JP2023007722A - Anti-fog system - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress fogging of a window immediately after a power source state of a vehicle is switched to a first power source state from a second power source state.SOLUTION: An anti-fog system X comprises: a detection device 23 for detecting state of an indoor space and/or an outdoor space; an anti-fog device 19 for suppressing fogging of a window; and a control device 26 for controlling the anti-fog device 19. The control device 26 is so configured as to switch a power source state of a vehicle 1 between a first power source state that travel of the vehicle 1 is permitted and a second power source state that travel of the vehicle 1 is prohibited. When the power source state of the vehicle 1 is in the second power source state and prescribed conditions are established, the control device 26 determines whether the window tends to fog up or not on the basis of a detection result of the detection device 23, and actuates the anti-fog device 19 when determining that the window tends to fog up.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to an anti-fog system for suppressing fogging of vehicle windows.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a vehicle is known that is provided with an image capturing device that captures an image of an exterior space from an interior space of the vehicle through a window. Such vehicles are sometimes provided with an anti-fogging device that suppresses fogging of the windows in order to ensure the sharpness of the image captured by the imaging device.

For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a vehicle provided with a heating portion that heats a portion of the windshield positioned in front of the lens of the camera module.

Japanese Patent No. 6303974

The power supply state of the vehicle as described above includes a first power supply state (eg, ignition ON state) in which the vehicle is allowed to run, and a second power supply state (eg, ignition OFF state) in which the vehicle is prohibited from running. You can switch between them. Generally, in the first power state, operation of the anti-fog device is allowed to ensure sharpness of images captured by the imaging device. On the other hand, in the second power state, operation of the defogging device is prohibited in order to suppress large power consumption.

However, even in the second power state, the windows of the vehicle may fog up. For example, in the second power supply state, when the humidity in the vehicle interior increases and the temperature in the exterior space decreases, the damp air in the vehicle interior space cools near the windows, which may cause the windows to fog up. When the windows fog up in the second power supply state in this manner, the windows remain fogged immediately after switching from the second power supply state to the first power supply state (for example, immediately after a vehicle that has been stopped for a long time starts running). sometimes If the windows remain foggy like this, it is not possible to obtain sufficient information based on the images captured by the imaging device. Cannot run.

In view of the above background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an anti-fogging system capable of suppressing fogging of windows immediately after the power state of the vehicle is switched from the second power state to the first power state. .

In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle (1) equipped with a photographing device (10) for photographing an exterior space (SP2) from an interior space (SP1) through a window (6). An anti-fog system (X) comprising a detection device (23) for detecting the state of the vehicle interior space and/or the vehicle exterior space, an anti-fog device (19) for suppressing fogging of the window, and the anti-fog device. and a control device (26) for controlling the vehicle between a first power state in which running of the vehicle is permitted and a second power state in which running of the vehicle is prohibited. When the power supply state of the vehicle is the second power supply state and a predetermined condition is satisfied (steps ST1, ST3, ST4, ST21, ST23 to ST25: Yes) Then, the control device determines whether or not the window tends to fog up based on the detection result of the detection device (steps ST15, ST33), and when it is determined that the window tends to fog up (steps ST15, ST33: Yes ), the defogging device is operated (steps ST16, ST34).

According to this aspect, when the power supply state of the vehicle is in the second power supply state and the predetermined condition is satisfied, fogging of the windows can be suppressed by operating the anti-fogging device as necessary. can. Therefore, it is possible to suppress fogging of the windows immediately after the power supply state of the vehicle is switched from the second power supply state to the first power supply state.

In the above aspect, the anti-fogging system further comprises a driving source (14A) that generates driving force for running the vehicle, and a battery (24) that supplies power to the driving source, and When the power state of the vehicle is the second power state and the state of charge of the battery exceeds a predetermined threshold value (steps ST4 and ST25: Yes), the control device It may be determined whether or not the window tends to fog up.

According to this aspect, it is not determined whether or not the windows tend to fog when the charging rate of the battery is low. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the anti-fogging device from operating when the charging rate of the battery is low. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the charging rate of the battery from running short due to the operation of the anti-fogging device.

In the above aspect, the anti-fogging system further comprises a driving source (14A) that generates driving force for running the vehicle, and a battery (24) that supplies power to the driving source, and When the conditions that the power supply state of the vehicle is the second power supply state and that the battery is being charged are satisfied (steps ST3 and ST24: Yes), the control device determines whether the windows tend to fog up. It may be determined whether or not

According to this aspect, it is possible to determine whether or not the windows tend to fog up on the condition that the battery is being charged, and to operate the anti-fogging device based on the determination result. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the charging rate of the battery from becoming insufficient due to the operation of the anti-fogging device.

In the above aspect, the anti-fogging system further comprises an input device (58) for receiving an input operation by a user, wherein the input device permits operation of the anti-fogging device in the second power state. and the power supply state of the vehicle is the second power supply state, and the input device has received the operation permission operation (step ST1, In ST23: Yes), the control device may determine whether or not the window tends to fog up.

