator 123 is arranged between the air
inlet 127 and the conditioned air blowout opening 128. To be more
specific, the evaporator 123 is arranged in one side passage (the
left passage with respect to the partition plate 130 in FIG. 10)
with respect to the partition plate 130. The evaporator 123
composes a heat pump cycle. This heat pump cycle includes a
condenser for exchanging heat with the outside air. This evaporator
123 cools the upstream side air, which is passing in the
evaporator, so that the cooling air can be generated on the
downstream side.
[0146] The heater core 124 is arranged in the air-conditioning case
121. To be specific, the heater core 124 is arranged between the
air inlet 127 and the conditioned air blowout opening 128. To be
more specific, the heater core 124 is arranged in the other side
passage (the right passage with respect to the partition plate 130
in FIG. 10) with respect to the partition plate 130. This heater
core 124 heats the upstream side air, which is passing through the
heater core, so that the heating air can be generated on the
downstream side.
[0147] The air mixing door 125 is arranged on the upstream side of
the air flow of the partition plate 130 in the air conditioning
case 121 and adjusts the opening areas of one side passage, in
which the evaporator 123 is arranged, and the other side passage in
which the heater core 124 is arranged. Due to the foregoing, the
air mixing door 125 generates a flow of conditioned air in such a
manner that a flow of cooling air generated by the evaporator 123
and a flow of heating air generated by the heater core 124 are
joined to each other on the downstream side of the partitioning
plate 130.
[0148] Therefore, when the degree of opening of this air mixing
door is adjusted, it is possible to freely set a ratio of the hot
air to the cold air. For example, in the case where the air mixing
door 125 opens one side passage on the evaporator 123 side and
closes the other side passage on the heater core 124 side, the
conditioned air can be generated only from the cooling air, and the
temperature of the conditioned air is decreased to the lowest
value. On the other hand, in the case where the air mixing door 125
closes one side passage on the evaporator 123 side and opens the
other side passage on the heater core 124 side, the conditioned air
can be generated from only the heating air, and the temperature of
the conditioned air is increased to the highest value.
[0149] The air-conditioning blower 122 is arranged on the upstream
side of the air flow in the air conditioning case 121 and blows out
the air, which has been sucked from the vehicle passenger
compartment via the air inlet 127, to a passenger located in the
air-conditioning blowout opening 128 side. This air-conditioning
blower 122 generates a flow of conditioned air, which is generated
on the downstream side of the air-conditioning blower 122, so that
the flow of conditioned air can be blown out to the passenger.
[0150] The blowout air temperature sensor 131 detects the
conditioned air blowout temperature T.sub.a which is the
temperature of the conditioned air generated and blown out from the
air-conditioning blower 122.
[0151] On the air conditioner operation panel 132, various
operation switches such as a vehicle passenger compartment
temperature setting switch and an air-conditioning switch are
arranged. The vehicle passenger compartment temperature setting
switch is used for setting the temperature in the air-conditioning
zone in the vehicle passenger compartment at a desired temperature
(a setting temperature in the vehicle passenger compartment)
T.sub.set. The air-conditioning switch is used for driving the
evaporator 123 and the heater core 124.
[0152] The air-conditioning blower drive circuit 133 is used for
driving a motor (not shown) to rotate the air-conditioning blower
122. The actuator of the air mixing door servo motor 134 is used
for driving the air mixing door 125.
[0153] (3.2) Battery Cooling Unit 101
[0154] The battery cooling unit 101 for vehicle use is mounted on
the trunk side in the rear seat side space and cools the battery
103 for vehicle use which supplies electric power to an electric
motor used for driving a vehicle. In this case, the battery 103 for
vehicle use is a secondary battery capable of being electrically
charged and discharged. This battery 103 for vehicle use stores
electric power generated by a generator driven by an internal
combustion engine and supplies electric power to the electric motor
used for driving the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 10, this battery
cooling unit 101 includes a battery casing 111, inside vehicle
passenger compartment duct 112, evaporator side duct 114, battery
cooling blower 115, battery temperature sensor 118, battery blower
drive circuit 135 and mode switching door 136.
[0155] The battery casing 111 accommodates the battery 103 for
vehicle use and composes a passage of air supplied to the battery
103 for vehicle use. The downstream side of the air flow of this
battery casing 111 is communicated with the outside of the vehicle
passenger compartment.
