Control method for an air conditioning system in a passenger compartment of a road vehicle

Abstract

A method and apparatus for controlling an air conditioning system (5) in a passenger compartment (2) of a road vehicle (1), comprising the steps of: detecting the body temperature of at least a portion of the body of one or more occupants (4) of the passenger compartment (2) and sending the detected body temperature to the air conditioning system (5), which controls a plurality of ventilation devices (6) arranged inside the passenger compartment (2). The method further comprises the steps of: identifying the number and location of one or more occupants (4) seated in the passenger compartment (2); determining an optimal adjustment based at least on the body temperature detected by a sensor component (10); and controlling the ventilation devices (6) according to the optimal adjustment.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to Italian Patent Application No. 102020000002665, filed on February 11, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a control method for an air conditioning system in the passenger compartment of a road vehicle. Background Technology

[0004] Modern road vehicles are almost always equipped with air conditioning systems, which allow for the regulation (raising, lowering, or maintaining a constant) of the temperature inside the vehicle (i.e., the passenger compartment). For example, in summer, air conditioning systems are often used to lower the temperature inside the passenger compartment relative to the outside temperature; conversely, in winter, air conditioning systems are typically used to heat the inside of the passenger compartment to maintain a higher temperature relative to the outside.

[0005] Air conditioning systems typically include multiple ventilation devices (including so-called air “nozzles”) located in different locations inside the passenger compartment of a road vehicle. For example, ventilation devices can be categorized by type based on the area they direct airflow to, and can be adjusted independently and / or selectively activated.

[0006] Modern air conditioning systems offer ample flexibility in how the temperature inside the passenger compartment is regulated. For example, by operating each ventilation unit independently, the velocity (i.e., intensity) and / or direction of the airflow emitted by each unit can be manually increased or decreased.

[0007] Furthermore, automated (single-zone and two-zone) air conditioning systems are becoming increasingly common. These systems regulate the intensity and temperature of the air based on the internal temperature detected by one or more thermometers located inside the passenger compartment (e.g., under the seats, inside the dashboard, or console). This internal temperature is typically used for closed-loop (feedback) control, which regulates the temperature and intensity of the airflow from the ventilation system to achieve a temperature manually set by one (or, in the case of a two-zone system, by two) passenger.

[0008] However, these fully adjustable possibilities are based solely on achieving a set temperature inside the passenger compartment, without actually considering the real thermal conditions of the passenger compartment in a road vehicle, the actual presence and location of the occupants. For these reasons, the desired manually set temperature is typically changed periodically by the driver or passenger to adapt the desired interior temperature to the immediate needs of the passengers seated inside the vehicle.

[0009] For example, in existing systems, the air conditioning system operates to achieve this average temperature inside the passenger compartment by setting a desired temperature value, without considering the needs and habits of the occupants or assessing the impact of solar radiation on the temperature distribution inside the passenger compartment of a road vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention aims, in particular, to provide a control method for an air conditioning system in the passenger compartment of a road vehicle, which improves (optimizes) the climate perception of one or more occupants inside the passenger compartment, while being easy and readily available to all users and not distracting the driver.

[0011] According to the present invention, a method for controlling an air conditioning system in the passenger compartment of a road vehicle as described in the appended claims is provided.

[0012] The claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention that form part of this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention, wherein:

[0014] - Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of a road vehicle equipped with an air conditioning system controlled by the control method according to the present invention;

[0015] - Figure 2 The diagram schematically shows the division of the upper body heat zones for passengers in the passenger compartment from the front.

[0016] - Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the field of view of the sensor components inside the passenger compartment;

[0017] - Figure 4 A possible flowchart for determining the heat index is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0018] exist Figure 1 In the accompanying drawing, reference numeral 1 generally indicates a road vehicle (particularly a car) with two front driven (i.e., non-driving) wheels and two rear driving wheels. An internal combustion engine is located at the front, which generates torque that is transmitted to the driving wheels via a transmission.

[0019] The road vehicle 1 includes a passenger compartment 2 with two or more seats 3, each seat being adapted to accommodate a corresponding occupant 4; that is, the driver is always seated in the passenger compartment 2, which increases the possible number of passengers (obviously, the presence of passengers is optional).