According to this aspect, it is possible to determine whether or not the window tends to fog based on the user's intention, and to operate the anti-fogging device based on the determination result. Therefore, convenience for the user is improved.

In the above aspect, the anti-fogging system further comprises an input device (58) for receiving an input operation by a user, wherein the input device is the input operation related to reservation of use of the vehicle, including the start time of use of the vehicle. When the input device receives the use reservation operation, the control device sets a determination start time to a time that is a predetermined time before the use start time, and the vehicle is the second power state and the determination start time has arrived (step ST21: Yes), it is determined whether or not the window tends to fog up. Also good.

According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent the anti-fogging device from operating even though the user does not use the vehicle. Therefore, the energy saving property of the anti-fogging device can be enhanced.

In the above aspect, while the power state of the vehicle is the second power state, the control device may repeatedly determine whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied at regular time intervals.

According to this aspect, while the power supply state of the vehicle is in the second power supply state, fogging of the windows can be reliably suppressed.

In the above aspect, the detection device includes a vehicle interior temperature sensor (41) that detects the temperature of the vehicle interior space, a vehicle interior humidity sensor (42) that detects the humidity of the vehicle interior space, and a temperature of the vehicle exterior space. A vehicle exterior temperature sensor (43) and a solar radiation sensor (44) for detecting the amount of solar radiation in the vehicle interior space or the vehicle exterior space, wherein the control device controls the temperature and humidity of the vehicle interior space based on the temperature and humidity of the vehicle interior space. (step ST12), calculates the estimated temperature of the window based on the temperature of the vehicle exterior space and the amount of solar radiation (steps ST13, ST14), and calculates the estimated temperature of the window when the estimated temperature of the vehicle interior is the If the temperature is lower than the dew point temperature, it may be determined that the window tends to fog up (step ST15).

According to this aspect, it is possible to accurately calculate the estimated temperature of the window based on the amount of solar radiation, so it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the window tends to fog based on the estimated temperature of the window.

In the above aspect, the detection device includes a vehicle interior temperature sensor (41) that detects the temperature of the vehicle interior space, a vehicle interior humidity sensor (42) that detects the humidity of the vehicle interior space, and a temperature of the vehicle exterior space. a vehicle exterior temperature sensor (43), the control device calculates the dew point temperature of the vehicle interior space based on the temperature and humidity of the vehicle interior space (step ST32), If the temperature is lower than the dew point temperature, it may be determined that the window tends to fog up (step ST33).

According to this aspect, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the windows tend to fog based on the temperature of the vehicle interior space, the humidity of the vehicle interior space, and the temperature of the vehicle exterior space.

According to the above aspect, it is possible to suppress fogging of the windows immediately after the power state of the vehicle is switched from the second power state to the first power state.

1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a front window and its periphery according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an anti-fogging system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. Table showing a dew point temperature calculation table according to the first embodiment of the present invention A table showing a correction amount calculation table according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing execution determination processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Flowchart showing anti-fogging control according to the first embodiment of the present invention Flowchart showing execution determination processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention Flowchart showing anti-fogging control according to the third embodiment of the present invention

(First embodiment)
<Vehicle 1>
First, a vehicle 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. Referring to FIG. 1, vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment is an automobile. A vehicle 1 has a vehicle body 2 that is long in the front-rear direction. A vehicle interior space SP1 is formed inside the vehicle body 2, and a vehicle interior 3 for accommodating an occupant is provided in the front-rear direction central portion of the vehicle interior space SP1. The passenger compartment 3 is provided with, for example, a plurality of front seats 4 (driver's seat, front passenger's seat) and a plurality of rear seats 5 arranged behind the front seats 4 . In this embodiment, two rows of seats are provided in the front and rear, but in other embodiments, only one row of seats may be provided in the front and rear, or three or more rows of seats may be provided in the front and rear. good.

A front window 6 (an example of a window) is provided in front of the front seats 4 in the front part of the vehicle body 2 . The front window 6 is made of glass. In other embodiments, the front window 6 may be made of a transparent material other than glass (for example, transparent resin). A rear window 7 is provided behind a rear seat 5 in the rear part of the vehicle body 2 . A plurality of side doors 8 are provided on the sides of the front seat 4 and the rear seat 5 on both sides of the vehicle body 2 , and a side window 9 is provided above each side door 8 .

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a front camera 10 (an example of a photographing device) is provided above and behind the front window 6 . The front camera 10 is a device that captures an image of the vehicle exterior space SP2 (the space in front of the vehicle 1 in this embodiment) from the vehicle interior space SP1 through the front window 6 . The front camera 10 is, for example, a digital camera using a solid-state imaging device such as CCD or CMOS. The front camera 10 includes a lens that converges light incident from the front through the front window 6, and a sensor that converts the light converged by the lens into an electrical signal. Note that the arrow P in FIG. 2 indicates the field of view (photographable range) of the front camera 10 .

