JP2008260388A - Cup holder temperature control device for automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cup holder temperature control device for an automobile having the cooling/heating function capable of reducing the load on a battery and a generator of the automobile. <P>SOLUTION: The cup holder temperature control device 10 comprises a cup holder 12 which is arranged in a cabin of an automobile to receive a beverage container, a temperature variable means 13 fitted to the cup holder 12, and a control unit 14 for controlling the drive of the temperature variable means 13. The control unit 14 drives the temperature variable means 13 to cool or heat the beverage container under a traveling condition without any load on a generator or a battery of the automobile. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cup holder provided in a passenger compartment of an automobile, and more particularly to a temperature control device for a cup holder having a heating / cooling function.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, automobiles are equipped with cup holders for holding containers (hereinafter referred to as beverage containers) containing beverages such as beverage bottles, beverage cans, and cups. Furthermore, in recent years, a cup holder having a temperature variable function for heating or cooling a beverage container is also known.
A cup holder device having this type of temperature variable function is configured, for example, as shown in FIG. A cup holder device 1 shown in FIG. 3 includes a cup holder 3 attached to, for example, a center console 2 in a passenger compartment of an automobile, and a duct 4 attached to an opening 3 a provided on a side wall of the cup holder 3. It is configured.

  The cup holder 3 has a hollow cylindrical side wall 3b that is open at the top, a bottom 3c that closes the lower end of the cylindrical side wall 3b, and a cylindrical side wall 3b so that a beverage container can be put into the cup holder from above. The flange portion 3d protrudes outward from the upper edge.

  When the cup holder 3 is inserted into the mounting hole 2 a provided in the center console 2 from above, the flange portion 3 d comes into contact with the peripheral edge of the mounting hole 2 a of the center console 2 and is held by the center console 2.

  One end of the duct 4 is connected to the opening 3a of the cup holder 3 as shown, and the other end (not shown) is connected to, for example, an air conditioner (not shown) provided in the automobile. Thus, cool air or warm air is introduced into the internal space of the cup holder 3 from the air conditioner.

  According to the cup holder device 1 having such a configuration, the beverage container held in the cup holder 3 is supplied with cold air or warm air from the air conditioner through the duct 4 into the cup holder 3 during operation of the air conditioner. And cooled or warmed.

Patent Document 1 discloses a storage cup holder in which cold air or warm air is supplied from an air conditioner only when a container containing a beverage is held.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-203341

  Both the cup holder 1 and the retractable cup holder according to Patent Document 1 use cold air or warm air supplied from an air conditioner in order to cool or warm the held beverage container. Since the cold air or warm air from the air conditioner is at a temperature close to room temperature, a temperature control device using this type of air conditioner has a weak beverage cooling performance or warming performance. For this reason, it is difficult to arbitrarily set (cool or warm) the temperature of the beverage. Furthermore, it is necessary to provide a duct that guides cool air or warm air from the air conditioner to the vicinity of the cup holder, which restricts the degree of freedom of arrangement of members in a limited vehicle compartment space and affects the arrangement of other members. Further, the air conditioner cannot be stopped while the beverage container held in the cup holder is cooled or heated.

  Furthermore, in recent years, the number of in-vehicle devices for automobiles has been increasing, and the power consumption has been gradually increasing. As a result, the size of the battery and the generator (alternator) is increasing, so the weight of the automobile increases, the torque of the generator increases, and the burden on the engine also increases. Further, if the air conditioner is continuously used during idling or when the battery voltage is lowered, the battery burden increases rapidly. Accordingly, when the automobile is used, accelerating performance and fuel consumption are deteriorated by continuing to use the air conditioner, and in some cases, the battery may run out.

  The present invention was created in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide an automotive cup holder temperature control device having a cooling / heating function that reduces the burden on a battery or a generator. Yes.

In order to achieve the above object, a cup holder temperature control device for an automobile according to the present invention includes a cup holder that is disposed in a cabin of an automobile and receives a beverage container, a temperature variable means attached to the cup holder, and a temperature. A control unit that drives and controls the variable unit, and the control unit drives the temperature variable unit under driving conditions that do not place a burden on the engine, generator, and battery of the automobile to cool or add the beverage container. It is characterized by performing temperature.
Here, the following conditions (A) to (D) correspond to conditions that do not become a burden on the battery or generator (alternator) of the automobile.
(A) When the vehicle speed change is constant or decelerated.
(B) When the engine speed exceeds the specified speed (1000 rpm).
(C) When the throttle opening is less than 30% due to acceleration.
(D) When the battery is in a charged state.
Further, in the cup holder temperature control apparatus for an automobile of the present invention, preferably, the temperature varying means is constituted by a Peltier module.

