ventilation system

Abstract

Ventilation system (1) for an interior (2) of a motor vehicle, - wherein the ventilation system (1) comprises a channel arrangement (3) through which air can flow, with an inlet (4) for drawing in air and an outlet (5) for supplying air to the interior (2) of the motor vehicle, - wherein the channel arrangement (3) has at least one first channel (6a) and at least one second channel (6b), - wherein the ventilation system (1) comprises at least one first caloric module (7a) and at least one second caloric module (7b), wherein the caloric modules (7a, 7b) comprise respective caloric materials (8a, 8b) which are configured to periodically and alternately generate heat and cold, characterized in that - the channels (6a, 6b) are connected parallel to each other between the inlet (4) and the outlet (5) in an air-conducting manner, - wherein the respective first module (7a) is connected to the respective first channel (6a) and the respective second module (7b) is connected to the respective second channel (6b) in a heat transfer manner, - wherein the respective first channel (6a) downstream of the respective first module (7a) is connected to an outwardly leading first outlet (10a) of the channel arrangement (3) and the respective second channel (6b) downstream of the respective second module (7b) is connected to an outwardly leading second outlet (10b) of the channel arrangement (3) in an air-conducting manner, - wherein the ventilation system (1) has a flap system (11) connected to the outlet (5) of the duct arrangement (3), through which the respective first duct (6a) can be alternately connected to the first outlet (10a) or the outlet (5) and the respective second duct (6b) can be alternately connected to the second outlet (10b) or the outlet (5) in an air-conducting manner, and - wherein the ventilation system (1) has several temperature sensors (13a, 13b, 14a, 14b), wherein at least one temperature sensor (13a) is arranged immediately downstream of the respective first module (7a) and at least one temperature sensor (14b) is arranged immediately downstream of the respective second module (7b), and at least one temperature sensor (14a) is arranged immediately on a calorific material (8a) of the respective first module (7a) and at least one temperature sensor (14b) is arranged immediately on a calorific material (8b) of the respective second module (7b).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a ventilation system for the interior of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a method for controlling the ventilation system.

[0002] Temperature control using devices with caloric materials represents an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional temperature control via a refrigerant or coolant. Caloric materials are categorized as elastocaloric, magnetocaloric, barocaloric, and electrocaloric. In the elastocaloric effect, the crystal lattice of the material changes due to mechanical deformation. When the mechanical deformation is reversed, the crystal lattice of the material reverts to its original state. During this process, the material either releases or absorbs heat. Heat can be generated in the magnetocaloric effect by applying a magnetic field, in the barometric effect by applying pressure, and in the electrocaloric effect by applying an electrical voltage.

[0003] Initial applications of calorific materials for cooling and heating are known, for example, from DE 10 2017 215 668 A and DE 10 2018 200 376 A1. DE 10 2016 224 922 A1 also mentions, as an example, a ventilation system for the interior of a motor vehicle.

[0004] Furthermore, FR 2 743 027 A1, FR 2 902 700 A1, DE 10 2012 009 909 A1, DE 10 2012 108 891 A1, DE 10 2006 042 160 and WO 2007 / 101 433 A1 should be considered as prior art for the ventilation system according to the invention.

[0005] When using thermal materials, heat and cold are generated periodically and alternately. To continuously cool or heat a medium—such as air—some systems bring the thermal material into periodic and alternating heat-transferring contact with the medium. In other systems, the medium is periodically and alternately guided in different directions past the thermal material. The medium is then connected to heat exchangers, where the heat or cold is transferred to another medium. Overall, conventional systems are very complex in design.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved or at least alternative embodiment of a ventilation system of the generic type, in which the described disadvantages are overcome. The object of the invention is also to provide a method for controlling the ventilation system.

