ADAPTIVE VEHICLE CLIMATE CONTROL METHOD

Abstract

Procedure, comprehensive: Automatic adjustment of an occupant comfort level inside a vehicle (10) during AUTO mode or ECO mode of a climate control system (12) of the vehicle (10), wherein the step of automatic adjustment includes modifying a temperature inside the vehicle (10) and activating a first additional comfort feature and a second additional comfort feature of the vehicle (10), wherein the first additional comfort feature is a feature different from the second additional comfort feature wherein the first additional comfort feature is an electrically heated or cooled seat (26), and the second additional comfort feature is an electrically heated windscreen (36), where the first additional comfort feature is an electrically heated steering wheel (21), and the second additional comfort feature is an electrically heated windscreen (36), wherein the step of modifying the temperature inside the vehicle (10) includes shifting the temperature by a predefined temperature offset value, and The predefined temperature offset value is a function of one or more of the variable ambient temperature, heating feature settings, drive mode, and solar load. characterized by the fact that The occupant comfort level is modified by a predefined temperature offset value, based on tabular settings, in response to a manual override of at least one additional comfort feature. wherein the method comprises shifting the temperature inside the vehicle (10) by a predefined temperature offset value in response to a manual override of at least one of an electrically heated or cooled seat (26), an electrically heated windscreen (36) and an electrically heated steering wheel (21), and This includes shifting the temperature by a first predefined temperature offset value when ECO mode is ON, and shifting the temperature by a second predefined temperature offset value when ECO mode is OFF.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] This disclosure concerns an adaptive vehicle climate control system. In AUTO or ECO mode, the passenger comfort level in the vehicle can be automatically modified by setting a temperature in the vehicle and activating at least one additional comfort feature of the vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicle climate control systems include heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for adjusting the vehicle cabin temperature. The HVAC system can deliver heated or cooled air into the vehicle interior to achieve a desired temperature within the cabin. Some vehicles are equipped with secondary comfort features, such as heated or cooled seats, to further enhance occupant comfort. These features are typically standalone devices that operate independently of the HVAC system.

[0003] Document US 5,873,256 A describes a method for automatically regulating an air conditioning system in a motor vehicle. This method controls the humidity and temperature in the vehicle interior, with a particular aim of preventing the windshield from fogging up.

[0004] Document US 2012 / 0312520A1 describes a method for controlling an air conditioning system in a motor vehicle. This method measures several vehicle status parameters, including interior temperature and seat occupancy configuration. It determines whether these parameters meet a predetermined override state. If the parameters meet the override state, the corresponding prescribed setting is automatically activated.

[0005] Document CN 1 02 958 722 A describes a control system for the heating unit of a hybrid vehicle. It specifically addresses controlling the heating unit during stops or when the vehicle is parked, in order to improve fuel efficiency.

[0006] Other publications in the field of the invention are DE 10 2013 101 722 A1, DE 10 2009 023 746 A1 and DE 10 2008 020 366 A1.

[0007] Electrified vehicles place unique demands on climate control systems. For example, achieving desired comfort levels within the cabin of an electrified vehicle must be balanced with maximizing the vehicle's driving range. SUMMARY

[0008] A method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, automatically adjusting an occupant comfort level in the interior of a vehicle in AUTO mode or ECO mode of the vehicle's climate control system. The automatic adjustment step includes modifying a temperature in the interior of the vehicle and activating a first and a second additional comfort feature of the vehicle, wherein the first additional comfort feature is different from the second additional comfort feature.

[0009] In a further, non-restrictive embodiment of one of the above methods, the first additional comfort feature is a heated or cooled seat, and the second additional comfort feature is a heated steering wheel.

[0010] In a further, non-restrictive embodiment of one of the foregoing methods, the method includes activating a third additional comfort feature to modify the temperature in the vehicle's interior. The first additional comfort feature is a heated or cooled seat, the second additional comfort feature is a heated steering wheel, and the third additional comfort feature is a heated windshield.

[0011] In a further, non-restrictive embodiment of one of the above methods, the step of modifying the temperature in the interior of the vehicle includes shifting the temperature by a predefined temperature offset value.

[0012] In a further, non-restrictive embodiment of one of the above methods, the offsetting step includes deriving the predefined temperature offset value from the heating strategy in Table 1.

[0013] In a further, non-restrictive embodiment of one of the above methods, the offsetting step includes deriving the predefined temperature offset value from the cooling strategy in Table 4.

