Temperature control device for temperature control of the interior of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Temperature control device (10) for temperature control of an interior (12) of a motor vehicle (14), comprising a ventilation device (16) which has an air duct (24) extending along an outer edge (18) of a door frame (20) for a door of the motor vehicle (14) and integrated into a vehicle body (22) of the motor vehicle (14), which is permeable to air (L) and which has at least one outlet opening (26) for forming an air curtain (28) at a door area (30) of the door, wherein a temperature difference between a first temperature (T1) in the interior (12) and a second temperature (T2) in an environment (34) of the motor vehicle (14) can be detected by means of an arranged detection device (32) and the formation of the air curtain (28) can be controlled by means of the ventilation device (16) depending on the result of the temperature difference, characterized in thatthat the air duct (24) is provided by a sealing rubber (42) with at least one outlet opening (26).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of an interior space according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0002] Thermal decoupling of the exterior and interior of the vehicle is one way to increase thermal efficiency within the vehicle interior. This involves minimizing heat exchange between the interior and the vehicle's surroundings.

[0003] DE 10 2016 001 899 A1 already discloses a motor vehicle with a vehicle interior that can be closed by a convertible top and an air jet generating device with a plurality of air outlets or air inlets, wherein the plurality of air outlets or air inlets are arranged along at least one side of the motor vehicle and / or on a frame of a windshield and are designed to generate an air curtain.

[0004] In the generic DE 10 2022 110 790 A1, a motor vehicle with a vehicle interior, a vehicle roof and a ventilation system is described, wherein the ventilation system comprises: an air conditioning device arranged in a front region of the motor vehicle with at least one outlet arranged in the front region for conditioned air into the vehicle interior, a roof ventilation device with at least one roof-side intake opening and laterally extending roof ventilation ducts.It is provided that the roof ventilation device has, in a rear region of the motor vehicle, an air distribution duct arranged above a rear window, which air distribution duct extends substantially in the width direction of the motor vehicle and which is connected to the laterally extending roof ventilation ducts, wherein the intake opening of the roof ventilation device is arranged in the air distribution duct, and wherein a ventilation device is arranged in the air distribution duct for each laterally extending roof ventilation duct, which ventilation device is designed to suck in conditioned air from the vehicle interior and to convey it into the lateral roof ventilation ducts.

[0005] FR 2 983 128 A1 discloses a method for operating a device for generating an air curtain in the region of an access opening to an interior space, in particular to a cargo space of a road transport vehicle closed by a door. This device comprises an air flow generator between at least one lateral air inlet opening and at least one lower air outlet opening under the action of at least one fan. The method comprises: detecting the open or closed position of the interior space door, detecting the air temperature in the interior space, detecting the outside air temperature, calculating the difference between the inside air temperature and the outside air temperature, and activating the fan in various programmed operating modes based on the calculated difference when the door is in the open position. Other relevant publications are DE 10 2008 018 073 A1 and DE 10 2008 005 894 A1.

[0006] The object of the invention is to further develop a temperature control device in such a way that an interaction of a temperature of the interior with other temperatures is avoided as efficiently as possible.

[0007] This object is achieved by means of a temperature control device having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description and the figures.

[0008] One aspect of the invention relates to a temperature control device for temperature control of the interior of a motor vehicle, comprising a ventilation device which has an air duct extending along an outer edge of a door frame for a door, in particular for a front side door of the motor vehicle, and integrated into a vehicle body of the motor vehicle. Air can flow through the air duct and has at least one outlet opening for forming an air curtain in a door region of the door. The present invention therefore initially relates to a temperature control device for the interior of the motor vehicle, which comprises the ventilation device. The ventilation device has the air duct, wherein further air ducts can also be arranged, which run along the outer edge of the door of the motor vehicle and are integrated into the body.In other words, the air duct is part of the body or integrated into it, whereby the body's contours also reflect the direction of the air duct. The air duct is permeable to air and has at least one outlet opening, in particular a plurality of outlet openings, which extend along the longitudinal direction of the air duct or are arranged at these to create an air curtain in the area of ​​the door. This also serves to regulate the temperature of the vehicle's interior.

