Window device for vehicle and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide a window device capable of reducing energy consumption of a vehicle.SOLUTION: The variable color panel (40) is configured to change a color thereof to a first color and a second color, the first color being a color in which a sensible temperature of an occupant is low, the second color being a color in which the sensible temperature of the occupant is high, and the controller (50) is configured to control the variable color panel (40), when the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor (SW2) is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature, the controller (50) sets the variable color panel (40) to a first state in which the color is the first color and the transmissivity is a first transmissivity. SW2, when the temperature acquired by the thermosensor SW2 is lower than a second predetermined temperature lower than the first predetermined temperature, the variable color panel 40 is set to a second state having a second color and a second transmissivity higher than the first transmissivity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed herein belongs to the technical field of a vehicle window device and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, techniques for suppressing temperature changes in the interior space of a vehicle due to sunlight are known.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a vehicle that, based on sunlight information indicating the areas and time periods illuminated by sunlight in the parking lot and vehicle location information, determines that a vehicle parked in a parking lot is or is being illuminated by sunlight, and uses a shading section to shade the windows. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-162878 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As in Patent Document 1, suppressing the temperature rise in the vehicle interior due to sunlight can be expected to have the effect of reducing the load on the air conditioning system when lowering the temperature in the vehicle interior. Reducing the load on the air conditioning system can reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle.

[0006] However, in winter, the air conditioner operates in heating mode, so suppressing the temperature rise in the vehicle interior may actually increase the load on the air conditioner. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 basically assumes that the windows are the front windshield and rear windshield, which are not shaded while the vehicle is moving. Therefore, the effect of reducing the load on the air conditioner while the vehicle is moving cannot be expected.

[0007] The technology disclosed herein has been made in view of the above points, and its purpose is to provide a window device that can reduce the energy consumption of a vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, a first aspect of the technology disclosed herein is directed to a window device for a vehicle having an air conditioning system, comprising: a window unit; a variable color panel disposed in the window unit and capable of changing color and transmittance; a temperature sensor that acquires the temperature of the vehicle interior; and a controller that controls the variable color panel, wherein the variable color panel is capable of changing color between a first color that lowers the temperature perceived by an occupant of the vehicle and a second color that increases the temperature perceived by the occupant; and when the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature, the controller switches the variable color panel to a first state in which the variable color panel is the first color and has a first transmittance, and when the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor is lower than a second predetermined temperature that is lower than the first predetermined temperature, the controller switches the variable color panel to a second state in which the variable color panel is the second color and has a second transmittance higher than the first transmittance.

[0009] In the first aspect, by changing the color of the variable color panel, it is possible to obtain the effect of adjusting the sensible temperature by color (the so-called Hue-Heat effect). Furthermore, by adjusting the transmittance of the variable color panel, it is possible to adjust the temperature change in the vehicle interior space due to sunlight. If the variable color panel is set to a first color and the transmittance is relatively low, the Hue-Heat effect can lower the sensible temperature of the occupants and suppress the temperature rise in the vehicle interior space due to sunlight. This can reduce the load when the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode. On the other hand, if the variable color panel is set to a second color and the transmittance is relatively high, the Hue-Heat effect can raise the sensible temperature of the occupants and suppress the temperature drop in the vehicle interior space due to sunlight. This can reduce the load when the air conditioner is operating in heating mode. Therefore, the window device can reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle.

[0010] A second aspect of the technology disclosed herein is the first aspect, wherein the first color is a cool chromatic hue, and the second color is a warm chromatic hue.

[0011] In the second aspect, the effect of lowering the sensible temperature when the variable color panel is set to the first color and the effect of raising the sensible temperature when the variable color panel is set to the second color can be enhanced, thereby enabling the window device to reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle.

[0012] A third aspect of the technology disclosed herein is the first aspect, further comprising an occupant sensor that detects the presence or absence of an occupant in the vehicle interior space, and the controller controls the variable color panel when the occupant sensor detects the occupant in the vehicle interior space, and does not control the variable color panel when the occupant sensor does not detect the occupant in the vehicle interior space.

[0013] In the third aspect, the variable color panel is controlled only when an occupant is present in the vehicle interior, thereby reducing the energy consumption associated with controlling the variable color panel. This allows the window device to reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle.

[0014] A fourth aspect of the technology disclosed herein is the first aspect, further comprising an occupant sensor that detects the presence or absence of an occupant in the vehicle interior space, and when the occupant sensor detects the occupant in the vehicle interior space, the controller controls both the color and transmittance of the variable color panel, and when the occupant sensor does not detect an occupant in the vehicle interior space, the controller controls only the transmittance without controlling the color of the variable color panel.

[0015] That is, heat energy from sunlight can be transmitted into the vehicle interior regardless of whether there is an occupant or not. In the fourth aspect, even when there is no occupant in the vehicle interior, the heat energy from sunlight entering the vehicle interior can be adjusted by controlling only the transmittance. This makes it possible to suppress temperature increases in the vehicle interior in summer and decreases in temperature in the vehicle interior in winter. Therefore, the window device can reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle.

