Mist spraying vehicle

Abstract

The present invention is provided with: a mist spraying device (2) that is provided to an automobile (1), which is a vehicle, and that is capable of spraying a mist of a liquid into a prescribed region around the automobile (1); a container (10) that accommodates the liquid and that is attachable to and detachable from the automobile (1); and a mist controller (6) that enables, in accordance with user instructions, the mist spraying device (2) to spray the mist.

Description

Mist-spraying vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a mist-spraying vehicle.

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes a railway vehicle that sprays mist-like water onto the platform inside a station to cool the station.

[0003] JP 2009-208489 A

[0004] However, the vehicle described in Patent Document 1 is a railroad vehicle, and there is room for further consideration regarding the installation of a mist spraying device on an automobile that travels on roads without tracks. Specifically, in the case of automobiles, the users are limited to specific users rather than an unspecified number of users, so mist spraying that meets the needs of each user is required. The present invention aims to provide a mist spraying vehicle that can spray mist that meets the needs of each user.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a mist spraying device that is installed in a vehicle, i.e., an automobile, and is capable of spraying a mist of liquid into a predetermined area around the automobile; a container that holds the liquid and is detachable from the automobile; and a controller that enables the mist spraying device to spray mist in response to instructions from a user.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle capable of spraying mist according to the user's needs. The objects and advantages of the present invention are realized and achieved by using the elements and combinations thereof set forth in the claims. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory and are not intended to limit the invention as defined by the claims.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a three-view diagram showing a schematic configuration of an automobile which is a mist spraying vehicle. FIG. 2 is a three-view diagram showing a schematic configuration of the tank of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the rear nozzle of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the mist spraying device of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of mist spraying by the roof nozzle of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of mist spraying by the floor nozzle of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an example of mist spraying by the rear nozzle of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an example of mist spraying by the rear nozzle of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of mist spraying by the rear nozzle of FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the display content of the monitor of FIG. 1. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the display content of the monitor of FIG. 1. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the display content of the monitor of FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the display content of the monitor of FIG. 1. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the display content of the monitor of FIG. 1. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the display content of the monitor of FIG. 1. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the display contents of the monitor of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the display contents of the monitor of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the display contents of the monitor of Fig. 1.

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are schematic and may differ from the actual vehicle. FIG. 1 shows an automobile 1 as a schematic configuration of one embodiment of a mist-spraying vehicle. The automobile 1 is a hatchback vehicle equipped with a mist spraying device 2 that sprays a mist of a predetermined liquid onto a predetermined area around the automobile 1. To spray the mist of the liquid onto a predetermined area around the automobile 1, floor nozzles 3 are provided on the vehicle side of the side sill of the automobile 1, and roof nozzles 4 are provided on the vehicle side of the roof (partly on the pillar). In this embodiment, as an example, three floor nozzles 3 and three roof nozzles 4 are provided on each vehicle side. Furthermore, the automobile 1 includes a rear nozzle (move nozzle) 5 inside a shark fin antenna (hereinafter simply referred to as a shark fin) 31 attached to the roof, the details of which will be described later. A tank 32 containing a predetermined liquid to be sprayed as mist from various nozzles is provided in the rear of the automobile 1, specifically in the rear luggage compartment. A pump 33 for pressurizing the liquid is disposed inside a rear side panel on the side of the tank 32. The tank 32 and the pump 33, and the pump 33 and each nozzle, are connected by liquid paths (not shown). The automobile 1 is also provided with a mist controller 6 that enables mist spray from each nozzle. The automobile 1 is also provided with a dedicated switch 14 for the occupant (user) to instruct mist spray from each nozzle. The automobile 1 also has a key (intelligent key) 7 that communicates with the vehicle and can remotely operate the vehicle, such as unlocking and locking, and a key controller 8 that communicates with the key 7 to execute the vehicle locking and unlocking. Similar to known keyless entry systems, the intelligent key 7 detects the location of the key 7 and accepts remote operation from the key 7 only when the key 7 is within a predetermined range around the automobile 1 or inside the vehicle. Furthermore, the key 7 of this embodiment has a waterproof function and also has a built-in magnet, so that it can be magnetically attached to, for example, an exterior panel of the vehicle.Furthermore, in this automobile 1, a monitor 9 that is also used with a navigation system and the like is provided, for example, below the instrument panel. This monitor 9 is configured as a touch panel, and the buttons displayed on the screen of this monitor 9 also serve as switches that allow the occupant (user) to instruct the content of liquid spray from each nozzle. Note that the term "mist" in this embodiment refers to so-called misty liquid droplets that are invisible to the naked eye.

