Vehicle air conditioning system
First Claim
1. An air-conditioning system for a vehicle having an engine and a passenger compartment, the system comprising:
- an evaporator for cooling air to be blown into the passenger compartment;
a compressor driven by the engine, for compressing and discharging refrigerant having passed through the evaporator; and
a control unit for controlling air-conditioning state of the passenger compartment, wherein;
when the engine operates, the control unit performs a cold-storing mode where cold quantity stored in condensed water on the evaporator is increased;
when the engine stops, the control unit performs a cold-releasing mode where air is cooled by cold released from the condensed water on the evaporator; and
the control unit sets cooling degree of the evaporator to a low temperature side during the cold-storing mode, as compared with that during the other air-conditioning mode.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
In a vehicle air-conditioning system, an evaporator is disposed in an air-conditioning case to form a bypass passage through which air bypasses the evaporator, and an opening degree of the bypass passage is adjusted by a bypass door. When a vehicle engine operates, the system performs a cold-storing mode where cold quantity stored in condensed water on the evaporator is increased. On the other hand, when operation of the vehicle engine is stopped, the system performs a cold-releasing mode where air passing through the evaporator is cooled by cold released from frozen condensed water. During the cold-storing mode and the cold-releasing mode, temperature of air blown into a passenger compartment can be adjusted by adjusting the opening degree of the bypass passage. Thus, in the vehicle air-conditioning system, cold-storing quantity in the evaporator can be improved while power-saving effect of the vehicle engine is improved.
121 Citations
77 Claims
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1. An air-conditioning system for a vehicle having an engine and a passenger compartment, the system comprising:
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an evaporator for cooling air to be blown into the passenger compartment;
a compressor driven by the engine, for compressing and discharging refrigerant having passed through the evaporator; and
a control unit for controlling air-conditioning state of the passenger compartment, wherein;
when the engine operates, the control unit performs a cold-storing mode where cold quantity stored in condensed water on the evaporator is increased;
when the engine stops, the control unit performs a cold-releasing mode where air is cooled by cold released from the condensed water on the evaporator; and
the control unit sets cooling degree of the evaporator to a low temperature side during the cold-storing mode, as compared with that during the other air-conditioning mode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
the control unit includes cooling degree detecting means for detecting cooling degree of the evaporator, and compressor operation control means for controlling operation of the compressor based on cooling degree detected by the cooling degree detecting means; and
the control unit controls the cooling degree of the evaporator by controlling the operation of the compressor.
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4. The air-conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein the operation of the compressor is controlled to be switched based on cooling degree detected by the cooling degree detecting means.
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5. The air-conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein:
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the compressor is a capacity variable compressor; and
the capacity of the compressor is controlled based on cooling degree detected by the cooling degree detecting means.
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6. An air-conditioning system for a vehicle having an engine and a passenger compartment, the system comprising:
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an evaporator for cooling air to be blown into the passenger compartment;
a compressor driven by the engine, for compressing and discharging refrigerant having passed through the evaporator; and
a control unit for controlling air-conditioning state of the passenger compartment, wherein;
when the engine operates, the control unit performs a cold-storing mode where cold quantity stored in condensed water on the evaporator is increased;
when the engine stops, the control unit performs a cold-releasing mode where air is cooled by cold released from the condensed water on the evaporator;
the control unit includes cooling degree detecting means for detecting cooling degree of the evaporator; and
the control unit controls temperature of air to be blown into the passenger compartment based on the cooling degree of the evaporator, during the cold-releasing mode.
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7. An air-conditioning system for a vehicle having an engine and a passenger compartment, the system comprising:
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an evaporator for cooling air to be blown into the passenger compartment;
a compressor driven by the engine, for compressing and discharging refrigerant having passed through the evaporator; and
a control unit for controlling air-conditioning state of the passenger compartment, wherein;
when the engine operates, the control unit performs a cold-storing mode where cold quantity stored in condensed water on the evaporator is increased;
when the engine stops, the control unit performs a cold-releasing mode where air is cooled by cold released from the condensed water on the evaporator;
the control unit includes cooling degree detecting means for detecting cooling degree of the evaporator; and
the cooling degree detecting means is a temperature sensor disposed to detect temperature of refrigerant of the evaporator.
