Vehicle and methods for its operation

Abstract

Vehicle (1) with at least one window (2) configured to be opened and closed, wherein at least one device (4) for generating and / or dynamically adjusting at least one air curtain in at least one of the windows (2) of the vehicle (1) is arranged in the vehicle (1), characterized in that the device (4) is configured to control and / or minimize the Helmholtz resonance caused by air currents in the window (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for operating a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 7.

[0002] GB 2 602 277 A describes a method for reducing the flutter of a motor vehicle window by means of a window device of the motor vehicle, wherein a pressure inside and / or outside the vehicle is detected by a pressure sensing device of the window device, and depending on the detected pressure, a pressure relief device of the window device is actuated to reduce the pressure inside the vehicle. A window device for reducing flutter noise at the window pane of a motor vehicle is also described. The pressure relief device may be a door that is opened to relieve cabin pressure, the window itself, or another window of the vehicle. The pressure sensing device may comprise a flexible diaphragm, a single pressure sensor, or several electronic pressure sensors arranged around the vehicle.The pressure can be determined by an electronic computing device, which may include a mathematical model that calculates the pressure using characteristic parameter inputs such as vehicle speed, the opening position of all windows and / or the location of the vehicle occupants.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of providing a novel vehicle and a novel method for operating a vehicle.

[0004] The problem is solved according to the invention by a vehicle having the features of claim 1 and by a method for operating a vehicle having the features of claim 7.

[0005] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] A vehicle with at least one window configured to open and close is proposed. In particular, multiple windows that can be opened and closed may be provided. According to the invention, the vehicle includes at least one device for generating and / or dynamically adjusting at least one air curtain in at least one of the vehicle's windows.

[0007] In one embodiment, the device is configured to control and / or minimize the Helmholtz resonance caused by air currents in the window.

[0008] In one embodiment, one or more sensors are provided which are configured to detect environmental variables, including wind speed, atmospheric conditions and / or vehicle speed, wherein the device is configured to use the detected environmental variables to automatically adjust parameters of the air curtain so that an effective opening area of ​​the window and / or an effective length is changed in such a way that the Helmholtz frequency is shifted into a range that is less perceptible to the occupants of the vehicle, for example towards lower frequencies.

[0009] In one embodiment, the parameters of the air curtain to be adjusted include a speed and / or a density of an airflow of the air curtain.

[0010] In one embodiment, the device is configured to reduce the effective opening area by adjusting the parameters of the air curtain.

[0011] In one embodiment, the device is configured to increase the effective length of a window neck of the window by adjusting the parameters of the air curtain.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a vehicle with at least one window configured to open and close is proposed. According to the invention, at least one air curtain is generated in at least one of the vehicle's windows and dynamically adjusted to control and / or minimize the Helmholtz resonance caused by airflows in the window.

[0013] In one embodiment, environmental variables, including wind speed, atmospheric conditions and / or vehicle speed, are detected by means of one or more sensors and are used to automatically adjust parameters of the air curtain so that the effective opening area of ​​the window and / or the effective length is changed in such a way that the Helmholtz frequency is shifted into a range that is less perceptible to the occupants of the vehicle, for example towards lower frequencies.

[0014] In one embodiment, the speed and / or density of the air curtain's airflow are adjusted as parameters.

[0015] In one embodiment, the air curtain is adapted to absorb and / or scatter the sound energy by disrupting the direct transmission of the sound waves through the opening, and / or adapted to generate sound waves that are out of phase with resonant sound waves of the Helmholtz resonance.

[0016] The present invention proposes to arrange and / or integrate an air curtain in at least one window of a vehicle to enable discreet control of airflow. This integration not only effectively influences the Helmholtz resonance and reduces sound pressure levels, but also preserves the overall appearance of the vehicle.

[0017] An adaptive technology with automatic adjustment of the air curtain's properties is proposed. This technology uses sensors to detect and consider environmental variables such as wind, weather, speed, and data from other open windows in order to dynamically adjust and predict the air curtain's parameters. These adjustments include controlling the airflow's speed and density, thereby modifying the window's effective opening area to optimize the Helmholtz resonance frequency and minimize sound pressure.

[0018] Controlled manipulation of resonance frequencies leads to a significant reduction in noise and vibrations within the vehicle interior, thus increasing acoustic comfort and improving the driver's concentration when the window is open. These improvements contribute significantly to driving safety, particularly under varying driving conditions and on longer journeys.