[0020] The road vehicle 1 includes an air conditioning system 5 that allows multiple airflows A to enter the passenger compartment 2. Airflow A can be either hot air (previously heated by heat transfer via a resistor or a heat-absorbing engine) or cold air (transferring heat via an evaporator). The terms "hot" and "cold" are intended to indicate that the interior of the vehicle 1 is hotter and colder than the existing temperature, respectively.

[0021] exist Figure 1 In a non-limiting embodiment, the air conditioning system 5 includes a plurality of ventilation devices 6 arranged inside the passenger compartment 2 of the road vehicle 1, through which airflow A is introduced by the air conditioning system 5 and moves within the passenger compartment 2. Specifically, the ventilation devices 6 are categorized into three different types based on the area to which such devices 6 direct the airflow A. For example, the air conditioning system 5 includes at least one ventilation device 6 for defrosting (thawing) in which a corresponding airflow A is directed toward or along the windshield 7; at least one ventilation device 6 for ventilation (air exchange) of the occupant 4 in which a corresponding airflow A is directed toward the body of the occupant 4; and at least one bottom device that directs a corresponding airflow A (downward) toward the feet of the occupant 4.

[0022] In some non-limiting cases, the ventilation device 6 is further divided based on its location on the vehicle (e.g., right side, left side and / or front side, rear side).

[0023] The air conditioning system 5 also includes a control unit 8 configured to control the ventilation device 6. In particular, the control unit 8 determines the flow rate of the airflow A and its temperature as it flows out of the ventilation device 6 (i.e., from the nozzle).

[0024] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the air conditioning system 5 (particularly the control unit 8) includes a memory 9 in which adjustment parameters are stored. More specifically, these adjustment parameters are stored to track the preferences of the occupants 4.

[0025] Advantageously, the control system 5 includes at least one sensor component 10 configured to at least identify the number and location of occupants 4 inside the passenger compartment 2 (e.g., which seat each occupant is sitting in).

[0026] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the sensor component 10 includes (in particular) a thermal camera 11 configured to frame one or more occupants 4 of the passenger compartment 2 and determine the temperature of at least a portion of the body of at least one occupant 4. In some non-limiting cases, the thermal camera 11 transmits the detected data to the control unit 8. In other non-limiting cases, the thermal camera 11 transmits the detected data to a suitable image processing system connected to the control unit 8.

[0027] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the thermal camera 11 is arranged at the overhead light of the passenger compartment 2 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown). In particular, the thermal camera 11 is positioned in the central part (above the rearview mirror).

[0028] According to other non-limiting embodiments, the thermal camera 11 is arranged on the pillar of the passenger compartment 2. In particular, the thermal camera 11 is arranged on the upper part of the pillar arranged between the base of the vehicle frame and the roof of the passenger compartment 2.

[0029] In some non-restrictive cases, especially in two-seat vehicles, the air conditioning system 5 includes two thermal cameras 11: one facing the driver and one facing the passenger.

[0030] In other non-restrictive cases, particularly in vehicles with a rear seat 3, the air conditioning system 5 includes at least three thermal cameras 11, one facing the driver, one facing the passenger, and one facing the rear seat 3.

[0031] according to Figure 1 In a non-limiting embodiment, the air conditioning system 5 includes at least one thermometer 13 disposed inside the passenger compartment 2. In particular, the thermometer 13 is disposed in a location that is difficult for the occupants 4 to access, for example, inside the central dashboard or under the seat 3.

[0032] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the air conditioning system 5 also includes a radiation sensor 14, which is configured to determine the direction and intensity of solar radiation relative to the vehicle 1. In particular, the radiation sensor 14 transmits the detected data to the control unit 8.

[0033] The control system 5 also includes a processing device 12, which determines an optimization adjustment based on the detection of the sensor component 10 and controls the ventilation device 6 based on the optimization adjustment.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, a control method for an air conditioning system 5 is provided.

[0035] The control method includes the steps of detecting the body temperature of at least a portion of the body of the occupant 4 of the passenger compartment 2 via sensor component 10; and providing (i.e. transmitting) the detected body temperature to the air conditioning system 5, particularly the computing unit 8.

