Heating device for vehicle occupants

Abstract

Heating device for vehicle occupants (6, 12) with at least one heating radiation source (1, 8, 20) arranged in the interior of the vehicle (10), which has at least one outlet opening (4, 21, 22, 23, 24) for emitting directed heating radiation (3, 9, 31, 32, 33, 34) of a selected wavelength range, wherein the at least one outlet opening (4, 21, 22, 23, 24) and thus the directed heating radiation (3, 9, 31, 32, 33, 34) is directed towards the inside of at least one vehicle window (5, 11, 13, 14), wherein the at least one vehicle window (5, 11, 13, 14) has a reflective component which reflects essential parts of the selected wavelength range of the heating radiation (3, 9, 31, 32, 33, 34) reflected, characterized in that the heating power of the heating radiation (3, 9, 31, 32, 33, 34) emerging from the at least one outlet opening (4, 21, 22, 23, 24) is independent of the heating power of the radiation emerging from at least one further outlet opening (4, 21, 22, 23,24) emitted heat radiation (3, 9, 31, 32, 33, 34) from further outlet openings (4, 21, 22, 23, 24) is adjustable depending on a seat occupancy detection signal and / or a preset signal determined from the input of a vehicle occupant (6, 12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a heating device for vehicle occupants with a heat radiation source according to the preamble of patent claim 1. State of the art

[0002] Heating devices for vehicle windows using electromagnetic radiation are known. For example, DE 10 2008 017 330 A1 discloses an arrangement for heating a window, wherein the heating device is a device for the directed emission of electromagnetic radiation, such as a light bulb or a radiant heater, onto the vehicle window. The heating device can be arranged in the region of an interior trim element of the vehicle's passenger compartment, in particular in a parcel shelf, a roof liner, or an instrument panel. To keep the vehicle window fog-free, an absorption-promoting substance for a selected wavelength range is added to such a polycarbonate window. This addition can be carried out by copolymerization, by coating, or by bonding with a suitable film.

[0003] Such window heating systems, which are designed to defrost or defog the window using radiation, are known from other publications. DE 41 22 462 A1 describes an infrared radiator mounted on a bracket directed against the inside of the window. What these window heating systems have in common is that the window must absorb the radiation so that its temperature rises to a level at which ice melts or condensate evaporates.

[0004] In contrast, efforts are being made to prevent or reduce excessive heating of the vehicle interior due to solar radiation using windows or window coatings. The published patent application DE 10 2004 014 023 A1 provides a plastic composite window with a non-metallic IR protective film with special reflective properties. This reduces the heating of the vehicle interior caused by the long-wave portion of solar radiation.

[0005] DE 10 2012 203 282 A1 describes a window for a vehicle that is equipped to regulate its degree of reflection and the direction of reflection of heat radiation. This prevents the interior from heating up during intense sunlight and retains the heat generated inside the vehicle during cold outside temperatures.

[0006] Heating devices for vehicle occupants are also known. DE 10 2012 205 873 A1 describes an interior rearview mirror with a heat radiator. This allows people or surfaces in the vehicle interior to be directly irradiated and heated by the heat radiator. The main disadvantage is that relatively little heat output can be applied when occupants are directly irradiated, so that the perceived or actual temperature does not exceed an individual comfort level.

[0007] This disadvantage is also present in the heating device with a movable reflector proposed in US Pat. No. 3,619,562 A. The IR heating device described therein is arranged in the dashboard of a vehicle, with the heat radiation being radiated toward the vehicle interior via a movable reflector hinged to an outlet opening of the IR heating device facing the vehicle interior. A comparable technical solution is disclosed in DE 100 46 216 C2 for an additional heating device for open-top motor vehicles, which is arranged in a headrest of a vehicle seat. Both heating devices are arranged too close to the occupant to ensure high heating output without exceeding the comfort level of the perceived or actual temperature.

[0008] US 2006 / 0 078 318 A1 proposes a solution to this problem by replacing the movable reflector with a multiple reflector consisting of a large number of individual, adjacent reflectors. These can be arranged in the footwell of the vehicle cabin and fan out the radiant heat emitted at specific points over a relatively larger exit area. Thus, the path of the heat radiation is enlarged, thereby reducing the imitated energy density. The problem with this solution is the large number of additional reflector elements, the complex construction, and the resulting high additional costs.

[0009] JP 2008-006 898 A relates to a device for defrosting vehicle windows. This device has an absorption layer on the inside of the vehicle window to absorb heat radiation. This removes fogging from the vehicle window.

