Method for operating a storage tank unit in a vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a storage compartment unit (2) in a vehicle (1), comprising a temperature control unit (3), a storage compartment (A1) that can be cooled by the temperature control unit (3), and a storage compartment (A2) that can be heated by the temperature control unit (3), control of a coolable storage compartment (A1) by a temperature control unit (3) on the basis of sensor data from a sensor system (10) of a vehicle (1) and / or information from a central unit (11) outside the vehicle and / or information from a personal communication unit (12) of a vehicle user and / or information from a communication of the vehicle user with a human-computer interface (13) of the vehicle (1) the heatable storage compartment (A2) is cooled and / or heated, and wherein the heatable storage compartment (A2) is heated when a presence of a vehicle user in the vehicle (1) is detected, an external temperature is detected within a predetermined temperature range, a predetermined activity of the vehicle user is detected, and a predetermined operating state of the vehicle (1) is detected. And cooling the storage compartment (A1) capable of being cooled and / or heating the storage compartment (A2) capable of being heated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a storage compartment unit in a vehicle and to a vehicle according to the features of claim 1 . Background Art

[0002] A method for operating a storage compartment unit in a vehicle is known from CN 2 11 001 042U. To carry out the known method, the vehicle has a temperature control unit, a storage compartment that can be cooled by the temperature control unit, and a storage compartment that can be heated by the temperature control unit. The temperature control unit is controlled to cool the coolable storage compartment and / or heat the heatable storage compartment based on sensor data from a vehicle sensor system and / or information from a vehicle user communicating with a vehicle human-machine interface.

[0003] DE 10 2014 113 860 A1 describes a similar method for operating a storage compartment unit with two modules. A temperature control device can cool or heat beverage cans or similar items in the modules. For this purpose, the temperature control device is connected to a control system and a power supply.

[0004] Another similar method is described in US 6,637,709 B1. In addition, a self-adjusting cup holder is described, which comprises a receiving area, a compensating rod and a biasing element for biasing the compensating rod into a first position. The receiving area is configured to receive a portion of a drinking container. The compensating rod is arranged in a groove on a wall of the receiving area. A first end of the compensating rod is pivotally connected to a portion of the wall so that a first edge of the rod can be moved between a first position and a second position. When the compensating rod is in the first position, the first edge is located in the receiving area. The first edge is further away from the wall in the first position than in the second position.

[0005] A method for cooling one storage compartment exclusively and heating another storage compartment exclusively is known from KR 10 2008 0 025 990 A, but without a control system. A temperature control device is disclosed in KR 10 2021 0 065 480 A.

[0006] DE 10 2020 004 478 A1 relates to a mask which can be heated in a storage compartment.

[0007] DE 10 2017 128 896 A1 describes a component for illuminating the interior of a motor vehicle. The component comprises a light source arranged in the interior of the motor vehicle for emitting light and illuminating the interior. The motor vehicle has a retractable convertible roof. At least a portion of the roof lining facing the interior of the motor vehicle has an actively luminous flat or elongated element, which constitutes at least a part of the light source for illuminating the interior and emits light over its surface or length. In addition, a light source is arranged in the interior of the motor vehicle, the light emitted by the light source irradiates the roof lining of the motor vehicle, thereby illuminating the interior as an indirect light source. Summary of the invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for operating a storage compartment unit in a vehicle which is improved compared to the prior art and a vehicle which is improved compared to the prior art.

[0009] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method for operating a storage compartment unit in a vehicle having the features of claim 1 and a vehicle having the features of claim 5 .

