Climate controller and climate control method

Abstract

A control system (10) for controlling a climate system (30) of a vehicle includes a controller (20), a vent (31) having an adjustable flow direction control, and an actuator (32) for adjusting a flow direction of the vent (31), where the control system (10) is configured to: receive an input signal (142, 143, 145) indicative of a user identification; and determining a climate system configuration comprising a ventilation control scheme (28); storing the climate system configuration as a user-specific climate profile associated with the user identification; and after receiving the user identification input signal (142, 143, 145), outputting an actuator control signal (132) to control the vent flow direction according to the user-specific climate profile.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a controller for a vehicle climate system and a method of controlling a vehicle climate system, and in particular, but not exclusively, to a controller and method for controlling ventilation of a climate system. Aspects of the invention relate to a control system, a system including a control system, a method, a vehicle including a control system and / or a system, computer software arranged to execute the method, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for executing the method. Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide a vehicle climate control system that is operable to maintain a set temperature throughout the passenger compartment or in a specific zone of the passenger compartment. It is also known to control a vehicle climate system to reach the set temperature as quickly as possible before automatically adjusting the fan speed of the climate control system once the desired temperature is reached.

[0003] Most vehicle climate control systems include a plurality of air vents located around the passenger compartment. The air vents are typically directed toward specific areas of the passenger compartment, such as the passenger footwell, passenger body / face position, windshield, and side windows. In some cases, such as for body / face vents, the flow direction of the air vents is adjustable so that passengers can direct the air flow toward their most preferred position. In other cases, such as for foot and window vents, the flow direction of the air vents is fixed.

[0004] Traditionally, adjustable air vents have been provided with a handle or wheel by which a passenger can manually adjust the flow direction of the air vent. More recently, electronically adjustable air vents have been introduced which allow a passenger to input their preferred air flow direction into a user interface device forming part of a ventilation control system. The requested air flow direction is processed by the control system and provided as an input signal to an actuator which positions the air vent at the requested position.

[0005] It is also known to use a climate control system to pre-condition the passenger compartment before the vehicle sets off. This is particularly beneficial for electric vehicles because energy-intensive heating or cooling can be performed to achieve a comfortable climate in the passenger compartment while the vehicle is still plugged in.

[0006] It is in this context that the present invention has been developed. Summary of the invention

[0007] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention provide a control system, a system, a method, a vehicle, computer software and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium as claimed in the appended claims.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a control system for controlling a climate system of a vehicle is provided, the climate system including vents with adjustable flow direction controls and an actuator for adjusting the flow direction of the vents, the control system including one or more controllers, the control system being configured to: determine a climate system configuration, wherein the climate system configuration includes a ventilation control scheme; receive an input signal indicating a user identification, and determine a user identification based on the user identification input signal; store the climate system configuration as a user-specific climate profile associated with the user identification; and after receiving the user identification signal, output an actuator control signal to control the actuator to adjust the flow direction of the vents according to the user-specific climate profile.

[0009] The control system of the present invention is advantageous because a user's preferred climate system configuration can be conveniently and automatically implemented by the control system upon detection of a particular user.

[0010] One or more controllers may collectively include: at least one electronic processor having an electrical input for receiving an input signal; and at least one memory device electrically coupled to the at least one electronic processor and having instructions stored in the at least one memory device; and wherein the at least one electronic processor is configured to access the at least one memory device and execute the instructions on the at least one memory device to: determine a climate system configuration, wherein the climate system configuration includes a ventilation control scheme; determine a user identification based on a user identification input signal; store the climate system configuration as a user-specific climate profile associated with the user identification; and after receiving the user identification signal, output an actuator control signal to control the actuator to adjust the vent flow direction according to the user-specific climate profile.

[0011] Optionally, the ventilation control scheme may be a dynamic ventilation control scheme defining multiple vent flow directions. This is advantageous because it provides dynamic air flow within the vehicle's passenger compartment, thereby helping to more evenly distribute the heating / cooling air flow throughout the passenger compartment and providing a pleasant feel for the vehicle occupants.

[0012] The control system may optionally be configured to: receive an input signal indicative of a ventilation parameter, wherein the climate system configuration includes the ventilation parameter; and determine a ventilation control scheme based on the ventilation parameter. The use of ventilation parameters is advantageous because it allows a user to select features of the ventilation control scheme that best suit their needs or preferences. The ventilation parameters may include flow direction, circulation direction, pattern, passenger compartment height, passenger compartment width, pattern width, or pattern height.

[0013] In one example, a climate system may include at least one of: a fan with an electronically adjustable control; a heater with an electronically adjustable control; an air conditioner with an electronically adjustable control; a fragrance dispensing system; or an atmospheric inlet with an electronically adjustable control, wherein the control system is configured to: receive an input signal indicating a climate control parameter, wherein the climate control parameter includes a fan speed, a temperature, an air conditioning request, a fragrance request, or an air recirculation request, wherein the climate system configuration includes the climate control parameter; determine a climate control signal based on the climate control parameter; and output the climate control signal to control the fan, heater, air conditioner, fragrance dispensing system, or atmospheric inlet to operate based on the climate control signal. The use of climate control parameters is advantageous because it allows a user to select a climate condition that best suits their needs or preferences.

[0014] Optionally, the control system can be configured to: receive an input signal indicating a behavior of a vehicle occupant; determine whether the vehicle occupant is experiencing a pre-specified physical or mental condition based on the indicated behavior of the vehicle occupant and a predetermined behavior criterion; if it is determined that the vehicle occupant is experiencing a pre-specified physical or mental condition, determine a condition-dependent climate system configuration based on the pre-specified condition, wherein the condition-dependent climate system configuration includes one or more condition-dependent ventilation parameters, one or more condition-dependent climate control parameters, and / or a condition-dependent ventilation control scheme; and determine an actuator control signal and / or a climate control signal based on the condition-dependent climate system configuration. This is beneficial because the climate system configuration can be automatically adjusted to provide relief for certain conditions, such as fatigue or agitation.