[0014] The procedure includes shifting the temperature in the vehicle's interior by a predefined temperature offset value in response to a manual override of at least one of the first and second additional comfort features.

[0015] The procedure includes shifting the temperature by a first predefined temperature offset value when the ECO mode is switched to ON, and shifting the temperature by a second predefined temperature offset value when the ECO mode is switched to OFF.

[0016] A method according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, shifting the temperature in the interior of a passenger cabin of a vehicle by a predefined temperature offset value when a passenger of the vehicle has manually activated at least one additional comfort feature of the vehicle.

[0017] In a further, non-restrictive embodiment of the above method, the method includes shifting the temperature by a first predefined temperature offset value when the ECO mode is switched to ON, and shifting the temperature by a second predefined temperature offset value when the ECO mode is switched to OFF.

[0018] In a further, non-restrictive embodiment of one or the other of the above methods, the offsetting step includes deriving the predefined temperature offset value from the heating strategy in Table 1.

[0019] In a further, non-restrictive embodiment of one of the above methods, the predefined temperature offset value is still derived from Table 2 and Table 3.

[0020] In a further, non-restrictive embodiment of one of the above methods, the offsetting step includes deriving the predefined temperature offset value from the cooling strategy in Table 4.

[0021] In a further, non-restrictive embodiment of one of the above methods, the predefined temperature offset value is still derived from Table 5 and Table 6.

[0022] In a further, non-restrictive embodiment of one of the above methods, the at least one additional comfort feature includes a heated or cooled seat, a heated steering wheel or a heated windscreen.

[0023] A vehicle system according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an HVAC system, a first additional comfort feature, a second additional comfort feature that is different from the first additional comfort feature, and a zone climate control unit configured to control a temperature change in the interior of a vehicle using the HVAC system and configured to actuate the first additional comfort feature and the second additional comfort feature to modify an occupant comfort level in the interior of the vehicle.

[0024] The embodiments, examples, and alternatives described in the preceding paragraphs, the claims, the following description, and the figures, including any of their various aspects or individual features, can be considered independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment apply to all embodiments unless such features are incompatible.

[0025] The following detailed description will make the various features and advantages of this revelation apparent to the expert. The figures accompanying this detailed description can be briefly described as follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a vehicle equipped with a climate control system. Fig.Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary control topology of an adaptive vehicle climate control system. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an exemplary control strategy for setting an occupant comfort level in the interior of a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] This disclosure describes an adaptive vehicle climate control system and method. The adaptive vehicle climate control system can be used in AUTO mode or ECO mode to automatically adjust a passenger comfort level in the interior of a vehicle. The passenger comfort level can be modified by setting a temperature in the interior of the vehicle and by activating one or more auxiliary comfort features. In some embodiments, at least two different auxiliary comfort features are activated to adjust the passenger comfort level in the interior of the vehicle. The passenger comfort level is modified by a predefined temperature offset value, based on tabular settings, in response to a manual override of at least one auxiliary comfort feature. These and other features are discussed in more detail in the following paragraphs of this disclosure.

[0027] Fig.Figure 1 is a representation of a vehicle 10 equipped with a climate control system 12. The vehicle 10 can be a conventionally powered vehicle or an electrified vehicle, such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a battery electric vehicle (BEV). The concepts described in this disclosure are not limited to a specific vehicle type.

[0028] The vehicle 10 can include an energy source 14 for powering the vehicle 10. In one embodiment, the energy source 14 is an internal combustion engine. In another embodiment, the energy source 14 is an electric machine. In yet another embodiment, the energy source 14 includes both a motor and an electric machine, as in a hybrid arrangement. Embodiments with an electrified vehicle can additionally include a high-voltage battery assembly 16 for supplying the energy source 14.

[0029] The vehicle 10 includes a passenger cabin 20 in which the passengers reside during vehicle operation. The passenger cabin 20 can accommodate one or more seats 26. The total number of seats 26 provided within the passenger cabin 20 is not limited by this disclosure. The passenger cabin 20 may additionally include various other components, including, but not limited to, a steering wheel 21 and a brake and accelerator pedal (not shown). In another embodiment, an interface display 25 is located inside the passenger cabin 20. The interface display 25 includes various knobs, buttons, actuators, touchscreens, etc., to allow the vehicle occupants to select a desired level of comfort inside the passenger cabin 20. In other words, the interface display 25 allows the vehicle occupants to control the climate control system 12.The interface display 25 can also provide passengers with a visual output.