Referring to FIG. 2, front camera 10 is attached to the inner surface of front window 6 via bracket 11 . Bracket 11 includes a body portion 12 arranged around front camera 10 and a hood portion 13 extending forward from body portion 12 . The body portion 12 is fixed to the inner surface of the front window 6 . The hood part 13 surrounds the space in front of the lens of the front camera 10 together with the front window 6 . The hood portion 13 includes a bottom wall 13A extending in the left-right direction, and left and right side walls 13B (only the right side wall 13B is shown in FIG. 2) extending upward from both left and right ends of the bottom wall 13A.

Referring to FIG. 3, vehicle 1 includes propulsion device 14, brake device 15, steering device 16, HMI 17 (Human Machine Interface), navigation device 18, and heating device 19 (an example of an anti-fog device). , an air conditioner 20 , an occupant sensor 21 , an external sensor 22 , a vehicle sensor 23 (an example of a detection device), a battery 24 , a charging sensor 25 and a control device 26 .

The propulsion device 14 is a device that applies driving force to the vehicle 1 . The propulsion device 14 includes an electric motor 14A (an example of a drive source). The electric motor 14A rotates the wheels to generate driving force for causing the vehicle 1 to travel.

The braking device 15 is a device that applies braking force to the vehicle 1 . The brake device 15 includes, for example, a brake caliper that presses a pad against the brake rotor and an electric cylinder that supplies hydraulic pressure to the brake caliper.

The steering device 16 is a device that changes the steering angle of the wheels. The steering device 16 includes, for example, a rack-and-pinion mechanism that steers the wheels, and an electric motor that drives the rack-and-pinion mechanism.

The HMI 17 is a device that notifies the occupant of various types of information and receives an input operation from the occupant. The HMI 17 includes, for example, a power switch 17A for switching the power state of the vehicle 1, a touch panel, an audio generator, and the like.

The navigation device 18 is a device that provides route guidance and the like to the destination of the vehicle 1 . The navigation device 18 includes an input device that receives an input operation from a passenger. This input device may be part of the HMI 17 or may be provided separately from the HMI 17 . The navigation device 18 stores map information. The navigation device 18 identifies the current position (latitude and longitude) of the vehicle 1 based on signals received from artificial satellites. The navigation device 18 plots a route from the departure point (for example, the current position) of the vehicle 1 to the destination based on the map information, the current position of the vehicle 1, and the destination of the vehicle 1 input by the occupant into the input device. set.

The heating device 19 is a device that suppresses fogging of the front window 6 by heating the front window 6 . Referring to FIG. 2 , heating device 19 is composed of a plurality of metal heating wires 28 that contact the inner surface of front window 6 . At least some of the plurality of heating wires 28 are preferably arranged within the field of view of the front camera 10 (see arrow P in FIG. 2). In another embodiment, the heating device 19 may be made of a transparent film such as an ITO film (Indium Tin Oxide Film). In another embodiment, the heating device 19 may be built in the front window 6 or may face the front window 6 with a gap therebetween.

Referring to FIG. 3, air conditioner 20 is a device that adjusts the air in vehicle interior space SP1. The air conditioner 20 includes a duct connected to the vehicle interior space SP1 and the vehicle exterior space SP2, an evaporator and a heater core installed in the duct, a blower fan that generates an air flow in the duct, and an electric motor that drives the blower fan. and including. The air conditioner 20 is provided so as to be able to switch the air volume (rotational speed of the blower fan) and the air conditioning mode. The air conditioning modes include, for example, an outside air introduction mode for introducing air from the outside space SP2 into the inside space SP1, an inside air circulation mode for circulating the air inside the inside space SP1, and a defroster mode for blowing air toward the front window 6. and are included.

The occupant sensor 21 is a sensor that detects the boarding state of the occupant. The occupant sensor 21 includes a seatbelt sensor 35 that detects the seatbelt wearing state of the occupant, and an occupant camera 36 that captures an image of the occupant.

The external sensor 22 is a sensor that detects targets existing in the vehicle exterior space SP2 (for example, obstacles and lane markings on the travel path of the vehicle 1). The external sensor 22 includes the aforementioned front camera 10 , sonar 38 , and vehicle exterior camera 39 .

The vehicle sensor 23 is a sensor that detects the state of the vehicle interior space SP1, the state of the vehicle exterior space SP2, the running state of the vehicle 1, and the like. The vehicle sensors 23 include a vehicle interior temperature sensor 41 that detects the temperature of the vehicle interior space SP1 (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle temperature") and a vehicle interior humidity sensor that detects the humidity of the vehicle interior space SP1 (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle humidity"). 42, a vehicle exterior temperature sensor 43 that detects the temperature of the vehicle exterior space SP2 (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle exterior temperature"), and a solar radiation amount sensor that detects the amount of solar radiation in the vehicle interior space SP1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "solar radiation amount"). 44.

The battery 24 is a device that supplies power to components of the vehicle 1 . Battery 24 includes main battery 46 and sub-battery 47 .