[0015] The control system may optionally be configured to: monitor the behavior of the vehicle occupants; determine one or more user or occupant specific behavior criteria; store the user specific behavior criteria as the user specific behavior criteria associated with the user identification; and adjust the predetermined behavior criteria to the user specific behavior criteria. This is advantageous because the system can automatically adjust the criteria that need to be met to trigger a specific situation-related response, thereby taking into account user specific characteristics, such as skin color, body temperature, typical movement patterns, etc.

[0016] The control system may be configured to: receive an input signal indicative of a user-specific condition-related climate system configuration, store the user-specific condition-related climate system configuration as the user-specific condition-related climate system configuration associated with the user identification; and adjust the condition-related climate system configuration in accordance with the user-specific condition-related climate system configuration. This allows the user to set their preferred system response to detect any particular pre-specified condition.

[0017] In one example, the control system can be configured to: receive an input signal indicating a request for a predefined use case operating mode, wherein the predefined use case operating mode includes one or more predefined use case climate system configurations, wherein the predefined use case climate system configurations include one or more predefined use case ventilation parameters, one or more predefined use case climate control parameters, and / or a predefined use case ventilation control scheme; and operate the climate system according to the requested predefined use case climate system configurations. This is advantageous because a user can easily select certain climate system configurations associated with a use case without having to program the system each time. The user can select preprogrammed use cases and / or the user can input customized use cases into the control system.

[0018] Optionally, the control system can be configured to cease operating in a predefined use case operating mode after a predetermined time period, upon request, upon receipt of a signal indicating a request for an alternative predefined use case operating mode, or upon receipt of a signal indicating that predetermined climate condition criteria or vehicle condition criteria have been met.

[0019] The control system may optionally be configured to: receive a sensor input signal, wherein the sensor input signal indicates a climate condition within the vehicle or a condition of the vehicle; determine based on the sensor input signal whether the indicated climate condition or condition of the vehicle meets a predetermined climate condition standard or vehicle condition standard; and if the predetermined climate condition standard or vehicle condition standard is met, issue a criterion-satisfied signal, wherein the control system is configured to stop the predefined use case operating mode only after the criterion-satisfied signal is issued. This is beneficial because the control system can switch between operating modes or use cases when it detects that a specific condition has been reached within the vehicle.

[0020] The control system may be configured to: monitor the climate system configuration; receive an input signal indicative of a physical or environmental condition of the vehicle; associate one or more physical or environmental conditions of the vehicle with the climate system configuration as an environment-dependent climate system configuration; and store the environment-dependent climate system configuration. This is advantageous because the stored environment-dependent climate system configuration may be used for recall when the same or similar physical or environmental conditions exist again in the future.

[0021] Advantageously, the control system can be configured to: determine whether a physical or environmental condition associated with an environment-related climate system configuration exists; and if a physical or environmental condition associated with an environment-related climate system configuration exists, operate the climate system according to the environment-related climate system configuration. This is advantageous because the control system can automatically adjust the climate system configuration according to the prevailing physical or environmental conditions.

[0022] Optionally, the control system can be configured to adjust the climate system configuration based on which portions of the climate system are active, steering wheel position, infrared or sensed head position, degree of window opening, vehicle occupancy, use of auxiliary heating or cooling devices, and / or external environmental conditions. This is advantageous because the climate control system can be more effectively used to best accommodate the specific configuration of various vehicle systems and / or the position / physical attributes of vehicle occupants.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising: the control system as described above, comprising at least a first controller, wherein the at least first controller is arranged to output a signal for causing the climate system to operate according to a user specific climate profile.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a climate system of a vehicle is provided, the climate system including vents with adjustable flow direction controls and an actuator for adjusting the flow direction of the vents, the method comprising: determining a climate system configuration, wherein the climate system configuration includes a ventilation control scheme; receiving an input signal indicating a user identification, and determining a user identification based on the user identification input signal; storing the climate system configuration as a user-specific climate profile associated with the user identification; and after receiving the user identification signal, outputting an actuator control signal to control the actuator to adjust the flow direction of the vents according to the user-specific climate profile.

[0025] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising the control system or the system as described above.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided computer software which, when executed, is arranged to perform the above method.

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions, which, when executed by one or more electronic processors, cause the one or more electronic processors to perform the above method.

[0028] It is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular individual features thereof, may be employed independently or in any combination within the scope of the present application. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. Applicants reserve the right to change any originally filed claim or to file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to be subordinate to any other claim and / or to incorporate any features of any other claim, even though protection was not originally claimed in this manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Figure 2 A block diagram of a control system that may be adapted, for example, according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing a graphical user interface that may be adapted, for example, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0033] Figure 4 A simplified example of a control system that may be adapted, for example, according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 5 Structural elements of the vent assembly are shown.

[0035] Figure 6 A sequence of air flow configurations as a function of the rotational position of the vent axis is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In this article, reference is made to the attached Figure 1 A vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0037] The vehicle 1 includes a climate system 30 ( Figure 2 )'s control system 10.

[0038] Reference Figure 2, the control system 10 includes a controller 20, which is configured to communicate with a climate system 30, a sensor 40, and a vehicle system 50. The controller 20 is also configured to communicate with one or more user interfaces 25 (which may be graphical user interfaces). It should be understood that the communication between the controller 20 and the climate system 30, the sensor 40, the vehicle system 50, and the user interface 25 is an electronic communication that can be achieved via a wired connection (e.g., a communication beam) or via a wireless connection. Any combination of wired or wireless communication techniques can be used.

[0039] The climate system 30 includes one or more vents 31 having adjustable flow direction controls and one or more actuators 32 configured to adjust the flow direction of the vents 31 upon receiving an actuator control signal 132 from the controller 20. The climate system 30 may also include non-adjustable vents (not shown).