[0009] FIG. 2 shows an outline of the contents of the tank 32, with the central view corresponding to a front view. The tank 32 accommodates, for example, three containers 10, each containing three different liquids, arranged in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and accommodates a hose 11 wound around the side of the vehicle. As described below, one end of the hose 11 and the container 10 are connected to a pump 33 via a liquid passage (not shown). The other end of the hose 11 is equipped with a connector 11a for connection to a water supply (tap water). Therefore, tap water can be supplied to the mist sprayer 2 by connecting the end of the hose 11 unwound from the tank 32 to the water supply. FIG. 3 shows an example of a container 10 accommodated in the tank 32. In this embodiment, three different types of liquids are accommodated in the three containers 10. As an example, one of the liquids is water (tap water), another is herbal water (peppermint water) prepared by diluting peppermint oil with water, and the remaining liquid is aromatic water prepared by diluting aromatic water with water. The container 10 is a bottomed, cylindrical bottle 34 with a sealant that is filled with, for example, peppermint oil or aromatic water, and then filled with tap water by the user. A check valve 36 is provided in the center of the sealant 35. As shown in FIG. 2 , the check valve 36 prevents the liquid inside from spilling even when the container 10 is turned upside down. However, when the lid of the check valve 36 is pushed inward toward the container 10, the valve is released, allowing the liquid inside to flow out. A short tube that communicates with the liquid path protrudes upward from the bottom of the tank 32. When the lid of the check valve 36 of the container 10 inserted upside down in the tank 32 is pushed by the tube, the liquid inside flows into the liquid path. A handle 37 is provided at the bottom of the container 10 for hanging the container 10 upside down. When not in use, the handle 37 can be placed along the outer periphery of the container 10.

[0010] The rear nozzle 5 shown in FIG. 4 includes a nozzle 42 that can spray two types of liquid, mist and jet, using a nozzle diameter adjustment mechanism (not shown), and a mechanism that can adjust the direction and angle of the liquid jet spray from the nozzle 42. The direction of the jet spray indicates a direction within a horizontal plane around the automobile 1, and the angle of the jet spray indicates an angle in the vertical direction relative to the horizontal, i.e., the elevation / depression angle. A hollow shaft 41, whose axis is set approximately vertically, is rotatably mounted on the roof of the vehicle at the attachment position of the shark fin 31 so as to penetrate the roof. The nozzle 42 is disposed within the shark fin 31 with the nozzle opening from which the liquid is sprayed facing the rear of the vehicle, and the injection port on the front side of the vehicle is connected to the upper end of the hollow shaft 41 via a flexible tube 43. A rotatable connector 49 is attached to the lower end of the hollow shaft 41, and the hollow shaft 41 is connected to a liquid path from the pump 33 via this connector 49. A gear 44 is attached to the vehicle lower side of the nozzle portion 42, rotatable around a rotation axis whose axis is set in the vehicle width direction, and meshes with another intermediate gear 45 disposed below the gear 44. A worm 47 is attached to the rotation shaft of an electric angle motor (angle motor) 46 disposed below the intermediate gear 45, and the intermediate gear 45 and the worm 47 mesh with each other below the intermediate gear 45. Therefore, when the angle motor 46 is driven to rotate, the rotation of the worm 47 rotates the intermediate gear 45 and the gear 44, thereby adjusting the angle of the jet spray from the nozzle portion 42. The hollow shaft 41 is fixed to the shark fin 31 and rotatably attached to the vehicle body (roof) via a bearing 48. A gear 50 is attached to the longitudinal middle of the hollow shaft 41, and meshes with a drive gear 52 attached to the rotation shaft of an electric direction motor (direction motor) 51. Therefore, when the direction motor 51 is driven to rotate, the drive gear 52 rotates the gear 50 and hollow shaft 41 around the vehicle's vertical axis, thereby rotating the nozzle portion 42 together with the shark fin 31 around the vehicle's vertical axis, and the direction of the jet spray from the nozzle portion 42 can be adjusted.It goes without saying that the nozzle diameter of the nozzle portion 42 is narrowed for mist spraying, and widened for jet spraying. The form of the "jet" in this embodiment is the same as or similar to the form of a liquid sprayed from, for example, a water gun.