[0010] US Pat. No. 7,902,531 B2 describes a window arrangement for emitting infrared light. The window arrangement comprises a light guide consisting of two spaced-apart panes that have reflective layers on their facing sides for reflecting IR light. One of the two reflective layers has openings that allow at least a portion of the IR light to pass through. An IR light source couples IR light into the light guide. Because the reflective layer is open on only one side, thermal radiation can be emitted in only one main direction.

[0011] DE 10 2014 220 652 A1 discloses a vehicle window with a window heater and a heating and sensor unit for a vehicle. The window heater has an IR emitter arranged on the long side of the vehicle window and directed into the vehicle window. In combination with IR heat-insulating glazing, non-absorbed power can be coupled into the interior and used to heat the interior. The IR heat-insulating glazing (IR reflection layer) is arranged on the outside of the window or additionally on the inside, whereby the reflectance on the inside is then lower than on the outside. A large portion of the IR power can be radiated into the interior by selecting a suitable radiation / coupling angle.

[0012] JP 2005-337698 A relates to a heating method and a heating device in which a surface of a screen that is permeable to IR radiation faces the user. The side of the screen facing away from the user reflects the IR radiation coupled into the screen pane. Object of the invention

[0013] In contrast, the object of the invention is to improve a heating device for the occupants of a vehicle in such a way that the heating device has as few additional elements as possible with significantly reduced manufacturing costs and a significantly higher heating output. Disclosure of the invention

[0014] This object is achieved by the heating device for vehicle occupants according to the invention with the features of patent claim 1.

[0015] The invention relates to a heating device for vehicle occupants with at least one heat radiation source arranged in the interior of the vehicle, which has at least one outlet opening for emitting bundled and directed heat radiation of a selected wavelength range, wherein the at least one outlet opening and thus the bundled and directed heat radiation is directed towards the inside of at least one vehicle window.

[0016] Heating devices with heat radiation sources (radiation emitters) are known. These typically generate electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum. Such radiation sources can be conventional incandescent lamps, so-called PTC resistors or PTC thermistors based on ceramic semiconductor materials, and many others. In the case of a heat radiation source for vehicles, it is implicitly assumed that it is electrically operated, although fuel-powered heat radiation sources can also be used in principle. In any case, the structure of a heat radiation source is known per se. The radiation is usually generated in an undirected manner, which is why a reflector is required to focus and direct the heat radiation. Such a known reflector is referred to below as a primary reflector to better distinguish it from the reflector according to the invention.The radiant heat source has an outlet opening that releases the heat radiation, concentrated and directed by the primary reflector, into the surrounding area. Depending on the location of the radiant heat source in the vehicle, multiple outlet openings may be provided, allowing the heat radiation to be directed toward one or more vehicle windows. For example, if the radiant heat source is centrally located, e.g., centrally under the vehicle roof, the windshield, rear window, and side windows can be irradiated.

[0017] At least one vehicle window has a reflective component that reflects significant portions of the selected wavelength range of the heating radiation. Due to the high safety and transmission requirements, vehicle windows are usually constructed in multiple layers. These so-called laminated glass panes can, in addition to a silicate glass layer as outer layers, also have polycarbonate or acrylate panes, as well as a variety of films with special properties. The reflective component of the vehicle window according to the invention can be introduced as a material or substance admixture during the manufacturing process of individual layers, or it can be a completely separate layer of the vehicle window, for example an infrared-reflecting film. The reflective component can be incorporated or applied to a partial surface, i.e. just a section, or to the entire surface of the vehicle window.The layer can be glued between outer layers of the vehicle window or glued onto an outer layer of the vehicle window.

[0018] Particularly preferably, the reflective component is formed by pyrolytically or magnetronically coated glass, for example glass with a metal vapor coating or by a silver alloy and / or by an infrared-reflecting plastic or metal film laminated between two glass panes.

[0019] The reflective component refers to a selected wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation. Ideally, the wavelength ranges of visible light should not be reflected to avoid dazzling the occupants and ensure transmission through the vehicle window. The wavelength ranges of the heat radiation emitted by the heat radiation source, e.g., infrared radiation with a wavelength of 780 nm to 1 mm, should be reflected to the maximum extent possible in order to reflect as much heat output as possible toward the occupants and thus utilize it.