[0016] A fifth aspect of the technology disclosed herein is the first aspect, wherein the controller, after setting the variable color panel to the first color or the second color, gradually weakens the color tone of the variable color panel after the temperature change in the vehicle interior space has converged or a predetermined time has passed.

[0017] In the fifth aspect, the color tone of the variable color panel can be weakened when the Hue-Heat effect becomes unnecessary or when the Hue-Heat effect becomes weak. This reduces the energy consumption associated with controlling the variable color panel, and therefore the window device can reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle.

[0018] A sixth aspect of the technology disclosed herein is any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the window portion is a sunroof window of the vehicle.

[0019] In the sixth aspect, by applying the present invention to a sunroof window that is prone to sunlight entering, the temperature control effect can be improved by adjusting the transmittance, thereby enabling the window device to reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle.

[0020] A seventh aspect of the technology disclosed herein is the sixth aspect, wherein the sunroof has a shade that blocks the window portion from being seen from inside the vehicle cabin, and the controller controls the variable color panel when the shade is in an open state, and does not control the variable color panel when the shade is in a closed state.

[0021] In the seventh aspect, when the shade is closed, the variable color panel is not visible, and therefore the Hue-Heat effect is not achieved. By not controlling the variable color panel when the shade is closed, the window device can reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle.

[0022] An eighth aspect of the technology disclosed herein is the sixth aspect, wherein the sunroof has a shade that blocks the window portion from being seen from inside the vehicle compartment, and the controller controls both the color and transmittance of the variable color panel when the shade is open, and controls only the transmittance without controlling the color of the variable color panel when the shade is closed.

[0023] In other words, even when the shade is closed, heat energy from sunlight can be transmitted into the vehicle interior. In the eighth aspect, by controlling only the transmittance, it is possible to adjust the heat energy from sunlight that enters the vehicle interior. This allows the window device to reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle.

[0024] A ninth aspect of the technology disclosed herein is directed to a method for controlling a window device of a vehicle having an air conditioning system. The window device includes a window unit, a variable color panel arranged on the window unit and capable of changing color and transmittance, and a temperature sensor that acquires the temperature of the interior space of the vehicle. The control method includes a first step of changing the variable color panel to a first state in which a first color is a color that lowers the temperature perceived by an occupant of the vehicle and a first transmittance when the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature, and a second step of changing the variable color panel to a second state in which a second color is a color that increases the temperature perceived by the occupant and a second transmittance higher than the first transmittance when the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor is lower than a second predetermined temperature that is lower than the first predetermined temperature. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] As described above, according to the technology disclosed herein, the window device can reduce the energy consumption of a vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with a window device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a sunroof. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the window device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a part of a flowchart showing the processing of the controller. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a time chart showing the relationship between the sensible temperature, the air conditioner, the color-changing unit, and the light control unit during cooling. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a time chart showing the relationship between the sensible temperature, the air conditioner, the color-changing unit, and the light control unit during heating. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the process of the controller according to the modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a time chart showing the relationship between the sensible temperature, the air conditioner, the color-changing unit, and the light control unit during cooling. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0028] (1) Vehicle configuration FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 100 having a window device 10 according to this embodiment. The vehicle 100 is an electrically driven vehicle that can travel mainly using a drive motor (not shown) that rotates using electricity. The vehicle 100 is, for example, an electric vehicle. The vehicle 100 is an example of a moving body. In the following description, the front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom as viewed from the driver's seat of the vehicle 100 are referred to as front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom.

[0029] Vehicle 100 is a vehicle with two rows of seats. A driver's seat 20, a passenger seat 21, and two rear seats 22 are arranged in a vehicle interior space R where occupants are seated. Vehicle 100 is a right-hand drive vehicle, and driver's seat 20 is arranged relatively to the right. One of the rear seats 22 is a seat for one person, and the other is a seat for two people.

[0030] The driver's seat 20, the passenger's seat 21, and the two rear seats 22 each have an occupant sensor SW1. The occupant sensor SW1 is a pressure sensor that detects whether or not an occupant is seated.

[0031] An instrument panel 4 extends in the vehicle width direction in front of the driver's seat 20 and the passenger seat 21. The instrument panel 4 is provided with an air outlet 4a for blowing conditioned air into the vehicle interior space R.

[0032] An air conditioner 30 that generates conditioned air is disposed in front of the instrument panel 4. The air conditioner 30 is a heat pump type. The air conditioner 30 includes a compressor 31, an expansion valve 32, a blower 33, a heat exchanger 34, and a duct 35.

[0033] The compressor 31 compresses and discharges the refrigerant. The compressor 31 is, for example, a scroll compressor.

[0034] The expansion valve 32 vaporizes the refrigerant by reducing its pressure during cooling operation, and allows the refrigerant to pass through without reducing its pressure during heating operation.

[0035] The blower 33 is a blower fan. The blower 33 sends conditioned air through a duct 35 and from the air outlet 4a to the vehicle interior space R.

