Garment with temperature control device and temperature control, air conditioning control for a means of transport, method and computer program for operating the air conditioning control

Abstract

Clothing (1) with at least one temperature control device (2) and a temperature control (3), wherein the temperature control (3) is configured to communicate with an air conditioning control (41) of a means of transport (40) and to transmit information relating to a functionality of the clothing (1) to the air conditioning control (41).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a garment with a temperature control device and a temperature controller. The invention further relates to an air conditioning controller for a means of transportation, as well as a method and a computer program for operating the air conditioning controller. The invention also relates to a means of transportation with such an air conditioning controller.

[0002] In the automotive industry, it is common practice to heat the air introduced into the vehicle cabin to provide a comfortable temperature for the occupants. This air is heated electrically or using the waste heat from a combustion engine. For even greater passenger comfort, electric seat heating or an electric steering wheel heating system may also be provided.

[0003] However, electric heating devices require energy that is then no longer available for other purposes. This is particularly relevant if the vehicle is an electric or hybrid vehicle. In this case, the reduction in available electrical energy directly leads to a reduction in the vehicle's range.

[0004] To reduce the required heating energy, the heating function can be integrated into the occupants' clothing. In this case, the heat produced is made available where it is needed to warm the occupants. Heating the entire vehicle cabin is therefore unnecessary.

[0005] In this context, DE 10 2011 108 323 A1 describes a heating arrangement for a vehicle. The heating arrangement comprises an electric heating device for providing heat to a vehicle occupant. The electric heating device is integrated into a garment worn by the occupant.

[0006] US 2013 / 0325196A1 describes an arrangement for providing personalized heating and cooling. A resource manager is configured to shut down a room's cooling system if cooling is already provided by temperature-regulating devices in a person's clothing.

[0007] DE 10 2014 223 773 A1 describes a control device for communication with an input device and with a garment configured to actively change a property. The control device can be connected to both the input device and the garment via a respective communication interface and is configured to control the changeable property of the garment, taking into account a setting on the input device. The control device is further configured to control another device for actively changing an environmental property in accordance with the first actively changeable property of the garment, taking into account the current state of the changeable property of the garment, in particular to control the changeable property of the garment such that a parameter of the at least one further device can be set according to a target specification.

[0008] Systems for energy and signal transmission between a piece of clothing and a vehicle structure are known from DE 10 2018 105 205 A1 and DE 10 2018 203 410 A1.

[0009] WO 2019 / 238 776 A1 describes a system for individually adjusting a comfort level of a system user using a clothing item and a vehicle structure.

[0010] One objective of the invention is to provide improved solutions for the air conditioning of a means of transport.

[0011] This problem is solved by a garment having the features of claim 1, by a method having the features of claim 7, by a computer program with instructions according to claim 8, and by an air conditioning control system having the features of claim 9. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention, a garment comprises at least a temperature control device and a temperature control, wherein the temperature control is configured to communicate with an air conditioning control of a means of transport and to transmit information relating to a functionality of the garment to the air conditioning control.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for operating an air conditioning control system of a means of transportation comprises the following steps: - Receiving information relating to a functionality of a garment according to the invention; - Determining settings for at least one air conditioning device of the means of transport such that body parts of a wearer of the garment are tempered by the at least one air conditioning device that cannot be tempered by a temperature control device of the garment; and - Controlling at least one air conditioning system of the means of transport according to the specified settings.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, a computer program comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the following steps for operating an air conditioning control system of a means of transportation: - Receiving information relating to a functionality of a garment according to the invention; - Determining settings for at least one air conditioning device of the means of transport such that body parts of a wearer of the garment are tempered by the at least one air conditioning device that cannot be tempered by a temperature control device of the garment; and - Controlling at least one air conditioning system of the means of transport according to the specified settings.

[0015] The term "computer" is to be understood broadly. In particular, it also includes control units and other processor-based data processing devices.