[0156] The duct 112 inside the vehicle passenger compartment
communicates the upstream side of the air flow of the battery
casing 111 with the most upstream side of the air conditioning case
121. That is, the air inside the vehicle passenger compartment is
introduced from the air inlet 127, which is formed on the
air-conditioning case 121, to the battery 103 side for vehicle use,
that is, to the battery casing 111 side.
[0157] The evaporator side duct 114. communicates the upstream side
of the air flow of the battery casing 111 with the downstream side
of the evaporator 123 in one side passage in which the evaporator
123 is arranged in the air-conditioning case 121. That is, the air
cooled by the evaporator 123 is introduced to the battery 103 side
for vehicle use, that is, to the battery casing 111 side.
[0158] The battery cooling blower 115 is arranged in a joint
portion in which the battery casing 111, the vehicle passenger
compartment inside duct 112 and the evaporator side duct 114 are
joined to each other. This battery cooling blower 115 sucks the air
in the vehicle passenger compartment from the air inlet 127 to the
battery casing 111 side via the duct 112 inside the vehicle
passenger compartment. The battery cooling blower 115 sucks the
cooling air to the battery casing 111 side via the evaporator side
duct 114. The battery cooling blower 115 sucks the cooling air via
the duct 112 inside the vehicle passenger compartment and the
evaporator side duct 114 and blows out the thus sucked air to the
battery 103 for vehicle use so as to cool the battery 103.
[0159] The battery temperature sensor 118 detects temperature
T.sub.b of the battery 103 for vehicle use, which will be referred
to as a battery temperature T.sub.b hereinafter. The battery blower
drive circuit 135 is used for driving a motor (not shown) attached
to the battery cooling blower 115.
[0160] The mode switching door 136 is arranged to be capable of
oscillating between the battery casing 111 side of the duct 112
inside the vehicle passenger compartment and the battery casing 111
side of the evaporator side duct 114. The mode switching door 136
is controlled so that one of the opening on the battery casing 111
side of the duct 112 inside the vehicle passenger compartment and
the opening on the battery casing 111 side of the evaporator side
duct 114 can be closed by the mode switching servo motor 137. In
other words, the mode switching servo motor 137 can change a
position of the mode switching door 136 so that switching can be
conducted between the inside air mode, in which the air sucked into
the battery cooling blower 115 (This air is referred to as suction
air hereinafter.) is used as the air inside the vehicle passenger
compartment, and the cooling air mode in which the suction air is
used as the cooling air.
[0161] (3.3) Outline of Arrangement of ECU 119
[0162] Referring to FIG. 10, an outline of the arrangement of ECU
119 will be explained below. ECU 119 is connected to a blowout air
temperature sensor 131, a battery temperature sensor 118, a cooling
air temperature sensor 161 for detecting cooling air temperature
T.sub.e, which is referred to as an after-evaporator temperature
hereinafter, after the cooling air has passed through the
evaporator 123, and a cooling water temperature sensor 162 for
detecting engine cooling water temperature T.sub.w which is
referred to as a cooling water temperature hereinafter. Signals
outputted from various operation switches on the air conditioner
operation panel 132 are inputted into ECU 119.
[0163] (4) Detailed Description of Arrangement of ECU 119
[0164] Next, referring to FIG. 11, an arrangement of ECU 119 will
be explained in detail. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the
arrangement of ECU 119. ECU 119 controls the electric actuators
133, 134, 135, 137 according to the signals outputted from the
blowout air temperature sensor 131, the battery temperature sensor
118, the cooling air temperature sensor 161, the cooling water
temperature sensor 162, and various switches on the air conditioner
operation panel 132.
[0165] As shown in FIG. 11, this ECU 119 includes: an input section
141, battery blower level calculating section 142, battery blower
level control section (battery air flow volume level control means)
143, mode switching section 144, inside vehicle passenger
compartment target blowout air temperature (TAO) calculating
section 145, air mixing door opening degree calculating section
(air conditioning air ratio calculating means) 146, air mixing door
opening degree correcting section (the hot air to the cold air
ratio correcting means) 147, air mixing door opening degree control
section 148, air conditioning blower level calculating section 149,
air conditioning blower level correcting section (air conditioning
air flow volume level correcting means) 150, and air conditioning
blower level control section (air conditioning air flow volume
level control mean) 151.
