U.S. patent application number 12/303617 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-16 for humidity control device and humidity control method.
Invention is credited to Takanobu Nakaguro.
Application Number | 20100230503 12/303617 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38801493 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100230503 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nakaguro; Takanobu |
September 16, 2010 |
HUMIDITY CONTROL DEVICE AND HUMIDITY CONTROL METHOD
Abstract
A humidity control device (10) provided on a vehicle has a
humidifier (12) capable of humidifying the vehicle interior and
also has a control unit for controlling operation of the humidifier
(12) so that the humidity in the interior is maintained at a
predetermined target value. In the humidity control device (10),
operating each operation switch of an operation panel (14) causes
the humidifier (12) to be controlled so as to achieve an aimed item
predetermined corresponding to the operation switch, and as a
result, the humidity in the vehicle interior (32) is maintained
within an optimum range which an occupant (P) in the interior feels
comfortable. Also, moisture (St) is locally jetted from the
humidifier (12) to the head (entire face, more specifically) of the
occupant (P). By doing so, the moisture (St) is prevented from
dispersing in the vehicle interior (32).
Inventors: |
Nakaguro; Takanobu; (Aichi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FINNEGAN, HENDERSON, FARABOW, GARRETT & DUNNER;LLP
901 NEW YORK AVENUE, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20001-4413
US
|
Family ID: |
38801493 |
Appl. No.: |
12/303617 |
Filed: |
June 5, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
June 5, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2007/061389 |
371 Date: |
December 5, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
236/44A |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60H 3/022 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
236/44.A |
International
Class: |
F24F 3/14 20060101
F24F003/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 6, 2006 |
JP |
2006-157654 |
Claims
1-10. (canceled)
11. A humidity control device comprising: a humidification unit
that is capable of humidifying a vehicle interior; and a control
unit that controls operation of the humidification unit to carry
out intermittent jetting of moisture so that the humidity of the
vehicle interior is maintained at a predetermined target value.
12. The humidity control device according to claim 11, wherein the
humidification unit is configured to be capable of locally
humidifying a specific region of an occupant in the vehicle
interior.
13. The humidity control device according to claim 11, wherein the
humidification unit is configured so that it is possible to adjust
a humidification amount and a humidification interval in the
vehicle interior, the humidification amount is adjusted by
increasing and decreasing a jetting amount of the moisture per one
jetting by the humidification unit, and the humidification interval
is adjusted by increasing and decreasing an interval of
intermittent jetting by the humidification unit.
14. The humidity control device according to claim 11, wherein the
humidification unit is configured so that it is possible to adjust
a humidification speed with respect to a humidification object, and
the control unit adjusts the humidification speed of the
humidification unit in accordance with a distance between the
humidification unit and the humidification object.
15. The humidity control device according to claim 11, wherein the
humidification unit is configured so that it is possible to adjust
a humidification amount with respect to a humidification object,
and the control unit adjusts the humidification amount of the
humidification unit in accordance with a distance between the
humidification unit and the humidification object.
16. The humidity control device according to claim 11, wherein the
control unit stores a plurality of the target values, the plurality
of the target values can be selected, and when any of the plurality
of the target values is selected, the control unit controls
operation of the humidification unit so that the humidity of the
vehicle interior is maintained at the one selected from the
plurality of the target values.
17. The humidity control device according to claim 16, further
comprising an operation switch that is capable of selecting each of
the plurality of the target values, wherein the control unit
controls operation of the humidification unit so that the humidity
of the vehicle interior is maintained at the target value
corresponding to the selection state of the operation switch.
18. The humidity control device according to claim 14, wherein the
humidification speed is adjusted so as to increase according to an
increase in the distance.
19. The humidity control device according to claim 15, wherein the
humidification amount is adjusted so as to increase according to an
increase in the distance, and a rate of increase of the
humidification amount with respect to the distance is different for
different ranges of the distance.
20. A humidity control method for a humidification unit that is
disposed at a vehicle interior, the method comprising: determining
a target humidity of the vehicle interior according to a
humidification pattern that is selected in accordance with a
humidification aim; measuring a distance between the humidification
unit and an occupant in the vehicle interior; calculating a
humidification speed of the humidification unit based on the target
humidity and the distance; adjusting a humidification amount per
one jetting that is prescribed by the humidification pattern, based
on the distance; and operating the humidification unit to carry out
intermittent jetting of moisture based on the adjustment result of
the humidification amount per one jetting, and the humidification
speed.
21. The humidity control device according to claim 11, wherein the
humidification unit is configured so that it is possible to adjust
a humidification amount in the vehicle interior, the humidification
amount is adjusted by increasing and decreasing a jetting amount of
the moisture per one jetting by the humidification unit.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a humidity control device
and a humidity control method and, in particular, relates to a
humidity control device and a humidity control method capable of
humidifying a vehicle interior.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] As this type of humidity control device, there is the
following (for example, refer to patent document 1). For example,
patent document 1 discloses an example of an air conditioning
device for sending air to the vehicle interior. This air
conditioning device is provided with a humidifier that humidifies
air flowing at a downstream side of a heater core of a fan duct and
is configured so that the vehicle interior can be humidified by
this humidifier.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No.
6-64442
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Problem to be Solved by the Invention
[0003] However, in the example described in patent document 1, it
is only possible to cause the humidifier to turn on and off per a
predetermined time period (fixed time period) in order to provide a
sense of fluctuation with respect to an occupant, and there is room
for improvement in order to further increase comfort in the vehicle
interior.
