Temperature adjustment device

Abstract

This temperature adjustment device is provided with: a power generation unit that is disposed on the exterior of a vehicle; and a Peltier element that is disposed in the interior of the vehicle and that includes a heat absorption unit on the interior side of the vehicle and a heat dissipation unit on the exterior side of the vehicle. Here, the power generation unit converts heat of the exterior or heat around the exterior to power, and the Peltier element is connected to the power generation unit and operated by receiving power supply.

Description

temperature control device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a temperature adjustment device.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of at least one surface of a vehicle roof glass. The temperature control device includes a flexible, light-transmitting film attached to the roof glass, in which a light-transmitting thermoelectric element that generates the Peltier effect is provided in a light-transmitting area, and a controller that controls the supply of electricity to the thermoelectric element in response to a request signal to selectively heat or cool the roof glass.

[0003] WO 2008 / 146689

[0004] However, according to the technology described in Patent Document 1, the thermoelectric element does not operate unless the vehicle is started and power is supplied to the controller, which poses a problem that the thermoelectric element cannot be operated before the vehicle is started, and the temperature rise inside the vehicle cabin cannot be suppressed.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a temperature control device that can operate a thermoelectric element without receiving a power supply from an external source before starting a vehicle, thereby suppressing a temperature rise inside the vehicle cabin.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a temperature control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a power generation unit disposed on the exterior of a vehicle, and a Peltier element disposed inside the vehicle cabin and having a heat absorption unit on the interior side of the vehicle and a heat dissipation unit on the exterior side of the vehicle. Here, the power generation unit converts heat from the exterior or heat around the exterior into electricity, and the Peltier element is connected to the power generation unit and operates by receiving a supply of electricity.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, in a vehicle before it is started, a thermoelectric element can be operated without receiving a power supply from an external device, thereby suppressing a temperature rise inside the vehicle cabin.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a temperature adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a structure in the vicinity of a roof panel of a vehicle. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an arrangement of Peltier elements. Fig. 4 is a first circuit diagram showing an example of a temperature adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a second circuit diagram showing an example of a temperature adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is a third circuit diagram showing an example of a temperature adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] [Configuration of Temperature Control Device] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a structure near a roof panel of a vehicle. The temperature control device includes a power generation unit 10 and a Peltier element 20.

[0011] The power generation unit 10 is disposed on the exterior of the vehicle V1. The power generation unit 10 may be disposed on the exterior of the vehicle V1 so as to be visible from outside the vehicle V1, or may be disposed inside the vehicle V1.

[0012] The power generation unit 10 converts heat from the exterior of the vehicle V1 or heat around the exterior of the vehicle V1 into electric power. For example, the power generation unit 10 is a heat-to-electric power conversion element that uses the narrow band gap effect, which generates electromotive force simply by increasing the temperature. Unlike elements that use the Seebeck effect, a heat-to-electric power conversion element that uses the narrow band gap effect has the advantage of not requiring a temperature difference. The power generation unit 10 is not limited to the example given here.

[0013] For example, the power generation unit 10 is disposed on the roof panel RP of the vehicle V1. As shown in FIG. 2 , the temperature of the roof panel RP can rise due to irradiation by sunlight SL or the like. In this case, the power generation unit 10 converts the heat of the roof panel RP or heat in the vicinity of the roof panel RP into electricity. This allows the heat of the roof panel, which is likely to rise in temperature due to direct sunlight or outside air, to be used efficiently for power generation. Alternatively, the power generation unit 10 may be disposed on the hood or door panels of the vehicle V1, in addition to the roof panel RP.

[0014] The Peltier element 20 is disposed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle V1 and has a heat absorption portion on the interior side of the vehicle V1 and a heat dissipation portion on the exterior side of the vehicle V1. In Fig. 2, the Peltier element 20 has a heat dissipation portion on the surface facing the power generation unit 10 and a heat absorption portion on the surface opposite to the surface with the heat dissipation portion. The Peltier element 20 is also connected to the power generation unit 10 and operates by receiving a supply of electric power generated by the power generation unit 10. The connection between the power generation unit 10 and the Peltier element 20 is not shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0015] The Peltier element 20 absorbs heat in the heat absorption section and generates heat in the heat dissipation section due to the Peltier effect. As a result, the power generation section 10 transfers heat from the interior side to the exterior side of the vehicle V1. Figure 2 shows a heat flow HT1 generated by the heat absorption of the Peltier element 20 and a heat flow HT2 generated by the heat generation.

[0016] Here, the heat dissipation portion of the Peltier element 20 may be disposed in close proximity to or in contact with the power generation portion 10. This allows the heat carried by the Peltier element 20 to be supplied to the power generation portion 10 and used efficiently for power generation.

