Vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle capable of suppressing fogging of an anti-fogging film laminated on a window and achieving high energy efficiency.SOLUTION: The main anti-fogging membrane portion is stacked on the front windshield of the vehicle except for a partial region, and the two anti-fogging membrane portions are stacked on the partial region. The two anti-fogging membrane portions have lower water absorbency than the main anti-fogging membrane portion. The first anti-fogging membrane portion of the two anti-fogging membrane portions has a lower water-absorbing property than the second anti-fogging membrane portion. When the controller determines that fogging has occurred in the first anti-fogging membrane portion (step S11: YES) and fogging has not occurred in the second anti-fogging membrane portion (step S13: NO), the controller estimates that the water retention amount of the main body anti-fogging membrane portion is between the first water retention amount and the second water retention amount. In this case, the controller controls the air-conditioning damper so that air obtained by mixing the inside air and the outside air is blown to the main body anti-fogging membrane (step S14).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle, and more particularly to an air conditioning control technology for a vehicle having a configuration in which a water-absorbent anti-fogging film is laminated on the interior-facing surface of the window. [Background technology]

[0002] In vehicles, it is important for safety to prevent fogging of windows such as the front windshield to ensure visibility. To prevent fogging of windows, a structure in which a water-absorbent anti-fogging film is laminated on the interior surface of the window is sometimes adopted. The water-absorbent anti-fogging film has the function of absorbing moisture into the film, making the film surface on the interior side of the vehicle less likely to fogging.

[0003] However, even when an anti-fogging film is laminated on a window, if the water retention capacity of the anti-fogging film exceeds a predetermined amount (full capacity), the film will not be able to retain any more water, and condensation will form on the film surface, causing fogging. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for suppressing fogging in such water-absorbent anti-fogging films.

[0004] In the vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1, the surface temperature of the window on the interior side of the vehicle cabin and the dew point temperature near the surface of the window facing the interior side are sequentially acquired, and the amount of water absorption of the anti-fogging film is integrated from these to control the air conditioning. Specifically, in the vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1, as shown in Fig. 15, when the amount of water absorption of the anti-fogging film reaches a predetermined threshold, the air conditioning damper is switched from inside air recirculation mode to outside air introduction mode to dehumidify the window. By performing this type of air conditioning control, the vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 dries the anti-fogging film layered on the window by flowing dry outside air along the inside surface (the surface facing the vehicle cabin) of the anti-fogging film before it fogs up (before it reaches a saturated water absorption state). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-35689 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Vehicles are constantly required to achieve high energy efficiency. To meet this demand, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 needs to be improved. Specifically, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 switches the air conditioning damper from internal air recirculation mode to external air introduction mode before fogging occurs on the anti-fogging film. However, if there is a difference between the temperature inside the vehicle cabin and the outside air temperature, energy is consumed to adjust the temperature of the outside air to reduce the temperature difference. In particular, in cold regions or winter, low-temperature, low-humidity outside air is introduced to dry the anti-fogging film, but it is necessary to heat the outside air to prevent the temperature inside the vehicle cabin from dropping too much. To heat the outside air in this way, vehicles equipped with engines can use exhaust heat from the engine, but electric vehicles (BEVs) that are not equipped with engines and are driven solely by an electric motor require battery power.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a vehicle that can suppress fogging of the anti-fogging film laminated on the window and achieve high energy efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention includes a window, a main anti-fogging film, an air conditioning damper, and a control unit. The window separates the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The main anti-fogging film is laminated on the interior-facing surface of the window and has water-absorbent properties. The air conditioning damper switches the ratio of inside air (circulated air from the vehicle interior) to outside air (air introduced from outside the vehicle interior) for blowing air onto the interior-facing surface of the main anti-fogging film. The control unit controls the air conditioning damper.

[0009] In the vehicle according to this aspect, the control unit estimates the amount of water retention in the main body anti-fogging film and controls the air conditioning damper as follows.

[0010] (i) When it is estimated that the amount of retained water is less than a predetermined first amount of retained water, the air conditioning damper is controlled so that air in which the ratio of the outside air to the inside air is a first ratio is blown to the surface inside the vehicle cabin.

[0011] (ii) When it is estimated that the water retention amount exceeds a second water retention amount that is greater than the first water retention amount, the air conditioning damper is controlled so that a second proportion of air, in which the proportion of outside air is greater than the first proportion, is blown onto the surface inside the vehicle interior.

[0012] (iii) When it is estimated that the water retention capacity is between the first water retention capacity and the second water retention capacity, the air conditioning damper is controlled so that air having a ratio of outside air to inside air between the first ratio and the second ratio is blown onto the surface inside the vehicle cabin.

[0013] In the vehicle according to the above aspect, the control unit controls the air conditioning damper to change the ratio of inside air to outside air blown onto the interior-facing surface of the main body anti-fogging membrane according to the water retention capacity of the main body anti-fogging membrane. Specifically, the control unit controls the air conditioning damper to blow air at a first ratio as described above in (i) when the water retention capacity (estimated value) of the main body anti-fogging membrane is less than a first water retention capacity; to blow air mixed at a ratio between the first and second ratios as described above in (iii) when the water retention capacity (estimated value) is between the first and second water retention capacities; and to blow air at a second ratio as described above in (ii) when the water retention capacity (estimated value) exceeds the second water retention capacity. Thus, in the vehicle according to this aspect, instead of selectively switching between inside air circulation and outside air introduction as in the prior art shown in FIG. 15 , the control is performed so that the ratio of outside air to inside air increases as the estimated water retention capacity of the main body anti-fogging membrane increases.

[0014] According to the inventors' investigation, it has been found that energy consumption related to vehicle air conditioning can be reduced by controlling the blowing of air that is a mixture of inside air and outside air when the estimated water retention amount in the main body anti-fogging film is between the first and second water retention amounts, rather than by selectively switching between inside air recirculation and outside air introduction. Therefore, in the vehicle according to the above aspect, fogging of the anti-fogging film laminated on the window can be reduced and high energy efficiency can be achieved.

[0015] In the vehicle according to the above aspect, the main body anti-fogging film may be laminated on the interior side of the window except for a partial area. The vehicle may further include a first anti-fogging film, a second anti-fogging film, and a fogging detection unit. The first anti-fogging film is laminated on the partial area of ​​the interior side of the window and has lower water absorption than the main anti-fogging film. The second anti-fogging film is laminated on the partial area of ​​the interior side of the window, spaced from the first anti-fogging film, and has lower water absorption than the main anti-fogging film but higher water absorption than the first anti-fogging film. The fogging detection unit detects whether or not the first anti-fogging film and the second anti-fogging film are fogging on the interior side of the window.

[0016] In the vehicle of this aspect, the control unit may acquire information from the fogging detection unit and estimate the water retention capacity of the main body anti-fogging film unit based on whether or not the first anti-fogging film unit is fogging and whether or not the second anti-fogging film unit is fogging.

[0017] In the vehicle according to the above aspect, a second anti-fogging film, which has lower water absorption than the main anti-fogging film, and a first anti-fogging film, which has even lower water absorption than the second anti-fogging film, are laminated on a portion of the window, and a fogging detection unit is provided to detect whether the first and second anti-fogging films are fogging. The control unit determines whether the first and second anti-fogging films, which tend to fogging earlier than the main anti-fogging film, are fogging, and estimates the water retention capacity of the main anti-fogging film based on this determination. Therefore, in the vehicle according to the above aspect, even if the water retention capacity of the main anti-fogging film decreases due to aging, the first and second anti-fogging film laminated on the window also tend to decrease in water retention, so the water retention capacity of the main anti-fogging film can be accurately estimated regardless of aging. This allows the vehicle's energy consumption to be reduced while preventing the main anti-fogging film from fogging.

[0018] In the above, "high water absorption" means that the saturated water absorption amount is greater than that of a comparative membrane part, and "low water absorption" means that the saturated water absorption amount is less than that of a comparative membrane part. The same meanings are used hereinafter.

[0019] In the vehicle according to the above aspect, the control unit may estimate the amount of water retention in the main body anti-fogging film as follows.

[0020] (i) If it is determined that no fogging has occurred in either the first antifogging film section or the second antifogging film section, it is estimated that the water retention capacity is less than the first water retention capacity.