[0010] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0011] In the method for operating a storage compartment unit in a vehicle according to the present invention, the storage compartment unit has at least one temperature control unit, at least one storage compartment that can be cooled by the temperature control unit and at least one storage compartment that can be heated by the temperature control unit, and it is provided that the temperature control unit is controlled to cool the coolable storage compartment and / or heat the heatable storage compartment according to sensor data from a vehicle sensor system and / or information from a central unit outside the vehicle, especially from a so-called back end and / or information from a personal, especially mobile communication unit of a vehicle user, especially a mobile phone and / or information from a human-machine interface communication between the vehicle user and the vehicle, wherein the present invention mainly provides that the coolable storage compartment is cooled and / or the heatable storage compartment is heated when the presence of a vehicle user in the vehicle is detected, the external temperature is detected to be within a predetermined temperature range, the predetermined activity of the vehicle user is detected, and the predetermined operating state of the vehicle is detected. Therefore, the start of cooling and / or heating can be adjusted, for example, directly according to the external temperature and / or the activity of the vehicle user. For example, after a vehicle designed as an electric vehicle starts driving or starts a charging process, if it is detected that a vehicle user is in the vehicle and the outside temperature is above 30° C., the coolable storage compartment can be cooled, and once a predetermined temperature is reached in the storage compartment, for example, 16° C., the lighting unit of the storage compartment can be activated, and the lighting unit conveniently lights up blue light. This reminds the vehicle user to take out and use the items cooled in the storage compartment, for example, a mask, in order to relax.

[0012] The vehicle according to the invention has at least one storage compartment unit which is operated by the method according to claim 1. The storage compartment unit has at least one temperature control unit, at least one storage compartment which can be cooled by the temperature control unit and at least one storage compartment which can be heated by the temperature control unit. In addition, the storage compartment unit is advantageously coupled at least temporarily to a sensor system of the vehicle and / or a central unit outside the vehicle and / or a personal, in particular mobile, communication unit of a vehicle user and / or a human-machine interface for communication between the vehicle user and the vehicle, at least for a data transmission connection.

[0013] In particular, it is provided that, for example, a mask and / or an eye mask and / or a face towel of a vehicle user is cooled by a coolable storage compartment, and / or, for example, a scarf and / or a blanket and / or a mask and / or a face towel of a vehicle user is heated by a heatable storage compartment. These items are particularly used to relax the vehicle user, for example, when the vehicle is in motion and the vehicle user is not the driver himself; or during vehicle automation, especially highly automated or autonomous driving operation; or when the vehicle is stationary, for example, when the vehicle is designed as an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle, during parking and charging. In this case, the vehicle user can, for example, adjust his seat to a so-called relaxation position, i.e. a lying position or at least a position in which the seat back is tilted backwards, put on a cooled or heated mask or a cooled or heated face towel or a cooled eye mask (especially in the form of an eye mask (Augenpads)), and / or put on a heated scarf and / or cover with a heated blanket, in order to further relax. Therefore, the solution according to the invention can improve the comfort of the vehicle user.

[0014] The temperature control unit is designed in particular as a Peltier element. It is particularly provided that the temperature control unit is arranged between two storage compartments. Such a Peltier element can be cooled quickly. However, the Peltier element has a cold side and a warm side. Up to now, the disadvantage of using Peltier elements has often been that the heat on the warm side is not utilized and dissipated. The solution described herein effectively utilizes both sides of the Peltier element. The storage compartment can be cooled by cooling the cold side, and the storage compartment can be heated by heating the warm side, preferably simultaneously.

[0015] Therefore, the temperature control unit designed as a Peltier element is advantageously arranged between the two storage compartments, so that the heat from the warm side of the Peltier element radiates into the heatable storage compartment and the cold from the cold side of the Peltier element radiates into the coolable storage compartment. This makes the energy utilization particularly high.

[0016] In particular, in order to further optimize this energy utilization, it is advantageously provided that the two storage compartments are stacked one above the other, i.e., are located in two layers. It is particularly provided that the coolable storage compartment is arranged at the bottom, while the heatable storage compartment is arranged at the top. This prevents the heat of the heatable storage compartment from reaching and heating the coolable storage compartment. Alternatively, other arrangements of the storage compartments may also be provided, for example, juxtaposed to each other.

[0017] The connection between the temperature control unit and the storage compartment, which is particularly designed as a Peltier element, is particularly designed so that the heat conduction from the temperature control unit to each storage compartment is optimized. This can be achieved, for example, by using a material with good thermal conductivity between the temperature control unit and the corresponding storage compartment. For this reason, for example, at least one wall of the adjacent temperature control unit of the corresponding storage compartment is made of this material. Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous to provide a planar thermal contact between the corresponding storage compartment and the temperature control unit, or to set a heat conduction channel structure between the corresponding storage compartment and the temperature control unit.