[0166] Signals, which are outputted from the blowout air
temperature sensor 131, the battery temperature sensor 118, the
cooling air temperature sensor 161, the cooling water temperature
sensor 162 and various switches on the air conditioner operation
panel 132, are inputted into the input section 141.
[0167] The battery blower level calculating section 142 calculates
an air flow volume level of the cooling air blown to the battery,
which will be referred to as a battery blower level hereinafter,
according to battery temperature T.sub.b inputted into the input
section 141. The battery blower level calculating section 142 is
inputted with a battery blower QN/OFF signal outputted from the
battery blower level control section 143.
[0168] According to the battery blower ON/OFF switching processing
and the battery blower level changing rate control processing, the
battery blower control section 143 controls the battery blower
drive circuit 135. By the battery blower ON/OFF switching
processing, the battery blower ON/OFF signal is outputted so that
ON/OFF of the battery blower drive circuit 135 can be switched
according to the battery temperature T.sub.b inputted into the
input section 141, also according to the battery blower level
calculated by the battery blower level calculating section 142 and
according to the mode switching completion signal outputted from
the mode switching control section 144 described later. Further, by
the battery blower ON/OFF switching processing, the battery blower
ON/OFF switching completion signal is outputted when a state of the
battery blower is switched to OFF.
[0169] By the battery blower level change rate control processing,
the battery blower drive circuit 135 is controlled so that the
battery blower level change rate can be adjusted according to
air-conditioning blowout air temperature T.sub.a inputted into the
input section 141 and also according to the battery blower level
calculated by the battery blower level calculating section 142.
[0170] According to the battery blower ON/OFF switching completion
signal which is outputted from the battery blower level control
section 143, the mode switching control section 144 controls the
mode switching servo motor 137 so that the mode switching door 136
can be opened and closed. After the mode switching door 136 has
been opened or closed, the mode switching control section 144
outputs a signal of the completion of mode switching to the battery
blower level control section 143. In this connection, this mode
switching control section 144 controls the mode switching servo
motor 131 so that the opening and closing rate of the mode
switching door 136 can be adjusted. Specifically, the mode
switching control section 144 controls so that a rate of closing
the opening portion of the vehicle passenger compartment inside
duct 112 by the mode switching door 136, which will be referred to
as a closing rate hereinafter, can be lower than a rate of opening
the opening portion of the evaporator side duct 114 by the mode
switching door 136, which will be referred to as an opening rate
hereinafter, when the mode is switched from the inside air mode, in
which the opening portion of the evaporator side duct 114 is
closed, to the cooling air mode in which the opening portion of the
vehicle passenger compartment inside duct 112 is closed. In the
same manner, the mode switching control section 144 controls so
that a rate of closing the mode switching door 136, which is a
closing rate of closing the opening portion of the evaporator side
duct 114, can be lower than an opening rate of opening the mode
switching door 136, which is an opening rate of opening the opening
portion of the duct 112 inside the vehicle passenger compartment,
when the mode is switched from the cooling air mode to the inside
air mode.
[0171] TAO calculating section 145 calculates TAO according to
inside vehicle passenger compartment setting temperature T.sub.set,
which is inputted into the input section 141, and temperature
T.sub.ir of the inside vehicle air-conditioning zone by Expression
1. TAO=K.sub.set.times.T.sub.set-K.sub.ir.times.T.sub.ir+C
(Expression 1)
[0172] TAO: Inside vehicle passenger compartment target blowout air
temperature
[0173] T.sub.set: Inside vehicle setting temperature
[0174] T.sub.ir: Inside vehicle passenger compartment
air-conditioning zone temperature
[0175] K.sub.set, K.sub.ir: Coefficients
[0176] C: Constant
[0177] Air mixing door opening degree calculating section 146
calculates the air mixing door opening degree by Expression 2
according to after-evaporator temperature T.sub.e of the air, which
has passed through the evaporator 123, inputted into the input
section 141 and also according to cooling water temperature T.sub.w
and inside vehicle passenger compartment target blowout air
temperature TAO calculated by TAO calculating section 145. In this
case, in the case where the opening degree of the air mixing door
is 0%, the conditioned air contains only the cooling air.