[0030] The climate control system 12 includes a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system 18 for setting a temperature inside the passenger cabin 20. The passenger cabin 20 can be divided into a plurality of zones 28. Each of the zones 28 encloses a portion of the passenger cabin 20 that can be thermally managed by the HVAC system 18. In a non-limiting embodiment, the passenger cabin 20 is divided into a first zone 28A, which encloses the front portion of the passenger cabin 20, and a second zone 28B, which encloses the rear portion of the passenger cabin 20. However, the passenger cabin 20 could be divided into any number of zones. In another embodiment, for example, each seat 26 could have its own zone 28.

[0031] The HVAC system 18 is equipped to raise or lower the temperature inside the passenger cabin 20. The HVAC system 18 can include a heating element 22 for transferring heated air into the passenger cabin 20 (i.e., heating the passenger cabin 20) and a cooling element 24 for transferring cooled air to the passenger cabin 20 (i.e., cooling the passenger cabin 20). In a non-limiting embodiment, the heating element 22 is a heating core, and the cooling element 24 is an evaporator core. A fan 56 of the HVAC system 18 can be controlled to direct an airflow through the HVAC system 18 and into the passenger cabin 20. Other heating and cooling devices can also be used for heating and / or cooling the passenger cabin 20 within the scope of this disclosure.

[0032] Although in the extremely schematic representation of Fig.Not shown in Figure 1, the HVAC system 18 can also include an arrangement of ducts, pipes, dampers, and / or actuators that can be used to direct an airflow either through the heating element 22 or through the cooling element 24 to adjust the temperature of the airflow. In another embodiment, the ducts, dampers, pipes, and / or actuators can be used to control a mixture of ambient air and air recirculated in the passenger cabin 20. The ducts can be in fluid communication with a plurality of nozzles 35 that direct the heated or cooled air into the passenger cabin 20. The nozzles 35 can be of any size or shape and can be placed at any location within the passenger cabin 20.

[0033] The climate control system 12 can additionally include one or more additional comfort features 30. In one embodiment, a first additional comfort feature 30A includes heated and / or cooled seats. For example, one or more of the seats 26 can include heating / cooling elements 32 for heating or cooling the seat 26. In a non-restrictive embodiment, the heating / cooling elements 32 include electrical resistance wiring arranged within the seat 26.

[0034] A second optional comfort feature 30B that can be provided is a heated steering wheel 21. The steering wheel 21 can, for example, include a heating element 34 for warming the steering wheel. The first optional comfort feature 30A can be provided alone or in combination with the second optional comfort feature 30B.

[0035] In yet another embodiment, the climate control system 12 can include a third additional comfort feature 30C. In this embodiment, the third additional comfort feature 30C includes a heated windshield 36. The heated windshield 36 can be operated to heat a windshield (front or rear) or a side window of the vehicle 10 to defrost, defog, or otherwise remove moisture from the windshield. In one embodiment, the heated windshield 36 heats the windshield via an electric current until the windshield radiates heat. The third additional comfort feature 30C can be provided alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second additional comfort features 30A and 30B.

[0036] Although not shown, further comfort features may be provided within the vehicle. Non-limiting examples of further additional comfort features include heated glazing, sun visors, heated trim surfaces, and the like.

[0037] The climate control system 12, including the HVAC system 18 and the additional comfort features 30, can be used to automatically adjust an occupant comfort level inside the passenger cabin 20 of the vehicle 10. These and other features are discussed in more detail below.

[0038] Fig.Figure 2 is a more detailed schematic representation of the climate control system 12 of the vehicle 10. The climate control system 12 may include a zone climate control unit 48, an HVAC system 18, a first auxiliary comfort feature 30A, a second auxiliary comfort feature 30B, a third auxiliary comfort feature 30C, a powertrain system 40, an on-board power supply control unit 42, a seating system 44, and a passenger interface system 46. Although Fig. 2. If a specific component relationship is shown, this disclosure is not limited to the exact configuration shown.

[0039] The zone climate control unit 48 can be part of a complete vehicle control unit, such as a vehicle system controller (VSC), or it could alternatively be a separate, stand-alone control unit. In one embodiment, the zone climate control unit 48 includes executable instructions for connecting to and controlling various components of the climate control system 12. The zone climate control unit 48 can include various inputs and outputs for connecting to the other components of the climate control system 12. The zone climate control unit 48 can also include a processor and non-volatile memory for executing the various control strategies and operating modes of the climate control system 12. In one embodiment, the zone climate control unit 48 communicates with the other components of the climate control system 12 via a CAN bus (Controller Area Network, CAN) 50.