[0040] One or more electronically adjustable fans 33 are provided for creating air flow through the adjustable vents 31 (and non-adjustable vents, if present). In addition, the climate system 30 includes an electronically adjustable heater 34, an electronically adjustable air regulator 35, an electronically adjustable atmospheric inlet valve 36, and an electronically adjustable fragrance dispensing system 37. It should be understood that in a simpler climate system, the air regulator 35, the atmospheric inlet valve 36, and / or the fragrance dispensing system 37 may be omitted.

[0041] The controller 20 is configured to communicate with one or more sensors 40, which may include an interior climate sensor 41 for sensing temperature, humidity and / or air quality within the passenger compartment. Alternatively, one or more individual interior climate sensors may be provided for detecting one or more of the above-mentioned interior climate factors in groups or individually.

[0042] The sensors 40 may also include a camera 42 (which may have infrared capabilities), a weight sensor 43 for detecting the weight of an occupant on a seat, a fragrance sensor 44 such as an electronic nose, a user identification indicator 45 which may be a mobile phone or a vehicle key, and / or an external climate sensor 46 for sensing temperature, humidity, and / or air quality outside the vehicle 1. The external climate sensor 46 may also detect wind speed, precipitation, air pressure, direct sunlight exposure, and / or a shelter / room (e.g., a carport or garage). Alternatively, a separate external climate sensor may be provided for detecting one or more of the external climate factors mentioned above in groups or individually.

[0043] The controller 20 is also configured to communicate with one or more vehicle systems 50, which may include a steering wheel 51, a seat 52, and / or a window 53. The steering wheel 51 and / or the seat 52 may be equipped with electric heating or cooling, such as provided by a Peltier device. The window 53 may be provided with electric heating, such as provided by an embedded or printed resistive wire.

[0044] The user interface 25 may include a single user interface that may be operated to control one or more aspects of the control system 10, such as fan speed, temperature set point, ventilation position, etc. Alternatively, the user interface may include separate user interfaces for controlling one or more parameters of the control system 10. For simplicity, reference is made to a single user interface 25 in the following description. However, it should be understood that one or more user interfaces may be used instead.

[0045] The user interface 25 may be configured to allow a user to set a desired climate system configuration. The climate system configuration may include ventilation parameters 26 , such as vent flow direction. The user interface 25 is configured to provide the ventilation parameters 26 to the controller 20 as ventilation parameter input signals 126 .

[0046] The ventilation parameters 26 may be static ventilation parameters that specify a fixed flow direction for the vents 31, or dynamic ventilation parameters that include information about how the vents 31 should move during operation of the climate system 30 in the dynamic ventilation operating mode. The ventilation parameters 26 may include settings detailing a flow direction, a circulation direction, a flow pattern, a flow pattern size, and / or a passenger compartment size. Each ventilation parameter 26 is provided to the controller 20 as a ventilation parameter input signal 126.

[0047] The controller 20 may use each ventilation parameter to determine a ventilation control scheme 28 that forms part of the climate system configuration. The ventilation parameter 26 is issued to the actuator 32 as an output actuator control signal 132 to operate the actuator 32 to adjust the vent flow direction according to the ventilation control scheme 28 in use. If dynamic ventilation parameters 26 are set, the ventilation control scheme 28 is a dynamic ventilation control scheme 28 that defines multiple vent flow directions to be achieved in use. If no ventilation parameters 26 are set, the controller 20 may determine a ventilation control scheme 28, which may be a preset static or dynamic ventilation control scheme 28. In one example, the controller 20 may include a plurality of stored ventilation control schemes 28 that may be selected by a user as the ventilation parameter 26 via the user interface 25. Alternatively, the stored ventilation control schemes 28 may be associated with a particular user, as described in more detail below.

[0048] User interface 25 may be used to select a dynamic operating mode, in which actuator 32 is operated to move vent 31 according to a dynamic ventilation control scheme, or a static operating mode, in which actuator 32 is operated to move vent 31 to a fixed position (or to maintain the vent in that position if the vent is already in that fixed position). Alternatively, controller 20 may be configured to default to a static or dynamic operating mode in the absence of a request for any particular operating mode.

[0049] The dynamic operating mode may include any combination of available vent motions, which may include periodic sweeps of the vent flow direction within a specified vertical range and / or across a specified horizontal range of the vent flow direction. Alternatively, the flow direction may move in a cycle around a specified pattern, such as clockwise or counterclockwise. The precise nature of the dynamic ventilation control scheme may be specified by the user via the user interface 25 as a dynamic ventilation parameter input 26, and may include pattern shape, pattern height or width, cycle direction, and / or passenger compartment dimensions.

[0050] The user interface 25 may also be configured to allow the user to set climate control parameters 27 , such as fan speed, temperature, air conditioning request, air recirculation request, and / or fragrance request. The user interface 25 is configured to provide the climate control parameters 27 to the controller 20 as climate control parameter input signals 127 .

[0051] The controller 20 is configured to send an output climate control signal to each of the Coco electronic climate control systems, so that the controller 20 can send a fan control signal 133 to the fan 33, a temperature control signal 134 to the heater 34, an air conditioning control signal 135 to the air conditioner 35, a valve control signal 136 to the atmosphere inlet valve 36, and / or a fragrance control signal 137 to the fragrance dispensing system 37. Each of the fan 33, the heater 34, the air conditioner 35, the atmosphere inlet valve 36, and / or the fragrance dispensing system 37 is configured to operate according to the corresponding climate control signal.

[0052] Reference Figure 3 , the user interface 25 may be a graphical user interface (GUI) 225 including an interactive display screen 201 configured to display a graphical representation of climate system settings and configured to allow a user to adjust the climate system settings by interacting with the GUI 225. The display screen 201 may be touch operated, allowing the user to adjust the climate settings by touching the display screen 201. Alternatively or additionally, the GUI may include one or more cameras 220 configured to track the user's hand movements and convert such hand movements into climate setting adjustments.

