JP2018199476A - Steering having temperature adjustment device - Google Patents

Steering having temperature adjustment device Download PDF

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JP2018199476A
JP2018199476A JP2017164491A JP2017164491A JP2018199476A JP 2018199476 A JP2018199476 A JP 2018199476A JP 2017164491 A JP2017164491 A JP 2017164491A JP 2017164491 A JP2017164491 A JP 2017164491A JP 2018199476 A JP2018199476 A JP 2018199476A
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thermoelectric conversion
conversion element
steering
temperature
heat
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JP6911641B2 (en
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勇一 南部
Yuichi Nanbu
勇一 南部
敦勧 内山
Atsuyuki Uchiyama
敦勧 内山
健志 長田
Kenji Osada
健志 長田
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Joyson Safety Systems Japan GK
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Joyson Safety Systems Japan GK
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Abstract

To provide a steering having a temperature adjustment device that can efficiently cool the steering by means of a thermoelectric conversion element.SOLUTION: Cooling/heating means 10 is provided for a steering wheel 1 so as to come into contact with a core metal 5 of spoke parts 3L, 3R, 3D. The cooling/heating means 10 is provided with: a first thermoelectric conversion element 11 whose heat absorption surface comes into contact with the core metal 5; a second thermoelectric conversion element 12 whose heat absorption surface comes into contact with a heat dissipation surface of the first thermoelectric conversion element 11; and a third thermoelectric conversion element 13 whose heat dissipation surface comes into contact with the core metal 5. Each of the thermoelectric conversion elements 11 to 13 has a P-type thermoelectric semiconductor P, an N-type thermoelectric semiconductor N, and electrodes 14 to 18. An electrode layer 15 includes an electrode for the heat dissipation surface of the first thermoelectric conversion element 11 and an electrode for the heat absorption surface of the second thermoelectric conversion element 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

本発明は、自動車等のステアリングに関するものであり、特に温度調整装置を備えたステアリングに関する。   The present invention relates to a steering of an automobile or the like, and more particularly to a steering equipped with a temperature adjusting device.

従来、ステアリングホイールの温度調整装置としては、例えば特許文献１，２に記載されたものが知られている。特許文献１の装置は、発熱・吸熱する熱電変換素子としてのペルチェ素子をステアリングホイールに内蔵しており、該ステアリングホイールの現在の温度（実温度）を温度センサ（サーミスタ）により検出して、所定の温度にするように、加熱・冷却を選択すべくペルチェ素子への印加電圧の極性を切り替えるととともに、該印加電圧のオン・オフ（断続）制御によりステアリングホイールの温度を調節する。   Conventionally, as a temperature adjusting device for a steering wheel, for example, those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are known. The apparatus of Patent Document 1 incorporates a Peltier element as a thermoelectric conversion element that generates and absorbs heat in a steering wheel, and detects a current temperature (actual temperature) of the steering wheel by a temperature sensor (thermistor), and performs predetermined processing. The polarity of the voltage applied to the Peltier element is switched so as to select heating and cooling so that the temperature of the steering wheel is adjusted, and the temperature of the steering wheel is adjusted by on / off (intermittent) control of the applied voltage.

特許文献２には、ペルチェ素子の熱を熱伝導部材によってステアリングハンドルに伝達させるステアリングの加熱冷却装置が記載されている。   Patent Document 2 describes a heating / cooling device for a steering that transmits heat of a Peltier element to a steering handle by a heat conducting member.

特開昭６０−８８６７９号公報JP-A-60-88679 特開２０１５−３６９８号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-3698

本発明は、熱電変換素子によって効率よくステアリングを冷却することができる温度調整装置付ステアリングを提供することを目的とする。   An object of this invention is to provide the steering with a temperature control apparatus which can cool a steering efficiently by a thermoelectric conversion element.

また、本発明は、その一態様で、ステアリングを加熱することができる温度調整装置付ステアリングを提供することを目的とする。   Moreover, this invention aims at providing the steering with a temperature control apparatus which can heat a steering in the one aspect | mode.