A main battery 46 of the battery 24 is a device that supplies power to the electric motor 14A. The main battery 46 is composed of, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery. The main battery 46 is provided so as to be connectable to a charging device 48 provided outside the vehicle 1 and is configured to be charged by the charging device 48 .

A sub-battery 47 of the battery 24 is a device that supplies power to auxiliary equipment (for example, the heating device 19). The sub-battery 47 is composed of, for example, a secondary battery such as a lead-acid battery. The sub-battery 47 is connected to the main battery 46 and is configured to be charged by the main battery 46 .

The charge sensor 25 is a sensor that detects the state of charge of the main battery 46 . The charge sensor 25 includes, for example, a current sensor that detects the current value flowing from the charging device 48 to the main battery 46 .

The control device 26 includes an arithmetic processing unit (processor such as CPU, MPU, etc.) and a storage device (memory such as ROM, RAM, etc.), and is configured to execute various processes necessary for anti-fogging control described later. It is an electronic control unit (ECU). That the control device 26 is configured to execute various processes means that an arithmetic processing device (processor) that constitutes the control device 26 reads necessary data and application software from a storage device (memory), and performs processing according to the software. It means that it is programmed to execute predetermined arithmetic processing. The control device 26 may be configured as one piece of hardware, or may be configured as a unit composed of a plurality of pieces of hardware. The control device 26 is connected to each component of the vehicle 1 via a communication network such as CAN (Controller Area Network), and controls each component of the vehicle 1 .

The control device 26 includes an external world recognition unit 52, a travel control unit 53, an anti-fog control unit 54, and a storage unit 55 as functional units. At least part of each functional unit of the control device 26 may be implemented by hardware such as LSI, ASIC, or FPGA, or may be implemented by a combination of software and hardware.

The external world recognition unit 52 of the control device 26 recognizes the positions of targets (for example, obstacles and lane markings on the roadway of the vehicle 1) existing in the vehicle exterior space SP2 based on the detection results of the external world sensor 22 . For example, the external world recognition unit 52 recognizes the position of a target existing in front of the vehicle 1 by analyzing changes in density values on the image captured by the front camera 10 .

A travel control unit 53 of the control device 26 controls travel of the vehicle 1 based on the position of the target recognized by the external world recognition unit 52 . For example, the travel control unit 53 executes lane keeping control based on the position of the lane marking recognized by the external world recognition unit 52 . In the lane keeping control, the travel control unit 53 controls the steering device 16 so that the vehicle 1 travels at a reference position (for example, the center in the width direction of the lane) within the lane partitioned by the lane markings. For example, the travel control unit 53 executes collision mitigation control based on the position of the obstacle recognized by the external world recognition unit 52 . In the collision mitigation control, the travel control unit 53 controls the brake device 15 so as to avoid or reduce the collision between the vehicle 1 and an obstacle.

The travel control unit 53 of the control device 26 is configured to switch the power state of the vehicle 1 between the first power state and the second power state according to the operation of the power switch 17A by the passenger. In the first power supply state, the power switch 17A is ON, and power can be supplied from the main battery 46 to the electric motor 14A. That is, the first power supply state is a state in which the vehicle 1 is permitted to run. On the other hand, in the second power state, the power switch 17A is turned off, and power supply from the main battery 46 to the electric motor 14A is prohibited. That is, the second power supply state is a state in which the vehicle 1 is prohibited from running.

The anti-fogging control section 54 of the control device 26 controls the heating device 19 to suppress fogging of the front window 6 . For example, the anti-fogging control unit 54 controls the heating device 19 by PWM control based on the detection result of the vehicle sensor 23 or the like.

The storage unit 55 of the control device 26 is composed of memory, HDD, and the like. The storage unit 55 stores programs, tables, and the like necessary for controlling the vehicle 1 . For example, the storage unit 55 stores a dew point temperature calculation table T1 and a correction amount calculation table T2.

Referring to FIG. 4, the dew point temperature calculation table T1 is a table that defines the relationship between the vehicle interior temperature and vehicle interior humidity and the dew point temperature of the vehicle interior space SP1. The dew point temperature calculation table T1 is set such that the higher the vehicle interior temperature and the vehicle interior humidity, the higher the dew point temperature of the vehicle interior space SP1.

Referring to FIG. 5, a correction amount calculation table T2 stores a correction amount for each unit time (for example, 5 minutes) of the temperature outside the vehicle, the amount of sunshine, and the temperature of the inner surface of the front window 6 (hereinafter referred to as "unit time correction amount"). ) is a table that defines the relationship between The correction amount calculation table T2 is set so that the unit time correction amount increases as the outside temperature increases, and the unit time correction amount increases as the amount of solar radiation increases.

<User Terminal 57>
Next, the user terminal 57 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The user terminal 57 is a computer including a CPU, memory, storage device, and the like. The user terminal 57 is configured by, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smart phone or a tablet PC. The user terminal 57 is connected to the control device 26 of the vehicle 1 via a network such as the Internet. The user terminal 57 constitutes an anti-fog system X for the vehicle 1 together with the vehicle 1 .