[0036] Advantageously, the method also includes the step of identifying the number and location of occupants 4 inside the passenger compartment 2. More specifically, in this step, it is determined which seat 3 the occupant 4 actually occupies.

[0037] In addition, the method includes the following steps: determining an optimized adjustment based at least on the body temperature detected by the sensor component, and controlling the ventilation device 6 accordingly (i.e., based on the optimized adjustment).

[0038] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the optimization adjustment is altered according to the driving style of the occupant (i.e., the driver of vehicle 1), which is determined based, in particular, on data detected by an inertial measurement unit (which is known in itself and not shown). The driver's driving style is based at least on longitudinal acceleration ( Figure 4 A in L ), lateral or transverse acceleration ( Figure 4 A in T The driving values ​​are determined by the parameters of speed and other parameters. These parameters are processed according to a known model, which determines the driving values ​​by calculating a weighted average of the above measurements and comparing it with reference parameters.

[0039] Advantageously but not necessarily, the optimization adjustment is changed based on the change in body temperature of at least one part of the body of at least one occupant 4 in passenger compartment 2.

[0040] Advantageously but not necessarily, the sensor device 10 (i.e., the thermal camera 11) frames at least one occupant 4 in order to observe the upper part of his body (in other words, everything above the waist of the occupant 4).

[0041] Figure 2 A non-limiting embodiment schematically illustrates the division of the upper portion of the occupant 4. Specifically, according to this division, a thermal camera 11 detects multiple different temperatures related to the framed occupant 4. More specifically, the thermal camera 11 calculates the average temperature of a specific part of the occupant 4's body, thereby providing a scalar value related to that part of the body to the control unit 8.

[0042] exist Figure 2 In a non-limiting embodiment, the upper part of the occupant 4 is schematically divided into the head T and the torso C from a macroscopic perspective.

[0043] Preferably, regarding the head (T), the forehead temperature (FT) is detected. Specifically, the temperatures of the occupant's right cheek (RC) and left cheek (LC) are also detected separately.

[0044] Advantageously but not necessarily, regarding the torso C, chest and / or abdominal temperature CT is detected. Specifically, the temperature RT on the right side and the temperature LT on the left side of the occupant are also detected, respectively. Temperatures RT and LT are the temperatures of the occupant 4's shoulders and / or left and right arms framed by thermal imaging camera 11.

[0045] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the optimization adjustment is modified according to the physique of at least one occupant 4. The term "physique" is intended to refer to the body type of occupant 4.

[0046] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the physique of occupant 4 is determined by thermal imaging camera 11. Specifically, this physique is identified based on body mass index (BI) (e.g., Figure 4 (As shown). This body index BI is obtained by drawing the outline of the image obtained from the thermal camera 11 to determine the body size of the occupant 4. Alternatively or additionally, the body index BI takes into account the weight of the occupant 11 (e.g., detected by a load sensor included in the seat 3).

[0047] Advantageously but not necessarily, optimize and adjust according to the occupants of vehicle 1 (4). Figure 3 The clothing worn (for example, by a driver) changes. Specifically, the clothing index CI is determined via thermal imaging camera 11. Figure 4 The clothing index determines the insulation effect of clothing on the interior temperature of the passenger compartment for occupants 4.

[0048] Advantageously but not necessarily, the crew member's clothing was determined based on the difference in body temperature between the covered and uncovered parts of the body.

[0049] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the clothing index CI is determined based on the difference between the head temperature T (especially the forehead temperature FT) and the torso temperature C (especially the chest and / or abdomen temperature CT) of the occupant 4.

[0050] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the optimization adjustments are changed based on the gender of crew member 4.

[0051] In some non-restrictive cases, the gender of the occupant can be determined based on the personal key used to open vehicle 1, or through a voice recognition system present in vehicle 1, or by the driving style or by weight detected by seat 3. In this way, the optimized adjustment of the air conditioning system 5 can be customized so that the temperature of the air flowing from the ventilation device 6 is slightly lower (or higher) when the occupant is male compared to when the occupant is female. Specifically, the air conditioning system 5 can, in this sense, differentiate between two-zone, three-zone, or four-zone air conditioning.