[0016] The computer program can, for example, be made available for electronic retrieval or be stored on a computer-readable storage medium.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, an air conditioning control system for a means of transportation features: - a communication module for receiving information relating to a functionality of a garment according to the invention; - an evaluation module for determining settings for at least one air conditioning unit of the means of transport such that body parts of a wearer of the garment are tempered by the at least one air conditioning unit that cannot be tempered by a temperature control unit of the garment; and - a control module for controlling at least one air conditioning unit of the means of transport according to the specified settings.

[0018] In the solution according to the invention, information is exchanged between a temperature-controlled garment and the means of transport. The garment can identify itself independently or it is automatically recognized in the cabin of the means of transport, e.g., via an integrated NFC chip (NFC: Near Field Communication) in the garment or using a data interface via Bluetooth, WLAN, or electrical contact surfaces, etc. As part of this information exchange, the means of transport receives information regarding the functionality of the garment, i.e., about an integrated temperature control device and the possibility of regulating the temperature locally as needed or integrating the garment into the climate control system of the means of transport.

[0019] The climate control options provided by the means of transport, such as air conditioning, air vents, infrared radiators or infrared-radiating surfaces, as well as contact heating such as seat heating or armrest heating, are accordingly combined in a holistic climate control system with the functionality of the garment and adapted in such a way that the occupant receives the best possible comfort while at the same time consuming as little energy as possible.

[0020] If, for example, it is detected that a jacket has an integrated, adjustable temperature control function, but no other temperature-controlled clothing is present (e.g., no temperature-controlled trousers or shoes), the occupant's upper body will be cooled in the cabin using the vehicle's climate control system at a reduced power output. This means the upper part of the cabin can remain less heated. The controlled temperature control function in the jacket will then be primarily used to maintain the occupant's thermal comfort. The lower body, i.e., legs and feet, will be kept at a predetermined, constant temperature or brought to the desired comfort level as quickly as possible using the vehicle's temperature control functions.Conversely, the same procedure can be followed if temperature-controlled trousers and shoes are present, but no temperature-controlled jacket is detected. The comfort zone can be set by the occupant if necessary. For this purpose, an application running on the occupant's mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, can be used.

[0021] If it is detected that the occupant is wearing fully temperature-controlled clothing, i.e., jacket, trousers, and shoes, the temperature level throughout the cabin can be kept at a lower level. Any necessary comfort-related temperature adjustments can then be primarily implemented in the clothing.

[0022] The solution according to the invention allows for significant energy savings, particularly in electric vehicles, especially during cold or very warm seasons, since the close-to-the-body temperature regulation provided by clothing is very energy-efficient. This can therefore lead to considerable increases in the range of electric vehicles.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the temperature control device is configured to perform either a heating or a cooling function. A heating function is particularly useful in cold seasons, whereas a cooling function is advantageous in very warm seasons. The garment can provide both functionalities, or it can be adapted to specific seasons. In this case, a cooling function is implemented for summer clothing, while a heating function is implemented for winter clothing. This has the advantage that the material of the garment can also be adapted to the respective season.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the garment has at least one comfort sensor for detecting the thermal comfort status of the wearer, and the temperature control is configured to transmit information regarding the thermal comfort status to the climate control system. Using the comfort sensors, which measure, for example, humidity and temperature, the thermal comfort status of the wearer can be detected, and a temperature control function in the garment can only be activated when necessary to maintain or achieve comfort. If, for example, the comfort sensors in the garment detect that a person in the cabin of the means of transport is becoming too warm in a particular area of ​​their body, the temperature control system reduces or switches off the heating output in the heated garment for that area.Accordingly, the heating output for this area of ​​the body can be reduced in the cabin according to comfort requirements, or the vehicle can even actively cool the occupant to a comfortable level. For this purpose, the air temperature stratification or the airflow from the vents can be adjusted accordingly. Similarly, if available, seat ventilation can be activated for cooling as needed, based on the comfort sensor readings.

