Air conditioning apparatus and air conditioning method

An air conditioning apparatus and an air conditioning method for cooling a passenger space of a vehicle that accommodates a user include a tank that is capable of storing compressed air, and a control unit to release the compressed air stored in the tank into the passenger space. Energy that is generated without putting a workload on the power source or electric power of the vehicle is used for at least one process of compressing air in the tank, cooling the compressed air stored in the tank, and heating the compressed air stored in the tank.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-240161, filed on Nov. 1, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a vehicle, an air conditioning apparatus, and an air conditioning method, which cool passenger space of a vehicle such as an automobile or the like.

2. Description of the Related Art

A vehicle such as an automobile or the like commonly has an air conditioning apparatus which starts a cooling operation to cool the passenger space thereof, when a user gets in the vehicle and starts its engine by operating an ignition key.

With such an existing air conditioning apparatus, a cooling cycle is started when a user gets in the vehicle and operates the ignition key to start the engine. Accordingly, time delay occurs until the passenger space is actually cooled. Therefore, in a situation where, for example, a vehicle is parked under the burning sun, its passenger space is heated, and thus a user has to endure the hot passenger space until the passenger space is cooled.

In order to solve such an existing problem, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (JP-A) Nos. 2006-168476, 2010-216739; 2008-296901, 2007-168466, 2008-183996, and 2005-238911 have disclosed techniques for releasing the compressed air into passenger space. In addition, JP-A No. 2007-297965 has disclosed a power generation and air cooling system taking advantage of pressure and heat of emission gas.

With a mechanism for releasing such compressed air into passenger space, there are conditions to be considered regarding energy used to compress air.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in the light of such a situation, and aims to provide a cooling apparatus that is capable of performing suitable storing and releasing of the compressed air.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle including: passenger space that accommodates a user; a tank that is capable of storing compressed air; and a control unit to release the compressed air stored in the tank into the passenger space; wherein energy that is generated without putting a workload on the power source or electric power of the vehicle is used for at least one process of compressing air in the tank, cooling the compressed air stored in the tank, and heating the compressed air stored in the tank.

Preferably, compressed air stored in the tank may be compressed by one of rotational force transmitted from wheels during a deceleration period of the vehicle, discharge pressure of air brakes, and a compression device operated by air brakes.

Preferably, compressed air stored in the tank may be cooled by one of air taken into the vehicle or cooled, breeze from running, coolant of an air conditioning apparatus, coolant generated using driving force of at least one of an engine and a transmission of the vehicle, and coolant obtained by electric power from at least one of a battery and generator.

Preferably, compressed air stored in the tank may be heated by one of air taken into the vehicle or heated, heat from the vehicle body, a heat carrier of an air conditioning apparatus, a heat carrier generated using driving force of at least one of an engine and a transmission of the vehicle, a heat carrier obtained by electric power of at least one of a battery and generator, at least one of engine heat and exhaust heat, and heat from at least one of brakes and the transmission.

Preferably, air may be compressed in the tank by rotational force transmitted from wheels during a deceleration period of the vehicle, with the compressed air stored in the tank being cooled by air taken into the vehicle or cooled in the event of cooling compressed air stored in the tank, and the compressed air stored in the tank being heated by at least one of engine heat and exhaust heat in the event of heating compressed air stored in the tank.

A second aspect of the present invention provides an air conditioning apparatus for cooling a passenger space of a vehicle that accommodates a user. The air conditioning apparatus includes: a tank that is capable of storing compressed air; and a control unit to release the compressed air stored in the tank into the passenger space; with energy that is generated without putting a workload on the power source or electric power of the vehicle being used for at least one process of compressing air in the tank, cooling the compressed air stored in the tank, and heating the compressed air stored in the tank.

A third aspect of the present invention provides an air conditioning method of an air conditioning apparatus for cooling a passenger space of a vehicle that accommodates a user. The method includes the steps of: storing compressed air in the tank using energy that is generated without putting a workload on the power source or electric power of the vehicle; and discharging compressed air stored in the tank into the passenger space.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides an air conditioning method of an air conditioning apparatus for cooling a passenger space of a vehicle that accommodates a user. The method includes the steps of: storing compressed air in the tank; performing one of cooling and heating compressed air stored in the tank, using energy that is generated without putting a workload on the power source or electric power of the vehicle; and discharging compressed air stored in the tank into the passenger space.

