Temperature control system, especially for a vehicle

Abstract

Temperature control system, in particular for a vehicle, comprising: a) at least one temperature control system (12) with: - at least one temperature control unit (20), - at least one operating unit (26) for providing operating information influencing the operation of the temperature control unit (20), - a temperature control system internet communication unit (32), b) a web server (14) for communication with the temperature control system internet communication unit (32) via the internet, c) at least one operator internet communication unit (16) for communication with the web server (14) via the internet, characterized in that at least one temperature control system (12) comprises at least one functionality information storage arrangement (24, 30) for storing functionality information characterizing the functionality of the temperature control system (12), wherein the temperature control system internet communication unit (32) is configured toto transmit functionality information stored in at least one functionality information storage arrangement (24, 30) to the web server (14), that at least one functionality information storage arrangement (30) is integrated into an operating unit (26) and at least one functionality information storage arrangement (24) is integrated into a temperature control unit (20), and that the at least one functionality information storage arrangement (30) integrated into an operating unit (26) is configured to retrieve functionality information stored in the at least one functionality information storage arrangement (24) integrated into a temperature control unit (20) and to store it for transmission to the web server (14) via the temperature control unit system internet communication unit (32).

Description

Temperature control systems integrated into vehicles, such as heating or cooling systems, can be used, among other things, to provide stationary temperature control, for example, for auxiliary heating or cooling, when the vehicle is not in operation, particularly in passenger buses. Such a temperature control system generally comprises a temperature control unit system integrated into the vehicle with one or more temperature control units, which, especially in the case of units used for heating, may be fuel-operated.Operating information for such a temperature control unit can be provided by means of one or more control units, in order to, for example, give an operator the opportunity to specify the start of the temperature control operation or the planned time of commencement of use, so that the temperature control system can start the temperature control operation in good time and the vehicle is in a desired thermally conditioned state at the planned time of commencement of use. To enable communication between a vehicle-mounted temperature control system and an operator over longer distances, wireless control units can be used, for example. These units transmit operating information wirelessly to the temperature control system or an integrated control unit, and can also receive information indicating the operating status of the system. However, such wireless communication is limited in its application due to its restricted range. Alternatively, communication between the heating system and an operator can be established over virtually unlimited distances via the mobile network. For this purpose, a mobile communication unit is integrated into the heating system, for example, its control unit. This unit can receive operating information from an operator, for example, via SMS communication.Information indicating the operating or functional status of the heating system can be sent to an operator. However, due to the limited information content of SMS-based communication, the possibility of information exchange between an operator and a temperature control system is correspondingly limited. Insofar as such remote communication systems generally have a limited possibility of information transmission, the procedure for detecting and evaluating errors is such that, during regularly performed maintenance work or when a service operation has to be visited due to a fault in the temperature control system, a diagnostic system is connected to the heating system in order to obtain information about a possible fault. A temperature control system according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE 102 25 787 A1. The object of the present invention is to provide a temperature control system, in particular for a vehicle, which enables extensive remote communication in a simple and reliable manner. According to the invention, this problem is solved by a temperature control system, in particular for a vehicle, according to claim 1. This temperature control system comprises: a) at least one temperature control unit system with: - at least one temperature control unit, - at least one operating unit for providing operating information influencing the operation of the temperature control unit, - a temperature control unit system internet communication unit, b) a web server for communication with the temperature control unit internet communication unit via the internet, c) at least one operator internet communication unit for communication with the web server via the internet. The temperature control system according to the invention is fundamentally designed such that communication with one or more temperature control systems, for example those connected to a vehicle, takes place via the internet and a web server that establishes the communication interface between one or more temperature control systems and one or more operators. This enables communication with virtually unlimited information content. Furthermore, providing a web server as a communication node also offers the advantage of integrating a service provider into the communication if necessary, for example, for more detailed remote diagnostics of a temperature control system. At least one temperature control system comprises at least one functionality information storage arrangement for storing functionality information characterizing the functionality of the temperature control system, and the temperature control system internet communication unit is configured to transmit functionality information stored in at least one functionality information storage arrangement to the web server. To enable the most comprehensive possible storage of the functionality of various system components of a heating system in such a configuration, at least one functionality information storage arrangement is integrated