[0025] The use of a comfort sensor also has a health aspect. Often, by the time a person notices they are too warm, it is already too late to take timely countermeasures. The person has already started sweating, so there is a risk of them becoming chilled and ill due to the combination of moisture and a cooling breeze. The human body reacts early with increased moisture release, which can be detected very early on. Based on this moisture release, the comfort sensor in the clothing can therefore predict that the person will soon become too warm and reduce the heating output accordingly.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the temperature control is configured to control at least one air conditioning unit of the means of transport in such a way that body parts of a wearer of the garment are cooled by the air conditioning unit of the means of transport that cannot be cooled by the temperature control unit of the garment itself. The preceding description of the invention assumed that the air conditioning units available on the means of transport are controlled by an air conditioning control unit of the means of transport. Alternatively, however, it is also possible that this control is carried out completely or partially by the temperature control unit of the garment.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the garment incorporates an energy storage device. This has the advantage that the temperature control function can also be provided outside the means of transport, i.e., when the occupant leaves the means of transport but continues to wear the garment. An energy supply for the garment, e.g., for charging the energy storage device or for operating the temperature control function without using an energy storage device, can be provided, for example, via electrical, textile contact surfaces arranged on a seat of the means of transport. This has the advantage that charging the energy storage device is possible without any active intervention from the wearer.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the garment has at least one lighting element or a navigation device. The lighting element can, for example, be a light strip that is automatically activated when the wearer leaves the vehicle in the dark. The lighting function thus increases the wearer's safety. The navigation device advantageously provides a navigation function when the wearer of the garment is moving outside the vehicle. For example, a delivery person can receive instructions after leaving a delivery vehicle that guide them to the delivery location.

[0029] Preferably, an air conditioning control system according to the invention is used in a means of transport. The means of transport can be, in particular, a motor vehicle, e.g., a passenger car or a commercial vehicle, but also a rail vehicle, a ship, an aircraft, e.g., a Volocopter, etc.

[0030] The solution according to the invention is particularly advantageous for delivery vehicles, where the doors are typically opened frequently and often left open, making air-based temperature control of the cabin very inefficient. Furthermore, the use of temperature-controlled clothing is more comfortable, as the temperature control in the clothing is only activated as needed, i.e., it constantly adjusts to the actual temperature requirements. Moreover, temperature control in the clothing is much faster than is possible with air conditioning systems provided by the vehicle.

[0031] Especially when heating output in a vehicle cabin is reduced, priority is given to complying with legal requirements regarding the absence of condensation on the windshield and other windows. Accordingly, windshield heating or ventilation systems can be used when condensation is detected. Sensors are already in series production, often located at the base of the rearview mirror on the windshield, to detect the dew point and automatically activate a defogging function (by directing airflow across the windshield) or windshield heating as needed.

[0032] Furthermore, when using temperature-controlled clothing, it can be stipulated that a certain temperature level, even when taking into account the temperature-controlled clothing, must not be undercut or exceeded in the cabin of the means of transport.

[0033] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the attached claims in conjunction with the figures. Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a garment according to the invention; Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a method for operating an air conditioning control system of a means of transport; Fig. Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of an air conditioning control system for a means of transportation; Fig. Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of an air conditioning control system for a means of transportation; and Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows a means of transport with an air conditioning control system according to the invention.

[0034] To better understand the principles of the present invention, embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It is understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments and that the described features can also be combined or modified without leaving the scope of protection of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a garment 1 according to the invention. In this case, the garment 1 is a jacket. However, the solution according to the invention can also be implemented for other garments 1, e.g., trousers, a vest, shoes, or gloves. The garment 1 has at least one temperature control device 2, which is controlled by a temperature controller 3.

