WO2008146689A1

WO2008146689A1 - Temperature adjusting device

Info

Publication number: WO2008146689A1
Application number: PCT/JP2008/059404
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kenji Tsubone
Original assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
Priority date: 2007-05-23
Filing date: 2008-05-15
Publication date: 2008-12-04
Also published as: JPWO2008146689A1; JP5212367B2

Abstract

A temperature adjusting device is provided to uniformly cool and heat an entire region though which light is made to pass, thereby making it possible to adjust a temperature in the vicinity of the region to any of high and low ones. In a temperature adjusting device for adjusting a temperature of at least one surface side of light transmissive plates (11-17) to partition a predetermined space; flexible light transmissive films (F1-F10), in which light transmissive thermoelectric elements to cause a Peltier effect are set in their light transmissive regions, are fixed at the light transmissive plates; and a controller is provided to control an electric current flow of the thermoelectric elements in response to a request signal, so that the controller selectively heats and cools the light transmissive plates.

Description

Description Temperature control device Technical field

The present invention relates to an apparatus for adjusting the temperature of a light-transmitting part that partitions a predetermined space such as a window, a roof cover (top light), and a case from the outside, or the vicinity thereof. Background art

This type of translucent part is often in direct contact with the outside. In such a case, the temperature in the vicinity of the part is affected by the external temperature, even if it is partitioned from the outside. May not be on time. For example, even when air conditioning is performed indoors or inside a showcase, it may become hot near the window glass due to the influence of outside air temperature, or on the contrary, it may become cold due to insufficient heating. There is. Also, in the case of a vehicle, when the outside is low temperature, frost may adhere to the outer surface of the window glass or condensation may occur on the inner surface, which may block the view.

In order to eliminate such inconvenience, the wind glass is heated as necessary. One example is a defroster in a vehicle, which is configured to defrost and defrost by blowing air heated by using waste heat from the engine to the window glass to increase its temperature. ing. Conventionally, an electric heater has also been placed on the back of the mirror surface to prevent fogging of vehicle side mirrors and door mirrors. However, if air heated and heated is blown onto the window glass, the air also flows into the passenger compartment, which may cause discomfort to the passengers and cause noise. In addition, when heating with an electric heater, a considerable amount of power is required to fully heat the entire required area, which may increase the battery load or cause a deterioration in fuel consumption. Conventionally, a window glass configured to defrost and defrost by generating heat in the window glass itself instead of blowing heated air is known. This is a configuration in which heat rays are attached to the window glass, and the window glass is heated by energizing the heat rays to generate heat. However, since the heat ray is thin but not transparent, it becomes a factor that obstructs the field of view, and there is an inconvenience that the usable place is restricted.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-4-90 8 47 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2 00 4-2 2 1 2 59 disclose an apparatus intended to eliminate the disadvantages of the above-mentioned defroster. The apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 6 4-9 0 8 4 7 uses an electrothermal glass in which a transparent conductive film is formed on the inner surface of the outer glass, and is heated to a certain temperature with heated air. After removing the fog, the electric glass is energized and kept warm to prevent fogging. In addition, the device described in the publication of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-0 2 2 1 2 59 is a thermoelectric conversion element module in which a thermoelectric conversion element module is formed in an annular shape and sandwiched between transparent plates such as sapphire glass. Thus, the transparent plate is heated from its surroundings, and the inside of the annular thermoelectric conversion element module is used as a light transmitting part.