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8. An air-conditioning system for a vehicle having an engine and a passenger compartment, the system comprising:
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an evaporator for cooling air to be blown into the passenger compartment;
a compressor driven by the engine, for compressing and discharging refrigerant having passed through the evaporator; and
a control unit for controlling air-conditioning state of the passenger compartment, wherein;
when the engine operates, the control unit performs a cold-storing mode where cold quantity stored in condensed water on the evaporator is increased;
when the engine stops, the control unit performs a cold-releasing mode where air is cooled by cold released from the condensed water on the evaporator;
the control unit includes cooling degree detecting means for detecting actual cooling degree of the evaporator, and first cooling degree calculating means for calculating cooling degree of the evaporator by a first predetermined time constant relative to a variation in the actual cooling degree of the evaporator during the cold-storing mode, and second cooling degree calculating means for calculating the cooling degree of the evaporator by a second predetermined time constant relative to a variation in the actual cooling degree of the evaporator during the cold-releasing mode, the first predetermined time constant being larger than the second predetermined time constant;
during the cold-storing mode, the control unit controls cold quantity stored in condensed water of the evaporator based on the cooling degree calculated by the first cooling degree calculating means; and
during the cold-releasing mode, the control unit controls temperature of air blown into the passenger compartment based on the cooling degree calculated by the second cooling degree calculating means.
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9. An air-conditioning system for a vehicle having a passenger compartment, the system comprising:
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an air-conditioning case for forming an air passage through which air flows into the passenger compartment;
an evaporator for cooling air in the air passage, the evaporator being disposed in the air-conditioning case to form a bypass passage through which air bypasses the evaporator;
a bypass door for adjusting an opening degree of the bypass passage;
a compressor for compressing and discharging refrigerant having passed through the evaporator; and
a control unit for controlling air-conditioning state of the passenger compartment, wherein;
when the compressor operates, the control unit performs a cold-storing mode where cold quantity stored in condensed water on the evaporator is increased; and
during the cold-storing mode, the control unit adjusts temperature of air blown into the passenger compartment by adjusting the opening degree of the bypass passage by the bypass door. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
the compressor is driven by an engine for driving the vehicle; and
the control unit performs a cold-releasing mode where air is cooled by cold released from condensed water of the evaporator, when the compressor is forcibly stopped based on a request of the engine.
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11. The air-conditioning system according to claim 10, wherein the compressor is forcibly stopped when the engine of the vehicle stops.
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12. The air-conditioning system according to claim 10, wherein:
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the compressor is driven by the engine through a clutch unit; and
the compressor is forcibly stopped, when the clutch unit is turned off while the engine operates.
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13. The air-conditioning system according to claim 9, further comprising:
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a heating heat exchanger for heating air in the air passage, the heating heat exchanger being disposed in the air-conditioning case at a downstream air side of the evaporator; and
a temperature adjustment unit for adjusting temperature of air blown into the passenger compartment by adjusting a heating air amount in the heating heat exchanger, wherein;
the compressor is driven by an engine for driving the vehicle;
the control unit performs a cold-releasing mode where air is cooled by cold released from condensed water of the evaporator, when the compressor is forcibly stopped based on a request of the engine; and
during the cold-storing mode and the cold-releasing mode, the control unit controls the temperature of air blown into the passenger compartment by switching an operation mode between a first control mode in which the bypass door adjusts the opening degree of the bypass passage while the temperature adjustment unit is set at a maximum cooling position, and a second control mode in which the temperature adjustment unit adjusts the heating air amount in the heating heat exchanger while the bypass door is set at a fully opening position of the bypass passage.
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14. The air-conditioning system according to claim 13, wherein:
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the control unit includes cooling degree detecting means for detecting cooling degree of the evaporator, and bypass passage air temperature detecting means for detecting temperature of air passing through the bypass passage; and
during the cold-storing mode and the cold-releasing mode, the control unit switches the operation mode between the first control mode and the second control mode based on the cooling degree of the evaporator and the temperature of air passing through the bypass passage.
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15. The air-conditioning system according to claim 14, wherein:
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the control unit calculates a maximum temperature of mixed air obtained by mixing air passing through the evaporator and air passing through the bypass passage, based on the cooling degree of the evaporator and the temperature of air passing through the bypass passage;
the control unit controls the temperature of air blown into the passenger compartment by setting the first control mode, when the maximum temperature of the mixed air is higher than a target temperature of air blown into the passenger compartment; and
the control unit controls the temperature of air blown into the passenger compartment by setting the second control mode, when the maximum temperature of the mixed air is lower than the target temperature of air blown into the passenger compartment.
