Method for energy-efficient temperature control in a parked vehicle and computer program product for this purpose

Abstract

Method for energy-efficient temperature control in a parked motor vehicle, comprising: - a detection (100) of at least one temperature input into the motor vehicle, wherein - a detection (101) of at least one electrically movable component from several electrically movable components within the motor vehicle, which is affected by the detected (100) at least one temperature input in the form of solar radiation, wherein the electrically movable components comprise several electrically adjustable seats and an electrically adjustable steering wheel; and - a bringing (102) the electrically adjustable steering wheel or the electrically adjustable steering wheel and at least one further determined movable component into a position in which the at least one temperature input in the form of solar radiation is varied, is provided, characterized in that the at least one movable component concerned is moved from a first position to a second position and the temperature input in the first position is compared with the temperature input in the second position, so that a dynamic measurement of the more advantageous position is achieved.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for energy-efficient passive temperature control. According to the invention, it is possible to move movable components into a position in which they absorb less heat energy. Preferably, the component is a vehicle seat or at least a part thereof. Furthermore, a computer program product with control commands is proposed that implements the method.

[0002] DE 10 2009 027 543 A1 shows a method in which the expected shadow path is calculated based on buildings and the position of the sun and this is displayed visually to the driver.

[0003] DE 198 14 094 A1 discloses a device and a method which serve to darken a transparent pane, in particular in means of transport, as protection against disturbing light sources, against unwanted visibility and against heat radiation.

[0004] US 4,118,066 A shows a blind for covering at least one seat of a vehicle to protect against sunlight. The blind is extended over the longitudinal axis of a rotating roller.

[0005] US 4,818,007 A shows a roll-up cover designed to help cool the vehicle and protect the interior from sunlight and heat.

[0006] JP 2009- 280 063 A shows an air conditioning system for vehicles in which the vehicle can move a seat and open a window to regulate the temperature of the interior.

[0007] For further information on the state of the art, please refer to JP 2009-184452A.

[0008] Vehicles often have electrically adjustable front seats, seat memory function, an anti-theft alarm system, seat occupancy detection, interior temperature sensors, and solar sensors. Anti-pinch technologies are common in power windows. Parked vehicles heat up considerably in sunlight. The seats are very heavy interior components and store a great deal of energy, resulting in reduced comfort when getting in and out of the vehicle until they cool down, at which point the high temperatures are reduced by the seat ventilation, cooling, and air conditioning systems. The main source of this heat is solar radiation through the windshield.

[0009] Components of the seat that are directly exposed to the radiation, e.g. the seat surface, heat up more than, for example, the backrest which is already shaded by the roof.

[0010] Currently, there is no networked use of existing components and information to reduce the heating of the seating surface, thereby increasing comfort and reducing the energy consumption of the air conditioning. Often, additional equipment, such as familiar sunshades, even has to be costly to install.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to propose an improved method for saving energy in a vehicle, which can be implemented with minimal technical effort. This should require no or only minimal hardware modifications. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to propose a computer program product with control commands that implement the method.

[0012] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the respective dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0013] Accordingly, a method for energy-efficient temperature control in a motor vehicle is proposed, comprising the detection of at least one temperature input or solar radiation input, or the use of external data via cloud, etc., regarding the outside temperature and solar radiation entering the motor vehicle. This method involves identifying at least one movable component within the motor vehicle that is affected by the detected temperature input, solar radiation, or reported values, and moving this at least one movable component to a position where the temperature input varies. This can also be performed without sensors that could be supplied via backend data from other vehicles. By detecting the temperature and solar radiation, a parked vehicle can be repeatedly activated.When locking the vehicle, currently available values ​​can be used, and then a decision can be made regarding seat adjustment.

[0014] The following section presents aspects partly relating to electrically powered vehicles, but this should not be interpreted as limiting. Rather, the present invention is generally directed at both electric vehicles and vehicles with internal combustion engines. In this respect, motor vehicles in general are further developed according to the invention. Any motor vehicle, in particular an automobile, is generally considered a motor vehicle in this context. However, the present invention is particularly advantageous for electrically powered vehicles, since the range is linked to the battery's state of charge, and thus energy savings directly increase the range.

[0015] The proposed method is energy-efficient because it prevents individual vehicle components from absorbing energy, for example, from solar radiation. This is particularly advantageous for a vehicle seat, as it can be moved using conventional methods, thus eliminating the need for additional technical measures to move the seat. A seat, in particular, is a large and highly sensitive component in a vehicle's interior due to its mass, meaning it can absorb a significant amount of heat energy. Therefore, it is especially beneficial to position the seat in a way that minimizes its energy absorption.