さらに本発明は、その一態様で、熱電変換素子で発生した電力によって表示装置等を作動させることができる温度調整装置付ステアリングを提供することを目的とする。   Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a steering with a temperature adjusting device that can operate a display device or the like by electric power generated by a thermoelectric conversion element.

本発明の温度調整装置付ステアリングは、ステアリングを冷却するための熱電変換素子を有する温度調整装置付ステアリングにおいて、該熱電変換素子として、吸熱面がステアリング部材に接した第１の熱電変換素子と、該第１の熱電変換素子の放熱面からの熱を電力に変換する第２の熱電変換素子とを備えたことを特徴とするものである。   The steering with a temperature adjustment device of the present invention is a steering with a temperature adjustment device having a thermoelectric conversion element for cooling the steering, the thermoelectric conversion element as a first thermoelectric conversion element whose endothermic surface is in contact with the steering member, And a second thermoelectric conversion element that converts heat from the heat radiation surface of the first thermoelectric conversion element into electric power.

本発明の一態様では、前記第１の熱電変換素子の放熱面と第２の熱電変換素子の吸熱面とが絶縁体を挟んで一体に構成されている。   In one aspect of the present invention, the heat dissipation surface of the first thermoelectric conversion element and the heat absorption surface of the second thermoelectric conversion element are integrally formed with an insulator interposed therebetween.

本発明の一態様では、前記第２の熱電変換素子で生成した電力を機器に給電する給電手段を備える。   In one aspect of the present invention, a power supply unit that supplies power generated by the second thermoelectric conversion element to a device is provided.

本発明の一態様では、前記機器は、表示装置、送風ファン又は照明装置である。   In one embodiment of the present invention, the device is a display device, a blower fan, or a lighting device.

本発明の一態様では、前記給電手段は蓄電池を有する。   In one aspect of the present invention, the power supply means includes a storage battery.

本発明の一態様では、前記給電手段は、前記第２の熱電変換素子の吸熱面付近の温度を測定する温度測定手段と、該温度測定手段の測定温度に基づいて前記機器への給電を制御する給電制御手段を有する。   In one aspect of the present invention, the power supply means controls the power supply to the device based on the temperature measurement means for measuring the temperature near the endothermic surface of the second thermoelectric conversion element, and the temperature measured by the temperature measurement means. Power supply control means.

本発明の一態様では、前記ステアリングを加熱するための第３の熱電変換素子が設けられている。   In one aspect of the present invention, a third thermoelectric conversion element for heating the steering is provided.

本発明の一態様では、前記第１及び第２の熱電変換素子に、ステアリング冷却時とは逆向きに電流を流す回路を備え、該回路が電流を流すことで前記ステアリングを加熱する。   In one aspect of the present invention, the first and second thermoelectric conversion elements are provided with a circuit for passing a current in a direction opposite to that during steering cooling, and the circuit heats the steering by causing the current to flow.

本発明の温度調整装置付ステアリングでは、第１の熱電変換素子によってステアリングを冷却することができる。本発明では、第１の熱電変換素子の放熱面からの熱を第２の熱電変換素子によって電力に変換するので、第１の熱電変換素子からの放熱が第２の熱電変換素子によって奪熱されることになり、第１の熱電変換素子によってステアリングを効率よく冷却することができる。   In the steering with a temperature adjusting device of the present invention, the steering can be cooled by the first thermoelectric conversion element. In the present invention, since the heat from the heat radiation surface of the first thermoelectric conversion element is converted into electric power by the second thermoelectric conversion element, the heat radiation from the first thermoelectric conversion element is deprived by the second thermoelectric conversion element. As a result, the steering can be efficiently cooled by the first thermoelectric conversion element.

第１の熱電変換素子の放熱面と第２の熱電変換素子の吸熱面とが一体に構成されることにより、第１の熱電変換素子からの放熱が第２の熱電変換素子に効率よく伝達される。   By integrally configuring the heat dissipation surface of the first thermoelectric conversion element and the heat absorption surface of the second thermoelectric conversion element, the heat dissipation from the first thermoelectric conversion element is efficiently transmitted to the second thermoelectric conversion element. The

第２の熱電変換素子で生成した電力によって表示装置、送風ファン、照明装置などの機器を作動させてもよい。給電手段に蓄電池を設けることにより、これらの機器の作動を安定化することができる。   You may operate apparatuses, such as a display apparatus, a ventilation fan, and an illuminating device, with the electric power produced | generated with the 2nd thermoelectric conversion element. By providing a storage battery in the power supply means, the operation of these devices can be stabilized.