[0004] The present invention has been achieved in consideration of
the above circumstances, and it is an object thereof to provide a
humidity control device that is capable of further increasing
comfort in a vehicle interior.
Means for Solving the Problem
[0005] In order to solve the above-described problem, a humidity
control device of a first aspect of the present invention comprises
a humidification unit that is capable of humidifying a vehicle
interior, and a control unit that controls operation of the
humidification unit to carry out intermittent jetting of moisture
so that the humidity of the vehicle interior is maintained at a
predetermined target value.
[0006] It should be noted that the humidity in this case may be
either one of an absolute humidity or a relative humidity.
[0007] In the humidity control device of the above aspect of the
present invention, by controlling operation of the humidification
unit by the control unit, the humidity of the vehicle interior is
maintained at the predetermined target value. Accordingly, if this
target value is set within an optimum humidity range which feels
comfortable for an occupant in the vehicle interior, it becomes
possible to further increase the comfort of the vehicle
interior.
[0008] In the humidity control device of the above first aspect of
the present invention, the humidification unit may be configured to
be capable of locally humidifying a specific region of the occupant
in the vehicle interior.
[0009] If the humidification unit is configured to be capable of
locally humidifying a specific region of the occupant in the
vehicle interior, dispersing of moisture from the humidification
unit in the vehicle interior can be suppressed. As a result, for
example, it becomes possible to prevent fogging of a window
provided in the vehicle interior.
[0010] In the humidity control device of the above first aspect of
the present invention, a configuration may be provided in which the
humidification unit is configured so that it is possible to adjust
a humidification amount and a humidification interval with respect
to the vehicle interior, the humidification amount is adjusted by
increasing and decreasing a jetting amount of the moisture per one
jetting by the humidification unit, and the humidification interval
is adjusted by increasing and decreasing an interval of
intermittent jetting by the humidification unit.
[0011] In the humidity control device of the above configuration of
the present invention, by configuring the humidification unit so
that it is possible to adjust at least one of the humidification
amount or the humidification interval with respect to the vehicle
interior and adjusting at least one of the humidification amount or
the humidification interval of the humidification unit by the
control unit, the humidity of the vehicle interior is maintained at
the predetermined target value. In this manner, according to the
humidity control device of the above configuration, by adjusting at
least one of the humidification amount or the humidification
interval of the humidification unit, it becomes possible to
reliably maintain the humidity of the vehicle interior at the
predetermined target value.
[0012] In the humidity control device of the above first aspect of
the present invention, a configuration may be provided in which the
humidification unit is configured so that it is possible to adjust
a humidification speed with respect to a humidification object, and
the control unit adjusts the humidification speed of the
humidification unit in accordance with a distance between the
humidification unit and the humidification object.
[0013] In the humidity control device of the above configuration,
the humidification unit is configured so that it is possible to
adjust the humidification speed with respect to the humidification
object, and the humidification speed of the humidification unit is
adjusted in accordance with the distance between the humidification
unit and the humidification object. At this time, for example, if
the humidification speed of the humidification unit is set so as to
become faster in accordance with the distance between the
humidification unit and the humidification object increasing, even
if the distance between the humidification unit and the
humidification object increases, it becomes possible to send the
moisture from the humidification unit even further and reliably
cause it to reach the humidification object. Moreover, dispersing
of the moisture from the humidification unit can also be
suppressed, and it becomes possible to even more reliably prevent
fogging of the window in the vehicle interior.
[0014] In the humidity control device of the above first aspect of
the present invention, a configuration may be provided in which the
humidification unit is configured so that it is possible to adjust
the humidification amount with respect to the humidification
object, and the control unit adjusts the humidification amount of
the humidification unit in accordance with the distance between the
humidification unit and the humidification object.
[0015] In the humidity control device of the above configuration,
the humidification unit is configured so that it is possible to
adjust the humidification amount with respect to the humidification
object, and the humidification amount of the humidification unit is
adjusted in accordance with the distance between the humidification
unit and the humidification object. At this time, for example, if
the humidification amount of the humidification unit is set so as
to increase in accordance with the distance between the
humidification unit and the humidification object increasing, even
if the distance between the humidification unit and the
humidification object increases, it becomes possible to maintain an
amount of moisture that reaches the humidification object from the
humidification unit. As a result, it becomes possible to reliably
supply the moisture with respect to the occupant.
[0016] In the humidity control device of the above first aspect of
the present invention, the control unit may store a plurality of
the target values and control operation of the humidification unit
so that the humidity of the vehicle interior is maintained at each
of the plurality of the target values. In other words, a
configuration may be provided in which the plurality of the target
values can be selected, and when any of the plurality of the target
values is selected, the control unit controls operation of the
humidification unit so that the humidity of the vehicle interior is
maintained at the one selected from the plurality of the target
values.
[0017] In the humidity control device of the above configuration,
the plurality of the target values are predetermined and stored in
the control unit, and the control unit controls operation of the
humidification unit so that the humidity of the vehicle interior is
maintained at each of the plurality of the target values in
accordance with the selection. In this manner, according to the
humidity control device of the above configuration, the humidity of
the vehicle interior can be maintained at the plurality of the
target values.