[0009] In this context, an air curtain is an invisible air barrier created by a continuous air flow and can be used as a physical separation between two differently temperature-controlled or air-conditioned rooms or areas. The air curtain can be used to prevent unwanted air exchange, as well as to reduce heat loss by preventing warm air from the interior from escaping to a cooler area at the door opening or into the surrounding area. A typical example would be the use of an air curtain at an open side door of an air-conditioned car, which can prevent warm air from entering the interior when the outside temperature is warm. Alternatively, it can prevent cold air from entering the interior when the outside temperature is cold.

[0010] In order to achieve the object of the invention, it is provided that a temperature difference between a first temperature in the interior and a second temperature in an environment of the motor vehicle can be detected by means of an arranged detection device and, depending on a result of the temperature difference, the formation of the air curtain can be controlled by means of the ventilation device.

[0011] The temperature control device thus also comprises a detection device that is capable of, or is designed to, detect a temperature difference or the temperature drop difference between the first temperature in the interior and the intermediate temperature in the surroundings of the motor vehicle. Based on the result of the temperature drop difference, the formation of the air curtain by the ventilation device can be controlled. For example, if the temperature difference is high and there is a large temperature difference between the interior and the surroundings, the ventilation device can generate the air curtain to minimize heat loss and to keep the interior at the predetermined warm temperature or warm.On the other hand, if the temperature difference is small, it may not be necessary to create or provide the air curtain, and the ventilation system can be controlled accordingly, for example, to save energy. Such control of the ventilation system can be manual, semi-automatic, or even fully automatic, depending on the needs of the vehicle occupants and the ambient conditions.

[0012] The air duct is provided by a sealing rubber with at least one outlet opening.

[0013] The temperature difference between the first temperature in the interior and the second temperature in the environment, or between the interior temperature and the environment, is calculated, for example, using a temperature sensor device that is integrated into the detection device, is part of it, or is coupled to it. The sensor device can, for example, consist of thermocouples or resistance thermometers that are arranged or installed in strategic areas or locations in the interior of the motor vehicle and / or on an exterior of the motor vehicle to measure the respective temperatures. The temperature measurements can then be recorded and evaluated by a control unit in the temperature control device or transmitted to it in order to calculate or provide the temperature difference.

[0014] Furthermore, the ventilation device is designed to generate the air flow that subsequently forms the air curtain. The ventilation device can, for example, be a ventilation system with a fan and an air duct integrated into the vehicle body. Alternatively, a ventilation device already present in the vehicle can be used, which is connected to the air duct to generate the temperature control of the vehicle or to create the air curtain. Furthermore, the outlet openings of the air duct can be designed to optimally direct the air flow toward the door area to form the air curtain.

[0015] In particular, it is intended to direct the air curtain from the outlet openings of the air duct to, for example, an edge of the side door in the front seating area. Alternatively, such air curtains can be attached or arranged on other doors or on a rear door. This can help to direct the air flow specifically to the area most affected by heat transfer, namely the opening closed by the side door. The air curtain can therefore be aligned so that it closes the opening of the side door when the door is opened. This can reduce heat transfer between the interior and the environment. The air curtain is therefore intended to reduce or prevent the temperature drop between the interior and the environment by reducing the air flow and thus the heat exchange between the two areas.The outlets can thus be directed toward the area most affected by heat transfer, namely the opening for the vehicle's side door. The aim is to maintain the temperature in the interior at a comfortable level even when the side door is open. At the same time, for example, the energy consumption of the air conditioning system should be reduced.

[0016] The air curtain is controlled based on the measured temperature difference between the interior and the surroundings. If the temperature difference exceeds the threshold, the airflow and thus the air curtain are increased to further reduce heat exchange between the interior and the surroundings. If the temperature difference remains below the threshold or no longer exists, the airflow and the air curtain are reduced or switched off accordingly to minimize the energy consumption of the air conditioning system and maintain a comfortable temperature in the interior. This threshold can be changed or preset depending on the occupant's needs. This can be done by controlling or changing the threshold on a control device or via control software.The threshold can be adjusted depending on the ambient conditions surrounding the vehicle and the desired interior temperature. For example, if the vehicle is parked in a hot or warm environment, the threshold can be set to increase the air curtain to keep the interior cool. If the vehicle is parked in a cooler environment, the threshold can be set to decrease the air curtain to reduce energy consumption and maintain interior comfort.