[0007] These problems are solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0008] The ventilation system is designed for the interior of a motor vehicle. The ventilation system comprises an airflow-through duct arrangement with an inlet for drawing in air and an outlet for supplying air to the vehicle's interior. The duct arrangement includes at least one first duct and at least one second duct, which are connected parallel to each other between the inlet and the outlet. The ventilation system further comprises at least one first thermal module and at least one second thermal module, wherein the respective first module is connected to the respective first duct and the respective second module is connected to the respective second duct for heat transfer.According to the invention, the respective first channel downstream of the respective first module is connected to an outwardly leading first outlet of the channel arrangement, and the respective second channel downstream of the respective second module is connected to an outwardly leading second outlet of the channel arrangement. The ventilation system also includes a flap system connected to the outlet of the channel arrangement, through which the respective first channel can be alternately connected to the first outlet or the outlet, and the respective second channel can be alternately connected to the second outlet or the outlet.

[0009] Advantageously, the duct arrangement of the ventilation system according to the invention can comprise the first duct with the first module and the second duct with the second duct. However, it is also conceivable that the duct arrangement of the ventilation system according to the invention comprises several first ducts, each with a first module, and several second ducts, each with a second module. The respective multiple first ducts and the respective multiple second ducts are then connected in parallel to each other and ducting to the inlet and outlet. It is also conceivable that the duct arrangement of the ventilation system according to the invention comprises the first duct with several first modules and the second duct with several second modules. For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed in the following that the duct arrangement comprises the first duct with the first module and the second duct with the second module. However, this assumption should not be considered limiting.

[0010] The air drawn into the inlet can be fresh air from the vehicle's surroundings and / or recirculated air from the vehicle's interior. A blower may be provided in the inlet to draw in the air. The first and second channels are arranged parallel to each other and are connected to each other at the inlet and outlet of the channel assembly. The first channel is also connected to the first outlet, and the second channel is connected to the second outlet. A flap system is also located at the outlet of the channel assembly, allowing the first channel to be periodically connected to the outlet or the first outlet, and the second channel to the outlet or the second outlet.

[0011] Air flows into the duct assembly via the inlet and is directed into the first and second ducts. The air in the first duct is periodically cooled by the first module during the cooling phase and heated during the heating phase. The air in the second duct is periodically heated by the second module during the heating phase and cooled during the cooling phase. The air from the first and second ducts then flows to the flap system, which directs the air from both ducts to the outside or to the outlet. During heating, the flap system allows only the heated air to pass through the outlet into the vehicle's interior, and during cooling, only the cooled air. The ventilation system according to the invention is thus regulated in a simplified manner by the flap system. This allows the number of moving components to be reduced compared to conventional systems.Furthermore, in the ventilation system according to the invention, direct heat transfer to air without any intermediate media is possible.

[0012] The ventilation system is designed to include multiple temperature sensors. These sensors are located immediately downstream of the first module, with at least one sensor positioned immediately downstream of the first module, and immediately downstream of the second module, with at least one sensor positioned immediately downstream of the second module. At least one sensor is also located directly on a heat-conducting material of the first module, and at least one sensor is located directly on a heat-conducting material of the second module. The temperature sensors can then be used by the first actuator or the second actuator to control the damper system.

[0013] Advantageously, the respective first module and the respective second module can each be formed by a caloric material. The respective first or second module is in a heating phase when the material is subjected to a mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, or barocaloric influence, and in a cooling phase when the material is not subjected to a mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, or barocaloric influence.

[0014] Alternatively, the caloric material of the respective first and second modules can be elastocaloric. In this case, the respective first and second modules are under the influence of a magnetic field during the heating phase and under the influence of a magnetic field during the cooling phase. Alternatively, the caloric material of the respective first and second modules can be magnetocaloric. In this case, the respective first and second modules are under the influence of a magnetic field during the heating phase and outside the influence of a magnetic field during the cooling phase. It is also conceivable that the caloric material of the respective first and second modules could be barocaloric or electrocaloric.