[0018] Further, at this time, in a case where, for example,
prevention of drying of the skin of the occupant in the vehicle
interior, prevention of drying of the eyes of the occupant in the
vehicle interior, prevention of dispersal of allergens in the
vehicle interior, prevention of dispersal of viruses in the vehicle
interior, prevention of dispersal of bacteria in the vehicle
interior, and the like are set as aimed items, and the respective
target values described above are set to correspond to the
respective aimed items so as to achieve each of the respective
aimed items, due to the humidity of the vehicle interior being
maintained at the respective target values as described above, the
aforementioned respective aimed items (for example, prevention of
drying of the skin of the occupant in the vehicle interior and the
like) can be achieved, and it becomes possible to even further
increase the comfort of the vehicle interior.
[0019] In the humidity control device of the above first aspect of
the present invention, a configuration may be provided in which an
operation switch that is capable of selecting each of the plurality
of the target values is provided, and the control unit controls
operation of the humidification unit so that the humidity of the
vehicle interior is maintained at the target value corresponding to
the selection state of the operation switch.
[0020] In the humidity control device of the above configuration,
when the control switch is operated and any of the plurality of the
target values is selected, operation of the humidification unit is
controlled so that the humidity of the vehicle interior is
maintained at the target value selected by the operation switch. In
this manner, according to the humidity control device of the above
configuration, by selectively operating the control switch, it
becomes possible to maintain the humidity of the vehicle interior
at the respective target values.
[0021] A second aspect of the present invention is a humidity
control method for a humidification unit that is disposed at a
vehicle interior and comprises determining a target humidity of the
vehicle interior according to a humidification pattern that is
selected in accordance with a humidification aim, measuring a
distance between the humidification unit and an occupant in the
vehicle interior, calculating a humidification speed of the
humidification unit based on the target humidity and the distance,
adjusting a humidification amount per one jetting that is
prescribed by the humidification pattern, based on the distance,
and operating the humidification unit to carry out intermittent
jetting of moisture based on the adjustment result of the
humidification amount per one jetting, and the humidification
speed.
EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0022] As described in detail above, according to the present
invention, it becomes possible to further increase the comfort of
the vehicle interior.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a vehicle to which
a humidity control device according to one exemplary embodiment of
the present invention has been applied.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of an operation panel of
the humidity control device according to one exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the content of
information that is converted to data and stored in a control unit
according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 4A is an explanatory view showing the content of
information that is converted to data and stored in the control
unit according to one exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 4B is an explanatory view showing the content of
information that is converted to data and stored in the control
unit according to one exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing the relationships
between a plurality of aimed items and targets (target values) of
an absolute humidity of a vehicle interior according to one
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation of the
humidity control device according to one exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing the relationship
between the absolute humidity of the vehicle interior humidified by
the humidity control device according to one exemplary embodiment
of the present invention, and time.
BEST MODE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION
[0031] First, the configuration of a humidity control device 10
according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention will
be explained.
[0032] In FIG. 1, a cross-sectional side view of a vehicle 30 to
which the humidity control device 10 according to one exemplary
embodiment of the present invention has been applied is shown, and
in FIG. 2, a front elevation view of an operation panel 14 of the
humidity control device 10 according to one exemplary embodiment of
the present invention is shown. It should be noted that arrow Fr
and arrow Up shown in FIG. 1 respectively indicate a vehicle
front-rear direction front side and a vehicle up-down direction
upper side.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the humidity control device 10 according
to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention is, for
example, preferably mounted at a vehicle 30 such as a passenger
automobile or the like and comprises, as the main configuration
thereof, a humidifier 12 serving as a humidification unit
(humidification means), an operation panel 14, a distance sensor
16, and a control unit 18 serving as a control means. Below,
explanation thereof will be carried out in this order.
[0034] The humidifier 12 is provided at a ceiling portion 34 of a
vehicle interior 32. The humidifier 12 comprises a nozzle (not
shown in the drawings) constituted by a spray or air gun and is
configured so that moisture St can be locally jetted from the
nozzle mainly to the head (more specifically, the entire face) of
an occupant P. Further, at this time, the humidifier 12 is
configured so that it is possible to adjust a humidification amount
per one jetting by, for example, expanding and contracting an
aperture of the nozzle (or by adjusting a rectifying element) and
is configured so that it is possible to adjust an interval
(humidification interval) of intermittent jetting of the moisture
St from the nozzle and a jetting speed (humidification speed) of
the moisture St from the nozzle.
[0035] The operation panel 14 is integrally disposed, for example,
at a vehicle width direction central portion of an instrument panel
36 that is installed at the vehicle 30. As shown in FIG. 2, a skin
care mode switch 20, an eye dryness relief mode switch 22, an
allergen suppression mode switch 24, and an ALL mode switch 26 are
provided at the operation panel 14. Further, the operation panel 14
is configured so as to output an operation signal to the control
unit 18, which will be described below, in accordance with the
aforementioned respective operation switches being operated by the
occupant P.
[0036] It should be noted that, among this plurality of switches,
the skin care mode switch 20 is provided so as to correspond to
"prevention of drying of the skin of the occupant in the vehicle
interior" which is an aimed item of the present exemplary
embodiment which will be described below (refer to FIG. 5), and the
eye dryness relief mode switch 22 is provided so as to correspond
to "prevention of drying of the eyes of the occupant in the vehicle
interior" which is an aimed item of the present exemplary
embodiment which will be described below. Further, the allergen
suppression mode switch 24 is provided so as to correspond to
"prevention of dispersal of allergens in the vehicle interior",
"prevention of dispersal of viruses in the vehicle interior", and
"prevention of dispersal of bacteria in the vehicle interior" which
are aimed items of the present exemplary embodiment which will be
described below, and the ALL mode switch 26 is provided for
provision of a comfortable space in the vehicle interior.