第２の熱電変換素子の吸熱面付近の温度を測定し、この測定温度に基づいて上記機器への給電を制御することにより、該機器の作動が安定する。   By measuring the temperature near the endothermic surface of the second thermoelectric conversion element and controlling the power supply to the device based on the measured temperature, the operation of the device is stabilized.

本発明では、第３の熱電変換素子によってステアリングを加熱することも可能である。また、第１及び第２の熱電変換素子に流す電流の向きを変えることで、ステアリングの冷却だけでなく加熱を行うことができる。   In the present invention, the steering can be heated by the third thermoelectric conversion element. Further, by changing the direction of the current flowing through the first and second thermoelectric conversion elements, not only cooling of the steering but also heating can be performed.

実施の形態に係るステアリングホイールの斜視図である。It is a perspective view of a steering wheel concerning an embodiment. 図１のステアリングホイールの一部の拡大断面図である。FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the steering wheel in FIG. 1. 熱電変換素子及び機器の回路図である。It is a circuit diagram of a thermoelectric conversion element and an apparatus. 電流制御回路の一例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows an example of a current control circuit. 熱電変換素子の電極の表面温度の変化の例を示すグラフである。It is a graph which shows the example of the change of the surface temperature of the electrode of a thermoelectric conversion element.

以下、図面を参照して実施の形態について説明する。以下の説明において、ステアリングホイールの左右方向とは、それぞれ、該ステアリングホイールを車両直進時の操舵姿勢とした状態における車体の左右方向に合致する。   Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the left-right direction of the steering wheel corresponds to the left-right direction of the vehicle body in a state where the steering wheel is in a steering posture when the vehicle is traveling straight.

ステアリングホイール１は、この実施の形態では所謂３本スポークタイプのものであり、その中央のステアリングハブ部４から左右及び下方の三方に向かってそれぞれスポーク部３Ｌ，３Ｒ，３Ｄが延出し、各スポーク部３Ｌ，３Ｒ，３Ｄの先端側がそれぞれステアリングホイール１の外周のホイール部２に連なっている。   The steering wheel 1 is of a so-called three-spoke type in this embodiment, and spoke portions 3L, 3R, 3D extend from the central steering hub portion 4 toward the left, right, and lower sides, respectively. The tip ends of the portions 3L, 3R, 3D are connected to the wheel portion 2 on the outer periphery of the steering wheel 1, respectively.

なお、ステアリングホイール１に設けられるスポーク部の個数及び配置はこれに限定されない。ステアリングハブ部４が車両のステアリングシャフト（図示略）の先端に係合する。   In addition, the number and arrangement | positioning of the spoke part provided in the steering wheel 1 are not limited to this. The steering hub part 4 engages with the front end of a steering shaft (not shown) of the vehicle.

ホイール部２及びスポーク部３Ｌ，３Ｒ，３Ｄは、芯金５（図２）と、芯金５を覆う発泡ウレタン等の発泡合成樹脂層（図示略）と、発泡合成樹脂ウレタン層を覆う皮革等を有する。   The wheel part 2 and the spoke parts 3L, 3R, 3D are made of a core metal 5 (FIG. 2), a foamed synthetic resin layer (not shown) such as foamed urethane covering the core metal 5, and leather covering the foamed synthetic resin urethane layer. Have

スポーク部３Ｌ，３Ｒ，３Ｄの芯金５に接するように、ステアリング１の冷却加熱手段１０が設けられている。   A cooling and heating means 10 for the steering 1 is provided so as to be in contact with the cored bar 5 of the spoke portions 3L, 3R, and 3D.

