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

Abstract

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) through which air (L) can flow and which has at least one outlet opening (26) for forming an air curtain (28) within the interior (12), characterized in that the air duct (24) is arranged in a roof area (18) in a cargo space (13) in the interior (12) of the motor vehicle (14) and the air (L) can flow out from the at least one outlet opening (26) to an edge (30) of a rear door (20) to form the air curtain (28).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of an interior of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a temperature control device.

[0002] WO 2020016587 A1 discloses one or more airlock units in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, which are designed to create one or more airlocks / air curtains in order to divide the passenger compartment into a plurality of zones.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a temperature control device and a method by means of which a temperature equalization between two spaces within the motor vehicle is efficiently prevented.

[0004] This object is achieved by means of a temperature control device having the features of patent claim 1 and by means of a method according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0005] One aspect of the invention relates to a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of an interior of a motor vehicle with a ventilation device which has an air duct through which air can flow and which has at least one outlet opening for forming an air curtain within the interior.

[0006] To achieve the object of the invention, it is provided that the air duct is arranged in a roof area in a loading space in the interior of the motor vehicle and the air can flow out from the at least one outlet opening to an edge of the rear door to form the air curtain. To achieve this object, it is therefore provided that the air duct is arranged in the roof area, in particular behind a backrest of a rear seat and thus in the loading space of the motor vehicle, and the air can flow out from the outlet opening to an edge of the rear door to form an air curtain. By arranging the air duct in the roof area, the air is distributed efficiently and evenly to achieve an optimal air curtain inside the motor vehicle.The air curtain is thus formed by the air flowing from the outlet opening to the edge of the rear door to create a barrier between the two rooms and thus prevent the temperature equalization between the respective temperatures in both rooms.

[0007] The described temperature control device is particularly advantageous when the vehicle has two compartments with different temperature requirements. The placement of the air duct in the roof area and the orientation of the outlet opening toward the rear door allow the air curtain to be positioned exactly where it is needed to prevent temperature equalization between the two compartments. This improves the vehicle's energy efficiency, as less energy is required to compensate for the temperature difference.

[0008] Overall, the described temperature control device is an effective solution for the transport of temperature-sensitive goods or for use in vehicles with varying temperature requirements. The placement of the air duct in the roof area and the orientation of the outlet opening toward the rear door enable efficient and effective temperature control in the vehicle interior.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a temperature difference between a first temperature in the cargo space and a second temperature in the surroundings of the motor vehicle can be detected by means of a 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 difference. The arrangement of the detection device for monitoring the temperature difference between the cargo space and the surroundings of the motor vehicle enables automatic and precise control of the temperature in the interior of the motor vehicle. This allows energy consumption to be further optimized and the temperature in the cargo space to be maintained at the required level.

[0010] The positioning of the air duct in the roof area of ​​the cargo area and the orientation of the outlet openings toward the edge of the rear door effectively prevent temperature exchange with the vehicle's surroundings. The air curtain created by the ventilation system forms an effective barrier that minimizes air exchange between the vehicle's interior and the surroundings when the rear door is open.

[0011] Depending on the temperature difference, the ventilation system can be controlled to increase or decrease the formation of the air curtain. If the temperature difference is large, the ventilation system can be used more intensively to make the air curtain more dense and minimize temperature equalization between the two compartments. If the temperature difference is smaller, the ventilation system can be reduced to save energy. Using a sensing device to control the ventilation system also makes it possible to better monitor the condition of the cargo area and the vehicle as a whole, ensuring that temperature requirements are met at all times. Automatic temperature control reduces the driver's workload and reduces the risk of temperature fluctuations in the cargo area, contributing overall to higher product quality.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that information on the open or closed position of the rear door 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 difference and the information. By detecting the position of the rear door, the temperature exchange between the cargo area and the surroundings of the motor vehicle can be regulated. By detecting the position of the rear door, the ventilation device can control and adjust the formation of the air curtain accordingly in order to minimize the temperature exchange. When the rear door is open, the ventilation device can increase the air supply in order to balance the air exchange and prevent the temperature in the cargo area from rising.

[0013] By combining the temperature difference detection systems and the position of the rear door, the ventilation system can be efficiently controlled to enable optimal temperature regulation in the cargo area while simultaneously minimizing energy consumption. This leads to greater energy efficiency of the vehicle.

[0014] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that information about an animal located in the cargo space 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 difference and the information. By detecting the presence of an animal in the cargo space, the ventilation device can adapt and control the formation of the air curtain accordingly in order to create a pleasant and safe environment for the animal. In other words, by integrating an animal detection device and evaluating the temperature differences, the ventilation device can automatically provide an improved ambient temperature for the animal while simultaneously minimizing energy consumption. This can contribute to greater safety and improved animal welfare.

[0015] Finally, in another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the outflow rate of the air flowing out of the at least one outlet opening can be controlled to simulate a headwind within the cargo space. Particularly for animals in the cargo space, this can contribute to greater comfort and a more pleasant transport experience and prevent dizziness or kinetosis. A headwind can help the animal feel more comfortable, as it ensures better air circulation and balances the temperature in the cargo space. By controlling the outflow rate of the air, the ventilation device can simulate a headwind that is tailored to the needs of the animals. This can also contribute to increased safety by preventing animals from overheating or feeling unwell, which can lead to stressful and unpredictable behavior.

