Solar-powered vehicle

Abstract

To improve use efficiency of solar energy by using visible light for power generation for each window depending on the use state of a vehicle 1 having windows 2f-2pr.SOLUTION: The vehicle 1 having windows 2f-2pr comprises: use state detection means 11-21 for detecting the use state of the vehicle; and window light power generation state switching means 50, 60f-60pr for, on the basis of the detected use state, selecting a window not illuminating visible light among the windows, and switching the selected window to a state where light power can be generated using the visible light. A transparent solar cell is installed in each window, and can be configured to generate power using ultraviolet light or near infrared light in sunlight.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle equipped with solar cells, and more particularly to a vehicle having solar cells arranged on the windows. [Background technology]

[0002] Attempts have been made to mount solar cells on the top surface of a vehicle such as an automobile, generate electricity in the vehicle, and use the energy for various operations in the vehicle (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In this regard, since general solar cells (Patent Document 3, etc.) do not transmit light, such solar cells cannot be placed, for example, in transparent windows for lighting in a vehicle (windows through which passengers can see outside the vehicle from inside the vehicle, windows for lighting the interior of the vehicle). However, in recent years, transparent solar cells (Patent Documents 2, 4, 5, etc.) that transmit light with wavelengths in the visible light range and generate electricity with ultraviolet light or near-infrared light have been developed and proposed for use, and such transparent solar cells can be used as windows that can generate electricity while collecting light by being fitted into or installed on the window in a vehicle. In addition, Patent Document 6 proposes a configuration in which a liquid crystal panel whose transparency changes depending on the current state is placed on the light-receiving surface side of the solar cell in order to prevent electric shocks and the like in the event of a disaster, and the liquid crystal panel is controlled to become opaque in the event of a power outage, thereby stopping the power generation of the solar cell device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication 2009-10127 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2007 / 013389 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2021-168322 [Patent Document 4] Patent Publication No. 2018-32872 [Patent Document 5] Patent Publication No. 2018-29048 [Patent Document 6] JP 8-316513 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a configuration in which a transparent solar cell that transmits visible light (hereinafter referred to as a "transparent solar cell") is placed on a vehicle window as described above, the transparent solar cell transmits visible light, so the energy of visible light is not used to generate power. As a result, the efficiency of using solar energy is lower than that of a solar cell that generates power using light over a wide range of wavelengths of sunlight.

[0005] Incidentally, the necessity for each vehicle window (front window, side window, rear window, skylight (sunroof, panoramic roof)) to receive visible light differs depending on the driving or use conditions of the vehicle, or depending on the location of the window. For example, when there are no occupants in the vehicle, there is no need for light to be received from all windows in the vehicle. Also, when the vehicle is not being driven, there is less need for light to be received from the front window, side windows, and rear window so that the occupants can see the outside of the vehicle from inside the vehicle. Or, when it is desired to suppress the amount of sunlight entering the vehicle interior (when the sunlight is too strong, for example), there is no need for light to be received from skylights for lighting the interior of the vehicle. Also, when only light necessary for the vehicle to travel is required, there is no need for light to be received from window areas that are not necessary for the occupants to see the situation outside the vehicle, such as skylights and parts of the side windows. In situations where lighting through such windows is unnecessary or less necessary, there is no need to transmit visible light into the vehicle interior through windows that do not require lighting, and therefore it is advantageous only in such situations if windows that do not require lighting are able to use not only the ultraviolet or near-infrared light in the sunlight irradiated onto them, but also visible light for power generation. In other words, if the state of each of the vehicle's windows can be switched so that power can be generated using visible light depending on the driving or usage conditions of the vehicle, it will be possible to improve the efficiency of using solar energy.

[0006] Thus, an object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of solar energy utilization in a vehicle having windows by enabling power generation using visible light for each window depending on the usage status of the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, the above problem is solved by a vehicle having a window, comprising: a usage status detection means for detecting a usage status of the vehicle; a window photovoltaic power generation state switching means for selecting a window that does not admit visible light from among the windows based on the detected usage state, and switching the selected window from a transparent state that admits visible light to a state in which photovoltaic power generation is possible using visible light; This is achieved by a vehicle including:

[0008] In the above configuration, the "window" of the vehicle refers to an area within a window frame opened in an outer wall that defines the vehicle interior, and may specifically refer to a front window, a side window (door window), or a rear window. In addition, in the case of a vehicle having a skylight such as a sunroof or a panoramic roof, the skylight may also be included. The "vehicle usage status" to be detected is a specific situation in which the vehicle is being used, such as whether the vehicle is being used or not, whether the vehicle is being driven or not, as will be described in more detail later, and may particularly refer to the vehicle usage status related to the necessity of lighting from each window, and the vehicle usage status related to the degree of need for electric energy in the vehicle or the necessity of power generation, such as the remaining charge of the on-board battery and the driving mode (eco mode, normal mode, sports mode, etc.). The "usage status detection means" may be a sensor capable of detecting the above vehicle usage status. The "window photovoltaic power generation state switching means" selects a window that does not admit visible light from among the vehicle windows based on the detected usage status as described above, and switches the state of the selected window from a transparent state that admits visible light to a state in which photovoltaic power generation is possible using visible light by an arbitrary method. Note that the "transparent state that admits visible light" refers to a state in which the state of one side of the window can be seen from the other side with the naked eye.

[0009] According to the above configuration, in a vehicle having windows, the usage status of the vehicle is detected, and based on the detected usage status, a window that does not require the collection of visible light or a window that does not require the collection of visible light is selected as a window that does not collect visible light, and photovoltaic power generation using visible light is performed in the selected window. This increases the opportunities for photovoltaic power generation using visible light, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of solar energy.

[0010] In the above-described configuration of the present invention, various vehicle usage conditions are detected in order to select a window that does not let in visible light, and a window that does not let in visible light may be selected in accordance with the detected usage conditions, as described below. (1) The vehicle usage status may be that the vehicle is not in use, specifically, that no passenger is in the vehicle (for example, determined from the detection state of a weight detection sensor for a seat belt reminder on each seat and a radio wave sensor for detecting a riding position to prevent an infant from being left behind), or that the drive device of the vehicle is not started (for example, determined from the state of an ignition switch and a ready switch). In this case, all windows may be selected as windows that do not let in visible light. (2) As the vehicle usage status, it may be detected whether the vehicle is being driven, specifically, whether the shift lever is in P range, and whether the vehicle is stopped (vehicle speed is 0 km for reasons other than waiting at a traffic light or stopping). When it is detected that the vehicle is being driven, the windows (front window, rear window, and some side windows) used by the occupants to see outside the vehicle may not be selected as windows that do not let in visible light (i.e., they are switched to a transparent state in which photovoltaic power generation using visible light is not performed). On the other hand, when it is detected that the vehicle is not being driven, the windows used by the occupants to see outside the vehicle may be selected as windows that do not let in visible light. (3) The vehicle usage status may include the remaining battery charge or the driving mode (such as a mode that prioritizes driving performance or a mode that prioritizes fuel efficiency). In this case, when the remaining battery charge is low (below a predetermined amount) or when an energy saving mode is selected, windows that are not used by occupants to see outside the vehicle (such as skylights and some side windows) may be selected as windows that do not let in visible light.

[0011] In an embodiment, the above configurations (1), (2), and (3) may be combined. For example, a configuration may be used in which a candidate window that does not admit visible light is selected according to the remaining charge of the in-vehicle battery or further according to the mounting position of the vehicle, and further the candidate window that does not admit visible light is narrowed down according to the driving mode, and a window that does not admit visible light is actually determined from the candidate window that does not admit visible light according to whether the vehicle is being driven or not. In addition, whether or not the occupant requests daylighting may be determined as the vehicle usage status from the state of a button or switch operated by the occupant, and a window that the occupant does not request daylighting may be selected as a window that does not admit visible light. Furthermore, the seating position of the occupant and the direction of the driver's line of sight may be detected as the vehicle usage status, and a window that does not admit visible light may be selected according to each individual situation.

[0012] Other vehicle conditions may be detected as usage conditions, and depending on such usage conditions, windows that do not require the introduction of visible light or windows that do not introduce visible light may be selected as appropriate, and such cases also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0013] In the configuration of the present invention, as described above, the window that does not receive visible light can be switched from a transparent state that receives visible light to a state that generates power using visible light. For example, in one embodiment, the state of generating power using visible light can be achieved by arranging solar cells (hereinafter referred to as "visible light solar cells") along the window that do not transmit visible light and that absorb visible light to generate power. Also, each window of the vehicle may be equipped with a transparent "transparent solar cell" that generates power using near-infrared light in sunlight. In this case, the state of generating power using visible light can be achieved by arranging an interior panel or curtain such as a shade along the window, in which a layer that converts visible light into near-infrared light using a substance that absorbs visible light and emits near-infrared light and a reflective layer that returns the near-infrared light obtained from the visible light to the transparent solar cell installed on the window are laminated.