With the present invention, the compressed air stored in a tank is discharged into passenger space. The passenger space is cooled by the compressed air released into the passenger space. As a result thereof, with the present invention, the vehicle interior can immediately be cooled.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a partial transparent side view of the vehicle body of an automobile1employing an air conditioning apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The automobile1inFIG. 1includes a vehicle body2. The central portion of the vehicle body2includes passenger space3that accommodates a user. Two rows of seats4where a user sits down are provided within the passenger space3. A door panel5which the user opens/closes for boarding is provided to the side face of the passenger space3of the vehicle body2. A window glass6is provided on the upper portion of the door panel5in a vertically movable manner. The user can sit in the seat4by opening/closing the door panel5. The user can open/close the window glass6by operating an opening/closing switch provided in the inner side of the door panel5.

The passenger space3becomes, in a state in which the door panel5and window glass6are closed, space isolated from the outside. With such a passenger space3, room temperature significantly increases, for example, due to hot solar radiation in the summer or the like. Also, surface temperature of interior equipment such as the seats4and so forth also increases, and accordingly, as for the user, the passenger space3has to rapidly be cooled.

With the common automobile1, the user who has got into the vehicle operates an ignition key to start the engine, to activate an air conditioning apparatus, and to drive a compressor along therewith, and accordingly, a cooling cycle of the air conditioning apparatus is activated, and thus the air in the passenger space3is cooled.

However, in the event of cooling the passenger space3using the air conditioning apparatus in this way, the air in the passenger space3is directly cooled using heat-exchange equipment, and accordingly, it takes time until the passenger space3is cooled after the user's boarding. Therefore, with the present embodiment, a rapid air conditioning apparatus10is employed that rapidly cools the passenger space by releasing the compressed air into the passenger space before a user who intends to get into the vehicle gets into the vehicle.

FIG. 2is a configuration diagram of the rapid air conditioning apparatus10to be mounted on the automobile1inFIG. 1. With the rapid air conditioning apparatus10inFIG. 2, the passenger space3is cooled by releasing the compressed air into the passenger space3inFIG. 1.

The rapid air conditioning apparatus10includes a compression unit11, an air intake duct12, an air intake valve13, a tank14, a discharge air duct15, a discharge valve16, a controller17, a cooling unit22, and a heating unit23. The rapid air conditioning apparatus10includes a pressure sensor20to detect pressure of the compressed air in the tank14, and a temperature sensor21to detect temperature of the compressed air in the tank14.

The compression unit11has a compressor, with activation and stopping being controlled by the controller17, and the air is suctioned, compressed, and output during activation thereof. The controller17may control the capabilities of the compression unit11being activated.

The intake vent18of the compression unit11may be provided to the passenger space3or may be provided out of the automobile1(out of the passenger space3). In the event of suctioning the external air out of the passenger space3, the compression unit11may adjust suctioning capacity according to running speed, or may suction the external air while parked. Fluctuation of the atmospheric pressure of the external air suppresses excessive load from affecting the compression unit11. In the event of suctioning the inner air within the passenger space3, the atmospheric pressure of the passenger space3decreases. Therefore, for example, in a state in which the air conditioning apparatus mounted on the automobile1is set to the external air introduction mode, the compression unit11may suction the inner air. The inner air is commonly adjusted with temperature and moisture by the air conditioning apparatus. The inner air suppresses, as compared to the external air, moisture in the air stored in the tank14, cooling effects after re-releasing this air into the passenger space3, and suppression effects of moisture increase can be expected.

The compression unit11may use the rotational driving force of the engine7mounted on the vehicle2as a power source, but in the present embodiment, energy that is generated without putting a workload on the driving power source and electric power of the vehicle is used. For example, in a deceleration period when engine braking, for example, the compression unit11uses the rotational force transmitted from the wheels to drive the compressor and compress air. Alternatively, air may be compressed using discharge pressure from air brakes, or air may be compressed by a compressor driven by discharge pressure of air brakes.

Accordingly, the compression unit11is preferably provided in the engine room, as shown inFIG. 1. In this case, there is provided an electromagnetic clutch between the output shaft of the engine7and the input shaft of the compression unit11. The compression unit11can be stopped while the engine7is running by disengaging the electromagnetic clutch. Also, by engaging the electromagnetic clutch during deceleration, the compressor can be operated by rotational force transmitted from the wheels during a period of decelerating by engine braking.

Additionally, with the compression unit11, a battery to be mounted on the vehicle body2, a generator, the power of the solar light panel, or household power supply may be employed as a source of power, for example. Also, the compressor of the compression unit11of the rapid air conditioning apparatus10may be integral with a compressor of the air conditioning apparatus mounted on the vehicle.

The air intake duct12connects the compression unit11and tank14. The air compressed by the compression unit11is supplied to the tank14via the air intake duct12.