The user terminal 57 has an input device 58 . The input device 58 is a device carried by a user of the vehicle 1 (for example, an occupant of the vehicle 1) and receiving an input operation by the user. For example, the input device 58 is configured by a touch panel. The input device 58 is configured to receive an operation permitting operation by the user. The operation permission operation is an input operation for permitting operation of the heating device 19 in the second power supply state.

<Execution judgment processing>
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the execution determination process executed by the anti-fogging control section 54 of the control device 26 will be described. The execution determination process is control for determining whether or not to execute anti-fogging control, which will be described later. While the power state of the vehicle 1 is in the second power state (that is, after the power state of the vehicle 1 is switched from the first power state to the second power state, the power state of the vehicle 1 is changed from the second power state to the first power state). ), the anti-fogging control unit 54 repeatedly executes the execution determination process at regular time intervals. The fixed period of time may be a relatively short period of time such as 5 minutes, or a relatively long period of time such as 1 hour.

When the execution determination process is started, the anti-fogging control unit 54 determines whether or not the input device 58 of the user terminal 57 has received an operation permission operation by the user based on a signal from the user terminal 57 (step ST1 ). In other words, the anti-fogging control unit 54 determines whether or not the user has permitted the operation of the heating device 19 in the second power supply state. When the input device 58 of the user terminal 57 has not received the operation permission operation by the user (step ST1: No), the anti-fogging control unit 54 determines not to execute the anti-fogging control (step ST2), and executes the execution determination process. finish.

On the other hand, if the input device 58 of the user terminal 57 has received the user's operation permission operation (step ST1: Yes), the anti-fogging control unit 54 determines that the main battery 46 is being charged based on the signal from the charging sensor 25. It is determined whether or not there is (step ST3). If the main battery 46 is not being charged (step ST3: No), the anti-fogging control unit 54 determines not to execute the anti-fogging control (step ST2), and terminates the execution determination process.

On the other hand, if the main battery 46 is being charged (step ST3: Yes), the anti-fogging control unit 54 acquires the charging rate of the main battery 46 based on the signal from the charge sensor 25, and charges the main battery 46. It is determined whether or not the rate exceeds a predetermined threshold (step ST4). When the charging rate of the main battery 46 is equal to or less than the threshold (step ST4: No), the anti-fogging control unit 54 determines not to perform the anti-fogging control (step ST2), and terminates the execution determination process.

On the other hand, if the charging rate of the main battery 46 exceeds the threshold (step ST4: Yes), the anti-fogging control unit 54 determines to execute anti-fogging control (step ST5), and terminates the execution determination process.

<Anti-fogging control>
Next, the anti-fogging control executed by the anti-fogging control section 54 of the control device 26 will be described with reference to FIG. Anti-fogging control is control for suppressing fogging of the front window 6 . While the power supply state of the vehicle 1 is in the first power supply state, the antifogging control unit 54 repeatedly executes the antifogging control at predetermined time intervals. While the power supply state of the vehicle 1 is in the second power supply state, the antifogging control unit 54 executes the antifogging control only when it is determined to execute the antifogging control in the execution determination process described above.

When the anti-fog control is started, the anti-fog control unit 54 detects the temperature inside the vehicle, the humidity inside the vehicle, the temperature outside the vehicle, and the amount of solar radiation from the vehicle interior temperature sensor 41, the vehicle interior humidity sensor 42, the vehicle exterior temperature sensor 43, and the solar radiation amount sensor 44. are obtained (step ST11).

Next, the anti-fogging control unit 54 calculates the dew point temperature of the vehicle interior space SP1 by referring to the dew point temperature calculation table T1 based on the vehicle interior temperature and the vehicle interior humidity (step ST12). At this time, the anti-fog control unit 54 preferably substitutes the average value of the vehicle interior temperature and interior humidity detected multiple times from the previous anti-fog control to the current anti-fog control into the dew point temperature calculation table T1.

Next, the anti-fogging control unit 54 calculates the above-mentioned unit time correction amount by referring to the correction amount calculation table T2 based on the outside temperature and the amount of solar radiation. At this time, the antifogging control unit 54 preferably substitutes the average value of the outside temperature and the amount of solar radiation detected a plurality of times between the previous antifogging control and the current antifogging control into the correction amount calculation table T2. Further, the anti-fogging control unit 54 calculates the correction coefficient by dividing the elapsed time from the previous anti-fogging control to the current anti-fogging control by the unit time. Further, the anti-fogging control unit 54 multiplies the calculated unit time correction amount by the correction coefficient to calculate the correction amount of the temperature of the front window 6 (step ST13).

Next, the anti-fogging control unit 54 acquires the reference value of the temperature of the front window 6 . In the first anti-fogging control after the power supply state of the vehicle 1 is switched, the vehicle interior temperature detected by the vehicle interior temperature sensor 41 becomes the reference value for the temperature of the front window 6 . On the other hand, the estimated temperature of the front window 6 calculated in the previous anti-fog control becomes the reference value of the temperature of the front window 6 in the second and subsequent anti-fog control after the power supply state of the vehicle 1 is switched. Next, the anti-fogging control unit 54 calculates the estimated temperature of the front window 6 by adding the correction amount of the temperature of the front window 6 to the reference value of the temperature of the front window 6 (step ST14).