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16. The air-conditioning system according to claim 13, wherein
when the operation mode is a normal mode except for the cold-storing mode and the cold-releasing mode, the control unit sets a third control mode in which the temperature of air blown into the passenger compartment is controlled by adjusting the heating air amount in the heating heat exchanger by the temperature adjustment unit while the bypass door is set at a fully closing position of the bypass passage. -
17. The air-conditioning system according to claim 13, wherein:
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when the compressor operates, the control unit controls operation of the compressor so that cooling degree of the evaporator becomes in a target value;
when cooling capacity of the evaporator is restricted, the control unit sets a power-saving mode in which driving power of the compressor is decreased by correcting the target valve to a high-temperature side; and
during the power-saving mode, the control unit controls the temperature of air blown into the passenger compartment by switching operation mode between the first control mode and the second control mode.
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18. The air-conditioning system according to claim 16, wherein:
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when it is necessary to increase amount of air passing through the evaporator during the cold-storing mode and the cold-releasing mode, the control unit sets a fourth control mode in which the bypass door adjusts the opening degree of the bypass passage while the temperature adjustment unit adjusts the heating air amount in the heating heat exchanger;
the control unit includes cooling degree detecting means for detecting cooling degree of the evaporator, bypass passage air temperature detecting means for detecting temperature of air passing through the bypass passage, and opening degree detecting means for detecting an opening degree of the bypass passage;
the control unit calculates temperature of mixed air obtained by mixing air passing through the evaporator and air passing through the bypass passage, based on the cooling degree of the evaporator, the temperature of air passing through the bypass passage and the opening degree of the bypass passage; and
during the second control mode, the third control mode and the fourth control mode, the temperature adjustment unit adjusts the heating air amount in the heating heat exchanger, based on the temperature of the mixed air.
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19. The air-conditioning system according to claim 18, wherein the temperature (TM) of the mixed air is calculated using the following expression,
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20. The air-conditioning system according to claim 19, wherein:
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during an outside air mode where outside air is introduced into the air passage, the control unit detects temperature of outside air as the temperature of air passing through the bypass passage; and
during an inside air mode where inside air is introduced into the air passage, the control unit detects temperature of inside air as the temperature of air passing through the bypass passage.
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21. An air-conditioning system for a vehicle having a passenger compartment, the system comprising:
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an evaporator for cooling air to be blown into the passenger compartment;
a compressor for compressing and discharging refrigerant having passed through the evaporator; and
a control unit for controlling air-conditioning state of the passenger compartment, wherein;
when the compressor operates, the control unit performs a cold-storing mode in which cold quantity stored in condensed water on the evaporator is increased;
the control unit includes prohibiting determining means for determining a prohibiting condition of the cold-storing mode;
when the prohibiting condition of the cold-storing mode is determined while the compressor operates, the control unit stops the cold-storing mode; and
when the vehicle is traveling at a speed higher than a predetermined speed, the prohibiting condition of the cold-storing mode is determined by the control unit.
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22. An air-conditioning system for a vehicle having a passenger compartment and an engine, the system comprising:
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an air-conditioning case for forming an air passage through which air flows into the passenger compartment;
an evaporator for cooling air in the air passage, the evaporator being disposed in the air-conditioning case;
a compressor for compressing and discharging refrigerant having passed through the evaporator;
a heating heat exchanger for heating air in the air passage, the heating heat exchanger being disposed in the air-conditioning case on a downstream air side of the evaporator;
a temperature adjustment unit for adjusting temperature of air to be blown into the passenger compartment at a target temperature; and
a control unit for controlling air-conditioning state of the passenger compartment, wherein;
when the compressor operates, the control unit sets a cold-storing mode where cold stored in condensed water on the evaporator is increased;
when the compressor is forcibly stopped based on a request from the engine, the control unit sets a cold-releasing mode where air passing through the evaporator is cooled by cold released from condensed water of the evaporator; and
the control unit includes correction means for correcting the target temperature of air blown into the passenger compartment to a low temperature side based on an increase of humidity of the passenger compartment. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24)
the evaporator is disposed in the air-conditioning case to form a bypass passage through which air bypasses the evaporator; and
the temperature adjustment unit includes a bypass door for adjusting an opening degree of the bypass passage, and a heating amount adjustment unit for adjusting an air-heating amount in the heating heat exchanger.