[0037] The distance sensor 16 is provided adjacent to the
humidifier 12 at the ceiling portion 34 of the vehicle interior 32.
The distance sensor 16 is constituted by, for example, an
ultrasonic sensor, a camera or the like. Further, the distance
sensor 16 is configured so as to measure a distance to the head of
the occupant P in the vehicle interior and output a measurement
signal corresponding to this measurement result to the control unit
18 which will be described below.
[0038] The control unit 18 is constituted by electronic circuits
provided with, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM and the like, and
is disposed at an appropriate position at the vehicle 30, such as
at the interior of the instrument panel 36 or the like. The control
unit 18 is configured to adjust operation of the humidifier 12,
that is, the humidification amount per one jetting, the interval of
intermittent jetting of the moisture St, and the jetting speed of
the moisture St, as described in detail below, based on the
operation signal from the operation panel 14 and the measurement
signal from the distance sensor 16 which are described above.
[0039] Further, in order to adjust the humidification amount per
one jetting of the humidifier 12, the interval of intermittent
jetting of the moisture St and the jetting speed of the moisture St
based on the operation signal from the operation panel 14 and the
measurement signal from the distance sensor 16 which are described
above, for example, information such as follows is converted to
data and stored in advance at the control unit 18. In FIG. 3, FIG.
4A and FIG. 4B, explanatory views showing the content of
information that is converted to data and stored at the control
unit 18 are shown, and in FIG. 5, the relationships between a
plurality of aimed items and targets (target values) of the
absolute humidity of the vehicle interior are shown.
[0040] First, before explaining the specific content of the
information that is converted to data and stored at the control
unit 18, the relationships between the plurality of aimed items and
the targets (target values) of the absolute humidity of the vehicle
interior shown in the map in FIG. 5 will be explained. As shown in
this map, in the present exemplary embodiment, "prevention of
drying of the skin of the occupant in the vehicle interior",
"prevention of drying of the eyes of the occupant in the vehicle
interior", "prevention of dispersal of allergens in the vehicle
interior", "prevention of dispersal of viruses in the vehicle
interior", and "prevention of dispersal of bacteria in the vehicle
interior" are set as the plurality of aimed items.
[0041] Meanwhile, the target (target value) of the absolute
humidity of the vehicle interior for carrying out "prevention of
drying of the skin of the occupant in the vehicle interior" is set
at an absolute humidity of 11 g/Kg, the target (target value) of
the absolute humidity of the vehicle interior for carrying out
"prevention of drying of the eyes of the occupant in the vehicle
interior" is set at an absolute humidity of 7 g/Kg, and the target
(target value) of the absolute humidity of the vehicle interior for
carrying out "prevention of dispersal of allergens in the vehicle
interior", "prevention of dispersal of viruses in the vehicle
interior", and "prevention of dispersal of bacteria in the vehicle
interior" is set at an absolute humidity of 9 g/Kg.
[0042] In other words, as shown in the line graph a in FIG. 5, at
an absolute humidity of the vehicle interior 32 of 0 to 10 g/Kg,
the effect of prevention of drying of the skin of the occupant P in
the vehicle interior is low, and conversely, at an absolute
humidity of the vehicle interior 32 of 12 to 20 g/Kg, for example,
the occupant P feels uncomfortable, and fogging of the window in
the vehicle interior 32 occurs.
[0043] On the other hand, in order to prevent drying of the skin of
the occupant P in the vehicle interior, it is optimal that the
absolute humidity of the vehicle interior 32 is 10 to 12 g/Kg.
Thus, in the present exemplary embodiment, a target Ta (target
value) of the absolute humidity of the vehicle interior 32 for
carrying out "prevention of drying of the skin of the occupant in
the vehicle interior" is set at an absolute humidity of 11 g/Kg,
which is the center value of the absolute humidity of the vehicle
interior 32 of 10 to 12 g/Kg.
[0044] Further, as shown in the line graph b in FIG. 5, at an
absolute humidity of the vehicle interior 32 of 0 to 6 g/Kg, the
effect of prevention of drying of the eyes of the occupant P in the
vehicle interior is low, and conversely, at an absolute humidity of
the vehicle interior 32 of 8 to 20 g/Kg, for example, the occupant
P feels uncomfortable, and fogging of the window in the vehicle
interior 32 occurs.
[0045] On the other hand, in order to prevent drying of the eyes of
the occupant P in the vehicle interior, it is optimal that the
absolute humidity of the vehicle interior 32 is 6 to 8 g/Kg. Thus,
in the present exemplary embodiment, a target Tc (target value) of
the absolute humidity of the vehicle interior 32 for carrying out
"prevention of drying of the eyes of the occupant in the vehicle
interior" is set at an absolute humidity of 7 g/Kg, which is the
center value of the absolute humidity of the vehicle interior 32 of
6 to 8 g/Kg.
[0046] Moreover, as shown in the line graphs c, d and e in FIG. 5,
at an absolute humidity of the vehicle interior 32 of 0 to 8 g/Kg,
the effects of prevention of dispersal of allergens in the vehicle
interior 32, prevention of dispersal of viruses in the vehicle
interior 32, and prevention of dispersal of bacteria in the vehicle
interior 32 are low, and conversely, at an absolute humidity of the
vehicle interior 32 of 10 to 20 g/Kg, for example, the occupant P
feels uncomfortable, and fogging of the window in the vehicle
interior 32 occurs.