into a control unit, and at least one functionality information storage arrangement is integrated into a temperature control unit. This means that, for example, each system component, such as each control unit and each temperature control unit, can be assigned its own independent functionality information storage arrangement, which can then be read out, for example, upon request, at predefined times, or when relevant information is available, in order to transmit this information via the temperature control unit system's internet communication unit and the web server. Within a vehicle-mounted temperature control system, for example, comprehensive communication between the individual system components can be ensured by connecting at least one temperature control unit, at least one operating unit, and the temperature control system internet communication unit to each other via a data bus system for data communication. To enable the involvement of a service provider in the communication, as previously explained, it is proposed that at least one service provider internet communication unit be provided for communication with the web server via the internet. Just as in the case of at least one operator internet communication unit, such a service provider internet communication unit can comprise a PC, a tablet PC, or a smartphone. To make the design of a temperature control system as simple as possible, it is proposed that in at least one temperature control system the temperature control system internet communication unit be integrated into an operating unit. The functionality information can, for example, include error information in order to provide the opportunity to detect or display such an error in a timely or immediate manner. The functionality information transmitted from the temperature control system's internet communication unit to the web server can be used to transmit temperature control unit function information from the web server or to make it available for transmission to an operator's internet communication unit. This can be done, for example, by forwarding the functionality information directly as temperature control unit function information, or by evaluating the functionality information within the web server and then forwarding the evaluation data as temperature control unit function information. The temperature control system according to the invention is particularly advantageously designed for bidirectional communication and thus also makes it possible, by appropriately configuring the web server, to transmit operating information provided by at least one operator internet communication unit to a temperature control system internet communication unit. This operating information provided by an operator internet communication unit, or optionally also by an operating unit, can, for example, include information about the start of the temperature control operation, and / or information about the time a vehicle is put into use, and / or information about a desired interior temperature, and / or query information, i.e., a query command, for reading at least one functional information storage arrangement. Due to the comprehensive communication capabilities of the temperature control system according to the invention, a particularly advantageous further aspect is that the web server can be configured to transmit temperature control unit function information to at least one service provider internet communication unit based on functionality information transmitted by a temperature control unit system internet communication unit. This allows not only an operator to receive information about the functionality of a temperature control unit or other system components of a temperature control system, but also the transmission of corresponding information to a service provider, who may need to be authorized by the operator. This service provider then has the ability, through further communication with, for example, a vehicle-integrated temperature control system, to perform a more detailed fault analysis and, if necessary, identify defective components or assemblies, so that, if necessary, a solution can be found for the affected vehicle.The necessary spare parts can already be available for the required repair process. According to a further advantageous aspect, the web server can be configured to transmit new operating software for a temperature control system to at least one temperature control unit's internet communication unit. This new operating software may include, for example, updated operating software from operating software stored in the temperature control system and / or operating software selectable for the operation of the temperature control system. By incorporating the web server or the internet into the communication with one or more temperature control systems, it becomes possible to use the data exchange to transmit software that is necessary or particularly advantageous for the operation of the temperature control system. For example, regardless of whether or not...When a vehicle equipped with a temperature control system is in a workshop for a software update, it is possible to perform this update immediately, for example, initiated by a user or a service provider, as soon as such updated software is available. Alternatively, it becomes possible to transmit operating software to a temperature control system that is freely selectable by the user. For example, a user-selected language file can be transmitted, allowing the system to then provide the user-defined voice guidance in their chosen language. This eliminates the need to store numerous language files in different languages ​​within the temperature control system itself, resulting in significant storage savings. According to a further particularly advantageous aspect, it is proposed that the web server be configured to transmit usage information and / or configuration information of at least one temperature control system to a service provider's internet communication unit. By transmitting usage and / or configuration information, a service provider, for example, the manufacturer of a temperature control system, is enabled to evaluate how such a system is used or how a user has configured it, possibly including its combination with other devices, in order to offer a system adapted to this type of use or, if necessary, to provide a user with instructions on how to achieve optimized operation in their preferred usage mode or configuration, or how to avoid operational problems. The temperature control system according to the invention is explained below with