[0020] The heating device according to the invention has several advantages. The reflection of the heat radiation by at least one vehicle window spreads the radiation path so widely that a high heating output can be used without the heat energy absorbed at specific points being perceived as unpleasant or painful by the occupant. In return, the occupant is evenly supplied with a high overall heat output. Furthermore, the heat radiation source can be positioned far enough from the occupant to prevent the risk of burns from direct contact. Finally, through appropriate arrangement of the heat radiation source in the vehicle, the outlet openings, and the associated plurality of possible radiation paths, the heat radiation can be reflected onto the occupant from multiple directions, creating a significantly more comfortable heating sensation while being even more efficient than conventional air heating and available immediately after activation.

[0021] Contrary to popular belief, the solution according to the invention does not require additional reflectors if, according to the invention, an existing vehicle window can be modified to serve as a reflector. This requires a vehicle window according to the invention that reflects the heating radiation toward the vehicle interior. Only these two findings allow the person skilled in the art to find inspiration in the prior art for how specific wavelength ranges of radiation-reflecting vehicle windows must be constructed or designed in order to function as a defined reflector for heating radiation.

[0022] One embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the at least one heat radiation source arranged in the interior of the vehicle is assigned to the dashboard and / or the roof lining, and the at least one outlet opening is directed toward the inside of the windshield and / or the inside of the side windows and / or the rear window. The heat radiation source can advantageously be arranged in the interior of the vehicle such that the occupants can be exposed to heat radiation from up to four directions.

[0023] A further embodiment of the invention is characterized in that a radiation angle of the heating radiation and / or the heating power of the heating radiation emerging from the at least one outlet opening can be adjusted independently of the heating power of the heating radiation emerging from at least one further outlet opening, depending on a seat occupancy detection signal and / or a preset signal determined from the input of a vehicle occupant. Advantageously, this allows the occupants to be exposed to heating radiation in such a way that the heating power is perceived as uniformly as possible.

[0024] A further embodiment of the invention is further characterized in that the radiation angle can be adjusted by a movable primary reflector assigned to the at least one heat radiation source and / or by a louvre diaphragm assigned to the at least one exit opening and / or by a filter assigned to the at least one exit opening. A movable primary reflector means that the primary reflector is rotatable, pivotable, or displaceable relative to the heat radiation source and / or the vehicle interior. Furthermore, the geometry of the primary reflector can also be self-variable, for example by varying the opening diameter or the focal point position. The louvre diaphragm can consist of several louvres that are rotatably mounted. The individual axes of rotation are preferably arranged parallel to one another. Alternatively, the louvres can also be adjusted via a slotted guide.It is also conceivable that the outlet opening comprises a filter which adjusts the exit angle by diffraction or refraction of the heating rays.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the louvre surfaces of the louvres of the louvre panel can be adjusted to be parallel or non-parallel to one another and / or have a reflective surface that reflects at least a significant portion of the selected wavelength range of the heating radiation. This allows the focusing and thus the heating output per solid angle to be adjusted and adjusted. Example

[0026] Further embodiments, features, possible applications, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are schematically illustrated in the figures. All described or illustrated features, individually or in any combination, constitute the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their summary in the patent claims or their references, as well as regardless of their wording or representation in the description or in the drawings.

[0027] Here we show: Fig. 1 a longitudinal section through a vehicle cabin with a first embodiment, Fig. 2 a plan view of a heat source with several outlet openings according to a second embodiment, Fig. 3 a longitudinal section (AA) through a vehicle cabin of the embodiment according to Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 a cross-section (BB) through a vehicle cabin of the embodiment according to Fig. 2.

[0028] In Fig. Figure 1 shows the basic structure of the heating device according to the invention for a vehicle 10. In this example, the heating device consists of a heat radiation source 1 integrated in the dashboard 7 and a heat radiation source 8 arranged in front of a rearview mirror (not shown) below the vehicle roof. In this case, the arrangement in front of the rearview mirror means between the rearview mirror and the windshield 5, i.e., in front of the rearview mirror in the direction of travel.

[0029] The heating radiation source 1 in the dashboard 7 is, for example, a halogen infrared radiator, which can be positioned at the focal point of a primary reflector 2. The heating radiation source 1 emits infrared or heating radiation 3. This is focused by the primary reflector 2 and directed toward the windshield 5. Depending on the interior geometry, the heating radiation 3 can be emitted in a more or less parallel manner, i.e., in a more or less fanned-out manner. The parallelism of the individual heating rays is largely determined by the geometry of the primary reflector 2.

[0030] The heat radiation 3 leaves the area surrounding the heat radiation source 1 via an exit opening 4. This can be a simple grid to prevent contact with the heat radiation source 1 or a filter to filter out visible light components. Furthermore, it is conceivable to design the exit opening 4 as a grid with rotatably mounted slats, which allows adjustment of the radiation-transmissive cross-section of the exit opening 4 and thus the amount of emitted radiation. Finally, such slats can also have a reflective surface, which allows a change in the direction and / or fanning out of the heat radiation 3, allowing an occupant 6 to individually adjust the heat radiation 3.