[0011] FIG. 5 shows the liquid circuit of the mist sprayer 2 of this embodiment. As described above, the liquid supply sources are the three containers 10 containing herbal water, water, and aromatic water, respectively, and the mains water supply. A supply valve 12, such as an electromagnetic on-off valve, is provided in each liquid path connecting the pump 33 to the floor nozzle 3, roof nozzle 4, and rear nozzle 5. A nozzle valve 13, also such as an electromagnetic on-off valve, is provided in each liquid path connecting the pump 33 to the floor nozzle 3, roof nozzle 4, and rear nozzle 5. The electric motor 38 that drives the liquid supply valves 12, nozzle valves 13, and pump 33 is controlled by a drive signal from the mist controller 6. The direction motor 51 and angle motor 46 for adjusting the direction and angle of the rear nozzle 5 are also controlled by a drive signal from the mist controller 6. The mist controller 6 also exchanges information with the key controller 8. The mist controller 6 is an electronic control unit (ECU) that performs arithmetic processing (described below) and outputs drive signals to the supply valve 12, the nozzle valve 13, the electric motor 38 for the pump 33, and the like. Therefore, the mist controller 6 includes a computer system with advanced arithmetic processing capabilities. Similar to well-known computer systems, this computer system includes a processor 6a that exhibits advanced arithmetic processing capabilities and a storage device 6b that stores information such as programs and sensor signals. The processor 6a may be configured, for example, as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU). The storage device 6b may be configured as a semiconductor storage device, a magnetic storage device, or an optical storage device. The storage device 6b may further include a register, a cache memory, and a memory used as a main storage device. The arithmetic processing performed by the mist controller 6 is realized, for example, by the processor 6a executing a computer program stored in the storage device 6b of the mist controller 6. Alternatively, the arithmetic processing performed by the mist controller 6 may be executed by a functional logic circuit configured in a general-purpose semiconductor integrated circuit.For example, the mist controller 6 may have a programmable logic device such as a field programmable gate array. The key controller 8 and other in-vehicle controllers described above have the same configuration and functions, and the controllers can also share data and communicate with each other.

[0012] In this mist sprayer 2, the liquid in the container 10 connected to the liquid path of the open supply valve 12 is pressurized by the pump 33, and the liquid can be sprayed as mist from the nozzle connected to the liquid path of the open nozzle valve 13. FIG. 6 shows the state in which the liquid is being misted from the floor nozzle 3. FIG. 7 shows the state in which the liquid is being misted from the roof nozzle 4. FIG. 8 shows the state in which the liquid is being misted from the rear nozzle 5 without adjusting the direction of the shark fin 31. Misting herbal water (peppermint water) in a predetermined area around the automobile 1 can repel insects, especially mosquitoes. Misting water in a predetermined area around the automobile 1 can also lower the temperature and provide a refreshing feeling. Misting aromatic water in a predetermined area around the automobile 1 can also provide a relaxing effect with a favorite scent. These mist sprays can also be directly instructed to the mist controller 6 by the occupant (user) operating the dedicated switch 14. In this embodiment, as described below, the direction and angle of the jet spray from the rear nozzle 5 can be adjusted to spray, for example, water onto the front window (windshield) as shown in Fig. 9, which can melt frost on the front window. Also, as shown in Fig. 10, position information of a key 7 magnetically attached to the body of the automobile 1 can be obtained from the key controller 8, and a jet of water can be sprayed toward the key 7, which can clean dirt such as bird droppings that has adhered to the body. Also, as shown in Fig. 11, a jet of herbal water can be sprayed toward the key 7 held by the user, which can repel mosquitoes around the user.