[0053] Regardless of how the climate setting is adjusted, the GUI is configured to display the enabled climate system setting so that the user can easily see the climate system configuration. The GUI may also be configured to animate the transition from one climate system setting to another climate system setting. If a transition from one climate setting to another occurs within a time period (e.g., temperature rises), the GUI may be configured to indicate one or both of a target climate setting and current progress toward the target climate setting.

[0054] Display screen 201 may display a graphical representation of a dynamic ventilation control scheme. Figure 3 In the example shown, two dynamic ventilation control schemes are shown, one for each passenger of the passenger vehicle 1. In this example, two passengers have selected a circular flow pattern, wherein the left passenger has selected a counterclockwise circulation and the right passenger has selected a clockwise circulation. The left circular flow pattern 202 is set to a higher height H than the right circular flow pattern 203 having a pattern height h. The two flow patterns 202, 203 have the same pattern width W. The left flow pattern 202 is set to a slower circulation speed than the right flow pattern 203 as indicated by the greater number of flow direction arrows 210 on the right flow pattern 203.

[0055] It should be understood that the above flow patterns 202, 203 are only examples, and the user can select or create any desired dynamic ventilation control scheme. For example, the flow can move left to right, up and down, or diagonally. If there is only one user, or if only one climate system configuration is required, the system can operate as described above in the following manner: the flow pattern only covers the user's position in the vehicle 1, or the flow pattern covers some or all of the passenger compartment.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, GUI 225 may also include graphical representations of climate control parameters 27 such as fan speed 204, temperature 205, air conditioning 206, air recirculation 207, and / or fragrance 208. The user may also select a particular zone of the passenger cabin to which climate settings will be applied via zone icon 209.

[0057] It should be understood that the GUI 225 can be configured in many different ways, and the above description is only one example. In particular, the above description is given in the context of the dynamic ventilation mode of operation. It should be understood that the GUI 225 can also be used to set or select the climate system configuration during the static ventilation mode of operation.

[0058] The control system 10 can be configured so that any particular climate system configuration (including ventilation control schemes, one or more ventilation parameters, and / or one or more climate control parameters) can be stored and recalled the next time the control system 10 is powered on or when a particular operating mode is initiated. For example, the system can be configured so that when the vehicle 1 is powered on after having been shut down, the climate system reverts to the last climate system configuration. The control system 10 can be configured to store and recall a particular climate system configuration associated with a dynamic and / or static ventilation operating mode, so that when a dynamic or static ventilation operating mode is initiated, the stored climate system configuration is automatically set.

[0059] The control system 10 may be configured to receive a user identification input signal 145 from a user identification indicator 45 to the controller 20. The user identification indicator may be a key card associated with a particular user or a mobile phone associated with a particular user. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 20 may be configured to receive a camera input signal 142 from the camera 42 or a weight signal 143 from the weight meter 43, and to process the camera input signal 142 and / or the weight input signal 143 to identify the particular user using stored user-specific biometric information. Thus, when used in this manner, the camera input signal 142 / weight input signal 143 may also be referred to as a user identification signal.

[0060] The control system 10 may be configured to store a specific climate system configuration as a user-specific climate profile to be recalled upon detection of the user-specific identification signal 145. The control system 10 may be configured to automatically associate the current climate system configuration with the user and to store the climate system configuration as a user-specific climate profile. Alternatively or additionally, the control system 10 may be configured to allow a user to store one or more climate system configurations to their profile. For example, a user may store different climate system configurations for dynamic and static operating modes.

[0061] The control system 10 may be configured to identify that more than one specific user is present in the vehicle 1 and to identify which zone of the passenger cabin the user is located in. This may be accomplished by identifying a user-specific key fob or mobile phone input signal 145 in a specific zone of the passenger cabin and / or by using a camera input signal 142 / weight input signal 143. The control system 10 may then set the climate system configuration in the specific zones of the passenger cabin identified as occupied by the users to their user-specific climate profile.

[0062] The control system 10 may be configured to monitor external physical and / or environmental conditions around the vehicle 1 via one or more input signals 146 provided to the controller 20 from the external climate sensor 46. The control system 10 may monitor the external conditions and associate the external conditions with the current climate system configuration. The control system 10 may then store this information and recall the climate system configuration associated with a particular external condition and default to that climate system configuration when the same or similar external condition is identified. The association of a particular external condition with a particular climate system configuration may be independent of the user or may be stored as part of a user-specific climate profile.

[0063] The control system 10 can be configured to monitor the behavior of the vehicle occupants and determine whether the occupants are experiencing a physical or mental condition based on the occupants' behavior. For example, the occupants may be agitated or fatigued, or may have a fever. The input signal 142 from the camera 42 can be used to monitor the behavior of the vehicle occupants, such as blinking, nodding, yawning, facial color, and gestures. If the camera 42 has infrared capabilities, the camera signal 142 can also be used to monitor the occupants' body temperature. Alternatively or additionally, other sensors located in the vehicle 1 can be used to monitor the behavior of the vehicle occupants, such as motion sensors located in the seats to detect movement of positions, or humidity sensors located on the steering wheel 51 to detect sweaty palms.

[0064] The determination of whether the occupant is experiencing a pre-specified physical or mental condition may be accomplished by comparing the monitored behavior to one or more stored behavior criteria. For example, there may be a predetermined behavior criterion indicating occupant drowsiness, another predetermined behavior criterion indicating agitation, and another predetermined behavior criterion indicating fever.

[0065] If it is determined that the occupant is experiencing a pre-specified physical or mental condition, the control system 10 can determine the condition-related climate system configuration associated with the condition and adjust the ventilation control scheme 28, ventilation parameters 26 and / or climate control parameters 27 so that the climate system 30 automatically switches to operate according to the condition-related climate system configuration.