[0019] The invention aims to effectively control Helmholtz resonance in vehicles by integrating air curtains into window openings. These resonances, which occur particularly when windows are partially open, often lead to disturbing noise and vibrations. Through adaptive technology, the system can dynamically respond to external influences such as wind speed, weather conditions, and vehicle speed. Sensors continuously monitor these environmental conditions and automatically adjust the speed and density of the air in the curtain to adapt the effective opening area. This adjustment enables a targeted shift in the resonance frequency, thereby significantly reducing noise emissions. Furthermore, the reduction of noise and vibration improves acoustic comfort and enhances driving safety by supporting the driver's concentration.The direct integration of the air curtains into the window openings ensures seamless integration into the vehicle design, enhancing the aesthetic appearance and functionality of the vehicle.

[0020] The present invention offers significant advantages in terms of acoustic regulation in vehicles through the innovative use of air curtains. These air curtains are integrated directly into the window openings and allow for precise control of the airflows that cause Helmholtz resonance. By adaptively adjusting the airflow, unwanted noise and vibrations, which occur particularly when windows are partially open, can be effectively minimized. This leads to a significant improvement in driving comfort, as disturbing noises and vibrations that could otherwise impair the well-being and concentration of the occupants are reduced. Furthermore, the integration of the air curtains contributes to a seamless aesthetic integration into the vehicle design, which enhances the vehicle's appeal without requiring any functional compromises.

[0021] Another crucial advantage of this invention lies in the system's dynamic adaptability to various environmental conditions such as wind speed, weather, and vehicle speed. The use of sensor technology enables continuous monitoring of these conditions, and the system automatically adjusts the air curtain's characteristics. This adjustment not only optimizes the reduction of the Helmholtz resonance frequency but also minimizes sound pressure inside the vehicle. This adaptive behavior ensures consistently high noise reduction quality, making the vehicle ideal for diverse driving situations and environments, and thus an excellent partner for everyday driving and longer journeys. Ultimately, the invention significantly improves driving safety.Reducing distractions from noise increases the driver's concentration, which is particularly beneficial at higher speeds and in demanding driving environments.

[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing.

[0023] This shows: Fig. 1. A schematic view of a vehicle.

[0024] The only Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle 1, for example a passenger car. In other embodiments, the vehicle 1 can also be a commercial vehicle or a bus.

[0025] The present invention describes a device 4 for generating and dynamically adjusting at least one air curtain in at least one window 2 of the vehicle 1. The device 4 is specifically designed to control and minimize Helmholtz resonance. By integrating air curtains into the window openings of the windows 2, precise modulation of the airflow is achieved, which makes it possible to actively influence the acoustic properties of the vehicle interior.

[0026] The vehicle 1 has multiple sensors 3 that continuously detect environmental variables, including wind speed, atmospheric conditions, and vehicle speed. This data is used to automatically adjust the parameters of the air curtain, in particular the speed and density of the air curtain's airflow, so that the effective opening area of ​​the window 2 is changed. This adjustment shifts the Helmholtz frequency into a less perceptible range and results in a significant reduction of the sound pressure level in the interior. The device 4 can be designed to integrate seamlessly into the design of the vehicle 1 and to meet the aerodynamic and aesthetic requirements of modern vehicle architecture. Basic principle of the Helmholtz frequency

[0027] Helmholtz resonance describes the resonance phenomenon of an air volume in a cavity connected to the outside world through an opening. The resonance frequency f can be expressed by the following equation: f=c2πAVL where: • c is the speed of sound in air (approx. 343 m / s at room temperature), • A is the area of ​​the opening in square meters, • V is the volume of the cavity in cubic meters, and • L is the effective length of the neck or opening in meters.

[0028] The effective length L is additionally influenced by the geometric shape of the opening and can be determined more precisely using the following formula: L=l+0.85d

[0029] This includes: • I the physical length of the neck, and • d the diameter of the opening.

[0030] The dependence of the resonance frequency on the dimensions of the cavity and the opening allows for the targeted control of the acoustic properties by adjusting the parameters A, V and L, which is used particularly in vehicle engineering to optimize the interior. Shift of the Helmholtz frequency due to the air curtain

[0031] An air curtain can influence the Helmholtz frequency by changing the effective opening area A and / or the effective length L of the window neck.

[0032] This has a direct impact on the resonant frequency: Reduction of the opening area A

[0033] If the air curtain reduces the effective opening area, this reduces the resonance frequency according to the formula: f=c2πAVL

[0034] A smaller area A results in a lower frequency f, which can shift the resonance into a less audible range. Increase in effective length L

[0035] An air curtain can also increase the effective length L of the window opening by creating a kind of barrier effect that lengthens the air path. A greater effective length L also reduces the resonant frequency.