[0036] Heat exchanger 34 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the conditioned air sent by blower 33. During cooling operation, heat exchanger 34 causes the refrigerant to absorb heat from the conditioned air, thereby lowering the temperature of the conditioned air, and during heating operation, causes the refrigerant to release heat to the conditioned air, thereby raising the temperature of the conditioned air. Heat exchanger 34 is arranged in duct 35.

[0037] A temperature sensor SW2 for detecting the temperature inside the vehicle interior space R is disposed on the driver's seat side of the instrument panel 4.

[0038] The vehicle 100 has a sunroof 25. The sunroof 25 is disposed in the center of the vehicle in the front-rear direction.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the sunroof 25 has a window portion 26, a shade 27, and a color-changeable panel 40.

[0040] The window unit 26 is made of a colorless, transparent glass plate. The window unit 26 can be opened and closed. The opening and closing mechanism of the window unit 26 can be a known mechanism such as a tilt-up mechanism or a slide mechanism, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0041] The shade 27 is a member that can be moved between an open state in which the window portion 26 and the variable color panel 40 can be seen by an occupant from the vehicle interior space R, and a closed state in which the occupant cannot see the window portion 26 and the variable color panel 40 from the vehicle interior space R. Although not shown, the shade 27 is slidable along a rail provided on the roof trim. Whether the shade 27 is in the open state or the closed state is determined by an open / close sensor SW4 (see FIG. 3).

[0042] The variable color panel 40 is a panel whose color and transmittance can be changed independently by power. The variable color panel 40 has a color changing section 41 and a light adjusting section 42. The color changing section 41 is made up of, for example, a transparent display, and is transparent when not supplied with power (hereinafter referred to as the non-powered state). The light adjusting section 42 is made up of, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and its transmittance can be adjusted by power.

[0043] The color-changing section 41 can change color between a first color and a second color. The color-changing section 41 does not display any patterns or the like, but displays only colors. The first color is a color that lowers the occupant's perceived temperature and is a cool chromatic hue. The second color is a color that raises the occupant's perceived temperature and is a warm chromatic hue. The color-changing section 41 may have a light-emitting element that can emit light in the first color and a light-emitting element that can emit light in the second color. Note that "changing color" does not simply mean changing the hue, but also includes changing the color tone.

[0044] The color-changing unit 41 can adjust the intensity of the color tone by adjusting the amount of power supplied. The color-changing unit 41 can lower the saturation and weaken the color tone by reducing the amount of power supplied from the first color and the second color.

[0045] The light control unit 42 is configured so that the transmittance can be adjusted between 20% and 80%. The light control unit 42 has the highest transmittance when no power is supplied. When the light control unit 42 is configured as a liquid crystal panel, the transmittance can be adjusted by controlling the orientation of the liquid crystal with power.

[0046] (2) Window device control system As shown in FIG. 3, the window device 10 includes a controller 50. The controller 50 is hardware that executes the functions described below, or hardware that is programmed to execute the functions described below. The controller 50 includes one or more processors 51 having a CPU, and a memory 52 having a ROM and RAM and storing various programs. The processor 51 is a processing circuit including transistors and other circuits. The memory 52 is, for example, a hard disk drive, a volatile memory, or a non-volatile memory. Programs related to the controls executed by the controller 50 are stored in the memory 52. ​​The controller 50 is executed when the processor 51 reads the programs stored in the memory 52. ​​The controller 50 may be a single ECU (Electrical Control Unit) or may be composed of multiple ECUs.

[0047] The controller 50 receives signals from an occupant sensor SW1, a temperature sensor SW2, an air conditioning operation panel SW3 for controlling the air conditioner 30, and an open / close sensor SW4.

[0048] The controller 50 controls the air conditioner 30 and the variable color panel 40 based on signals from the sensors SW1 to SW4. Specifically, the controller 50 controls the rotation speed of the compressor 31 and the rotation speed of the blower 33 based on the difference between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor SW2 and the target temperature of the vehicle interior space R. The controller 50 also controls the color of the variable color panel 40 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor SW2.

[0049] (3) Control of variable color panel Here, it takes time for the air conditioner 30 to be turned on and for the conditioned air that has undergone sufficient heat exchange in the heat exchanger 34 to be introduced into the vehicle interior space R. For this reason, in order to quickly condition the vehicle interior space R, the occupant may increase the airflow rate of the blower 33, set the temperature as low as possible during cooling operation, or set the temperature as high as possible during heating operation. Increasing the airflow rate of the blower 33 or increasing the difference between the temperature of the vehicle interior space R and the set temperature increases the load on the air conditioner 30, resulting in higher energy consumption (electricity cost). Furthermore, when the temperature of the vehicle interior space R rises due to sunlight in the summer, the air conditioner 30 needs to be operated to counteract the temperature rise, increasing the load on the air conditioner 30. In an electric vehicle such as the vehicle 100, the load on the air conditioner 30 accounts for a large proportion of the energy consumption. A high load on the air conditioner 30 shortens the driving distance of the vehicle 100.

[0050] Therefore, in this embodiment, the variable color panel 40 is used to adjust the temperature perceived by the occupants and also to adjust the transmittance of sunlight into the interior space R of the vehicle, thereby reducing the load on the air conditioner 30.