[0013] In this embodiment, the display is programmed to allow the user to select (instruct) the various mist and jet spray modes described above. The user can select (instruct) the contents of this programming by touching and selecting buttons displayed on the monitor 9. An example of the mist spray instruction contents displayed on the monitor 9 is described below. For example, when a mist spray menu is displayed on the touch panel monitor 9, buttons for "steady mist spray" and "other spray" are displayed, as shown in FIG. 12 . As will be described later, the steady mist spray menu is a menu for steadily spraying mist before exiting the vehicle 1, before entering the vehicle 1, and before loading luggage through the rear gate (back door). When the steady mist spray button is selected by touching, three buttons are displayed: "Exit Mode," "Get-In Mode," and "Loaded Baggage Mode," as shown in FIG. 13 . When the Exit Mode button is selected by touching, the "Exit Mode" button is displayed again, as shown in FIG. 14 . A message is displayed stating, "Select P range to spray mist before exiting the vehicle," and "Touch a button to select the next spray location." Therefore, when the exit mode button is touched and selected again, the message "Where do you want to spray?" along with the buttons "Roof," "Floor," "Rear," and "Next" are displayed, as shown in FIG. 15. In this case, multiple nozzles from which mist will be sprayed when the vehicle exits are selected. After the button for specifying the nozzle is touched and selected, the "Next" button is touched and selected, as shown in FIG. 16. The message "What do you want to spray?" along with the buttons "Herbal water," "Water," "Aromatic water," and "Next" are displayed, allowing the user to select the liquid to be sprayed from the selected nozzle. After the button for specifying the liquid is touched and selected, the "Next" button is touched and selected, and the message "Exit mode has been set" (not shown) is displayed on the monitor screen, and the screen returns to the steady mist spray selection screen of FIG. 13, for example.

[0014] On the other hand, when the on-board mode is selected by touching it on the steady mist spray selection screen of Fig. 13, the "on-board mode" button is displayed again, as shown in Fig. 17, along with the message "Mist will be sprayed when the key approaches" and the message "Touch a button to select where to spray next." Therefore, when the on-board mode button is again selected by touching it, the screens of Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 are displayed in that order. After the liquid specifying button is selected on the screen of Fig. 16 by touching it, if the "Next" button is selected by touching it, a message "On-board mode has been set" (not shown) is displayed on the monitor screen, and the screen returns to the steady mist spray selection screen of Fig. 13, for example. Furthermore, when the luggage loading mode is selected by touching it on the steady mist spray selection screen of Fig. 13, the "luggage loading mode" button is displayed again, as shown in Fig. 18, along with the message "Mist will be sprayed from the rear nozzle before the rear gate opens" and the message "Touch a button to select what to spray next." Therefore, when the luggage loading mode button is touched and selected again, the screen shown in Fig. 16 described above is displayed, and when the button for specifying the liquid is touched and selected on the screen in Fig. 16 and then the "Next" button is touched and selected, a message (not shown) saying "Luggage loading mode has been set" is displayed on the monitor screen, and the screen returns to, for example, the steady mist spray selection screen shown in Fig. 13. Mist spray in this luggage loading mode is detected when the rear gate is about to be opened, for example, when a command to open the rear gate is given using the operating switch for the power back door, which is electrically opened and closed.