[0066] The behavior of each vehicle occupant may be monitored, and a situation-dependent climate system configuration may be implemented only in the zone of the passenger compartment occupied by the monitored occupant. Alternatively, a situation-dependent climate system configuration may be implemented throughout the passenger compartment regardless of the occupant position. Alternatively, only the driver's behavior may be monitored for some or all pre-specified situations.

[0067] Because each person has different physical and mental characteristics, the control system 10 can be programmed with user-specific behavior criteria for one or more pre-specified conditions. The user-specific behavior criteria can be programmed by the user, or can be determined by monitoring the behavior of a particular user and determining the user-specific behavior criteria based on their characteristic behavior. In each case, the user-specific behavior criteria can be stored and associated with the user identification to be implemented when the particular user is detected.

[0068] Similarly, a condition-dependent climate system configuration may be specified by each user and stored as a user-specific condition-dependent climate system configuration associated with their user identification.The user-specific condition-dependent climate system configuration may be selected and stored for one or more pre-specified conditions.

[0069] The control system 10 may be configured with one or more predefined use case operating modes, wherein each predefined use case operating mode is associated with a predefined use case climate system configuration. The control system 10 may be configured to receive an input signal, such as from the user interface 25 and / or from a user's mobile phone, such that the user may request a particular predefined use case operating mode.

[0070] Example predefined use cases may include, but are not limited to, transporting hot / cold food in a footwell, carrying an infant in a child seat, carrying a pet in a carrier, or buckling a pet into a seat belt. In each of these examples, it may be desirable for the climate system 30 to operate in a specific predefined use case operating mode with an appropriate predefined use case climate system configuration, which may include a predefined ventilation control scheme 28, predefined ventilation parameters 26, and / or predefined climate control parameters 27.

[0071] Taking the example of an infant in a child seat, the ventilation control scheme 28 and / or ventilation / parameters 26 can be programmed so that the air flow is directed toward the backrest of the seat where the child seat is located. In this way, the air flow can bounce off the backrest toward the infant to provide an indirect cooling air flow. Of course, the climate control parameters 27 can also be adjusted in this example; for example, a fragrance can be dispensed in this operating mode. In the example of transporting hot / cold food, the ventilation control scheme 28, ventilation parameters 26 and / or climate control parameters 27 can be programmed so that the hot / cold air is directed into the footwell only to keep the food hot / cold.

[0072] The control system 10 can be configured so that the predefined use case operating mode stops after a predetermined time period, upon a request from the user interface 25 or mobile phone / key card, upon receiving a signal indicating a request for an alternative predefined use case, or upon receiving a signal indicating that a predefined climate or vehicle condition has been met. For example, the predefined use case climate system configuration may include temperature, humidity and / or fragrance concentration. One or more of the sensors 40 can be used to provide an input signal indicating that a predefined climate or vehicle condition has been met. For example, the electronic nose 44 can be used to determine the fragrance concentration and / or air quality and send a sensor input signal 144 to the controller 20. Similarly, the interior climate sensor 41 can provide an input signal 141 indicating the temperature / humidity, etc. inside the passenger compartment to the controller 20.

[0073] The control system 10 may be configured to determine whether a predetermined climate or vehicle condition has been met based on one or more sensor input signals, and if it is determined that the predetermined climate or vehicle condition has been met, to cease operation of the climate system 30 in the predefined use case operating mode. Once the predefined use case mode ceases, the control system 10 may be configured to return to the immediately previous operating mode, to a user specified mode from the user interface 25 or mobile phone / key fob, or to a user specific climate profile. Alternatively, the control system 10 may be configured to continue moving to a second or subsequent predefined use case operating mode after the previous predefined use case operating mode ceases.

[0074] The control system 10 can be configured to operate in a pre-conditioning operating mode so that the climate system 30 can operate while the vehicle is parked. For example, the pre-conditioning operating mode can be used before the vehicle 1 is used for the first time after a long period of non-use, or while parked for a short period of time to maintain a desired climate configuration for that period.

[0075] The control system 10 may be configured to receive an input signal indicating a request for a pre-conditioned operating mode. The control system 10 may be configured to store one or more pre-conditioned operating modes, wherein each pre-conditioned operating mode is associated with a specific pre-conditioned climate system configuration. The input signal may be issued, for example, via the user interface 25 or through a user's mobile phone or key card.

[0076] The or each preconditioning climate system configuration may comprise a specific ventilation control scheme 28, ventilation parameters 26 and / or climate control parameters 27. It is particularly advantageous if the ventilation control scheme in the preconditioning operating mode is a dynamic ventilation control scheme, so that the air flow in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1 in the preconditioning mode is dynamic, thereby helping to ensure an even distribution of climate conditions in the passenger compartment.

[0077] The control system 10 can be configured to store the or each pre-adjusted operating mode as a user-specific pre-adjusted operating mode associated with a specific user identification, so that when a request for a pre-adjusted operating mode is received, and when a user-specific identification signal is received, the control system 10 will default to the pre-adjusted operating mode associated with the specific user.

[0078] The control system 10 may be configured with one or more pre-conditioning use case operating modes, wherein each pre-conditioning use case operating mode is associated with a specific pre-conditioning use case climate system configuration. This is very similar to the pre-defined use cases described above regarding operation of the climate system 30 during regular use of the vehicle 1 rather than during pre-conditioning when the vehicle is parked. The control system 10 may be configured to receive an input signal (e.g., from the user interface 25 and / or from a user's mobile phone or key card) indicating a request for a pre-defined pre-conditioning use case.

[0079] Example predefined preconditioning use cases may include, but are not limited to, the presence of hot / cold food in the footwell, and / or the presence of a pet in the vehicle 1. In these cases, the predefined preconditioning use cases are similar to those described above regarding the operation of the climate system 30 during normal use of the vehicle 1. The predefined preconditioning use cases may also include use cases related to external climate conditions such as rain, frost, snow, etc. Each preconditioning use case may include a suitable preconditioning use case climate system configuration, which may include a predefined ventilation control scheme 28, predefined ventilation parameters 26, and / or predefined climate control parameters 27.