[0036] The temperature control unit 3 is configured to communicate with the climate control unit of a means of transport and to transmit information regarding the functionality of the garment to the climate control unit. The temperature control unit 2 can, for example, provide a heating or a cooling function. A heating function can be implemented, for example, using electric carbon heating elements. Peltier elements can be used, for example, for a cooling function. The temperature control unit 2 is controlled using measured values ​​from at least one comfort sensor 4. The comfort sensor 4 serves to detect the thermal comfort status of a wearer of the garment 1 and can, for example, measure humidity and temperature. An energy storage device 5, for example, a battery, provides power to the temperature control unit 2, the temperature control unit 3, and the comfort sensor 4. This can be charged via charging contacts 6.The charging contacts 6 can be designed, for example, as a charging plug or a socket for a charging plug, but also as electrical contact surfaces that interact with corresponding contact surfaces in a seat of a means of transportation. Optionally, the garment 1 has a lighting element 7 or a navigation device 8. The lighting element 7 can, for example, be a light strip that is automatically activated when the wearer is in the dark. Preferably, the lighting element 7 is only activated when the wearer leaves the means of transportation. The navigation device 8 advantageously provides a navigation function when the wearer of the garment moves outside the means of transportation. This can be done, in particular, in the form of acoustic instructions, but displays for smart glasses can also be generated.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a method for operating an air conditioning control system of a means of transportation. In a first step, information relating to a functionality of a garment according to the invention is received 10. Subsequently, settings for at least one air conditioning unit of the means of transportation are determined 11 such that body parts of a wearer of the garment that cannot be cooled by a temperature control unit of the garment itself are cooled by the at least one air conditioning unit. The at least one air conditioning unit of the means of transportation is then controlled according to the determined settings 12. The temperature control can take the form of heating or cooling the affected body parts. In addition, information relating to the thermal comfort status of a wearer of the garment can be received.This information can be used to predict that the wearer of the garment will soon be too warm or too cold, and to adjust the temperature accordingly.

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 shows a simplified schematic representation of a first embodiment of an air conditioning control unit 41 for a means of transportation. The air conditioning control unit 41 has an interface 20 through which a communication module 21 receives information relating to a functionality of a garment according to the invention. An evaluation module 22 then determines settings for at least one air conditioning unit of the means of transportation such that body parts of a wearer of the garment are cooled by the at least one air conditioning unit that cannot be cooled by a temperature control unit of the garment itself. A control module 23 controls the at least one air conditioning unit of the means of transportation according to the determined settings. For this purpose, corresponding control commands can be output via the interface 20.Temperature control can be achieved by warming or cooling the affected body parts. Additionally, evaluation module 22 can be configured to receive information regarding the thermal comfort status of the garment's wearer. This information can be used by evaluation module 22 to predict when the wearer will soon be too warm or too cold and to adjust the temperature control accordingly.

[0039] The communication module 21, the evaluation module 22, and the control module 23 can be controlled by a control module 24. Settings of the communication module 21, the evaluation module 22, the control module 23, or the control module 24 can be changed via a user interface 26. The data generated in the device 20 can be stored in memory 25 as needed, for example, for later evaluation or for use by the components of the device 20. The communication module 21, the evaluation module 22, the control module 23, and the control module 24 can be implemented as dedicated hardware, for example, as integrated circuits. Of course, they can also be partially or completely combined or implemented as software running on a suitable processor, such as a GPU or a CPU.

[0040] Fig. Figure 4 shows a simplified schematic representation of a second embodiment of an air conditioning control unit 41 for a means of transportation. The air conditioning control unit 41 comprises a processor 32 and a memory 31. For example, the air conditioning control unit 41 is a computer or a control unit. Instructions are stored in the memory 31 which, when executed by the processor 32, cause the air conditioning control unit 41 to perform the steps according to one of the described methods. The instructions stored in the memory 31 thus embody a program executable by the processor 32, which implements the method according to the invention. The air conditioning control unit 41 has an interface 30 for receiving information and providing data generated by the processor 32. In addition, data generated by the processor 32 can be stored in the memory 31.

[0041] The processor 32 can comprise one or more processor units, such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, or combinations thereof.

[0042] The memory elements 25, 31 of the described embodiments can have both volatile and non-volatile memory areas and can include a wide variety of storage devices and storage media, for example hard disks, optical storage media or semiconductor memory.