The apparatus described in the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-4-90 8 47 is configured to prevent fogging by energizing the electrothermal glass and increasing its temperature. The function is limited to heating for defrosting or defrosting. Therefore, when the temperature near the window becomes high due to the outside air temperature or sunlight, it does not function to correct such temperature deviation. In addition, since the apparatus described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2 0 4-2 2 1 2 59 has a thermoelectric conversion element module, the apparatus has a cooling function, but the thermoelectric conversion element module blocks light. For this reason, in order to sufficiently cool the central part of the transparent plate or the vicinity thereof, the power consumption in the thermoelectric conversion element module may increase. In addition, there is an inevitable temperature difference between the peripheral part where the thermoelectric conversion element module is placed and the central part of the transparent plate, depending on the thermal conductivity of the transparent plate, so the central part of the transparent plate is sufficiently cooled. If the thermoelectric conversion element module cools as much as possible; the temperature difference becomes large and the transparent plate is distorted, or condensation occurs in the surrounding area. The disclosure of the invention

The present invention has been made by paying attention to the above technical problem, and uniformly cools the entire light transmitting region, and heats it to adjust the temperature in the vicinity of the region to both high and low. It is an object of the present invention to provide a temperature control device that can handle the above.

In addition, the present invention is configured to achieve the above-described object by using a translucent thermoelectric element that has been recently developed. Specifically, the present invention provides a predetermined In a temperature control device that adjusts the temperature of at least one surface side of a translucent plate that divides the space, a translucent thermoelectric element that produces a Peltier effect is provided in a flexible translucent region provided in a region that transmits light. An optical film is provided with a controller attached to the translucent plate and selectively heating and cooling the translucent plate by controlling energization to the thermoelectric element in response to a request signal. It is what.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the translucent plate is provided either on a translucent part of a vehicle window or a roof, on a mirror attached to the outside of the vehicle, or on a window of a house. It is the light transmission board which is characterized by the above-mentioned.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the translucent plate is a window glass or roof glass of a vehicle or a mirror attached to the outside of the vehicle, and the request signal is provided in the vehicle. The temperature control device includes a signal output by the occupant detection sensor detecting the occupant.

Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the translucent plate is a window glass or roof glass of a vehicle or a mirror attached to the outside of the vehicle, and the request signal relates to a traveling state of the vehicle. The temperature control device includes a cooling request signal or a heating request signal based on information or an external environment of a place where the vehicle travels.

Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the translucent plate is a vehicle window glass or a roof glass, or a mirror attached to the outside of the vehicle. The request signal is a signal for defrosting or anti-fogging by heating the side of the translucent plate facing the interior of the passenger compartment when the external temperature of the vehicle is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature. It is the temperature control apparatus characterized by including.

Furthermore, this invention is the above-mentioned invention, wherein the translucent plate is a window glass or a roof glass of a vehicle, and the request signal is a signal of the translucent plate when the vehicle is heating indoors. A temperature control device including a signal for heating the side facing the room and cooling the side facing the room of the light transmitting plate when the vehicle is cooling the room. is there.

Further, the present invention provides the temperature according to any one of the above-described aspects, wherein the controller includes means for receiving a wirelessly transmitted signal from a predetermined external terminal device and controlling energization to the thermoelectric element. It is an adjustment device.

Further, according to the present invention, the thermoelectric element that generates the Peltier effect is provided in a region that transmits light in the flexible light-transmitting film. Since the thermoelectric device is configured to transmit light such as being transparent, the light transmission performance of the translucent plate to which the film is attached is not hindered. That is, the light transmission function of the light transmitting plate is maintained. In addition, since the thermoelectric element exhibits the Peltier effect, by appropriately switching the direction in which the current flows, the temperature of one surface of the film is increased, causing a heating action, or this. On the contrary, the cooling action occurs when the temperature is lowered. Therefore, a current is passed from the controller to the thermoelectric element based on the request signal, and as a result, the translucent plate to which the film is attached is heated or cooled, so that the temperature of the translucent plate and the vicinity thereof is increased. Can be adjusted.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, so-called indirect air conditioning in the room can be performed. In addition to indirect air conditioning, it can be used as a defroster function by using it for vehicle windows and roofs. The S-restraining function can also occur when used on a mirror mounted outside the vehicle. In that case, since there is no need to blow heated air, it is possible to eliminate the cause of discomfort, and heat is generated in the area where light is transmitted, so temperature spots and partial cloudiness associated therewith can be eliminated. Can be resolved.

Further, according to the present invention, the request signal is generated only when an occupant is present in the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to prevent wasteful energization of the thermoelectric elements provided in the window glass, the roof glass, or the mirror to consume power.