[0047] On the other hand, in order to prevent dispersal of
allergens in the vehicle interior 32, dispersal of viruses in the
vehicle interior 32, and dispersal of bacteria in the vehicle
interior 32, it is optimal that the absolute humidity of the
vehicle interior 32 is 8 to 10 g/Kg. Thus, in the present exemplary
embodiment, a target Tb (target value) of the absolute humidity of
the vehicle interior 32 for carrying out "prevention of dispersal
of allergens in the vehicle interior", "prevention of dispersal of
viruses in the vehicle interior", and "prevention of dispersal of
bacteria in the vehicle interior" is set at an absolute humidity of
9 g/Kg, which is the center value of the absolute humidity of the
vehicle interior 32 of 8 to 10 g/Kg.
[0048] It should be noted that the vehicle interior 32 is
ordinarily maintained at a room temperature of about 25.degree. C.
by an air conditioning device or the like. For this reason, in the
present exemplary embodiment, the targets Ta, Tb and Tc are set as
an absolute humidity, and not as a relative humidity, of the
vehicle interior 32.
[0049] Further, in order to maintain the absolute humidity of the
vehicle interior 32 at the above-described targets Ta, Tb and Tc
(target values), as shown in FIG. 3, humidification patterns Pa, Pb
and Pc for prescribing the humidification amount per one jetting of
the humidifier 12 and the interval of intermittent jetting of the
moisture St for each of the respective targets Ta, Tb and Tc are
predetermined and stored at the control unit 18.
[0050] That is to say, the humidification pattern Pa is set to
correspond to the above-described target Ta (absolute humidity of
11 g/Kg), and among the three humidification patterns, the
humidification amount per one jetting of the humidifier 12 is set
to be the largest, and the interval of intermittent jetting of the
moisture St of the humidifier 12 is set to be the shortest. In
other words, the higher the humidity of vehicle interior 32 that is
designated as the target is, the faster the humidity decreases, and
therefore, the humidification amount is made to be large, and the
jetting interval is made to be short.
[0051] Further, the humidification pattern Pb is set to correspond
to the above-described target Tb (absolute humidity of 9 g/Kg), and
among the three humidification patterns, the humidification amount
per one jetting of the humidifier 12 and the interval of
intermittent jetting of the moisture St are set at medium
levels.
[0052] Moreover, the humidification pattern Pc is set to correspond
to the above-described target Tc (absolute humidity of 7 g/Kg), and
among the three humidification patterns, the humidification amount
per one jetting of the humidifier 12 is set to be the smallest, and
the interval of intermittent jetting of the moisture St of the
humidifier 12 is set to be the longest.
[0053] Further, as shown in the graphs in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the
relationships of a distance L between the humidifier 12 and the
head of the occupant P in the vehicle interior (more precisely, a
distance between the distance sensor 16 and the occupant P) with
respect to a jetting speed V of the moisture St of the humidifier
12 and a humidification amount per one jetting Q, respectively, are
each converted to data and stored in advance in the control unit
18.
[0054] That is to say, in the present exemplary embodiment, as
shown in FIG. 4A, the jetting speed V of the moisture St of the
humidifier 12 is set so as to become faster at a constant rate of
increase as the distance L between the humidifier 12 and the head
of the occupant P in the vehicle interior increases.
[0055] Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the humidification amount per
one jetting Q of the humidifier 12 is set so as to increase as the
distance L between the humidifier 12 and the head of the occupant P
in the vehicle interior increases. At this time, the rate of
increase of the humidification amount per one jetting Q of the
humidifier 12 is set so as to increase with a distance L1 between
the humidifier 12 and the head of the occupant P in the vehicle
interior as a boundary.
[0056] It should be noted that operation of the control unit 18 at
which the respective information described above is converted to
data and stored will be explained in detail below.
[0057] Next, operation of the humidity control device 10 according
to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be
explained.
[0058] In FIG. 6, the flow of operation of the humidity control
device 10 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present
invention is shown, and in FIG. 7, the relationship between an
absolute humidity H of the vehicle interior 32 humidified by the
humidity control device 10 according to one exemplary embodiment of
the present invention, and time S is shown.
[0059] First, when the occupant P operates any of the skin care
mode switch 20, the eye dryness relief mode switch 22, the allergen
suppression mode switch 24, and the ALL mode switch 26 provided at
the operation panel 14 shown in FIG. 2, the operation signal
corresponding to the operated switch is output to the control unit
18 shown in FIG. 1.
[0060] When the operation signal that has been output from the
operation panel 14 as described above is input, the control unit 18
starts the program processing shown in the flowchart in FIG. 6.
When the control unit 18 starts the program processing shown in the
flowchart in FIG. 6, first, selection of the humidification pattern
shown in FIG. 3 is carried out based on the operation signal that
has been output from the operation panel 14 (step S1).
[0061] In other words, in the processing of step S1, in the case
where the operation signal which has been output from the operation
panel 14 in accordance with the skin care mode switch 20 being
operated is input, the control unit 18 sets the absolute humidity
of the vehicle interior 32 to the target Ta (absolute humidity of
11 g/Kg) and selects the humidification pattern Pa in order to
prevent drying of the skin of the occupant P in the vehicle
interior.