Next, the anti-fogging control unit 54 determines whether or not the front window 6 tends to fog based on the dew point temperature of the vehicle interior space SP1 and the estimated temperature of the front window 6 (step ST15). For example, when the estimated temperature of the front window 6 is lower than the dew point temperature of the vehicle interior space SP1, the anti-fogging control unit 54 determines that the front window 6 tends to fog up. On the other hand, when the estimated temperature of the front window 6 is equal to or higher than the dew point temperature of the vehicle interior space SP1, the anti-fogging control unit 54 determines that the front window 6 is unlikely to fog.

When it is determined that the front window 6 tends to fog up (step ST15: Yes), the anti-fogging control unit 54 operates the heating device 19 to suppress fogging of the front window 6 (step ST16). On the other hand, if it is determined that the front window 6 does not fog easily (step ST15: No), the anti-fogging control section 54 ends the anti-fogging control without operating the heating device 19 .

<Effects of the first embodiment>
In this embodiment, when the power supply state of the vehicle 1 is the second power supply state and a predetermined condition is satisfied (steps ST1, ST3 and ST4: Yes), the heating device 19 is operated as necessary. Thus, fogging of the front window 6 is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress fogging of the front window 6 immediately after the power state of the vehicle 1 is switched from the second power state to the first power state. lane keeping control and collision mitigation control) can be executed quickly.

Further, when the conditions that the power supply state of the vehicle 1 is the second power supply state and the state of charge of the main battery 46 exceeds the threshold are satisfied (step ST4: Yes), the anti-fogging control unit 54 It is determined whether or not the front window 6 tends to fog up. As a result, it is not determined whether or not the front window 6 tends to fog when the charging rate of the main battery 46 is low. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heating device 19 from operating when the charging rate of the main battery 46 is low. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the charging rate of the main battery 46 from becoming insufficient due to the operation of the heating device 19 .

Further, when the conditions that the power supply state of the vehicle 1 is the second power supply state and that the main battery 46 is being charged are satisfied (step ST3: Yes), the anti-fogging control unit 54 causes the front window 6 to open. It is determined whether it is likely to be cloudy. Accordingly, it is possible to determine whether or not the front window 6 tends to fog on condition that the main battery 46 is being charged, and operate the heating device 19 based on the determination result. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the charging rate of the main battery 46 from becoming insufficient due to the operation of the heating device 19 .

Further, when the condition that the power supply state of the vehicle 1 is the second power supply state and that the input device 58 of the user terminal 57 has received the operation permission operation (step ST1: Yes), the defogging control unit 54 determines whether or not the front window 6 tends to fog up. Accordingly, it is possible to determine whether or not the front window 6 tends to fog based on the user's intention, and operate the heating device 19 based on the determination result. Therefore, convenience for the user is improved.

Further, while the power supply state of the vehicle 1 is in the second power supply state, the anti-fogging control unit 54 repeatedly determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied at regular time intervals. Accordingly, fogging of the front window 6 can be reliably suppressed while the power supply state of the vehicle 1 is in the second power supply state.

Further, the anti-fogging control unit 54 calculates the dew point temperature of the vehicle interior space SP1 based on the vehicle interior temperature and the vehicle interior humidity (step ST12), and calculates the estimated temperature of the front window 6 based on the vehicle exterior temperature and the amount of solar radiation (step ST13, ST14), when the estimated temperature of the front window 6 is lower than the dew point temperature of the vehicle interior space SP1, it is determined that the front window 6 tends to fog up (step ST15). As a result, the estimated temperature of the front window 6 can be accurately calculated based on the amount of solar radiation, so whether or not the front window 6 tends to fog up can be accurately determined based on the estimated temperature of the front window 6. .

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the invention will be described. The contents other than the usage reservation operation and the execution determination process, which will be described later, are the same as those in the first embodiment, so description thereof will be omitted.

<Usage reservation operation>
The input device 58 of the user terminal 57 is provided so as to be able to receive a usage reservation operation by the user. The usage reservation operation is an input operation related to the usage reservation of the vehicle 1 including the usage start time and the usage end time of the vehicle 1 . When the input device 58 accepts the use reservation operation, the user terminal 57 transmits information on the use reservation to the control device 26 . Upon receiving the information about the usage reservation from the user terminal 57, the control device 26 sets the determination start time to a time that is a predetermined time before the usage start time included in the usage reservation.

<Execution judgment processing>
Referring to FIG. 8, when the power supply state of vehicle 1 is the second power supply state, antifogging control unit 54 of control device 26 executes the execution determination process. When the execution determination process is started, the anti-fogging control section 54 determines whether or not the above-described determination start time has arrived (step ST21). If the determination start time has not arrived (step ST21: No), the anti-fogging control unit 54 determines not to perform the anti-fogging control (step ST22), and terminates the execution determination process.