[0014] More specifically, the arrangement of visible light power generation means (means for generating power using visible light) such as a visible light solar cell can be achieved, for example, as follows.

[0015] (i) For each window, a visible light solar cell is arranged in juxtaposition to a movable, retractable shade that can be placed along the interior side of the window to provide sun protection, on the side facing the window, and when switching to a state in which photovoltaic power generation using visible light is possible, the shade is placed along the surface of the window on the interior side of the vehicle. When the shade is placed along the window, visible light that has passed through the window is incident on the visible light solar cell, making it possible to generate power using visible light.

[0016] (ii) When a transparent solar cell that generates electricity using near-infrared light is installed in each window, a reflective layer that reflects light and a wavelength conversion layer that converts visible light to near-infrared light are laminated in this order on the side of the shade of each window facing the window, and when switching to a state in which photovoltaic power generation using visible light is possible, the shade is placed along the surface of the window facing the interior of the vehicle. When the shade is placed along the window, visible light that passes through the window is converted to near-infrared light by the wavelength conversion layer, and then reaches the transparent solar cell in the window directly or after being reflected by the reflective layer, where it is absorbed, generating electricity.

[0017] (iii) In each window, a plurality of rectangular plate members on which visible light solar cells are arranged are rotatably arranged side by side so as to extend along the surface direction of the window. In this configuration, in a state in which visible light is collected in each window, the orientation of each plate is rotated so that the surface direction of the plurality of rectangular plate members is aligned with the direction of light incidence in the window, thereby allowing light transmitted through the window to reach the interior of the vehicle. On the other hand, in a state in which visible light is not collected, the orientation of each plate is rotated so that the surface direction of the plurality of rectangular plate members is aligned with the surface direction of the window, thereby allowing visible light transmitted through the window to be incident on the visible light solar cells of the plurality of rectangular plate members, thereby generating electricity.

[0018] (iv) In the case where a transparent solar cell that generates electricity using near-infrared light is installed in each window, a plurality of strip-shaped plate members, each of which is made up of a reflective layer that reflects light and a wavelength conversion layer that converts visible light to near-infrared light, stacked in order, are rotatably arranged in parallel on each window so as to extend along the surface direction of the window. In the same manner as described above, in a state where visible light is collected, the orientation of each of the strip-shaped plate members is rotated so that the surface direction of the strip-shaped plate members is aligned with the direction of light incidence, thereby allowing the light that has passed through the window to reach the interior of the vehicle. On the other hand, in a state where visible light is not collected, the orientation of each of the strip-shaped plate members is rotated so that the surface direction of the strip-shaped plate members is aligned with the surface direction of the window, thereby allowing the visible light that has passed through the window to be converted into near-infrared light in the strip-shaped plate members, which is then incident on the transparent solar cell of the window directly or after being reflected by the reflective layer, thereby generating electricity.

[0019] In any other manner, visible light power generation means may be placed in a window selected as a window that does not let in visible light, so that visible light can be used to generate power, and such cases also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0020] As already mentioned, in the vehicle of the present embodiment, each window may be provided with a transparent solar cell that generates electricity by absorbing light in a wavelength range other than the visible light range. In this case, if sunlight is irradiated onto the vehicle, electricity can be generated at all times in each window using ultraviolet or near-infrared light in the sunlight, regardless of whether visible light is being collected or not. Effect of the Invention

[0021] Thus, in the present invention, a window that does not admit visible light is selected from among a plurality of windows in the vehicle according to the individual usage conditions of the vehicle, and in the selected window, power generation can be performed not only by transparent solar cells using ultraviolet or near-infrared light in sunlight, but also by using visible light in sunlight. With this configuration, it is possible to increase the opportunities for power generation using visible light while ensuring the collection of visible light necessary for the use and operation of the vehicle, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of solar energy. The configuration of the present invention may be applied to various vehicles.