  According to the present invention, the temperature variable means is driven by the control unit only when the driving condition is such that the vehicle generator and the battery are not burdened. Accordingly, the temperature variable means is not driven, for example, when the vehicle is accelerating, idling, or when the battery voltage is low, and therefore, the acceleration performance and fuel consumption are reduced due to continuous driving of the temperature variable means. Since the burden on the battery and the generator is reduced, the battery will not run out.

  In addition, since the beverage container is directly cooled or directly heated by the temperature variable means without using cold air or warm air from the air conditioner, it is not a temperature close to room temperature such as the set temperature of air conditioning by the air conditioner, but in the case of cooling In the case of heating, it is cooled or heated to a lower temperature, and in the case of heating, a temperature setting suitable for drinking is possible.

  Furthermore, since the cool air or warm air from the air conditioner is not used, it is not necessary to arrange a duct from the air conditioner to the vicinity of the cup holder, and the cup holder can be arranged at any location in the passenger compartment, and so-called retrofit installation is also possible. It becomes possible.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on the embodiments shown in the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a cup holder temperature control device (hereinafter referred to as a temperature control device) 10 for an automobile according to an embodiment of the present invention. The temperature control device 10 includes, for example, a cup holder 12 attached to, for example, a center console 11 in a vehicle interior of the automobile, a Peltier module 13 serving as a temperature variable unit disposed on the bottom surface of the cup holder 12, and drive control of the Peltier module 13. And a temperature sensor 15, 16 provided on the cup holder 12, and a cup sensor 17 provided on the inner wall of the cup holder 12.

The cup holder 12 is made of a heat insulating material, and accommodates a container (hereinafter referred to as a beverage container) containing a beverage such as a beverage bottle, a beverage can, or a cup. For this reason, the cup holder 12 includes, for example, a hollow cylindrical side wall portion 12a that opens upward, a bottom portion 12b that covers the lower portion of the side wall portion 12a, and a flange portion 12c that protrudes outward from the upper edge of the side wall portion 12a. And.
A hole 11a for attaching the cup holder is formed in the center console, and the cup holder 12 is inserted into the attachment hole 11a from above so that the flange portion 12c comes into contact with the peripheral edge of the attachment hole 11a of the center console 11. It is held by the center console 11. The peripheral edge of the mounting hole 11a is covered with the flange portion 12b and is hidden. Further, the opened upper end of the cup holder 12 is closed with a cap 12d so that the cup holder 12 can be opened and closed.

  The Peltier module 13 is composed of an n-type semiconductor and a p-type semiconductor. When a direct current is passed, the Peltier module 13 absorbs heat or dissipates based on the direction of the current and controls the heat absorption or heat dissipation effect by controlling the current. It is an element that can. In the illustrated case, the bottom 12 b of the cup holder 12 is constituted by a Peltier module 13. Thereby, heat dissipation during cooling and heat absorption during heating are efficiently performed on the lower surface of the Peltier module 13.

  The control unit 14 is configured to supply a direct current to the Peltier module 13 and adjust the current value, and to control the drive of the Peltier module 13 by turning on and off the direct current.

Here, as shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle speed signal, an engine rotation signal, a throttle opening signal, and a battery voltage are input to the control unit 14 from the engine control unit on the automobile side.
Based on these vehicle information, the control unit 14 does not drive the Peltier module when any of the following conditions (1) to (4) is satisfied.
(1) The car is accelerating.
(2) When the engine speed is less than the predetermined engine speed.
(3) The throttle opening is less than a predetermined value.
(4) When the charging voltage is less than a predetermined voltage.

  In addition to the above (1) to (4), the control unit 14 performs drive control of the Peltier module 13 based on the detection signals from the two temperature sensors 15 and 16 and the cup sensor 17 described above.

  The first temperature sensor 15 is disposed on the lower surface of the Peltier module 13 and outputs a detection signal when the detected temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature during heating by the Peltier module 13. On the other hand, the second temperature sensor 16 is disposed on the inner side of the cup holder 12, that is, on the inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 12a, and outputs a detection signal when the detection temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature during cooling by the Peltier module 13. .

  The cup sensor 17 is disposed at a position slightly above the inside of the cup holder 12, and when a beverage container is accommodated in the cup holder 12, this container is detected and a detection signal is output. For example, the cup sensor 17 is configured as a transmissive optical sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element attached to the inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 12a so as to face each other through a gap. The cup sensor 17 is not limited to a non-contact sensor, and may be configured as a contact sensor that detects a beverage container by contacting the beverage container.

  When the detection signal is input from the first and second temperature sensors 15 and 16, the control unit 14 stops driving the Peltier module 13, and when the detection signal from the cup sensor 17 is input, the Peltier module 13 is started.