Further, according to the present invention, the request based on traveling or stopping of the vehicle, information on a traveling state such as vehicle speed, shift position or presence / absence of braking, vehicle speed, or information on a traveling environment such as outside air temperature or solar radiation. Since the current to the thermoelectric element is controlled by the signal, air conditioning and anti-fogging can be performed more appropriately and efficiently.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the temperature outside the vehicle is low, the translucent plate is heated to perform defrosting and anti-fogging, and thus automatically and appropriately defrosting or anti-fogging the glass and mirror. Can do.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the vehicle interior is heated, the current is controlled so that the temperature of the window glass or roof glass on the vehicle interior side is increased, and the vehicle interior is cooled. The current is controlled so that the temperature of the window glass or roof glass on the passenger compartment side is lowered, so these glasses perform the function of so-called indirect air conditioning. This makes it possible to reduce the temperature difference between the vehicle and the center of the passenger compartment and to provide comfortable air conditioning.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the control of the current to the thermoelectric element can be operated from a remote location, the convenience can be further improved. Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration in which a thermoelectric element film is attached to the outer surface of glass.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration in which a thermoelectric element film is sandwiched in a laminated glass.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration for controlling the thermoelectric element film. Fig. 5 is a flow chart for explaining an example of control of the thermoelectric element filter.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another configuration for controlling the thermoelectric element film. The

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the control example.

FIG. 8 is a chart collectively showing the relationship between the sheet sensor that outputs the ON signal and the thermoelectric element filter that is operated.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example in which the driving information and the environment information are also used for control.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the control example.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a map used for the control.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example configured to operate in response to an operation request.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example in which defrosting can be performed by remote operation.

Fig. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the control example.

Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the basic configuration of a thermoelectric element that produces the Peltier effect. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Next, the present invention will be described more specifically. The present invention can be applied to a light-transmitting plate that partitions a predetermined space. The space is typically a vehicle cabin or a building interior, but is not limited to this, and may be inside a showcase or inside a case that houses optical equipment such as an outdoor camera. . The light transmitting plate may be any material as long as it transmits light. Therefore, the light transmitting plate does not need to be completely transparent, and may be a material that blocks light having a predetermined wavelength such as so-called smoke glass. The substrate may be a synthetic resin other than glass.

A translucent film equipped with a thermoelectric element that generates the Peltier effect is attached to the translucent plate. An example of the principle structure of the thermoelectric element 1 is shown in FIG. 15 (a), and another example is shown in FIG. 15 (b). First, the structure of (a) in FIG. 15 will be described. The P-type semiconductors 2 and 10 and the N-type semiconductor 3 are made of 7Γ by electrode plates 4, 5, 6 and 1 1 made of a good conductor such as copper. It is connected in a letter shape or inverted pi-shape. That is, these electrode plates 4, 5, 6 and 11 connect the semiconductors 2, 10 and 3 in series, and the first electrode plate 4 is connected to the first P-type semiconductor 2. An N-type semiconductor 3 is connected, and a second electrode plate 5 is connected to the first P-type semiconductor 2. Further, the third electrode plate 6 connects the N-type semiconductor 3 and the second P-type semiconductor 10, and the fourth electrode plate 11 is connected to the second P-type semiconductor 10. Then, the DC power source 9 can be connected to the lower second electrode plate 5 and the third electrode plate 6 in (a) of FIG. 15, and the upper first electrode plate 4 and the fourth electrode plate 4 The DC power supply 1 2 can be connected to the electrode plate 1 1. These semiconductors 2, 3, 10 and electrode plates 4, 5, 6, 11 are sandwiched between insulating plates 7, 8.