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25. An air-conditioning system for a vehicle having an engine and a passenger compartment, the system comprising:
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a refrigerant cycle having an evaporator for cooling air to be blown into the passenger compartment, and a compressor driven by the engine for compressing and discharging refrigerant having passed through the evaporator; and
a control unit for controlling air-conditioning state of the passenger compartment, wherein;
the control unit includes cooling degree detecting means for detecting cooling degree of the evaporator, compressor operation control means for controlling operation of the compressor based on the cooling degree detected by the cooling degree detecting means, and estimating means for estimating a next cooling degree of the evaporator after the compressor is forcibly stopped based on the request of the engine, during the compressor operating; and
during the compressor operating, the control unit controls cold quantity stored in condensed water of the evaporator based on the next cooling degree estimated from the estimating means. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
during the compressor operating in the cold-storing mode, the control unit determines a next target value of the cooling degree of the evaporator after a predetermined time elapses after the compressor is forcibly stopped; and
during the compressor operating in the cold-storing mode, the control unit corrects the target value of the cooling degree of the evaporator based on a comparison value between the next target value and the next cooling degree.
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29. The air-conditioning system according to claim 25, wherein the control unit corrects a target flow amount of air to be blown into the evaporator based on the next cooling degree estimated from the estimating means, so that cold quantity stored in condensed water of the evaporator is controlled.
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30. The air-conditioning system according to claim 25, wherein the control unit includes cold-storing determining means for determining whether or not the cold-storing mode is performed during the compressor operating.
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31. The air-conditioning system according to claim 25, further comprising
an inside/outside air switching door for switching air to be blown into the evaporator between inside air and outside air, wherein the inside/outside air switching door is set to an outside air mode where only outside air is introduced into the evaporator, during a predetermined time after the compressor starts. -
32. The air-conditioning system according to claim 25, further comprising
a blower for blowing air into the evaporator, wherein: -
during a forcibly stopping mode of the compressor, where the compressor is forcibly stopped from a request of the engine, air is blown by the blower with a first target air flow; and
at an immediately before the forcibly stopping mode of the compressor, air is blown by the blower with a second target air flow which is equal to or larger than the first target air flow.
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33. The air-conditioning system according to claim 25, further comprising
a blower for blowing air into the evaporator, wherein: -
when the cold-storing mode is performed when the evaporator is operated with a cooling load larger than a predetermined load, air is blown by the blower with a cold-storing target air flow; and
during a normal control mode, air is blown by the blower with a normal target air flow which is equal to or larger than the cold-storing target air flow.
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34. The air-conditioning system according to claim 25, further comprising:
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an inside/outside air switching door for switching air to be blown into the evaporator between inside air and outside air; and
an air outlet mode selecting door for selecting an air outlet mode for setting an air flow direction into the passenger compartment, wherein when the cold-storing mode is performed when the evaporator operates with a load higher than a predetermined load, the inside/outside air switching door sets an inside air mode where only inside air is blown into the evaporator, and the air outlet mode selecting door sets a bi-level mode where air is simultaneously blown toward an upper side and a lower side of the passenger compartment.
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35. The air-conditioning system according to claim 25, wherein:
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the refrigerant cycle includes an electrical expansion valve for decompressing refrigerant flowing into the evaporator, and valve control means for electrically controlling a valve opening degree of the electrical expansion valve; and
when the cold-storing mode is performed when the evaporator operates with a load higher than a predetermined load, the valve control means controls the valve opening degree of the electrical expansion valve to be smaller than that during a normal control mode.