On the other hand, if the determination start time has arrived (step ST21: Yes), the anti-fogging control unit 54 determines whether or not the input device 58 of the user terminal 57 has received an operation permission operation by the user (step ST23 ). Since the subsequent processing (steps S23 to S26) is the same as the execution determination processing according to the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

<Effects of Second Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, when the conditions that the power supply state of the vehicle 1 is the second power supply state and the determination start time has arrived (step ST21: Yes), the anti-fogging control unit 54 It is determined whether or not the front window 6 tends to fog up. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the operation of the heating device 19 even though the user does not use the vehicle 1 . Therefore, the energy saving performance of the heating device 19 can be enhanced.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the invention will be described. The details other than the anti-fogging control are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

<Anti-fogging control>
Referring to FIG. 9, when the anti-fog control is started, the anti-fog control unit 54 detects the temperature inside the vehicle, the humidity inside the vehicle, and the temperature outside the vehicle from the vehicle interior temperature sensor 41, the vehicle interior humidity sensor 42, and the vehicle exterior temperature sensor 43, respectively. acquire (step ST31).

Next, the anti-fogging control unit 54 calculates the dew point temperature of the vehicle interior space SP1 by referring to the dew point temperature calculation table T1 based on the vehicle interior temperature and the vehicle interior humidity (step ST32). At this time, the anti-fog control unit 54 preferably substitutes the average value of the vehicle interior temperature and interior humidity detected multiple times from the previous anti-fog control to the current anti-fog control into the dew point temperature calculation table T1.

Next, the anti-fogging control unit 54 determines whether or not the front window 6 tends to fog based on the dew point temperature of the vehicle interior space SP1 and the vehicle exterior temperature (step ST33). For example, the anti-fogging control unit 54 determines that the front window 6 tends to fog when the vehicle exterior temperature is lower than the dew point temperature of the vehicle interior space SP1. On the other hand, the anti-fogging control unit 54 determines that the front window 6 is less likely to fog when the vehicle exterior temperature is equal to or higher than the dew point temperature of the vehicle interior space SP1.

When it is determined that the front window 6 tends to fog up (step ST33: Yes), the anti-fogging control unit 54 operates the heating device 19 to suppress fogging of the front window 6 (step S34). On the other hand, when it is determined that the front window 6 does not fog easily (step ST33: No), the anti-fogging control section 54 terminates the anti-fogging control without operating the heating device 19 .

<Effects of the third embodiment>
In this embodiment, the anti-fogging control unit 54 calculates the dew point temperature of the vehicle interior space SP1 based on the vehicle interior temperature and the vehicle interior humidity (step ST32), and when the exterior temperature is lower than the dew point temperature of the vehicle interior space SP1, the front It is determined that the window 6 tends to fog up (step ST33). Accordingly, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the front window 6 tends to fog based on the vehicle interior temperature, the vehicle interior humidity, and the vehicle exterior temperature.

<Other Modifications>
In the above-described first embodiment, the anti-fog control unit 54 determines to execute anti-fog control when the main battery 46 is being charged and the charging rate of the main battery 46 exceeds the threshold. there is On the other hand, in another embodiment, the anti-fog control unit 54 determines to perform anti-fog control when the main battery 46 is being charged or when the charging rate of the main battery 46 exceeds the threshold. You can

In the above-described first embodiment, the anti-fogging control unit 54 sets the condition that the input device 58 has received the operation permission operation, the condition that the main battery 46 is being charged, and the charging rate of the main battery 46 exceeding the threshold. It is determined whether or not the condition of exceeding is established. On the other hand, in other embodiments, the anti-fogging control section 54 may only determine whether one or two of the above three conditions are met.

In the first embodiment described above, the anti-fogging control unit 54 determines whether or not the front window 6 tends to fog when the condition that the charging rate of the main battery 46 exceeds the threshold value is satisfied. On the other hand, in another embodiment, the anti-fogging control unit 54 may determine whether or not the front window 6 is prone to fogging when the condition that the charging rate of the sub-battery 47 exceeds the threshold is satisfied. good.

In the above-described second embodiment, the anti-fogging control unit 54 sets the determination start time based on the user's use reservation operation. On the other hand, in another embodiment, the anti-fogging control unit 54 may learn the usage pattern of the vehicle 1 by the user and set the determination start time based on the learned usage pattern.

In the first embodiment described above, the vehicle sensor 23 detects the states of the vehicle interior space SP1 and the vehicle exterior space SP2. On the other hand, in other embodiments, the vehicle sensor 23 may detect only the state of either one of the vehicle interior space SP1 and the vehicle exterior space SP2.

In the first embodiment described above, the solar radiation sensor 44 detects the solar radiation in the vehicle interior space SP1. On the other hand, in another embodiment, the solar radiation sensor 44 may detect the solar radiation in the vehicle exterior space SP2.