  Here, the control part 14 mentioned above is specifically comprised as shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the control unit 14 includes a drive circuit 20 and four processing circuits 21, 22, 23, and 24.

  The drive circuit 20 includes a two-stage power transistor 20a for supplying a drive current to the Peltier module 13, a current limiting resistor 20b including a variable resistor connected in series to the power transistor 20a and the Peltier module 13, and the current limiter. A first switching circuit 20c connected between the resistance 20b and the ground, and a second switching circuit 20d connected in parallel to the current limiting resistor 20b.

  Thereby, the output signal of the 4-input type AND circuit 25 to which signals from the processing circuits 21 to 24 are input is input to the first switching circuit 20c as a trigger signal. Therefore, only when the detection signals of all the processing circuits 21 to 24 are input, an H level signal is input from the AND circuit 25 to the first switching circuit 20c as a trigger signal, and the first switching circuit 20c Turn on.

In this case, the first temperature sensor 15 is configured as a normally closed switch that is turned off when the set temperature is exceeded. The second temperature sensor 16 is configured as a normally closed switch that is turned off when the temperature becomes lower than the set temperature. On the other hand, the cup sensor 17 is configured as a normally open switch that is turned on when a beverage container is detected.
As shown in FIG. 2, these three switches 15, 16, and 17 are directly connected to each other, one side is connected to the base of the transistor constituting the second switching circuit 20d, and the other side is grounded. Yes.

Among the processing circuits 21 to 24, the first processing circuit 21 outputs a H level signal when the vehicle speed is constant and when the vehicle speed is decelerated by inputting a vehicle speed signal from the engine control unit of the automobile, and during acceleration. An L level signal is output.
The second processing circuit 22 outputs an H level signal when the engine speed signal is input from the engine control unit of the automobile and is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed (for example, 1000 rpm as a specified speed).
Here, since both the vehicle speed signal and the engine rotation signal are pulse signals, these processing circuits 21 and 22 detect the vehicle speed and the engine rotation number by counting pulses in a predetermined time, and for example, a reference value by a comparator. It is comprised so that determination may be performed in comparison with.

The third processing circuit 23 outputs an H level signal when the throttle opening is equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, 30%) by inputting the throttle opening signal from the engine control unit of the automobile.
Further, the fourth processing circuit 24 outputs an H level signal when the battery voltage is input from the engine control unit of the automobile and is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage (for example, 13.5 V).
Here, since the throttle opening signal and the battery voltage are analog voltage signals corresponding to the numerical values, these processing circuits 23 and 24 compare the throttle opening degree and the battery voltage with a reference value by a comparator, for example. It is configured to make a determination.

  Therefore, the drive circuit 20 of the control unit 14 is configured such that when all the signals from the processing circuits 21 to 24 are at the H level and the first and second temperature sensors 15 and 16 are switched on, the cup sensor 17 Only when the switch is turned on, the Peltier module 13 is driven to cool or warm the beverage container accommodated in the cup holder 12.

  The temperature control device 10 according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, and the control unit 14 drives the Peltier module 13 by the drive circuit 20 to cool or cool the beverage container accommodated in the cup holder 12. Warm up. At that time, if any one of the signals from the processing circuits 21 to 24 has an L level signal, the drive circuit 20 of the control unit 14 turns off the first switching circuit 20c, and the Peltier module 13 Stop driving.

  In other words, the first switching circuit 20c opens the throttle based on the throttle opening signal when accelerating based on the vehicle speed signal of the automobile and when the engine speed is less than a predetermined speed, for example, less than 1000 rpm, based on the engine speed signal. When the degree exceeds a predetermined value, for example, 30%, or when the battery voltage is lower than a predetermined voltage, for example, 13.5 V, the power is turned off. In these cases, the control unit 14 stops driving the Peltier module 13.

Further, the drive circuit 20 of the control unit 14 is configured such that when the switches of the first and second temperature sensors 15 and 16 and the cup sensor 17 are off, the base of the transistor of the second switching circuit 20d is grounded. Then, the second switching circuit 20d is turned off, and the driving of the Peltier module 13 is stopped.
That is, the second switching circuit 20d detects that the first temperature sensor 15 has exceeded the predetermined temperature during heating, and the second temperature sensor 16 has detected that the temperature has become lower than the predetermined temperature during cooling. And when the beverage sensor is not detected in the cup holder 12 by the cup sensor 17, it is turned off. In these cases, the control unit 14 stops driving the Peltier module 13.