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36. An air-conditioning system for a vehicle having an engine and a passenger compartment, the system comprising:
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a refrigerant cycle having an evaporator for cooling air to be blown into the passenger compartment, and a compressor driven by the engine for compressing and discharging refrigerant having passed through the evaporator;
an air-conditioning case for forming an air passage and for accommodating the evaporator; and
a control unit for controlling air-conditioning state of the passenger compartment, wherein;
when the compressor operates, the control unit performs a cold-storing mode where cold quantity stored in condensed water of the evaporator is increased;
during a predetermined time after the refrigerant cycle starts, the control unit sets an outside air main mode where only outside air is introduced or outside air is mainly introduced into the air-conditioning case; and
during a forcibly stopping mode of the compressor, where the compressor is forcibly stopped from a request of the engine, the control unit sets an inside air main mode where only inside air is introduced or inside air is mainly introduced into the air-conditioning case.
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37. An air-conditioning system for a vehicle having an engine and a passenger compartment, the system comprising:
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a refrigerant cycle having an evaporator for cooling air to be blown into the passenger compartment, and a compressor driven by the engine for compressing and discharging refrigerant having passed through the evaporator;
an air-conditioning case for forming an air passage and for accommodating the evaporator; and
a control unit for controlling air-conditioning state of the passenger compartment, wherein;
when the compressor operates, the control unit performs a cold-storing mode where cold quantity stored in condensed water of the evaporator is increased;
the control unit includes inside/outside air introducing control means for setting an outside air main mode where only outside air is introduced or outside air is mainly introduced into the air-conditioning case during a predetermined time after the refrigerant cycle starts, and air flow control means for setting a first target air flow blown into the evaporator during a forcibly stopping mode of the compressor, where the compressor is forcibly stopped from a request of the engine; and
the first target air flow is equal to or smaller than a second target air flow blown into the evaporator at an immediately before the forcibly stopping mode of the compressor.
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38. An air-conditioning system for a vehicle having an engine and a passenger compartment, the system comprising:
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a refrigerant cycle having an evaporator for cooling air to be blown into the passenger compartment, and a compressor driven by a driving unit including the engine, for compressing and discharging refrigerant having passed through the evaporator; and
a control unit for controlling air-conditioning state of the passenger compartment, wherein;
when the compressor operates, the control unit performs a cold-storing mode where cold quantity stored in condensed water of the evaporator is increased;
during a forcibly stopping mode where the compressor is forcibly stopped from a request of the engine, the control unit performs a cold-releasing mode where air is cooled by cold released from condensed water of the evaporator;
the control unit includes first estimating means for estimating cold quantity stored in the condensed water of the evaporator during the compressor operating and second estimating means for estimating a stop possible time of the compressor based on the cold quantity estimated by the first estimating means; and
in the forcibly stopping mode of the compressor, the compressor is stopped during the stop possible time, and control unit outputs a signal for requesting operation of the compressor to the driving unit after the stop possible time passes. - View Dependent Claims (39)
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40. An air-conditioning system for a vehicle having an engine and a passenger compartment, the system comprising:
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an evaporator for cooling air to be blown into the passenger compartment;
a compressor driven by a driving unit including the engine, for compressing and discharging refrigerant having passed through the evaporator; and
a control unit for controlling air-conditioning state of the passenger compartment, wherein;
when the compressor operates, the control unit performs a cold-storing mode where cold quantity stored in condensed water of the evaporator is increased;
during a forcibly stopping mode where the compressor is forcibly stopped from a request of the engine, the control unit performs a cold-releasing mode where air is cooled by cold released from condensed water of the evaporator;
the control unit includes first estimating means for estimating a drying-finishing time of the condensed water of the evaporator in the forcibly stopping mode, during the compressor operating, and second estimating means for estimating a stop possible time of the compressor based on the drying finishing time; and
in the forcibly stopping mode of the compressor, the compressor is stopped during the stop possible time, and the control unit outputs a signal for requesting operation of the compressor to the driving unit after the stop possible time passes. - View Dependent Claims (41)
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42. An air-conditioning system for a vehicle having an engine and a passenger compartment, the system comprising:
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an evaporator for cooling air to be blown into the passenger compartment;
a compressor driven by a driving unit including the engine, for compressing and discharging refrigerant having passed through the evaporator; and
a control unit for controlling air-conditioning state of the passenger compartment, wherein;
when the compressor operates, the control unit performs a cold-storing mode where cold quantity stored in condensed water of the evaporator is increased;
during a forcibly stopping mode where the compressor is forcibly stopped from a request of the engine, the control unit performs a cold-releasing mode where air is cooled by cold released from condensed water of the evaporator;
the control unit includes first estimating means for estimating an operation time for which cooling degree of the evaporator is changed to a predetermined level in the forcibly stopping mode, during the compressor operating, and second estimating means for estimating a stop possible time of the compressor based on the operation time; and
in the forcibly stopping mode, the compressor is stopped during the stop possible time, and the control unit outputs a signal for requesting restarting of the compressor to the driving unit after the stop possible time passes. - View Dependent Claims (43, 44)
when the stop possible time is shorter than a predetermined time, the control unit prohibits the forcibly stopping mode of the compressor.