The air intake valve13is provided to the air intake duct12. Opening/closing of the air intake valve13is controlled by the controller17. In the event that the air intake valve13is in an opened state, the air compressed by the compression unit11is supplied to the tank14. In the event that the air intake valve13is in a closed state, the air intake duct12is blocked, and supply of the compressed air from the compression unit11to the tank14is stopped. The compressed air does not flow backward from the tank14side to the compression unit11.

With the tank14, the compressed air is stored. The tank14may be a metal type, for example, such as stainless steel or the like, or may be a product made from reinforced plastic. With the tanks14made from these materials, the compressed air can be stored with high pressure. For example, with a vehicle of which the passenger space is 4000 liters in capacity, the compressed air is stored in a 40-liter tank at a pressure of 1470 psi, and a control unit releases the compressed air equivalent to equal to the capacity of the passenger space which is lower in temperature than room temperature, and accordingly, the air of higher room temperature within the passenger space is forced outside of the vehicle, and accordingly, the compressed air which has been cooled by being expanded replaces the air in the passenger space, whereby the room temperature of the passenger space can be decreased. Therefore, though there is no particular restriction regarding the capacity and shape of the tank14, the capacity of the tank may suitably be equal to or greater than the capacity of the passenger space. Also, instead of the air in the passenger space being switched with the expanded compressed air, high room temperature in the passenger space may be decreased by releasing less compressed air than the capacity of the passenger space into the passenger space. The larger the capacity of the tank14is, the large the compressed air can be stored.

The tank14may be fixed to the automobile1or rapid air conditioning apparatus10, or may be detachable. In the case that the tank14is detachable, the tank14can be replaced. The tank14in which the compressed air is enclosed beforehand is attached, whereby the compressed air can be released into the passenger space3without using the compression unit11. Enclosing aroma oil or perfume in the tank14along with the compressed air allows odor eliminating within the vehicle to be expected.

The installation place of the tank14is not particularly restricted. The tank14may be installed in a suitable place based on the safety standard or the like needed for the automobile1or the like. InFIG. 1, the tank14is installed in the engine room. The tank14may be installed in cargo space or the passenger space3. In the event of installing the tank14in the passenger space3, the tank14has to be installed in a place where direct sunlight does not hit or a place where the temperature is prevented from increasing.

Note that the rapid air conditioning apparatus10may include multiple tanks14. The multiple tanks14may be tanks which independently store the compressed air and independently supply to the passenger space3, or may be tanks in which the compressed air is supplied from one of the tanks14to the other tank14.

The discharge air duct15connects between the tank14and passenger space3. The compressed air discharged from the tank14is supplied to the passenger space3of the automobile1through the discharge air duct15.

A discharge vent19of the discharge air duct15is provided to the passenger space3. The discharge vent19may have a nozzle shape. The discharge vent19has a nozzle shape, whereby the compressed air can be discharged to the passenger space3while maintaining pressure within the discharge air duct15.

The locations, directions, and number of the discharge vents19are not restricted in particular. The discharge vent of the air conditioning apparatus may be used. Also, the discharge vent19may be connected to the duct of the air conditioning apparatus. However, the compressed air has not only an advantage of decreasing the temperature by being expanded, but also an advantage of decreasing surface temperature of an object on which the compressed air is sprayed. Therefore, it is desirable to provide the discharge vent19in the position and direction where the compressed air can directly be sprayed on a location such as a sheet, handle, dashboard, and so forth where the temperature increases, or a location with which the user directly comes into contact. For example, the discharge vent19may be provided downward as to a pillar or roof or the like.

InFIG. 1, a part of the multiple discharge vents19are provided downward as to the roof, and are installed so as to spray the compressed air to the seats4. Also, the rest of the multiple discharge vents19are provided upward within the seats4, and are installed so as to spray the compressed air from the seats4to the passenger space3.

A discharge valve16is provided to the discharge air duct15. Opening/closing of the discharge valve16is controlled by the controller17. In the event that the discharge valve16is in a closed state, the discharge air duct15is blocked, and the compressed air within the tank14is pooled and stored within the tank14. The discharge valve16is closed under the operation of the compression unit11, and accordingly, the air pressure within the tank14increases. In the event that the discharge valve16is in an opened state, the compressed air stored in the tank14is released into the passenger space3.

The controller17is connected to the units of the rapid air conditioning apparatus10, such as the compression unit11, air intake valve13, discharge valve16, pressure sensor20, cooling unit22, heating unit23, and so forth. The controller17controls the rapid air conditioning apparatus10.

