Vehicle interior climate control device and system, its manufacturing process and vehicle.

Description

1 / 13 Descriptive Report of Invention Patent Vehicle interior climate control device and system, its manufacturing process and vehicle. Field of Invention

[0001] This report covers confidential knowledge, information and / or data usable in industry, commerce or service provision, for which the holder requests: the protection established in item XXIX of Article 5 of the Federal Constitution; the maintenance of the legal status of confidentiality / secrecy; the maintenance of the physical status of confidentiality / secrecy for the time period stipulated in Law 9.279 / 96, Industrial Property Law; and the rights provided for in Article 195 of Law 9.279 / 96.The present invention describes an internal air conditioning device and system for passenger transport vehicles and its manufacturing process, as well as a vehicle equipped with said device, promoting ergonomic improvement for the driver and increased efficiency compared to prior art air conditioning devices, more specifically in the fields of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and physics focused on air conditioning in the automotive industry, especially public transport vehicles. Background of the Invention

[0002] In the automotive sector, the use of a device called a "defroster" or defroster is common. It is part of an essential system for promoting vehicle safety, providing favorable driving conditions and visibility for the driver by removing condensation from the windows and ventilating warm air towards the windows, especially the windshield. Furthermore, the same device can be used for vehicle climate control, ventilating cooled air towards a vehicle occupant.

[0003] In vehicles of the prior art, the defogging system of Petition 870240108854, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 5 / 28 2 / 13 windshield uses heated air with the heat generated by the vehicle's own engine, which is directed to the glass through specific air outlets (5) at the top of the dashboard. This air can be dry, which helps to absorb moisture from the glass, or combined with heat to accelerate the process.

[0004] Passenger transport vehicles utilize "defroster" technology and have a device to direct airflow according to the needs of the environment / driver. The defroster system of the prior art in passenger transport vehicles has two configurations for airflow distribution, the first being possible through a flow-directing butterfly system, commonly called a "damper," formed by an internal vane that directs the airflow as needed. With this solution, the driver can choose to direct all the airflow to the windshield or to the driver's seat. The defrosting and thermal comfort functions are also enabled simultaneously, without a dedicated airflow direction system.This approach compromises efficiency, as the flow distribution results in lower performance in both defogging and thermal comfort, especially in extreme weather conditions.

[0005] In the search for the state of the art in scientific and patent literature, no documents were found that deal with the subject.

[0006] Thus, as can be inferred from the literature reviewed, no documents were found anticipating or suggesting the teachings of the present invention, so the solution proposed here has novelty and inventive activity compared to the state of the art.

[0007] ' Summary of the Invention

[0008] Thus, the present invention solves the problems of the prior art by providing a climate control solution for the interior of a public transport vehicle, whose function is segmented into two devices. Petition 870240108854, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 6 / 28 3 / 13 distinct areas operated by a control unit that enables the management of a first region of the vehicle's interior environment independently of the climate control of a second region of the vehicle's interior environment, according to the needs of the environment and / or a user, such as, for example, the vehicle's driver.

[0009] In a first object, the present invention provides a vehicle interior climate control device comprising at least one first ventilation component (1) associated with a vehicle user area and at least one second ventilation component (2) associated with the vehicle windshield (4).

[0010] In a second object, the present invention provides an air conditioning system for the interior of a vehicle comprising at least one first ventilation component (1) and at least one second ventilation component (2) associated with the control of a control unit (3), such that the control unit (3) commands a first ventilation component (1) and a second ventilation component (2) for air conditioning of the environment based on a demand signal from the interior environment.

[0011] In a third object, the present invention discloses a manufacturing process for an air conditioning device for the interior of a vehicle comprising at least one of the following steps: production of a first ventilation component (1); production of a second ventilation component (2); association of the first ventilation component (1) with a user location in the vehicle; and association of the second ventilation component (2) in a location in the vehicle distinct from the location where the ventilation component (1) was associated.

[0012] In a fourth object, the present invention discloses a vehicle comprising an air conditioning device for an interior environment with at least one first ventilation component (1) associated with a user location in the vehicle and at least one second ventilation component (2) associated with the windshield (4) of the vehicle. Petition 870240108854, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 7 / 28 4 / 13

[0013] These and other objects of the invention will be immediately appreciated by those skilled in the art and will be described in detail below. Brief Description of the Figures

[0014] The following figures are presented:

[0015] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the internal air conditioning device of the present invention associated with the driver's seat of a passenger transport vehicle, illustrating a first ventilation component (1), a second ventilation component (2), a control unit (3) and a windshield (4) of a vehicle.