Therefore, the temperature becomes the lowest. On the other hand,
in the case where the opening degree of the air mixing door is
100%, the conditioned air contains only the heating air. Therefore,
the temperature becomes the highest.
SW={(TAO-T.sub.e)/(T.sub.w-T.sub.e)}.times.100 (Expression 2)
[0178] SW (%): Opening degree of air mixing door
[0179] TAO: Inside vehicle passenger compartment target blowout air
temperature
[0180] T.sub.e: After-evaporator temperature
[0181] Tw: Cooling water temperature
[0182] The air mixing door opening degree correcting section 147
reads in a state of the mode of the mode switching door 136 from
the mode switching control section 144, that is, the air mixing
door opening degree correcting section 147 reads in whether the
mode is the inside air mode or the cooling air mode. The air mixing
door opening degree correcting section 141 corrects the opening
degree of the air mixing door, which is calculated by the air
mixing door opening degree calculating section 146, according to
the battery blower level calculated by the battery blower level
calculating section 142. Referring to FIG. 12, explanations will be
made into the correction conducted by this air mixing door opening
degree correcting section 147. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a
degree of opening of correction of the air mixing door 125 with
respect to a change in the battery blower level. As shown by the
arrows in FIG. 12, for example, in the case where the battery level
is increased from n to (n+1) by one level, the air mixing door
correcting section 147 conducts a correction so that the air mixing
door opening degree can be decreased. That is, in the case where
the battery blower level is increased, the opening degree
correcting section 147 of the air mixing door increases and
corrects a ratio of the cooling air, which generates the
conditioned air, so that conditioned air blowout temperature
T.sub.a can be maintained constant. On the other hand, in the case
where the battery blower level is decreased from (n+1) to n by one
level, the air mixing door correcting section 147 conducts a
correction so that the air mixing door opening degree can be
decreased. That is, in the case where the battery blower level is
decreased, the air mixing door opening degree correcting section
decreases. and corrects a ratio of the cooling air, which generates
the conditioned air, so that conditioned air blowout temperature
T.sub.a can be maintained constant.
[0183] In this connection, when the battery blower level is
changed, a correction of the air mixing door opening degree for
correcting so that high conditioned air blowout temperature
T.sub.a1 can be maintained is larger than a correction of the air
mixing door opening degree for correcting so that low conditioned
air blowout temperature T.sub.a2 (T.sub.a1>T.sub.a2) can be
maintained. Specifically, compared with a case in which conditioned
air blowout temperature T.sub.a is maintained at 10.degree. C., in
the case where conditioned air blowout temperature T.sub.a is
maintained at 13.degree. C., a correction of the air mixing door,
which is accompanied by an increase in the battery blower level by
one level, is large.
[0184] The air mixing door opening degree control section 148
controls the air mixing door servo motor 134 according to the air
mixing door opening degree corrected by the air mixing door opening
degree correcting section 147.
[0185] The air conditioning blower level calculating section 149
calculates a blower level of the conditioned air blown out from the
air-conditioning blower 122, which will be referred to as an
air-conditioning blower level hereinafter, according to various
signals inputted into the input section 141 and also according to
TAO calculated by TAO calculating section.
[0186] The air-conditioning blower level correcting section 150
reads in a state of the mode of the switching door 136 from the
mode switching control section 144, that is, the air-conditioning
blower level correcting section 150 reads in whether the mode is
the inside air mode or the cooling air mode. In the case where the
state of the mode switching door 136 is the inside air mode, the
air-conditioning blower level correcting section 150 does not
correct the air-conditioning blower level. On the other hand, in
the case where the state of the. mode switching door 136 is the
cooling air mode, the air-conditioning blower level correcting
section 150 corrects the air-conditioning blower level. The
air-conditioning blower level correcting section 150 corrects an
air-conditioning blower level, which is calculated by the
air-conditioning blower level calculating section 149, according to
the battery blower level calculated by the battery blower level
calculating section 142. Referring to FIG. 13, this correction of
the air-conditioning blower level will be explained below. FIG. 13
is a diagram showing a correction of the air conditioning blower
level with respect to the battery blower level. As shown in FIG.