[0017] Ultimately, the air curtain forms a barrier between the interior of the vehicle and the outside air in the environment to minimize unwanted heat loss or gain.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that information on the open or closed position of the door can be detected by means of a further detection device, and that the formation of the air curtain can be controlled by means of the ventilation device depending on the result of the temperature difference and the information. The provision of a further detection device for detecting a door position, in this case open or closed, enables even more precise control of the air curtain. When the door is open, for example, it makes less sense to deactivate the air curtain, as this would be particularly effective when the door is open and could prevent unwanted heat loss or heat gain. If the door is closed, on the other hand, it makes less sense to activate the air curtain, as it would not be effective when the door is closed and unnecessary energy consumption would occur.By combining the detection of the temperature drop difference and the door position, the ventilation system can be controlled based on both pieces of information. For example, the ventilation system could activate the air curtain only when the door is open and the temperature drop exceeds a certain threshold. When the door is closed, the ventilation system can automatically deactivate the air curtain to avoid unnecessary energy consumption. In particular, the integration of these two detection systems can improve the efficiency of the temperature control system, thereby increasing occupant comfort and reducing energy consumption.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that information regarding the open or closed position of a door window can be detected by means of a further detection device, and the formation of the air curtain can be controlled by means of the ventilation device depending on the result of the temperature drop difference and the information. Accordingly, if a further detection device is arranged that detects information regarding the open or closed position of a door window, this can also be incorporated into the control and formation of the air curtain. In such a case, the ventilation device is controlled not only by the opening and closing of the door, but also by the opening or closing of the door window.When the door window is open, it can stop the heat exchange between the first temperature in the interior and the second temperature in the environment, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the temperature control device. In particular, it is intended that the formation of the air curtain is activated by opening the door window, whereby the air curtain can also be formed or directed from the outlet openings to an edge of the door window. In this way, the air flow can protect the air curtain from temperature equalization in the opening provided by the window. Furthermore, the ingress of dust, dirt or other contaminants from the environment can be prevented, thus providing a hygiene measure in addition to energy efficiency.

[0020] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the temperature in the interior can be controlled by means of the ventilation device and as a function of the second temperature. This means that the ventilation device is controlled as a function of the second temperature in order to regulate the temperature in the interior of the vehicle. If the second temperature is high, and thus the temperature in the interior is too high for the user, the ventilation device can be used to guide cold air from outside into the interior by switching off the air curtain in order to lower the temperature. If the second temperature is too low, the air curtain can be switched on in order to prevent heat exchange between the environment and the interior.This can also be changed depending on the outside temperature or the ambient temperature, whereby a warm or cold ambient temperature in the interior can be enabled or prevented by switching the air curtain on or off.

[0021] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least one outlet opening is arranged in a lower region of the interior in the vertical direction of the vehicle, by means of which a barrier effect can be created in the direction of an upper region of the interior in the vertical direction of the vehicle. Such a construction includes at least one outlet opening in the lower region of the interior, wherein in order to create a barrier effect in the direction of the upper region of the interior, the air flow is directed upwards in the direction of the vehicle. The flow of air from the outlet opening can now create the air curtain, which can be used as a barrier for the heat exchange between the interior and the outside environment. This increases the thermal efficiency in the interior and enables a pleasant climate for the occupants within the interior.The exact arrangement and design of the outlet openings may vary depending on the requirements of the manufacturer or user.

[0022] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the upper region is delimited by an upper roof edge. Such a vehicle roof edge can thus be defined as the boundary of the opening to be closed by the side door, whereby the air curtain is discharged from the outlet openings toward the roof edge. In particular, the delimitation of the air curtain by the roof edge provides an air curtain or barrier for the entire opening of the side door.

[0023] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least one outlet opening is arranged in the region of a side wall of the motor vehicle, through which air can flow out and / or be sucked in. Air can flow out or be sucked in through these outlet openings. This makes it possible to generate a targeted air flow, which is used to form the air curtain. This regulates the temperature in the interior of the motor vehicle. In particular, the air curtain is to be generated by sucking in air. Air is sucked in from an area around the opening of the side door and guided through the outlet opening into the air duct to generate an air flow. This air flow then forms the air curtain, which acts as a barrier between the interior and the environment and reduces heat exchange.The position of the outlet opening may vary depending on the application, but it is intended to place the openings near the side wall or on the side wall to provide an effective barrier against air flow from the environment into the interior.