[0040] The HVAC system 18 can include, among other components, an HVAC control unit 52, HVAC sensors 54, HVAC actuators 55, and an HVAC fan 56. These components can be controlled by the zone climate control unit 48 based on various inputs to set a temperature inside the vehicle's passenger cabin (see feature 20 of Fig.1) The HVAC control unit 52 is an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the HVAC system 18 based on commands from the zone climate control unit 48. The HVAC sensors 54 can detect and measure parameters and conditions that may affect the temperature in the passenger cabin. The HVAC sensors 54 can include a variety of sensors, including, but not limited to, ambient temperature sensors, solar load sensors, passenger cabin temperature sensors, humidity sensors, etc. The HVAC actuators 55 can be used to vary the direction of an airflow through the HVAC system 18. In one embodiment, the HVAC fan 56 is a variable-speed fan that directs airflow into and through the heating and cooling elements 22, 24 (see Figure 1). Fig. 1), through ducts and other lines of the HVAC system 18 and into the passenger cabin.

[0041] The first additional comfort feature 30A, the second additional comfort feature 30B, and the third additional comfort feature 30C can be one of a variety of additional comfort features. In one non-limiting embodiment, the first additional comfort feature 30A is a heated / cooled seat, which includes a seat heating / cooling control unit 58 and a heating / cooling element 32 for heating or cooling the seat. In another embodiment, the second additional comfort feature 30B is a heated steering wheel, which includes a steering wheel heating control unit 60 and a heating element 34 for heating the steering wheel. In yet another embodiment, the third additional comfort feature 30C is a heated windshield, which includes a windshield heating control unit 62 and a heating element 64 for defrosting / defogging a window of the vehicle.The climate control system 12 can include any combination of auxiliary comfort features that can be used in conjunction with the HVAC system 18 to influence the level of occupant comfort in the vehicle interior. In some embodiments, the zone climate control unit 48 automatically directs operation of the HVAC system 18 in combination with one or more of the auxiliary comfort features 30A, 30B, and 30C to achieve a desired level of occupant comfort.

[0042] The drive system 40 can include a drive control unit 66, a compressor 68, a heater 70, and various drive sensors 72. The drive control unit 66 is an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the drive system 40 based on commands from the zone climate control unit 48. The compressor 68 and the heater 70 can be part of a thermal management system that circulates a refrigerant to exchange heat with the airflow of the HVAC system 18. The refrigerant can also be used to cool a vehicle energy source (e.g., the drive motor and / or the battery pack). In a non-limiting embodiment, the heater 70 is a high-voltage heater with a positive temperature coefficient. The drive sensors 72 can include various sensors such as temperature sensors, fluid sensors, pressure sensors, airflow sensors, etc.

[0043] The vehicle electrical system control unit 42 can include a vehicle electrical system control unit 74 and a variety of interior sensors 76. The vehicle electrical system control unit 74 is an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the vehicle electrical system control unit 42 based on commands from the zone climate control unit 48. In one embodiment, the vehicle electrical system control unit 74 includes a gateway module between the CAN bus 50 and a LIN bus (Local Interconnect Network, LIN) 78 and their corresponding modules. The vehicle electrical system control unit 74 could provide the node for connecting the powertrain system 40, the vehicle electrical system control unit 42, and other systems of the climate control system 12, and could be the feedback mechanism between the various modules of the climate control system 12.The interior sensors 76 can include a variety of sensors, including but not limited to temperature sensors, cabin humidity sensors, duct outlet temperature sensors, solar luminance / radiation sensors, ambient temperature sensors, seat pressure sensors, infrared skin temperature sensors, air quality sensors, etc.

[0044] In one embodiment, the seating system 44 is part of a vehicle restraint system and is configured to provide details about the occupancy of the seats 26 (see Fig. 1) of the vehicle. The seating system 44 can include a seat control unit 80 and seat sensors 82. The seat control unit 80 is an electronic control unit that controls the operation of the seating system 44 based on commands from the zone climate control unit 48. The seat sensors 82 can include seat belt buckle sensors, occupancy sensors, weight sensors, etc.

