Control device of vehicle

Abstract

To provide a control device of a vehicle capable of suppressing lowering of a power generation amount or a power generation efficiency of a solar battery which is disposed along a window glass for light shielding in a vehicle compartment.SOLUTION: A control device of a vehicle Ve includes a cleaning mechanism 3 that cleans an outer surface of a window glass 2, and a solar battery module 1 that can generate power when irradiated with solar light and has flexibility, and is configured to be able to develop the solar battery module 1 along an inner surface of the window glass 2 and store the solar battery module 1. The control device includes a controller 4 that controls development and storage of the solar battery module 1 and the cleaning mechanism. The controller 4 includes: a development determination unit 12 that determines to develop the solar battery module 1; and a cleaning mechanism control unit 14 that activates the cleaning mechanism 3 to clean the outer surface of the window glass 2 when it is determined to develop the solar battery module 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for a vehicle equipped with a solar cell module that generates electricity by irradiation with sunlight. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an in-vehicle solar cell module that can be deployed along the vehicle window and can be stored when not generating power. The in-vehicle solar cell module of Patent Document 1 has a thin-film solar cell. The solar cell is formed in a film shape with a five-layer structure sandwiched between resin films and has flexibility. Therefore, the in-vehicle solar cell module described in Patent Document 1 can be wound up or folded and stored in a position away from the vehicle window. In Patent Document 1, the solar cell configured in this way is arranged over the entire area of ​​the roof and window glass of the vehicle. Therefore, the solar cell described in Patent Document 1 can be deployed as a so-called sunshade on the passenger compartment side along the vehicle window when parking, so that the area in which the solar cell is arranged can be increased. In addition, the solar cell can be stored when the vehicle is traveling, so that visibility of the driver and passengers during traveling can be ensured. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-125100 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The solar cell described in Patent Document 1 is deployed along the windshield when the vehicle is parked, increasing the installation area of ​​the solar cell, thereby increasing the amount of power charged to the battery. On the other hand, the windshield may become dirty or have foreign matter attached thereto due to the weather or the condition of the road surface on which the vehicle is traveling. In particular, the windshield is easily affected by such external factors while traveling. Therefore, even if the solar cell is deployed along the windshield, there is a risk that the solar cell will not be irradiated with sunlight due to such dirt or foreign matter. As a result, despite the increase in the installation area of ​​the solar cell, the power generation efficiency of the solar cell may decrease, and it may not be possible to secure a sufficient amount of power generation.

[0005] This invention has been made with an eye on the above-mentioned technical problems, and aims to provide a vehicle control device that can suppress a decrease in the amount of power generation and power generation efficiency of solar cells arranged along the window glass to block light inside the vehicle cabin. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a control device for a vehicle comprising a window glass, a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the outer surface of the window glass, and a flexible solar cell module capable of generating electricity when irradiated with sunlight, and capable of deploying the solar cell module along the inner surface of the window glass and storing the solar cell module outside the inner surface of the window glass, the control device comprising a controller for controlling the deployment and storage of the solar cell module and the cleaning mechanism, the controller comprising a deployment determination unit for determining that the solar cell module should be deployed along the inner surface of the window glass, and a cleaning mechanism control unit for operating the cleaning mechanism to clean the outer surface of the window glass when the deployment determination unit determines that the solar cell module should be deployed.

[0007] In this invention, the controller may further include a detector for detecting the amount of power generated by the solar cell module, and the controller may further include a generated power amount detection unit for detecting that the amount of generated power is lower than a predetermined value when power is being generated by the solar cell module, and the cleaning mechanism control unit may be configured to operate the cleaning mechanism to clean the outer surface of the window glass when the generated power amount detection unit detects that the amount of generated power is lower than the predetermined value.

[0008] The predetermined value in this invention may be a value set based on the amount of decrease in the amount of generated power, which is the difference between the amount of generated power when the solar cell module is deployed and starts generating power and the current amount of generated power.