[0051] Specifically, in this embodiment, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor SW2 is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature, the controller 50 places the variable color panel 40 in a first state in which the color changing section 41 is a first color and the dimming section 42 has a first transmittance. When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor SW2 is lower than a second predetermined temperature that is lower than the first predetermined temperature, the controller 50 places the variable color panel 40 in a second state in which the color changing section 41 is a second color and the dimming section 42 has a second transmittance that is higher than the first transmittance. When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor SW2 is equal to or higher than the second predetermined temperature but lower than the first predetermined temperature, the controller 50 places the variable color panel 40 in a non-powered state. Here, the second transmittance is the same as in the non-powered state and is the highest transmittance. The second transmittance may be higher than the first transmittance and may be lower than the transmittance in the non-powered state. The first predetermined temperature is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 27°C. The second predetermined temperature is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 15°C.

[0052] When the temperature of the vehicle interior space R is high, if the color-changing unit 41 is changed to a cool first color, the driver who looks at the variable color panel 40 will feel a lower perceived temperature due to the effect of adjusting the perceived temperature by color (the so-called Hue-Heat effect, hereinafter referred to as the Hue-Heat effect). Furthermore, by reducing the transmittance of the light adjustment unit 42, it is possible to suppress a temperature rise in the vehicle interior space R due to the thermal energy of sunlight. This eliminates the need to excessively lower the temperature setting when operating the air conditioner 30 in cooling mode or to excessively increase the airflow rate of the blower 33, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the air conditioner 30. On the other hand, when the temperature of the vehicle interior space R is low, if the color-changing unit 41 is changed to a warm second color, the driver who looks at the variable color panel 40 will feel a higher perceived temperature due to the Hue-Heat effect. Furthermore, by increasing the transmittance of the light adjustment unit 42, it is possible to suppress a temperature drop in the vehicle interior space R due to the thermal energy of sunlight. This eliminates the need to excessively increase the set temperature when operating the air conditioner 30 in heating mode or to excessively increase the air volume of the blower 33, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the air conditioner 30.

[0053] 4 is a flowchart showing the control process of the variable color panel 40 by the controller 50. This flowchart is repeatedly executed every fixed time (for example, every five minutes). This flowchart is based on the premise that the variable color panel 40 is in a non-powered state in the initial state. Furthermore, while the controller 50 is performing the process of this flowchart, it periodically acquires detection results from the temperature sensor SW2.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 4, in step S101, the controller 50 determines whether or not an occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R. The controller 50 makes this determination based on the detection result of the occupant sensor SW1. If the result is YES, meaning that an occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R, the controller 50 proceeds to step S102. If the result is NO, meaning that no occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R, the controller 50 ends the process.

[0055] In step S103, the controller 50 determines whether the shade 27 is in the open state. The controller 50 makes this determination based on the detection result of the open / close sensor. If the result is YES, meaning that the shade 27 is in the open state, the controller 50 proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the result is NO, meaning that the shade 27 is in the closed state, the controller 50 ends the process.

[0056] In step S103, the controller 50 detects the temperature T R is the first predetermined temperature T C1 The controller 50 determines whether the detected temperature T R is the first predetermined temperature T C1 If the result is YES, the process proceeds to step S104. R is the first predetermined temperature T C1 If the answer is NO, that is, if the answer is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0057] In step S104, the controller 50 sets the color-changeable panel 40 to the first state. The controller 50 sets the color of the color-changing unit 41 to a first color and sets the transmittance of the dimming unit 42 to a first transmittance. The controller 50 controls the color-changing unit 41 so that the saturation of the first color is maximized.

[0058] In step S105, the controller 50 detects the detected temperature T R is the second predetermined temperature T C2 The controller 50 determines whether the detected temperature T R is the second predetermined temperature T C2 If the result is YES, the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, the controller 50 R is the second predetermined temperature T C2 If the answer is NO, the process ends.

[0059] In step S106, the controller 50 puts the variable color panel 40 into the second state. The controller 50 changes the color of the color changing unit 41 to the second color and sets the transmittance of the dimming unit 42 to the second transmittance. The controller 50 controls the color changing unit 41 so that the saturation of the second color is maximized.

[0060] Next, in step S107, the controller 50 determines whether the air conditioner 30 is in the ON state. If the result is YES, meaning that the air conditioner 30 is in the ON state, the controller 50 proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, if the result is NO, meaning that the air conditioner 30 is in the OFF state, the controller 50 proceeds to step S109.

[0061] In step S108, the controller 50 determines whether the temperature change in the vehicle interior space R is less than a predetermined rate. R The predetermined rate is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, the rate of change of the detected temperature T R This is the rate at which the temperature change in the vehicle interior space R is 1°C. If the result is YES, that is, the temperature change in the vehicle interior space R is less than the predetermined rate, the controller 50 proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if the result is NO, that is, the temperature change in the vehicle interior space R is equal to or greater than the predetermined rate, the controller 50 proceeds to step S109.

[0062] In step S109, the controller 50 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the variable color panel 40 was put into the first state or the second state. The predetermined time is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 60 minutes. If the determination is YES, meaning that the predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 50 proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if the determination is NO, meaning that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the controller 50 returns to step S107.