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45. An air-conditioning system for a vehicle having an engine and a passenger compartment, the system comprising:
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a refrigerant cycle having an evaporator for cooling air to be blown into the passenger compartment, and a compressor driven by a driving unit including the engine, for compressing and discharging refrigerant having passed through the evaporator; and
a control unit for controlling air-conditioning state of the passenger compartment, wherein;
when the compressor operates, the control unit performs a cold-storing mode where cold quantity stored in condensed water of the evaporator is increased;
during a forcibly stopping mode where the compressor is forcibly stopped from a request of the engine, the control unit performs a cold-releasing mode where air is cooled by cold released from condensed water of the evaporator;
the control unit includes cooling degree calculating means for calculating a limit value of cooling degree of the evaporator in forcibly stopping mode, during the compressor operating;
only when cooling degree of the evaporator is lower than the limit value during the forcibly stopping mode, the compressor is stopped;
when the cooling degree of the evaporator is higher than the limit value during the forcibly stopping mode, the control unit outputs a signal for requesting operation of the compressor to the driving unit. - View Dependent Claims (46)
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47. An air-conditioning system for a vehicle having an engine and a passenger compartment, the system comprising:
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an evaporator for cooling air to be blown into the passenger compartment;
a compressor driven by a driving unit including the engine, for compressing and discharging refrigerant having passed through the evaporator; and
a control unit for controlling air-conditioning state of the passenger compartment, wherein;
when the compressor operates, the control unit performs a cold-storing mode where cold quantity stored in condensed water of the evaporator is increased;
during a forcibly stopping mode where the compressor is forcibly stopped from a request of the engine, the control unit performs a cold-releasing mode where air is cooled by cold released from condensed water of the evaporator;
the control unit includes dehumidification determining means for determining whether or not it is necessary to dehumidify air in the passenger compartment; and
even during the forcibly stopping mode of the compressor, when the dehumidification determining means determines that it is necessary to dehumidify air in the passenger compartment, the control unit outputs a signal for requesting operation of the compressor to the driving unit. - View Dependent Claims (48, 49, 50, 51, 52)
when the dehumidification determining means determines that it is necessary to dehumidify air in the passenger compartment when the compressor operates, the control unit prohibits the forcibly stopping mode of the compressor. -
49. The air-conditioning system according to claim 47, wherein
when the dehumidification determining means determines that it is necessary to dehumidify air in the passenger compartment when the compressor operates, the control unit performs a normal mode where cold quantity stored in the condensed water of the evaporator is reduced as compared with that in the cold-storing mode. -
50. The air-conditioning system according to claim 47, further comprising
an air-conditioning case for forming an air passage including a bypass passage, through which air flows into the passenger compartment; - and
a bypass door for adjusting an opening degree of the bypass passage, wherein;
the evaporator is disposed in the air-conditioning case to form the bypass passage through which air bypasses the evaporator; and
when the dehumidification determining means determines that it is necessary to dehumidify air in the passenger compartment, the bypass door closes the bypass passage.
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51. The air-conditioning system according to claim 47, wherein
during an air outlet mode where air is blown toward a windshield of the vehicle from a defroster opening, the dehumidification determining means determines that it is necessary to dehumidify air in the passenger compartment. -
52. The air-conditioning system according to claim 47, wherein:
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the control unit includes an outside air temperature sensor for detecting temperature of outside air; and
when the temperature of outside air is lower than a predetermined temperature, the dehumidification determining means determines that it is necessary to dehumidify air in the passenger compartment.