[0062] Similarly, in the processing of step S1, in the case where
the operation signal which has been output from the operation panel
14 in accordance with the eye dryness relief mode switch 22 being
operated is input, the control unit 18 sets the absolute humidity
of the vehicle interior 32 to the target Tc (absolute humidity of 7
g/Kg) and selects the humidification pattern Pc in order to prevent
drying of the eyes of the occupant P in the vehicle interior.
[0063] Further, in the processing of step S1, in the case where the
operation signal which has been output from the operation panel 14
in accordance with the allergen suppression mode switch 24 being
operated is input, the control unit 18 sets the absolute humidity
of the vehicle interior 32 to the target Tb (absolute humidity of 9
g/Kg) and selects the humidification pattern Pb in order to prevent
dispersal of allergens, viruses and bacteria in the vehicle
interior 32.
[0064] It should be noted that, in the processing of step S1, in
the case where the operation signal which has been output from the
operation panel 14 in accordance with the ALL mode switch 26 being
operated is input, the control unit 18 sets the absolute humidity
of the vehicle interior 32 to the target Ta (absolute humidity of
11 g/Kg) and selects the humidification pattern Pa in order to
realize a comfortable space in the vehicle interior 32.
[0065] Further, after selecting the humidification pattern
corresponding to the switch of the operation panel 14 as described
above, the control unit 18 detects the distance between the
humidifier 12 and the head (humidification portion) of the occupant
P in the vehicle interior (step S2). In other words, the control
unit 18 outputs a control signal to the distance sensor 16 to cause
the distance sensor to operate. When the control signal that has
been output from the control unit 18 is input, the distance sensor
16 operates and outputs to the control unit 18 a measurement signal
corresponding to the distance to the head of the occupant P. Then,
the control unit 18 inputs the measurement signal that has been
output from the distance sensor 16 and detects this measurement
result as the distance between the humidifier 12 and the head of
the occupant P in the vehicle interior.
[0066] Next, the control unit 18 sets the jetting speed
(humidification speed) of the moisture St of the humidifier 12
(step S3). In other words, the control unit 18 calculates and sets
(temporarily stores) the jetting speed of the moisture St of the
humidifier 12 from the distance between the humidifier 12 and the
head of the occupant P in the vehicle interior detected in the
above-described step S2, based on the relationship between the
distance L between the humidifier 12 and the head of the occupant P
in the vehicle interior (more precisely, the distance between the
distance sensor 16 and the occupant P) and the jetting speed V of
the moisture St of the humidifier 12, which is shown in the graph
in FIG. 4A.
[0067] At this time, as shown in the graph in FIG. 4A, the control
unit 18 sets the above-described jetting speed of the moisture St
of the humidifier 12 so that the jetting speed V of the moisture St
of the humidifier 12 become faster at a constant rate of increase
as the distance L between the humidifier 12 and the head of the
occupant P in the vehicle interior increases.
[0068] Further, the control unit 18 carries out adjustment of the
humidification amount per one jetting of the humidifier 12 that is
prescribed by the humidification pattern selected in step S1
described above (step S4). That is to say, the control unit 18
carries out increasing and decreasing of the humidification amount
per one jetting (standard value) of the humidifier 12 that is
prescribed by the humidification pattern selected in step S1
described above, based on the relationship between the distance L
between the humidifier 12 and the head of the occupant P in the
vehicle interior (more precisely, the distance between the distance
sensor 16 and the occupant P) and the humidification amount per one
jetting Q of the humidifier 12, which is shown in the graph in FIG.
4B.
[0069] For example, in a case where the distance (actually measured
value) between the humidifier 12 and the head of the occupant P in
the vehicle interior that has been detected in step S2 described
above is longer than the distance (standard value) between the
humidifier 12 and the head of the occupant P in the vehicle
interior that is prescribed as the standard value by the
humidification pattern Pa, an amount of increase of the
humidification amount corresponding to the amount of increase in
the distance is calculated from the relationship shown in the graph
in FIG. 4B, and this calculated amount of increase is added to the
humidification amount (standard value) that is prescribed by the
humidification pattern Pa selected in step S1 described above.
[0070] It should be noted that, at this time, the control unit 18
sets the humidification amount per one jetting of the humidifier 12
described above so that the humidification amount per one jetting Q
of the humidifier 12 increases as the distance L between the
humidifier 12 and the head of the occupant P in the vehicle
interior increases, as shown in the graph in FIG. 4B. Further, at
this time, the humidification amount per one jetting of the
humidifier 12 described above is set so that the rate of increase
of the humidification amount per one jetting Q of the humidifier 12
increases with the distance L1 between the humidifier 12 and the
head of the occupant P in the vehicle interior as a boundary.
[0071] On the other hand, for example, in a case where the distance
(actually measured value) between the humidifier 12 and the head of
the occupant P in the vehicle interior that has been detected in
step S2 described above is shorter than the distance (standard
value) between the humidifier 12 and the head of the occupant P in
the vehicle interior that is prescribed as the standard value by
the humidification pattern Pa, an amount of decrease of the
humidification amount corresponding to the amount of decrease in
the distance is calculated from the relationship shown in the graph
in FIG. 4B, and this calculated amount of decrease is subtracted
from the humidification amount (standard value) that is prescribed
by the humidification pattern Pa selected in step S1 described
above.