[0009] The predetermined value in the present invention may be a threshold value set based on the amount of solar radiation irradiating the solar cell module and predetermined specifications of the solar cell module. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to this vehicle control device, the solar cell module can be selectively deployed along the inner surface of the vehicle's window glass. Specifically, when the vehicle is running, the solar cell module is stored in a pillar or pillar trim on the outer side of the inner surface of the window glass. Therefore, while the vehicle is running, the field of view of the driver and passengers can be secured. When the vehicle is parked, the solar cell module is deployed along the window glass to function as a sunshade in the vehicle interior. Therefore, the installation area of ​​the solar cell module in the vehicle can be expanded, and the amount of power generated by the solar cell module can be increased. When the solar cell module is deployed, a cleaning mechanism such as a wiper and washer fluid of the vehicle is operated to clean the window glass. That is, the solar cell module is deployed in a state where dirt and foreign matter on the window glass have been removed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of power generated by the solar cell module due to dirt and foreign matter attached to the window glass.

[0011] This control device also operates the cleaning mechanism when it is detected that the amount of generated power is lower than a predetermined value while power is being generated by the solar cell module. Since the vehicle is parked outdoors to generate power by the solar cell module, dirt and foreign matter may adhere to the window glass even while power is being generated by the solar cell module. When the amount of generated power by the solar cell module decreases, there is a possibility that dirt or foreign matter has adhered to the window glass. Therefore, when the amount of generated power by the solar cell module decreases, the cleaning mechanism is operated to clean the outer surface of the window glass, thereby suppressing the decrease in the amount of generated power by the solar cell module.

[0012] Furthermore, this control device is configured to operate the cleaning mechanism to clean the outer surface of the window glass when the amount of decrease in the amount of power generated by the solar cell module is a predetermined value. For example, the amount of power generated by the solar cell module varies depending on the amount of solar radiation and the temperature. As a result, the amount of power generated by the solar cell module may gradually decrease over time, or may decrease and then increase. In such a case, since there is no dirt or foreign matter attached to the window glass, even if the cleaning mechanism is operated, the decrease in the amount of power generated by the solar cell module cannot be suppressed. Therefore, by determining whether the amount of power generated by the solar cell module is lower than a predetermined value, it is possible to reduce the operation of the cleaning mechanism even if there is no dirt or foreign matter attached to the window glass. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the decrease in the amount of power generated by the solar cell module. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing an example of a solar cell module according to an embodiment of the present invention deployed along the inner surface of a vehicle windshield. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of a control device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control executed by a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The present invention will be described below based on the embodiment shown in the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is merely one example of a specific embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0015] An example of a solar cell module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the solar cell module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be deployed along the inner surface of a windshield (window glass) 2 of a vehicle Ve. Specifically, the solar cell module 1 is stored at a position away from the windshield 2 so that the driver and passengers can see the outside of the vehicle Ve while the vehicle is running. Conversely, the solar cell module 1 is deployed along the inner surface of the windshield 2 while the vehicle is parked. Therefore, the solar cell module 1 can block sunlight entering the vehicle interior. Therefore, it functions as a sunshade that can suppress the rise in temperature inside the vehicle interior. In addition, the solar cell module 1 can expand the installation area of ​​the solar cell module 1 by being deployed along the inner surface of the windshield 2. Therefore, the amount of power generated through the solar cell module 1 can be increased. That is, the solar cell module 1 functions as a so-called solar sunshade that can suppress the rise in temperature inside the vehicle interior by blocking sunlight and generate power by irradiation of sunlight.

[0016] The vehicle Ve can operate auxiliary machines or electronic devices in the vehicle Ve by the power generated by the solar cell module 1. The vehicle Ve may be an existing general vehicle such as an engine vehicle, an electric vehicle, a hydrogen vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a fuel cell vehicle. In the case of a vehicle equipped with a motor as a driving force source such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, the vehicle may be configured to run by supplying the power generated by the solar cell module 1 to the motor. In addition, the vehicle is not limited to a manually operated vehicle that runs to a destination by a driver's driving operation, but may be an automatically operated vehicle that runs to a destination by automatically controlling the driving operation. The vehicle Ve mainly includes the above-mentioned solar cell module 1, a cleaning mechanism 3 that cleans the outer surface of the windshield 2, and a controller 4 that controls them.