[0021] (ii) If it is determined that fogging has occurred in both the first antifogging film section and the second antifogging film section, it is estimated that the water retention capacity exceeds the second water retention capacity.

[0022] (iii) If it is determined that fogging has occurred in the first anti-fogging film portion and that fogging has not occurred in the second anti-fogging film portion, it is estimated that the water retention capacity is between the first water retention capacity and the second water retention capacity.

[0023] In the vehicle according to the above aspect, the amount of water retention of the main body anti-fogging film can be specifically estimated as described above based on the fogging conditions of the first anti-fogging film and the second anti-fogging film.

[0024] The vehicle according to the above aspect may further include a third anti-fogging film and a fourth anti-fogging film. The third anti-fogging film is laminated on the partial area of ​​the interior-facing surface of the window, at a location spaced apart from both the first anti-fogging film and the second anti-fogging film, and has lower water absorption than the second anti-fogging film and higher water absorption than the first anti-fogging film. The fourth anti-fogging film is laminated on the partial area of ​​the interior-facing surface of the window, at a location spaced apart from the first anti-fogging film, the second anti-fogging film, and the third anti-fogging film, and has lower water absorption than the second anti-fogging film and higher water absorption than the third anti-fogging film.

[0025] In the vehicle according to this aspect, the fogging detection unit may also detect whether or not the third anti-fogging film unit and the fourth anti-fogging film unit are fogging up on the interior side of the vehicle. In this case, the control unit may control the air conditioning damper as follows based on information obtained from the fogging detection unit.

[0026] (i) When it is determined that fogging has occurred in the first anti-fogging film portion and that fogging has not occurred in the third anti-fogging film portion, the air conditioning damper is controlled so that a third ratio of air, which is a ratio higher than the first ratio and lower than the second ratio in the ratio between the outside air and the inside air, is blown onto each of the surfaces inside the vehicle cabin.

[0027] (ii) When it is determined that fogging has occurred in the third anti-fogging film portion and that fogging has not occurred in the fourth anti-fogging film portion, the air conditioning damper is controlled so that a fourth ratio of air, which is a ratio higher than the third ratio in the ratio between the outside air and the inside air and lower than the second ratio, is blown into each of the surfaces inside the vehicle interior.

[0028] (iii) When it is determined that fogging has occurred in the fourth anti-fogging film portion and that fogging has not occurred in the second anti-fogging film portion, the air conditioning damper is controlled so that a fifth ratio of air, which is a ratio higher than the fourth ratio and lower than the second ratio in the ratio between the outside air and the inside air, is blown onto each of the surfaces inside the vehicle cabin.

[0029] In the vehicle according to the above aspect, in addition to the first and second anti-fogging film sections, the control unit detects whether or not fogging has occurred in the third and fourth anti-fogging film sections, and the control unit uses these detection results to estimate the amount of moisture retained in the main body anti-fogging film sections and controls the air conditioning damper. Thus, even during the period from when fogging occurs in the first anti-fogging film section until the second anti-fogging film section becomes foggy, the ratio of inside air to outside air can be precisely switched and controlled, thereby reducing the amount of energy consumed for drying.

[0030] In the vehicle according to the above aspect, a configuration may be adopted which further includes a water-stopping section that prevents moisture from passing between the main anti-fogging film section, the first anti-fogging film section, the second anti-fogging film section, the third anti-fogging film section, and the fourth anti-fogging film section.

[0031] In the vehicle according to the above aspect, a water-stopping section is provided between the main anti-fogging film section, the first anti-fogging film section, the second anti-fogging film section, the third anti-fogging film section, and the fourth anti-fogging film section, thereby preventing moisture from moving between the film sections, and making it possible to accurately detect whether or not fogging has occurred in the first anti-fogging film section, the second anti-fogging film section, the third anti-fogging film section, and the fourth anti-fogging film section.

[0032] In the vehicle according to the above aspect, the first anti-fogging film and the second anti-fogging film may be formed of the same film quality as the main body anti-fogging film. In this case, the second anti-fogging film may be formed to a thickness thinner than the main body anti-fogging film, and the first anti-fogging film may be formed to a thickness thinner than the second anti-fogging film.

[0033] In the vehicle according to the above aspect, the first anti-fogging film and the second anti-fogging film are formed with the same film quality as the main body anti-fogging film, and the fogging susceptibility varies depending on the film thickness. Therefore, during manufacturing, there is no need to change the film quality when laminating the main body anti-fogging film with the first anti-fogging film and the second anti-fogging film, eliminating the need for complicated manufacturing processes. This is advantageous in preventing increases in manufacturing costs.

[0034] In the vehicle according to the above aspect, the first anti-fogging film and the second anti-fogging film may be formed to the same film thickness as the main body anti-fogging film, in which case the second anti-fogging film may be formed with a higher elastic modulus than the main body anti-fogging film, and the first anti-fogging film may be formed with a higher elastic modulus than the second anti-fogging film.

[0035] In the vehicle according to the above aspect, the first anti-fogging film and the second anti-fogging film are formed with the same film thickness as the main anti-fogging film, so that the fogging tendency differs depending on the film quality. Therefore, when the portion where the first anti-fogging film and the second anti-fogging film are laminated and the portion where the main anti-fogging film is laminated are viewed from inside the vehicle compartment, there is no difference in level between the films, which reduces the sense of discomfort that occupants may feel in terms of quality.

[0036] In the vehicle according to the above aspect, the control unit may control the air conditioning damper so that the ratio of the outside air to the inside air is maintained at a constant ratio between the first ratio and the second ratio when the water retention amount remains between the first water retention amount and the second water retention amount.

[0037] In the vehicle according to the above aspect, when the estimated water retention capacity of the main body anti-fogging membrane portion is maintained between the first water retention capacity and the second water retention capacity, the ratio of outside air to inside air is maintained at a constant ratio between the first ratio and the second ratio, which allows for simpler control than dividing the ratio into multiple ratios between the two ratios.

[0038] In the vehicle according to the above aspect, a configuration may be adopted in which the ratio of the inside air to the outside air in the first ratio is 100%:0%, and the ratio of the inside air to the outside air in the second ratio is 0%:100%.

[0039] In the vehicle of the above aspect, the ratio of inside air to outside air at the first ratio is 100%:0%, i.e., the air is circulated inside the vehicle, so that energy consumption related to air conditioning to suppress temperature changes inside the vehicle cabin can be reduced when the water retention capacity of the main body anti-fogging membrane portion is estimated to be less than the first water retention capacity.

[0040] In addition, in the vehicle according to the above aspect, the ratio of inside air to outside air in the second ratio is 0%:100%, i.e., the air conditioning is performed by introducing outside air, so that fogging of the main body anti-fogging film portion can be suppressed and high safety can be ensured. [Effects of the Invention]

[0041] The vehicle according to each of the above aspects can suppress fogging of the anti-fogging film laminated on the window and can achieve high energy efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] 1 is a view of a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the inside of the vehicle compartment toward the front. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an air conditioning damper provided in the vehicle. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a main membrane and a detection membrane laminated on a front windshield. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning control system. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the change in the amount of water retained in the first antifogging film over time. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioning control method executed by the controller. [Figure 7] 1(a) to 1(e) are diagrams showing the state of fogging on the inner surface of the four anti-fogging film portions. [Figure 8] 10 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the air conditioning mode being executed and the amount of water absorption of the main body anti-fogging film. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of an air conditioning control system provided in a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an air conditioning control method executed by a controller in a vehicle according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a part of an air conditioning control system provided in a vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a part of an air conditioning control system provided in a vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of an air conditioning control system provided in a vehicle according to a first modification. [Figure 14] A cross-sectional view showing a part of an air conditioning control system provided in a vehicle relating to variant example 2, where (a) shows a state in which the anti-fogging film does not retain water, (b) shows a state in which the anti-fogging film retains water, and (c) shows a state in which fogging has occurred on the inner surface of the anti-fogging film. [Figure 15] 1 is a graph showing a conventional method for controlling air conditioning in a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are merely illustrative of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments except for the essential configuration.