[0018] The two storage compartments are advantageously designed as chambers, i.e., they each have only a relatively small opening for placing and removing objects. The area of ​​the opening is particularly smaller, particularly significantly smaller than the entire wall area of ​​the respective storage compartment. This ensures good thermal shielding between the interior of the respective storage compartment and the external environment.

[0019] Advantageously, a lighting unit is respectively assigned to the two storage compartments. It is particularly provided that the lighting unit assigned to the coolable storage compartment emits a different light color than the lighting unit assigned to the heatable storage compartment. For example, the lighting unit assigned to the coolable storage compartment lights up blue, while the lighting unit assigned to the heatable storage compartment lights up red. In the method, it is particularly provided that the respective lighting unit is activated when a respective predetermined event occurs. For example, the respective lighting unit is activated when a predetermined temperature is reached in the storage compartment to which the respective lighting unit belongs. For example, the lighting unit can provide a vehicle user with a visual indication of the availability of the temperature-controlled storage compartment.

[0020] Each lighting unit has, for example, a light guide and a light source. The light source is, for example, designed as an LED (light emitting diode). The corresponding lighting unit is particularly arranged in the corresponding storage compartment, for example, integrated therein.

[0021] In one possible embodiment, at least one housing of the storage compartment unit is manufactured by an additive manufacturing process, in particular by a three-dimensional printing process. In this way, for example, a heat-conducting channel structure can also be produced, and / or, for example, a heat-conducting material and / or structure can be added to the housing to conduct the heat or cold of the temperature control unit to the corresponding storage compartment in a targeted manner. For example, the light guide of the lighting unit is also produced using this additive manufacturing process. For additive manufacturing, it is advantageous to use materials with good thermal conductivity so that the heat or cold from the temperature control unit is optimally conducted to the corresponding storage compartment, in particular to the interior space surrounding the corresponding storage compartment. Additive manufacturing can also, for example, adapt the housing in terms of shape, color and / or material to customer requirements and / or existing installation space conditions in the corresponding vehicle, in particular in the area of ​​the corresponding vehicle seat of the vehicle.

[0022] In order to monitor the temperature in the corresponding storage compartment, for example, a temperature sensor can be arranged in the corresponding storage compartment. This can ensure that the corresponding storage compartment reaches a predetermined temperature and maintains a constant temperature. For example, the vehicle user can also be notified that the predetermined temperature has been reached through a human-machine interface, especially through voice output or visual output.

[0023] For example, the lighting unit can also be used to communicate with the vehicle user. For example, when the outside temperature is high, that is, within a predetermined high temperature range, the lighting unit assigned to the coolable storage compartment can be activated so that it advantageously lights up a blue light, and / or by flashing and / or increasing the brightness of the lighting unit, a suggestion for the vehicle user to use the items cooled in the coolable storage compartment can be provided in a targeted manner to the vehicle user, the items being, for example, a mask and / or an eye mask and / or a face towel. For example, alternatively or additionally, this can also be provided to the vehicle user through a human-machine interface for the vehicle user to communicate with the vehicle, in particular in an auditory manner, in particular by voice output, or can also be requested by the vehicle user. For example, in response to the request of the vehicle user, the corresponding lighting unit is activated, that is, when there is a request to cool the item, the lighting unit assigned to the coolable storage compartment is activated, in particular, lights up a blue light, and when there is a request to heat the item, the lighting unit assigned to the heatable storage compartment is activated, in particular, lights up a red light.

[0024] The storage compartment unit is advantageously arranged in the vehicle within reach of the vehicle user, in particular when the vehicle user is in the above-mentioned relaxed position. For example, it can be provided that the opening of the storage compartment is only accessible when the vehicle seat is in the relaxed position. For example, in this way, the opening of the storage compartment can be closed or at least isolated from the external environment by the vehicle seat as long as the vehicle seat is not in the relaxed position, thereby further optimizing the energy efficiency when cooling or heating the corresponding storage compartment.

[0025] The storage compartment unit can be arranged, for example, in a center console or in a fixed armrest of the vehicle. For example, it can be 15 cm long, 12 cm wide and 4 cm high. However, other dimensions are also possible. The opening of the storage compartment is, for example, located under the upper cover of the center console or the armrest. In particular, they are positioned so that a vehicle user sitting on the vehicle seat can reach them, but only when the vehicle seat is in the relaxed position, for example.