[0017] The solar cell module 1 generates electricity by converting light energy, such as sunlight, into electrical energy by utilizing the photovoltaic effect caused by irradiation with sunlight. The solar cell module 1 has a plurality of solar cell cells 5 constituted by thin-film solar cells using a thin semiconductor film as the power generation layer. The solar cell cells 5 are so-called CIS solar cells that use compound semiconductors whose main raw materials are copper (Cu), indium (In), and selenium (Se). The solar cell cells 5 have layers such as a CIS light absorption layer, a transparent electrode layer, a buffer layer, a back electrode layer, a precursor layer, and a resinous substrate, all of which are formed from the compounds.

[0018] Although not shown in the drawings, the terminals (not shown) of the solar cell 5 are electrically connected to each other. The power generated by the solar cell 5 electrically connected in this way is supplied to the battery 6 via a lead wire (not shown) or the like provided on the roof of the vehicle Ve. The electrical connection between the solar cell module 1 and the battery 6 may be selectively performed using a magnetic material or the like. The solar cell module 1 may be a silicon-based solar cell using a silicon semiconductor formed by adhering a gas containing a raw material such as silicon to a substrate to form a thin film, or an organic solar cell formed by dissolving an organic semiconductor such as a conductive polymer or fullerene in a solvent and applying the solution to a resin or the like.

[0019] The solar cell module 1 configured as described above is stored and deployed by a guide mechanism 7 provided on the interior side of the vehicle Ve, as shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, the guide mechanism 7 is provided with two guide sheets 8 that are actuated by an actuator or the like. The solar cell module 1 is disposed integrally with the guide sheets 8. The guide mechanism 7 has, for example, guide rails (not shown) provided on the upper and lower sides of the windshield 2. The guide sheet 8 is guided by the guide rails and deployed along the inner surface of the windshield 2 from both the left and right sides of the windshield 2 toward the center. As a result, the solar cell module 1 is configured to be deployed along the inner surface of the windshield 2. When storing the solar cell module 1, the guide sheet 8 is rolled up by the guide mechanism 7. As a result, the solar cell module 1 is housed in a pillar 9 of the vehicle Ve that constitutes the window frame of the windshield 2, a pillar trim (not shown) provided along the pillar 9, or the like. As a result, the solar cell module 1 is stored on the outside of the inner surface of the windshield 2. The solar cell module 1 may be stored in any position that ensures the field of vision of the driver and passengers. Therefore, the guide mechanism 7 may be disposed at a position where it slightly overlaps with the inner surface of the windshield 2, or the guide sheet 8 may slightly overlap with the inner surface of the windshield 2 when the solar cell module 1 is stored.

[0020] The cleaning mechanism 3 is provided on a cowl top panel (not shown) of the vehicle Ve, and removes dirt and foreign matter adhering to the outer surface of the windshield 2. The cleaning mechanism 3 includes a wiper 10 that wipes off dirt, a washer fluid that is sprayed onto the outer surface of the windshield 2 through a washer nozzle 11, and the like. For example, when dirt such as sand, dust, and mud adheres to the outer surface of the windshield 2, the washer fluid lifts the dirt from the windshield 2, and the wiper 10 wipes off the lifted dirt. Although not shown, the cleaning mechanism 3 can be operated, for example, by operating a lever provided near the steering wheel at the driver's seat of the vehicle Ve or by pressing a switch. Moreover, the cleaning mechanism 3 in the embodiment of the present invention can be operated by a control signal from a controller 4, which will be described later.

[0021] The controller 4 is mainly composed of a microcomputer including a processor (CPU), memory elements (RAM and ROM), and input / output devices (input / output interfaces). The controller 4 is configured to perform calculations according to a predetermined program using data input from various sensors provided in the vehicle Ve, data input from the outside, and pre-stored data, and to output the results of the calculations as control command signals. For example, the controller 4 executes functions that meet a predetermined purpose by having the processor load a program stored in a recording medium into a working area of ​​the memory unit and execute the program, and perform various controls through the execution of the program.