[0036] These adjustments can potentially shift the frequency below 20 Hz, where it is barely perceptible to the human ear. Reduction of sound pressure

[0037] The reduction of sound pressure is achieved through two main mechanisms: Sound absorption and sound scattering

[0038] The air curtain can absorb and scatter sound energy by disrupting the direct transmission of sound waves through the opening. This reduces the amplitude of the sound waves reaching the interior. Destructive interference

[0039] By selectively adjusting the properties of the air curtain, it can generate sound waves that are out of phase with the resonant sound waves. These out-of-phase waves can interfere with the resonant waves, thus reducing the sound pressure.

[0040] The following example calculates the Helmholtz resonance at 100 km / h. Consider a vehicle 1 traveling at a speed of 100 km / h (27.78 m / s). The speed of sound c is assumed to be 343 m / s. The volume V of the vehicle's interior is 3 m³. 3 The original effective opening area A is 0.05 m². 2 . The original effective length L is 0.01 m. Influence of speed

[0041] The vehicle's speed creates a dynamic pressure that alters the flow conditions at the window opening. It is assumed that this effect reduces the effective opening area to 0.03 m². 2reduced and the effective length increased to 0.02m. Calculation of the new Helmholtz frequency

[0042] The modified Helmholtz frequency f neu We calculate using the adjusted parameters: fneu=3432π0.033×0.02

[0043] This results in: fneu≈3432π0,030,06=42.4 Hz discussion

[0044] This calculation shows that the influence of vehicle speed and the use of an air curtain reduces the Helmholtz frequency from a higher value to approximately 42.4 Hz. This frequency lies in a less perceptible range, leading to a reduction in the acoustic disturbances caused by the Helmholtz resonance. Influence of vehicle speed on noise level and reduction by an air curtain - Basics

[0045] The noise level inside a vehicle 1, caused by Helmholtz resonance, can increase with vehicle speed. This is because higher speeds lead to increased airflow through openings such as windows 2, which raises the resonance frequency and sound pressure.

[0046] The sound intensity I, which is proportional to the square of the sound pressure P, can be described by the following relation: I∝P2 Example calculation

[0047] In this example, assume that vehicle 1 is traveling at a speed of 100 km / h, generating a Helmholtz frequency of approximately 55 Hz. This frequency is assumed to produce a sound pressure level of 85 dB. It is further assumed that by using an air curtain, the effective opening area is reduced and the effective length is increased, which can lower the frequency to approximately 42 Hz and the sound pressure level to 75 dB. The calculation of the sound intensity reduction is as follows: Lp1=85 dB,Lp2=75 dB I1=10Lp110 I2=10Lp210 Reduction of sound intensity=10 log10(I2I1) Reduction in sound intensity=10 log10(107.5108.5)=−10 dB Reference symbol list 1 vehicle 2 windows 3 Sensor 4 Device QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] GB 2 602 277 A

[0002]

Claims

[1] Vehicle (1) with at least one window (2) configured to be opened and closed, characterized by , that the vehicle (1) has at least one device (4) for generating and / or dynamically adjusting at least one air curtain in at least one of the windows (2) of the vehicle (1). [2] Vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the device (4) is configured to control and / or minimize the Helmholtz resonance caused by air currents in the window (2). [3] Vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized byone or more sensors (3) configured to detect environmental variables, including wind speed, atmospheric conditions and / or vehicle speed, wherein the device (4) is configured to use the detected environmental variables to automatically adjust parameters of the air curtain such that an effective opening area of ​​the window (2) and / or an effective length (L) is changed in such a way that the Helmholtz frequency is shifted into a range less perceptible to occupants of the vehicle (1). [4] Vehicle (1) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the parameters to be adjusted for the air curtain include a speed and / or density of an airflow of the air curtain. [5] Vehicle (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that the device (4) is configured to reduce the effective opening area by adjusting the parameters of the air curtain. [6] Vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by , that the device (4) is configured to increase the effective length (L) of a window neck of the window (2) by adjusting the parameters of the air curtain. [7] Method for operating a vehicle (1) with at least one window (2) configured to be opened and closed, characterized by , that at least one air curtain is generated in at least one of the windows (2) of the vehicle (1) and is dynamically adjusted in the vehicle (1) so that the Helmholtz resonance caused by air currents in the window (2) is controlled and / or minimized. [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized by, that by means of one or more sensors (3) environmental variables, including wind speed, atmospheric conditions and / or vehicle speed, are detected, which are used to automatically adjust parameters of the air curtain so that the effective opening area of ​​the window (2) and / or the effective length (L) is changed in such a way that the Helmholtz frequency is shifted into a range that is less perceptible to occupants of the vehicle (1). [9] Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that the parameters of the air curtain are adjusted to include a speed and / or density of an airflow within the air curtain. [10] Method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by, that the air curtain is adapted to absorb and / or scatter the sound energy by disrupting the direct transmission of sound waves through the opening, and / or is adapted to generate sound waves that are out of phase with resonant sound waves of the Helmholtz resonance.

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