[0044] In the figures used in the following explanation, "FR" indicates the front in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, "RR" indicates the rear in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, "LH" indicates the left in the transverse direction of the vehicle, "RH" indicates the right in the transverse direction of the vehicle, "UP" indicates the top in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and "LO" indicates the bottom in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0045] [First embodiment] 1. Vehicle 1 Configuration The configuration of a vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a view looking forward from inside a vehicle compartment 1a.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 1, a vehicle 1 includes a seat 14 located at the front of the floor in a passenger compartment 1a, and an instrument panel 10 formed to extend in the vehicle width direction in front of the seat 14. A front windshield 11 is disposed in the area between the front end portion of the instrument panel 10 and the roof 1b, and between the front pillars 1c in the vehicle width direction. The front windshield 11 is a window that separates the interior of the passenger compartment 1a from the outside (forward).

[0047] A water-absorbent main anti-fogging film portion is laminated on the surface of the front windshield 11 facing the passenger compartment 1a, as will be described later.

[0048] A rearview mirror 12 is disposed in the center of the vehicle width direction inside the passenger compartment 1a above the front windshield 11. A defroster outlet 1d is provided at the front end of the instrument panel 10. Air blown out from the outlet 1d flows upward along the surface of the front windshield 11 facing the passenger compartment 1a (the surface of the laminated main body anti-fogging film facing the passenger compartment 1a).

[0049] Furthermore, a portion of the air conditioning control system 13 is disposed in a partial area of ​​the surface of the front windshield 11 facing the inside of the passenger compartment 1a. A portion of the air conditioning control system 13 is disposed in the upper left portion of the rearview mirror 12. The upper left portion of the rearview mirror 12 is selected as the location for disposing the air conditioning control system 13 because it is a position that is unlikely to obstruct the field of view of the driver seated in the right seat 14 (driver's seat). Therefore, when the driver's seat is disposed on the left side, it is preferable that a portion of the air conditioning control system 13 be disposed in the upper right portion of the rearview mirror 12.

[0050] 2. Configuration of air conditioning damper 15 The vehicle 1 is provided with an air conditioning damper 15, which is part of an air conditioning device. The configuration of the air conditioning damper 15 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0051] 2, the air conditioning damper 15 includes a damper body 150 and a valve body 151. The damper body 150 has an outside air inlet 150a, which is an opening for taking in air from outside the vehicle 1 (outside air that is air introduced from the outside), and an inside air inlet 150b, which is an opening for taking in air from inside the vehicle compartment 1a (inside air that is air inside the vehicle compartment 1a).

[0052] The valve element 151 is attached to the damper body 150 so as to be rotatable around a support shaft 151a. The valve element 151 rotates as indicated by arrows A1 and A22 by the drive of a damper actuator (not shown). For example, when the valve element 151 is rotated to the maximum in the direction of arrow A1, only outside air is introduced into the passenger compartment 1a.

[0053] On the other hand, when the valve body 151 is rotated to the maximum in the direction of arrow A2, the inside air is circulated. Therefore, the ratio of outside air to inside air according to the rotation angle of the valve body 151 is also blown onto the surface of the main body anti-fogging film laminated on the front windshield 11 facing the inside of the passenger compartment 1a.

[0054] 3. Configuration of Air Conditioning Control System 13 The configuration of the air conditioning control system 13 provided in the vehicle 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, the air conditioning control system 13 includes four anti-fogging film sections 131 to 134 laminated on the inner surface (inner surface) 11a of the front windshield 11 facing the interior of the vehicle compartment 1a, and an image analysis camera (fogging detection unit) 130 that captures images of the inner surfaces 131a, 132a, 133a, and 134a of the anti-fogging film sections 131 to 134.

[0056] The four anti-fogging film portions 131-134 are laminated in areas (partial areas) where the main body anti-fogging film portion 16 is not formed on the inner surface 11a of the front windshield 11. The four anti-fogging film portions 131-134 and the main body anti-fogging film portion 16 are both water-absorbent anti-fogging films and have the same film quality.

[0057] The four anti-fogging films 131-134 all have thicknesses T131, T132, T133, and T134 that are thinner than the thickness T16 of the main body anti-fogging film 16, and have a lower saturated water absorption capacity (lower water absorption capacity) than the main body anti-fogging film 16. The first anti-fogging film 131, which has the thinnest thickness T131, has a lower saturated water absorption capacity (lower water absorption capacity) than the main body anti-fogging film 16 and the other three anti-fogging films 132-134, and when the anti-fogging films 131-134 absorb water as the humidity increases, the first anti-fogging film 131 reaches its full water retention capacity (saturated water absorption capacity) the fastest, causing fogging on the inner surface 131a.

[0058] The second antifogging film portion 134, which has the thickest film thickness T134 of the four antifogging films 131-134, has a lower saturated water absorption capacity (lower water absorption capacity) than the main antifogging film portion 16 and a higher saturated water absorption capacity (higher water absorption capacity) than the first antifogging film portion 131. When the four antifogging films 131-134 absorb water as the humidity increases, the second antifogging film portion 134 reaches its full water retention capacity (saturated water absorption capacity) slower than the other three antifogging films 131-133. Therefore, the inner surface 134a of the second antifogging film portion 134 fogs up more slowly than the other three antifogging films 131-133.

[0059] Of the four antifogging films 131-134, the third antifogging film 132 has the second thinnest film thickness T132 after the first antifogging film 131, and has a lower saturated water absorption capacity (lower water absorption capacity) than the second antifogging film 134, but a higher saturated water absorption capacity (higher water absorption capacity) than the first antifogging film 131. When the four antifogging films 131-134 absorb water as the humidity increases, the third antifogging film 132 reaches a full water capacity following the first antifogging film 131, causing fogging on the inner surface 132a.

[0060] The fourth antifogging film 133, which is the remaining antifogging film of the four antifogging films 131-134, has a film thickness T133 that is thinner than the second antifogging film 134 and thicker than the third antifogging film 132. As a result, the fourth antifogging film 133 has a lower saturated water absorption capacity (lower water absorption) than the second antifogging film 134 and a higher saturated water absorption capacity (higher water absorption) than the third antifogging film 132. Therefore, when the four antifogging films 131-134 absorb water as the humidity increases, the fourth antifogging film 133 will reach its full water retention capacity (saturated water absorption capacity) following the third antifogging film 132, causing fogging on the inner surface 133a.

[0061] As the humidity inside the vehicle interior 1a increases, fogging will occur on the inner surfaces 131a, 132a, 133a, and 134a of the first anti-fogging film portion 131, the third anti-fogging film portion 132, the fourth anti-fogging film portion 133, and the second anti-fogging film portion 134 in that order.

[0062] Gaps G1 to G5 are provided between the main body anti-fogging film 16, the first anti-fogging film 131, the second anti-fogging film 134, the third anti-fogging film 132, and the fourth anti-fogging film 133. These gaps G1 to G5 are provided as water-stopping sections that prevent moisture from passing between the anti-fogging films 16, 131 to 134. By preventing moisture from passing between the anti-fogging films 16, 131 to 134 in this way, it is possible to accurately estimate the moisture retention capacity of the main body anti-fogging film 16 using the four anti-fogging films 131 to 134.

[0063] With the ignition turned on, the image analysis camera 130 sequentially captures images of the inner surfaces 131a, 132a, 133a, and 134a of the antifogging films 131 to 134. The image analysis camera 130 may also capture images intermittently at regular intervals.

[0064] As shown in Figure 4, the air conditioning control system 13 further includes an image processing unit 17 that processes images captured by the image analysis camera 130 to digitize the state of the inner surfaces 131a, 132a, 133a, and 134a of each anti-fogging film unit 131 to 134, and a controller (control unit) 18 that acquires the information processed by the image processing unit 17 and controls the air conditioning damper 15.

[0065] The controller 18 is configured to include a microprocessor including an MPU / CPU, ASIC, ROM, RAM, etc., and a memory. The controller 18 controls the air conditioning damper 15 based on acquired information by executing firmware, etc., stored in advance in the memory. Specifically, the controller 18 includes a fogging determination unit 180 that determines whether fogging has occurred in each of the anti-fogging films 131 to 134 based on input information from the image processing unit 17, and a damper control unit 181 that determines the rotation angle of the valve body 151 of the air conditioning damper 15 (the ratio of inside air to outside air being blown) based on the determination result of the fogging determination unit 180.