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53. An air-conditioning system for a vehicle having an engine and a passenger compartment, the system comprising:
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an evaporator for cooling air to be blown into the passenger compartment;
a compressor driven by a driving unit including the engine, for compressing and discharging refrigerant having passed through the evaporator; and
a control unit for controlling air-conditioning state of the passenger compartment, wherein;
when the compressor operates, the control unit performs a cold-storing mode where cold quantity stored in condensed water of the evaporator is increased;
during a forcibly stopping mode where the compressor is forcibly stopped from a request of the engine, the control unit performs a cold-releasing mode where air is cooled by cold released from condensed water of the evaporator;
the control unit includes vehicle stop determining means for estimating and determining whether or not the vehicle is to be stopped; and
when the vehicle stop determining means determines that vehicle is to be stopped during the cold-storing mode, the control unit performs a forcibly operation mode where operation of the compressor is forcibly performed so that cooling degree of the evaporator is increased. - View Dependent Claims (54, 55, 56, 57)
during the compressor operating, the control unit performs a normal mode where the operation of the compressor is controlled so that cooling degree of the evaporator becomes in a first target value; and
during the cold-storing mode, the operation of the compressor is controlled so that the cooling degree of the compressor becomes in a second target value which corresponds to a temperature lower than that of the first target value.
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55. The air-conditioning system according to claim 54, wherein
when the vehicle is traveling with a speed lower than a predetermined speed, the control unit cancels the forcibly operating mode of the compressor, and controls the operation of the compressor so that the cooling degree of the evaporator becomes in the second target value. -
56. The air-conditioning system according to claim 53, when the vehicle stop determining means estimates and determines that vehicle is to be stopped during the cold-storing mode, the control unit controls the operation of the compressor so that cooling degree of the evaporator is increased to a third target value which corresponds to a temperature lower than that of the second target value.
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57. The air-conditioning system according to claim 53, wherein the vehicle stop determining means estimates and determines whether or not vehicle is to be stopped based on a vehicle speed signal and a vehicle brake signal.
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58. An air-conditioning system for a vehicle having an engine and a passenger compartment, the system comprising:
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an air-conditioning case for forming an air passage through which air flows into the passenger compartment;
an evaporator for cooling air in the air passage, the evaporator being disposed in the air-conditioning case to form a bypass passage through which air bypasses the evaporator;
a bypass door for adjusting an opening degree of the bypass passage;
a compressor for compressing and discharging refrigerant having passed through the evaporator, the compressor being driven by the engine; and
a control unit for controlling air-conditioning state of the passenger compartment, wherein;
when the compressor operates, the control unit performs a cold-storing mode where cold stored in condensed water on the evaporator is increased;
during a forcibly stopping mode where the compressor is forcibly stopped from a request of the engine, the control unit performs a cold-releasing mode where air is cooled by cold released from condensed water of the evaporator;
during the cold-storing mode, the bypass door opens the bypass passage; and
when the bypass door opens the bypass passage, the bypass door is operated to close a part of an air passage of the evaporator so than an air flow resistance is increased in the evaporator. - View Dependent Claims (59, 60, 61, 62, 63)
during the cold-releasing mode, the bypass door opens the bypass passage. -
60. The air-conditioning system according to claim 59, wherein
from a start time of the cold-releasing mode, the bypass door is operated to open a part of the air passage of the evaporator by a predetermined opening degree. -
61. The air-conditioning system according to claim 58, wherein
when the bypass door closes the part of the air passage of the evaporator in maximum, a predetermined clearance is provided between the bypass door and the evaporator. -
62. The air-conditioning system according to claim 58, wherein:
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the evaporator is disposed in the air-conditioning case vertically; and
the bypass door is disposed in the air-conditioning case at a downstream air side of the evaporator.
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63. The air-conditioning system according to claim 58, wherein
the bypass door is disposed in the air-conditioning case at an upstream air side of the evaporator.
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64. A refrigerant cycle system comprising:
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an evaporator for cooling air passing therethrough;
a compressor for compressing and discharging refrigerant having passed through the evaporator;
a pressure-reducing unit for reducing pressure of refrigerant supplying into the evaporator; and
a control unit for selectively setting a cooling mode where a cooling temperature of the evaporator is higher than a predetermined temperature, and a cold-storing mode where the cooling temperature of the evaporator is lower than the predetermined temperature, wherein during the cold-storing mode, the pressure-reducing unit increases a throttle amount as compared with a cooling mode. - View Dependent Claims (65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70)
the pressure-reducing unit includes a thermal expansion valve which adjusts a valve opening degree so that a super-heating degree of refrigerant at a refrigerant outlet of the evaporator is maintained at a predetermined degree during the cooling mode, and a fixed throttle which decreases pressure of refrigerant so that evaporation temperature of refrigerant is lower than freezing point during the cold-storing mode. -
66. The refrigerant cycle system according to claim 64, wherein
the pressure-reducing unit is an electrical expansion valve which electrically adjusts a valve opening degree; - and
during the cold-storing mode, the control unit controls the valve opening degree of the electrical expansion valve to be smaller than that during the cooling mode.