[0017] The heat absorbing portion of the Peltier element 20 may be disposed adjacent to or in contact with an interior material (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). The interior material may be made of a thermally conductive material. This allows the Peltier element to effectively transfer heat within the vehicle cabin. As a result, the temperature rise of the air within the vehicle cabin can be suppressed.

[0018] The Peltier elements 20 may be arranged in each predetermined area in the cabin of the vehicle V1. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the Peltier elements. For example, the Peltier elements 20 may be arranged so as to be independently operable for each seat (driver's seat, passenger seat, second-row seat, etc.) of the vehicle V1.

[0019] FIG. 3 shows areas ST1 to ST6. Area ST1 indicates the area above the driver's seat on the roof panel RP (in this embodiment, the description will be given assuming a right-hand drive). Area ST2 indicates the area above the passenger seat on the roof panel RP. Areas ST3 and ST4 indicate areas for information about the right and left seats, respectively, of the second row seats. Areas ST5 and ST6 indicate areas for information about the right and left seats, respectively, of the third row seats. The arrangement of the Peltier elements 20 is not limited to the example given here.

[0020] The Peltier elements 20 provided in each region may be switched in operation by a mechanical switch provided in each region. For example, the operation of the Peltier elements 20 arranged in the region corresponding to the seat may be switched based on whether or not a user is seated in each seat of the vehicle V1.

[0021] For example, the Peltier element 20 arranged in the region ST1 may be linked to fastening or unfastening of the driver's seat belt. The Peltier element 20 arranged in the region ST1 may be activated when the driver's seat belt is fastened. Similarly to the Peltier element 20 arranged in the region ST1, the operation of the Peltier elements 20 arranged in the regions ST2 to ST6 may be switched.

[0022] Alternatively, the operation of the Peltier elements 20 arranged in the area corresponding to the seat may be switched by a switch provided in a position operable by a user sitting in the seat.

[0023] 4 is a first circuit diagram illustrating an example of a temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 4, a switch SW1a controls the supply of power to the Peltier elements 20 arranged in the regions ST1 to ST6. In addition, switches SW2a to SW6a linked to the seat belts of the respective seats of the vehicle V1 control the supply of power to the Peltier elements 20 arranged in the corresponding regions ST2 to ST6.

[0024] In addition, the power supply to the Peltier elements 20 arranged in the corresponding areas ST1 to ST6 or the power supply to the heater may be controlled by switches SW1b to SW6b that can be operated from each seat of the vehicle V1.

[0025] Furthermore, the relay RL1 may control the power supply to the Peltier element 20. For example, the temperature adjustment device may further include a controller that controls a switch that switches the operation of the Peltier element 20, and the controller may turn on the switch via the relay RL1 at a preset time to supply power to the Peltier element.

[0026] The vehicle V1 may also include a power storage device connected to the power generation unit 10 to store the power generated by the power generation unit 10. In this case, the controller may turn on a switch at a preset time to supply power from the power storage device to the Peltier element 20. This allows the Peltier element to operate for a limited period of time, thereby improving energy efficiency. For example, it is possible to suppress a rise in temperature inside the vehicle cabin in a concentrated manner during a predetermined period of time before getting into the vehicle.

[0027] Alternatively, the relay RL2 may control the power supply to the Peltier element 20. The relay RL2 may start the power supply to the heater and stop the power supply to the Peltier element 20 when the heating of the vehicle V1 is turned on.

[0028] 5 is a second circuit diagram showing an example of a temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 5, a switch SW1a linked to the seat belt of the driver's seat of a vehicle V1 controls the supply of power to the Peltier elements 20 arranged in the regions ST1 to ST6. In addition, switches SW2a to SW6a linked to the seat belts of the respective seats of the vehicle V1 control the supply of power to the Peltier elements 20 arranged in the corresponding regions ST2 to ST6.

[0029] In addition, the power supply to the Peltier elements 20 arranged in the corresponding areas ST1 to ST6 or the power supply to the heater may be controlled by switches SW1b to SW6b that can be operated from each seat of the vehicle V1.

[0030] Alternatively, the relay RL2 may control the power supply to the Peltier element 20. The relay RL2 may start the power supply to the heater and stop the power supply to the Peltier element 20 when the heating of the vehicle V1 is turned on.

[0031] 6 is a third circuit diagram showing an example of a temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 6, a switch SW1a linked to the seat belt of the driver's seat of a vehicle V1 controls the supply of power to the Peltier elements 20 arranged in the regions ST1 to ST6. In addition, switches SW2a to SW6a linked to the seat belts of the respective seats of the vehicle V1 control the supply of power to the Peltier elements 20 arranged in the corresponding regions ST2 to ST6.

[0032] Furthermore, the power supply to the Peltier elements 20 arranged in the corresponding regions ST1 to ST6 may be controlled by switches SW1b to SW6b operable from each seat of the vehicle V1.