図２の通り、この実施の形態では、この冷却加熱手段１０は、芯金５に吸熱面が接する第１の熱電変換素子１１と、該第１の熱電変換素子１１の放熱面に伝熱部材を介して吸熱面が接する第２の熱電変換素子１２と、芯金５に放熱面が接する第３の熱電変換素子１３とが設けられている。各熱電変換素子１１〜１３は、Ｐ型熱電半導体Ｐと、Ｎ型熱電半導体Ｎと、電極とを有する。   As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the cooling and heating means 10 includes a first thermoelectric conversion element 11 in which the endothermic surface is in contact with the core metal 5, and a heat transfer member on the heat dissipation surface of the first thermoelectric conversion element 11. There are provided a second thermoelectric conversion element 12 in contact with the heat absorption surface through a third thermoelectric conversion element 13 in contact with the metal core 5 and a heat dissipation surface. Each thermoelectric conversion element 11 to 13 has a P-type thermoelectric semiconductor P, an N-type thermoelectric semiconductor N, and an electrode.

第１の熱電変換素子１１は、芯金５を冷却するためのものであり、吸熱面（電極１４）が芯金５に接している。該電極１４に対しハーネス２０，２１を介して通電が行われる。電極層１５は、第１の熱電変換素子１１の放熱面の電極１５ａと、絶縁体１５ｂと、第２の熱電変換素子１２の吸熱面の電極１５ｃとを積層したものであり、電極１５ａと電極１５ｃとが絶縁体１５ｂを挟み込んでいる。第２の熱電変換素子１２の放熱面の電極１６には、発生した電力を出力するためのハーネス２２，２３が接続されている。   The first thermoelectric conversion element 11 is for cooling the metal core 5, and the heat absorption surface (electrode 14) is in contact with the metal core 5. The electrode 14 is energized via the harnesses 20 and 21. The electrode layer 15 is formed by stacking the electrode 15a on the heat dissipation surface of the first thermoelectric conversion element 11, the insulator 15b, and the electrode 15c on the heat absorption surface of the second thermoelectric conversion element 12, and the electrode 15a and the electrode 15c sandwiches the insulator 15b. Harnesses 22 and 23 for outputting generated power are connected to the electrode 16 on the heat radiation surface of the second thermoelectric conversion element 12.

第３の熱電変換素子１３は、芯金５を加熱するためのものであり、放熱面の電極１７が芯金５に接している。吸熱面の電極１８にハーネス２４，２５を介して通電が行われる。   The third thermoelectric conversion element 13 is for heating the cored bar 5, and the electrode 17 on the heat radiating surface is in contact with the cored bar 5. The electrode 18 on the heat absorption surface is energized through the harnesses 24 and 25.

電極１４、１５ａ、１５ｃ、１６〜１８は、例えば銅などの金属で形成されている。絶縁体１５には、セラミック等の熱伝導性の良い絶縁材料が用いられる。   The electrodes 14, 15a, 15c, and 16 to 18 are made of a metal such as copper, for example. For the insulator 15, an insulating material having good thermal conductivity such as ceramic is used.

夏季などで芯金５の温度が高い場合には、第１の熱電変換素子１１の電極１４に通電され、芯金５の熱が第１の熱電変換素子１１に吸熱されて芯金５が冷却される。第１の熱電変換素子１１の放熱面からの熱が第２の熱電変換素子１２に伝わり、起電力が生じ、ハーネス２２，２３を介して電力が取り出される。   When the temperature of the cored bar 5 is high in summer or the like, the electrode 14 of the first thermoelectric conversion element 11 is energized, and the heat of the cored bar 5 is absorbed by the first thermoelectric conversion element 11 to cool the cored bar 5. Is done. Heat from the heat dissipation surface of the first thermoelectric conversion element 11 is transmitted to the second thermoelectric conversion element 12, an electromotive force is generated, and electric power is taken out via the harnesses 22 and 23.

冬季などで芯金５の温度が低い場合には、第３の熱電変換素子１３の電極１８に通電が行われ、放熱面から熱が芯金５に伝わり、芯金５が加熱される。   When the temperature of the core metal 5 is low, such as in winter, the electrode 18 of the third thermoelectric conversion element 13 is energized, heat is transferred from the heat radiation surface to the core metal 5, and the core metal 5 is heated.