[0052] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the optimization adjustment is changed based on the head temperature T (e.g., FT). The head T is typically the part of the body with the greatest temperature variation, or in any case, the part where the thermal state of occupant 4 is more easily understood (e.g., whether the occupant is hot or cold). In this way, when the head temperature T increases, since this would mean that occupant 4 is getting hotter, the average temperature inside the passenger compartment can be reduced accordingly (which is obviously also effective in the opposite case).

[0053] Favorably but not necessarily, optimize the adjustment of irradiance I based on road vehicle 1. Figure 4 And change.

[0054] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the value of irradiance I of the road vehicle 1 is processed based on the difference between the body temperature RT of the right side of the body of at least one occupant 4 and the temperature LT of the left side of the body, as detected by the thermal camera 11.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, the value of radiation I of the road vehicle 1 is processed taking into account the detection of the radiation sensor 14 installed on the vehicle 1.

[0056] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the optimization adjustment is changed according to the temperature ET outside the passenger compartment 2.

[0057] According to some non-limiting embodiments, for example Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the external temperature ET of the passenger compartment 2 is processed based on the temperature of at least one window, which is detected by a thermal camera 11 arranged inside the passenger compartment 2.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the temperature ET outside the passenger compartment 2 is processed, taking into account the detection of a thermometer located outside the passenger compartment (e.g., in the lower part of the vehicle body of vehicle 1).

[0059] Advantageously but not necessarily, the method also includes the step of: detecting the temperature inside the passenger compartment 2 at least by means of a thermometer 13 (arranged inside the passenger compartment 2), and improving the optimization adjustment based on the internal temperature detected by the thermometer 13.

[0060] In some non-limiting cases, the control method includes the following steps: setting (only once, i.e., not continuously in a periodic manner) a desired temperature via an interface device known per se and therefore not shown (e.g., push-button panel, voice command, wheel, etc.). This step is preferably performed by an occupant 4 of vehicle 1 (e.g., the driver), who sets the desired temperature as he perceives it to be consistent with his habits and existing temperature perception inside the passenger compartment (i.e., whether the occupant is hot or cold). In particular, the method also provides a comparison of the temperature inside passenger compartment 2 with the desired set temperature, and improves the optimization adjustment based on the difference between the temperature inside passenger compartment 2 and the desired temperature.

[0061] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the method for controlling the air conditioning system 5 further includes the step of adjusting the flow rate and / or temperature of the airflow A exiting from a plurality of ventilation devices 6 arranged inside the passenger compartment 2. Specifically, the temperature and flow rate of the airflow A are adjusted independently of each other. More specifically, the temperature and flow rate of the airflow A are adjusted independently among the different ventilation devices 6. In this way, taking all the above considerations into account, the comfort of the vehicle occupants 4 can be increased. For example, if solar radiation primarily illuminates one side of the vehicle 1, the temperature of the airflow A emitted by the ventilation devices 6 arranged on that side is lower than the temperature of the airflow simultaneously emitted by the ventilation devices 6 arranged on the side in the shadow of the vehicle 1 (i.e., the side opposite to the side exposed to solar radiation).

[0062] Advantageously but not necessarily, the optimization adjustment is changed according to the thermal comfort index TI, which takes into account some or all of the variables described and detected so far.

[0063] exist Figure 4 In a non-limiting embodiment, the thermal index TI is obtained by calculating a weighted average of the following: external data ED (related to external temperature ET and irradiance I); body data BD (related to detected temperatures and / or data FT, RC, LC, RT, LT, CT, CI obtained from images displayed by thermal camera 11); body index IB (related to the physique of occupant 4); and dynamic model DM (based on the longitudinal acceleration A of vehicle 1). L Lateral acceleration A T (and speed V).

[0064] In particular, such as Figure 4 As shown, the data related to temperature FT, RC, LC, RT, LT, and CT detected by thermal camera 11 generates a value K, which is used in conjunction with the metabolic index MR obtained from the dynamic model DM (depending on driving style) and the body index data of occupant 4 to process the thermal index IT. To obtain a detailed index MR, driving type is considered in addition to the body index BI.