reference to Fig. 1 using a heating system as an example. It should be noted that, of course, any other system that can be used for the thermal or climatic conditioning of a vehicle can be integrated into remote communication with an operator, or possibly a service provider, in a corresponding manner. The temperature control system shown in Fig. 1, illustrated here by means of a heating system 10, comprises as an essential component, for example integrated into a vehicle, a temperature control unit system, in this example a heating unit system 12. Since a plurality of heating unit systems 12 can be integrated into the heating system 10 constructed according to the invention, two such heating unit systems are illustrated in Fig. 1, whereby only the heating unit system shown higher up in Fig. 1 is shown with the details relevant to the explanation of the present invention for a more detailed explanation. It is self-evident that the heating unit system 12 shown lower down in Fig. 1 can also be constructed accordingly. Furthermore, the heating system 10 includes a web server 14 as a communication node, which can communicate with the heating system(s) 12 via the Internet as described below, and also with one or more operator Internet communication units 16 via the Internet. Additionally, a service provider can communicate with the heating system(s) 12, and possibly also with an operator or an operator Internet communication unit 16, via a service provider Internet communication unit 18 and the web server 14. It should be noted that the operator Internet communication units 16 and the service provider Internet communication unit 18 may, for example, include a PC, a tablet PC, a smartphone or a similar communication unit, which may connect to the Internet either via a wired network or a wireless network or via telephone communication. The heating system 12 can comprise at least one, but possibly also several, temperature control units, in this case heating units 20. These heating units 20 can, for example, be fuel-operated, making them particularly suitable for use as auxiliary heaters. It should be noted that temperature control units used for cooling a vehicle interior, such as air conditioning units, can also be part of such a temperature control system. As illustrated by the heater 20 shown on the right in Fig. 1, each such heater 20 is assigned a control unit 22 to operate the heater 20 according to the climatic conditions or the requirements specified by an operator. For example, a functional information storage arrangement 24 can be provided in each control unit 22, which can receive and store functional information associated with the respective heater 20. This functional information can include, for example, information about the operating time, parameters that occurred and were recorded during operation, such as temperature values, and also, in principle, error information. Such error information can include, for example, the occurrence or repeated occurrence of a flame failure, the occurrence or repeated occurrence of a flow obstruction in the exhaust gas flow path, or the like. The heating system 12 also includes a control unit 26, which is integrated, for example, into a vehicle. Of course, several control units 26 can be provided, for example, at different positions in a vehicle. An operator can input operating information into the heating system 12 via the control unit 26. This information can, for example, indicate the desired start-up time of the heating system 12 or the desired start-up time of a vehicle. An operator can also specify a desired temperature for a thermally conditioned interior. This operating information, received via the control unit 26, is transmitted via a data bus system 28 to the respective heating unit(s) 20 or the associated control units 22. All vehicle-related system areas of the heating system 12 can communicate with each other via the data bus system 28. The control unit 26 also includes a further functional information storage arrangement 30. This arrangement can store information that indexes the functionality of the control unit 26 itself. The functional information storage arrangement 30 integrated into the control unit 26 is used to periodically retrieve and store functional information that is stored in the respective functional information storage arrangement 24 in relation to a specific heating device 20. The or at least one of the control units 26 integrated into a heating system 12 further comprises a temperature control system internet communication unit, in this case a heating system internet communication unit 32. This can, for example, be configured to communicate with the internet via the mobile network and thus also with the web server 14. In the heating system 10 shown in Fig. 1, the web server 14 forms a communication node, particularly for communication between an operator or user of a vehicle and the vehicle or the heating system 12 integrated into it. Specifically, it is possible for various operators to communicate with their respective heating systems 12 via the web server 14. For example, the web server 14 can be provided or operated by a manufacturer of such heating systems 12, or by a service provider authorized by a manufacturer, who can then also participate in the communication. Naturally, such a service could also be offered or provided by the heating system manufacturer itself. In heating system 10, for example, an operator can use their operator internet communication unit 16 to communicate with their assigned heating system 10 via appropriate encryption and transmit operating information. This allows the operator to start, deactivate, or transmit data relevant to commissioning or decommissioning the heating system 12, regardless of their location. The operator can also store such information in the web server 14, which then transmits the corresponding information to a previously identified heating system 12 at a predetermined time. The operating unit 26 of this heating system, equipped with the heating system internet communication unit 32, receives the operating information, stores it if necessary, and starts or deactivates the heating unit(s) 20 accordingly. Furthermore, the operator can send a query command via the web server 14 to an identified heating system 12 to retrieve the functionality information stored in one or more functionality information storage arrangements 30 or 24. Here, too, a query interval could be defined in the web server 14, for example, via an operator internet communication unit 16, so that the web server 14 performs such a query for functionality