[0016] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the second ventilation component (2) of the present invention associated with the windshield (4) of a vehicle.

[0017] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the first ventilation component (1) associated with the control unit (3) and the driver's seat.

[0018] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the first ventilation component (1) associated with a vehicle where the pipes that conduct air from the first ventilation component (1) to the driver's seat are highlighted. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0019] In a first object, the present invention provides a device for air conditioning the interior of a vehicle.

[0020] The device comprises a first ventilation component (1) associated with a user location. In one embodiment, the user location refers to the driver's seat, where said ventilation component (1) is associated.

[0021] The device comprises a second ventilation component (2), associated in a location on the vehicle distinct from the location where the first ventilation component (1) was associated. In one embodiment, the location distinct from the location where the first ventilation component (1) was associated refers to the windshield region (8) of the vehicle. Petition 870240108854, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 8 / 28 5 / 13

[0022] In another embodiment, the device comprises a control unit (3), which coordinates the actions of the ventilation component (1) and ventilation component (2) in different ways, according to the needs of the environment and / or user, enabling independent management of the demand signals sent to the control unit (3) through actuation actions, for example, an actuation by sensor or even manual actuation by the driver, for the first (1) and second (2) ventilation components, allowing control of characteristics such as ventilation speed, air conditioning temperature or the duration of each of the ventilation components (1) and (2).

[0023] The present invention makes it possible to individualize the functions of each of the first (1) and second (2) ventilation components, thereby optimizing the space in the driver's seat compared to the previous technique, contributing to ergonomic comfort as well as thermal comfort, since the airflow is improved by the wider space available to the driver.

[0024] Thus, with an individualized air conditioning system for the interior of the vehicle of the present invention, the first ventilation component (1) is located in the conventional position, next to the driver's seat, but with a reduced size, which facilitates the assembly and manufacturing process of the device, as well as prior maintenance, and also provides more free space for driver comfort, while the second ventilation component (2) is located on the lower front panel of the vehicle, peripherally to the windshield (4) of the vehicle, taking advantage of a location that, in vehicles of the prior art, was unused in the assembly and manufacturing of the vehicle.

[0025] In a second object, the present invention provides a vehicle interior climate control system comprising at least the first ventilation component (1) and at least the second ventilation component (2) associated with the control unit (3).

[0026] In one embodiment, the control unit (3) coordinates the actions of Petition 870240108854, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 9 / 28 6 / 13 ventilation component (1) and ventilation component (2) in different ways, according to the needs of the environment and / or user, enabling independent management through activation actions, for example, activation by sensor or even manual activation by the driver, for the first (1) and second (2) ventilation components, allowing control of characteristics such as ventilation speed, air conditioning temperature or the duration of each of the ventilation components (1) and (2).

[0027] A demand signal is sent to the control unit (3) according to the needs of the environment / driver. In one embodiment, its “input” may be an automatic mode activation. In another embodiment, its “input” may be a manual mode activation. In another embodiment, its “input” may be an activation by the driver himself, who felt the need due to a sudden change in the temperature inside the vehicle. In another embodiment, its “input” is given by an activation through a sensor associated with the windshield (4) of the vehicle, which performed a reading through pre-determined values, sending a signal that there is a need due to a sudden change in the external temperature of the vehicle.

[0028] In an embodiment where the demand signal is for the air conditioning device located in the driver's seat, an action signal is sent to the ventilation component (1) via the control unit (3), if the demand signal was for the air conditioning device located on the windshield (4) of the vehicle, an action signal is sent to the ventilation component (2) via the control unit (3).

[0029] Furthermore, with the individualization of the system's operation between the ventilation component (1) and the ventilation component (2), the energy improvement is visible, since both ventilation components (1) and (2) are supported by a single ventilation hose system (6) or ventilation ducts (7) with a smaller size, due to being closer to the target point. Petition 870240108854, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 10 / 28 7 / 13

[0030] For the ventilation component (1), the action of individualizing the system and positioning the ventilation component (1) close to the driver's seat, reduces the friction between the air and the ventilation hoses (6) in the ventilation component (1), allowing less effort from the device to achieve the expected result according to the demand signal, whether it is heating or cooling the internal environment of the vehicle.