[0065] Specifically, following studies of Schaudienst and Vogdt, the relevant metabolic index MR was calculated using the correlation between physique and sex (and possibly body condition, assessed by abdominal temperature—fat is less permeable than muscle—or occupant profile).

[0066] According to some non-limiting implementations, the value K has also taken into account external data ED. In particular, it follows the model of Hagino and Junichiro (known in the literature), which takes into account the relative importance (weight) of local temperature to the overall thermal comfort index TI.

[0067] Advantageously but not necessarily, at least some (especially all) of the data / values ​​used to calculate the thermal index TI are each multiplied by a coefficient so that the thermal index TI is a weighted average.

[0068] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the thermal index TI is expressed by the following formula:

[0069] TI=[CI+k3(CR-CL)+k4(RT-LT)+MR]-Off

[0070] in:

[0071] CI = k1(FT-O1) - k2(CT-O2)

[0072] and

[0073] MR = k5(DM-O5) + k6(BI-O6)

[0074] Specifically, the coefficients k1-k6 and the compensation value Off(O1-O6) are determined experimentally using an allocation table that allows the coefficients to be assigned based on the expected weight of the variable multiplied by a specific coefficient and allows calibration to be performed using the compensation value, which allows for optimized adjustments to suit different vehicle models. The sum of coefficients k1-k6 is preferably equal to 1.

[0075] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the compensation value Off is a parameter used to set the preferences of occupant 4 and store them in memory 9. In particular, if occupant 4 has a certain thermal tendency, i.e., hot on average or cold on average, the compensation value Off causes system 5 to take the occupant's preference into account and change it once occupant 4 is identified according to one of the aforementioned methods.

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown in the non-limiting embodiment, the thermal index TI (also multiplied by a predetermined weight) is added to the data ED relating to the exterior of vehicle 1 and the data relating to the interior of vehicle 1, but the data relating to the interior of vehicle 1 is not from the thermal imaging camera inside the passenger compartment 2 (i.e., the temperature T detected by thermometer 13). IN The exhaust temperature T of the airflow A at ventilation device 6 (more precisely at the nozzle) and the exhaust temperature T DIS Obtained.

[0077] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the equivalent (measured) temperature T, designed to determine the output temperature of airflow A, is... EQ It can be expressed by the following formula:

[0078] T EQ =Q1(T IN )+Q2(T DIS -θ)+Q3(T E)+Q4(I)+Q5(TI)

[0079] Among them, T DIS The temperature θ represents the detected temperature of the airflow A from the ventilation device 6 (i.e., it is the input of system 5), and the temperature θ represents the set temperature of the airflow A from the ventilation device 6 (i.e., it is the feedback output of system 5).

[0080] Specifically, the coefficients Q1-Q5 are determined experimentally using an allocation table that allows the coefficients to be assigned based on the expected weights of the variables multiplied by a given coefficient. The sum of coefficients Q1-Q5 is preferably equal to 1.

[0081] Specifically, the thermal index TI represents the equivalent temperature T. EQ Additional components in the formula. In this unrestricted case, everything remains in open-loop control, in which the equivalent temperature T increases as the thermal index TI rises. EQ As the thermal index increases, the outflow discharge temperature θ decreases, and when the thermal index decreases, the equivalent temperature T... EQ This also decreases, thus increasing the outflow discharge temperature θ. In other non-limiting cases, the control is a closed-loop control, in which the thermal index TI represents the equivalent temperature T. EQ Feedback.

[0082] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the velocity of the airflow A exiting from the exhaust device 6 is related to the thermal index TI and the equivalent temperature T. EQ The difference increases proportionally.

[0083] In use, the occupant 4 who boards vehicle 1 defines the desired temperature signal through an interface device that is known in itself and therefore not shown.

[0084] Without departing from the scope of protection of this invention, the embodiments described herein can be combined with each other.

[0085] In use, the processing device 12 uses, for example, sensor components 10 or weight sensors arranged at seats 3 to identify the number and location of occupants 4 sitting in passenger compartment 2, based on the foregoing description and Figure 4 All the parameters shown determine the optimal adjustment, and therefore the temperature and velocity of the airflow A from the ventilation unit 6 are controlled (regulated) according to the optimal adjustment. Clearly, the optimal adjustment changes according to changes in the number and / or position of occupants 4 in passenger compartment 2 and changes in the aforementioned parameters; that is, when the number and / or position of occupants 4 in passenger compartment 2 changes, when external data ED or Figure 4 When the temperature contained in box K is modified, or when the crew 4 is changed and the metabolic index MR is modified, the optimization adjustment must also be modified.