[0015] In these steady mist spray modes, the selected liquid is steadily sprayed as mist from the selected nozzle at the set timing. For example, if the roof nozzle 4 and water are selected in the exit mode, when the vehicle 1 stops and the P range is selected, water mist is sprayed from the roof nozzle 4 for three seconds. This allows the user (passenger) to exit the vehicle 1 in a refreshing atmosphere. Also, if the roof nozzle 4 and floor nozzle 3 are selected in the entry mode and aromatic water is selected, aromatic water mist is sprayed from the roof nozzle 4 and floor nozzle 3 for three seconds when the key 7 is within, for example, 50 cm of the vehicle 1. This allows the user (passenger) to enter the vehicle 1 in a mosquito-free atmosphere. Also, if herbal water is selected in the luggage loading mode, for example, when a command to open the rear gate is remotely operated using a switch on the key 7, herbal water mist is sprayed from the rear nozzle 5 for three seconds. This allows the user to load luggage through the opening of the rear gate in a mosquito-free environment. In this manner, in the steady mist spray mode of this embodiment, the mist controller 6 is programmed to constantly spray mist according to the selection made by the user (occupant) on the screen of the monitor 9. By operating the dedicated switch 14, mist spray can be easily performed at any time and at any timing.

[0016] In contrast, when another jet is selected in FIG. 12 , assuming that a jet of liquid is sprayed from the rear nozzle 5, which is roughly the move nozzle, three buttons, "Windshield Mode," "Key Tracking Mode," and "Free Mode," are displayed as shown in FIG. 19 . When the Windshield Mode button is touched and selected, a "JET" button for performing jet spray in Windshield Mode is displayed as shown in FIG. 20 . In Windshield Mode, as shown in FIG. 9 , the direction and angle of the jet spray from the rear nozzle 5 are adjusted to spray water toward the windshield. In Windshield Mode, the jet spray duration is set to 30 seconds to thaw almost the entire frozen area on the front side of the vehicle by changing the direction and angle of the limited jet spray area. That is, in Windshield Mode, when the JET button on the screen of the monitor 9 is touched and selected, the direction and angle of the jet spray from the rear nozzle 5 are changed while the shark fin 31 is turned, and water is sprayed from the rear nozzle 5 toward the windshield for 30 seconds, thereby thawing the frozen windshield. The jet spray in the windshield mode may be executed wirelessly from the key 7 or from a terminal such as a smartphone. Also, to actively thaw the ice on the windshield, it is possible to use a melting liquid instead of water.

[0017] On the other hand, when the key tracking mode is selected by touching it on the other spray selection screen of FIG. 19 , a message asking "What do you want to spray?" and buttons such as "Herbal water," "Water," "Aromatic water," "Tap water," and "Next" are displayed, allowing the user to select the liquid to be sprayed in a jet from the selected nozzle, as shown in FIG. 21 . After the button for specifying the liquid is touched and selected, the "Next" button is then touched and selected, as shown in FIG. 22 . The "Jet" and "Continuous spray" buttons for performing jet spray in key tracking mode are displayed, along with the message "Please connect the hose to the water supply." The calculation process executed by the mist controller 6 when the continuous button is touched in this key tracking mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 23 . This calculation process begins with the selection of the key tracking mode. First, in step S1, position information of the key 7 is acquired from the key controller 8. Next, proceeding to step S2, a target spray direction and a target spray angle that will allow the jet spray to reach the position of the key 7 from the position of the rear nozzle 5 are calculated. Next, proceeding to step S3, a motor rotation signal for achieving the target spray direction is output to the direction motor 51. Next, the process proceeds to step S4, where a motor rotation signal for achieving the target ejection angle is output to the angle motor 46. Next, the process proceeds to step S5, where the supply valve 12 for the liquid selected on the monitor screen of FIG. 21 is opened. Next, the process proceeds to step S6, where it is determined whether the ejection button is turned on. If the ejection button is turned on, the process proceeds to step S7. If not, the process proceeds to step S10. In step S7, the pump 33 is turned on. Next, the process proceeds to step S8, where the nozzle valve 13 for the rear nozzle 5 is opened. Next, the process proceeds to step S9, where it is determined whether a predetermined time (here, 1 second) has elapsed. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S10. If not, the process proceeds to step S6. In step S10, the nozzle valve 13 for the rear nozzle 5 is closed. Next, the process proceeds to step S11, where the pump 33 is turned off. Next, the process proceeds to step S12, where the supply valve 12 for the selected liquid is closed and then restored. Therefore, when the ejection button is touched and selected on the screen of FIG. 22, the selected liquid is ejected in a jet from the rear nozzle 5 toward the position of the key 7 for, for example, one second, while the ejection button is being touched.The continuous spray button is only effective when tap water is selected and the hose 11 is connected to the tap. For example, the predetermined time of 1 second when the spray button is selected is set to, for example, 20 seconds, and a continuous jet of tap water is sprayed.