[0015] In an advantageous design of the ventilation system, it can be provided that the ventilation system has a first actuator that interacts with the respective first and second modules. The first actuator allows the respective first and second modules to be alternately and out of phase switched between the cooling and heating phases. Thus, at the predetermined time, the heating phase occurs in the first module and the cooling phase in the second module, and vice versa. In other words, the air in the first / second module is cooled, while the air in the second / first module is heated. In other words, the first and second modules can be designed as an antagonistic pair.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, the ventilation system may include a second actuator that interacts with the damper system. This second actuator allows the damper system to be adjusted. The damper system can be adjustable depending on the current position of the respective first and second modules. Alternatively or additionally, the damper system can be adjusted depending on the temperature downstream of the respective first and second modules and / or the temperature of the respective first and second modules themselves.

[0017] As an alternative to the second actuator, one embodiment of the ventilation system may provide for a first actuator that interacts with the respective first module, the respective second module, and the damper system. The first actuator allows the respective first and second modules to be alternately and out of phase switched between the cooling and heating phases, and the damper system to be adjusted depending on the current position of the respective first and second modules. In other words, in this advantageous embodiment, the first actuator can also perform the function of the second actuator.

[0018] Advantageously, the damper system can be designed to include a first air damper and a second air damper. The first air damper distributes the air from the respective first channel between the outlet and the first outlet, and the second air damper distributes the air from the respective second channel between the outlet and the second outlet. Advantageously, the first and second air dampers can be connected out of phase. At a predetermined time, the air from the respective first channel is directed to the outlet and from the respective second channel to the second outlet, or the air from the respective second channel is directed to the outlet and from the respective first channel to the first outlet.

[0019] Advantageously, the first and second air flaps can be kinematically coupled, preferably by a connecting rod of the flap system. The connecting rod then forms the second actuator of the ventilation system. The connecting rod can then be operatively connected to the first actuator of the ventilation system.

[0020] The invention also relates to a method for controlling the ventilation system described above. In this method, the air flowing in the respective first channel is periodically cooled in a cooling phase and heated in a heating phase by the respective first module. The air flowing in the respective second channel is periodically cooled in a cooling phase and heated in a heating phase by the respective second module, alternating with the action of the first channel. The damper system connects the respective first channel to the outlet and the first exhaust in an alternating airflow pattern, and the respective second channel to the outlet and the second exhaust in an alternating airflow pattern, alternating with the action of the first channel.During cooling, after the cooling phase, air from the respective first and second channels is directed to the outlet, and after the heating phase, air from the respective first and second channels is directed to the outside. During heating, after the heating phase, air from the respective first and second channels is directed to the outlet, and after the cooling phase, air from the respective first and second channels is directed to the outside. In other words, the flap system connects either the respective first or second channel to the outlet, so that air from either the first or second channel flows alternately through the outlet. The flap system is regulated so that when cooling the vehicle's interior, only cooled air flows through the outlet, and when heating the vehicle's interior, only heated air flows through the outlet.The cooled or heated air that is not currently in use is directed outwards.

[0021] Advantageously, the first and second modules can be controlled by a first actuator of the ventilation system, whereby the first actuator periodically and alternately switches the first and second modules into the cooling and heating phases in opposite phases. In other words, the first and second modules can be configured as an antagonistic pair. Advantageously, the damper system can be controlled by a second actuator of the ventilation system, whereby the second actuator adjusts the damper system depending on the current position of the first and second modules and / or depending on the temperature downstream of the first and second modules and / or the temperature of the first and second modules themselves.As an alternative to the second actuator, the flap system can be controlled by the first actuator of the ventilation system, whereby the first actuator adjusts the flap system depending on the current position of the respective first module and the respective second module.

[0022] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0023] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0024] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0025] This shows: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a ventilation system according to the invention in a first heating or cooling phase of a method according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic view of the ventilation system according to the invention in a second heating or cooling phase of the method according to the invention.