[0086] For example, if only the driver is present, the thermal camera 11 will specifically detect body data and temperature relevant only to the driver, and will adjust the airflow A to compensate for possible changes in external conditions (temperature, radiation) or internal conditions (clothing, different temperatures of different parts of the body, etc.).

[0087] Obviously, if both the driver and the front passenger (or other passengers) are present, the ventilation system 6 must be controlled in accordance with the needs of both occupants (e.g., detected by multiple thermal cameras 11) in order to optimize the climate perception of both occupants without sacrificing one occupant to (overly) favor the other.

[0088] Obviously, if there is only a single thermal camera in the vehicle, that camera can frame multiple occupants 4. In the presence of a single-zone system and multiple occupants 4, the processing unit 12 controls the ventilation system to achieve at least partially satisfying the thermal conditions of all occupants. In other words, the air conditioning system 5 is controlled to achieve an average thermal condition relative to the optimal needs of the multiple occupants 4 in the passenger compartment 2.

[0089] Although the above invention specifically refers to very specific examples of embodiments, it should not be construed as being limited to such examples of embodiments. All variations, modifications, or simplifications covered by the appended claims fall within its scope, such as different types of sensors, different types of vehicles, different parameterizations of coefficients and compensation values, etc.

[0090] The above control methods have many advantages.

[0091] First, the aforementioned control method allows for optimization of the control of the air conditioning system 5, since it has been observed that the temperature perception of occupants 4 seated in the passenger compartment 2 is significantly affected by their number, arrangement, solar radiation, clothing, body type, etc. Furthermore, the passenger compartment 2 has a small but complex volume (i.e., filled with elements of different shapes), and the increase or decrease of a single occupant perceptibly alters the thermal response of the passenger compartment 2.

[0092] Therefore, due to the above control method, especially when only a driver is present or when both a driver and a passenger are present (in the case of a two-zone system), it is possible to provide thermal conditions that are both adaptive and customizable.

[0093] Obviously, when the number of occupants 4 in passenger compartment 2 is increased, the customizability and adaptability of the system will inevitably decrease, and compromises that benefit the passengers must be accepted. However, it is always possible to reach an optimal compromise in order to maximize the thermal comfort perceived by all occupants 4.

[0094] The aforementioned control method operates in a fully automatic manner, meaning it is readily apparent to occupant 4 and can therefore be used by anyone (without any action required) without causing any type of distraction while driving.

[0095] Finally, the above control method will not lead to any increase in cost: in fact, since the thermal camera 14, radiation sensor, thermometer 13 and weight sensor are already present in the passenger compartment 2 for other purposes, the processing device 12 can be developed entirely from the software in the hardware of an existing control unit or air conditioning system 5.