[0024] According to the invention, the air duct is provided by the rubber seal with at least one outlet opening. The air duct can thus be provided either by the rubber seal with at least one outlet opening or by a modified form of a built-in rubber seal with a perforation if no installation space is available in the area of ​​the roof lining. The rubber seal ensures that noise from the environment is reduced in the vehicle interior. This rubber seal can nevertheless be used as an air duct to thus provide the air curtain. The perforations in the modified rubber seal allow air to flow through the air duct to create the air curtain, while simultaneously preventing the penetration of water or dirt through the perforation.

[0025] Finally, in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least one outlet opening of the sealing rubber is nozzle-shaped, through which air can be discharged in a targeted manner. A nozzle-shaped design of the outlet opening can contribute to directing the air flow of the air curtain more specifically and thus creating a more effective barrier effect of the air curtain. The nozzle-shaped design also allows the air to flow out faster and more specifically, thereby increasing or potentially increasing the efficiency of the air curtain. In particular, the sealing rubber is used as an air guide. The nozzle shape of the outlet opening thus allows the targeted air flow to be generated, enabling precise control of the air curtain and more effective temperature regulation in the interior of the motor vehicle.

[0026] A further aspect relates to a method for operating a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of an interior of a motor vehicle, in which air flows through an air duct of a ventilation device extending along a door frame of a motor vehicle and integrated into a vehicle body of the motor vehicle, and in which the air is discharged through at least one outlet opening to form an air curtain into a door region of the door. It is provided that a temperature difference between a first temperature in the interior and a second temperature in an environment of the motor vehicle is detected by means of a detection device, and the formation of the air curtain is controlled by means of the ventilation device depending on the result of the temperature difference.This makes it possible for the temperature difference between the first temperature in the vehicle's interior and the second temperature in the vehicle's surroundings to be detected by a detection device. This detection device can be a temperature sensor, for example. Depending on the result of the temperature difference, the ventilation device is controlled to create or reinforce the air curtain. The goal is to minimize heat exchange between the interior and the surroundings in order to ensure or enable the most constant temperature possible in the interior.

[0027] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the single figure, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0028] The single figure shows a schematic side view of a motor vehicle to illustrate a temperature control device according to the invention for temperature control of an interior of the motor vehicle.

[0029] The Fig.1 shows a schematic side view of a motor vehicle to illustrate a temperature control device 10 for temperature control of an interior 12 of a motor vehicle 14, with a ventilation device 16 which has an air duct 24 extending along an outer edge 18 of a door frame 20 for a door of the motor vehicle 14 and integrated into a vehicle body 22 of the motor vehicle 14, through which air L can flow. The air duct 24 has at least one outlet opening 26 for forming an air curtain 28 at a door region 30 of the door frame 20.

[0030] By means of a detection device 32, a temperature difference between a first temperature T1 in the interior 12 and a second temperature T2 in an environment 34 of the motor vehicle 14 can be detected. Depending on the result of the temperature difference, the formation of the air curtain 28 can be controlled by means of the ventilation device 16.

[0031] The temperature control device 10 is thus able to temperature control the interior 12 of the motor vehicle 14 depending on the second temperature T2 in the environment 34 of the motor vehicle 14 and at the same time reduce energy consumption by creating an air curtain 28 on the door frame 20, which prevents the cold or warm air from outside from entering the interior 12.

[0032] The detection device 32 detects a temperature difference between the interior 12 and the environment 34, and depending on this result, the ventilation device 16 is controlled to activate or deactivate the air curtain 28.

[0033] A further detection device can detect the position of a side door on the door frame 20, in particular whether it is open or closed, and thus enables control of the air curtain 28 depending on this information and the temperature difference between the interior 12 and the environment 34.

[0034] Furthermore, a further detection device can detect the position of the door window and thus enable control of the air curtain 28 depending on this information and the temperature difference.

[0035] The outlet opening 26 in the lower region of the air duct 24 provides a barrier effect that prevents cold or warm air from entering the interior 12 of the motor vehicle 14. The upper region of the air curtain 28 can also be limited by the upper roof edge, which blocks the air flow or air L upwards.