[0031] For the ventilation component (2), the action of individualizing the system and positioning the ventilation component (2) peripherally to the windshield (4) reduces the number of ducts (7) used for the device to access the vehicle's windshield (4), consequently decreasing the friction between the air and the ventilation ducts (7) connecting to the ventilation component (2), allowing less effort from the device to achieve the expected result according to the demand signal, whether it is defogging the glass through heating or cooling the vehicle's interior environment.

[0032] In a third object, the present invention discloses a manufacturing process for the air conditioning device of an interior environment of a vehicle comprising at least one production step of a first ventilation component (1) and its association with a user location;

[0033] The present invention discloses a manufacturing process for an air conditioning device for the interior of a vehicle comprising at least one production step of a second ventilation component (2) and its assembly in a location distinct from the assembly location of the first ventilation component (1).

[0034] In one embodiment, the association step of the first ventilation component (1) comprises its association with the vehicle user location, given the said location described as the driver's station.

[0035] In one embodiment, the step of attaching the second ventilation component (1) comprises attaching it to a location distinct from the location of the first ventilation component (2), given that location is described by the peripheral region of the windshield (4) of the vehicle, with the purpose of Petition 870240108854, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 11 / 28 8 / 13 illustrative, the lower front panel of the windshield (4) of the vehicle.

[0036] The present invention discloses a manufacturing process for an air conditioning device for the interior of a vehicle comprising at least one production step of a control unit (3) and its association with the first ventilation component (1) and the second ventilation component (2).

[0037] In one embodiment, the association step of the control unit (3) comprises the control unit (3) commanding the first ventilation component (1) and the second ventilation component (2) independently. The control unit (3) coordinates the actions of the ventilation component (1) and ventilation component (2) in distinct ways, according to the needs of the environment and / or user, enabling independent management through actuation actions, for example, actuation by sensor or even manual actuation by the driver, for the first (1) and second (2) ventilation components, allowing control of characteristics such as ventilation speed, air conditioning temperature or the duration of each of the ventilation components.

[0038] Additionally, the individualization of the first ventilation component (1) and second ventilation component (2) allows for easier mounting of the devices in their respective locations, the first ventilation component (1) being allocated to the user's location, and the second ventilation component (2) being allocated to a distinct location associated with ventilation component (1). In addition to the ease of mounting the devices to the vehicle body, maintenance is also facilitated due to the arrangement of the first (1) and second (2) ventilation components on the vehicle body, given the utilization of an unused space and the optimization of the user's area space.

[0039] In one embodiment, the first (1) and second (2) components are attached to the vehicle body at the time of assembly. In another embodiment, the first (1) and second (2) components are attached after Petition 870240108854, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 12 / 28 9 / 13 the assembly of the vehicle body. In another embodiment a control unit (3) is associated with the central region of the driver's seat.

[0040] In a fourth object, the present invention provides a passenger transport vehicle comprising a device for air conditioning an internal environment of the vehicle, according to the demand of the environment / driver.

[0041] In one embodiment, the transport vehicle device is the device of the present invention, as described above, wherein the vehicle comprises the first ventilation component (1) associated with the driver's seat and the second ventilation component (2) associated with the windshield (4) of the vehicle.

[0042] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the vehicle of the present invention is a road passenger transport vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle is urban. In one embodiment, the vehicle is a bus, midibus, minibus or microbus.

[0043] The driver's seat is the area where the driver's seat, console, steering wheel, and dashboard are located, which in itself already comprises a rather uncomfortable space.

[0044] By using the present invention, the operational efficiency of the system is highlighted, since each component performs a specific and independent function. This eliminated the simultaneous division of airflow, which was a critical limitation in the previous system. Thus, windshield defogging and driver thermal comfort can be fully achieved, even in extreme weather conditions, in a faster and more efficient manner.

[0045] Furthermore, the system provides simplicity in design. By eliminating bulky ducts (7) and hoses (6), the system proposed by the present invention reduces assembly complexity and the number of moving parts. This not only simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the vehicle, but also contributes to a lighter and more efficient design.

[0046] Improved ergonomics is another crucial advantage. The compact design of Petition 870240108854, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 13 / 28 10 / 13 ventilation component (1) which is intended for the driver, frees up space next to the driver’s seat, providing greater comfort and freedom of movement. This improvement is especially relevant in passenger transport vehicles, where available cabin space is often limited.

[0047] The reduction of moving components, such as “dampers”, and connections, such as lengthy hoses, minimizes potential points of failure. This results in a more reliable and easily maintained system, reduced operating costs and vehicle downtime.