[0022] The controller 4 also controls the solar cell module 1 to be deployed or stored, and controls the cleaning mechanism 3 to be operated to clean the outer surface of the windshield 2. As a control configuration for this purpose, the controller 4 includes a deployment determination unit 12, a generated power amount detection unit 13, and a cleaning mechanism control unit 14, as shown in FIG.

[0023] The deployment determination unit 12 determines whether the solar cell module 1 needs to be deployed or has been deployed. When the vehicle is parked or stopped, or when the driving force source is shut down and it is certain that the vehicle will not run, the deployment determination unit 12 operates the guide mechanism 7 to control the solar cell module 1 to be deployed along the inner surface of the windshield 2. The deployment determination unit 12 determines whether the vehicle Ve is parked or stopped based on, for example, whether the ignition switch of the vehicle Ve is OFF or whether there is no driver or passenger inside the vehicle Ve. Furthermore, even if the vehicle is parked or stopped, if it is predicted that the solar cell module 1 will not be able to generate power effectively even if it is deployed due to bad weather or the like, the deployment determination unit 12 determines not to deploy the solar cell module 1.

[0024] The generated power detection unit 13 detects a decrease in the amount of generated power when the solar cell module 1 is generating power. The generated power detection unit 13 detects the amount of generated power by the solar cell module 1 using a detector 15 such as a power sensor or a battery sensor provided between the solar cell module 1 and the battery 6 on the electrical path. When the solar cell module 1 is generating power, the generated power detection unit 13 detects the amount of generated power detected by the detector 15. Then, it is determined whether the amount of generated power has decreased compared to the amount of generated power at the start of power generation by the solar cell module 1.

[0025] For example, the generated power amount detection unit 13 detects whether the amount of generated power has fallen below a predetermined amount of power (predetermined value) that is determined in accordance with predetermined specifications such as the configuration and performance of the solar cell module 1 and a threshold value set based on the amount of solar radiation irradiating the solar cell module 1. When the amount of generated power of the solar cell module 1 has fallen below the predetermined amount of power, the unit is configured to detect that the amount of generated power of the solar cell module 1 has fallen due to dirt or foreign matter adhering to the windshield 2.

[0026] The amount of power generated by the solar cell module also varies depending on the amount of solar radiation and temperature. As a result, the amount of power generated by the solar cell module may gradually decrease over time, or may increase after decreasing. In such a case, since there is no dirt or foreign matter on the windshield, the decrease in the amount of power generated by the solar cell module cannot be suppressed even if the cleaning mechanism is operated. Therefore, the generated power amount detection unit 13 is configured to suppress the operation of the cleaning mechanism 3 even if there is no dirt or foreign matter on the windshield 2 by setting a predetermined amount of power based on the amount of solar radiation, temperature, and specifications of the solar cell module 1.

[0027] The solar cell 5 supplies the generated power to the battery 6 for each unit formed by a plurality of solar cell 5. Therefore, when the power generation efficiency of one solar cell 5 decreases, the amount of generated power decreases for the entire unit. The generated power amount detection unit 13 may be configured to determine that dirt or foreign matter has adhered to the windshield 2 when it detects that the amount of decrease in the amount of generated power in some of the units is significantly larger than the amount of decrease in the amount of generated power in other units.

[0028] Furthermore, when determining the predetermined amount of power, the generated power amount detection unit 13 may be configured to refer to other parameters. For example, the generated power amount detection unit 13 may be configured to make a determination by referring to parameters such as the energy conversion efficiency when the solar energy is converted into electricity by the solar cell module 1, the amount of solar radiation, a predetermined loss coefficient generated when the solar cell module 1 generates power, and the system capacity of the solar cell module 1 determined by the number of solar cells 5, etc. By using a plurality of these parameters, the generated power amount detection unit 13 may detect that the decrease in the amount of power generated by the solar cell module 1 is caused by dirt or foreign matter attached to the windshield 2.

[0029] When the deployment determination unit 12 determines that the solar cell module 1 is to be deployed, the cleaning mechanism control unit 14 controls the cleaning mechanism 3 to clean the outer surface of the windshield 2. For example, before the solar cell module 1 is deployed, the cleaning mechanism control unit 14 causes the washer fluid to be ejected onto the windshield 2. Thereafter, the cleaning mechanism control unit 14 operates the wiper 10 to wipe off dirt adhering to the outer surface of the windshield 2 together with the washer fluid, thereby cleaning the windshield 2.