[0072] After carrying out adjustment of the humidification amount
per one jetting of the humidifier 12 as described above, the
control unit 18 outputs the control signal to the humidifier 12 to
cause the humidifier 12 to operate (step S5). When the control
signal that has been output from the control unit 18 is input, the
humidifier 12 operates based on this control signal and jets the
moisture St from a nozzle which is not shown in the drawings.
[0073] Further, at this time, the control unit 18 controls
operation of the humidifier 12, that is, the humidification amount
per one jetting and the interval of intermittent jetting of the
moisture St, based on the humidification pattern selected in step
S1 described above. Moreover, at this time, the control unit 18
causes the moisture St to be jetted from the humidifier 12 at the
jetting speed that has been set in step S3 and adjusts the
humidification amount of the humidifier 12 based on the adjustment
amount that has been set in step S4.
[0074] As a result, in the case where the skin care mode switch 20
of the operation panel 14 has been operated, the humidification
amount per one jetting of the humidifier 12 is set so as to be
large, and the interval of intermittent jetting of the moisture St
of the humidifier 12 is set so as to be short, based on the
humidification pattern Pa, so that the absolute humidity of the
vehicle interior 32 is maintained at the target Ta of 11 g/Kg as
shown in the line graph a in FIG. 7. It should be noted that, in
the line graph a in FIG. 7, T.alpha.
(T.alpha.<T.beta.<T.gamma.) is made to be the interval of
intermittent jetting of the moisture St.
[0075] At this time, as shown by the line graph a in FIG. 7,
although the absolute humidity of the vehicle interior 32 increases
and decreases with the target Ta as a center due to intermittent
jetting of the moisture St from the humidifier 12, adjustment is
carried out so that the upper and lower values of oscillation of
the absolute humidity of the vehicle interior 32 at this time fall
within the above-described optimal humidity range of 10 to 12 g/Kg
for prevention of drying of the skin of the occupant P in the
vehicle interior. As a result, drying of the skin of the occupant P
in the vehicle interior is prevented while preventing the occupant
P from feeling uncomfortable and fogging from occurring at the
window in the vehicle interior 32.
[0076] Similarly, in the case where the eye dryness relief mode
switch 22 of the operation panel 14 has been operated, the
humidification amount per one jetting of the humidifier 12 is set
so as to be small, and the interval of intermittent jetting of the
moisture St of the humidifier 12 is set so as to be long, based on
the humidification pattern Pc, so that the absolute humidity of the
vehicle interior 32 is maintained at the target Tc of 7 g/Kg. It
should be noted that, in the line graph c in FIG. 7, T.gamma.
(T.alpha.<T.beta.<T.gamma.) is made to be the interval of
intermittent jetting of the moisture St.
[0077] At this time, as shown by the line graph c in FIG. 7,
although the absolute humidity of the vehicle interior 32 increases
and decreases with the target Tc as a center due to intermittent
jetting of the moisture St from the humidifier 12, adjustment is
carried out so that the upper and lower values of oscillation of
the absolute humidity of the vehicle interior 32 at this time fall
within the above-described optimal humidity range of 6 to 8 g/Kg
for prevention of drying of the eyes of the occupant P in the
vehicle interior. As a result, drying of the eyes of the occupant P
in the vehicle interior is prevented while preventing the occupant
P from feeling uncomfortable and fogging from occurring at the
window in the vehicle interior 32.
[0078] Further, in the case where the allergen suppression mode
switch 24 of the operation panel 14 has been operated, the
humidification amount per one jetting of the humidifier 12 and the
interval of intermittent jetting of the moisture St of the
humidifier 12 are set at medium levels, based on the humidification
pattern Pb, so that the absolute humidity of the vehicle interior
32 is maintained at the target Tb of 9 g/Kg. It should be noted
that, in the line graph b in FIG. 7, T.beta.
(T.alpha.<T.beta.<T.gamma.) is made to be the interval of
intermittent jetting of the moisture St.
[0079] At this time, as shown by the line graph b in FIG. 7,
although the absolute humidity of the vehicle interior 32 increases
and decreases with the target Tb as a center due to intermittent
jetting of the moisture St from the humidifier 12, adjustment is
carried out so that the upper and lower values of oscillation of
the absolute humidity of the vehicle interior 32 at this time fall
within the above-described optimal humidity range of 8 to 10 g/Kg
for prevention of dispersal of allergens in the vehicle interior
32, dispersal of viruses in the vehicle interior 32, and dispersal
of bacteria in the vehicle interior 32. As a result, dispersal of
allergens, viruses and bacteria in the vehicle interior 32 is
prevented while preventing the occupant P from feeling
uncomfortable and fogging from occurring at the window in the
vehicle interior 32.
[0080] It should be noted that, in the case where the ALL mode
switch 26 of the operation panel 14 has been operated, the
humidification amount per one jetting of the humidifier 12 is set
so as to be large, and the interval of intermittent jetting of the
moisture St of the humidifier 12 is set so as to be short, based on
the humidification pattern Pa, so that the absolute humidity of the
vehicle interior 32 is maintained at the target Ta of 11 g/Kg. As a
result, a comfortable space in the vehicle interior 32 is provided
for the occupant P while preventing the occupant P from feeling
uncomfortable and fogging from occurring at the window in the
vehicle interior 32.
[0081] Further, in the present exemplary embodiment, the moisture
St is jetted locally to the head, or more specifically, the entire
face, of the occupant P in the vehicle interior from the nozzle of
the humidifier 12, and the moisture St from the humidifier 12 is
prevented from dispersing in the vehicle interior 32.