[0036] Alternatively, an outlet opening 26 can be arranged in the region of a side wall 40, through which air L can flow out and / or be drawn in to create an air curtain 28, which extends, for example, rearward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The air duct 24 can be formed by a rubber seal 42 with the outlet opening 26 or can be arranged within such a seal, whereby the seal can be used as an air duct 24 and space can be saved. Furthermore, the outlet opening 26 of the rubber seal 42 can be nozzle-shaped to generate a targeted air flow and thus specifically form the air curtain 28.

[0037] It is possible to install the outlet openings 26 for the air curtain 28 in different areas of the door frame, depending on the desired direction of the air flow and thus the air L. For example, the air L can be directed from top to bottom in the vertical direction z of the vehicle to protect the entrance from rain or snow, or from bottom to top to create a cool air flow in the interior 12. A lateral arrangement of the outlet openings 26 is also possible to direct the air curtain horizontally and thus in the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle.

[0038] The outlet openings 26 can, for example, be integrated into the plastic panel 44 of the side door, into the door sill 46, or even through a backlit logo 48. Through these placement options of the outlet openings 26, the functions of the air curtain 28 can be flexibly adapted in order to achieve the desired temperatures T1, T2 and air flows in the interior 12.

[0039] In other words, the temperature control device enables effective separation of air masses by specifically controlling the ventilation system and generating an air curtain along the window or door area. The distinction between open windows and open doors enables an efficient air curtain. Another particularly advantageous feature is the cleaning process of the side wall by the escaping air, which eliminates the need for clear varnish.

[0040] In summary, the temperature control device is designed for controlling the temperature of the interior of a motor vehicle. It comprises a ventilation device with an air duct integrated into the vehicle body along an outer edge of the door of the motor vehicle and at least one outlet opening for forming an air curtain in a door area. The device has a detection device that detects the temperature difference between the interior and the surroundings of the motor vehicle in order to control the formation of the air curtain. The device can also detect information on the open or closed position of the door or door window in order to control the formation of the air curtain accordingly.

[0041] The ventilation system can regulate the temperature depending on the outside temperature to ensure a comfortable interior temperature. The air flow can be controlled to create a barrier effect toward the roof area, with the air being optionally warm or cool. To enhance the effect, the outlet point near the side wall can either expel or draw in air. If there is no installation space available in the roof lining area, the rubber seal can be used as an air guide via a perforation to allow air to escape to defined areas.

[0042] Overall, the temperature control device enables effective temperature control of the vehicle's interior, taking into account the outside temperature and other factors such as the open or closed position of the door or window.

Claims

[1] Temperature control device (10) for temperature control of an interior (12) of a motor vehicle (14), comprising a ventilation device (16) which has an air duct (24) extending along an outer edge (18) of a door frame (20) for a door of the motor vehicle (14) and integrated into a vehicle body (22) of the motor vehicle (14), which is permeable to air (L) and which has at least one outlet opening (26) for forming an air curtain (28) at a door area (30) of the door, wherein a temperature difference between a first temperature (T1) in the interior (12) and a second temperature (T2) in an environment (34) of the motor vehicle (14) can be detected by means of an arranged detection device (32) and the formation of the air curtain (28) can be controlled by means of the ventilation device (16) depending on the result of the temperature difference, characterized by, that the air duct (24) is provided by a sealing rubber (42) with at least one outlet opening (26). [2] Temperature control device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that information on an open or closed position of the door can be detected by means of a further detection device and, depending on a result of the temperature fall difference and depending on the information, the formation of the air curtain (28) can be controlled by means of the ventilation device (16). [3] Temperature control device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that by means of a further detection device information on an open or closed position of a door window can be detected and, depending on a result of the temperature fall difference as well as the information, the formation of the air curtain (28) can be controlled by means of the ventilation device (16). [4] Temperature control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the temperature in the interior (12) can be controlled by means of the ventilation device (16) and depending on the second temperature (T2). [5] Temperature control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one outlet opening (26) is arranged in a lower area in the vehicle's vertical direction (z), by means of which a barrier effect can be generated in the direction of an upper area in the vehicle's vertical direction (z). [6] Temperature control device (10) according to claim 5, characterized by that the upper area is limited by an upper roof edge. [7] Temperature control device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one outlet opening (26) is arranged in the area of ​​a side wall (40) through which air (L) can flow out and / or be drawn in. [8] Temperature control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one outlet opening (26) of the sealing rubber (42) is designed in a nozzle shape, through which air (L) can be directed to flow out.

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