The rapid air conditioning apparatus10compresses the air at the compression unit11, stores the compressed air in the tank14, and releases the compressed air stored in the tank14into the passenger space3. The compressed air released from the passenger space3is expanded at the passenger space3, and according to an endothermic effect at the time of this distension, the air within the passenger space3is cooled. Also, a location where the compressed air has been sprayed is cooled.

Note that, with the controller17, the tank14in which the compressed air is stored may be heated by a heater, or may be cooled by a thermistor. Thus, the temperature before releasing of the compressed air is adjusted, and the room temperature of the passenger space3after the compressed air is released can be adjusted.

The controller17includes memory in which a control program is stored, and a central processing unit which executes the control program. The controller17may be an independent controller17, may be realized as a part of an ECU (Engine Control Unit) which controls the engine7of the automobile1, or may be realized by a controller of the air conditioning apparatus.

In order to obtain various types of information to be used for control processing or determination, a running control signal of the vehicle, and various types of detection signals are input to the controller17. Examples of such signals include a detection signal of the state of the ignition key, an activation signal or stop signal of the engine7, a speed pulse signal, a brake operation signal, a remote control open/close key detection signal, and an unlocking signal or locking signal of the door panel5. These signals are input from an ECU (Electronic Control Unit)31, for example. Other examples include detection signals such as an external temperature sensor, internal temperature sensor, or a sunshine sensor, for example.

Note that the controller17may include a timer to measure point-in-time and time, a wireless communication unit which communicates with a cellular phone or the like, and so forth.

The cooling unit22cools compressed air stored in the tank14. Starting and stopping of the cooling unit22is controlled by the controller17. The cooling unit22may be a dedicated unit of the rapid air conditioning apparatus10, but in the present embodiment, existing facilities of the vehicle are used, and energy that is generated without putting a workload on the driving power source and electric power of the vehicle is used.

Specifically, the cooling unit22cools the compressed air stored in the tank14with, for example, air taken into the vehicle or cooled, breeze from running, coolant of an air conditioning apparatus, coolant generated using driving force of the engine7or transmission of the vehicle, or coolant obtained by electric power of the battery or generator.

The heating unit23heats compressed air stored in the tank14. Starting and stopping of the heating unit23is controlled by the controller17. The heating unit23may be a dedicated unit of the rapid air conditioning apparatus10, but with the present embodiment, existing facilities of the vehicle are used, and energy that is not generated without putting a workload on the driving power source and electric power of the vehicle is used.

Specifically, the heating unit23heats the compressed air stored in the tank14with, for example, air taken into the vehicle or heated, heat from the vehicle2, heat carrier of an air conditioning apparatus, heat carrier generated using driving force of the engine7or transmission of the vehicle, heat carrier obtained by electric power of the battery or generator, engine heat or exhaust heat, or heat from brakes or the transmission.

Next, the operation of the rapid air conditioning apparatus10inFIG. 2will be described.FIG. 3is a flowchart illustrating the entirety of a cooling process of the rapid air conditioning apparatus10inFIG. 2.

With the overall control inFIG. 3, the controller17of the rapid air conditioning apparatus10first executes an air compressing process (step ST1).

The controller17executes the compressing process during deceleration of the vehicle, for example. With the compressing process, in a state in which the air intake valve13is opened, and the discharge valve16is closed, the controller17operates the compression unit11to supply the compressed air to the tank14. In the case of using the electromagnetic clutch, the controller17makes connection thereof.

The controller17may determine, based on the detection signal of the pressure sensor20which detects the pressure of the tank14, or a flag indicating the cycle of the rapid air conditioning apparatus10stored in memory, whether or not there is the compressed air in the tank14, and in the event that no compressed air is stored, operate the compression unit11.

In the event that deceleration ends during compression, the controller17closes the air intake valve13, and disengages the electromagnetic clutch, whereupon compression is interrupted. Upon decelerating again, the controller17opens the air intake valve13and engages the electromagnetic clutch. The controller17repeats this control while the vehicle is being driven, thereby storing compressed air in the tank14.

Also, in the event that the pressure detected by the pressure sensor20has exceeded a reference value, the controller17ends the compressing process. Upon the controller17having ended the compressing process, the compression unit11is stopped, and the air intake valve13is closed. In the event of using an electromagnetic clutch, the controller17disengages this. Thus, the air intake valve13and discharge valve16both are in a closed state, and the compressed air having pressure equal to or greater than a reference value is stored in the tank14(storing process, cooling process, step ST2). Note that predetermined reference pressure for stopping storage of the compressed air as to the tank14has to be higher than the atmospheric pressure, and is several Mpa, for example.