[0031] The basic structure of the heating device, consisting of a heat radiation source, a primary reflector, and an outlet opening, is used as a basis for all of the following examples as described above. If additional heat radiation sources are mentioned, the corresponding housing, the halogen infrared radiator itself (quartz radiators can also be used as an alternative to halogen radiators), and the primary reflector are explicitly included. Of course, other structurally and functionally necessary elements, such as a power connection, any cooling system, fastening elements, and much more, are also required and present, but are not described in detail.

[0032] The heating radiation 3 exits through the outlet opening 4 toward the windshield 5. The heating radiation 3 is preferably almost completely reflected by the windshield 5, causing the heating radiation 3 to then hit the occupant 6, in this case the driver, and be absorbed by them. One of the advantages of infrared radiation is that this radiation is barely absorbed by the air and transfers almost its entire heating power to the surface of the body when it strikes dense matter, e.g., solid bodies.

[0033] In Fig. 1 shows that the heat radiation 3 from the heat radiation source 1 is directed towards the face and upper body of the occupant 6 or is reflected in this direction by the windshield. The large-area distribution or fanning out of the heat radiation 3 enables a high heating output to be achieved, which generates a high heat energy input for the occupant 6 without causing any localized discomfort or pain. The heat radiation source 8 emits the heat radiation 9 through an outlet opening (not shown in detail). The heat radiation 9 is also reflected by the windshield 5. Due to the angle of incidence, the reflection angle is different from the reflection angle of the heat radiation 3. Therefore, the heat radiation 9 reflected by the windshield 5 is directed towards the arms and legs of the occupant 6. This advantageously allows targeted heating for specific body regions.The heat radiation source 8 in front of the rearview mirror enables targeted heating of the hands and the steering wheel (both not shown) in cold temperatures, without complex heating elements in or on the steering wheel.

[0034] Fig. Figure 2 shows a view from above of the vehicle 10, showing a schematic arrangement of another heat radiation source 20 below the roof lining. The occupant 6 is, as in Fig. 1, the driver of the vehicle 10. The heat radiation source 20 has four outlet openings, of which the outlet openings 21, 22 on the rear side and the passenger side are designated. For example, it can be seen that heat radiation 32 exits from the outlet opening 22 on the passenger side. This heat radiation 32 is reflected by the window pane 13 of the passenger door and thrown back toward the interior. Analogously, the outlet opening 23 on the driver's side can emit heat radiation 33 (cf. Fig. 4), which is reflected by the window pane 14 of the driver's door and radiates onto the occupant 6. The heat radiation 32 from the passenger side has the same total heat output as the heat radiation 33 from the driver's side because, although it has to travel a longer distance, there are only negligible differences in the losses in the air with infrared radiation, at least given the radiation path conditions present here in the vehicle 10. However, the heat radiation 32 from the passenger side reaches the occupant 6 in a wider area, resulting in a lower standardized surface immission of heat output. In an advantageous embodiment, the heat output between the driver and passenger sides can be adjusted depending on the seat occupancy within the vehicle 10. The same applies analogously to the heat output distribution of the heat radiation 34, 31 between the front and rear.Of course, the occupants can also actively control the heat output distribution. The heat output distribution can be achieved by adjusting the radiation-transmissive cross-section of the respective outlet opening. Alternatively or additionally, the heat output can be generated by several infrared radiators arranged in the housing of the heat radiation source 20. Furthermore, a variable primary reflector can be used, which reflects different portions of the heat radiation generated by the heat radiation source 20 in the respective direction. Variable filters in the beam path of the heat radiation can also enable a different distribution of the heat output.

[0035] In Fig. 2 two cutting perspectives can be seen, the section AA ( Fig. 3) and the section BB ( Fig. 4). Fig. 3 shows the same perspective as Fig. 1, where the same embodiment as in Fig. 2. The heat radiation source 20 is arranged below the roof lining. The focus here is on the heat radiation 34, 31 towards the front and towards the rear. The heat radiation 34 towards the front serves to warm the driver 6 and / or the front passenger, i.e. the front seated occupants. The beam path of the heat radiation 34 in Fig. 3, which is directed towards the hands and legs of the occupant 6 (cf. heating radiation 9 in Fig. 1), can be further deflected by placing another reflection element, such as a curved mirror, in the beam path immediately before it hits the windshield 5. This would allow the angle of reflection and the beam dispersion to be changed such that the entire upper body of the occupant 6 would be irradiated. This would allow the heat radiation source 1 in the dashboard 7 to be omitted or made less powerful.