[0016] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of an interior of a motor vehicle with a ventilation device, in which air flows through an air duct and through an outlet opening to form an air curtain within the interior. It is provided that the air curtain is formed by means of the air flowing through the air duct arranged in a roof area in a cargo space in the interior of the motor vehicle, and is discharged from the at least one outlet opening toward an edge of the rear door.

[0017] In other words, the invention describes a way to improve the thermal efficiency of vehicles while simultaneously optimizing the travel experience of animals. Opening the trunk results in an undesirable exchange between the temperature zones outside and inside the vehicle, significantly disrupting thermal efficiency. Furthermore, transported animals, especially in the trunk area, suffer from unpleasant motion sickness because they do not find ideal thermal conditions and are unable to look out of the vehicle freely.

[0018] To solve these problems, a temperature control device and method based on a targeted air flow are provided. An air curtain along the trunk area creates an air curtain that separates the air masses from each other, thus preventing the vehicle interior from heating up or cooling down when the tailgate is opened.

[0019] A wind simulator can be integrated into the system, allowing transported animals to enjoy ideal thermal conditions during the journey and enhancing the travel experience. Warm air will fall on the transported animal like a warm blanket, while a defined airflow simulates the wind.

[0020] This technology can improve the thermal efficiency of vehicles while also enhancing the travel experience of animals.

[0021] 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 specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0022] The only figure shows a perspective view of an interior of a motor vehicle in which a temperature control device according to the invention is arranged.

[0023] A temperature control device 10 shown in the figure for controlling the temperature of an interior 12 of a motor vehicle 14 comprises a ventilation device 16 having an air duct 24 through which air L can flow. The air duct 24 has at least one outlet opening 26, in particular a plurality of outlet openings 26, for forming an air curtain 28 within the interior 12. The air duct 24 is also arranged in the roof area 18 in a cargo space 13 in the interior 12 of the motor vehicle 14. The air L flows from the at least one outlet opening 26 to an edge 30 of the rear door 20, where it forms an air curtain 28.

[0024] The temperature control device 10 can have a detection device 32 with which a temperature difference between a first temperature T1 in the cargo space 13 and a second temperature T2 in an environment 35 of the motor vehicle 14 can be detected. Depending on this result, the formation of the air curtain 28 can be controlled by means of the ventilation device 16.

[0025] A possible further detection device 34 detects the information on an open or closed position of the rear door 20. Depending on this result and the temperature difference, the formation of the air curtain 28 can also be controlled by means of the ventilation device 16.

[0026] A further detection device 36 records information about the animals located in the loading space 13. Depending on this result and the temperature difference, the formation of the air curtain 28 can be controlled by the ventilation device 16.

[0027] The temperature control device 10 also enables the control of the outflow strength of the air L that can flow out of the outlet opening 26 to simulate a headwind within the loading space 13, in particular to prevent kinetosis in the animal in the loading space 13.

[0028] In summary, the temperature control device 10 provides an innovative solution for controlling the temperature of the interior 12 of a motor vehicle 14 by the targeted formation of an air curtain 28 by means of a ventilation device 16. The various detection devices 32, 34, 36 enable targeted control of the temperature control depending on various factors such as the temperature in the cargo area 13, the position of the rear door 20, and the presence of animals in the cargo area 13.

[0029] In other words, the invention enables the separation of thermal zones in the rear area by introducing an air curtain 28 as well as the integration of a driving wind simulator for animals transported in the trunk.

Claims

[1] Temperature control device (10) for controlling the temperature of an interior (12) of a motor vehicle (14) with a ventilation device (16) which has an air duct (24) through which air (L) can flow and which has at least one outlet opening (26) for forming an air curtain (28) within the interior (12), characterized by that the air duct (24) is arranged in a roof area (18) in a loading space (13) in the interior (12) of the motor vehicle (14) and the air (L) for forming the air curtain (28) can flow out from the at least one outlet opening (26) to an edge (30) of a rear door (20). [2] Tempering device (10) according to claim 1, characterized bythat a temperature difference between a first temperature (T1) in the loading space (13) and a second temperature (T2) in an environment (35) 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 a result of the temperature difference. [3] Tempering device (10) according to claim 2, characterized by that information on an open or closed position of the rear door (20) can be detected by means of a further detection device (34) and the formation of the air curtain (28) can be controlled by means of the ventilation device (16) depending on a result of the temperature drop difference and the information. [4] Tempering device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized bythat information about an animal located in the loading space (13) can be detected by means of a further detection device (36) and the formation of the air curtain (28) can be controlled by means of the ventilation device (16) as a function of a result of the temperature drop difference and the information. [5] Tempering device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an outflow strength of the air (L) flowing out of the at least one outlet opening (26) is controllable to simulate a headwind within the loading space (13). [6] Method for operating a temperature control device (10) for controlling the temperature of an interior (12) of a motor vehicle (14) with a ventilation device (16), in which air (L) is flowed through an air duct (24) and through an outlet opening (26) to form an air curtain (28) within the interior (12), characterized bythat the air curtain (28) is formed by means of the air (L) flowing through the air duct (24) arranged in a roof area (18) in a loading space (13) in the interior (12) of the motor vehicle (14) and is discharged from the at least one outlet opening (26) towards an edge (30) of a rear door (20).

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