[0048] Finally, energy efficiency is also improved, since the elimination of flow losses and leaks in the previous system allows for better use of the energy used for air conditioning. This benefit directly translates into lower energy consumption and greater sustainability.

[0049] The examples shown here are intended only to illustrate one of the numerous ways of carrying out the invention, however without limiting its scope. Example - Air conditioning device for the interior of a vehicle.

[0050] The prior art “defroster” system features a single piece of equipment with two distinct operating configurations. In the first, the windshield defrosting and driver thermal comfort functions can be enabled individually by means of a “damper” system. This system uses an internal vane that directs the airflow, allowing the airflow to be alternated between the dashboard (driver comfort) and the windshield (defrosting), as needed by the driver.

[0051] In the second configuration, both functions are enabled simultaneously, without a dedicated airflow direction system. In this condition, the airflow is divided between the dashboard and the windshield, resulting in lower efficiency for both functions, especially in situations of higher demand, such as conditions Petition 870240108854, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 14 / 28 11 / 13 extreme weather events.

[0052] The solutions of the previous technique for the defroster system presented innovative characteristics that directly impacted the efficiency, performance, and reliability of the system. In the first solution, where the windshield defrosting and driver thermal comfort functions are enabled individually through a damper system, the dependence on a mechanism to direct the airflow stands out. This mechanism is subject to wear, failures, and requires considerable maintenance, compromising the reliability and lifespan of the system. Furthermore, the alternation between functions makes it impossible to use different functions simultaneously, which can be ineffective in situations where cooling and defrosting demands are permitted, for example. The manual operation of the damper also reduces efficiency, as it requires time and effort to switch between functions.

[0053] In the second solution, where both functions are enabled simultaneously without a dedicated airflow control system, the main problem is the division of airflow. This sharing reduces the efficiency of both thermal comfort and defogging, especially in extreme weather conditions, when optimal performance is most critical. Furthermore, the lack of dedicated control for each function leads to wasted energy, as the airflow is distributed in a non-optimized way, impacting the vehicle's energy consumption levels.

[0054] The present invention makes it possible to overcome these disadvantages by dividing the main functions into two distinct pieces of equipment, but with their operation linked by electronic logic, creating a kind of virtual “damper”. The drives are synchronized, allowing the creation of operating logics that connect and create operating conditions for both pieces of equipment, enabling the functions individually or simultaneously, but without loss of efficiency, since there will be no division of airflow, as the system has its own equipment for each main function. Petition 870240108854, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 15 / 28 12 / 13

[0055] Thus, the solution proposed by the present invention makes it possible to simplify the body design, since the equipment proposed by the present invention is simpler when compared to the “defroster” of the prior art.

[0056] The solution proposed by the present invention also reveals the possibility of a defroster installed directly on the dashboard, allowing pre-assembly and a smaller number of hoses routed inside the vehicle's dashboard.

[0057] Furthermore, the solution proposed by the present invention allows for greater efficiency compared to the previous technique, by reducing the number of larger diameter hoses and losses due to leaks from the air deflectors, since the "damper" system does not have a perfect seal.

[0058] The solution proposed by the present invention also allows for greater legroom for the driver (ergonomics) compared to the previous technique, since by performing only one function it will be possible to simplify and reduce the dimensions of the “defroster” mounted next to the driver, compared to the current one.

[0059] In one embodiment, the present invention is equipped with a climate control device for the interior of a vehicle user's area, specifically the driver's seat, as illustrated in Figure 1. Figures 3 and 4 show the behavior of a climate control device for the interior of a vehicle user's area, specifically the driver's seat. The ventilation component (1) circulates air according to the command sent by the control unit (3), which meets the driver's demand. In the described situation, the demand sent to the control unit (3) is the driver's thermal discomfort, feeling the need to cool / heat the air through the system, associated with diffusers on the dashboard, which are directed towards the driver. The connection of the airflow to the dashboard is made by means of ventilation hoses (6), which are connected to the diffusers. Petition 870240108854, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 16 / 28 13 / 13

[0060] Figures 1 and 2 show an air conditioning device for an interior environment in a location distinct from the user's location, specifically in the area surrounding the windshield (8) of the vehicle. The ventilation component (2) circulates air according to the command sent by the control unit (3), which responds to the demand of the windshield (8) of the vehicle. In the situation described, the demand sent to the control unit (3) may be a variation in the external temperature of the vehicle, which requires defogging of the windshield (8) of the vehicle through the system, associated with ventilation ducts (7) in the area surrounding the windshield (8), directed to the front windshield of the vehicle.