[0080] The control system 10 can be configured such that the preconditioning operating mode includes a dual preconditioning operating mode. The dual preconditioning operating mode includes a primary mode and an auxiliary mode, wherein the primary mode includes a primary climate system configuration, and wherein the auxiliary mode includes an auxiliary climate system configuration. The primary climate system configuration and the auxiliary climate system configuration can each include a static or dynamic ventilation control scheme 28 determined based on the primary ventilation parameters and the auxiliary ventilation parameters 26, respectively.

[0081] In the dual preconditioning mode of operation, the control system 10 is configured to initiate primary mode operation by outputting the primary actuator control signal 132 and other climate system control signals 133, 134, 135, 136, 137 as needed to control the climate system 30 according to the primary climate control configuration. After a predetermined period of time, upon request or upon receipt of an input signal indicating that one or more primary mode criteria have been met, the control system 10 is configured to transition to secondary mode operation by outputting the secondary actuator control signal 132 and other climate system control signals 133, 134, 135, 136, 137 as needed to control the climate system 30 according to the secondary climate control configuration.

[0082] The primary mode criteria may include climate and / or vehicle conditions. The control system 10 may be configured to determine whether the primary mode criteria have been met based on input signals received from one or more of the sensors 40. For example, as discussed above with respect to the operation of the climate system 30 during regular use of the vehicle 1, the electronic nose 44 may be used to determine fragrance concentration and / or air quality and issue a sensor input signal 144 to the controller 20. Similarly, the interior climate sensor 41 may provide an input signal 141 to the controller 20 indicating the temperature / humidity, etc., inside the passenger compartment.

[0083] The camera 42 can be used to determine whether the window 53 of the vehicle 1 is clear. The controller 20 can be configured to receive an input signal 142 from the camera 42, and to determine whether the window 53 is clear enough to move the pre-conditioning operating mode from the main operating mode to the auxiliary operating mode based on one or more predefined criteria. For example, the percentage of transparent window area can be used as a window clarity criterion. In the main pre-conditioning operating mode, the vents 31 can be directed primarily toward the window to promote window clarity, while in the auxiliary pre-conditioning operating mode, the vents 31 can be operated to ensure consistent conditions throughout the passenger compartment.

[0084] In hot weather, particularly if the vehicle 1 is exposed to direct sunlight, the vents 31 may be directed to the seats and / or controls such as the steering wheel 51 and switches to cool these areas before the vehicle is used. This may be part of a single preconditioning operating mode or a dual preconditioning operating mode.

[0085] The control system 10 may be configured to monitor external physical and / or environmental conditions around the vehicle 1 via one or more input signals 146 provided to the controller 20 from the external climate sensor 46. The control system 10 may monitor the external conditions and associate the external conditions with the current pre-conditioning climate system configuration. The control system 10 may then store this information and recall the pre-conditioning climate system configuration associated with a particular external condition and default to that pre-conditioning climate system configuration when the same or similar external condition is identified.

[0086] The control system 10 may be configured to utilize any suitable system of the vehicle 1 as part of the climate system configuration, either in normal use of the vehicle 1 or in a pre-conditioning operating mode. For example, the control system may be configured to operate one or more electrical systems, such as Peltier devices located in the seat 52 or steering wheel 51 and / or electrical heating elements located in the window 53.

[0087] The control system 10 can be configured to adjust the climate system configuration, either in normal vehicle use or in a pre-conditioning mode, based on which portions of the climate system 30 are enabled, steering wheel position, sensed or infrared occupant head position, degree of window opening, vehicle occupancy, use of auxiliary heating / cooling devices (e.g., windows, seats, or steering wheel), and / or external ambient conditions.

[0088] Reference Figure 4 , shows a simplified example of a control system 310 that can be suitable for implementing the above method. The control system 310 includes one or more controllers 320 and is configured to determine a dynamic ventilation control scheme, wherein the dynamic ventilation control scheme defines a plurality of vent flow directions; and output an actuator control signal to control the actuator to adjust the vent flow direction according to the dynamic ventilation control scheme to achieve a dynamic ventilation operation mode.

[0089] It should be understood that the controller 320 or each controller 320 may include a control unit or computing device having one or more electronic processors (e.g., microprocessors, microcontrollers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc.), and may include a single control unit or computing device, or alternatively, different functions of the controller 320 or each controller 320 may be embodied or hosted in different control units or computing devices. As used herein, the terms "controller", "control unit" or "computing device" will be understood to include a single controller, control unit or computing device, as well as multiple controllers, control units or computing devices that operate together to provide the required control functions. A set of instructions may be provided that, when executed, causes the controller 320 to implement the control techniques described herein (including some or all of the functions required by the methods described herein). The set of instructions may be embedded in the one or more electronic processors of the controller 320; or alternatively, the set of instructions may be provided as software to be executed in the controller 320. A first controller or control unit may be implemented in software running on one or more processors. One or more other controllers or control units may be implemented in software running on one or more processors, optionally the same one or more processors as the first controller or control unit. Other arrangements are also useful.

[0090] exist Figure 4In the example shown, the controller 320 or each controller 320 includes at least one electronic processor 330 having one or more electrical inputs 322 for receiving one or more input signals, and one or more electrical outputs 324 for outputting one or more output signals. The controller 320 or each controller 320 also includes at least one memory device 340, the at least one memory device 340 being electrically coupled to the at least one electronic processor 330 and having instructions 350 stored in the at least one memory device 340. The at least one electronic processor 330 is configured to access the at least one memory device 340 and execute the instructions 350 on the at least one memory device 340 to determine a dynamic ventilation control scheme, wherein the dynamic ventilation control scheme defines a plurality of vent flow directions; and output an actuator control signal to control the actuator to adjust the vent flow direction according to the dynamic ventilation control scheme, thereby achieving a dynamic ventilation operating mode.