[0066] In this embodiment, the controller 18 estimates the amount of water retained in the main body anti-fogging film 16 based on the determination result of the fogging determination unit 180. The damper control unit 181 of the controller 18 controls the air conditioning damper 15 in accordance with the amount of water retained in the main body anti-fogging film 16 estimated by the determination of the fogging determination unit 180. Note that in this embodiment, the damper control unit 181 controls the air conditioning damper 15 by applying one of the following five modes.

[0067] <Recirculated air mode> This is a mode in which the air conditioning damper 15 is controlled so that the ratio of inside air to outside air is a first ratio (100%:0%), that is, so that only inside air is blown from the outlet 1d.

[0068] <Indoor / outdoor air mixing mode 1> This is a mode in which the air conditioning damper 15 is controlled so that air obtained by mixing the inside air and the outside air at a third ratio (75%:25%) is blown from the outlet 1d.

[0069] <Internal / external air mixing mode 2> This is a mode in which the air conditioning damper 15 is controlled so that air obtained by mixing the inside air and the outside air at a fourth ratio (50%:50%) is blown from the outlet 1d.

[0070] <Indoor / outdoor air mixing mode 3> This is a mode in which the air conditioning damper 15 is controlled so that air obtained by mixing the inside air and the outside air at a fifth ratio (25%:75%) is blown from the outlet 1d.

[0071] <Outside air intake mode> This is a mode in which the air conditioning damper 15 is controlled so that the ratio of inside air to outside air is the second ratio (0%:100%), that is, so that only the introduced outside air is blown from the outlet 1d.

[0072] In this embodiment, the air conditioning damper 15 is controlled in five modes as described above, but the number of modes for controlling the air conditioning damper 15 may be at least three. Furthermore, the inside air circulation mode and the outside air introduction mode are not essential modes, and the air conditioning damper 15 may be controlled only in a mode in which the inside air and the outside air are mixed and blown out from the air outlet 1d.

[0073] 4. Occurrence of fogging in the anti-fogging film portions 131 to 134 The anti-fogging films 131-134 are formed so that their full capacity differs from one another. The image analysis camera 130 detects whether or not fogging has occurred on the inner surfaces 131a, 132a, 133a, and 134a of the anti-fogging films 131-134, thereby controlling the air conditioning damper 15. Fogging of the anti-fogging films 131-134 will be explained using FIG. 5. Note that while FIG. 5 shows only the first anti-fogging film 131, fogging also occurs in the other anti-fogging films 132-134 through a similar mechanism.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 5, the first anti-fogging film 131 absorbs water depending on the humidity in the vehicle interior 1a. When the amount of water held in the film reaches a full capacity, condensed water CW adheres to the inner surface 131a, reducing the transmittance of visible light. This causes fogging on the inner surface 131a of the first anti-fogging film 131.

[0075] The second antifogging film 134, the third antifogging film 132, and the fourth antifogging film 133 also fogging occurs by a similar mechanism, although the full capacity differs from that of the first antifogging film 131.

[0076] 5. Control of the air conditioning damper 15 executed by the controller 18 The control of the air conditioning damper 15 executed by the controller 18 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG.

[0077] 6, when the ignition is turned on, the controller 18 monitors whether or not the anti-fogging film portions 131-134 are fogging up based on information captured by the image analysis camera 130 and processed by the image processing unit 17. If the controller 18 determines that the inner surface 131a of the first anti-fogging film portion 131 is not fogging up (step S1: NO), the controller 18 controls the air conditioning damper 15 in the inside air circulation mode (step S2).

[0078] Here, if no fogging occurs on the inner surface 131a of the first antifogging film 131, no fogging occurs on the second antifogging film 134, the third antifogging film 132, and the fourth antifogging film 133, which have higher water absorption properties than the first antifogging film 131. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 7(a), if no fogging occurs on the inner surfaces 131a, 132a, 133a, and 134a of all of the antifogging films 131 to 134 in the image captured by the image analysis camera 130, the controller 18 controls the air conditioning damper 15 in the inside air circulation mode so that only inside air is blown out from the outlet 1d.

[0079] If the controller 18 determines in step S1 that fogging has occurred on the inner surface 131a of the first antifogging film 131 (step S1: YES), the controller 18 determines whether fogging has occurred on the inner surface 132a of the third antifogging film 132 (step S3). If the controller 18 determines in step S3 that fogging has not occurred on the inner surface 132a of the third antifogging film 132 (step S3: NO), the controller 18 controls the air conditioning damper 15 in the first inside / outside air mixing mode (step S4). That is, as shown in FIG. 7(b), when fogging has occurred only on the inner surface 131a of the first antifogging film 131, the controller 18 controls the air conditioning damper 15 in the first inside / outside air mixing mode so that air obtained by mixing inside air and outside air at a ratio of 75%:25% is blown from the outlet 1d.

[0080] If the controller 18 determines in step S3 that fogging has occurred on the inner surface 132a of the third antifogging film portion 132 (step S3: YES), it determines whether fogging has occurred on the inner surface 133a of the fourth antifogging film portion 133 (step S5).If the controller 18 determines in step S5 that fogging has not occurred on the inner surface 133a of the fourth antifogging film portion 133 (step S5: NO), it controls the air conditioning damper 15 in the second inside / outside air mixing mode (step S6). That is, as shown in Figure 7(c), when fogging occurs on the inner surface 131a of the first anti-fogging film portion 131 and the inner surface 132a of the third anti-fogging film portion 132, but not on the inner surface 134a of the second anti-fogging film portion 134 and the inner surface 133a of the fourth anti-fogging film portion 133, the controller 18 controls the air conditioning damper 15 in the second inside / outside air mixing mode so that air mixed with inside air and outside air in a ratio of 50%:50% is blown out from the outlet 1d.

[0081] If the controller 18 determines in step S5 that fogging has occurred on the inner surface 133a of the fourth antifogging film portion 133 (step S5: YES), the controller 18 determines whether fogging has occurred on the inner surface 134a of the second antifogging film portion 134 (step S7). If the controller 18 determines in step S7 that fogging has not occurred on the inner surface 134a of the second antifogging film portion 134 (step S7: NO), the controller 18 controls the air conditioning damper 15 in the third inside / outside air mixing mode (step S8). That is, as shown in Figure 7(d), when fogging occurs on the inner surfaces 131a, 132a, 133a of the three anti-fogging film sections 131 to 133 excluding the second anti-fogging film section 134, the controller 18 controls the air conditioning damper 15 in the third indoor / outdoor air mixing mode so that air mixed with indoor air in a ratio of 25%:75% is blown out from the outlet 1d.

[0082] If the controller 18 determines in step S7 that fogging has occurred on the inner surface 134a of the second antifogging film 134 (step S7: YES), the controller 18 controls the air conditioning damper 15 in the outside air introduction mode (step S9). That is, as shown in Fig. 7(e), when fogging has occurred on all of the inner surfaces 131a, 132a, 133a, and 134a of the four antifogging films 131 to 134, the controller 18 controls the air conditioning damper 15 in the outside air introduction mode so that only outside air is blown from the outlet 1d.

[0083] When the ignition is in the ON state, the controller 18 repeatedly executes the above steps.

[0084] 6. Relationship between the executed air conditioning mode and the amount of water absorption of the main body anti-fogging membrane 16 The relationship between the air conditioning mode executed in vehicle 1 and the amount of water absorption by main body anti-fogging film 16 will be explained using Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a graph showing the relationship over time between the amount of water absorption by main body anti-fogging film 16 and the air conditioning mode executed by air conditioning damper 15 by controller 18. Note that the relationship between air conditioning mode and water absorption shown in Fig. 8 is one example, and changes depending on various conditions such as the environment in which vehicle 1 is placed.

[0085] 8, in the initial state where the water absorption capacity of the main body anti-fogging film 16 is low, the controller 18 controls the air conditioning damper 15 in the internal air recirculation mode. In this state, the humidity in the vehicle interior 1a increases over time due to the influence of the occupants' exhalations, etc., and as a result, the water absorption capacity of the main body anti-fogging film 16 also increases.