The structure shown in (b) of FIG. 15 is a structure in which a P-type semiconductor 15 is arranged between two N-type semiconductors 14, 2 2, and N-type semiconductors 14, 2 2 and P The type semiconductor 15 is connected in a square shape or vice versa by electrode plates 1 6, 17, 18, 23 made of a good conductor such as copper; That is, these electrode plates 1 6, 1 7, 1 8, 2 3 connect the respective semiconductors 1 4, 2 2, 15 in series, and the first electrode plate 16 is the first electrode plate The N-type semiconductor 14 and the P-type semiconductor 15 are connected to each other, and the second electrode plate 17 is connected to the first N-type semiconductor 14. Further, the third electrode plate 18 connects the P-type semiconductor 15 and the second N-type semiconductor 2 2, and the fourth electrode plate 23 is connected to the second N-type semiconductor 2 2. . Then, the DC power source 2 1 can be connected to the lower second electrode plate 17 and the third electrode plate 18 in FIG. 15 (b), and the upper first electrode plate 16 And a fourth electrode plate 23 can be connected to a DC power supply 24. These semiconductors 14, 15, 2 2 and electrode plates 1 6, 1 7, 1, 2 3 are sandwiched between insulating plates 19, 20.

Therefore, in the structure shown in (a) of Fig. 15, when the N-type semiconductor 3 is connected to the anode of the DC power source 9 and the P-type semiconductor 2 is connected to the cathode of the DC power source 9, the semiconductors 2 and 3 are connected. On the other hand, the temperature on the electrode plate 4 side becomes the cooling side, while the temperature on the opposite side of each electrode 5, 6 becomes the heating side. Further, when the N-type semiconductor 3 is connected to the anode of the direct current power source 12 and the P-type semiconductor 10 is connected to the cathode of the DC power source 12, an electrode plate connecting the semiconductors 3 and 10. When the temperature on the 6th side becomes lower, it becomes the cooling side, and when the temperature on the opposite side of each electrode 4, 11 becomes higher, it becomes the heating side. In the structure shown in Fig. 15 (b), each of the N-type semiconductors 14 is connected to the positive electrode of the DC power supply 21 and the P-type semiconductor 15 is connected to the cathode of the DC power supply 21. When the temperature of the electrode plates 16 connecting the 1 4 and 15 is lowered, the temperature becomes the cooling side, and when the temperature of the opposite electrodes 1 7 and 18 is raised, the temperature becomes the heating side. When the N-type semiconductor 22 is connected to the anode of the DC power supply 24 and the P-type semiconductor 15 is connected to the cathode of the DC power supply 24, the electrode plates connecting the semiconductors 15 and 22 When the temperature on the 18 side becomes lower, it becomes the cooling side, and on the opposite side of each electrode 16, 23, the temperature becomes higher and becomes the heating side.

The thermoelectric element 1 according to the present invention has translucency, and light is not particularly blocked even when the thermoelectric element 1 is overlapped with the translucent plate. This kind of translucent thermoelectric element 1 has been developed in recent years. A large number of thermoelectric elements 1 are connected and arranged electrically in series and in parallel thermally to form a module, and in that state, they are attached to one surface of a flexible translucent film. ing. The mounting position is an area where light in the translucent plate should be transmitted. The entire surface is preferred. In other words, it is not necessary to provide the thermoelectric element 1 in the peripheral portion that fits into the frame in order to support the translucent plate. The translucent film is a synthetic resin thin film that can transmit light and has flexibility.

A flexible translucent film having a modularized thermoelectric element 1 is attached to the translucent plate described above. Specifically, a flexible translucent film is attached to one surface of the translucent plate. When the light transmitting plate is laminated glass, a flexible light transmitting film is sandwiched between the glass plates. A direct current power source is connected to the thermoelectric element module in the flexible translucent film attached to the translucent plate in this way via a controller. The controller is an electric circuit configured to control the amount of current and the direction of the current. As an example, the controller is configured as an electronic control unit mainly composed of a microcomputer, and controls the current using various request signals described later. It is configured.