[0091] The electronic processor 330 or each electronic processor 330 may include any suitable electronic processor (e.g., a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an ASIC, etc.) configured to execute electronic instructions. The electronic memory device 340 or each electronic memory device 340 may include any suitable memory device and may store various data, information, thresholds, lookup tables or other data structures and / or instructions therein or thereon. In an embodiment, the memory device 340 has information and instructions for software, firmware, programs, algorithms, scripts, applications, etc. stored therein or thereon, which may control all or part of the methods described herein. The processor or each electronic processor 330 may access the memory device 340 and execute and / or use these or those instructions and information to perform or execute some or all of the functions and methods described herein. At least one memory device 340 may include a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory or non-transitory storage medium) that may include any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine or electronic processor / computing device, including, but not limited to: magnetic storage media (e.g., floppy disks); optical storage media (e.g., CD-ROMs); magneto-optical storage media; read-only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM); flash memory; or an electronic medium or other type of medium for storing such information / instructions. An example controller 320 has been described that includes at least one electronic processor 330 configured to execute electronic instructions stored in at least one memory device 340 that, when executed, cause the electronic processor 330 to perform the methods described above. However, it is contemplated that the present invention is not limited to being implemented by programmable processing devices, and at least some, and in some embodiments all, of the functions and / or method steps of the present invention may also be implemented by non-programmable hardware, such as by non-programmable ASICs, Boolean logic circuitry, etc. It should be understood that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the application.

[0092] As described above, the climate system 30 includes one or more vents 31 with adjustable flow direction controls and one or more actuators 32, wherein the one or more actuators 32 are configured to adjust the flow direction of the vents 31 upon receiving an actuator control signal 132 from the controller 20. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to a specific climate system arrangement or a specific adjustable vent arrangement. However, examples of adjustable vent arrangements that can implement the present invention are disclosed in patent applications GB2300160.5, CN202221565143.3, and CN202210704037.7, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0093] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the adjustable vent arrangement described in these applications includes: a first set of blades 216 and a second set of blades 218, each blade being used to direct air into a vehicle cabin; a first cam path 209 and a second cam path 211 defined by one or more cams 208, 210, the one or more cams being mounted to a common rotatable shaft; a first cam follower 212 operably coupled between the first cam path 209 and the first set of blades 216, and a second cam follower 214 operably coupled between the second cam path 211 and the second set of blades 218; wherein rotation of the common shaft causes the one or more cams 208, 210 to rotate, and the first cam follower 212 and the second cam follower 214 follow the corresponding first cam path 209 and second cam path 211 to adjust the relative angles of the first set of blades 216 and the second set of blades 218. More specifically, the first cam follower 212 is provided at one end thereof with a pin 213 that engages with the cam path 209 of the first cam wheel 208. Similarly, the second cam follower 214 is provided at one end thereof with a pin 215 that engages with the cam path 211 of the second cam wheel 210.

[0094] The cam followers 212, 214 may be coupled to the blade sets so that each blade in the blade set pivots about a corresponding blade axis when the cam followers move in the actuation direction. The blade axis of each blade in the blade set may be parallel to each other blade in the corresponding blade set.

[0095] Each of the blade groups 216, 218 is rotatably mounted to the interior of the housing by a respective pivot 217, 219. When the respective cam follower 212, 214 moves along its longitudinal axis, it displaces the respective rod 253, 263 connected to the respective distributor rod 255, 265, which itself is connected to all the blades 251, 261 of the respective blade group 216, 218 (at a position on the blade at a distance from the pivot 217, 219). This enables the blades 251, 261 to rotate around the pivot 217, 219 and thus define different angles within the portion of the vent occupied by the blades 251, 261. Since the two different portions of the vent, respectively occupied by the first set of blades 216 and the second set of blades 218, are able to direct the air in different directions (to each other), a very flexible control of the air flow from the vent is possible.

[0096] The rotation of the common shaft and thus the following of the cam followers in their first and second cam paths allows the respective angles of the first and second sets of blades to be adjusted differently. Since portions (but not all) of the two cam paths may coincide, the first and second sets of blades move together (without a change in their relative angles) for portions of the common shaft rotation, but move differently (with a change in their relative angles) for other portions of the common shaft rotation.

[0097] In this way, two different sets of blades may be controlled differently (but not independently) using rotation of a single shaft.

[0098] Each of the cam paths may define a continuous loop.In this way, a desired blade configuration between the two blade sets may be achieved by rotation of the common shaft, and the required degree of rotation of the common shaft may be minimized by selecting the direction of rotation of the common shaft.

[0099] Although the present technique may be implemented manually by rotating the common shaft directly or indirectly through manual operation by a user (eg by turning a dial), preferably a motor is provided to rotate the shaft.

[0100] The controller 20 can control the position of the first and second sets of blades by adjusting the rotational position of the common shaft via a motor. The controller 20 can be configured to select the rotational direction of the shaft according to which direction will achieve the desired configuration of the first and second sets of blades with the least shaft rotation.

[0101] It will be appreciated that the present technology may be used with vertical blades, horizontal blades or angled blades.

[0102] A vent assembly controlled by a first set of blades and a second set of blades may have the first set of blades and the second set of blades arranged adjacent to each other, whereby a single wide air flow path exits the vent assembly if the first set of blades and the second set of blades are aligned in the same direction, and two flow paths in different directions exit the vent assembly if they are oriented differently from each other, either in diverging directions where they remain separate, or in converging directions where they mix to form a single concentrated air flow. The axes of rotation of each set of blades may be parallel.