Incidentally, the air generates heat when compressed. The compressed air stored in the tank14is cooled along with the tank14after completion of compression. For example, in the event that the tank14does not have a heat-insulated configuration, temperature of the compressed air is cooled up to the same temperature as the external temperature of the tank14. Accordingly, with the storing process after the compressed air is supplied to this tank14, the temperature of the passenger space within the tank14is cooled to normal temperature, for example.

Note however, with the present embodiment, in the storing process, the controller17either heats or cools the compressed air stored in the tank14. For example, the controller17calculates the amount of heat necessary for the compressed air stored in the tank14, such that the temperature within the passenger space3as a result of the compressed air in the tank14being discharged to the passenger space3will be the temperature set at the air conditioning apparatus. The controller17executes control such that the heat amount of the compressed air stored in the tank14is this necessary amount of heat.

In the event that the amount of heat of the compressed air stored in the tank14is insufficient, the controller17activates the heating unit23. The heating unit23heats the compressed air of the tank14using, for example, heat from the hot engine7, heat from the heater of the air conditioning apparatus, or the like. Upon the temperature of the compressed air detected by the temperature sensor21reaching the desired temperature, the controller17stops the heating unit23.

In the event that the amount of heat of the compressed air stored in the tank14is excessive, the controller17activates the cooling unit22. The cooling unit22cools the compressed air of the tank14using, for example, air taken into the vehicle, coolant or cooled air of the air conditioning apparatus, or the like. Upon the temperature of the compressed air detected by the temperature sensor21reaching the desired temperature, the controller17stops the cooling unit22.

Next, the controller17executes a releasing process (step ST3).

The controller17executes the releasing process, for example, when the user gets into the vehicle, after the user gets into the vehicle, or in the event that determination is made that the user is likely to get into the vehicle, based on information from the passenger detector.

With the releasing process, the controller17opens the discharge valve16while keeping the air intake valve13closed. Thus, the compressed air stored in the tank14is discharged to the passenger space3through a discharge nozzle. The compressed air is expanded within the passenger space3, and the room temperature in the boarding case3is decreased by endothermic reaction accompanying expansion.

Note that, with this releasing process, in order to suppress pressure increase in the passenger space3, the controller17may execute control to open the window glass6together, or may control the air conditioning apparatus in accordance with the external air introduction mode. The controller17has to start releasing of the compressed air in a state in which a vent hole is provided to the passenger space3in this way. The controller17may detect that the window glass6or door panel5is opened to start releasing of the compressed air.

As described above, in order to release the compressed air into the passenger space3, the controller17executes the compressing process, storing process, and releasing process as one-time cooling cycle. Thus, the room temperature of the passenger space3after releasing decreases as compared to before releasing.

The rapid air conditioning apparatus10can cool the passenger space3. The controller17can repeatedly execute the cooling cycle, and thus the passenger space3can be cooled over multiple times.

Also, with the rapid air conditioning apparatus10according to the present embodiment, instead of releasing into the passenger space3immediately after compressing the air, the compressed air passes through the storing process. According to passing through a cooling period in this storing process, the temperature in the compressed air decreases as compared to the temperature at the time of completion of compression, and becomes normal temperature, for example.

The compressed air of which the temperature has been lowered is released into the passenger space3, whereby more room temperature lowering can be expected as compared to a case where the high-temperature compressed air immediately after compression is released.

In the compressing process of this cooling cycle, the controller17uses energy that is generated without putting a workload on the power source or electric power of the vehicle to compress air, by rotational driving force transmitted from the wheels during a period of decelerating by engine braking. In the event of heating in the storing process, the controller17heats the compressed air stored in the tank14using energy that is generated without putting a workload on the power source or electric power of the vehicle, such as heat dissipation from the engine7, for example. In the event of cooling in the storing process, the controller17cools the compressed air stored in the tank14using energy that is generated without putting a workload on the power source or electric power of the vehicle, such as coolant of the air conditioning apparatus, for example.

Thus, the rapid air conditioning apparatus10according to the present embodiment uses energy that is generated without putting a workload on the power source or electric power of the vehicle to compress, heat, and cool the air. Accordingly, the rapid air conditioning apparatus10can compress, heat, and cool the air using low-load energy, dissipated heat energy, and excessive energy.

Second Embodiment

The first embodiment is an example of the basic configuration and operation of the rapid air conditioning apparatus10which cools the passenger space3using the compressed air. A second embodiment is a more specific example of the rapid air conditioning apparatus10. The basic configurations of the vehicle and rapid air conditioning apparatus10according to the second embodiment are the same as with those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4is a configuration diagram of the compression system part of the rapid air conditioning apparatus10according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The rapid air conditioning apparatus10inFIG. 4has a compressor24and an electromagnetic clutch25as the compression unit11to compress air in the tank14.