13, the battery blower level is proportional to the correction of
the air-conditioning blower level. The air-conditioning blower
level correcting section 150 increases a correction of the
air-conditioning blower level as the battery blower level is
increased, and this correction is added to the air-conditioning
blower level calculated by the air-conditioning blower level
calculating section 149. In this connection, in the case where the
battery blower level is 0, that is, in the case where the battery
cooling blower 115 is not being driven, the correction of the
air-conditioning blower level is 0. The air-conditioning blower
level correcting section 151 controls the air-conditioning blower
drive circuit 133 according to the air-conditioning blower level
corrected by the air-conditioning blower level correcting section
150.
[0187] (5) Processing of ECU 119
[0188] Next, referring to FIGS. 14 to 20, the processing of ECU 119
will be explained below. In this case, ECU 119 conducts the battery
blower level calculation control processing, the mode switching
control processing, the air-conditioning blower level calculation
correction control processing and the air-mixing door opening
degree calculation correction control processing.
[0189] (5.1) Battery Blower Level Calculation Control
Processing
[0190] The battery blower level calculation control processing
includes: battery blower level calculation processing conducted in
the battery blower level calculating section 142; battery blower
ON/OFF switching processing conducted in the battery blower level
control section 143; and battery blower level change rate control
processing.
[0191] (5.1.1) Battery Blower Level Calculation Processing
[0192] Referring to FIG. 14, the battery blower level calculation
processing will be explained below. FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing
the battery blower level calculation processing. First, battery
temperature T.sub.b inputted into the input section 141 is read in
(step S101). According to ON/OFF signal of the battery blower
outputted from the battery blower level control section 143, it is
judged whether or not the battery blower is ON, that is, it is
judged whether or not the battery cooling blower 115 is being
driven (step S102). In the case where the battery blower is OFF,
that is, the battery cooling blower 115 is being stopped (step
S102: No), the processing is ended as it is. On the other hand, in
the case where the battery blower is being driven (ON), that is,
the battery cooling blower 115 is being driven (step S102: Yes), it
is judged whether or not battery temperature T.sub.b is in a
predetermined temperature range
(T.sub.b.sub.--min(n).ltoreq.T.sub.b.ltoreq.T.sub.b.sub.--max) at
the present battery blower level (step S103). In this case, the
predetermined temperature range at the battery blower level is
defined as a temperature range which is set at each battery blower
level. For example, the battery blower level is set in the range
from 32.degree. C. to 35.degree. C. which is the minimum level
temperature range. In the conditional expression, n is a level
value of the battery blower level, T.sub.b.sub.--min(n) is the
minimum temperature at level n, and T.sub.b.sub.--mmax(n) is the
maximum temperature at level n. In the case where battery
temperature T.sub.b is in the predetermined temperature range at
the present battery blower level (step S103: Yes), the processing
is ended while the present battery blower level is being
maintained. On the other hand, in the case where battery
temperature T.sub.b is not in the predetermined temperature range
at the present battery blower level (step S103: No), it is further
judged whether or not battery temperature T.sub.b is lower than the
minimum temperature T.sub.b.sub.--min(n) of the temperature range
at the present battery blower level (step S104). In the case where
battery temperature T.sub.b is lower than the minimum temperature
T.sub.b.sub.--min(n) (step S104: Yes), the battery blower level is
decreased by 1 level, and the processing is ended (step S105). That
is, as the battery 103 is sufficiently cooled, processing is
conducted so that the battery blower level is decreased. On the
other hand, in the case where battery temperature T.sub.b is higher
than T.sub.b.sub.--max(n). (step S104: No), the battery blower
level is increased by 1 level, and the processing is ended. That
is, as the battery 103 not sufficiently cooled, the processing is
conducted so that the battery blower level can be increased.
[0193] (5.1.2) Battery Blower ON/OFF Switching Processing
[0194] Next, referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the battery blower
ON/OFF switching processing will be explained below. FIG. 15 is a
flow chart showing the first half of the processing of switching
ON/OFF of the battery blower, and FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing
the second half of the processing of switching ON/OFF of the
battery blower. First of all, as shown in FIG. 15, battery
temperature T.sub.b inputted into the input section 141 is read in
(step. S111). Next, it is judged whether or not battery temperature
T.sub.b is not more than battery temperature threshold value
T.sub.b.sub.--th (step S112). In the case where battery temperature
T.sub.b is not more than battery temperature threshold value
T.sub.b.sub.--th (step S112: Yes), it is further judged whether or
not the battery cooling blower 115 (battery blower) is being driven
(ON) (step S113). In the case where the battery cooling blower 115
(battery blower) is being stopped (OFF) (step S113: No), the
program is returned to step S111, and battery temperature T.sub.b
is read in again. On the other hand, in the case where the battery
cooling blower 115 is being driven (ON) (step S113: Yes), the
battery cooling blower 115 is stopped (step S114), and the program
is returned to step S111, and battery temperature T.sub.b is read
in again.