In this way, the control unit 14 drives the Peltier module 13 in a driving condition that does not place a burden on the engine or battery of the automobile, and cools or warms the beverage container accommodated in the cup holder 12. And the drink etc. in a container can be set to desired temperature.
Further, the control unit 14 stops the driving of the Peltier module 13 when the driving condition is a burden on the engine or the battery of the automobile, that is, at the time of acceleration running, idling, or when the battery voltage is lowered, thereby improving the acceleration performance of the automobile. It secures and suppresses the decrease in fuel consumption, and protects the battery and the generator.
Further, the control unit 14 is not necessary, that is, when there is no beverage container to be cooled or heated in the cup holder 12, when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature during heating, or when the temperature falls below the predetermined temperature during cooling, The drive of the Peltier module 13 is stopped to save energy and suppress a reduction in fuel consumption.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the Peltier module is used as the temperature variable means, the apparatus itself can be configured in a small size, and precise temperature control is possible (cooling and overheating are possible).

As described above, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is obvious that a drive circuit having an arbitrary configuration for driving and controlling the Peltier module 13 is not limited to the circuit of FIG.
In the above description, as vehicle information from the engine control unit, (a) vehicle speed signal, (b) engine rotation signal, (c) throttle opening signal, and (d) battery voltage are subject to determination, When all of the four conditions have predetermined requirements, the Peltier module as the temperature variable means is driven, but at least one, two, or three of (a) to (d) as vehicle information ( It is also possible to control by combining any combination) as a condition for driving the temperature variable means.

In the embodiment described above, the temperature variable means is attached to the cup bottom so as to form the bottom of the cup holder, but the attachment position of the temperature variable means is not limited to this, and the side wall of the cup holder You may attach to the inner surface or outer surface of a side wall part so that a part may be comprised. When the temperature variable means is attached to the outer surface of the cup holder, the cup holder itself is made of a material having high thermal conductivity, and the temperature variable means cools or warms the beverage container via the cup holder.
The temperature variable means may be a device that can change the temperature of at least one of heating and cooling of the beverage container other than the Peltier module. For example, a heater or a cooler may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the cup holder 12 is attached to the upper surface of the center console 11 of the automobile. However, the cup holder in the present invention is arranged because it does not use cold air or warm air from an air conditioner as in the past. The degree of freedom is increased, and for example, it can be arranged at an arbitrary position such as the upper surface of the instrument panel or the door pocket.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the cup holder temperature control apparatus for motor vehicles based on embodiment of this invention. It is a circuit diagram which shows the structural example of the control part in the cup holder temperature control apparatus for motor vehicles of FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the structural example of the conventional cup holder apparatus for motor vehicles.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Cup holder 11 Center console 11a Hole 12 Cup holder 12a Side wall part 12b Bottom part 12c Flange part 12d Cap 13 Peltier module 14 Control part 15 1st temperature sensor (it turns on below predetermined temperature)
16 Second temperature sensor (on at a specified temperature or higher)
17 Cup sensor 20 Drive circuit 21-24 Processing circuit 25 AND circuit

Claims (9)

Cup holder temperature control for an automobile, comprising a cup holder that is disposed in a vehicle cabin and receives a beverage container, a temperature variable means attached to the cup holder, and a control unit that drives and controls the temperature variable means. A device,
The controller is configured to drive the temperature variable means under driving conditions that do not impose a burden on a generator and a battery of the automobile to cool or warm the beverage container. Cup holder temperature control device.   2. The cup holder temperature control device for an automobile according to claim 1, wherein the controller drives the temperature varying unit when the vehicle speed is constant or decelerated based on a vehicle speed signal.   3. The cup holder temperature control device for an automobile according to claim 1, wherein when the controller is equal to or higher than a predetermined number of revolutions based on an engine speed, the temperature variable means is driven.   4. The cup holder temperature control device for an automobile according to claim 1, wherein the temperature variable means is driven when the controller is below a predetermined opening based on a throttle opening signal. 5.   5. The cup holder temperature control device for an automobile according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage based on a battery voltage, the temperature variable unit is driven. A cup sensor for detecting the beverage container in the cup holder;
6. The cup holder temperature for an automobile according to claim 1, wherein when the controller detects the beverage container based on a detection signal of the cup sensor, the temperature variable means is driven. Control device. A first temperature sensor that detects an upper limit temperature during heating in the cup holder,
The automobile cup according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the controller drives the temperature variable means when the temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature based on a detection signal from the first temperature sensor. Holder temperature control device. A second temperature sensor for detecting a lower limit temperature during cooling in the cup holder;
8. The automobile cup according to claim 1, wherein the control unit drives the temperature varying means when the temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature based on a detection signal from the second temperature sensor. 9. Holder temperature control device.   9. The cup holder temperature control device for an automobile according to claim 1, wherein the temperature varying means is a Peltier module.

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