[0086] As described above, as the humidity inside the vehicle interior 1a increases, the amount of water absorption by the four anti-fogging film portions 131-134 (see FIG. 3, etc.) also increases. When fogging occurs on the inner surface 131a of the first anti-fogging film portion 131, which has the lowest water absorption among the four anti-fogging film portions 131-134 (when the state shown in FIG. 7(a) is reached), the controller 18 switches from the inside air circulation mode to the first inside / outside air mixing mode and controls the air conditioning damper 15.

[0087] Even when the controller 18 switches from the internal air circulation mode to the first internal / external air mixing mode and controls the air conditioning damper 15, if the humidity inside the vehicle compartment 1a increases and the amount of water absorption by the main body anti-fogging film portion 16 increases, the controller 18 switches to the second internal / external air mixing mode, the third internal / external air mixing mode, or the external air introduction mode to control the air conditioning damper 15.

[0088] 8 shows an example in which the amount of water absorption by the main body anti-fogging film 16 begins to decrease by controlling the air conditioning damper 15 in the outside air introduction mode, but the outside air introduction mode is not necessarily required. For example, the amount of water absorption by the main body anti-fogging film 16 may begin to decrease by operating the air conditioner with the air conditioning damper 15 controlled in the first inside / outside air mixing mode, the amount of water absorption by the main body anti-fogging film 16 may begin to decrease by operating the air conditioner with the air conditioning damper 15 controlled in the second inside / outside air mixing mode, or the amount of water absorption by the main body anti-fogging film 16 may begin to decrease by operating the air conditioner with the air conditioning damper 15 controlled in the third inside / outside air mixing mode.

[0089] 7.Effects In the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the controller 18 controls the air conditioning damper 15 so as to change the ratio of inside air to outside air in the air being blown in accordance with the amount of water retained (absorbed) by the main body anti-fogging film 16. In this embodiment, the amount of water retained by the main body anti-fogging film 16 is estimated based on the presence or absence of fogging on the inner surfaces 131a, 132a, 133a, and 134a of the four anti-fogging film sections 131-134. The air conditioning damper 15 is controlled in one of five modes depending on the presence or absence of fogging on the inner surfaces 131a, 132a, 133a, and 134a of each of the anti-fogging film sections 131-134. That is, in the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, when the estimated amount of water retained by the main body anti-fogging film 16 is low, the air conditioning damper 15 is controlled in the inside air circulation mode. As the estimated amount of water retention increases, the control mode switches to a mode in which the proportion of outside air increases.

[0090] As described above, by controlling the air conditioning damper 15 so that the ratio of outside air to inside air increases as the estimated value of the water retention amount in the main body anti-fogging film 16 increases, energy consumption related to air conditioning in the vehicle 1 can be reduced compared to when the air conditioning damper 15 is controlled in only two modes, the inside air recirculation mode and the outside air introduction mode. Therefore, the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment can reduce fogging of the main body anti-fogging film 16 laminated on the front windshield 11 and achieve high energy efficiency.

[0091] Furthermore, in the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, four anti-fogging films 131-134 are laminated on the same inner surface 11a of the front windshield 11 as the main body anti-fogging film 16, and the water retention capacity of the main body anti-fogging film 16 is estimated using the presence or absence of fogging of these four anti-fogging film parts 131-134. Furthermore, all four anti-fogging film parts 131-134 are formed from the same film quality as the main body anti-fogging film 16. Therefore, the water retention capacity of the main body anti-fogging film 16 can be accurately estimated using the four anti-fogging film parts 131-134.

[0092] Furthermore, in the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, in addition to the first anti-fogging film portion 131 and the second anti-fogging film portion 134, the third anti-fogging film portion 132 and the fourth anti-fogging film portion 133 are used to estimate the amount of water retention in the main body anti-fogging film portion 16 and control the air conditioning damper 15. Therefore, even after fogging occurs on the inner surface 131a of the first anti-fogging film portion 131 and before fogging occurs on the inner surface 134a of the second anti-fogging film portion 134, the ratio of inside air to outside air can be finely controlled and switched, thereby reducing the amount of energy consumed in drying the main body anti-fogging film portion 16.

[0093] In addition, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, gaps G1 to G5 are provided between the main body anti-fogging film portion 16, the first anti-fogging film portion 131, the second anti-fogging film portion 134, the third anti-fogging film portion 132, and the fourth anti-fogging film portion 133 as water-stopping portions, thereby suppressing the movement of moisture between the anti-fogging films 16, 131 to 134, and making it possible to accurately detect whether or not fogging has occurred on the inner surfaces 131a, 134a, 132a, 133a of the first anti-fogging film portion 131, the second anti-fogging film portion 134, the third anti-fogging film portion 132, and the fourth anti-fogging film portion 133.

[0094] Furthermore, in the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, as described above, the four anti-fogging films 131-134 are formed with the same film quality as the main body anti-fogging film 16, and the film thicknesses T131-T134 result in differences in fogging susceptibility. Therefore, during manufacturing, there is no need to change the film quality between the main body anti-fogging film 16 and the four anti-fogging films 131-134, eliminating the need for complicated manufacturing processes. This is advantageous in preventing increases in manufacturing costs.

[0095] Furthermore, in the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, when no fogging occurs in any of the four anti-fogging film sections 131 to 134, the air conditioning damper 15 is controlled to operate the air conditioner in the first ratio (inside air: outside air = 100%:0%), i.e., inside air circulation mode, so that energy consumption for suppressing temperature changes in the passenger compartment 1a can be reduced when the water retention capacity of the main anti-fogging film section 16 is estimated to be less than the predetermined first water retention capacity.

[0096] Furthermore, in vehicle 1, the air conditioning damper 15 is controlled to operate the air conditioning unit in the outside air introduction mode so that the second ratio (inside air: outside air = 0%:100%), i.e., only dry outside air is blown out from the outlet 1d, thereby reliably suppressing the occurrence of fogging on the main body anti-fogging film portion 16 immediately before it occurs, ensuring high safety.

[0097] As described above, the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment can suppress fogging of the main body anti-fogging film portion 16 laminated on the inner surface 11a of the front windshield 11, and can also achieve high energy efficiency.

[0098] [Second embodiment] A vehicle 1 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Note that the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that two anti-fogging film portions 231, 232 are provided instead of four in order to estimate the amount of water retention in the main body anti-fogging film portion 16 in the air conditioning control system 23. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment.

[0099] As shown in Figure 9, the air conditioning control system 23 includes two anti-fogging film sections 231, 232 laminated on the inner surface 11a of the front windshield 11, and an image analysis camera (fogging detection section) 130 that captures images of the inner surfaces 231a, 232a of the anti-fogging film sections 232, 232.

[0100] In this embodiment, the two anti-fogging film portions 231, 232 are also laminated in an area (partial area) where the main body anti-fogging film portion 16 is not formed on the inner surface 11a of the front windshield 11. The two anti-fogging film portions 231, 232 are made of a water-absorbent anti-fogging film having the same film quality as the main body anti-fogging film portion 16.

[0101] The two anti-fogging films 231, 232 both have thicknesses T231, T232 that are thinner than the thickness T16 of the main body anti-fogging film 16, and have a lower saturated water absorption capacity (lower water absorption capacity) than the main body anti-fogging film 16. Of the two anti-fogging films 231, 232, the first anti-fogging film 231, which has the thinner thickness T231, has a lower saturated water absorption capacity (lower water absorption capacity) than the other anti-fogging film, the second anti-fogging film 232. When the two anti-fogging films 231, 232 absorb water as the humidity increases, the first anti-fogging film 231 reaches its full water retention capacity (saturated water absorption capacity) earlier than the second anti-fogging film 232, causing fogging on the inner surface 231a.

[0102] The second antifogging film portion 232, which has a thickness T232 thicker than the first antifogging film portion 231, has a lower saturated water absorption capacity (lower water absorption capacity) than the main antifogging film portion 16, and a higher saturated water absorption capacity (higher water absorption capacity) than the first antifogging film portion 231. When the antifogging films 231, 232 absorb water as the humidity increases, the second antifogging film portion 232 reaches its full water retention capacity (saturated water absorption capacity) slower than the other, the first antifogging film portion 231. Therefore, the inner surface 232a of the second antifogging film portion 232 fogs up more slowly than the first antifogging film portion 231.