[0045] The passenger interface system 46 can include a passenger interface control unit 84 and an interface display 25. The passenger interface control unit 84 is an electronic control unit that controls the operation of the passenger interface system 46. The interface display 25 can be located inside the passenger cabin of the vehicle to receive input from vehicle occupants. The interface display 25 includes various buttons, keys, switches, actuators, touchscreens, etc., to allow vehicle occupants to select a desired level of comfort inside the passenger cabin 20. The interface display 25 can also provide passengers with a visual output. In a non-restrictive embodiment, the interface display 25 includes devices (i.e., buttons, switches, etc.).) to select the operation of the additional comfort features 30A, 30B, 30C, or to select various climate control settings, including but not limited to temperature, mode (AUTO / ECO / MANUAL, etc.), fan speed (low, medium, high, off), etc., on.

[0046] The zone climate control unit 48 is configured to receive various requests and input signals from the other systems of the climate control system 12, analyze these requests and signals, and, based on this analysis, instruct a desired level of occupant comfort inside the passenger cabin of the vehicle. For example, the zone climate control unit 48 can communicate with each of the HVAC control units 52, the seat heating / cooling control unit 58, the steering wheel heating control unit 60, the windshield heating control unit 62, the powertrain control unit 66, the vehicle electrical system control unit 74, the seat control unit 80, and the passenger interface control unit 84 via the CAN bus 50.Based on the information received from the various sensors of the climate control system 12, the zone climate control unit 48 can instruct one or more of these other control units to initiate the operation of the various devices and actuators in order to modify the occupant comfort level to a desired temperature setpoint. This procedure can be carried out automatically if the passenger has selected an AUTO or ECO mode setting on the interface display 25.

[0047] As a non-restrictive example, suppose a passenger has selected AUTO mode and a temperature of 22 °C via the interface display 25. In response to these settings, the zone climate control unit 48 can modify the occupant comfort level in the vehicle interior by automatically adjusting the interior temperature using the HVAC system 18. The zone climate control unit 48 can also activate one or more of the auxiliary comfort features 30A, 30B, and 30C to achieve the desired occupant comfort level. Such activation of the auxiliary comfort features 30A, 30B, and 30C contributes to the occupant comfort level by reducing the amount of heated or cooled airflow that the HVAC system 18 must generate to meet the climate control requirements.

[0048] Fig. 3 is with continued reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig.Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a control strategy 100 for controlling the operation of the climate control system 12 of the vehicle 10. In one embodiment, the control strategy 100 can be executed to automatically set an occupant comfort level inside the passenger cabin 20 of the vehicle 10. The zone climate control unit 48 of the climate control system 12 can be programmed with one or more algorithms designed to execute the control strategy 100 or another control strategy. In a non-restrictive embodiment, the control strategy 100 is stored as executable instructions in the memory of the zone climate control unit 48. The executable instructions can be embodied in a computer-readable medium and can be executed by a processor (e.g., a microcomputer) of the zone climate control unit 48.

[0049] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 3, control strategy 100 begins at block 102 by determining whether the HVAC system 18 is switched on (ON). If the HVAC system 18 is not ON, the zone climate control unit 48 can continue to monitor the HVAC system 18 at block 104 to determine whether it has been switched on. In one embodiment, the zone climate control unit 48 can monitor the status of the HVAC system 18 by communicating with at least the HVAC control unit 52 and the passenger interface control unit 84. After determining that the HVAC system 18 is ON, control strategy 100 then determines at block 106 whether a heating, cooling, or ventilation request has been made by a passenger in the vehicle 10. Heating, cooling, and ventilation requests can be selected by the passenger at the interface display 25.

[0050] When a ventilation request is confirmed at block 106, the zone climate control unit 48 at block 108 can cause the HVAC system 18 to maintain a specific speed for the HVAC fan 56. Maintaining the fan speed 56 in this way fulfills necessary ventilation requirements. The fan speed 56 can also be selected by the passenger via the interface display.

[0051] Alternatively, if a heating request has been confirmed at block 106, the control strategy switches to block 110. Control strategy 100 determines which climate control mode (MANUAL / DEFROST / AUTO / ECO) has been selected at block 110. The climate control mode can be selected on the interface display 25. If the MANUAL or DEFROST mode is confirmed at block 110, the zone climate control unit 48 at block 112 instructs the HVAC system 18 to set a temperature setpoint T corresponding to the requested temperature. Soll corresponding temperature T Kabineto generate in passenger cabin 20. The temperature setpoint T Soll It can also be selected via the interface display 25.