[0026] In Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows schematic views of a ventilation system 1 according to the invention for the interior 2 of a motor vehicle. The ventilation system 1 has a duct arrangement 3 comprising an inlet 4 with a blower 4a and an outlet 5. The outlet 5 is connected to the interior 2 of the motor vehicle via an air distribution box 16 and several air ducts 17. A first duct 6a and a second duct 6b of the duct arrangement 3 are connected parallel to each other between the inlet 4 and the outlet 5. A first caloric module 7a with a caloric material 8a is arranged in the first duct 6a, and a second caloric module 7b with a caloric material 8b is arranged in the second duct 6b. The caloric material 8a or 8b can be, for example, elastocaloric or magnetocaloric. The first module 7a is connected to the first channel 6a and the second module 7b is connected to the second channel 6b via heat transfer.The ventilation system 1 also has a first actuator 9, which controls the first module 7a and the second module 7b.

[0027] The first channel 6a is connected downstream of the first module 7a to outlet 5 and an externally leading first outlet 10a of the channel arrangement 3. The second channel 6b is connected downstream of the second module 7b to outlet 5 and an externally leading second outlet 10b of the channel arrangement 3. For this purpose, the ventilation system 1 has a flap system 11 with two air flaps 11a and 11b at outlet 5. The first air flap 11a is assigned to the first channel 6a and can connect it alternately to the first outlet 10a or outlet 5. The second air flap 11b is assigned to the second channel 6b and can connect it alternately to the second outlet 10b or outlet 5.

[0028] The ventilation system 1 also includes a second actuator 12, which is designed to control the air dampers 11a and 11b. The second actuator 12 controls the air dampers 11a and 11b depending on the temperature of the air present in the first channel 6a and the second channel 6b. For this purpose, the ventilation system 1 includes temperature sensors 13a / 13b and 14a / 14b, which are located downstream of and within the respective modules 7a and 7b. Furthermore, the actuator 12 is connected to the first actuator 9 via a signal transmission link, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is indicated by a broken line.

[0029] The ventilation system 1 is controlled by a method 15 according to the invention. The method 15 according to the invention is described below with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 explained in more detail. The direction of airflow is in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 indicated by arrows. In method 15, the air in the respective module 7a or 7b is alternately cooled during the cooling phase and heated during the heating phase. In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The heating and cooling phases in the respective modules 7a and 7b are characterized by a corresponding temperature profile of the air over time. Modules 7a and 7b are controlled in opposite phases by the first actuator 9. In other words, the air is cooled in the first module 7a when the air is heated in the second module 7b, and vice versa. Fig. Figure 1 shows a first temperature control phase, in which the heated or cooled air flows from the first module 7a to the interior space 2. Fig. Figure 2 shows a second temperature control phase in which the heated or cooled air from the second module 7b flows to the interior space 2.

[0030] From the respective modules 7a and 7b, the heated or cooled air flows to the flap system 11. Here, the second actuator 12 controls the first air flap 11a and the second air flap 11b so that the air only enters the outlet 5 and then the interior 2 during the desired phase – i.e., only the air cooled during the cooling phase or the air heated during the heating phase. To achieve this, the first air flap 11a periodically and alternately connects the first channel 6a to the outlet 5 and the first drain 10a, and the second air flap 11b connects the second channel 6b to the outlet 5 and the second drain 10b. The air flaps 11a and 11b are controlled based on the temperature readings at the temperature sensors 13a and 13b, as well as 14a and 14b. If a temperature limit is exceeded or fallen below, the air flaps 11a and 11b are moved to a position according to Fig. 1 or after Fig. 2 adjusted.

[0031] When heating interior space 2, in the first temperature control phase after Fig. 1. In the first channel 6a, the air is heated during the heating phase and directed to the outlet 5 and then to the interior 2 via the air flap 11a of the flap system 11. Simultaneously, in the second channel 6b, the air is cooled during the cooling phase and directed to the outside via the outlet 10b using the air flap 11b of the flap system 11. In the second temperature control phase after Fig. In the second channel 6b, the air is heated during the heating phase and directed to the outlet 5 and then to the interior space 2 via the air damper 11b of the damper system 11. Simultaneously, in the first channel 6a, the air is cooled during the cooling phase and directed to the outside via the outlet 10a using the air damper 11a of the damper system 11. The first temperature control phase after Fig. 1 and the second tempering phase after Fig. The two channels alternate periodically, so that the heated air from the first channel 6a and from the second channel 6b flows alternately into the interior space 2.