[0016] The present invention assumes a temperature input typically equivalent to solar radiation. However, it is also possible that other temperature inputs arise from external influences. The approach taken here is not the prior art approach of creating a darkening or shading effect upon identifying a temperature input, but rather the affected components—that is, those components that heat up—are moved from or into the position where the temperature input occurs.

[0017] This is therefore a passive method of temperature control, since there is no active cooling or heating, but rather a reduction or maximization of the temperature input. According to the invention, varying the temperature input refers either to increasing or decreasing it. For example, in summer the temperature input can be varied so that a vehicle seat is directed away from direct sunlight. In winter, however, it is advantageous to vary the temperature input so that a vehicle seat is exposed to direct sunlight. Thus, varying is synonymous with reducing or increasing the temperature input. According to the invention, this is achieved passively by adjusting electronic components in the vehicle's interior.

[0018] The present invention is particularly preferably designed such that the temperature input is varied in such a way that the vehicle seat is directed away from direct sunlight. This is important because very high temperatures can occur in the vehicle interior, especially in summer, which then need to be cooled down. According to the invention, this disadvantage is overcome by minimizing the temperature input in summer. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a target value is constantly compared with another measured value. This allows the driver to specify the desired interior temperature. The proposed method thus measures the temperature input and, based on this information, can decide whether or not to adjust the seating position.If the target temperature is higher than the currently measured temperature, the temperature input is increased; conversely, if the target temperature is lower than the measured temperature, the temperature input is decreased. It is also possible that the driver does not specify the temperature values, but rather that the vehicle manufacturer specifies a target value.

[0019] In this process, the temperature input is not actively varied; instead, the proposed method involves passively varying it by directing the electronic components towards or away from solar radiation. This allows the surface area exposed to solar radiation to be maximized or minimized. Therefore, there is no active cooling or heating; rather, the optimal use of solar radiation is advantageously achieved. It is not precluded that active methods, such as darkening the glass, could be used additionally.

[0020] The detection of at least one temperature input into the vehicle can be achieved, for example, by means of sensors that measure the current seat temperature. Seat temperature can be broken down into the temperature of the seat surface, the backrest, and the headrest. The position of each of these electronic components can be automatically adjusted to optimize the temperature input. Typically, this temperature input is a heat input, preferably energy generated by solar radiation. Thus, those skilled in the art are familiar with various measuring systems that allow them not only to measure the magnitude of the applied temperature but also to determine the precise location where the temperature input occurs.

[0021] Solar radiation can also be analyzed. For example, solar sensors are integrated into the so-called Rain-Light-Solar-Fog Sensor (RLSBS). This input (intensity, direction) can also be used, or accessed from the backend, to control components effectively. This allows, for instance, an electrically adjustable steering wheel to be moved into a more advantageous position.

[0022] Thus, it is possible that the sun shines on only one of the seats, and therefore only that one seat needs to be adjusted. The other seats can remain in their original position, as they are not exposed to sunlight. According to the invention, this also allows for the selection of the movable components affected by the temperature input. Typically, only those components that are actually affected are adjusted. Therefore, the proposed method is particularly energy-efficient, and components are not moved unnecessarily.

[0023] It is possible to measure the temperature input first in one position and then in a second. This allows for testing to determine which position is most advantageous for the desired application scenario. Thus, a dynamic measurement process is used to identify the optimal position. However, it is also possible for the driver or the manufacturer to define specific parameters. For example, the manufacturer can measure which movement is required for a given temperature input in a given position. If, for instance, a temperature input and radiation are detected through the windshield, the seats can typically be moved back and the headrests retracted. This ensures that the position is selected where the surface of the seat facing the sun is at its minimum.Alternatively, it may also be possible to heat the vehicle seat as much as possible, thus increasing the surface area of ​​the individual components of the seat with regard to solar radiation.

[0024] Moving the at least one movable component into a position where the temperature input is varied can be achieved by using existing motors that move the seat accordingly. For example, high-end vehicles typically have motors that vary the seat height or adjust the backrest to an upright or reclined position. According to the invention, any motor that moves a movable component into a different position can generally be used. The driver's seat is merely one example and is by no means exhaustive.

[0025] If strong sunlight and temperatures are detected by the solar sensor and / or interior temperature sensor, and / or outside temperature, the electrically adjustable front seats can be moved as far back as possible when the vehicle is parked, but also when the vehicle is already parked.

[0026] To prevent passengers and animals from being trapped, as well as damage to objects in the footwell of the second row of seats, the vehicle should be locked, the alarm system activated, and the seat occupancy checked beforehand to rule out the presence of passengers or animals as far as possible. As an additional safety feature, the seat adjustment mechanism is equipped with an obstruction detection system. For example, if a seat is moving, it will detect resistance from an object in the footwell of the second row and return to its original position, similar to the anti-pinch protection of power windows.