[0052] If either AUTO or ECO mode has been confirmed at block 110, control strategy 100 proceeds to block 114 and determines whether an additional comfort feature 30A, 30B, or 30C has been manually activated. This case is considered a manual override by the zone climate control unit 48 because the passenger has manually selected the additional comfort feature(s) 30A, 30B, and / or 30C, as opposed to the automatic activation (ON) or deactivation (OFF) of the feature(s) by the zone climate control unit 48. If one or more of the additional comfort features 30A, 30B, and / or 30C have been manually activated, control strategy 100 proceeds to block 116 and sets the temperature T. KabineThe passenger cabin 20 is set according to the tabular settings stored in the memory of the zone climate control unit 48, for example in a lookup table. For example, the temperature T Kabine by a predefined temperature offset value, which is based on the heating strategy in Table 1. TABLE 1 - Heating strategy Additional comfort features ECO mode Blower mode setting Temperature control setpoint ON ON CAR TKabine =TSOLL - VERSATZ_1H VERSATZ_1H=(fn. TUmg,Heizmerkmal-Einstellungen, Drive-Modus) OFF ON CAR TKabine =TSOLL - VERSATZ_2H VERSATZ_2H=(fn. TUmg,Drive-Modus) ON OFF CAR TKabine =TSOLL - VERSATZ_3H VERSATZ_3H=(fn. TUmg,Heizmerkmal-Einstellungen) OFF OFF CAR TKabine =TSOLL - VERSATZ_4H VERSATZ_4H=(fn. TUmg) ON ON MANUAL TKabine =TSOLL OFF ON MANUAL TKabine =TSOLL ON OFF MANUAL TKabine =TSOLL OFF OFF MANUAL TKabine =TSOLL ON ON MAXDEFROST TKabine = MaxHeiß OFF ON MAXDEFROST TKabine = MaxHeiß ON OFF MAXDEFROST TKabine = MaxHeiß OFF OFF MAXDEFROST TKabine = MaxHeiß

[0053] In one embodiment, the predefined temperature offset value is a function of one or more of the following variables: ambient temperature (T UmgHeating feature settings (i.e., transmission states from the interface display 25 indicating the passenger's heating preferences), drive mode, solar thermal (i.e., solar load), etc. These variables can be sampled from various sensors of the climate control system 12 and then transmitted to the zone climate control unit 48 for further analysis. The predefined temperature offset value used in the heating strategy of Table 1 can be derived from additional tabular settings. Table 2 and Table 3 below are non-restrictive examples of predefined temperature offset values ​​used to set the temperature T. Kabine They can be used in passenger cabin 20. TABLE 2 - Heating offset strategy 1 (Additional comfort features for heating ON; ECO mode ON) Offset strategy ambient temperature Solar Heating feature level requirement Temperature offset OFFSET_1H Extremely cold High High -3 OFFSET_1H Moderately cold High High -4 OFFSET_1H Extremely cold Mod / Low / None High -2 OFFSET_1H Moderately cold Mod / Low / None High -3 OFFSET_2H Extremely cold High Medium / Low -4 OFFSET_2H Moderately cold High Medium / Low -5 OFFSET_2H Extremely cold Mod / Low / None Medium / Low -3 OFFSET_2H Moderately cold Mod / Low / None Medium / Low -2 TABLE 3 - Heating offset strategy 2 (Additional comfort features for heating ON; ECO mode OFF) Offset strategy Ambient temperature Solar Heating feature level requirement temperature offset OFFSET_3H Extremely cold High High -2 OFFSET_3H Moderately cold High High -3 OFFSET_3H Extremely cold Mod / Low / None High -1 OFFSET_3H Moderately cold Mod / Low / None High -1 OFFSET_4H Extremely cold High Medium / Low -3 OFFSET_4H Moderately cold High Medium / Low -4 OFFSET_4H Extremely cold Mod / Low / None Medium / Low -2 OFFSET_4H Moderately cold Mod / Low / None Medium / Low -1

[0054] The person skilled in the art will readily recognize that the specific temperature and temperature offset values ​​described for the various embodiments of this disclosure serve only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit this disclosure. The person skilled in the art will also recognize that the actual temperature offset values ​​may be calibratable. These values ​​are given only as examples to show the directional change implied by each mode selection. The values ​​do not imply that the thermal physics required to achieve the desired goal of each setting can be understood solely through basic principles of thermodynamics. A person skilled in the art could evaluate these settings and make appropriate adjustments based on details of the vehicle design.