図３は、第２の熱電変換素子１２で発生した電力によって機器３２に通電する回路図である。機器３２には、通電制御回路３０を介して通電が行われる。通電制御回路３０には、蓄電池が設置されている。   FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram in which the device 32 is energized by the electric power generated by the second thermoelectric conversion element 12. The device 32 is energized via the energization control circuit 30. The energization control circuit 30 is provided with a storage battery.

第２の熱電変換素子１２の吸熱面（電極１５ｃ）付近に設けられた熱電対などの温度測定素子の検出温度が通電制御回路３０に入力されている。第２の熱電変換素子１２の吸熱面の温度が十分に高い場合には、第２の熱電変換素子１２の発電電力によって機器３２に定格電流を通電することができ、余剰電力は蓄電池に充電する。   The detected temperature of a temperature measuring element such as a thermocouple provided near the heat absorbing surface (electrode 15 c) of the second thermoelectric conversion element 12 is input to the energization control circuit 30. When the temperature of the endothermic surface of the second thermoelectric conversion element 12 is sufficiently high, the rated current can be supplied to the device 32 by the generated power of the second thermoelectric conversion element 12, and surplus power is charged in the storage battery. .

第２の熱電変換素子１２の吸熱面の温度が低く、発電電力が機器３２の定格電流に達しないときには、該蓄電池からの放電を重畳して通電する。さらに電力が不足する場合には、車載バッテリーからの給電を受けて機器３２に通電を行う。   When the temperature of the heat absorption surface of the second thermoelectric conversion element 12 is low and the generated power does not reach the rated current of the device 32, the discharge from the storage battery is superimposed and energized. Further, when the power is insufficient, the device 32 is energized by receiving power from the in-vehicle battery.

機器３２としては、液晶表示パネルなどの表示装置や、ステアリング付近に向って送風するための送風ファンや、各種照明装置などが例示されるが、これに限定されない。   Examples of the device 32 include, but are not limited to, a display device such as a liquid crystal display panel, a blower fan for blowing air toward the vicinity of the steering, and various illumination devices.

この実施の形態に係る温度調整装置付ステアリングでは、第１の熱電変換素子１１によってステアリングを冷却することができる。この実施の形態では、第１の熱電変換素子１１の放熱面からの熱を第２の熱電変換素子１２によって電力に変換するので、第１の熱電変換素子１１からの熱が第２の熱電変換素子１２によって奪熱されることになり、第１の熱電変換素子１１によってステアリングホイール１を効率よく冷却することができる。   In the steering with a temperature control device according to this embodiment, the steering can be cooled by the first thermoelectric conversion element 11. In this embodiment, since heat from the heat radiation surface of the first thermoelectric conversion element 11 is converted into electric power by the second thermoelectric conversion element 12, the heat from the first thermoelectric conversion element 11 is converted into the second thermoelectric conversion. Heat is absorbed by the element 12, and the steering wheel 1 can be efficiently cooled by the first thermoelectric conversion element 11.

この実施の形態では、第１の熱電変換素子１１の放熱面の電極１５ａと第２の熱電変換素子１２の吸熱面の電極１５ｃとが一体に構成されているので、第１の熱電変換素子１１からの放熱が第２の熱電変換素子１２の吸熱面に効率よく伝達され、ステアリングホイール１が効率よく冷却される。   In this embodiment, since the electrode 15a on the heat dissipation surface of the first thermoelectric conversion element 11 and the electrode 15c on the heat absorption surface of the second thermoelectric conversion element 12 are integrally configured, the first thermoelectric conversion element 11 The heat radiation from the heat is efficiently transmitted to the heat absorption surface of the second thermoelectric conversion element 12, and the steering wheel 1 is efficiently cooled.