[0103] In the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, when the humidity inside the vehicle compartment 1a increases, fogging occurs on the inner surfaces 231a and 232a of the first antifogging film portion 231 and the second antifogging film portion 232 in that order.

[0104] In the air conditioning control system 23 of this embodiment, gaps G6 to G8 are also provided between the main body anti-fogging film portion 16, the first anti-fogging film portion 231, and the second anti-fogging film portion 232. These gaps G6 to G8 also function as water-stopping portions that prevent moisture from passing between the film portions 16, 231, and 232.

[0105] In the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the controller 18 controls the air conditioning damper 15 by switching between the following three modes.

[0106] <Recirculated air mode> This is a mode in which the air conditioning damper 15 is controlled so that the ratio of inside air to outside air is a first ratio (100%:0%), that is, so that only inside air is blown from the outlet 1d.

[0107] <Indoor / outdoor air mixing mode> This is a mode in which the air conditioning damper 15 is controlled so that air obtained by mixing the inside air and the outside air at a ratio between the first ratio and the second ratio (75%:25%) is blown from the outlet 1d.

[0108] <Outside air intake mode> This is a mode in which the air conditioning damper 15 is controlled so that the ratio of inside air to outside air is the second ratio (0%:100%), that is, so that only the introduced outside air is blown from the outlet 1d.

[0109] In this embodiment, the controller 18 controls the air conditioning damper 15 as follows, based on whether or not the inner surfaces 231a, 232a of the first antifogging film portion 231 and the second antifogging film portion 232 are fogging up.

[0110] 10, when the ignition is turned on, the controller 18 monitors the presence or absence of fogging on the inner surfaces 231a, 232a of the anti-fogging film portions 231, 232 based on information captured by the image analysis camera 130 and processed by the image processing portion 17. If the controller 18 determines that fogging has not occurred on the inner surface 231a of the first anti-fogging film portion 231 (step S11: NO), it controls the air conditioning damper 15 in the inside air circulation mode (step S12).

[0111] As described above, when no fogging occurs on the inner surface 231a of the first antifogging film 231, no fogging occurs on the inner surface 232a of the second antifogging film 232, which has higher water absorption than the first antifogging film 231. Therefore, the controller 18 controls the air conditioning damper 15 in the inside air circulation mode so that only inside air is blown out from the outlet 1d.

[0112] If the controller 18 determines in step S11 that fogging has occurred on the inner surface 231a of the first antifogging film 231 (step S11: YES), the controller 18 determines whether fogging has occurred on the inner surface 232a of the second antifogging film 232 (step S13). If the controller 18 determines in step S13 that fogging has not occurred on the inner surface 232a of the second antifogging film 232 (step S13: NO), the controller 18 controls the air conditioning damper 15 in the inside / outside air mixing mode (step S14). Note that in a state in which fogging has occurred on the inner surface 231a of the first antifogging film 231 but not on the inner surface 232a of the second antifogging film 232, the controller 18 controls the air conditioning damper 15 in the inside / outside air mixing mode so that air obtained by mixing the inside and outside air while maintaining a ratio of inside air to outside air of 75%:25% is blown from the air outlet 1d.

[0113] If the controller 18 determines in step S13 that fogging has occurred on the inner surface 232a of the second antifogging film portion 232 (step S13: YES), the controller 18 controls the air conditioning damper 15 in the outside air introduction mode (step S15). That is, if fogging has occurred on both the inner surfaces 231a, 232a of the two antifogging film portions 231, 232, the controller 18 controls the air conditioning damper 15 in the outside air introduction mode so that only the introduced outside air is blown out from the outlet 1d.

[0114] When the ignition is in the ON state, the controller 18 repeatedly executes the above steps.

[0115] The vehicle 1 according to this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it is provided with two anti-fogging films 231, 232 as anti-fogging films for estimating the water retention capacity of the main body anti-fogging film 16. In other respects, the present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained with this embodiment.

[0116] Furthermore, in the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, when fogging occurs on the inner surface 231a of the first anti-fogging film portion 231 but not on the inner surface 232a of the second anti-fogging film portion 232, the air conditioning damper 15 is controlled in an inside / outside air mixing mode in which the ratio of inside air to outside air is 75%:25%. Therefore, in the state after fogging occurs on the inner surface 231a of the first anti-fogging film portion 231 but before fogging occurs on the inner surface 232a of the second anti-fogging film portion 232, control can be simplified compared to controlling the ratios separately between them.

[0117] In this embodiment, the ratio of inside air to outside air in the inside / outside air mixing mode is set to 75%:25%, but the ratio is not limited to this and may be, for example, 50%:50%, 25%:75%, or some other ratio.

[0118] [Third embodiment] A vehicle according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Note that the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the four anti-fogging films 131-134 in the air conditioning control system 33 are not directly laminated on the inner surface 11a of the front windshield 11, but are laminated via a pattern printed layer 335. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment.

[0119] 11, in the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the air conditioning control system 33 includes four anti-fogging film portions 131 to 134, a light / contour analysis camera (fogging detection unit) 330, and a pattern printed layer 335. The four anti-fogging film portions 131 to 134 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment.

[0120] The pattern printed layer 335 has printed portions 335a-335d in which a light-colored background and a dark-colored pattern are printed, and is inserted between the inner surface 11a of the front windshield 11 and the anti-fogging films 131-134. The printed portions 335a-335d are formed and aligned with the locations where the anti-fogging films 131-134 will be disposed. The printed portions 335a-335d formed in this manner are formed to suppress the influence of the view ahead of the vehicle 1 when the laminated anti-fogging films 131-134 are imaged by the light / contour analysis camera 330 and the results are used for analysis.

[0121] The light / contour analysis camera 330 captures images of the printed portions 335a-335d of the pattern-printed layer 335 through each of the anti-fogging films 131-134. The captured image of the pattern-printed layer 335 is processed by the image processing unit 17 (see FIG. 4) and converted into a numerical value that can be used to determine whether or not each of the anti-fogging films 131-134 is fogging. The image processing unit 17 associates a plurality of images of the fogging degree captured in advance with a numerical value specified for each image. The fogging determination unit 180 (see FIG. 4) of the controller 18 determines whether or not fogging has occurred on the inner surfaces 131a, 132a, 133a, and 134a of the anti-fogging films 131-134 based on the numerical value acquired from the image processing unit 17.

[0122] The vehicle 1 according to this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the above-described configuration of the air conditioning control system 33, but the other configurations are the same. Therefore, the vehicle according to this embodiment can also obtain the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0123] In addition, in this embodiment, a pattern printed layer 335 is interposed between the inner surface 11a of the front windshield 11 and the anti-fogging film portions 131 to 134, so that the influence of the scenery ahead of the vehicle 1 on the detection of fogging on the anti-fogging film portions 131 to 134 in the image captured by the light / contour analysis camera 330 can be suppressed.

[0124] It should be noted that this embodiment can also be combined with the configuration of the second embodiment.

[0125] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a camera for a drive recorder can be used instead of the light / contour analysis camera 330. In this case, by using the camera for a drive recorder also as a camera for detecting fogging on the inner surfaces 131a, 132a, 133a, and 134a of the antifogging films 131 to 134, it is possible to suppress an increase in manufacturing costs and keep the space occupied by the air conditioning control system 33 small.

[0126] [Fourth embodiment] A vehicle 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The main difference between the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment and the first embodiment is that a photodiode array 430 is used to detect the presence or absence of fogging on the inner surfaces of the four anti-fogging film sections 131 to 134 in the air conditioning control system 43. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment.

[0127] 12, a vehicle air conditioning control system 43 according to this embodiment includes a photodiode array 430, a mirror layer 437, and a light source 436. The mirror layer 437 is formed in an area facing the anti-fogging film portions 131 to 134 and its periphery on the outer surface 11b (the surface on the front side of the vehicle 1) of the front windshield 11. The surface of the mirror layer 437 facing the outer surface 11b of the front windshield 11 is configured as a light-reflective surface.