[0022] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] Fig. 1(A) is a schematic side view of a vehicle to which this embodiment is applied, and Fig. 1(B) is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system for selecting a window for generating power using visible light according to this embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing a window according to this embodiment and an example of a configuration for generating power using visible light by using a sliding shade on the window, respectively. [Diagram 3]3A to 3D are schematic diagrams showing an example of a configuration for generating power using visible light, comprising a plurality of rectangular flat plates on a window according to this embodiment. (A) and (C) are perspective and cross-sectional views of a state in which visible light is introduced into the vehicle interior (transparent state), and (B) and (D) are perspective and cross-sectional views of a state in which visible light entering the vehicle interior is blocked (non-transparent state). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process for determining the visible light transmission state (transparent state / non-transparent state) of the skylight and rear side windows (windows not used for the driver to see outside the vehicle) of a vehicle according to this embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating, in the form of a flow chart, the process for determining the transparent / non-transparent state of a window depending on the driving state of the vehicle according to this embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0024] 1...vehicle, 1a...exterior wall, 1w...window frame, 2f...front window, 2r...rear window, 2pf, 2pr...front and rear skylights, 2sf, 2sr...front and rear side windows, 2a...transparent solar cell, 3...shade, 4...interior material, 5...visible light solar cell, 5a...hinge shaft, 6...shade drive device, 7...reflective layer, 8...wavelength conversion layer, 11...start switch (ready switch, ignition switch), 12FL,FR,RL,RC,RR...occupant detection sensors for each seat (seat weight detection sensor, radio wave sensor), 13...shift lever - Position sensor, 14FL,FR,RL,RC,RR...seat belt sensors for each seat, 15...vehicle speed sensor (wheel speed sensor), 16...GPS / navigation system, 17...window lighting selection switch, 17a...accelerator pedal sensor, 17b...brake pedal sensor, 18...driving mode switch, 19...driver's line of sight sensor, 20...battery remaining capacity sensor, 21...transparent solar cell power generation detection sensor, 50...selection processing device, 60f~pr...state switching means (actuator) for each window, vl...visible light, irl...near infrared light, S...sun BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THEINVENTION

[0025] Vehicle configuration and overview of this embodiment Referring to FIG. 1(A), this embodiment is applied to each window (front window 2f, rear window 2r, left and right front side windows 2sf, left and right rear side windows 2sr) in a vehicle 1 such as an automobile, as shown in the figure. In addition, in the case where a skylight called a panoramic roof, a sunroof, or the like is formed in the vehicle 1, this embodiment may be applied to the skylight 2pf, pr (front, rear). As described later, each of these windows is provided with a transparent solar cell (transparent solar cell) that transmits visible light and generates electricity using ultraviolet light or near infrared light, and when sunlight is irradiated on the vehicle 1, photovoltaic power generation by the transparent solar cell may be performed at all times. In each window, the transparent solar cell may be embedded in a flat plate made of a transparent glass material or resin material in the window frame, or may be attached to the flat plate.

[0026] In the above-mentioned configuration in which transparent solar cells are installed in each window, it is possible to let light into the vehicle interior while generating electricity, but since transparent solar cells do not use visible light, which accounts for a large proportion of sunlight, for generating electricity, the utilization efficiency of solar energy is reduced compared to solar cells that generate electricity using light over a wide wavelength range of sunlight. In this regard, as described in the "Summary of the Invention", it is not always necessary to let light in through each window, and depending on the usage situation of the vehicle, the necessity for letting light in through each window may disappear or become low. Therefore, in this embodiment, a window that does not let visible light in is selected depending on the usage situation of the vehicle, and the selected window is switched from a transparent state that lets in visible light to a state in which photovoltaic power generation is possible using visible light. This increases the opportunities to generate electricity using visible light, and improves the utilization efficiency of solar energy. Note that this embodiment may be applied to a vehicle in which transparent solar cells are not installed in each window, and such a case also falls within the scope of this embodiment.

[0027] Control System Configuration In this embodiment, the selection of windows that do not let in visible light according to the vehicle usage status and the switching to a state where photovoltaic power generation using visible light is possible at the selected window may be achieved by the operation of a selection processing device 50 that executes the selection process of windows that do not let in visible light using information obtained from a group of sensors (usage status detection means) 11-21 that detects various usage statuses of the vehicle, and actuators 60f-pr that switch the state of visible light power generation means (visible light solar cells, etc.) (window photovoltaic power generation state switching means) as shown in Fig. 1(B). The selection processing device 50 may be realized by the operation of a computer device according to a program.