[0063] In step S110, the controller 50 gradually weakens the color tone of the variable color panel 40. The controller 50 weakens the color tone by lowering the saturation of the color-changing portion 41.

[0064] In step S111, the controller 50 turns off the power to the variable color panel 40. After step S111, the process ends.

[0065] 5 and 6 are time charts showing the relationship between temperature, the air conditioner 30, and the color-changeable panel 40. In the temperature graphs, the solid line represents the temperature perceived by the occupant, and the dashed line represents the temperature detected by the temperature sensor SW2. The vertical axis of the graph showing the state of the color-changing portion 41 indicates a hue closer to the first color at the top and a hue closer to the second color at the bottom. The graph showing the state of the color-changing portion 41 also indicates a higher saturation as it moves away from the unpowered state. In this embodiment, the transmittance of the light control portion 42 is the same in the unpowered state and the second state, so in the graph showing the transmittance of the light control portion 42, the second transmittance may be considered the transmittance in the unpowered state.

[0066] FIG. 5 shows a case where the cooling operation is performed with an occupant present in the vehicle interior space R. In the initial state, the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the first predetermined temperature T C1 When the variable color panel 40 is in a non-powered state, the Hue-Heat effect is almost nonexistent, so the perceived temperature and the detected temperature become equal. From this point, the temperature in the vehicle interior space R rises, and at time t1, the detected temperature reaches the first predetermined temperature T C1 When this occurs, the color-changeable panel 40 is changed to the first state. The detected temperature continues to rise even after the color-changing section 41 is changed to the first color, but the Hue-Heat effect occurs because the color-changing section 41 has changed to the first color, and the temperature felt by the occupant becomes lower than the detected temperature. In addition, the transmittance of the light-adjusting section 42 is reduced, thereby reducing the influence of sunlight and suppressing the temperature rise in the vehicle interior space R.

[0067] At time t2, when the air conditioner 30 is turned on, the temperature in the vehicle interior space R starts to drop. Immediately after the air conditioner is turned on, the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the conditioned air by the heat exchanger 34 is insufficient, so the detected temperature drops slowly. At this time, the detected temperature drops to the first predetermined temperature T C1 The temperature remains the same, but due to the Hue-Heat effect, the occupant's perceived temperature rises to the first predetermined temperature T C1It can be made to a state less than this.

[0068] At time t3, when the air conditioner 30 begins to function fully, the detected temperature drops sharply toward the set temperature. This causes the sensible temperature to also drop sharply. Even at this time, the sensible temperature of the occupants remains lower than the detected temperature due to the Hue-Heat effect.

[0069] At time t4, when the temperature change falls below a predetermined rate, the color tone of the color-changing portion 41 gradually weakens. The saturation of the color-changing portion 41 gradually weakens. As a result, the Hue-Heat effect weakens, and the difference between the occupant's perceived temperature and the detected temperature becomes smaller. Eventually, the occupant's perceived temperature and the detected temperature become equal.

[0070] At time t5, when the color tone of the color-changing portion 41 becomes equal to that in the non-energized state, the light adjusting portion 42 is set to the non-energized state, and the transmittance returns to the second transmittance.

[0071] FIG. 6 shows a case where the heating operation is performed with an occupant present in the vehicle interior space R. In the initial state, the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the second predetermined temperature T C2 In this state, the variable color panel 40 is in a non-powered state. From this point, the temperature in the vehicle interior space R decreases, and at time t6, the detected temperature reaches the second predetermined temperature T C2 When the temperature drops below this value, the color-changeable panel 40 is changed to the second state. Although the detected temperature continues to decrease after the color-changing section 41 is changed to the second color, the Hue-Heat effect occurs due to the color-changing section 41 being changed to the second color, causing the occupant's perceived temperature to be higher than the detected temperature. Furthermore, since the transmittance of the light-adjusting section 42 remains high, sunlight is taken into the vehicle interior space R, suppressing a rise in the temperature of the vehicle interior space R.

[0072] At time t6, when the air conditioner 30 is turned on, the temperature in the vehicle interior space R starts to rise. Immediately after the air conditioner is turned on, the detected temperature rises slowly. At this time, the detected temperature rises to the second predetermined temperature T C2 However, due to the Hue-Heat effect, the temperature perceived by the occupants rises to the second predetermined temperature T C2 It can be in the above state.

[0073] At time t7, when the air conditioner 30 begins to function fully, the detected temperature rises rapidly toward the set temperature. This causes the sensible temperature to also rise rapidly. Even at this time, the sensible temperature of the occupants remains higher than the detected temperature due to the Hue-Heat effect.

[0074] At time t8, when the temperature change becomes less than a predetermined rate, the color tone of the color-changing portion 41 is gradually weakened. The saturation of the color-changing portion 41 is gradually weakened. As a result, the Hue-Heat effect weakens, and the difference between the occupant's perceived temperature and the detected temperature becomes smaller. Eventually, the occupant's perceived temperature and the detected temperature become equal. Meanwhile, the transmittance of the variable color panel 40 remains at the second transmittance.