[0128] The light source 436 emits visible light L B is a light source that emits visible light L in a line shape from the inner surface side of the main body anti-fogging film part 16 toward the mirror layer 437. B The visible light L emitted from the light source 436 B The reflected visible light L B The light passes through the front windshield 11 and the anti-fogging films 131 to 134 and enters the photodiode array 430.

[0129] The photodiode array 430 is a module in which a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged in a line, and is provided as a fogging detection unit that detects fogging on the inner surfaces of the antifogging films 131-134.

[0130] When there is no fogging on the inner surfaces of the anti-fogging films 131 to 134, the visible light L reflected by the mirror layer 437 B is not scattered by the antifogging films 131 to 134 and enters the photodiode array 430 as is. Therefore, visible light L is incident only on the portions of the light receiving elements arranged in a line that correspond to the antifogging films 131 to 134. B will be incident.

[0131] On the other hand, when fogging occurs on the inner surfaces of some of the anti-fogging films 131 to 134, the visible light L reflected by the mirror layer 437 B A part of the visible light L scattered by the fogged anti-fogging film portion is incident on the photodiode array 430. Therefore, compared to when there is no scattering, the visible light L scattered to the adjacent light receiving elements is also scattered. B is incident.

[0132] In the air conditioning control system 43 of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, it is detected whether fogging has occurred on the inner surface of any of the anti-fogging film sections 131 to 134 based on the difference in the light receiving state of each light receiving element of the photodiode array 430 as described above.

[0133] In the vehicle according to this embodiment, the configuration for detecting whether or not fogging has occurred on the inner surfaces 131a, 132a, 133a, and 134a of the anti-fogging films 131 to 134 is different from that of the first embodiment, but the other configurations are the same. Therefore, the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0134] It should be noted that this embodiment can also be combined with the configuration of the second embodiment.

[0135] [Variation 1] Vehicle 1 according to Modification 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Note that vehicle 1 according to this modification differs mainly from the first embodiment and the like in the configuration of the water blocking unit in air conditioning control system 53. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment.

[0136] 13, an air conditioning control system 53 for a vehicle 1 according to this modification also includes a main body anti-fogging film 16, a first anti-fogging film 131, a second anti-fogging film 134, a third anti-fogging film 132, and a fourth anti-fogging film 133 laminated on the inner surface 11a of the front windshield 11. The configuration of each of the anti-fogging films 16, 131 to 134 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0137] In the first embodiment and the like, gaps G1 to G8 are provided between the antifogging films 16, 131 to 134 as water stopping sections, but in this modified example, water stopping layers 531 to 535 are formed between the antifogging films 16, 131 to 134. The water stopping layers 531 to 535 are made of a hydrophobic material (for example, a fluorine-based resin material).

[0138] In this way, by forming water-stopping layers 531-535 between the anti-fogging film portions 16, 131-134, the movement of moisture between the anti-fogging film portions 16, 131-134 can be suppressed, and the water retention capacity of the main body anti-fogging film portion 16 can be accurately estimated.

[0139] The vehicle 1 according to this modification is different from the first embodiment and the like in that water stopping layers 531-535 are formed between the anti-fogging films 16, 131-134, but the other configurations are the same. Therefore, the vehicle 1 according to this modification can also obtain the same effects as the first embodiment and the like.

[0140] The configuration including the water blocking layers 531 to 535 of this modified example can also be applied to the second embodiment.

[0141] [Variation 2] A vehicle 1 according to Modification 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 14. The vehicle 1 according to this modification is different from the first embodiment and the like mainly in the configuration (fogging detection unit) for detecting whether or not the inner surfaces 131a, 132a, 133a, and 134a of the anti-fogging films 131-134 in the air-conditioning control system 63 are fogging up. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 14 representatively illustrates only the first anti-fogging film 131 of the anti-fogging films 131-134, but the configuration of the fogging detection units for the other anti-fogging films 132-134 is the same.

[0142] 14(a) to 14(c), two electrodes 631 and 632 are disposed spaced apart from each other on the inner surface 131a of the first antifogging film portion 131 of this modified example. The gap between the electrodes 631 and 632 is set to, for example, 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0143] Although not shown, a constant current circuit (power supply unit) is connected to electrode 631 and electrode 632. In addition, a voltage detection unit that detects the voltage between electrode 631 and electrode 632 is connected between the connection wiring between electrode 631 and electrode 632 and the constant current circuit.

[0144] 14(a), when the first antifogging film 131 is in a dry state, the electrical resistance between the electrode 631 and the electrode 632 is very large. The electrical resistance R is calculated from the current value of the constant current circuit and the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit.

[0145] As shown in Figure 14(b), when the first anti-fogging film portion 131 absorbs water and moisture MS is contained in the film, the presence of moisture MS in the film causes the electrical resistance value R between electrode 631 and electrode 632 to be smaller than the state shown in Figure 14(a) (electrical resistance value Rmin).

[0146] 14(c), if the first antifogging film 131 further absorbs water and its water retention capacity reaches its full capacity, condensed water CW will adhere to the inner surface 131a of the first antifogging film 131, causing fogging. In this case, a current will also flow between the electrodes 631 and 632 on the inner surface 131a, and an electrical resistance value Rw will also be detected. In this case, the electrical resistance value Rover between the electrodes 631 and 632 will be expressed as (1 / Rover)=(1 / Rmin+1 / Rw).

[0147] Here, the relationship between the amount of water absorbed by the first anti-fogging film portion 131 and the electrical resistance value R between the electrode 631 and the electrode 632 gradually decreases as the state changes from the dry state shown in Figure 14(a) to the state shown in Figure 14(c) where the amount of water retained is just before reaching the full amount.

[0148] 14(c), the electrical resistance value R between electrode 631 and electrode 632 decreases significantly. That is, the rate of change in electrical resistance value R between electrode 631 and electrode 632 changes from the point at which the amount of water retention reaches the full tank amount.

[0149] In this modification, a change in the degree of change in the electrical resistance value Rover as described above is used to determine that fogging has occurred on the inner surface 131a of the first antifogging film 131. Fogging on the second antifogging film 134, the third antifogging film 132, and the fourth antifogging film 133 can also be detected in a similar manner.

[0150] In the vehicle according to this modification, electrodes 631, 632 are formed on the inner surfaces 131a, 132a, 133a, 134 of the anti-fogging films 131 to 134, respectively, and the occurrence of fogging can be detected based on a change in the degree of change in the electrical resistance value R between the electrodes 631 and 632. In this modification, the configuration of the fogging detection unit differs from those of the first to fourth embodiments and modification 1, but the other configurations are the same, so the same effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0151] In this modified example, the occurrence of fogging is detected based on a change in the rate of change in the electrical resistance value R between the electrodes 631 and 632, but it is also possible to detect the occurrence of fogging based on a change in the rate of change in the capacitance value C between the electrodes 631 and 632.

[0152] The electrodes 631 and 632 can be formed using a metal material (such as Cu or Al), or a transparent electrode material (such as ITO (indium tin oxide), IZO (indium zinc oxide), or TNO (Nb-doped titanium oxide). When the electrodes 631 and 632 are formed using a transparent electrode material, they are less likely to obstruct the visibility of the occupants, which is desirable from the viewpoint of ensuring safety when the vehicle is traveling.

[0153] [Other variations] In the first to fourth embodiments and modifications 1 and 2, the anti-fogging films 131-134, 231, and 232 have the same film quality but different film thicknesses relative to the main body anti-fogging film 16. However, the present invention is not limited to this, as long as the anti-fogging film for estimating the water retention capacity of the main body anti-fogging film 16 has lower water absorption than the main body anti-fogging film 16. For example, the anti-fogging film for estimating the water retention capacity of the main body anti-fogging film 16 may be configured to have the same film thickness as the main body anti-fogging film 16 but a different elastic modulus than the main body anti-fogging film 16. Furthermore, the anti-fogging film for estimating the water retention capacity of the main body anti-fogging film 16 may have the same film thickness as the main body anti-fogging film 16 but be formed using an anti-fogging material that has a higher affinity for water than the main body anti-fogging film 16. In this way, by making the film thickness of the anti-fogging film portion for estimating the water retention capacity of the main body anti-fogging film portion 16 the same as that of the main body anti-fogging film portion 16, there is no difference in level between the film portions, and the discomfort that occupants may feel in terms of quality can be reduced.