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67. The refrigerant cycle system according to claim 64, wherein:
the pressure-reducing unit includes a thermal expansion valve which adjusts a valve opening degree so that a super-heating degree of refrigerant at a refrigerant outlet of the evaporator is maintained at a predetermined degree during the cooling mode, and a supplemental driving mechanism which adjusts the valve opening degree to be smaller during the cold-storing mode, as compared with the cooling mode.
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68. The refrigerant cycle system according to claim 67, wherein the supplemental driving mechanism is an electromagnetic solenoid mechanism which applies force to the thermal expansion valve in a valve-closing direction.
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69. The refrigerant cycle system according to claim 67, wherein:
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the thermal expansion valve includes a valve body for opening and closing a refrigerant passage, a pressure-response member for driving the valve body, and a pressure chamber to which a pressure corresponding to refrigerant temperature at the refrigerant outlet of the evaporator is applied;
the pressure chamber applies force to the valve body through the pressure-response member in a valve-closing direction; and
the supplementary driving mechanism is a pressure adjusting mechanism which adjusts pressure of the pressure chamber to be smaller during the cold-storing mode, as compared with the cooling mode.
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70. The refrigerant cycle system according to claim 64, wherein:
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the compressor is driven by a vehicle engine; and
when the compressor operates, the control unit performs the cold-storing mode so that condensed water of the evaporator is frozen.
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71. An air-conditioning system for a vehicle having a passenger compartment, the system comprising:
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an evaporator for cooling air to be blown into the passenger compartment;
a compressor for compressing and discharging refrigerant having passed through the evaporator; and
a control unit for controlling air-conditioning state of the passenger compartment, wherein;
when the compressor operates, the control unit performs a cold-storing mode where condensed water of the evaporator is frozen and cold quantity stored in condensed water of the evaporator is increased;
the control unit includes first time determining means for determining cold-storing possible time, based on cooling degree of the evaporator and air state sucked into the evaporator, for which the cold-storing mode is continuously performed; and
when a time for which the cold-storing mode is performed elapses the cold-storing possible time, the control unit stops the cold-storing mode and performs a defrosting mode for defrosting the evaporator. - View Dependent Claims (72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77)
the control unit detects a humidity or a temperature of air sucked into the evaporator as the air state; and
the control unit sets the cold-storing possible time to be shorter as the humidity or the temperature of air sucked into the evaporator becomes higher.
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73. The air-conditioning system according to claim 71, wherein:
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the control unit includes proportion determining means for determining a proportion between outside air and inside air to be introduced into the evaporator; and
the control unit sets the cold-storing possible time to be shorter as a proportion of outside air becomes larger.
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74. The air-conditioning system according to claim 71, wherein:
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the control unit includes air-amount detecting means for detecting a signal relative to an air amount passing through the evaporator; and
the control unit sets the cold-storing possible time to be shorter as the air amount passing through the evaporator increases.
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75. The air-conditioning system according to claim 71, wherein:
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the control unit includes rotation speed detecting means for detecting a signal relative to a rotation speed of the compressor; and
the control unit sets the cold-storing possible time to be shorter as the rotation speed of the compressor becomes higher.
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76. The air-conditioning system according to claim 71, wherein:
the control unit performs defrosting of the evaporator by setting a target air temperature blown from the evaporator to a temperature higher than 0°
C.
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77. The air-conditioning system according to claim 71, wherein:
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the control unit includes second time determining means for determining a necessary defrosting time, based on cooling degree of the evaporator and air state sucked into the evaporator, for which the defrosting mode is continuously performed; and
when a time for which the defrosting mode is performed elapses the necessary defrosting time, the control unit stops the defrosting mode for defrosting the evaporator.
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Specification