[0026] In order to control the storage compartment units, a control unit is advantageously provided. The control unit is coupled to a temperature control unit in order to control the temperature control unit. Advantageously, the lighting unit is also coupled to the control unit and is therefore activated and deactivated by the control unit. For example, a temperature sensor assigned to the storage compartment is coupled to the control unit. Thus, by the control unit correspondingly controlling the temperature control unit, it is ensured that a predetermined temperature is reached in each storage compartment and remains constant. Advantageously, the sensor system of the vehicle and / or a central unit outside the vehicle and / or a personal communication unit of a vehicle user and / or a man-machine interface for the vehicle user to communicate with the vehicle are also at least temporarily coupled to the control unit in order to be used at least for a data transmission connection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail as follows with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] In the accompanying drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 A vehicle with a storage compartment unit is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a vehicle 1 having a storage compartment unit 2 is shown schematically.

[0031] The storage compartment unit 2 has two storage compartments A1 and A2, between which a temperature control unit 3 designed as a Peltier element is arranged. In this way, the cold side of the Peltier element is thermally coupled to one storage compartment A1, so that the storage compartment can be cooled, and the warm side of the Peltier element is thermally coupled to the other storage compartment A2, so that the storage compartment can be heated.

[0032] Figure 1 The energy flow resulting from this is schematically indicated by the energy flow arrows P. The Peltier element absorbs heat from the coolable storage compartment A1 , thereby cooling it, and transfers heat to the heatable storage compartment A2 , thereby heating it.

[0033] In the example shown, the two storage compartments A1 and A2 are stacked one above the other, i.e., located in two layers. In the example shown, the coolable storage compartment A1 is arranged above the heatable storage compartment A2. In order to avoid or at least further reduce the heat of the coolable storage compartment A1 by the heat of the heatable storage compartment A2, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the storage compartment unit 2, in other embodiments, the two storage compartments A1 and A2 can be arranged in the opposite direction, i.e., the coolable storage compartment A1 is arranged below the heatable storage compartment A2.

[0034] The connection between the temperature control unit 3 (designed as a Peltier element in the example shown) and the storage compartments A1, A2 is designed in particular so that the heat conduction from the temperature control unit 3 to the respective storage compartments A1, A2 is optimized. This can be achieved, for example, by using a material with good thermal conductivity, in particular a material with a high thermal conductivity, between the temperature control unit 3 and the respective storage compartments A1, A2. To this end, for example, at least one wall of the respective storage compartments A1, A2 adjacent to the temperature control unit 3 is made of such a material. Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous to provide a planar thermal contact between the respective storage compartments A1, A2 and the temperature control unit 3, such as Figure 1 As shown. Here, the temperature control unit 3 is integrated into the partition wall between the two storage compartments A1, A2, and is thermally coupled to the partition wall in a planar manner, especially over its entire surface, in the direction of the corresponding storage compartments A1, A2. Alternatively or additionally, a heat-conducting channel structure 4 can be provided between the corresponding storage compartments A1, A2 and the temperature control unit 3. In the example shown here, such a heat-conducting channel structure 4 is formed by the perforated structure of the partition wall at least in the region of the temperature control unit 3 in the direction of the corresponding storage compartments A1, A2.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown schematically, the two storage compartments A1, A2 are advantageously designed as a chamber, i.e., they each have only a relatively small opening for placing the object O into the corresponding storage compartment A1, A2 and for taking the object O out of the corresponding storage compartment A1, A2. The area of ​​the opening is in particular smaller, in particular significantly smaller than the entire wall area of ​​the corresponding storage compartment A1, A2. This ensures good thermal shielding between the interior of each storage compartment A1, A2 and the external environment.

[0036] In the example shown, the two storage compartments A1 and A2 are also assigned a lighting unit B1 and B2, respectively. In particular, the lighting unit B1 assigned to the coolable storage compartment A1 and the lighting unit B2 assigned to the heatable storage compartment A2 emit different colors of light. For example, the lighting unit B1 assigned to the coolable storage compartment A1 lights up blue light, while the lighting unit B2 assigned to the heatable storage compartment A2 lights up red light.

[0037] In the example shown, the respective lighting unit B1, B2 has a light guide 5 and a light source 6. In the example shown, the light source 6 is designed as an LED, in particular an RGB-LED, so that the above-mentioned different light colors can be generated.