[0195] On the other hand, in the case where battery temperature
T.sub.b is higher than battery temperature threshold value
T.sub.b.sub.--th (step S112: No), it is further judged whether or
not the battery cooling blower 115 is being driven (ON) (step:
S115). In the case where the battery cooling blower 115 is stopped
(OFF) (step S115: No), the battery cooling blower 115 is driven
(step S116), and a battery blower level, which is calculated by the
battery blower level calculating section 142, is read in (step
S117). On the other hand, in the case where the battery cooling
blower 115 is being driven (step S115: Yes), the battery blower
level calculated by the battery blower level calculating section
142 is read in as it is (step S117). After the battery blower level
has been read in, it is judged whether or not the state of the mode
switching door 136 is the inside air mode (step S118).
[0196] In the case where the mode is not the inside air mode, that
is, the mode is the cooling air mode (step S118: No), it is further
judged whether or not the battery blower level, which is calculated
by the battery blower level calculating section 142, is the minimum
level (step S119). In the case where the battery blower level
calculating section 142, is the minimum level (step S119: Yes), it
is judged whether or not the processing to further decrease the
battery blower level is going to be conducted (step S120). In the
case where the processing to further decrease the battery blower
level is not going to be conducted (step S120: No), or
alternatively in the case where the aforementioned battery blower
level is not the minimum level (step S119: No), the program is
returned to step S119, and the processing is repeated. On the other
hand, in the case where the battery blower level is the minimum
level and the processing to further decrease the battery blower
level is going to be conducted (step S120: Yes), as shown in FIG.
16, the battery cooling blower 115 is stopped (step S121). That is,
under the condition of the cooling air mode, in the case where the
battery blower level is the minimum level and the battery 103 is
sufficiently cooled, the battery cooling blower 115 is stopped as a
preprocess.
[0197] In this connection, in the case where the state of the mode
switching door 136 is the inside air mode (step S118: Yes) after
the battery blower level has been read in, it is further judged
whether or not the battery blower level, which is calculated by the
battery blower level calculating section 142, is the maximum level
(step S122). In the case where the battery blower level is the
maximum level (step S122: Yes), it is judged whether or not the
processing to further increase the battery blower level is going to
be conducted (step S123). In the case where the processing to
further increase the battery blower level is not going to be
conducted (step S123: No) or alternatively in the case where the
aforementioned battery blower level is not the maximum level (step
S122: No), the program is returned to step S122, and the processing
is repeated. On the other hand, in the case where the battery
blower level is the maximum level and the processing to further
increase the battery blower level is going to be conducted (step
S123: Yes), it is judged whether or not the air conditioner is
being driven (step S124). In the case where the air conditioner is
stopped (OFF) (step S124: Yes), the air conditioner is forcibly
driven (step S125), and the battery cooling blower 115 is stopped
(step S121). On the other hand, in the case where the air
conditioner is being driven (step S124: Yes), the battery cooling
blower 115 is stopped as it is (step S121). That is, in the state
of the inside air mode, in the case where the battery blower level
is the maximum level and the battery is not sufficiently cooled,
the battery cooling blower 115 is stopped as a preprocess of
switching the mode to the cooling air mode.
[0198] Further, after the battery cooling blower 115 has been
stopped, as shown in FIG. 16, a signal of the completion of OFF of
the battery blower is outputted to the mode switching control
section 144 (step S126). Then, it is judged whether or not the
signal of the completion of switching the mode, which is outputted
from the mode switching control section 144, is inputted (step
S127), that is, it is judged whether or not switching the mode is
completed. In this case, switching the mode is defined as follows.
In the case of the inside air mode, the mode is switched to the
cooling air mode. In the case of the cooling air mode, the mode is
switched to the inside air mode. In the case where the signal of
the completion of switching the mode is not inputted (step S127:
No), that is, in the case where switching the mode is not
completed, the processing to return to step S126 is repeated until
switching the mode is completed. On the other hand, in the case
where the signal of the completion of switching the mode is
inputted (step S127: Yes), the battery cooling blower 115, which is
being stopped, is driven (step S128).