[0096] List of reference numerals

[0097] 1. Road vehicles

[0098] 2 passenger compartments

[0099] 3 seats

[0100] 4 One or more occupants

[0101] 5. Air conditioning system

[0102] 6. Ventilation device

[0103] 7. Windshield

[0104] 8. Memory

[0105] 9 Control Unit

[0106] 10 Sensor components

[0107] 11 Thermal cameras

[0108] 12 Processing Unit

[0109] 13. Thermometer

[0110] 14 Irradiation Sensors

[0111] ED External Data

[0112] ET external temperature

[0113] Irradiation

[0114] BI Body Mass Index

[0115] A L longitudinal acceleration

[0116] A T Lateral acceleration

[0117] V speed

[0118] DM dynamic model

[0119] MR metabolic index

[0120] T-head

[0121] C. Trunk

[0122] FT forehead temperature

[0123] RC right cheek temperature

[0124] LC left cheek temperature

[0125] CT scan of chest and / or abdominal temperature

[0126] RT right side temperature

[0127] LT left side temperature

[0128] BD Body Data

[0129] CI Clothing Index

[0130] TI Heat Index

[0131] T IN Internal temperature

[0132] T DIS Discharge temperature

[0133] T EQ Equivalent temperature

Claims

1. A control method for an air conditioning system (5) in a passenger compartment (2) of a road vehicle (1); the control method comprising the following steps: The body temperature of at least a portion of the body of one or more occupants (4) of the passenger compartment (2) is detected by the sensor component (10); as well as The detected body temperature is sent to the air conditioning system (5), which controls multiple ventilation devices (6) arranged in the passenger compartment (2); The control method is characterized in that it further includes the following steps: Identify the number and location of the one or more occupants (4) sitting in the passenger compartment (2); The optimal adjustment is determined by calculating the thermal index (TI) based at least on the body temperature detected by the sensor component (10); and The ventilation device (6) is controlled according to the optimization adjustment; The optimization adjustment is changed according to the driving mode of the occupant (4), which is determined based on data detected by the inertial measurement unit and is defined at least based on longitudinal acceleration, lateral or transverse acceleration and velocity. These parameters are processed to determine the driving value by calculating a weighted average of the above measurements and comparing it with reference parameters.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optimization adjustment is based on the change in body temperature of at least one part of the body of at least one occupant (4) of the passenger compartment (2).

3. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optimization adjustment is changed according to the physique of at least one of the occupants (4).

4. The control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The body was detected by a thermal camera (11).

5. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optimization adjustment is based on the clothing index (CI) related to the clothing worn by at least one of the occupants (4) of the passenger compartment (2).

6. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The Clothing Index (CI) is determined based on the difference between the body temperature of the covered part of the body of at least one of the occupants (4) and the body temperature of the uncovered part of the body.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The uncovered part is the head.

8. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optimization adjustment is changed based on the gender and / or head temperature of at least one of the occupants (4).

9. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optimization adjustment is changed according to the irradiation of the road vehicle (1).

10. The control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The irradiation of the road vehicle (1) is processed based on the signal detected by the external irradiation sensor (14) and / or based on the difference between the body temperature of the right side and the left side of the body of at least one of the occupants (4) detected by the thermal camera (11).

11. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optimization adjustment is based on the external temperature of the passenger compartment (2).

12. The control method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The external temperature of the passenger compartment (2) is processed based on the temperature of at least one window, the temperature of which is detected by a thermal imaging camera (11) arranged inside the passenger compartment (2).

13. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method further includes the following steps: The temperature inside the passenger compartment (2) is detected by at least one thermometer (13) arranged inside the passenger compartment (2); and The optimization adjustment is improved based on the internal temperature detected by the at least one thermometer (13).

14. The control method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The control method further includes the following steps: The temperature inside the passenger compartment (2) is compared with the desired temperature; and The optimization adjustment is improved based on the difference between the internal temperature of the passenger compartment (2) and the desired temperature.

15. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method further includes the step of adjusting the flow rate and / or temperature of the airflow from the plurality of ventilation devices (6) arranged in the passenger compartment (2).

16. An air conditioning system (5) in the passenger compartment (2) of a road vehicle (1); said air conditioning system (5) comprising: An interface device for setting a desired temperature signal; Multiple ventilation devices (6) are arranged in the passenger compartment (2); A control unit (8) configured to control the plurality of ventilation devices (6); The air conditioning system (5) is characterized in that it comprises: At least one sensor component (10) for identifying at least the number and location of occupants (4) seated in the passenger compartment (2); and A processing device (12) determines an optimization adjustment based on the detection of the sensor component (10) and controls the ventilation device (6) based on the optimization adjustment, wherein the processing device (12) is configured to change the optimization adjustment according to the driving mode of the occupant (4), the driving mode being determined based on data detected by an inertial measurement unit, and the driving mode being defined at least based on longitudinal acceleration, lateral or transverse acceleration and velocity, these parameters being processed to determine the driving value by calculating a weighted average of the above measurements and comparing it with reference parameters.

17. The air conditioning system (5) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The sensor component (10) includes at least one thermal camera (11) designed to frame one or more occupants (4) of the passenger compartment (2) and determine the temperature of at least a portion of the body of the at least one or more occupants (4) of the passenger compartment (2).

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