[0038] The respective lighting units B1, B2 are in particular arranged in the respective storage compartments A1, A2, for example integrated therein. In the example shown, the respective light guide 5 extends into the region of the opening along the rear side of the respective storage compartments A1, A2 and along the upper side of the upper storage compartment A1 or along the lower side of the lower storage compartment A2. Therefore, the thermal coupling of the temperature control unit 3 to the storage compartments is not affected by the light guide 5.

[0039] In the example shown, the light sources 6 are respectively arranged at the light coupling points of the corresponding light guides 5 on the rear walls of the corresponding storage compartments A1 and A2. The light decoupling points 7, especially the light decoupling structures formed in the corresponding light guides 5, are especially arranged at the end areas of the corresponding light guides 5 away from the light coupling points in the example shown, and are arranged on the rear walls of the corresponding storage compartments A1 and A2 and in the opening areas of the corresponding storage compartments A1 and A2 in the example shown. In this way, the illumination of the entire corresponding storage compartments A1 and A2 is achieved, and the illumination of the opening areas of the corresponding storage compartments A1 and A2 is also enhanced, so that the lights can also be seen from the outside, especially for vehicle users.

[0040] In order to monitor the temperature in each storage compartment A1, A2, for example, a temperature sensor (not shown here) may be provided in each storage compartment A1, A2, thereby ensuring that each storage compartment A1, A2 reaches a predetermined temperature and maintains a constant temperature.

[0041] For example, at least one housing 8 of the storage compartment unit 2 is manufactured by an additive manufacturing process, in particular by a three-dimensional printing process (also called 3D printing). In this way, for example, a heat-conducting channel structure 4 can also be manufactured, and / or, for example, heat-conducting materials and / or structures can be added to the housing 8 to conduct the heat or cold of the temperature control unit 3 to the corresponding storage compartments A1, A2 in a targeted manner. For example, the light guide 5 of the lighting units B1, B2 is also produced using this additive manufacturing process. For example, at least the components of the light source 6 can also be produced by this additive manufacturing process.

[0042] For additive manufacturing, materials with good thermal conductivity are advantageously used so that heat or cold from the temperature control unit 3 is optimally conducted into the respective storage compartment A1, A2, in particular into the interior space surrounding the respective storage compartment A1, A2. By means of additive manufacturing, for example, the housing 8 can also be adapted in shape, color and / or material to customer requirements and / or existing installation space conditions in the respective vehicle 1, in particular in the region of the respective vehicle seats of the vehicle 1.

[0043] In particular, it can be provided that, for example, a mask and / or an eye mask and / or a face towel of a vehicle user can be cooled by the coolable storage compartment A1 and / or a scarf and / or a blanket and / or a mask and / or a face towel of a vehicle user can be heated by the heatable storage compartment A2. Figure 1 The objects O in the storage compartments A1 , A2 shown by way of example in FIG. 1 are advantageously designed in this manner.

[0044] These items O are particularly used to relax the vehicle user, for example when the vehicle 1 is moving and the vehicle user is not the driver himself; or during automated, especially highly automated or autonomous driving operations of the vehicle 1; or when the vehicle 1 is stationary, for example when the vehicle 1 is designed as an electric car or hybrid car, during parking for charging.

[0045] The vehicle user can, for example, adjust the seat to a so-called relaxation position, i.e. a lying position or at least a position in which the seat back is tilted backwards, wear a cooling or heated face mask or a cooling or heated face towel or a cooling eye mask (especially in the form of an eye mask), and / or wear a heated scarf and / or cover himself with a heated blanket to relax further.

[0046] Thus, the storage compartment unit 2 is advantageously arranged in the vehicle 1 within reach of the vehicle user, in particular when the vehicle user is in a relaxed position on the vehicle seat. For example, it can be arranged that the openings of the storage compartments A1, A2 are accessible only when the vehicle seat is in the relaxed position. For example, in this way, as long as the vehicle seat is not in the relaxed position, the openings of the storage compartments A1, A2 can be closed or at least isolated from the external environment by the vehicle seat, thereby further optimizing the energy efficiency when cooling or heating the respective storage compartments A1, A2.