[0199] (5.1.3) Battery Blower Level Change Rate Control
Processing
[0200] Next, referring to FIG. 17, the battery blower level change
rate control processing will be explained as follows. FIG. 17 is a
flow chart showing the process of controlling a battery blower
level changing rate. First, as shown in FIG. 17, conditioned air
blowout temperature T.sub.a inputted into the input section 141 is
read in (step S131), and the value is represented by T1 (step
S132). Then, it is judged whether or not the battery blower level
calculated by the battery blower level calculating section 142 is
changed (step S133). In the case where no change is caused in the
battery blower level (step S133: No), the program is returned to
step S131 and the processing is repeated. On the other hand, in the
case where a change is caused in the battery blower level (step
S133: Yes), the conditioned air blowout temperature T.sub.a
immediately after the battery blower level has been changed is read
in (step: S134), and the thus read value is represented by T2 (step
S135). Successively, it is judged whether or not
|T2-T1|.ltoreq.2.degree. C. (step S136). In this case, |T2-T1| is a
difference in temperature between conditioned air blowout
temperature T1 immediately before the battery blower level, which
is read in in step S132, is changed and conditioned air blowout
temperature T2 immediately after the battery blower level, which is
read in in step S134, is changed. That is, in step S136, it is
judged whether or not a difference between the conditioned air
blowout temperature before the battery blower level is changed and
the conditioned air blowout temperature after the battery blower
level has been changed is not more than 2.degree. C. In the case
where the temperature difference between T1 and T2 is not more than
2.degree. C. (step S136: Yes), it is judged by the battery blower
level calculating section 142 whether or not the change in the
battery blower level has been completed (step S138). On the other
hand, in the case where the temperature difference between T1 and
T2 is larger than 2.degree. C. (step S136: No), a changing rate of
the battery blower level is reduced (step S137). Further, it is
judged whether or not the change in the battery blower level is
completed (step S138). In this connection, when the conditioned air
blowout temperature is changed in a short period of time in which
the difference between the conditioned air blowout temperature
before the battery blower level is changed and the conditioned air
blowout temperature after the battery blower level has been changed
exceeds 3.degree. C. or more, a passenger has a feeling of
discomfort. Therefore, in step S137, in order to prevent the
passenger from having a feeling of discomfort, at the point of time
when the difference in the conditioned air blowout temperature
exceeds 2.degree. C., the changing rate of the battery blower level
is reduced in this processing.
[0201] In step S138, in the case where the change in the battery
blower level is completed (step S138: Yes), the processing is ended
as it is. On the other hand, in the case where the change in the
battery blower level is not completed (step S138: No), the program
is returned to step S134 and the processing is repeated.
[0202] (5.2) Mode Switching Control Processing
[0203] Referring to FIG. 18, the mode switching control processing
is explained below. FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the processing
of switching control of the mode. As shown in FIG. 18, the mode
switching door 136 is initially set at the inside air mode (step
S141). Next, it is judged whether or not there is an input signal
of the completion of OFF of the battery blower which is outputted
from the battery blower control section 143 (step S142). In the
case where there is no input signal of the completion of OFF of the
battery blower (step S142: No), the processing is repeated until
the input signal of the completion of OFF of the battery blower is
obtained (step S142: Yes). Further, it is judged whether or not the
state of the mode switching door 136 is the inside air mode (step
S143). In the case where the state of the mode switching door 136
is not the inside air mode, that is, in the case where the state of
the mode switching door 136 is the cooling air mode (step S143:
No), the mode is switched to the inside air mode (step S144), and a
signal of the completion of switching the mode is outputted (step
S146). On the other hand, in the case of the inside air mode (step
S143: Yes), the mode is switched to the cooling air mode (step
S145), and a signal of the completion of switching the mode is
outputted (step S146). In this connection, at the time of switching
the mode, the mode switching control section 144 controls so that
the closing rate of closing the mode switching door 136 can be
lower than the opening rate as described before. After a signal of
the completion of switching the mode has been outputted, the
program is returned to step S142 and the processing is
repeated.