[0055] If none of the additional comfort features 30A, 30B, 30C have been manually activated in block 114, control strategy 100 switches to block 118 and determines whether the HVAC system 18 is set to AUTO mode or ECO mode. If AUTO mode is selected, the zone climate control unit 48 instructs the HVAC system 18 in block 112 to maintain a temperature T Kabine to generate temperatures that meet the requested temperature setpoint T Soll This corresponds to the following. Alternatively, if ECO mode has been confirmed, control strategy 100 continues with block 120 and sets the temperature T. Kabine according to one of the ECO mode heating strategies proposed by Table 1 (see above).

[0056] If, in another embodiment, a cooling request has been confirmed at block 106, the control strategy switches to block 122. Control strategy 100 determines which climate control mode (MANUAL / AUTO / ECO) has been selected at block 122. The climate control mode is selected on the interface display 25. If the MANUAL mode is confirmed at block 122, the zone climate control unit 48 at block 124 instructs the HVAC system 18 to set a temperature setpoint T corresponding to the requested temperature. Sollto generate the appropriate temperature in passenger cabin 20. However, if either AUTO or ECO mode has been confirmed at block 122, control strategy 100 switches to block 126 and determines whether an additional comfort feature 30A, 30B, or 30C has been manually activated. If one or more of the additional comfort features 30A, 30B, and / or 30C have been manually activated, control strategy 100 switches to block 128 and sets the temperature T Kabine The passenger cabin 20 is set according to the tabular settings stored in the memory of the zone climate control unit 48, for example in a lookup table. For example, the temperature T Kabine by a predefined temperature offset value, which is based on the cooling strategy in Table 4. TABLE 4 - Cooling strategy Additional comfort features ECO mode Blower mode setting Temperature control setpoint ON ON CAR TKabine =TSOLL +VERSATTZ_1KVERSATTZ_1K=(fn. TUmg,Kühlmerkmal-Einstellungen, Drive-Modus,Solar) OFF ON CAR TKabine =TSOLL +VERSATTZ_2KVERSATTZ_2K=(fn. TUmg,Drive-Modus,Solar) ON OFF CAR TKabine =TSOLL +VERSATTZ_3KVERSATTZ_3K=(fn. TUmg,Heizmerkmal-Einstellungen, Solar) OFF OFF CAR TKabine =TSOLL +VERSATTZ_4KVERSATTZ_4K =(fn. TUmg,Solar) ON ON MANUAL TKabine =TSOLL OFF ON MANUAL TKabine =TSOLL ON OFF MANUAL TKabine =TSOLL OFF OFF MANUAL TKabine =TSOLL ON ON MAX AC TKabine = MaxCold OFF ON MAX AC TKabine = MaxCold ON OFF MAX AC TKabine = MaxCold OFF OFF MAX AC TKabine = MaxCold

[0057] In one embodiment, the predefined temperature offset value is a function of one or more of the following variables: ambient temperature (T Umg ), cooling feature settings, drive mode, solar thermal (i.e., solar load), etc. These variables can be sampled by various sensors of the climate control system 12 and then transmitted to the zone climate control unit 48 for further analysis. The predefined temperature offset value used in the cooling strategy of Table 4 can be derived from additional tabular settings. Table 5 and Table 6 below are non-restrictive examples of predefined temperature offset values ​​that can be used to set the temperature of the passenger cabin 20. TABLE 5 - Cooling offset strategy 1 (Additional comfort features for cooling ON; ECO mode ON) Offset strategy Ambient temperature Solar Cooling characteristic multiplier level requirement temperature offset OFFSET_1K Extremely hot High High +0,5 OFFSET_1K Moderately warm High High +2 OFFSET_1K Extremely hot Mod / Low / None High +2,5 OFFSET_1K Moderately warm Mod / Low / None High +4 OFFSET_2K Extremely hot High Medium / Low +1 OFFSET_2K Moderately warm High Medium / Low +2,5 OFFSET_2K Extremely hot Mod / Low / None Medium / Low +3 OFFSET_2K Moderately warm Mod / Low / None Medium / Low +4,5 TABLE 6 - Cooling offset strategy 2 (Additional comfort features for cooling ON; ECO mode OFF) Offset strategy Ambient temperature Solar Cooling characteristic multiplier level requirement temperature offset OFFSET_3K Extremely hot High High +0 OFFSET_3K Moderately warm High High +1 OFFSET_3K Extremely hot Mod / Low / None High +1,5 OFFSET_3K Moderately warm Mod / Low / None High +3 OFFSET_4K Extremely hot High Medium / Low +0,5 OFFSET_4K Moderately warm High Medium / Low +2 OFFSET_4K Extremely hot Mod / Low / None Medium / Low +2 OFFSET_4K Moderately warm Mod / Low / None Medium / Low +3,5