For the compressor24, a positive displacement pump, for example, may be used. A positive displacement pump compresses fluid by performing an operation in which fluid such as air is suctioned from an intake vent18, and the capacity of the suctioned fluid is reduced. Examples of the positive displacement pump include a gear pump, a diaphragm pump, a piston pump, and a plunger pump. The gear pump compresses fluid by rotation. The diaphragm pump, piston pump, and plunger pump compress fluid by reciprocation.

The rapid air conditioning apparatus10according to the present embodiment directly releases the compressed air into the passenger space3. In order to suppress contamination of the passenger space3, it is desirable to employ an oil-less type as for the compressor24. The compressed air in the rapid air conditioning apparatus10may perform thermal exchange of the coolness of the compressed air into with other air, such as external air, by heat-exchange equipment, and supply this to the passenger space3, rather than releasing the compressed air into the passenger space3as it is.

The electromagnetic clutch25is provided between the output shaft of the engine7and the input shaft of the compressor24. The compressor24can be stopped while the engine7is running by disengaging the electromagnetic clutch25. Also, by engaging the electromagnetic clutch25during deceleration, the compressor24can be operated by rotational force transmitted from the wheels during a period of decelerating by engine braking. The compressor24and electromagnetic clutch25are preferably provided in the engine room.

FIG. 5is a flowchart of the compressing process of the rapid air conditioning apparatus10inFIG. 4. Upon the engine7being started in step ST11, the controller17determines whether or not the vehicle is decelerating (step ST12). The controller17can determine starting of the engine7by a start signal from the ECU31, for example. The controller17can detect whether or not the vehicle is decelerating, by a vehicle speed pulse signal from the ECU31and a detection signal indicating that the accelerator pedal is not being depressed, for example. Upon a state in which accelerator pedal is not being depressed is detected while the vehicle speed pulse signal is being detected, the vehicle can be considered to be in a state of decelerating while engine braking.

In the event that the vehicle is decelerating, the controller17starts the compressing process (step ST13). The controller17engages the electromagnetic clutch25and activates the compressor24. The controller17also opens the air intake valve13. Thus, air is compressed in the tank14.

Thereafter, the controller17repeats the determination in step ST12regarding whether or not the vehicle is decelerating. If no longer decelerating, the controller17interrupts the compression (step ST14). The controller17closes the air intake valve13, disengages the electromagnetic clutch25, and stops the compressor24. Thus, compression of air to the tank14is interrupted.

The controller17determines whether or not to end the compressing process (step ST15). Upon the detection pressure of the pressure sensor20having exceeded a predetermined pressure, for example, the controller17determines to end the compressing process. If the detection pressure has not exceeded the predetermined pressure, the controller17repeats the processing of steps ST12through ST14. Accordingly, intermittently, air is compressed and the compressed air is stored in the tank14, while the vehicle is decelerating.

In the event ending the compressing process, the controller17closes the air intake valve13. The controller17disengages the electromagnetic clutch25, and stops the compressor24(step ST16). Thus, compression of air to the tank14ends. Compressed air of a predetermined constant pressure is stored in the tank14.

FIG. 6is a configuration diagram of the heating/cooling system part of the rapid air conditioning apparatus10inFIG. 4. The rapid air conditioning apparatus10inFIG. 6heats or cools the compressed air stored in the tank14with air cooled or heated by an air conditioning apparatus32. The rapid air conditioning apparatus10has an insulating case26having a vent, and a cool air duct27, cool air vent28, warm air duct29, and warm air valve30which communicate with the insulating case26.

The insulating case26stores a duct from the air intake valve13to the discharge valve16, and the tank14. It is sufficient for the insulating case26to insulate between the inside and outside of the case, by a vacuum layer for example.

The cool air duct27guides cool air into the insulating case26. The cool air duct27connects the insulating case26with the air conditioning duct33of the air conditioning apparatus32. The cool air duct27is also connected to a portion of the air conditioning duct33of the air conditioning apparatus32that is downstream from an evaporator34. Accordingly, air which is suctioned into the vehicle by the air conditioning apparatus32and further cooled by the evaporator34is introduced to the insulating case26via the cool air duct27.

The evaporator34is a part of the cooling unit22. The cooling unit22has a compressor41which is driven by the engine7, a condenser42which condenses and liquefies compressed coolant, a receiver43which separates just cooling medium from the condensed and liquefied coolant, an expansion valve44which performs decompression and expansion of the cooling medium, the evaporator34which performs gasification of the expanded coolant, and piping45which connects these in a ring.