[0028] With reference to the figure, in the control system, detection outputs from the following sensor group may be input to the selection processing device 50 as information representing the use status of the vehicle. (1) Start switch 11 - may be a switch for starting the vehicle, such as a ready switch or an ignition switch. (2) Seat occupant detection sensors 12FL, FR, RL, RC, RR - may be sensors capable of detecting the presence or absence of an occupant in each of the seats FL, FR, RL, RC, RR, such as a seat weight detection sensor or a radio wave sensor. (3) Shift lever position sensor 13 - a sensor for detecting the position of the shift lever. (4) Seat belt sensors 14FL, FR, RL, RC, RR - may be sensors for detecting the fastening state of the seat belt of the seat in which the occupant is seated. (5) Vehicle speed sensor 15 - a sensor for calculating the vehicle speed from detection values ​​of a wheel speed sensor or the like. (6) GPS / navigation system 16 - may be a system capable of detecting the position of a traffic light or a stop position. (7) Window lighting selection switch 17 - a switch operated by the occupant to determine whether or not lighting (visible light) is required for each window. (8) Driving mode switch 18 - Switch for selecting ECO mode, NORMAL mode, SPORTS mode. (9) Driver's line of sight sensor 19 - Sensor for detecting the line of sight of the driver. (10) Battery remaining capacity sensor 20 - Sensor for detecting the remaining capacity of the on-board battery. (11) Transparent solar cell power generation detection sensor 21 - Sensor for detecting the amount of power generated by transparent solar cells installed in each window. (12) Accelerator pedal sensor 17a, brake pedal sensor 17b - Sensors for detecting the depression of the accelerator pedal or brake pedal.

[0029] The selection processing device 50 uses information from the above-mentioned sensor group to select a window that does not let in visible light in a manner described later, and sends a control command to operate actuators 60f-pr that switch the state of each window. When a window is selected as one that does not let in visible light, the actuators 60f-pr operate in one of the manners described later to place the visible light power generation means in a position where visible light from the window is irradiated, and when a window is not selected as one that does not let in visible light, they operate to store the visible light power generation means so that visible light can reach the vehicle interior from the window.

[0030] Configuration and operation for switching between transparent and non-transparent states of each window Any method may be adopted to switch each window between a state in which visible light is let in (transparent state) and a state in which power can be generated using visible light (non-transparent state--a state in which visible light is not let in).

[0031] For example, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2(A), a movable shade 3 that can be arranged to cover a window 2 is installed along an area (window) 2 within a window frame 1w opened in an outer wall 1a of a vehicle, and a visible light solar cell 5 is installed as a visible light power generation means on the window 2 side of an interior material 4 of the shade 3. The shade 3 may be configured to be slidable in the direction of the arrow X by an actuator 6 (60f-pr), or may be configured to be pivotable relative to the window 2 in a hinged manner (not shown). As described above, the window 2 may be equipped with a transparent solar cell 2a so that it can generate power using ultraviolet light or near-infrared light irl in sunlight S. In this configuration, when the window 2 is selected as a window that collects visible light (transparent state), the shade 3 is retracted toward the outer wall 1a and stored, and visible light vl from the window 2 reaches the vehicle interior 1b. On the other hand, when the window 2 is selected as a window that does not let in visible light (non-transparent state), the shade 3 is positioned to extend to a position covering the window 2, and the visible light vl in the sunlight S from the window 2 is incident on the visible light solar cell 5, and power generation is performed using the visible light vl.

[0032] In the above-mentioned configuration using the shade 3, when a transparent solar cell 2a that generates power using near-infrared light irl is installed on the window 2, a reflective layer 7 that reflects near-infrared light and a wavelength conversion layer 8 that converts visible light to near-infrared light may be laminated in this order on the shade 3 as a visible light power generation means instead of the visible light solar cell 5. The wavelength conversion layer 8 may be, for example, a layer in which a fluorescent material or phosphorescent material that absorbs visible light and emits near-infrared light is dispersed in a resin or glass. According to this configuration, when the shade 3 is disposed so as to extend to a position covering the window 2, the visible light vl from the window 2 is incident on the wavelength conversion layer 8, where it is converted into near-infrared light irl and then incident on the transparent solar cell 2a, so that power generation using the visible light vl is achieved.