[0027] The seat moved backwards is therefore more heavily shaded by the vehicle roof and absorbs a lower percentage of solar radiation. When the vehicle is unlocked, the seats must return to their original position.

[0028] In summer, this results in a reduced heating of the seat. This allows for greater comfort for the driver with lower energy consumption. In winter, the opposite application is conceivable. The seat is positioned as far forward as possible to absorb solar energy, if available, which increases comfort and in turn saves energy for the heating system. Thus, according to the invention, existing technologies in the vehicle are used synergistically.

[0029] To reduce the light transmission of transparent panes, tinting or mechanically covering them is disadvantageous. Furthermore, technical methods for changing the light transmission of a pane or a portion thereof are necessary, where this change is electrically controlled. Thus, the invention overcomes the disadvantage of requiring additional physical components. According to the invention, existing components can be used particularly advantageously, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present invention, the invention comprises at least one movable component in a vehicle seat. This has the advantage that the vehicle seat, which typically absorbs the most heat, can be moved away from the position in which it is exposed to, for example, solar radiation. All elements of the seat can be moved independently of one another or in combination.

[0031] According to the invention, the at least one movable component is moved from a first position to a second position, and the temperature input in the first position is compared with the temperature input in the second position. This has the advantage that the components can be evaluated with regard to their heat absorption, and the advantageous position can then be selected. In summer, the position with less solar radiation is preferred, and in winter, the respective component can be exposed to greater solar radiation. A predetermined target temperature can be compared with a measured temperature, and thus the suitable position can be determined.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the at least one movable component in question is moved from the first position to a second predetermined position. This has the advantage that the components can proactively move away from a heat source and thus be moved to a shadier position.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a check is performed to determine whether the temperature input exceeds a predetermined threshold. This has the advantage of allowing an assessment of whether the energy expenditure of a position change is worthwhile and thus whether the energy balance of a position change is positive. It can be determined whether the energy savings of the climate control system during the position change exceed the energy expenditure of the physical position change using motors. If a position change appears to be more energy-intensive than remaining in the original position, the position change is prevented.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a plurality of predetermined parameters are retrieved, which determine at which position, in response to a temperature input, the affected at least one movable component is moved. This has the advantage that a manufacturer can define scenarios containing parameters that indicate how each element should be moved in response to a given temperature input. Typically, the temperature input is solar radiation. Thus, for example, if solar radiation is detected through the windshield, the seats can be moved backward. If solar radiation is detected through the rear window, the seats are moved forward.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the movement is dependent on a readout of a vehicle locking mechanism, the status of an anti-theft system, seat occupancy, a blockage detection system, an existing seat position, and / or a preset value. This has the advantage that existing sensors, particularly those in the vehicle interior, can be advantageously integrated according to the invention. Thus, it is detected that a vehicle is parked and that there are no occupants in the vehicle. This prevents a vehicle occupant's seat from being moved. Furthermore, no objects are trapped or adjustable components are damaged.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the present invention, when the motor vehicle is unlocked, all moving components are returned to their initial position. This has the advantage that the driver is unaware of the change in position and finds his vehicle as usual.

[0037] The task can also be solved by a computer program product with control commands that execute the procedure when they are run on a computer.

[0038] According to the invention, it is particularly advantageous that the method can be used to operate the proposed devices and units. Furthermore, the proposed devices and equipment are suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention. Thus, each device implements structural features suitable for carrying out the corresponding method. However, these structural features can also be designed as method steps. The proposed method also provides steps for implementing the function of the structural features.

[0039] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which aspects of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. Likewise, the features mentioned above and those further described here can be used individually or in any combination. Functionally similar or identical parts or components are sometimes provided with the same reference numerals. The terms "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" used in the description of the exemplary embodiments refer to the drawings in an orientation with normally legible figure labels or reference numerals.The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as exhaustive, but rather serve as examples to illustrate the invention. The detailed description is intended to inform those skilled in the art; therefore, known circuits, structures, and methods are not shown or explained in detail in order to avoid complicating the understanding of the present description. The figures show: Fig. 1: a schematic flowchart of a method for energy-efficient temperature control in a motor vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention; Fig. 2: a schematic application scenario of the method for energy-efficient temperature control in a motor vehicle according to a further aspect of the present invention; and Fig. 3: a schematic application scenario of the method for energy-efficient temperature control in a motor vehicle according to a further aspect of the present invention.