[0061] The inventive concept now disclosed and exemplified in one or more ways has been treated as a trade secret and was not previously disclosed until the filing of this patent application. This trade secret is an intangible asset of the applicant. Any future publication of the patent application does not, in itself, constitute authorization for use by third parties, serving only as: (i) notification to third parties of the existence of said trade secret on the filing date; (ii) unequivocal indication of its holder; and (iii) encouragement to develop new improvements based on the concept now disclosed, to avoid reinvestment in the development of the same asset already held by the applicant.In this context, it is clarified from the outset that, based on the disclosure of the present inventive concept, those skilled in the art may consider other ways of carrying out the invention that are not identical to those merely exemplified above, but that, in the event of an intention to use it commercially, such ways may be considered as being within the scope of the appended claims. Petition 870240108854, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 17 / 28

Claims

1 / 3 Claims 1. Air conditioning device for the interior of a vehicle characterized by comprising at least one first ventilation component (1) associated with a user location in the vehicle and at least one second ventilation component (2) associated with a location in the vehicle distinct from the location where the first ventilation component (1) was associated.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized by comprising an independent ventilation control unit (3) associated with the first ventilation component (1) and the second ventilation component (2).

3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the operation of the first ventilation component (1) occurs independently of the operation of the second ventilation component (2).

4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the user location is a driver's seat, such that the ventilation component (1) is associated with the driver's seat.

5. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the ventilation component (2) is associated in a peripheral region of the windshield (4) of the vehicle.

6. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit (3) operates the first ventilation component (1) and the second ventilation component (2) independently, based on at least one demand signal from the indoor environment.

7. Air conditioning system for the interior of a vehicle characterized by comprising at least one first ventilation component (1) and at least one second ventilation component (2) associated with the control of a control unit (3), such that the control unit (3) commands a first ventilation component (1) and a second ventilation component (2) for air conditioning of the environment based on a demand signal from the interior environment. Petition 870240108854, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 18 / 28 2 / 3 8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that the control unit (3) commands at least one first ventilation component (1) and at least one second ventilation component (2) independently of each other.

9. System according to claim 7, characterized in that the first ventilation component (1) is associated with a vehicle user location and the second ventilation component (2) is associated with the vehicle windshield (4).

10. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the location for the user to which the first ventilation component (1) is attached is a driver's station.

11. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the second ventilation component (2) is peripherally associated with the windshield (4) of the vehicle.

12. Manufacturing process for an air conditioning device for the interior of a vehicle characterized by comprising at least the following steps: a. production of a first ventilation component (1); b. production of a second ventilation component (2); c. connection of the first ventilation component (1) to a location for the vehicle user; d. connection of the second ventilation component (2) to a location in the vehicle distinct from the location where the first ventilation component (1) was connected.

13. Process according to claim 12, characterized by comprising at least the steps of: a. production of a control unit (3); and b. association of the control unit (3) to the first ventilation component (1) and to the second ventilation component (2).

14. Process, according to claim 12 characterized by the step of attaching the first ventilation component (1) comprising attaching Petition 870240108854, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 19 / 28 3 / 3 of the first ventilation component (1) to the driver's seat.

15. Process according to claim 12 characterized by the step of attaching the second ventilation component (2) comprising attaching the second ventilation component (2) peripherally to the windshield (4) of the vehicle.

16. Process according to claim 13 characterized by the step of associating the control unit (3) comprising the command of the control unit (3) to the first ventilation component (1) and to the second ventilation component (2) independently.

17. Vehicle characterized by comprising an air conditioning device for an interior environment with at least one first ventilation component (1) associated with a user area of ​​the vehicle and at least one second ventilation component (2) associated with the windshield (4) of the vehicle.

18. Vehicle according to claim 17, characterized by comprising at least one control unit (3) associated with the first ventilation component (1) and the second ventilation component (2).

19. Vehicle, according to claim 17, characterized by being intended for the transport of passengers.

20. Vehicle according to claim 17, characterized in that the first ventilation component (1) is associated with the driver's seat.

21. Vehicle, according to claim 17, characterized in that the second ventilation component (2) is peripherally associated with the windshield (4) of the vehicle. Petition 870240108854, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, pp. 20 / 28

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