[0033] Alternatively, the power supply to the Peltier element 20 may be controlled by the relay RL2.

[0034] As described above in detail, the temperature control device according to the present embodiment includes a power generation unit disposed on the exterior of a vehicle, and a Peltier element disposed inside the vehicle cabin and having a heat absorption unit on the interior side of the vehicle and a heat dissipation unit on the exterior side of the vehicle. Here, the power generation unit converts heat from the exterior or heat around the exterior into electric power, and the Peltier element is connected to the power generation unit and operates by receiving a supply of electric power.

[0035] This allows the thermoelectric element to operate without receiving power from an external power source before the vehicle is started, thereby suppressing the temperature rise inside the vehicle cabin. It also allows heat absorption inside the vehicle cabin. As a result, the discomfort felt by the user when riding in the vehicle can be reduced. Furthermore, the thermoelectric element can be operated without receiving power from the vehicle itself, improving energy efficiency.

[0036] In the temperature control device according to this embodiment, the power generation unit may be disposed on the roof panel of the vehicle, which is part of the exterior of the vehicle and is prone to temperature increases due to direct sunlight or outside air, so that heat from the roof panel can be used efficiently to generate electricity.

[0037] Furthermore, in the temperature adjustment device according to this embodiment, the heat dissipation unit may be disposed adjacent to or in contact with the power generation unit, thereby allowing the heat transferred by the Peltier element to be supplied to the power generation unit and used for efficient power generation.

[0038] In the temperature control device according to this embodiment, the heat absorbing portion may be disposed adjacent to or in contact with the interior material of the vehicle, and the interior material may be made of a thermally conductive material. This allows the Peltier element to effectively transfer heat from the vehicle interior, thereby suppressing the rise in the temperature of the air inside the vehicle.

[0039] Furthermore, the temperature control device according to this embodiment may further include a controller that controls a switch between the vehicle's power storage device and the Peltier element. The power storage device may be connected to a power generation unit to store power, and the controller may turn on the switch at a preset time to supply power from the power storage device to the Peltier element. This allows the Peltier element to be operated for a limited period of time, thereby improving energy efficiency. For example, it is possible to suppress a rise in temperature inside the vehicle cabin in a concentrated manner during a predetermined period of time before getting into the vehicle.

[0040] In the temperature control device according to this embodiment, the Peltier element may be composed of one or more elements that can be independently operated in each area of ​​the vehicle interior. This allows the Peltier element to be operated in a specific area within the vehicle interior, thereby improving energy efficiency. For example, the Peltier element may be operated only in the vicinity of the seat where the user sits.

[0041] Furthermore, in the temperature control device according to this embodiment, the operation of the Peltier element may be switched for each region by a mechanical switch provided for each region. For example, by linking the mechanical switch to the seat belt of the seat, the Peltier element can be activated only in the vicinity of the seat where the user is riding.

[0042] Each of the functions described in the above embodiments may be implemented by one or more processing circuits, including programmed processors, electrical circuits, and even devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or circuit components arranged to perform the described functions.

[0043] Although the contents of the present disclosure have been described above based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these descriptions, and various modifications and improvements are possible, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present disclosure. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0044] Of course, the present disclosure includes various embodiments not described herein. Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the invention-specifying matters according to the scope of the claims that are appropriate from the above description.

[0045] 10 Power generation unit 20 Peltier element RP Roof panel V1 Vehicle

Claims

1. a power generation unit disposed on the exterior of the vehicle; a Peltier element disposed in a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the Peltier element having a heat absorption portion on an interior side of the vehicle and a heat radiation portion on an exterior side of the vehicle; Equipped with the power generation unit converts heat of the exterior or heat around the exterior into electric power; The Peltier element is connected to the power generation unit and operates by receiving the power supply.

2. The temperature adjustment device according to claim 1 , wherein the power generation unit is disposed on a roof panel of the exterior of the vehicle.

3. The temperature adjustment device according to claim 1 , wherein the heat dissipation unit is disposed adjacent to or in contact with the power generation unit.

4. The heat absorption portion is disposed adjacent to or in contact with an interior material of the vehicle, The temperature adjustment device according to claim 1 , wherein the interior material is made of a heat-conductive material.

5. a controller for controlling a switch between the power storage device of the vehicle and the Peltier element; the power storage device is connected to the power generation unit and stores the power; the controller turns on the switch at a preset time to supply the power from the power storage device to the Peltier element; The temperature adjustment device according to claim 1 .

6. 6. The temperature adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein the Peltier element is composed of one or more elements that can be operated independently for each region in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

7. The temperature adjustment device according to claim 6 , wherein the operation of the Peltier element is switched for each of the regions by a mechanical switch provided for each of the regions.