[0036] The heat radiation 31 from the rear side hits the rear window 11 of the vehicle 10 and is reflected by it toward another passenger 12. Advantageously, its heating output can also be controlled depending on the seat occupancy on the rear seat bench and, ideally, completely switched off. In addition to the possibility of deactivating an infrared radiator provided for the rear side, the heat radiation can be prevented from exiting the outlet opening 21 using several hinged slats. Further options for preventing exit include optical filters assigned to the outlet opening 21.

[0037] Fig. 4 shows once again the above-mentioned embodiment from the perspective of a cross-section along the section line BB ( Fig. 2). List of reference symbols 1 Radiant heating source dashboard 2 Primary reflector 3 Heating radiation dashboard 4 Outlet opening heater dashboard 5 Windshield, vehicle window 6 occupants, vehicle occupants 7 Dashboard 8 Heat radiation source rearview mirror 9 Heat radiation rearview mirror 10 vehicles 11 Rear window, vehicle window 12 other passengers, vehicle passenger 13 Window pane passenger door, vehicle window, side window 14 Window pane driver's door, vehicle window, side window 20 Radiant heat source roof lining 21 Outlet opening for heater roof lining rear side 22 Outlet opening for heater roof lining passenger side 23 Outlet opening for heater headlining, driver's side 24 Outlet opening heater roof lining front 31 Heating radiation roof lining rear side 32 Heating radiation roof lining passenger side 33 Heating radiation roof lining driver's side 34 Heating radiation roof lining front

Claims

[1] Heating device for vehicle occupants (6, 12) with at least one heat radiation source (1, 8, 20) arranged in the interior of the vehicle (10), which has at least one outlet opening (4, 21, 22, 23, 24) for emitting directed heat radiation (3, 9, 31, 32, 33, 34) of a selected wavelength range, wherein the at least one outlet opening (4, 21, 22, 23, 24) and thus the directed heat radiation (3, 9, 31, 32, 33, 34) is directed towards the inside of at least one vehicle window (5, 11, 13, 14), wherein the at least one vehicle window (5, 11, 13, 14) has a reflective component which reflects substantial parts of the selected wavelength range of the heat radiation (3, 9, 31, 32, 33, 34) reflects, characterized bythat the heating power of the heating radiation (3, 9, 31, 32, 33, 34) emerging from the at least one outlet opening (4, 21, 22, 23, 24) is adjustable independently of the heating power of the heating radiation (3, 9, 31, 32, 33, 34) emerging from at least one further outlet opening (4, 21, 22, 23, 24) of further outlet openings (4, 21, 22, 23, 24) as a function of a seat occupancy detection signal and / or a specification signal determined from the specification of a vehicle occupant (6, 12). [2] Heating device for vehicle occupants (6, 12) according to claim 1, characterized by that the at least one heat radiation source (1, 8, 20) arranged in the interior of the vehicle (10) is assigned to the dashboard and / or the roof lining and the at least one outlet opening (4, 21, 22, 23, 24) is directed towards the inside of the windscreen (5) and / or towards the inside of the side windows (13, 14) and / or towards the rear window (11). [3] Heating device for vehicle occupants (6, 12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a radiation angle of the heating radiation (3, 9, 31, 32, 33, 34) is adjustable independently of the heating power of the heating radiation (3, 9, 31, 32, 33, 34) emerging from at least one further outlet opening (4, 21, 22, 23, 24) of further outlet openings (4, 21, 22, 23, 24) as a function of a seat occupancy detection signal and / or a specification signal determined from the specification of a vehicle occupant (6, 12). [4] Heating device for vehicle occupants (6, 12) according to claim 3, characterized by that the radiation angle can be adjusted by a movable primary reflector (2) assigned to the at least one heat radiation source (1, 8, 20) and / or by a louvre diaphragm assigned to the at least one outlet opening (4, 21, 22, 23, 24) and / or by a filter assigned to the at least one outlet opening (4, 21, 22, 23, 24). [5] Heating device for vehicle occupants (6, 12) according to claim 4, characterized by that the slatted surface of the slats of the slatted diaphragm can be adjusted parallel or not parallel to one another and / or have a reflective surface which reflects at least substantial parts of the selected wavelength range of the heating radiation (3, 9, 31, 32, 33, 34).

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