[0047] The storage compartment unit 2 can be arranged, for example, in a central console or a fixed armrest of the vehicle 1. For example, it is 15 cm long, 12 cm wide and 4 cm high. However, other dimensions are also possible. The openings of the storage compartments A1, A2 are located, for example, below the upper cover of the central console or the armrest. In particular, they are positioned so that a vehicle user sitting on a vehicle seat can reach them, but can only reach them when the vehicle seat is in a relaxed position, for example.

[0048] In order to control the storage compartment unit 2, in the example shown, it has a control unit 9, which is coupled to the temperature control unit 3 and the light source 6 of the lighting units B1 and B2 to control and power them. The temperature sensors (not shown here) assigned to the storage compartments A1 and A2 can also be conveniently coupled to the control unit 9. Thus, the temperature control unit 3 is controlled accordingly by the control unit 9, ensuring that each storage compartment A1 and A2 reaches a predetermined temperature and remains constant. In addition, the corresponding lighting units B1 and B2 can be started by the control unit 9, especially when the predetermined temperature is reached in the corresponding storage compartments A1 and A2.

[0049] In the example shown, it is further provided that the storage compartment unit 2 (more precisely its control unit 9) is at least temporarily coupled to a sensor system 10 of the vehicle 1 and / or a central unit 11 outside the vehicle and / or a (especially mobile) personal communication unit 12 of a vehicle user and / or a human-machine interface 13 for communication between the vehicle user and the vehicle 1, at least for a data transmission connection.

[0050] The vehicle-external central unit 11 is in particular a so-called backend, in particular a backend of the manufacturer of the vehicle 1, in particular for providing services. The personal communication unit 12 of the vehicle user is in particular a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone. For example, the storage compartment unit 2, in particular its control unit 9, is at least temporarily coupled to one or more applications installed on the personal communication unit, in particular for information transmission. The human-machine interface 13 in particular allows voice communication between the vehicle user and the vehicle 1, and thus also between the vehicle user and the storage compartment unit 2 (in particular its control unit 9). The sensor system 10 of the vehicle 1 comprises, for example: an external temperature sensor for determining the external temperature of the environment outside the vehicle 1; and / or an occupant detection sensor system for detecting the presence of a vehicle user in the vehicle 1; and / or a seat adjustment sensor system for detecting the seat adjustment of the vehicle seat, in particular detecting whether it is in a relaxed position.

[0051] In the operating method of the storage compartment unit 2, it is particularly provided that the temperature control unit 3 is controlled according to the sensor data from the sensor system 10 of the vehicle 1 and / or the information from the central unit 11 outside the vehicle and / or the information from the personal communication unit 12 and / or the information from the communication between the vehicle user and the human-machine interface 13 of the vehicle 1 to cool the coolable storage compartment A1 and / or heat the heatable storage compartment A2. In addition, it is particularly provided that when the corresponding predetermined event occurs, the corresponding lighting unit B1, B2 is started. For example, when the predetermined temperature is reached in the storage compartment A1, A2 assigned to the corresponding lighting unit B1, B2, the corresponding lighting unit B1, B2 is started. For example, the vehicle user can also be informed that the predetermined temperature has been reached through the human-machine interface 13, especially through voice output or visual output.

[0052] The lighting units B1 , B2 provide, for example, a vehicle user with a visual indication of the availability of the temperature-controlled storage compartments A1 , A2 .

[0053] In a possible embodiment of the method, it is proposed, for example, that when the presence of a vehicle user in the vehicle 1 is detected, the external temperature is detected to be within a predetermined temperature range, the predetermined activity of the vehicle user is detected, and the predetermined operating state of the vehicle 1 is detected, the coolable storage compartment A1 is cooled and / or the heatable storage compartment A2 is heated. Therefore, the activation of cooling and / or heating can be adjusted, for example, directly according to the external temperature and / or the activity of the vehicle user. For example, after the vehicle 1 (designed as an electric vehicle) starts to travel or starts the charging process, if the vehicle user is detected in the vehicle 1 and the external temperature is higher than 30°C, the coolable storage compartment A1 can be cooled, and once the predetermined temperature (e.g., 16°C) is reached in the storage compartment A1, the lighting unit B1 of the storage compartment A1 can be activated, and the lighting unit conveniently lights up a blue light. This reminds the vehicle user to take out and use the cooled item O (e.g., a mask) therein to relax.