[0030] Furthermore, when the generated power amount detection unit 13 detects a decrease in the amount of generated power, the cleaning mechanism control unit 14 activates the cleaning mechanism 3 to clean the outer surface of the windshield 2. When the generated power amount detection unit 13 detects a decrease in the amount of generated power of the solar cell module 1 due to dirt or foreign matter adhering to the outer surface of the windshield 2, the cleaning mechanism control unit 14 is configured to activate the cleaning mechanism 3 as described above.

[0031] Next, an example of control executed by the controller 4 in the embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, in step S1, it is determined that the solar cell module 1 is to be deployed or has been deployed. In step S1, it is determined, for example, that the vehicle Ve is parked or that parking is predicted. As described above, the solar cell module 1 is deployed along the inner surface of the windshield 2. That is, the driver or passengers of the vehicle Ve cannot see outside the vehicle Ve, so the solar cell module 1 is deployed while the vehicle is parked or stopped. When the vehicle Ve is running, when the ignition switch of the vehicle Ve is ON, or when it is determined that the solar cell module 1 is not to be deployed due to bad weather, etc., the result of the determination in step S1 is NO, and the flowchart is once terminated without executing the subsequent control.

[0032] The determination in step S1 may be performed by operating a switch or the like provided on a steering wheel, an instrument panel, or the like. That is, the driver or passenger can operate the switch to keep the solar cell module 1 stored even during parking. Conversely, even if the ignition switch is ON or the driver or passenger is present in the vehicle, the solar cell module 1 can be deployed as a sunshade. In that case, it is preferable that the solar cell module 1 is immediately stored when it is predicted that the vehicle Ve will immediately start traveling, such as when the shift lever is operated to the drive position. Alternatively, it is preferable that the vehicle Ve is maintained in a state in which it cannot travel, such as by preventing the shift lever from moving to the drive position.

[0033] If the determination in step S1 is YES because the vehicle is parked or stopped, the process proceeds to step S2, where the cleaning mechanism 3 is operated to clean the windshield 2. In step S2, the cleaning mechanism 3 is operated to remove dirt, foreign matter, and the like adhering to the outer surface of the windshield 2.

[0034] After the cleaning mechanism 3 is operated, the process proceeds to step S3, where the solar cell module 1 is unfolded. Since the dirt and foreign matter adhering to the outer surface of the windshield 2 has been removed by the cleaning mechanism 3 in step S2, the solar cell module 1 is unfolded. As described above, the solar cell module 1 drives a rotating member (not shown) of the guide mechanism 7 provided along the pillar trim, for example, by an actuator (not shown). This causes the guide sheet 8 to unfold along a guide rail (not shown) provided on the roof, so that the solar cell module 1 is unfolded along the inner surface of the windshield 2.

[0035] After the solar cell module 1 is unfolded, the solar cell module 1 and the battery 6 are electrically connected to each other, thereby generating power by the solar cell module 1. The operation of the cleaning mechanism 3 in step S2 and the unfolding of the solar cell module 1 in step S3 may be performed simultaneously or in reverse order. In other words, the outer surface of the windshield 2 may be cleaned not only before the solar cell module 1 is unfolded, but also simultaneously with the unfolding of the solar cell module 1. Also, it may be cleaned after the unfolding of the solar cell module 1, so long as it is before power generation starts.

[0036] After the solar cell module 1 starts generating power, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, it is determined whether or not the amount of power generated by the solar cell module 1 has decreased after the solar cell module 1 starts generating power. When the solar cell module 1 starts generating power, the detector 15 starts detecting the amount of power generated by the solar cell module 1. In step S4, based on the change in the amount of power generated detected by the detector 15, for example, if the amount of power generated has decreased by a predetermined amount or more compared to when power generation started, it is determined that the amount of power generated by the solar cell module 1 has decreased due to dirt or foreign matter attached to the windshield 2.