The cool air valve28is provided to the cool air duct27. The cool air valve28is opened and closed by the controller17. When the cool air valve28is in an open state, cool air from the air conditioning apparatus32is supplied to the insulating case26. When the cool air valve28is in a closed state, cool air introduced to the insulating case26stands therein. The compressed air within the tank14is cooled by this cool air.

The warm air duct29guides warm air into the insulating case26. The warm air duct29connects the insulating case26with the air conditioning duct33of the air conditioning apparatus32. The warm air duct29is also connected to a portion of the air conditioning duct33of the air conditioning apparatus32that is downstream from a heater35. Accordingly, air which is suctioned into the vehicle by the air conditioning apparatus32and further heated by the heater35is introduced to the insulating case26via the warm air duct29.

The heater35is a part of the heating unit23. The heating unit23has the heater35, piping46to circulate cooling water heated by the engine7to the heater35, and a cooling water pump47provided to the piping46.

The warm air valve30is provided to the warm air duct29. The warm air valve30is opened and closed by the controller17. When the warm air valve30is in an open state, warm air from the air conditioning apparatus32is supplied to the insulating case26. When the warm air valve30is in a closed state, warm air introduced to the insulating case26stands therein. The compressed air within the tank14is heated by this warm air.

Next, description will be made regarding cooling or heating in the storing process of the rapid air conditioning apparatus10inFIG. 6.FIG. 7is a flowchart of the storing process of the rapid air conditioning apparatus10inFIG. 6. Upon the compressing process ending, the controller17of the rapid air conditioning apparatus10starts the storing process (step ST21).

Upon starting the storing process, the controller17computes the amount of necessary heat for the compressed air (step ST22). For example, the controller17calculates the amount of necessary heat for the compressed air stored in the tank14, such that the temperature of the passenger space3becomes the temperature set at the air conditioning apparatus32by discharging the compressed air stored in the tank14to the passenger space3. Alternatively, the controller17may compute the amount of heat necessary to cool to a certain temperature in accordance with the season, such as to 28° C. during summer, for example.

After computing the necessary heat amount, the controller17determines whether there is excessive or insufficient heat amount of the compressed air actually stored in the tank14(steps ST23and ST24). The controller17computes the heat amount of the compressed air actually stored in the tank14, based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor21and the pressure at the pressure sensor20, and compares this with the necessary heat amount calculated earlier.

In the event that the amount of heat is insufficient, the controller17executes heating processing of the compressed air (step ST25). The controller17operates the cooling water pump47of the heating unit23. the cooling water pump47may be controlled by the air conditioning apparatus32under command of the controller17. Also, upon the heater35being heated, the controller17opens the warm air valve30. Accordingly, air taken in by the air conditioning apparatus32, and heated by the heater35, is introduced into the insulating case26via the warm air duct29. Thus, the compressed air stored in the tank14is heated by the warm air introduced into the insulating case26.

In the event that the amount of heat is excessive, the controller17executes cooling processing of the compressed air (step ST26). The controller17operates the compressor41of the cooling unit22. The compressor41may be controlled by the air conditioning apparatus32under command of the controller17. Also, upon the evaporator34being cooled, the controller17opens the cool air valve28. Accordingly, air taken in by the air conditioning apparatus32, and cooled by the evaporator34, is introduced into the insulating case26via the cool air duct27. Thus, the compressed air stored in the tank14is cooled by the cool air introduced into the insulating case26.

In the event that the amount of heat is neither excessive nor insufficient, the controller17ends the storing processing without performing any heating/cooling.

As described above, the rapid air conditioning apparatus10according to the present embodiment compresses air using the braking force of engine braking when decelerating. Also, the rapid air conditioning apparatus10uses the cool air of the evaporator34of the air conditioning apparatus32to cool the compressed air stored in the tank14, and uses warm air of the heater35to warm the compressed air stored in the tank14. Accordingly, the rapid air conditioning apparatus10according to the present embodiment compresses, heats, and cools air using energy that is generated without putting a workload on the power source or electric power of the vehicle. Accordingly, the rapid air conditioning apparatus10can compress, heat, and cool the air using low-load energy, dissipated heat energy, and excessive energy.

Note that the heating processing (step ST25) and cooling processing (step ST26) inFIG. 7may be executed after the passenger space3is controlled to a suitable temperature by the air conditioning apparatus32. Accordingly, the compressed air can be heated/cooled using excess capacity of the air conditioning apparatus32, and not putting a workload thereupon.