[0154] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments and the first and second modifications, the air conditioning damper 15 is controlled in the inside air recirculation mode when the first anti-fogging film 131, 231 is not fogging, and is controlled in the outside air introduction mode when the second anti-fogging film 134, 232 is fogging. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the air conditioning damper 15 may be controlled in the inside / outside air mixing mode even when the first anti-fogging film 131, 231 is not fogging, and may be controlled in the inside / outside air mixing mode even when the second anti-fogging film 134, 232 is fogging. In this case, the ratio of outside air to inside air may be set to be higher when the second anti-fogging film 134, 232 is fogging than when the first anti-fogging film 131, 231 is not fogging.

[0155] Furthermore, although the first to fourth embodiments and the first and second modifications do not specifically mention the type of drive source for vehicle 1, the present invention can be applied to vehicles equipped with various drive sources for traveling. For example, the present invention can be applied to a wide range of vehicles, such as vehicles that are driven by an engine, parallel hybrid vehicles, range extender hybrid vehicles, and electric vehicles (BEVs) that run by driving a motor with power from a battery.

[0156] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments and variants 1 and 2, the main body anti-fogging film portion 16 and the anti-fogging film portions 131 to 134, 231, and 232 provided in the air conditioning control systems 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, and 63 are laminated on the front windshield 11, but the present invention also makes it possible to laminate these anti-fogging film portions on windows such as side windows and rear windows.

[0157] Furthermore, the main body anti-fogging film portion 16 and the anti-fogging film portions 131-134, 231, 232 provided in the air conditioning control systems 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63 do not necessarily need to be laminated on the same window. For example, the main body anti-fogging film portion 16 may be laminated on the front windshield 11, and the anti-fogging film portions 131-134, 231, 232 may be laminated on the rear window. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 1 vehicle 11 Front windshield 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63 Air conditioning control system 15 Air conditioning damper 16 Main body anti-fogging film 18 Controller (control unit) 130 Image analysis camera (cloudiness detection unit) 131,231 First anti-fogging film part 132 Third anti-fogging film section 133 4th anti-fogging film section 134,232 Second anti-fogging film part 330 Light / Darkness / Contour Analysis Camera (Fog Detection Unit) 430 Photodiode array (cloudiness detection section) 436 Light source

Claims

1. A window that separates the interior and exterior of the vehicle; a water-absorbent main body anti-fogging film portion laminated on a surface of the window facing the interior of the vehicle; an air conditioning damper that switches the ratio of inside air, which is circulated air from inside the vehicle cabin, to outside air, which is introduced air from outside the vehicle cabin, to be blown onto the interior surface of the main body anti-fogging film; a control unit that controls the air conditioning damper; Equipped with The control unit Estimate the water retention capacity of the main body anti-fogging film portion, When it is estimated that the retained water amount is less than a predetermined first retained water amount, the air conditioning damper is controlled so that air in which a ratio of the outside air to the inside air is a first ratio is blown to the surface on the vehicle interior side; When it is estimated that the retained water amount exceeds a second retained water amount that is greater than the first retained water amount, the air conditioning damper is controlled so that a second proportion of air, the proportion of the outside air being greater than the first proportion, is blown to the surface on the interior side of the vehicle; When the water retention amount is estimated to be between the first water retention amount and the second water retention amount, the air conditioning damper is controlled so that the ratio of the outside air to the inside air is between the first ratio and the second ratio and the air is blown to the surface inside the vehicle compartment. vehicle.

2. The main body anti-fogging film portion is laminated on the surface of the window facing the interior of the vehicle except for a partial area thereof, The vehicle is a first anti-fogging film portion laminated on the partial area of ​​the surface of the window facing the interior of the vehicle, the first anti-fogging film portion having lower water absorption than the main anti-fogging film portion; a second anti-fogging film portion that is laminated on the partial area of ​​the surface of the window facing the interior of the vehicle, at a location spaced apart from the first anti-fogging film portion, and that has lower water absorption than the main anti-fogging film portion and higher water absorption than the first anti-fogging film portion; a fog detector for detecting whether or not the first anti-fogging film portion and the second anti-fogging film portion are fogged on the interior side of the vehicle; Furthermore, The control unit acquires information from the fogging detection unit and estimates the water retention amount of the main body anti-fogging film unit based on the presence or absence of fogging of the first anti-fogging film unit and the presence or absence of fogging of the second anti-fogging film unit. The vehicle of claim 1 .

3. The control unit When it is determined that fogging has not occurred in either the first antifogging film portion or the second antifogging film portion, it is estimated that the water retention capacity is less than the first water retention capacity, When it is determined that fogging has occurred in both the first antifogging film portion and the second antifogging film portion, it is estimated that the water retention capacity exceeds the second water retention capacity, When it is determined that fogging has occurred in the first anti-fogging film portion and that fogging has not occurred in the second anti-fogging film portion, it is estimated that the water retention capacity is between the first water retention capacity and the second water retention capacity.

3. The vehicle of claim 2.

4. The vehicle is a third anti-fogging film portion that is laminated on the partial area of ​​the surface of the window facing the interior of the vehicle, at a location spaced apart from both the first anti-fogging film portion and the second anti-fogging film portion, and that has lower water absorption than the second anti-fogging film portion and higher water absorption than the first anti-fogging film portion; a fourth anti-fogging film portion that is laminated on the partial area of ​​the surface of the window facing the interior of the vehicle, at a location spaced apart from the first anti-fogging film portion, the second anti-fogging film portion, and the third anti-fogging film portion, and that has lower water absorption than the second anti-fogging film portion and higher water absorption than the third anti-fogging film portion; Furthermore, the fogging detection unit also detects whether or not fogging is present on the interior side of the vehicle in the third anti-fogging film unit and the fourth anti-fogging film unit, The control unit, based on the acquired information from the fogging detection unit, When it is determined that fogging has occurred in the first anti-fogging film portion and that fogging has not occurred in the third anti-fogging film portion, the air conditioning damper is controlled so that a third ratio of the outside air to the inside air is blown to each of the surfaces on the interior side of the vehicle, the third ratio being a ratio higher than the first ratio and lower than the second ratio in the ratio between the outside air and the inside air; when it is determined that fogging has occurred in the third anti-fogging film portion and that fogging has not occurred in the fourth anti-fogging film portion, the air conditioning damper is controlled so that a fourth ratio of the outside air to the inside air, which is a ratio higher than the third ratio and lower than the second ratio in the ratio between the outside air and the inside air, is blown to each of the surfaces on the interior side of the vehicle; When it is determined that fogging has occurred in the fourth anti-fogging film portion and that fogging has not occurred in the second anti-fogging film portion, the air conditioning damper is controlled so that a fifth ratio of air, which is a ratio higher than the fourth ratio and lower than the second ratio in the ratio between the outside air and the inside air, is blown to each of the surfaces on the interior side of the vehicle. A vehicle according to claim 2 or claim 3.

5. a water-stopping section that prevents moisture from passing between the main anti-fogging film section, the first anti-fogging film section, the second anti-fogging film section, the third anti-fogging film section, and the fourth anti-fogging film section; 5. The vehicle of claim 4.

6. the first antifogging film portion and the second antifogging film portion are formed with the same film quality as the main body antifogging film portion, The second anti-fogging film portion is formed to have a thickness thinner than that of the main anti-fogging film portion, The first antifogging film portion is formed to have a thickness thinner than that of the second antifogging film portion. A vehicle according to claim 2 or claim 3.

7. the first antifogging film portion and the second antifogging film portion are formed to have the same film thickness as the main body antifogging film portion, The second anti-fogging film portion is formed with a higher elastic modulus than the main anti-fogging film portion, The first antifogging film portion is formed with a higher elastic modulus than the second antifogging film portion. A vehicle according to claim 2 or claim 3.

8. the control unit controls the air conditioning damper when the state in which the retained water amount is between the first retained water amount and the second retained water amount continues, so that the ratio of the outside air to the inside air is maintained at a constant ratio between the first ratio and the second ratio. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The ratio of the inside air to the outside air in the first ratio is 100%:0%, The ratio of the inside air to the outside air in the second ratio is 0%:100%. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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