[0037] For example, the solar cell module 1 has a predetermined number of solar cells 5 connected in series by a string. As described above, the solar cell module 1 has a plurality of the predetermined number of connected solar cells 5 as one unit. In the solar cell module 1, dirt or foreign matter attached to the windshield 2 may make it difficult for sunlight to irradiate some of the solar cells 5 in one unit. In such a case, the amount of generated power and power generation efficiency of the whole unit may decrease. In step S4, a decrease in the amount of generated power due to dirt or foreign matter attached to the windshield 2 is detected, such as a sudden decrease in the amount of generated power of such a part of the unit. As described above, such a predetermined amount of generated power is calculated based on parameters such as the performance of the solar cell module 1 and the amount of solar radiation.

[0038] If a sensor or the like is provided to detect the presence of dirt or foreign matter on the windshield 2, the determination in step S4 may be performed based on the detection result of the sensor. In addition, in step S4, the decrease in the amount of generated power of the solar cell module 1 may be determined based on whether the decrease in the predetermined amount of power continues for a predetermined period of time. This makes it possible to prevent the cleaning mechanism 3 from being activated when the amount of generated power increases instantaneously due to a person or object passing near the vehicle Ve.

[0039] In this way, when it is determined that the amount of power generated by the solar cell module 1 has not decreased because the amount of power generated by the solar cell module 1 has not decreased below a predetermined amount of power generated compared to when power generation started, the result is NO in step S4. When this determination is made, it is determined that there is no need to clean the windshield 2, and this flowchart is temporarily ended without executing the subsequent control.

[0040] On the other hand, if the determination in step S4 is YES because the amount of power generated by the solar cell module 1 has decreased by a predetermined amount or more compared to when power generation started, the process proceeds to step S5. If such a determination is made, it is estimated that dirt or foreign matter is attached to the windshield 2, and it is determined that the outer surface of the windshield 2 needs to be cleaned. Therefore, in step S5, the cleaning mechanism 3 is started to clean the outer surface of the windshield 2.

[0041] In addition, the control from step S4 onward in the embodiment of the present invention may be repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals. That is, if the determination in step S4 is NO or if the process of step S5 is executed, the control of step S4 may be executed every time a predetermined time elapses. This allows dirt or foreign matter to be quickly removed even if it is attached to the windshield 2.

[0042] In this way, the solar cell module 1 in the embodiment of the present invention can be selectively deployed along the inner surface of the windshield 2 of the vehicle Ve. Specifically, when the vehicle Ve is running, the solar cell module 1 is wound up around the pillar 9 or pillar trim of the windshield 2, or stored in a folded state. Therefore, while the vehicle Ve is running, the field of vision of the driver and passengers can be secured. In addition, when the vehicle is parked, the guide mechanism 7 deploys the solar cell module 1 along the inner surface of the windshield 2 of the vehicle Ve. Therefore, the installation area of ​​the solar cell module 1 in the vehicle Ve can be expanded, and the amount of power generated by the solar cell module 1 can be increased. Furthermore, by deploying the solar cell module 1 along the inner surface of the windshield 2, it is possible to suppress sunlight from entering the vehicle interior, so that the solar cell module 1 functions as a so-called sunshade, and the rise in temperature inside the vehicle interior is suppressed.

[0043] When the solar cell module 1 is deployed, the wipers 10 and the cleaning mechanism 3 for washer fluid, etc. of the vehicle Ve are activated to clean the outer surface of the windshield 2. In other words, the solar cell module 1 is deployed in a state where dirt and foreign matter, etc. on the windshield 2 has been removed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the amount of power generated by the solar cell module 1 due to dirt and foreign matter adhering to the windshield 2.

[0044] The cleaning mechanism 3 is also operated if the amount of generated power drops while the solar cell module 1 is generating power. That is, if it is estimated that the amount of generated power of the solar cell module 1 has dropped due to the adhesion of dirt or foreign matter to the windshield 2, the cleaning mechanism 3 cleans the outer surface of the windshield 2. Since the vehicle Ve is parked outdoors to generate power using the solar cell module 1, dirt or foreign matter may adhere to the windshield 2 during power generation. Therefore, if the amount of generated power of the solar cell module 1 drops, the cleaning mechanism 3 cleans the outer surface of the windshield 2, thereby preventing the dirt or foreign matter on the windshield 2 from interfering with the power generation of the solar cell cells 5.