information at fixed times or fixed time intervals. After receiving this information from a respective heating system 12, the web server 14 can either forward this information directly to the operator or only transmit it when a corresponding transmission request is received from the operator.The heating appliance function information transmitted by web server 14 can either correspond directly to the functionality information received by heating appliance system 12, or it can be processed by web server 14 to provide the operator with a better overview of the functionality of heating appliance system 12 or its individual system components, for example, using various graphical representations. In particular, with regard to the functionality information, which can also include error information about errors that occurred during the operation of a system component of heating appliance system 12, it is also possible that such information is always forwarded from a heating appliance system internet communication unit 32 to web server 14 whenever an error is detected or a specific, previously defined operating state is present.The web server 14 can then forward this information to the operator as heating appliance function information or make it available to the operator for retrieval. Particularly when a service provider is integrated into the heating system 10 or is to be included in the communication, it is also possible to transmit information about the existence of a specific operating state or a fault in a heating system 12 to this service provider, or to give them the opportunity to retrieve such information. Since such a service provider generally possesses detailed knowledge of how to interpret a specific error message or fault condition, and since providing detailed information about such a condition might be confusing for an operator but very helpful for the service provider in further diagnosis, it is possible that the web server 14 provides more detailed information about the heating system's function in the service provider's communication with the heating system 12 than in the communication with an operator.In particular, the service provider has the option of sending more detailed query commands via its service provider internet communication unit 18 to a respective heating system 12 via the web server 14, thereby obtaining more detailed functional information. For example, a detailed analysis of the current operating state or error allows the service provider to identify the specific area of ​​a heating system 12 where the fault lies, enabling them to order or have ready any necessary replacement components or assemblies for repair and, if required, transmit this information to the operator via the web server 14. In the heating system 10 according to the invention, the structure is fundamentally such that a significant part of the intelligence, in particular the software required for communication with one or a multitude of heating systems 12 and which, for example, enables a more detailed evaluation of the information supplied by these systems, is stored centrally in the web server 14. Software can be provided to the operators or their operator internet communication units 16, for example, in the form of browser programs or so-called apps, which must be configured, on the one hand, to receive the information to be entered by the operator, for example, via keyboard or touchscreen communication, and, on the other hand, must of course be able to display or present the information provided via the web server 14. The aforementioned relocation of intelligence to the web server can, according to a further aspect of the invention, be used to transmit new operating software to one or more temperature control systems. For example, a user can select via the web server which language a voice-guided menu in the temperature control system itself should use. The user can make the corresponding selection via the web server, which then transmits a corresponding language file to the temperature control system for storage, for example, in a control unit. This avoids the need to store a large number of such language files for the user to select in the control unit and thus leads to a significant saving of required storage space. Furthermore, updated operating software, such as a control program for one or more temperature control units, can be transmitted via the web server and stored in designated locations within the unit, overwriting existing operating software. This ensures that the temperature control system always operates with the latest software without requiring a visit to a workshop. This update can be initiated by the user or performed by a service provider when updated software is available.The installation of new operating software that was previously unavailable, but which can improve the functionality of the temperature control system, for example by appropriately controlling a fuel supply arrangement and / or a combustion air supply arrangement to contribute to energy-saving operation, can also be provided in this way and transferred from the web server to a temperature control system either triggered by a service provider or by a user. Another advantage of communication via the internet or web server is that it allows for the generation and provision of information reflecting the usage patterns of one or all temperature control systems accessed in this way. For example, information can be collected about operating times, usage in specific calendar weeks or months, and the selection of different operating modes, such as pre-programmed or manual activation. This information enables a service provider, such as a manufacturer of a temperature control system, to make necessary changes to the system itself or its operating software to ensure optimized operation for users. Furthermore, it is possible to determine how many units are in operation in which countries or regions.Regions are operated, in what way the different temperature control systems are addressed, for example whether input is primarily via a control unit or in another way, with how many control units a temperature control system is operated and which network providers are used. Service providers, such as manufacturers of temperature control systems, can otherwise only obtain this information through comparatively complex market research surveys. To comply with the necessary data protection requirements in this approach, it could be stipulated that this provision of information linked to specific users or temperature control systems is only authorized by the user themselves.