[0032] Similarly, the cooling of the vehicle's interior 2 takes place. In the first temperature control phase after Fig. 1. In the first channel 6a, the air is cooled during the cooling phase and directed to the outlet 5 and then to the interior 2 via the air flap 11a of the flap system 11. Simultaneously, in the second channel 6b, the air is heated during the heating phase and directed to the outside via the outlet 10b using the air flap 11b of the flap system 11. In a second temperature control phase after Fig. In the second channel 6b, the air is cooled during the cooling phase and directed to the outlet 5 and then to the interior space 2 via the air flap 11b of the flap system 11. Simultaneously, in the first channel 6a, the air is heated during the heating phase and directed to the outside via the outlet 10a using the air flap 11a of the flap system 11. The first temperature control phase according to Fig. 1 and the second tempering phase after Fig. The two channels alternate periodically, so that the cooled air from the first channel 6a and from the second channel 6b flows alternately into the interior space 2.

[0033] The ventilation system 1 according to the invention is simplified in method 15 by the flap system 11. This allows the ventilation system 1 to be designed more simply and the number of moving components to be reduced.

Claims

[1] Ventilation system (1) for an interior (2) of a motor vehicle, - wherein the ventilation system (1) comprises a channel arrangement (3) through which air can flow, with an inlet (4) for drawing in air and an outlet (5) for supplying air to the interior (2) of the motor vehicle, - wherein the channel arrangement (3) has at least one first channel (6a) and at least one second channel (6b), - wherein the ventilation system (1) comprises at least one first caloric module (7a) and at least one second caloric module (7b), wherein the caloric modules (7a, 7b) comprise respective caloric materials (8a, 8b) which are configured to periodically and alternately generate heat and cold, characterized by , that - the channels (6a, 6b) are connected parallel to each other between the inlet (4) and the outlet (5) in an air-conducting manner, - wherein the respective first module (7a) is connected to the respective first channel (6a) and the respective second module (7b) is connected to the respective second channel (6b) in a heat transfer manner, - wherein the respective first channel (6a) downstream of the respective first module (7a) is connected to an outwardly leading first outlet (10a) of the channel arrangement (3) and the respective second channel (6b) downstream of the respective second module (7b) is connected to an outwardly leading second outlet (10b) of the channel arrangement (3) in an air-conducting manner, - wherein the ventilation system (1) has a flap system (11) connected to the outlet (5) of the duct arrangement (3), through which the respective first duct (6a) can be alternately connected to the first outlet (10a) or the outlet (5) and the respective second duct (6b) can be alternately connected to the second outlet (10b) or the outlet (5) in an air-conducting manner, and - wherein the ventilation system (1) has several temperature sensors (13a, 13b, 14a, 14b), wherein at least one temperature sensor (13a) is arranged immediately downstream of the respective first module (7a) and at least one temperature sensor (14b) is arranged immediately downstream of the respective second module (7b), and at least one temperature sensor (14a) is arranged immediately on a calorific material (8a) of the respective first module (7a) and at least one temperature sensor (14b) is arranged immediately on a calorific material (8b) of the respective second module (7b). [2] Ventilation system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the respective first module (7a) and the respective second module (7b) are each formed by the caloric material (8a, 8b), wherein, in the case of a mechanical or electrical or electromagnetic or barocaloric action on the material (8a, 8b), the respective first or second module (7a, 7b) is in a heating phase and without a mechanical or electrical or electromagnetic or barocaloric action on the material (8a, 8b), the respective first or second module (7a, 7b) is in a cooling phase. [3] Ventilation system (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , - that the caloric material (8a, 8b) of the respective first module (7a) and the respective second module (7b) is elastocaloric, such that the respective first module (7a) and the respective second module (7b) are in the heating phase when the material (8a, 8b) is stretched and in the cooling phase when the material (8a, 8b) is relaxed, or - that the caloric material (8a, 8b) of the respective first module (7a) and the respective second module (7b) is magnetocaloric, such that the respective first module (7a) and the respective second module (7b) are