[0054] For example, the lighting units B1 and B2 can also be used to communicate with the vehicle user. For example, when the outside temperature is high, that is, within a predetermined high temperature range, the lighting unit B1 assigned to the coolable storage compartment A1 can be activated to advantageously light up a blue light, and / or by flashing and / or increasing the brightness of the lighting unit, and a suggestion for using the cooled object O (e.g., a mask and / or an eye mask and / or a face towel) in the coolable storage compartment A1 can be provided to the vehicle user in a targeted manner. For example, alternatively or additionally, this can also be provided to the vehicle user through a human-machine interface 13 for the vehicle user to communicate with the vehicle 1, especially in an auditory manner, especially through voice output, or can also be requested by the vehicle user. For example, in response to the request of the vehicle user, the corresponding lighting units B1 and B2 are activated, that is, when there is a request to cool the object O, the lighting unit B1 assigned to the coolable storage compartment A1 is activated, especially blue light is lit, and when there is a request to heat the object O, the lighting unit B2 assigned to the heatable storage compartment A2 is activated, especially red light is lit.

Claims

1. A method for operating a storage compartment unit (2) in a vehicle (1), the storage compartment unit having a temperature control unit (3), a storage compartment (A1) that can be cooled by the temperature control unit (3), and a storage compartment (A2) that can be heated by the temperature control unit (3), wherein: The temperature control unit (3) is controlled to cool the coolable storage compartment (A1) and / or heat the heatable storage compartment (A2) based on sensor data from a sensor system (10) of the vehicle (1) and / or information from a central unit (11) outside the vehicle and / or information from a personal communication unit (12) of a vehicle user and / or information from communication between the vehicle user and a human-machine interface (13) of the vehicle (1), and wherein the coolable storage compartment (A1) is cooled and / or the heatable storage compartment (A2) is heated when the presence of a vehicle user in the vehicle (1) is detected, the external temperature is detected to be within a predetermined temperature range, a predetermined activity of the vehicle user is detected, and a predetermined operating state of the vehicle (1) is detected.

2. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that Two storage compartments (A1, A2) are respectively assigned lighting units (B1, B2), wherein the lighting unit (B1) assigned to the coolable storage compartment (A1) and the lighting unit (B2) assigned to the heatable storage compartment (A2) emit light of different colors, and wherein when a corresponding predetermined event occurs, the corresponding lighting unit (B1, B2) is activated.

3. The method according to claim 2, It is characterized in that When the temperature in the storage compartment (A1, A2) to which the corresponding lighting unit (B1, B2) belongs reaches a predetermined temperature, the corresponding lighting unit (B1, B2) is started.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The vehicle user's face mask and / or eye mask and / or face towel are cooled by the coolable storage compartment (A1), and / or the vehicle user's scarf and / or blanket and / or face mask and / or face towel are heated by the heatable storage compartment (A2).

5. A vehicle (1) having a storage compartment unit (2) operated by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The storage compartment unit (2) has a temperature control unit (3), a storage compartment (A1) that can be cooled by the temperature control unit (3), and a storage compartment (A2) that can be heated by the temperature control unit (3), and the storage compartment unit is at least temporarily coupled to a sensor system (10) of the vehicle (1) and / or a central unit (11) outside the vehicle and / or a personal communication unit (12) of a vehicle user and / or a human-machine interface (13) for the vehicle user to communicate with the vehicle (1) so as to be used at least for data transmission connection.

6. The vehicle (1) according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The two storage compartments (A1, A2) are respectively assigned lighting units (B1, B2), wherein the lighting unit (B1) assigned to the coolable storage compartment (A1) and the lighting unit (B2) assigned to the heatable storage compartment (A2) emit light of different colors.

7. The vehicle (1) according to claim 5 or 6, It is characterized in that The temperature control unit (3) is designed as a Peltier element and is arranged between the two storage compartments (A1, A2).

8. The vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, It is characterized in that The two storage compartments (A1, A2) are stacked one above the other, wherein the coolable storage compartment (A1) is arranged at the bottom, and the heatable storage compartment (A2) is arranged at the top.

9. The vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, It is characterized in that At least one shell (8) of the storage compartment unit (2) is manufactured by an additive manufacturing process.

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