上記実施の形態では、第１の熱電変換素子１１の放熱面の電極１５ａと、絶縁体１５ｂと、第２の熱電変換素子１２の吸熱面の電極１５ｃとを積層した構造としていたが、第１の熱電交換素子１１と第２の熱電変換素子１２とを離隔して配置し、第１の熱電交換素子１１の放熱面の電極１５ａと、第２の熱電変換素子１２の吸熱面の電極１５ｃとを伝熱部材で接続してもよい。   In the above embodiment, the heat dissipation surface electrode 15a of the first thermoelectric conversion element 11, the insulator 15b, and the heat absorption surface electrode 15c of the second thermoelectric conversion element 12 are stacked. The thermoelectric exchange element 11 and the second thermoelectric conversion element 12 are spaced apart from each other, and the heat dissipation surface electrode 15a of the first thermoelectric conversion element 11 and the heat absorption surface electrode 15c of the second thermoelectric conversion element 12 are provided. May be connected by a heat transfer member.

第１の熱電変換素子１１、第２の熱電変換素子１２に、ステアリングホイール１の冷却時とは逆向きに電流を流す回路を設け、ステアリングホイール１を加熱できるようにしてもよい。この場合、第３の熱電変換素子１３は省略可能である。   The first thermoelectric conversion element 11 and the second thermoelectric conversion element 12 may be provided with a circuit that allows current to flow in the direction opposite to that during cooling of the steering wheel 1 so that the steering wheel 1 can be heated. In this case, the third thermoelectric conversion element 13 can be omitted.

第２の熱電変換素子１２を機器３２に接続し、電力を消費させることで、第２の熱電変換素子１２の冷却を促進させるようにしてもよい。   You may make it accelerate | stimulate cooling of the 2nd thermoelectric conversion element 12 by connecting the 2nd thermoelectric conversion element 12 to the apparatus 32, and consuming electric power.

機器３２としての送風ファンが電極層１５（電極１５ａ）に向って送風を行い、冷却を行ってもよい。   A blower fan as the device 32 may blow air toward the electrode layer 15 (electrode 15a) to perform cooling.

上記実施形態では、第１の熱電変換素子１１の吸熱面の電極１４が芯金５に接する構成について説明したが、ステアリングホイール１を構成する発泡合成樹脂層や皮革等の他のステアリング部材に電極１４を当接させて、ステアリングホイール１を冷却するようにしてもよい。また、発泡合成樹脂層と、これを覆う皮革との間に金属薄膜を設け、この金属薄膜に電極１４を当接させてもよい。   In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the electrode 14 on the heat absorption surface of the first thermoelectric conversion element 11 is in contact with the cored bar 5 is described. However, the electrode is applied to other steering members such as the foamed synthetic resin layer and leather constituting the steering wheel 1. The steering wheel 1 may be cooled by abutting 14. Further, a metal thin film may be provided between the foamed synthetic resin layer and the leather covering it, and the electrode 14 may be brought into contact with the metal thin film.

上記実施形態では、２個の熱電変換素子１１，１２を設け、第１の熱電変換素子１１からの熱を第２の熱電変換素子１２によって奪熱し、第１の熱電変換素子１１によってステアリングホイール１を効率よく冷却する例について説明したが、第２の熱電変換素子１２を省略し、第１の熱電変換素子１１のみでステアリングホイール１を冷却してもよい。   In the above embodiment, the two thermoelectric conversion elements 11, 12 are provided, the heat from the first thermoelectric conversion element 11 is taken away by the second thermoelectric conversion element 12, and the steering wheel 1 is driven by the first thermoelectric conversion element 11. However, the second thermoelectric conversion element 12 may be omitted and the steering wheel 1 may be cooled only by the first thermoelectric conversion element 11.

但し、第２の熱電変換素子１２を省略した状態で、第１の熱電変換素子１１に連続通電を長時間行うと、放熱面の電極１５ａからの熱が吸熱面の電極１４に移動し、電極１４の温度が上昇して、ステアリングホイール１の冷却が行えなくなる。そのため、熱電変換素子１１に流す電流の大きさと通電時間とを制御し、適正な冷却状態を保持することが好ましい。   However, when the first thermoelectric conversion element 11 is continuously energized for a long time with the second thermoelectric conversion element 12 omitted, the heat from the electrode 15a on the heat dissipation surface moves to the electrode 14 on the heat absorption surface, and the electrode As a result, the steering wheel 1 cannot be cooled. Therefore, it is preferable to control the magnitude of the current flowing through the thermoelectric conversion element 11 and the energization time so as to maintain an appropriate cooling state.