Fig. 1 shows an example in which the present invention is applied to a vehicle. The vehicle shown here is a so-called one-box type vehicle, which has a front window 1 1, a front sunroof 1 2, and a rear light translucent part that separates the inside and outside of the vehicle and transmits light. It has a yasan roof 13, left and right front side windows 14, left and right mid side windows 15, left and right rear side windows 16, and rear windows 17. Each of these windows 1 1,..., 17 is constituted by a translucent plate to which the above-described flexible translucent film is attached. That is, as schematically shown in FIG. 2, the flexible translucent film (hereinafter referred to as a thermoelectric element film) 19 having a thermoelectric element is attached to the outer surface of the window glass 18. . Alternatively, as schematically shown in FIG. 3, in the case of laminated glass, a thermoelectric element film 19 is sandwiched between inner and outer glasses 18 a and 18 b.

As shown in FIG. 4, the thermoelectric element film 19 in each of the windows 11 1 to 17 is connected to a controller (control device) 20. As described above, the controller 20 is mainly composed of an electric circuit and an electronic control device for controlling the amount of current to the thermoelectric element film 19 and the direction in which the current flows, and a request signal 21 such as an air conditioning operation signal. In response to this, an operation signal (ie, current) is output to the thermoelectric element film 19.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a control example of the thermoelectric element film 19 in the vehicle. First, an air conditioning operation signal is read (step S 0 1). This may be done by transmitting data between an air conditioning electronic control unit (not shown) in the vehicle and the controller 20. Next, it is determined whether there is an air conditioning operation request based on the read signal (step S O 2). If it is determined negative in step S 02 due to the absence of an air conditioning operation request, this routine is temporarily terminated without performing any particular control.

On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S 0 2 due to the air conditioning operation request, an ON signal is output (step SO 3), and a current is supplied to the thermoelectric element film 19. It is. Thereafter, this routine is temporarily terminated. If an ON signal is output in step S 0 3, if the heating or cooling by the thermoelectric element film 19 complements the air conditioning by the vehicle's air conditioning system, the amount of current is relatively small. It may be. Also, the amount of current according to the difference between the actual room temperature and the target temperature may be used. The direction of the current is the direction in which the temperature of the thermoelectric element film 19 on the passenger compartment side decreases when cooling is required, and heating is required. If so, this is the opposite direction.

Therefore, according to the temperature adjustment device according to the present invention configured as described above, the temperature in the vicinity of the windows 11, ˜ 17 is adjusted by energizing the thermoelectric element film 19, so that It eliminates situations such as insufficient air conditioning, such as the difference between the temperature and the temperature near the center of the room, thereby improving the feeling of air conditioning (ie comfort). Further, since air conditioning by circulating air can be supplemented by heat generation or heat absorption by the thermoelectric element film 19, the amount of air blown out and the pressure can be reduced to improve quietness. In particular, at the time of so-called idle stops, or when running on a motor with a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, or a fuel cell vehicle, it is possible to improve the quietness by reducing the blowing sound of the conditioned air. In addition, high-quality cars with high sound insulation can lower the sound of air-conditioning air blowing and further improve the sense of quality. Furthermore, since it is possible to use the power regenerated during braking, etc., as the power to operate the thermoelectric element film 19, it is possible to improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and further improve the driver's utility. it can.

Incidentally, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the thermoelectric element filters 19 are provided in the windows 11 1 to 17, respectively, so that they are provided at a total of 10 locations. So-called indirect air-conditioning with these thermoelectric element films 19 is limited to the vicinity of windows 1 1, ~ 17, whereas vehicles are not always full, so indirect air-conditioning with thermoelectric element film 19 It is preferable to carry out according to the boarding state. More specifically, when the thermoelectric element films 19 in the windows 11, ˜ 17 are assigned the symbols F 1, ˜ F 10 as shown in FIG. 1, these thermoelectric element films F 1, ˜ As shown in Fig. 6, F 10 is individually connected to controller 20 so that each can be controlled independently. On the other hand, an occupant detection sensor (for example, a seat sensor or a seat belt sensor) that detects the presence or absence of an occupant is provided at each seat or seating position in the room, and these sensors are connected to the controller 20.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control in such a configuration. First, an air conditioning operation signal is read (step S 11). This is the same control as step S 0 1 shown in FIG. Next, the read signal Whether or not there is an air conditioning operation request is determined based on the number (step S 1 2). If it is determined negative in step S12 due to the absence of an air conditioning operation request, this routine is temporarily terminated without performing any particular control.