[0082] Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 4A, the jetting speed V of the moisture St of the humidifier
12 becomes faster as the distance L between the humidifier 12 and
the head of the occupant P in the vehicle interior increases, and
the moisture St from the humidifier 12 is sent further to reliably
reach the occupant P.
[0083] Further, in the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 4B, the humidification amount per one jetting Q of the
humidifier 12 is increased as the distance L between the humidifier
12 and the head of the occupant P in the vehicle interior
increases, and the amount of the moisture St that reaches the
occupant P from the humidifier 12 is maintained.
[0084] Then, after the elapse of a certain time period, or due to a
stop switch, which is not shown in the drawings, being operated or
the like, the control unit 18 causes the above described operation
of the humidifier 12 to stop. The humidity control unit 10
according to the present exemplary embodiment operates as described
above.
[0085] Next, the operation and effects of the humidity control
device 10 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present
invention will be explained.
[0086] As described in detail above, in the present exemplary
embodiment, when the respective operation switches of the operation
panel 14 are operated, the humidity of the vehicle interior 32 is
maintained within an optimal range that feels comfortable for the
occupant P in the vehicle interior, so as to achieve aimed items
that are predetermined respectively corresponding to the respective
operation switches (for example, for the skin care mode switch 20,
"prevention of drying of the skin of the occupant in the vehicle
interior" is determined as the aimed item). As a result, it is
possible to further increase the comfort of the vehicle interior
32.
[0087] Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, the optimal
humidity ranges are set to be different for each of the
above-described aimed items, and the optimal humidity range is
maintained for each of these aimed items. As a result, the
respective aimed items (for example, "prevention of drying of the
skin of the occupant in the vehicle interior") can be reliably
achieved, and it is possible to further increase the comfort of the
vehicle interior 32.
[0088] Further, in the present exemplary embodiment, the moisture
St is locally jetted to the head (more specifically, the entire
face) of the occupant P in the vehicle interior from the humidifier
12. Accordingly, the moisture St from the humidifier 12 is
prevented from dispersing in the vehicle interior 32, and as a
result, it is possible to prevent fogging of the window provided in
the vehicle interior 32.
[0089] Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, as described
above, the humidification amount per one jetting of the humidifier
12 and the interval (humidification interval) of intermittent
jetting of the moisture St are adjusted to a level at which fogging
of the window in the vehicle interior 32 does not occur, and the
humidity of the vehicle interior 32 is maintained within the
optimal range. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent
fogging of the window provided in the vehicle interior 32.
[0090] Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, as shown
in FIG. 4A, the jetting speed (humidification speed) of the
moisture St of the humidifier 12 is adjusted so that the jetting
speed V of the moisture St of the humidifier 12 becomes faster as
the distance L between the humidifier 12 and the head of the
occupant P in the vehicle interior increases. As a result, for
example, even if the distance between the humidifier 12 and the
occupant P in the vehicle interior increases due to the body type,
seating position or the like of the occupant P, it is possible to
send the moisture St from the humidifier 12 even further and cause
it to reliably reach the occupant P. Moreover, dispersal of the
moisture St from the humidifier 12 can be suppressed, and it
becomes possible to more reliably prevent fogging of the window in
the vehicle interior 32.
[0091] Further, in the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 4B, the humidification amount per one jetting of the
humidifier 12 is adjusted so that the humidification amount per one
jetting Q of the humidifier 12 is increased as the distance L
between the humidifier 12 and the head of the occupant P in the
vehicle interior increases. As a result, for example, even if the
distance between the humidifier 12 and the occupant P in the
vehicle interior increases due to the body type, seating position
or the like of the occupant P, it is possible to maintain the
amount of the moisture St that reaches the occupant P from the
humidifier 12. As a result, it becomes possible to reliably supply
the moisture St to the occupant P.
[0092] Next, modified examples of the humidity control device
according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention will
be explained.
[0093] In the above exemplary embodiment, although the targets Ta,
Tb and Tc are set as an absolute humidity, rather than as a
relative humidity, of the vehicle interior 32, the targets Ta, Tb
and Tc may, of course, be set as a relative humidity, rather than
as an absolute humidity, of the vehicle interior 32.
[0094] Further, in the above exemplary embodiment, although the
humidification amount per one jetting of the humidifier 12 and the
interval (humidification interval) of intermittent jetting of the
moisture St are adjusted so that the absolute humidity of the
vehicle interior 32 is maintained at the predetermined target
(target value), a configuration may be provided in which either one
of the humidification amount per one jetting of the humidifier 12
or the interval (humidification interval) of intermittent jetting
of the moisture St is adjusted.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0095] By applying the present invention to a vehicle, humidity
control is provided by which a vehicle interior can be humidified
so as to achieve an optimal humidity matching with a plurality of
aims of an occupant in the vehicle interior.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0096] 10 Humidity Control Device [0097] 12 Humidifier
(Humidification Unit) [0098] 14 Operation Panel [0099] 16 Distance
Sensor [0100] 18 Control Unit (Control Means) [0101] 20 Skin Care
Mode Switch (Operation Switch) [0102] 22 Eye Dryness Relief Mode
Switch (Operation Switch) [0103] 24 Allergen Suppression Mode
Switch (Operation Switch) [0104] 26 ALL Mode Switch (Operation
Switch) [0105] 32 Vehicle Interior [0106] Ta, Tb, Tc Target (Target
Value) [0107] P Occupant (Humidification Object)
* * * * *