例えば、図４に示すような抵抗、コンデンサ、ダイオード等を含む電流制御回路を用いて、熱電変換素子１１に供給する電流を制御する。電流制御回路は、２個の電源Ｖ１，Ｖ２を有する。電源Ｖ１は電源Ｖ２よりも電源電圧が大きい。   For example, the current supplied to the thermoelectric conversion element 11 is controlled using a current control circuit including a resistor, a capacitor, a diode, and the like as shown in FIG. The current control circuit has two power supplies V1 and V2. The power supply V1 has a higher power supply voltage than the power supply V2.

スイッチＳＷは、車両ドアの開閉センサ（図示略）に接続されており、開閉センサによりドアが開けられたことが検知されると、オンとなる。   The switch SW is connected to a vehicle door open / close sensor (not shown), and is turned on when the open / close sensor detects that the door is opened.

スイッチＳＷがオンすると、熱電変換素子１１には、電源Ｖ１からの大電流が供給され、ステアリングホイール１の冷却が行われる。所定時間（例えば１０秒程度）経過し、コンデンサＣ１が充電されると、熱電変換素子１１には電源Ｖ１からの電流は供給されず、電源Ｖ２からの小電流のみが供給されるようになる。   When the switch SW is turned on, a large current from the power source V1 is supplied to the thermoelectric conversion element 11, and the steering wheel 1 is cooled. When a predetermined time (for example, about 10 seconds) elapses and the capacitor C1 is charged, the current from the power source V1 is not supplied to the thermoelectric conversion element 11, but only a small current from the power source V2 is supplied.

熱電変換素子１１の放熱面（電極１５ａ）と吸熱面（電極１４）の表面温度の変化の一例を図５に示す。図５において、実線は、図４に示す電流制御回路を用いた場合を示し、破線は、電流制御を行わず、熱電変換素子１１に一定の電流を流し続けた場合を示す。   An example of changes in the surface temperature of the heat dissipation surface (electrode 15a) and the heat absorption surface (electrode 14) of the thermoelectric conversion element 11 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, a solid line indicates a case where the current control circuit illustrated in FIG. 4 is used, and a broken line indicates a case where a constant current is continuously supplied to the thermoelectric conversion element 11 without performing current control.

電流制御を行わない場合、吸熱面の表面温度は冷却開始してから数秒後に上昇に転じる。これは、熱伝導による放熱面からの熱移動と内部発熱の影響によるものである。   When current control is not performed, the surface temperature of the endothermic surface starts to increase several seconds after the start of cooling. This is due to the influence of heat transfer from the heat radiating surface due to heat conduction and internal heat generation.

一方、電流制御を行う場合、熱電変換素子１１に電源Ｖ１からの大電流が供給されている間は吸熱面の表面温度は低下し続け、電源Ｖ２からの小電流のみが供給されるようになると、内部発熱、ペルチェ効果の熱移動、及び熱伝導による熱移動が平衡に保たれ、冷却が維持される。   On the other hand, when current control is performed, while the thermoelectric conversion element 11 is supplied with a large current from the power supply V1, the surface temperature of the heat absorption surface continues to decrease, and only a small current from the power supply V2 is supplied. Internal heat generation, Peltier effect heat transfer, and heat transfer due to heat conduction are kept in equilibrium and cooling is maintained.

一般に、乗員がドアを開けてからステアリングホイール１を握るまでの時間は１０秒程度である。上述のような電流制御を行うことで、乗員がステアリングホイール１を握る時にはステアリングホイール１は十分に冷却されており、その後は、冷却状態が保持される。   In general, the time from when the occupant opens the door to grasping the steering wheel 1 is about 10 seconds. By performing the current control as described above, the steering wheel 1 is sufficiently cooled when the occupant grips the steering wheel 1, and thereafter, the cooling state is maintained.