If a positive determination is made in step S12 due to the request for air conditioning operation, the sensor signal for detecting the presence or absence of an occupant is read (step S13). If the sensor is, for example, a seat sensor and a seven-seater vehicle, the first to seventh (No. 1 to No. 7) seat sensors exist, and each of them indicates whether there is a passenger. In response, an ON signal can be output. In step S13, signals from all sheet sensors are read. Then, it is determined whether or not any of those sheet sensors is ON, that is, whether or not the sheet sensor signal that constitutes the request signal together with the air conditioning operation signal is ON (step S). 14) . If all the sensor signals are OFF, a negative determination is made in step S 14, and in this case, this routine is terminated once without performing any particular control.

On the contrary, if at least one of the sensor signals is ON, a positive determination is made in step S 14, and in this case, depending on the sensor signal that is ON or the sheet sensor. The predetermined thermoelectric element films F 1 to F 1 CHONZO FF signals are output (step S 15). The relationship between the sensor signal or sheet sensor and the thermoelectric element films F 1, -F 10 to be energized is summarized in FIG. Sensor signal No. 1 is a signal that is turned on when a passenger is on the right side of the front seat. Similarly, sensor signal No. 2 is on the left side of the front seat, and sensor signal No. 3 is on the center seat. Right, sensor signal No. 4 is on the left side of the center seat, sensor signal No. 5 is on the right side of the rear seat, sensor signal No. 6 is in the center of the rear seat, and sensor signal No. 7 is on the left side of the rear seat. This signal turns ON when The thermoelectric element film F 1 is provided on the front window 11, the thermoelectric element film F 2 is provided on the front sunroof 12, the thermoelectric element film F 3 is provided on the rear sunroof 13, and the thermoelectric element film 厶 F 4 is provided in the right front side window 14, the thermoelectric element 厶 F 5 is provided in the left front side window 14, and the thermoelectric film F 6 is provided in the right side window 15. Thermoelectric element film F7 is provided in the left midside window 15 and thermoelectric element 厶 F8 is on the right side The thermoelectric element film F 9 is provided in the left side window 16 and the thermoelectric element film F 10 is provided in the rear window 17.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the above-described temperature control device, the thermoelectric element filter 厶 19 in the windows 11 1 to 17 close to the occupant is energized to perform indirect air conditioning, thereby improving comfort. In addition, it is possible to prevent or suppress inconveniences such as unnecessary indirect air conditioning, unnecessary energy consumption, and worsening fuel consumption.

Still another example of the present invention will be described. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing an example in which travel information, which is information related to the driving state of the vehicle, and environmental information related to the environment around the vehicle are added as request signals. In addition, driving information and environmental information are input to the controller 20. The travel information includes vehicle speed information obtained by a vehicle speed sensor (not shown), shift position obtained by a shift position sensor (not shown), and operating state of a parking brake obtained by a parking brake sensor (not shown). Information on engine cooling water, exhaust purification catalyst or temperature of transmission oil, information on charging capacity of battery (not shown), and so on. These can be obtained by sensors provided in each part of the vehicle. The environmental information includes information such as the outside air temperature, the difference between the outside air temperature and the vehicle interior temperature, the amount of solar radiation, altitude, the presence or absence of rainfall or snow, and the presence or absence of fog. (Not shown), information stored in the navigation system, and information sent from external communication means such as a sign post.

An example of control when using travel information and environmental information is shown in a flowchart in FIG. Also in the control example shown here, the air conditioning operation information is read (step S 2 1), and it is determined whether there is an air conditioning operation request based on the read information (step S 2 2). These are the same as the control examples shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. If a negative determination is made in step S 22 because there is no air conditioning operation request, this routine is temporarily terminated without performing any particular control. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S 22 due to the request for air conditioning operation, The first sensor signal is read (step S 2 3), and it is further determined whether any of the sheet sensor signals is ON (step S 24). These steps S 2 3 and S 24 are the same controls as steps S 1 3 and S 14 shown in FIG.