under the influence of a magnetic field in the heating phase and outside the influence of a magnetic field in the cooling phase. [4] Ventilation system (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , - that the ventilation system (1) has a first actuator (9) that interacts with the respective first module (7a) and the respective second module (7b), wherein the respective first module (7a) and the respective second module (7b) can be alternately and out of phase switched between the cooling phase and the heating phase by means of the first actuator (9), and / or - that the ventilation system (1) has a second actuator (12) that interacts with the flap system (11), wherein the flap system (11) is adjustable by the second actuator (12) depending on the current position of the respective first module (7a) and the respective second module (7b) and / or depending on the temperature downstream of the respective first module (7a) and the respective second module (7b) and / or the temperature of the respective first module (7a) and the respective second module (7b), or - that the ventilation system (1) has a first actuator (9) that interacts with the respective first module (7a) and the respective second module (7b) and the flap system (11), wherein the respective first module (7a) and the respective second module (7b) are alternately and out of phase with the first actuator (9) set to the cooling phase and the heating phase and the flap system (11) depending on the current position of the respective first module (7a) and the respective second module (7b). [5] Ventilation system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the flap system (11) has a first air flap (11a) and a second air flap (11b), wherein the first air flap (11a) distributes the air from the respective first channel (6a) between the outlet (5) and the first drain (10a) and the second air flap (11b) distributes the air from the respective second channel (6b) between the outlet (5) and the second drain (10b). [6] Ventilation system (1) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the first air flap (11a) and the second air flap (11b) are kinematically coupled to each other, preferably by a connecting rod of the flap system (11). [7] Method (15) for controlling the ventilation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the air flowing in the respective first channel (6a) is periodically cooled in a cooling phase and heated in a heating phase by the respective first module (7a), - wherein the air flowing in the respective second channel (6b) is periodically cooled in a cooling phase and heated in a heating phase by the respective second module (7b) alternately and out of phase with the respective first channel (6a), - wherein the flap system (11) connects the respective first channel (6a) periodically alternately with the outlet (5) and the first drain (10a) and the respective second channel (6b) periodically alternately and out of phase with the respective first channel (6a) with the outlet (5) and the second drain (10b), - so that during cooling, the air after the cooling phase is directed from the respective first channel (6a) and the respective second channel (6b) to the outlet (5) and the air after the heating phase is directed from the respective first channel (6a) and the respective second channel (6b) to the outside, - so that during heating, the air after the heating phase is directed from the respective first channel (6a) and the respective second channel (6b) to the outlet (5) and the air after the cooling phase is directed from the respective first channel (6a) and the respective second channel (6b) to the outside. [8] Method (15) according to claim 7, characterized by, that the respective first module (7a) and the respective second module (7b) are controlled by a first actuator (9) of the ventilation system (1), wherein the first actuator (9) periodically alternately and out of phase switches the respective first module (7a) and the respective second module (7b) into the cooling phase and the heating phase. [9] Method (15) according to claim 8, characterized by , - that the flap system (11) is controlled by a second actuator (12) of the ventilation system (1), wherein the second actuator (12) adjusts the flap system (11) depending on the current position of the respective first module (7a) and the respective second module (7b) and / or depending on the temperature downstream of the respective first module (7a) and the respective second module (7b) and / or the temperature of the respective first module (7a) and the respective second module (7b), or - that the flap system (11) is controlled by the first actuator (9) of the ventilation system (1), wherein the first actuator (9) adjusts the flap system (11) depending on the current position of the respective first module (7a) and the respective second module (7b).

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