[0040] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for energy-efficient temperature control in a motor vehicle, comprising a detection 100 of at least one temperature input into the motor vehicle, a determination 101 of at least one movable component within the motor vehicle which is affected by the detected 100 temperature input, and a positioning 102 of the at least one movable component in a position in which the temperature input is varied. The person skilled in the art recognizes that the steps may include further sub-steps and, in particular, that the method steps may be carried out iteratively and / or in a different sequence or in parallel.

[0041] Fig. Figure 2 shows two rows of seats, with the driver's seat on the left and the seat in the second row on the right. If sunlight is detected in summer, it is particularly advantageous according to the invention for the driver's seat to be moved backward and the backrest to be tilted. This is indicated in the figure by the two arrows on the right.

[0042] In this context, it is possible that a vehicle occupant has forgotten an object on the rear seat. According to the invention, this allows the system to detect that the front seat cannot be fully retracted. Existing sensors can be used here as well, which detect whether resistance occurs. Such resistance is known, for example, from a window regulator, which, when resistance is encountered, no longer raises or slightly lowers the window. Similarly, the seat position can be checked, preventing an object from becoming trapped.

[0043] Additional sensors can also be used, for example, to indicate that no occupants are present in the vehicle. Such a sensor could be, for instance, a pressure sensor on the seats, or it could check whether the vehicle is locked. If the vehicle is locked, there are typically no occupants inside. Thus, the inventive method can be carried out, and energy-efficient temperature control can begin.

[0044] When the driver returns to his vehicle, this is detected by the vehicle unlocking. Thus, upon unlocking, the movable component is returned to the position it was in before the inventive method was applied. Therefore, the driver does not notice that the position of the components has been optimized in the meantime.

[0045] Since no further technical precautions are necessary, the present invention also relates to an upgrade kit that can be provided by means of control commands. Thus, existing motors in the interior can be controlled according to the invention.

[0046] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, sunlight can enter the vehicle at a shallow angle from the front. It is particularly advantageous to lower the steering wheel so far that it is not affected by the sunlight. Alternatively, the seat can be lowered so that sunlight enters the vehicle interior over the seat. Components can also be incorporated that capture solar energy and analyze the amount of energy received. This is shown in the present [reference to a specific example]. Fig.Figure 3 is indicated by an arrow pointing downwards towards the vehicle roof. This symbolizes solar radiation, which can be evaluated by a corresponding solar sensor. Here, too, it can be advantageous to move the electrically operated steering wheel as far forward as possible so that the sun's rays do not strike the steering wheel. If, for example, a panoramic sunroof is installed in the vehicle, not only the steering wheel but also the vehicle seat can be moved backwards. This allows the angle and intensity of the solar radiation to be measured, and the electrically movable components can then be positioned optimally.

[0047] It is particularly advantageous that not only a single vehicle provides the relevant data, but rather that other vehicles in the immediate vicinity can also read sensors and transmit corresponding data to the vehicle designed according to the invention. It is also possible to access further messaging services, such as a server, via a data connection. In this way, the vehicles can be optimized with regard to energy input. It is particularly advantageous that the vehicle seats or the electrically adjustable steering wheel are only mentioned as examples and that other components in the vehicle interior are also possible. In particular, all sensors that measure data relating indirectly or directly to temperature input can be used.

Claims

[1] Method for energy-efficient temperature control in a parked motor vehicle, comprising: - a detection (100) of at least one temperature input into the motor vehicle, wherein - a detection (101) of at least one electrically movable component from several electrically movable components within the motor vehicle, which is affected by the detected (100) at least one temperature input in the form of solar radiation, wherein the electrically movable components comprise several electrically adjustable seats and an electrically adjustable steering wheel; and - a placement (102) of the electrically adjustable steering wheel or the electrically adjustable steering wheel and at least one other identified movable component in a position in which the at least one temperature input in the form of solar radiation is varied, is provided, characterized by, that the affected at least one movable component is moved from a first position to a second position and the temperature input in the first position is compared with the temperature input in the second position, so that a dynamic measurement of the more advantageous position is achieved. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that a movable component is included among the several movable components in a vehicle seat. [3] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized by that the affected at least one movable component is moved from the first position to a second predetermined position. [4] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a check is carried out to determine whether the temperature input exceeds a predetermined threshold. [5] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a plurality of predetermined parameters are retrieved, which determine into which position the affected at least one movable component is moved when a temperature is applied. [6] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the transfer (102) is dependent on a readout of a vehicle locking system, a status of an anti-theft device, a seat occupancy, a blockage detection system, an existing seat position and / or a preset. [7] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that when the vehicle is unlocked, all moving components are returned to their starting position. [8] Computer program product with control commands which execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 when executed on a computer.

Images