[0045] Furthermore, the cleaning mechanism 3 is operated when the amount of generated power drops by a predetermined amount or more compared to when power generation by the solar cell module 1 started. For example, the amount of generated power of the solar cell module changes depending on the amount of solar radiation and temperature. Such factors may cause the amount of generated power of the solar cell module to change, such as decreasing over time. Therefore, by determining whether the amount of decrease in the amount of generated power of the solar cell module is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, it is possible to determine whether the change in the amount of generated power of the solar cell module is caused by such factors.

[0046] The predetermined amount of power is set based on the performance of the solar cell module 1 and external factors such as the amount of solar radiation. Therefore, it is possible to estimate whether the decrease in the amount of generated power is due to dirt or foreign matter adhering to the windshield 2. That is, when it is estimated that the decrease in the amount of generated power is due to dirt or foreign matter adhering to the windshield 2, the outer surface of the windshield 2 is cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 3. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cleaning mechanism 3 from being operated even when there is no dirt or foreign matter adhering to the windshield 2.

[0047] If dirt or foreign matter is attached to the windshield 2 but the amount of power generated by the solar cell module 1 is not lower than the predetermined amount of power, the dirt or foreign matter attached to the windshield cannot be removed. However, since the amount of power generated by the solar cell module 1 is not lower than the predetermined amount of power, even in such a case, it is possible to prevent the amount of power generated by the solar cell module from decreasing significantly. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the amount of power generated by the solar cell module from decreasing while reducing the number of times the cleaning mechanism 3 is operated.

[0048] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and may be modified as appropriate within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention. For example, the solar cell module 1 is not limited to being deployed along the inner surface of the windshield 2 of the vehicle Ve, but may also be deployed on the side glass or rear glass of the vehicle Ve. When the solar cell module 1 is attached to the rear glass, it is preferable that the cleaning mechanism 3 is configured to be activated when the solar cell module 1 is deployed or when dirt or foreign matter is detected on the rear glass, as in the above-mentioned embodiment. The solar cell module 1 may also be attached to the bonnet, roof, hood, back door, etc. of the vehicle Ve. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1. Solar cell module 2. Windshield (window glass) 3 Cleaning mechanism 4. Controller 5. Solar Cells 12 Deployment judgment section 13. Power generation amount detection section 14 Cleaning mechanism control section 15 Detector Vehicle

Claims

1. Window glass and a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the outer surface of the window glass; A flexible solar cell module capable of generating electricity when irradiated with sunlight, A vehicle control device capable of deploying the solar cell module along an inner surface of the window glass and storing the solar cell module outside the inner surface of the window glass, a controller for controlling the deployment and storage of the solar cell module and the cleaning mechanism; The controller: a deployment determination unit that determines whether the solar cell module is deployed along the inner surface of the window glass; a cleaning mechanism control unit that operates the cleaning mechanism to clean the outer surface of the window glass when the deployment determination unit determines that the solar cell module is to be deployed. A vehicle control device comprising:

2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, A detector for detecting the amount of generated power from the solar cell module is further provided. The controller further includes a power generation amount detection unit that detects, when power is generated by the solar cell module, that the amount of generated power is lower than a predetermined value. The cleaning mechanism control unit is configured to operate the cleaning mechanism to clean an outer surface of the window glass when the generated power amount detection unit detects that the generated power amount is lower than the predetermined value. A vehicle control device comprising:

3. The vehicle control device according to claim 2, The predetermined value is a value set based on a decrease in the amount of generated power, which is a difference between the amount of generated power when the solar cell module is deployed and starts generating power and the current amount of generated power. A vehicle control device comprising:

4. The vehicle control device according to claim 2, The predetermined value is a threshold value set based on the amount of solar radiation irradiated to the solar cell module and predetermined specifications of the solar cell module. A vehicle control device comprising:

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