上記説明は本発明の一例であり、本発明は上記以外の各種形態とされてもよい。   The above description is an example of the present invention, and the present invention may be in various forms other than the above.

１ ステアリングホイール
２ ホイール部
３Ｌ，３Ｒ，３Ｄ スポーク部
５ 芯金
１０ 冷却加熱手段
１１，１２，１３ 熱電変換素子
１４〜１８ 電極
２０〜２５ ハーネス
３０ 通電制御回路
３１ 温度測定素子
３２ 機器 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering wheel 2 Wheel part 3L, 3R, 3D Spoke part 5 Core metal 10 Cooling heating means 11, 12, 13 Thermoelectric conversion element 14-18 Electrode 20-25 Harness 30 Current supply control circuit 31 Temperature measuring element 32 Equipment

Claims (8)

ステアリングを冷却するための熱電変換素子を有する温度調整装置付ステアリングにおいて、
該熱電変換素子として、吸熱面がステアリング部材に接した第１の熱電変換素子と、該第１の熱電変換素子の放熱面からの熱を電力に変換する第２の熱電変換素子とを備えたことを特徴とする温度調整装置付ステアリング。 In a steering with a temperature adjusting device having a thermoelectric conversion element for cooling the steering,
The thermoelectric conversion element includes a first thermoelectric conversion element whose endothermic surface is in contact with the steering member, and a second thermoelectric conversion element that converts heat from the heat dissipation surface of the first thermoelectric conversion element into electric power. A steering with a temperature adjusting device. 請求項１において、前記第１の熱電変換素子の放熱面と第２の熱電変換素子の吸熱面とが絶縁体を挟んで一体に構成されていることを特徴とする温度調整装置付ステアリング。   The temperature control device-equipped steering according to claim 1, wherein the heat dissipation surface of the first thermoelectric conversion element and the heat absorption surface of the second thermoelectric conversion element are integrally formed with an insulator interposed therebetween. 請求項１又は２において、前記第２の熱電変換素子で生成した電力を機器に給電する給電手段を備えたことを特徴とする温度調整装置付ステアリング。   The steering with temperature adjusting device according to claim 1, further comprising a power feeding unit that feeds power generated by the second thermoelectric conversion element to the device. 請求項３において、前記機器は、表示装置、送風ファン又は照明装置であることを特徴とする温度調整装置付ステアリング。   4. The steering with temperature adjusting device according to claim 3, wherein the device is a display device, a blower fan, or a lighting device. 請求項３又は４において、前記給電手段は蓄電池を有することを特徴とする温度調整装置付ステアリング。   5. The steering with temperature adjusting device according to claim 3, wherein the power feeding unit includes a storage battery. 請求項３〜５のいずれか１項において、前記給電手段は、前記第２の熱電変換素子の吸熱面付近の温度を測定する温度測定手段と、該温度測定手段の測定温度に基づいて前記機器への給電を制御する給電制御手段を有することを特徴とする温度調整装置付ステアリング。   6. The power feeding unit according to claim 3, wherein the power feeding unit is a temperature measuring unit that measures a temperature in the vicinity of an endothermic surface of the second thermoelectric conversion element, and the device based on the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit. There is provided a power supply control means for controlling the power supply to the steering with temperature control device. 請求項１〜６のいずれか１項において、前記ステアリングを加熱するための第３の熱電変換素子を備えたことを特徴とする温度調整装置付ステアリング。   The steering with temperature adjusting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a third thermoelectric conversion element for heating the steering. 請求項１〜６のいずれか１項において、前記第１及び第２の熱電変換素子に、ステアリング冷却時とは逆向きに電流を流す回路を備え、該回路が電流を流すことで前記ステアリングを加熱することを特徴とする温度調整装置付ステアリング。   7. The first and second thermoelectric conversion elements according to claim 1, wherein the first and second thermoelectric conversion elements are provided with a circuit that allows current to flow in a direction opposite to that during steering cooling, and the circuit causes the steering to flow. Steering with temperature control device, characterized by heating.
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JPS6088679A (en) * 1983-10-21 1985-05-18 Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd Steering wheel
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