Therefore, if a negative determination is made in step S 24, none of the seat sensors is ON and no occupant is present, so this routine is terminated without performing any particular control. On the other hand, if the determination in step S 2 4 is positive due to the presence of an occupant, travel information (step S 2 5) and environmental information (step S 2 6) are read. .

By the way, the heat that can be used in the vehicle and the amount of heat released from the vehicle vary depending on the running state. For example, if the vehicle speed is high, the cooling effect by the wind is high, and if the parking brake is operating, the vehicle is stopped without judging by the vehicle speed and there is almost no cooling effect by the wind. Also, if the engine coolant temperature is low, heating cannot be performed sufficiently. The same applies to the temperature of other equipment in the vehicle. On the other hand, if the difference between the outside air temperature and the interior temperature is large, the demand for air conditioning is strong, and it may be necessary to cool or heat strongly, and if the amount of solar radiation is large, the demand for cooling becomes strong. However, the demand for heating may be weakened. In addition, when the altitude is high, when there is rainfall or snowfall, or when the fog is dense, it is possible that the cooling requirement will be weak but the heating requirement will be strong. Since the requirements for air conditioning differ depending on the traveling state and environment as described above, the operating temperature of each thermoelectric element film 19 is set according to the respective information (step S 27).

FIG. 11 shows an example of a map for obtaining the operating temperature, and (a) is an example of a map for obtaining a temperature difference 厶 T from the in-vehicle set temperature based on the vehicle speed. The higher the vehicle speed, the more heat is taken away by the wind. Therefore, the higher the vehicle speed, the smaller the temperature difference ΔT so that it approaches the set temperature. Further, since the front window 11 receives the strongest wind, the temperature difference ΔT between the temperature of the front window 11 and the set temperature is made smaller than the temperature difference between the other windows 1 2, 1 to 17. (B) shows an example of a map for determining the coefficient according to the outside air temperature. When the outside air temperature is medium, the coefficient string is “1”. The coefficient α is set to be smaller than Γ 1 j on the lower and higher temperature sides. In other words, at high and low temperatures, indirect cooling and heating by the thermoelectric element film 19 is strongly performed. (C) shows an example of a map for determining the coefficient j8 corresponding to the amount of solar radiation and the outside temperature. The larger the amount of solar radiation and the higher the outside temperature, the smaller the coefficient i8 is less than “1”. In other words, as the amount of solar radiation increases, the cooling in the vicinity of the windows 11 1 to 17 becomes less effective, so the difference from the set temperature ΔT is reduced to reduce the thermoelectric element film. 1 Cooling by 9 is strongly performed.

The operating temperature of each thermoelectric element film F 1,... F 10 is calculated as the product of the temperature difference ΔT and each coefficient a,; 8. Then, an ON or OFF signal is output to the thermoelectric element films F 1 to F 10 so that the operating temperature is reached (step S 28). The thermoelectric element film that outputs the ON signal is determined based on the sheet sensor signal, as shown in FIG.

Therefore, by controlling the current to the thermoelectric element filter by adding driving information and environmental information, it is possible to perform finer control that also takes into account the transfer of heat with the outside of the vehicle. As a result, the air conditioning inside the vehicle is appropriate and comfort is improved. In addition, since wasteful consumption of energy is suppressed, fuel consumption can be improved and drivability can be improved.

The thermoelectric element film 19 can also be configured to be operated by a request signal by an artificial operation. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the operation request signal 2 2 can be input to the controller 20, and the operation signal can be output to the thermoelectric element film 19 based on the operation request signal 2 2. . The operation request signal 22 may be a switch mounted on a vehicle or a signal output from a switch for air conditioning.