[0043] Fig.Figure 5 schematically depicts a means of transport 40 in which a solution according to the invention is implemented. In this example, the means of transport 40 is a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has a series of air conditioning devices 42, which are controlled by an air conditioning controller 41. The air conditioning devices 42 include, for example, air conditioning, air vents, infrared radiators or infrared-emitting surfaces, as well as contact heaters such as a seat heater or an armrest heater. The air conditioning controller 41 is configured to communicate with a temperature control of a garment according to the invention and to receive information relating to the functionality of the garment. In addition, the air conditioning controller 41 can be configured to receive information relating to the thermal comfort status of a wearer of the garment.The climate control unit 41 can then control the climate control devices 42 in such a way that body parts of a wearer of the garment are cooled by the climate control devices 42 that cannot be cooled by a temperature control device of the garment itself. To ensure compliance with legal requirements regarding the absence of fogging of the windows 45, in particular the windshield and side windows, in the event of reduced heating output in the vehicle cabin, a window heater 43 or a ventilation system 44 for the windows 45 can be used when fogging of the windows 45 is detected. Charging contacts can be arranged in the seats 46 of the motor vehicle, e.g., electrical, textile contact surfaces in the backrests, which enable the supply of energy to a garment according to the invention or the charging of an energy storage device of the garment.Alternatively, a charging cable or charging socket can be provided for this purpose. Reference symbol list 1 item of clothing 2 Temperature control unit 3 Temperature control 4 Comfort measuring sensor 5 Energy storage 6 charging contacts 7 Lighting element 8 Navigation system 10 Receiving information regarding the functionality of a garment 11 Determining settings for at least one air conditioning unit 12. Controlling the air conditioning system according to the specified settings 20 interface 21 Communication module 22 Evaluation module 23 Control module 24 Control module 25 storage 26 User interface 30 interface 31 storage 32 processor 40 means of transport 41 Air conditioning control 42 Air conditioning unit 43 Windscreen heating 44 Ventilation 45 disc 46 seats

Claims

[1] Clothing (1) with at least one temperature control device (2) and a temperature control (3), wherein the temperature control (3) is configured to communicate with an air conditioning control (41) of a means of transport (40) and to transmit information relating to a functionality of the clothing (1) to the air conditioning control (41). [2] Garment (1) according to claim 1, wherein the temperature control device (2) is configured to perform a heating function or a cooling function. [3] Clothing (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the clothing (1) has at least one comfort measuring sensor (4) for detecting (10) a thermal comfort status of a wearer of the clothing (1) and the temperature control (3) is configured to transmit information relating to the thermal comfort status to the air conditioning control (41). [4] Garment (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature control (3) is configured to control at least one air conditioning device (42) of the means of transport (40) in such a way that body parts of a wearer of the garment (1) are tempered by the air conditioning device (42) of the means of transport (40) which cannot be tempered by the temperature control device (2) of the garment (1). [5] Clothing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clothing (1) has an energy storage device (5). [6] Clothing (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the clothing (1) has at least one lighting element (7) or navigation device (8). [7] Method for operating an air conditioning control system (41) of a means of transport (40): - Receiving (10) information relating to a functionality of a garment (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; - Determining (11) settings for at least one air conditioning unit (42) of the means of transport (40) such that body parts of a wearer of the garment (1) are tempered by the at least one air conditioning unit (42) which cannot be tempered by a temperature control unit (2) of the garment (1); and - Controlling (12) the at least one air conditioning unit (42) of the means of transport (40) according to the specified settings. [8] Computer program with instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of a method according to claim 7 for operating an air conditioning control (41) of a means of transportation (40). [9] Air conditioning control (41) for a means of transport (40), with: - a communication module (21) for receiving (10) information relating to a functionality of a garment (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6; - an evaluation module (22) for determining (11) settings for at least one air conditioning unit (42) of the means of transport (40) such that body parts of a wearer of the garment (1) are tempered by the at least one air conditioning unit (42) which cannot be tempered by a temperature control unit (2) of the garment (1); and - a control module (23) for controlling (12) the at least one air conditioning unit (42) of the means of transport (40) according to the specified settings. [10] means of transport (40), characterized by , that the means of transport (40) has an air conditioning control (41) according to claim 9.

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