[0058] If no additional comfort feature 30A, 30B, 30C has been manually activated in block 126, control strategy 100 switches to block 130 and determines whether the HVAC system 18 is set to AUTO mode or ECO mode. If AUTO mode is selected, the zone climate control unit 48 instructs the HVAC system 18 in block 124 to maintain a temperature T Kabine to generate in passenger cabin 20, which meets the requested temperature setpoint T Soll This corresponds to the following. Alternatively, if ECO mode has been confirmed, control strategy 100 continues with block 132 and sets the temperature T. Kabine passenger cabin 20 according to one of the ECO mode cooling strategies proposed by Table 4 (see above).

[0059] Although the various non-limiting embodiments are presented as having specific components or steps, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to such specific combinations. It is possible to use certain components or features from one of the non-limiting embodiments in combination with features or components from one of the other non-limiting embodiments.

[0060] It should be noted that identical reference numbers across the various figures denote corresponding or similar elements. It is to be understood that, although a specific component arrangement is disclosed and illustrated in these exemplary embodiments, other arrangements can also benefit from the lessons of this disclosure.

[0061] The foregoing description should be understood as illustrative and not as limiting. An ordinary person skilled in the art would understand that certain modifications could fall within the scope of this disclosure. For these reasons, the following claims should be examined with a view to determining the true scope and content of this disclosure.

Claims

[1] Procedure, encompassing: Automatic adjustment of an occupant comfort level inside a vehicle (10) during AUTO mode or ECO mode of a climate control system (12) of the vehicle (10), wherein the step of automatic adjustment includes modifying a temperature inside the vehicle (10) and activating a first additional comfort feature and a second additional comfort feature of the vehicle (10), wherein the first additional comfort feature is a feature different from the second additional comfort feature wherein the first additional comfort feature is an electrically heated or cooled seat (26), and the second additional comfort feature is an electrically heated windscreen (36), where the first additional comfort feature is an electrically heated steering wheel (21), and the second additional comfort feature is an electrically heated windscreen (36), wherein the step of modifying the temperature inside the vehicle (10) includes shifting the temperature by a predefined temperature offset value, and The predefined temperature offset value is a function of one or more of the variable ambient temperature, heating feature settings, drive mode, and solar load. characterized by , that The occupant comfort level is modified by a predefined temperature offset value, based on tabular settings, in response to a manual override of at least one additional comfort feature. wherein the method comprises shifting the temperature inside the vehicle (10) by a predefined temperature offset value in response to a manual override of at least one of an electrically heated or cooled seat (26), an electrically heated windscreen (36) and an electrically heated steering wheel (21), and This includes shifting the temperature by a first predefined temperature offset value when ECO mode is ON, and shifting the temperature by a second predefined temperature offset value when ECO mode is OFF. [2] Method according to claim 1, comprising actuating a third additional comfort feature to modify the temperature inside the vehicle (10), wherein the first additional comfort feature is the electrically heated or cooled seat (26), the second additional comfort feature is the electrically heated steering wheel (21), and the third additional comfort feature is the electrically heated windscreen (36). [3] Method according to claim 1, wherein the step of modifying the temperature inside the vehicle (10) includes shifting the temperature by a predefined temperature offset value from the heating strategy of Table 1, Table 2 and Table 3. [4] Method according to claim 1, wherein the step of modifying the temperature inside the vehicle (10) includes shifting the temperature by a predefined temperature offset value from the cooling strategy of Table 4, Table 5 and Table 6. [5] Method according to claim 1, wherein the offsetting step includes deriving the predefined temperature offset value from the heating strategy of Table 1. [6] Method according to claim 5, wherein the predefined temperature offset value is further derived from Table 2 and Table 3. [7] Method according to claim 1, wherein the offsetting step includes deriving the predefined temperature offset value from the cooling strategy of Table 4. [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein the predefined temperature offset value is further derived from Table 5 and Table 6.

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