[0018] Furthermore, when the free mode is selected by touching on the mist spray selection screen of FIG. 19 , the nozzle selection screen of FIG. 15 is displayed. After the button for specifying a nozzle is touched and selected on this nozzle selection screen, the "Next" button is touched and selected, and then the spray liquid selection screen of FIG. 21 is displayed. After the button for specifying a liquid is touched and selected, the "Next" button is touched and selected, and then "Spray" for performing mist spray in free mode is displayed as shown in FIG. 24 , except when the rear nozzle 5 is selected on the nozzle selection screen and tap water is selected on the liquid selection screen. Then, while the spray button on the monitor screen of FIG. 24 is touched, the selected liquid is sprayed as mist from the selected nozzle for, for example, one second. In this case, the rear nozzle 5 is configured to spray mist only toward the rear of the vehicle, as shown in FIG. 8 . On the other hand, when the rear nozzle 5 is selected on the nozzle selection screen and tap water is selected on the liquid selection screen, the mode switches to a mode in which tap water is sprayed as a jet from the rear nozzle 5, and a "Set spray direction and angle" button and messages such as "Touch the button to set the direction and angle" and "Connect a hose to a water source for long-term spraying" are displayed as shown in FIG. 25 . When the jet direction and angle setting buttons are touched and selected on this monitor screen, as shown in FIG. 26 , “right rotation” and “left rotation” buttons are displayed to select the direction of jet jet adjustment, a “continuous rotation” button to continue rotation in the selected direction, “upward” and “downward” buttons to select the direction of jet jet angle adjustment, a “jet” button, and a “continuous jet” button. “Right rotation” is defined as, for example, a clockwise direction in a plan view of the vehicle, and “left rotation” is defined as a counterclockwise direction. The jet jet direction can be changed and adjusted in the selected direction. After the jet jet rotation direction is selected, touching and selecting the “continuous rotation” button continues the rotation. “Upward” allows the jet jet angle to be changed and adjusted in the elevation direction, and “downward” allows the jet jet angle to be changed and adjusted in the depression direction. After the jet jet direction and angle are adjusted, touching and selecting the “jet” button causes tap water to be jet-sprayed from the rear nozzle 5 while the button is being touched. Furthermore, touching and selecting the “continuous jet” button causes tap water to be jet-sprayed continuously from the rear nozzle 5 for, for example, five minutes.In this way, in the other spray modes of this embodiment, the mist controller 6 is programmed to execute the liquid spray specified (instructed) by the user (passenger) on the screen of the monitor 9 at the timing desired by the user (passenger).

[0019] Although the mist spraying vehicle according to the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the above embodiment and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the roof nozzle 4, floor nozzle 3, and rear nozzle 5 are used as nozzles for spraying liquid mist. However, the layout of the nozzles for spraying liquid mist is not limited to this and may be arranged in any desired location. However, since the mist spraying device 2 of this embodiment sprays liquid mist in a predetermined area around the vehicle 1, thereby providing an advantage to the occupants (users), it is preferable that the mist spraying device 2 be arranged near the passenger entrance / exit or the luggage compartment door, for example. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as an example of remote control, the windshield mode can be remotely controlled from the key 7 or a smartphone. However, any other liquid spraying mode may be remotely controlled. In this case, for example, it may be necessary to provide a liquid spray switch on the key 7. However, any remote control is applicable as long as the mist controller 6 recognizes the user's remote control instruction and controls the liquid spray by the mist spraying device 2. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the mechanism for adjusting the jet spray direction and angle of the rear nozzle 5 provided as a move nozzle is one example, and any adjustment mechanism can be applied as long as it is possible to adjust the direction of the jet spray in a horizontal plane and the angle based on the horizontal plane.