In the first embodiment described above, the user terminal 57 is provided with the input device 58 . On the other hand, in other embodiments, the input device 58 may be provided in the HMI 17 or may be provided in a server provided outside the vehicle 1 .

In the first embodiment described above, the vehicle 1 includes the electric motor 14A as a drive source. On the other hand, in other embodiments, the vehicle 1 may have an internal combustion engine as a drive source. When the vehicle 1 is equipped with an internal combustion engine as a drive source in this manner, the state in which the ignition power of the vehicle 1 is turned on is set to the first power state, and the state in which the ignition power of the vehicle 1 is turned off. should be set to the second power state.

In the above first embodiment, the heating device 19 is used as an anti-fogging device. On the other hand, in other embodiments, the air conditioner 20 may be used as an anti-fog device, or both the heating device 19 and the air conditioner 20 may be used as an anti-fog device.

In the above-described first embodiment, fogging of the front window 6 is suppressed by the anti-fog system X, but in other embodiments, even if fogging of the rear window 7 and the side windows 9 is suppressed by the anti-fog system X good. In other words, in the first embodiment, the front camera 10 is used as an example of an imaging device, but in other embodiments, a rear camera or a side camera (none of which is shown) may be used as an example of an imaging device.

Although the specific embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and can be widely modified.

1: Vehicle 6: Front window (an example of a window)
10: Front camera (an example of a photographing device)
14A: Electric motor (an example of drive source)
19: Heating device (an example of anti-fogging device)
23: vehicle sensor (an example of a detection device)
24: Battery 26: Control device 41: Interior temperature sensor 42: Interior humidity sensor 43: Exterior temperature sensor 44: Solar radiation sensor 58: Input device SP1: Interior space SP2: Exterior space X: Anti-fogging system

Claims (8)

An anti-fog system for a vehicle equipped with an image capturing device that captures an image of an exterior space from the interior space of the vehicle through a window,
a detection device that detects the state of the vehicle interior space and/or the vehicle exterior space;
an anti-fog device that suppresses fogging of the window;
A control device that controls the anti-fogging device,
The control device is configured to switch the power supply state of the vehicle between a first power supply state in which the vehicle is permitted to run and a second power supply state in which the vehicle is prohibited from running,
When the power state of the vehicle is the second power state and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control device determines whether or not the windows tend to fog based on the detection result of the detection device. and operating the anti-fogging device when it is determined that the window tends to fog. a driving source that generates a driving force for running the vehicle;
a battery that supplies power to the drive source,
When the power state of the vehicle is the second power state and the state of charge of the battery exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control device determines whether the windows tend to fog up. The anti-fogging system of claim 1, wherein the anti-fogging system determines whether the a driving source that generates a driving force for running the vehicle;
a battery that supplies power to the drive source,
wherein the control device determines whether or not the windows tend to fog when conditions are satisfied that the power state of the vehicle is the second power state and that the battery is being charged. 3. Anti-fogging system according to 1 or 2. further comprising an input device for receiving an input operation by a user;
The input device is configured to receive an operation permission operation, which is the input operation for permitting operation of the anti-fogging device in the second power state,
When the power supply state of the vehicle is the second power supply state and the input device has received the operation permission operation, the control device determines whether the windows tend to fog up. An anti-fogging system according to any one of claims 1-3. further comprising an input device for receiving an input operation by a user;
The input device is configured to receive a usage reservation operation, which is the input operation related to a usage reservation of the vehicle including a usage start time of the vehicle,
When the input device receives the use reservation operation, the control device sets a time a predetermined time before the use start time as a judgment start time, and the power supply state of the vehicle is the second power supply state. The anti-fog system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein it is determined whether or not the window is likely to fog when the condition that the determination start time has arrived is satisfied. 5. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein while the power state of the vehicle is the second power state, the control device repeatedly determines whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied at regular time intervals. Anti-fog system as described. The detection device is
a vehicle interior temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the vehicle interior space;
a vehicle interior humidity sensor that detects the humidity of the vehicle interior space;
a vehicle exterior temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the vehicle exterior space;
a solar radiation sensor that detects the amount of solar radiation in the vehicle interior space or the vehicle exterior space;
The control device calculates a dew point temperature of the vehicle interior space based on the temperature and humidity of the vehicle interior space, calculates an estimated temperature of the window based on the temperature of the vehicle exterior space and the amount of solar radiation, and The anti-fog system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein it is determined that the window tends to fog when the estimated temperature is lower than the dew point temperature of the vehicle interior space. The detection device is
a vehicle interior temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the vehicle interior space;
a vehicle interior humidity sensor that detects the humidity of the vehicle interior space;
a vehicle exterior temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the vehicle exterior space,
The control device calculates the dew point temperature of the vehicle interior space based on the temperature and humidity of the vehicle interior space, and determines that the window tends to fog when the temperature of the vehicle exterior space is lower than the dew point temperature of the vehicle interior space. An anti-fog system according to any one of claims 1-6.

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