The above embodiments are examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is in no way restricted to these; rather, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

With the second embodiment described above, the compressor24is driven by rotational force transmitted from the wheels during deceleration which the vehicle is engine braking, and thus compressing air. Alternatively, air may be compressed using the exhaust pressure of air brakes, for example.

FIG. 8is a configuration diagram of a modification of the compression system part of the rapid air conditioning apparatus10according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The compression unit11of the rapid air conditioning apparatus10inFIG. 8includes a cylinder51, a piston52, a spring53, and a three-way valve54.

The cylinder51communicates with partway of an exhaust pipe61with the engine7at one side thereof, and with the air intake duct12at the other end thereof. The cylinder51is connected to the exhaust pipe61at a position closer to the engine7than a valve62for the air brakes.

The piston52is positioned in the cylinder51so as to be movable from one side to the other side. The piston52separates the interior space of the cylinder51into one side and the other side. The spring53acts to press the piston52toward the one side of the cylinder51.

The three-way valve54is provided at a position where the cylinder51connects to the air intake duct12. The three-way valve54switches and connects one of the intake vent18and tank14to the cylinder51. The three-way valve54is controlled by the controller17.

In the event that no compression is to be performed, the three-way valve54connects the intake vent18to the cylinder51. External air is introduced into the cylinder51from the intake vent18.

In the event of performing compression, the controller17switches the three-way valve54so as to connect the tank14to the cylinder51. The air brakes operate in this state. The valve62of the air brakes is closed in this state, and the pressure of the exhaust pipe61rises. The pressure of the exhaust pipe61moves the piston52against the force of the spring53. The external air in the cylinder51is compressed and supplied to the tank14, so that air is compressed while the air brakes are operating.

While the air brakes are operating, the controller17controls the three-way valve54. The three-way valve54closes off the path connecting between the tank14and cylinder51, and opens the path connecting between the cylinder51and the intake vent18. Compressed air is stored in the tank14.

Disengaging the air brakes lowers internal pressure within the cylinder51. The pressing force of the spring53disposed within the cylinder51presses the piston52back to its original position. The exhaust gas within the cylinder51is forced back into the exhaust pipe61.

With the above embodiments, the rapid air conditioning apparatus10are mounted on the automobile1, respectively. In addition to these, for example, the rapid air conditioning apparatus10may be mounted on other vehicles such as a bus, train, or the like.

The rapid air conditioning apparatus10may be formed as independent apparatuses separately from the vehicle.

Electric motors are employed as driving sources of the compressor11, whereby the rapid air conditioning apparatus10can carry out the compressing process without taking the driving source of the engine7as a source of power. The rapid air conditioning apparatus10employing the electric compressor can be operated by any one of the power of a battery of the vehicle, a solar power-generating panel, and a household power source.

The rapid air conditioning apparatus10is configured so as to be portable, and accordingly can be used for cooling of multiple vehicles, and can be used as rapid air conditioning apparatus10for emergency use.

With the above embodiments, the rapid air conditioning apparatus10includes the compressor11in addition to the tank14. In addition to these, for example, an arrangement may be made where the rapid air conditioning apparatus10do not include the compressor11, by the tank14being configured so as to be replaceable. In this case, the rapid air conditioning apparatus10does not carry out the compressing process. Also, the rapid air conditioning apparatus10carry out the cooling process by confirming residual pressure of the tank14, or confirming whether or not a new tank14has been mounted. In the event of purchasing and using the tank14, the tank14thereof has usually cooled to normal temperature, and accordingly, the storing process for cooling is not needed.

With the above embodiments, the passenger space3of a vehicle such as the automobile1is cooled by the rapid air conditioning apparatus10. In addition to this, for example, the passenger space3of a vehicle such as the automobile1may be cooled by the rapid air conditioning apparatus10, and the air conditioning apparatus. For example, after the passenger space3is initially cooled at the rapid air conditioning apparatus10, the passenger space3may be cooled to a predetermined temperature by the air conditioning apparatus. Thus, the passenger space3is cooled in short time in a sure manner as compared to a case where the passenger space3is cooled by the air conditioning apparatus alone.

Note that such cooperative cooling operation between the rapid air conditioning apparatus10and the air conditioning apparatus can be realized, in the case that these have a separate controller, by transmitting an activation signal from the rapid air conditioning apparatus10to the air conditioning apparatus, for example. With an arrangement where the controller is shared, such cooperative cooling operation between the rapid air conditioning apparatus10and the air conditioning apparatus can be realized by program-to-program communication according to a flag or the like from the control program in the rapid air conditioning apparatus10to the control program in the air conditioning apparatus.