[0075] (4) Effects of the embodiment In this embodiment, a variable color panel 40, whose color and transmittance can be changed between a first color, which lowers the occupant's perceived temperature, and a second color, which increases the occupant's perceived temperature, is disposed on the window portion 26 of the sunroof 25. The controller 50 sets the variable color panel 40 to a first state, in which the variable color panel 40 is the first color and has a first transmittance, when the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor SW2 is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature. When the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor SW2 is lower than a second predetermined temperature, the controller 50 sets the variable color panel 40 to a second state, in which the variable color panel 40 is the second color and has a second transmittance higher than the first transmittance. Changing the color of the variable color panel 40 can achieve a Hue-Heat effect. The Hue-Heat effect can lower the occupant's perceived temperature even when the air conditioner 30 is not functioning properly, such as immediately after starting the air conditioner 30. Furthermore, adjusting the transmittance of the variable color panel 40 can adjust the temperature change in the vehicle interior space R due to sunlight. This eliminates the need to increase the airflow rate of the blower 33, excessively lower the set temperature during cooling operation, or excessively raise the set temperature during heating operation. As a result, the window device 10 according to this embodiment can reduce the load on the air conditioner 30 and reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle 100.

[0076] Furthermore, by applying the color-changeable panel 40 to the window portion 26 of the sunroof 25, which is prone to sunlight entering, the transmittance can be adjusted to enhance the temperature control effect in the vehicle interior space R. As a result, the window device 10 according to this embodiment can reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle 100.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first color is a cool chromatic hue, and the second color is a warm chromatic hue. When the variable color panel 40 is set to the first color, the effect of lowering the sensible temperature can be enhanced, and when the variable color panel 40 is set to the second color, the effect of raising the sensible temperature can be enhanced. As a result, the window device 10 according to this embodiment can reduce the load on the air conditioning device 30 and reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle 100.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the controller 50 controls the variable color panel 40 when the occupant sensor SW1 detects an occupant in the vehicle interior space R, and does not control the variable color panel 40 when the occupant sensor SW1 does not detect an occupant in the vehicle interior space R. Since the variable color panel 40 is controlled only when an occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R, it is possible to reduce energy consumption associated with controlling the variable color panel 40. As a result, the window device 10 according to this embodiment can reduce energy consumption of the vehicle 100.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sunroof 25 has a shade 27 that blocks the window portion 26 from being seen from inside the vehicle compartment, and the controller 50 controls the variable color panel 40 when the shade 27 is open, and does not control the variable color panel 40 when the shade 27 is closed. When the shade 27 is closed, the variable color panel 40 cannot be seen, and therefore the Hue-Heat effect is not achieved. By not controlling the variable color panel 40 when the shade 27 is closed, the window device 10 according to this embodiment can reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle 100.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the controller 50 sets the variable color panel 40 to the first state or the second state, the controller 50 gradually weakens the color tone of the variable color panel 40 after the temperature change in the vehicle interior space R has converged or a predetermined time has passed. This allows the color tone of the variable color panel 40 to be weakened at a timing when it is no longer necessary to use the Hue-Heat effect or when the Hue-Heat effect becomes weaker. Since the energy consumption associated with controlling the variable color panel 40 can be reduced, the window device 10 according to this embodiment can reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle 100.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the variable color panel 40 has a light control unit 42 whose transmittance can be changed, and the second transmittance is the same as the transmittance when the light control unit 42 is in a non-powered state. Generally, heating operation places a greater load on the air conditioner 30 and consumes more energy than cooling operation. If the second transmittance is the same as the transmittance when the power is not applied, no power is consumed by the light control unit 42 in the second state. This makes it possible to reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle 100 in an environment where heating operation is required. Therefore, the window device 10 according to this embodiment can effectively reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle 100.

[0082] (5) Variations The above embodiment may be modified as follows: In the following description, differences from the above embodiment will be mainly explained.

[0083] The modified example differs from the above embodiment in that the transmittance of the variable color panel 40 is changed even when no occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R and the shade 27 is closed. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control process of the variable color panel 40 by the controller 50 in the modified example. This flowchart is repeatedly executed every certain time period (for example, every five minutes). This flowchart is based on the premise that the variable color panel 40 is in a non-powered state in the initial state. Furthermore, while the controller 50 is performing the process of this flowchart, it periodically acquires detection results from the temperature sensor SW2.

[0084] 7, in step S201, the controller 50 determines whether or not an occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R. If the result is YES, meaning that an occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R, the controller 50 proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, if the result is NO, meaning that no occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R, the controller 50 proceeds to step S203.

[0085] In step S202, the controller 50 determines whether the shade 27 is in the open state. The controller 50 makes this determination based on the detection result of the open / close sensor SW4. If the result is YES, meaning that the shade 27 is in the open state, the controller 50 executes the normal control shown in FIG. 4 of the embodiment. If the result is NO, meaning that the shade 27 is in the closed state, the controller 50 proceeds to step S203.