[0020] As described above, this embodiment includes a mist sprayer 2 that is installed on an automobile 1, which is a vehicle, and that can spray mist of liquid in a predetermined area around the automobile 1, a container 10 that contains the liquid and is detachable from the automobile 1, and a mist controller 6 that enables mist spray by the mist sprayer 2 in response to instructions from the user. This allows the user (passenger) to specify the timing and area for spraying mist of the liquid, thereby making it possible to provide an automobile 1 that can spray mist according to the user's needs.

[0021] Furthermore, by instructing mist spray when the key 7 enters a predetermined area around the vehicle 1, a comfortable environment can be created around the vehicle 1 when the user (passenger) gets in. Instructing mist spray when the P range is detected can also create a comfortable environment around the vehicle 1 when the user (passenger) gets out. Instructing the mist sprayer 2 when the user instructs mist spray allows liquid to be sprayed as mist at the user's (passenger's) desired timing. The user (passenger) can easily spray mist at any time by operating the dedicated switch 14. Furthermore, by instructing mist spray toward the rear of the vehicle 1 before the rear gate opens when the opening of the rear gate is detected (for example, when the switch to open the power back door is operated), a comfortable environment can be created around the user (passenger) when loading or unloading luggage through the opening of the rear gate.

[0022] The mist sprayer 2 also includes a rear nozzle (move nozzle) 5 mounted on the roof of the automobile 1, capable of spraying a jet of liquid and capable of adjusting the direction and / or angle of the jet. This allows the direction and angle of the jet to be changed to spray the liquid in an area desired by the user (occupant). Furthermore, by using the rear nozzle (move nozzle) 5 to instruct a jet of liquid toward the location of the key 7, it is possible to easily clean dirt such as bird droppings adhering to the body of the automobile. Furthermore, by instructing a jet of liquid toward the front window (windshield) of the automobile 1, it is possible to melt frozen ice on the front window. Furthermore, the mist sprayer 2 can be connected to a water supply, allowing for continuous mist spraying of tap water from the water supply.

[0023] 1...Automobile (vehicle), 2...Mist spray device, 3...Floor nozzle, 4...Roof nozzle, 5...Rear nozzle (move nozzle), 6...Mist controller (controller), 7...Key, 8...Key controller, 9...Monitor, 10...Container, 11...Hose, 12...Supply valve, 13...Nozzle valve, 14...Dedicated switch

Claims

1. A mist spraying vehicle comprising: a mist spraying device that is mounted on an automobile and is capable of spraying a mist of liquid into a specified area around the automobile; a container that contains the liquid and is detachable from the automobile; and a controller that enables the mist spraying device to spray mist in response to instructions from a user.

2. A mist spraying vehicle as described in claim 1, characterized in that it has a key that can communicate with the vehicle, and the controller instructs the mist spraying device to spray the mist when the key enters a predetermined area around the vehicle.

3. The mist spraying vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the controller instructs the mist spraying device to spray mist when it detects that the vehicle is in P range.

4. The mist spraying vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller instructs the mist spraying device to spray the mist when a mist spray command is issued by a user.

5. The mist spraying vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that the mist spray instruction is given by the user operating a dedicated switch.

6. The mist spraying vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the controller instructs the mist spraying device to spray the mist toward the rear of the vehicle before the rear gate of the vehicle opens.

7. The mist spraying vehicle described in claim 1, characterized in that the mist spraying device is installed on the roof of the vehicle, has a move nozzle that enables the liquid to be sprayed in a jet, and is capable of adjusting the direction of the jet in a horizontal plane around the vehicle and / or the angle in the vertical direction relative to the horizontal.

8. The mist spraying vehicle according to claim 7, further comprising a key capable of communicating with the vehicle, wherein the controller instructs the mist spraying device to spray the jet of water toward the location of the key.

9. The mist spraying vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the controller instructs the mist spraying device to spray the jet of mist toward a windshield of the vehicle.

10. The mist spraying vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the mist spraying device is connectable to a water supply.

Images