[0033] As another embodiment for making each window capable of generating power using visible light, as shown in Figs. 3(A) to (D), a configuration may be used in which flat plates 10 carrying a plurality of rectangular visible light solar cells (or a laminate of a wavelength conversion layer and a reflective layer) are arranged in parallel along the window 2 as visible light power generation means on the interior side I of the window 2. In this case, transparent solar cells 2a may also be installed on the window 2. In such a configuration, each flat plate 10 may be configured to be pivotable about a pivot 10a. Then, when the window 2 is selected as a window that collects visible light (transparent state), as shown in Figs. 3(A) and (C), each flat plate 10 is arranged in a direction extending along the traveling direction of visible light vl transmitted through the window 2, so that the visible light vl reaches the interior I of the vehicle. On the other hand, when the window 2 is selected as a window that does not admit visible light (non-transparent state), each flat plate 10 is pivoted in a direction extending along the surface direction of the window 2 to cover the window 2, whereby visible light vl is incident on the visible light solar cell (or a laminate of a wavelength conversion layer and a reflective layer) on the flat plate 10, and power generation is achieved using the visible light vl, as in the case of Fig. 2. The angle of the rectangular flat plates 10 may be adjusted appropriately so that passengers are not dazzled.

[0034] Selection process for windows that do not capture visible light (windows that generate electricity using visible light) As already described, in this embodiment, windows that do not admit visible light are selected as windows that generate power using visible light based on various usage conditions of the vehicle. In this selection process, basically, when the vehicle is not being used or driven, as many windows as possible may be switched to a state in which they can generate power using visible light. Also, when the degree of power generation demand is high, such as when the battery level is low or when an eco mode (a mode that prioritizes fuel efficiency) is selected, as many windows as possible may be switched to a state in which they can generate power using visible light. Below, several aspects of the selection process for windows that do not admit visible light will be described.

[0035] (i) Skylight and rear side window control Since the rear side windows and skylights (if installed) are windows other than those used by the occupants to see outside the vehicle while driving, whether or not to let in visible light may be selected depending on whether or not the vehicle is in use, the seating position of the occupants, the level of power generation demand, etc.

[0036] As one embodiment, for example, referring to FIG. 4, when the start switch is OFF (step 1), when the remaining battery charge is insufficient (when it is less than a predetermined value Co) (step 2), when the eco mode is selected (step 3), or when there is no occupant (step 4-detected by each seat occupant detection sensor 12), the left and right rear side windows srl, srr and the front and rear skylights pf, pr may all be selected to be in a non-transparent state (windows that do not let in visible light) (step 5). On the other hand, when the start switch is ON, the battery level is sufficient, a mode other than eco mode is selected, and there is a passenger in the rear seat, the left and right rear side windows srl, srr and the rear skylight pr are made transparent (steps 6, 7), when there is no passenger in the rear seat, the left and right rear side windows srl, srr and the rear skylight pr are made non-transparent (steps 6, 8), when there is a passenger in the front seat (driver's seat, passenger seat), the front skylight pf is made transparent (steps 9, 10), when there is no passenger in the front seat, the front skylight pf may be made non-transparent (steps 9, 11). As a result, visible light is introduced to the seats where passengers are present, and power generation using visible light is performed in the windows for introducing light to the seats where no passengers are present.

[0037] In another embodiment, whether or not the rear side windows and the skylight let in visible light may be selected in various combinations depending on the remaining battery charge and the selected driving mode. Specifically, as shown in Table 1 below, windows that do not let in visible light may be selected. [Table 1] Pf: Skylight front, Pr: Skylight rear, Srl, Srr: Left and right rear side windows Co and C1 (>Co) are predetermined values ​​that are set appropriately. That is, the lower the remaining battery charge, or the higher the importance of fuel efficiency in the driving mode, the more windows are selected as windows that do not let in visible light, and power generation using visible light is executed.

[0038] Furthermore, when transparent solar cells are installed on the windows, whether or not to collect visible light from the rear side window and skylight may be selected in various combinations depending on the power generation output W of the transparent solar cell. The larger the power generation output W of the transparent solar cell, the stronger the sunlight intensity, so more windows may be selected as windows that do not collect visible light, and power generation using visible light may be performed. Specifically, windows that do not collect visible light may be selected, as shown in Table 2 below. [Table 2] wo, w1 (>wo) are predetermined values ​​that are appropriately set.

[0039] (ii) Control of front, rear and front side windows The front window, rear window, and front side windows are windows used by occupants to see outside the vehicle while driving, so whether or not to let in visible light may be selected depending on whether or not the vehicle is in use and whether or not the vehicle is being driven or traveling.