[0086] In step S203, the controller 50 detects the detected temperature T R is the first predetermined temperature T C1 The controller 50 determines whether the detected temperature T R is the first predetermined temperature T C1 If the result is YES, the process proceeds to step S204. R is the first predetermined temperature T C1 If the answer is NO, that is, if the answer is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0087] In step S204, the controller 50 changes the transmittance of the variable color panel 40 to the first transmittance. After step S204, the process ends.

[0088] In step S205, the controller 50 detects the detected temperature T R is the second predetermined temperature T C2 The controller 50 determines whether the detected temperature T R is the second predetermined temperature T C2 If the result is YES, the process proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, the controller 50 R is the second predetermined temperature T C2If the answer is NO, the process ends.

[0089] In step S206, the controller 50 changes the transmittance of the variable color panel 40 to the second transmittance. After step S206, the process ends.

[0090] In the next step S208, the controller 50 determines whether or not an occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R. If the result is YES, meaning that an occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R, the controller 50 proceeds to step S210. If the result is NO, meaning that no occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R, the controller 50 proceeds to step S209.

[0091] In step S209, the controller 50 determines whether or not a second predetermined time has elapsed since the set time. If the result is YES, meaning that the second predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 50 proceeds to step S213. On the other hand, if the result is NO, meaning that the second predetermined time has not elapsed, the controller 50 returns to step S208.

[0092] In step S210, the controller 50 determines whether the air conditioner 30 is on. If the result is YES, meaning that the air conditioner 30 is on, the controller 50 proceeds to step S211. On the other hand, if the result is NO, meaning that the air conditioner 30 is off, the controller 50 proceeds to step S212.

[0093] In step S211, the controller 50 determines whether the temperature change in the vehicle interior space R is less than a predetermined rate. If the result is YES, that is, the temperature change in the vehicle interior space R is less than the predetermined rate, the controller 50 proceeds to step S213. On the other hand, if the result is NO, that is, the temperature change in the vehicle interior space R is equal to or greater than the predetermined rate, the controller 50 proceeds to step S212.

[0094] In step S212, the controller 50 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the variable color panel 40 was set to the first color or the second color. If the result is YES, meaning that the predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 50 proceeds to step S212. On the other hand, if the result is NO, meaning that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the controller 50 returns to step S210.

[0095] In step S213, the controller 50 gradually weakens the color tone of the variable color panel 40. The controller 50 weakens the color tone by lowering the saturation of the variable color panel 40 and bringing it closer to the third color tone. After step S213, the process ends.

[0096] Fig. 8 shows a case where there is no occupant in the vehicle interior space R in the initial state and the sensible temperature of the occupant is lowered. In Fig. 8, as will be described later, it is assumed that an occupant enters the vehicle interior space R at time t11. For this reason, the sensible temperature is not shown for the portion before time t11, and is shown only for the portion after time t11. It is assumed that the shade 27 is opened at the same time that the occupant enters the vehicle interior space R.

[0097] In the initial state, the detected temperature is the first predetermined temperature T C1 The temperature in the vehicle interior space R rises from this point onward and reaches the first predetermined temperature T C1 When this occurs, the transmittance of the light adjusting unit 42 is changed to the first transmittance. By changing the transmittance to the first transmittance, the influence of sunlight is reduced, and the temperature rise in the vehicle interior space R is suppressed.

[0098] When an occupant enters the vehicle interior space R at time t11, the color-changing portion 41 is changed to the first color. The light control portion 42 remains at the first transmittance. Therefore, although the detected temperature continues to rise, the sensible temperature is maintained lower than the detected temperature due to the Hue-Heat effect.

[0099] At time t12, when the air conditioner 30 is turned on, the temperature in the vehicle interior space R begins to decrease. The temperature in the vehicle interior space R decreases gradually immediately after the air conditioner is turned on, and then decreases rapidly. Due to the Hue-Heat effect, the temperature perceived by the occupant decreases gradually while remaining lower than the detected temperature, and then decreases rapidly. Thereafter, as in FIG. 5 in the above-described embodiment, the color tone of the color-changing portion 41 gradually becomes weaker, and the temperature perceived by the occupant and the detected temperature become equal. When the color tone of the color-changing portion 41 becomes equal to that in the non-energized state, the light adjustment portion 42 enters a non-energized state, and the transmittance returns to the second transmittance.

[0100] When the occupant's perceived temperature is increased, the temperature changes in a manner similar to the temperature change shown in Fig. 8, but upside down. When the occupant enters the vehicle interior, the color-changing portion 41 changes to the second color. The light control portion 42 remains at the second transmittance.

[0101] (6) Effects of Modifications In this modification, when the occupant sensor SW1 detects an occupant in the vehicle interior space R, the controller 50 controls both the color and transmittance of the variable color panel 40, and when the occupant sensor SW1 does not detect an occupant in the vehicle interior space R, the controller 50 controls only the transmittance and does not control the color of the variable color panel 40. Regardless of the presence or absence of an occupant, thermal energy from sunlight can be transmitted to the vehicle interior space R. Even when no occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R, the controller 50 can adjust the thermal energy from sunlight that enters the vehicle interior space R by controlling the transmittance. This makes it possible to suppress a temperature rise in the vehicle interior space R in the summer and a temperature drop in the vehicle interior space R in the winter. Therefore, the window device 10 according to this modification can reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle 100.