[0204] In this connection, the signal of the completion of OFF of
the battery blower in step S142 is a signal outputted in step S126
in which ON/OFF switching of the battery blower is conducted in the
battery blower level control section 143 after the cooling blower
115 is stopped (shown in FIG. 16). When the battery cooling blower
115 is stopped before the mode is switched (step S121 in FIG. 16),
it is possible to reduce an intensity of noise level generated at
the time of switching the mode. Under the condition that the
battery cooling blower 115 is stopped, the mode is switched (steps
S144 and S145), and a signal of the completion of switching the
mode is outputted as described above (step S146). When this signal
of the completion of switching the mode is inputted into the
battery blower control section 143, the battery cooling blower 115,
which is being stopped before the mode is switched, is driven again
(step S128 in FIG. 16).
[0205] (5.3) Air Conditioning Blower Level Calculation Correction
Control Processing
[0206] Referring to FIG. 19, the air conditioning blower level
calculation correction control processing will be explained below.
FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the air-conditioning blower level
calculation correction control processing. First of all, as shown
in FIG. 19, TAO is read in which is calculated by Expression 1 in
TAO calculating section 145 (step S151). Next, according to TAO,
the air-conditioning blower level is calculated (step S152). Then,
it is judged whether or not the mode switching door 136 is in the
cooling air mode (step S153). In the case where the mode switching
door 136 is in the cooling air mode (step S153: Yes), the
air-conditioning blower level is corrected (step S154), and further
the air-conditioning blower level control is conducted (step S155).
On the other hand, in the case where the mode switching door 136 is
in the inside air mode (step S153: No), the air-conditioning blower
level control is conducted as it is (step S155). Then, the program
is returned to step S151, and the series of processes is
repeated.
[0207] (5.4) Air Mixing Door Opening Degree Calculation Correction
Control Processing
[0208] Next, referring to FIG. 20, the air mixing door opening
degree calculation correction control processing will be explained
below. FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the air-mixing door opening
degree calculation correction control processing. First, as shown
in FIG. 20, TAO calculated by Expression 1 in TAO calculating
section 145, T.sub.e (after-evaporator temperature) inputted into
the input section 141 and T.sub.w, (cooling water temperature) are
read in (step S161). Next, the air mixing door opening degree is
calculated by Expression 2 in the air mixing door opening degree
calculating section 146 (step S162). Then, it is judged whether or
not the mode switching door 136 is in the cooling air mode (step
S163). In the case where the mode switching door 136 is in the
cooling air mode (step S163: Yes), the air mixing door opening
degree is corrected (step S164) and, further, the air mixing door
opening degree control is conducted (step S165). On the other hand,
in the case where the mode switching door 136 is in the inside air
mode (step S163: No), the air mixing door opening degree control is
conducted as it is (step S165). Then, the program is returned to
step S161 and the series of processing is repeated.
[0209] Finally, another embodiment will be explained as follows. In
the above embodiment, immediately before the mode switching door
136 is opened, the battery cooling blower 115 is stopped (OFF), and
immediately after the mode switching door 136 is closed, the
battery cooling blower 115 is driven (ON). However, the present
invention is not limited to the above specific embodiment. For
example, before the mode switching door 136 is opened, the battery
blower level may be decreased to a predetermined level, and after
the mode switching door 136 is closed, the battery blower level may
be gradually increased. In this case, the predetermined level is a
battery blower level corresponding to a level (for example, a level
not more than 30 dB in any noise level) at which no passenger hears
noise generated by the friction between the mode switching door 136
and the battery blowing cooling air caused at the time of opening
and closing the mode switching door 136.
[0210] Further, in the above embodiment, the evaporator side duct
114 is communicated with the downstream side of the evaporator 123
of one side passage in which the evaporator 123 is arranged in the
air-conditioning case 121. However, the present invention is not
limited to the above specific embodiment. For example, the
evaporator side duct 114 may be communicated with the downstream
side of the evaporator in the air-conditioning case of the front
seat side air-conditioning unit (not shown) arranged on the front
seat side. That is, the cooling air may be introduced to the
battery casing 111 side from the front seat side air-conditioning
unit when the air conditioner for vehicle use is in the cooling air
mode.
[0211] While the invention has been described by reference to
specific embodiments chosen for purposes of illustration, it should
be apparent that numerous modifications could be made thereto by
those skilled in the art without departing from the basic concept
and scope of the invention.
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