[0103] The first cam path and the second cam path may be defined such that the first set of blades and the second set of blades may be configured as each of:

[0104] - a first neutral configuration, in which both sets of blades are aligned in the same forward direction,

[0105] - a second configuration in which both sets of blades are aligned in the same leftward direction,

[0106] - a third configuration, in which both sets of blades are aligned in the same rightward direction,

[0107] - a fourth configuration wherein the first set of blades are aligned in a leftward direction and the second set of blades are aligned in a rightward direction so as to converge and focus the air flow exiting the vent assembly, and

[0108] - A fifth configuration, wherein the first set of blades are aligned in a rightward direction and the second set of blades are aligned in a leftward direction to diverge the air flow into separate streams.

[0109] In some implementations, the first neutral configuration is arranged to occur twice with a complete rotation of the common shaft. According to a first of the first neutral configurations, rotation of the common shaft in a first direction may move the blades into a second configuration, and rotation of the common shaft in a second direction may move the blades into a third configuration. According to a second of the first neutral configurations, rotation of the common shaft in one direction may move the blades into a fourth configuration, and rotation of the common shaft in an opposite direction may move the blades into a fifth configuration.

[0110] The presence of two neutral positions, in each case surrounded by a pair of other (related) configurations, presents a natural feeling transition for the user - that is, it is not always necessary to transition through multiple undesired modes before reaching the desired mode.

[0111] It should be understood that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the application.

Claims

1. A control system for controlling a climate system of a vehicle, the climate system comprising an air vent having an adjustable flow direction control and an actuator for adjusting the flow direction of the air vent, the control system comprising one or more controllers, the control system being configured to: Determine the climate system configuration, where The climate system configuration includes a ventilation control scheme; receiving an input signal indicative of a user identification, and determining the user identification based on the user identification input signal; storing the climate system configuration as a user-specific climate profile associated with the user identification; as well as After receiving the user identification signal, an actuator control signal is output to control the actuator to adjust the flow direction of the vent according to the user-specific climate profile.

2. The control system according to claim 1, wherein: The ventilation control scheme is a dynamic ventilation control scheme that defines the flow directions of multiple ventilation openings.

3. A control system according to any preceding claim, configured to: receiving an input signal indicative of a ventilation parameter, wherein The climate system configuration includes the ventilation parameters; and The ventilation control scheme is determined according to the ventilation parameters.

4. The control system according to claim 3, wherein: The ventilation parameters include flow direction, circulation direction, pattern, passenger compartment height, passenger compartment width, pattern width or pattern height.

5. A control system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The climate system includes at least one of the following: A fan with electronically adjustable controls; A heater having an electronically adjustable control; air regulator with electronically adjustable controls; Fragrance dispensing systems; or An atmospheric inlet having an electronically adjustable control, wherein the control system is configured to: receiving an input signal indicative of a climate control parameter, wherein the climate control parameter comprises a fan speed, a temperature, an air conditioning request, a fragrance request, or an air recirculation request, wherein the climate system configuration includes the climate control parameter; determining a climate control signal based on the climate control parameter; and The climate control signal is output to control the fan, the heater, the air conditioner, the fragrance dispensing system or the atmosphere inlet to operate according to the climate control signal.

6. The control system according to claim 5, configured to: receiving an input signal indicative of a climate system configuration associated with a user's particular situation, storing the user-specific condition-dependent climate system configuration as a user-specific condition-dependent climate system configuration associated with the user identification; and The situation-dependent climate system configuration is adjusted depending on the user-specific situation-dependent climate system configuration.

7. A control system according to any preceding claim, configured to: receiving an input signal indicating a request for a predefined use case mode of operation, wherein: The predefined use case operating mode includes one or more predefined use case climate system configurations, wherein the predefined use case climate system configurations include one or more predefined use case ventilation parameters, one or more predefined use case climate control parameters, and / or a predefined use case ventilation control scheme; and Operate the climate system according to the requested predefined use case climate system configuration.

8. The control system according to claim 7, configured to: Ceasing to operate in the predefined use case operating mode after a predetermined period of time, upon request, upon receipt of a signal indicating a request for an alternative predefined use case operating mode, or upon receipt of a signal indicating that predetermined climate condition criteria or vehicle condition criteria have been met.

9. The control system according to claim 8, configured to: Receive sensor input signal, where The sensor input signal is indicative of a climate condition within the vehicle or a condition of the vehicle; determining, based on the sensor input signal, whether the indicated climate condition or the condition of the vehicle satisfies one or more predetermined climate condition criteria or vehicle condition criteria; and If the one or more predetermined weather condition criteria or vehicle condition criteria are met, a criterion-met signal is issued, Wherein, the control system is configured to stop the predefined use case operation mode only after issuing the criterion-satisfied signal.

10. A control system according to any preceding claim, configured to: monitoring said climate system configuration; receiving an input signal indicative of a physical or environmental condition of the vehicle; associating one or more physical or environmental conditions of the vehicle with the climate system configuration as an environmentally-dependent climate system configuration; and A climate system configuration associated with the environment is stored.

11. The control system according to claim 10, configured to: determining whether said physical or environmental condition associated with said environmentally relevant climate system configuration exists; and If the physical or environmental condition associated with the environmentally-dependent climate system configuration is present, the climate system is operated according to the environmentally-dependent climate system configuration.

12. A method for controlling a climate system of a vehicle, the climate system comprising an air vent having an adjustable flow direction control and an actuator for adjusting the flow direction of the air vent, the method comprising: determining a climate system configuration, wherein the climate system configuration includes a ventilation control scheme; receiving an input signal indicative of a user identification, and determining the user identification based on the user identification input signal; storing the climate system configuration as a user-specific climate profile associated with the user identification; and After receiving the user identification signal, an actuator control signal is output to control the actuator to adjust the flow direction of the vent according to the user-specific climate profile.

13. A vehicle comprising a control system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. Computer software which, when executed, is arranged to perform the method according to claim 12.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by one or more electronic processors, cause the one or more electronic processors to perform the method of claim 12.

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