Claims

Temperature control system, in particular for a vehicle, comprising: a) at least one temperature control system (12) with: - at least one temperature control unit (20), - at least one operating unit (26) for providing operating information influencing the operation of the temperature control unit (20), - a temperature control system internet communication unit (32), b) a web server (14) for communication with the temperature control system internet communication unit (32) via the internet, c) at least one operator internet communication unit (16) for communication with the web server (14) via the internet, characterized in that at least one temperature control system (12) comprises at least one functionality information storage arrangement (24, 30) for storing functionality information characterizing the functionality of the temperature control system (12), wherein the temperature control system internet communication unit (32) is configured toto transmit functionality information stored in at least one functionality information storage arrangement (24, 30) to the web server (14), that at least one functionality information storage arrangement (30) is integrated into an operating unit (26) and at least one functionality information storage arrangement (24) is integrated into a temperature control unit (20), and that the at least one functionality information storage arrangement (30) integrated into an operating unit (26) is configured to retrieve functionality information stored in the at least one functionality information storage arrangement (24) integrated into a temperature control unit (20) and to store it for transmission to the web server (14) via the temperature control unit system internet communication unit (32). Temperature control system according to claim 1, characterized in that in at least one temperature control device system (12) at least one temperature control device (20), at least one operating unit (26) and the temperature control device system internet communication unit (32) are connected to each other via a data bus system (28) for data communication. Temperature control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one service provider internet communication unit (18) is provided for communication with the web server (14) via the internet. Temperature control system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that at least one operator internet communication unit (16) and / or at least one service provider internet communication unit (18) comprises a PC, a tablet PC or a smartphone. Temperature control system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in at least one temperature control system (12) the temperature control system internet communication unit (32) is integrated into an operating unit (26). Temperature control system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the functionality information includes error information. Temperature control system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the web server (14) is configured to transmit temperature control system function information to at least one operator internet communication unit (16) based on functionality information transmitted by a temperature control system internet communication unit (32). Temperature control system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the web server (14) is configured to transmit operating information provided by at least one operator internet communication unit (16) to a temperature control system internet communication unit (32). Temperature control system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that operating information provided by means of an operating unit (26) or by means of an operator internet communication unit (16) comprises information about the start of the temperature control operation and / or information about the time of commencement of use of a vehicle and / or information about a desired interior temperature and / or query information for reading out at least one functional information storage arrangement (24, 30). Temperature control system according to claim 3 or one of claims 4 to 9, insofar as it refers back to claim 3, characterized in that the web server (14) is configured to transmit temperature control system function information to at least one service provider internet communication unit (18) based on functionality information transmitted by a temperature control system internet communication unit (32). Temperature control system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the web server (14) is configured to transmit new operating software for a temperature control system (12) to at least one temperature control system internet communication unit (32). Temperature control system according to claim 11, characterized in that the new operating software comprises updated operating software of operating software stored in the temperature control system (12) and / or operating software selectable for the operation of the temperature control system (12). Temperature control system according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the web server (14) is configured to transmit usage information and / or configuration information of at least one temperature control system (12) to at least one service provider internet communication unit (18).

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