As described above, the thermoelectric element film 19 can heat the glass surface by controlling the direction of current flow. This can be used to perform defrosting and defrosting. Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of this. Controller 20 has information 2 3 from an infrastructure medium that transmits signals wirelessly, such as a mobile phone and a wireless terminal, and ambient temperature sensor information 2 4 Is entered. And The controller 20 is configured to output an operation signal to the thermoelectric element film 19 based on these pieces of information 2 3 and 24 to heat the glass surface.

An example of the control is shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, infrastructure media information is read (step S 3 1). Next, it is determined whether or not there is an operation request (step S 3 2). If a negative determination is made in step S 3 2 because there is no operation request, this routine is temporarily terminated without performing any particular control. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S 3 2 due to an operation request, outside air temperature sensor information is read (step S 3 3).

It is determined whether or not the operation is necessary based on the read outside air temperature sensor information (step S 3 4). That is, it is determined whether it is necessary to energize the thermoelectric element film 19 to operate it as a means for heating the glass surface. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a preset reference temperature. The reference temperature r ° C is a low temperature of about 3 ° C, for example, and is the temperature at which frost is expected to adhere.

Therefore, if a negative determination is made in step S 3 4, there is no possibility of frost adhering because the outside air temperature is high, so this routine is temporarily terminated without performing any particular control. That is, the thermoelectric element film 19 is not energized. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S 3 4, frost may adhere to the glass surface, so an ON signal (actuation signal) is sent to thermoelectric element film 19. Is output (step S 3 5). As a result, the thermoelectric element film 19 functions as a heater, the glass surface is heated, and defrosting is performed.

When configured as shown in Fig. 13 in this way, defrosting and anti-fogging can be performed by remote control before boarding, so it is possible to improve starting comfort and convenience. Can be improved.

Note that the present invention can be applied to a vehicle other than a vehicle window, for example, a vehicle side mirror or door mirror. In other words, by attaching a thermoelectric film with a translucent thermoelectric element on the entire surface to the surface opposite to the reflective surface of the glass plate, the entire surface is evenly heated and free from spots. Defrosting and anti-fogging can be performed. The same applies to mirrors installed in the bathrooms of residences. The same effect can be obtained by applying to the above. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to the window of a vehicle but also to a translucent part of a building window. In that case, indirect cooling can be achieved by passing an electric current through the thermoelectric element film to cool the interior of the room or showcase. In these cases, the information to be used for control can be appropriately determined according to the application.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. In a temperature control device that adjusts the temperature of at least one surface side of a translucent plate that partitions a predetermined space,

A light-transmitting thermoelectric element that generates a Peltier effect is provided in a light-transmitting region, and a flexible light-transmitting film attached to the light-transmitting plate;

A controller for selectively heating and cooling the translucent plate by controlling energization to the thermoelectric element in accordance with a request signal;

A temperature control device comprising:

2. The translucent plate includes a translucent plate provided on either a translucent part of a vehicle window or a roof, a mirror attached to the outside of the vehicle, or a window of a house. The temperature control device according to claim 1.

3. The translucent plate includes a window glass or roof glass of a vehicle or a mirror attached to the outside of the vehicle,

The request signal includes a signal output by an occupant detection sensor provided in the vehicle detecting the occupant.

The temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein:

4. The translucent plate includes a vehicle window glass or roof glass or a mirror attached to the outside of the vehicle,

The request signal includes a cooling request signal or a heating request signal based on information related to the traveling state of the vehicle or an external environment where the vehicle travels.

The temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein:

5. The translucent plate includes a vehicle window glass or roof glass or a mirror attached to the outside of the vehicle rain,

When the external temperature of the vehicle is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, the request signal is Includes a signal to heat the side facing the interior of the translucent plate to defrost or defrost

The temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein:

6. The translucent plate includes a window glass or a roof glass of a vehicle, and the request signal heats the side facing the interior of the translucent plate when the vehicle is heating a room. And a signal for cooling the side of the translucent plate facing the room when the vehicle is cooling the room.

The temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein:

7. The controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising means for receiving a signal generated wirelessly from a predetermined external terminal device and controlling energization to the thermoelectric element. Temperature control device.