[0102] In this modified example, when the shade 27 is closed, the controller 50 controls only the transmittance and does not control the color of the color-changeable panel 40. Even when the shade 27 is closed, thermal energy from sunlight can be transmitted into the vehicle interior space R. By controlling only the transmittance of the dimming unit 42 as in this modified example, it is possible to adjust the thermal energy from sunlight that enters the vehicle interior space R. As a result, the window device 10 according to this modified example can reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle 100.

[0103] Other Embodiments The technology disclosed herein is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be substituted within the scope of the claims.

[0104] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the controller 50 puts the variable color panel 40 in a non-powered state when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor SW2 is equal to or higher than the second predetermined temperature and lower than the first predetermined temperature. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor SW2 is equal to or higher than the second predetermined temperature and lower than the first predetermined temperature, the controller 50 may adjust the transmittance of the light control unit 42 in accordance with the temperature outside the vehicle. For example, when the temperature outside the vehicle is 30°C or higher, the transmittance of the light control unit 42 may be set to the first transmittance.

[0105] In the above-described embodiment, the variable color panel 40 is disposed on the sunroof 25. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the variable color panel 40 may be disposed on the side window on the rear seat side.

[0106] In the above-described embodiment, the sunroof 25 has the shade 27, but the shade 27 may be omitted.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the vehicle 100 is an automobile, but the vehicle may also be a railroad vehicle, an airplane, or the like.

[0108] The above-described embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and all modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the claims equivalents are within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0109] The techniques disclosed herein are useful for controlling window devices in vehicles that have air conditioning systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 10 Window Device 25 Sunroof 26 Window section 27 Shades 30 Air conditioner 40 variable color panels 50 Controllers R Vehicle interior space SW1 Occupant Sensor SW2 temperature sensor

Claims

1. A window device for a vehicle having an air conditioning system, A window section and a variable color panel disposed in the window portion and capable of changing color and transmittance; a temperature sensor for acquiring a temperature of a vehicle interior space of the vehicle; a controller for controlling the variable color panel, the variable color panel is capable of changing color between a first color, which is a color that lowers the sensible temperature of an occupant of the vehicle, and a second color, which is a color that increases the sensible temperature of the occupant, The controller sets the variable color panel to a first state in which the panel is in the first color and has a first transmittance when the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature, and sets the variable color panel to a second state in which the panel is in the second color and has a second transmittance higher than the first transmittance when the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor is lower than a second predetermined temperature that is lower than the first predetermined temperature.

2. 2. The vehicle window device according to claim 1, the first color is a cool chromatic hue; The second color is a warm chromatic color.

3. 2. The vehicle window device according to claim 1, an occupant sensor for detecting the presence or absence of an occupant in the vehicle interior space; The controller When the occupant sensor detects the occupant in the vehicle interior space, the variable color panel is controlled; A window device for a vehicle that does not control the variable color panel when the occupant sensor does not detect an occupant in the vehicle interior space.

4. 2. The vehicle window device according to claim 1, an occupant sensor for detecting the presence or absence of an occupant in the vehicle interior space; The controller When the occupant sensor detects the occupant in the vehicle interior space, both the color and the transmittance of the variable color panel are controlled; A window device for a vehicle, wherein when the occupant sensor does not detect an occupant in the vehicle interior space, the color of the variable color panel is not controlled, and only the transmittance is controlled.

5. 2. The vehicle window device according to claim 1, The controller, after setting the variable color panel to the first state or the second state, gradually weakens the color tone of the variable color panel after the temperature change in the vehicle interior space has converged or a predetermined time has passed.

6. The vehicle window device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The window device for a vehicle, wherein the window portion is a window of a sunroof of the vehicle.

7. 7. The vehicle window device according to claim 6, The sunroof has a shade that blocks the window portion from being seen from inside the vehicle compartment, The controller When the shade is in an open state, the variable color panel is controlled; A window device for a vehicle that does not control the color-changing panel when the shade is in a closed state.

8. 7. The vehicle window device according to claim 6, The sunroof has a shade that blocks the window portion from being seen from inside the vehicle compartment, The controller When the shade is in an open state, the shade controls both the color and the transmittance of the color-changeable panel; A window device for a vehicle that controls only the transmittance of the variable color panel without controlling the color of the variable color panel when the shade is in a closed state.

9. A method for controlling a window device of a vehicle having an air conditioning system, comprising: The window device is A window section and a variable color panel disposed in the window portion and capable of changing color and transmittance; a temperature sensor for acquiring a temperature of a vehicle interior space of the vehicle; Equipped with a first step of setting the variable color panel to a first state in which the variable color panel has a first color that lowers the perceived temperature of an occupant of the vehicle and a first transmittance when the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature; and a second step of changing the variable color panel to a second state in which the variable color panel is a second color that increases the occupant's perceived temperature and has a second transmittance that is higher than the first transmittance when the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor is less than a second predetermined temperature that is lower than the first predetermined temperature.

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