[0040] 5, first, when the start switch is OFF (step 21), when the driver is not present (step 22), when the seat belt is not fastened (step 23), or when the shift lever is in the P range (step 24), the vehicle will not start, so the front window, rear window, and front side windows are all selected to be in a non-transparent state, and power generation using visible light may be performed (step 25).On the other hand, when the start switch is ON, the driver is seated, the seat belt is fastened, and the shift lever is in a range other than the P range, the vehicle is in a state in which it is possible to start, so in this case, the state of the above windows is selected depending on whether the vehicle is being driven or not, or whether it is traveling or not.

[0041] More specifically, first, when the vehicle starts and the vehicle speed is 0 km / h (step 26), if the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal is depressed (step 27), the above-mentioned window is set to the transparent state (step 28). Then, when the vehicle speed is higher than 0 km / h, the vehicle is traveling, and the above-mentioned window is maintained in the transparent state (steps 26, 28). After that, even when the vehicle stops, if the pedal is depressed or the stop is due to waiting at a traffic light or temporary stop (which may be detected by a navigation system, etc.--step 29), the above-mentioned window is maintained in the transparent state. On the other hand, when the vehicle stops and the pedal is not depressed, the stop is not due to waiting at a traffic light or temporary stop, and the state has passed a predetermined time that may be arbitrarily set, it is determined that the vehicle has finished traveling, and the above-mentioned window is selected to be in the non-transparent state (step 25), and power generation using visible light may be executed. Furthermore, if the pedal is depressed thereafter, the above-mentioned window is switched to the transparent state (step 28). The states of the rear side windows and the skylight may also be switched by the process of FIG.

[0042] (iii) Crew selection The windows that do not admit visible light may be selected by the occupant by operating the light admitting selection switch 17 of each window. The selected window is made non-transparent.

[0043] (iv) Selection based on the driver's gaze While the vehicle is being driven, the driver's line of sight may be detected by the driver's line of sight sensor 19, and the window in the direction of the driver's line of sight may be made transparent, while the other windows may be made non-transparent.

[0044] In the window selected to be in a non-transparent state by the above series of selection processes, the visible light power generation means is arranged along the window and photovoltaic power generation using visible light is performed, as described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. With this configuration, as already described, there are more opportunities to generate power using visible light, and the efficiency of using solar energy is improved.

[0045] The above description has been given in relation to the embodiment of the present invention, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and changes can be easily made thereto, and that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment exemplified above, but can be applied to various devices without departing from the concept of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle having a window, a usage status detection means for detecting a usage status of the vehicle; a window photovoltaic power generation state switching means for selecting a window that does not admit visible light from among the windows based on the detected usage state, and switching the selected window from a transparent state that admits visible light to a state in which photovoltaic power generation is possible using visible light; Vehicles including.

2. 2. A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the usage status detection means is configured to detect whether or not the vehicle is in use as the usage status of the vehicle, and the window photovoltaic power generation state switching means is configured to switch all of the windows to a state in which photovoltaic power generation using visible light is possible when it is detected that the vehicle is not in use.

3. 2. A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the usage status detection means is configured to detect whether or not the vehicle is being driven as the usage status of the vehicle, and the window photovoltaic power generation state switching means is configured to, when it is detected that the vehicle is being driven, switch one of the windows used by occupants to see outside the vehicle to a transparent state in which photovoltaic power generation using visible light is not performed, and when it is detected that the vehicle is not being driven, switch the window used by occupants to see outside the vehicle to a state in which photovoltaic power generation using visible light is possible.

4. 2. A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the usage status detection means is configured to detect a remaining charge of an in-vehicle battery as a usage status of the vehicle, and the window photovoltaic power generation state switching means is configured to switch at least those windows that are not used by occupants to view the outside of the vehicle to a state in which photovoltaic power generation using visible light is possible in accordance with the detected remaining charge of the in-vehicle battery.

5. 5. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a transparent solar cell that generates electricity by absorbing light in a wavelength range other than the visible light range is installed in the window, and the window photovoltaic power generation state switching means is configured to switch to a state in which photovoltaic power generation is possible using also the visible light by positioning a means for generating electricity using visible light on the interior side of the window on which the transparent solar cell is installed in a state in which it can receive sunlight that has passed through the window.

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