Device and method for operating a ventilation device of a vehicle

Abstract

Device for operating a ventilation device of a vehicle, wherein the ventilation device comprises a flow generation unit for generating an airflow (S) and at least one automatically adjustable air outlet (1) arranged in a vehicle interior and fluidically coupled or connectable to the flow generation unit, and a control unit (2) is digitally coupled to the at least one air outlet (1), characterized in that the control unit (2) is configured to determine the direction and / or distribution of an airflow (S) exiting the at least one air outlet (1) by means of controlling at least one air guide element (1.1 to 1.1).n) of the at least one air outlet (1) depending on determined ambient conditions of the vehicle and / or an interior temperature of the vehicle and / or an opening state of a window opening (O) of the vehicle, wherein the control unit (2) is designed to control the at least one air guide element (1.1 to 1.n) to control the at least one air outlet (1) in such a way that it generates an air curtain between an occupant (I) located in the vehicle interior and the window opening (O) and / or a window pane (3) that at least partially closes the window opening (O) by means of the outgoing airflow (S), - the control unit (2) is configured to control the at least one air outlet (1) to generate the air curtain when an opening of the window opening (O) is detected or is imminent, and - the control unit (2) is coupled to an environment detection device and is configured to detect the imminent opening of the window opening (O) on the basis of an access control system located in front of the vehicle in the direction of travel, which requires operation by the occupant (I), and which is detected in environmental data determined by means of the environment detection device.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for operating a ventilation device of a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method for operating a ventilation device of a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 9.

[0003] A vehicle system for use in a vehicle is known from WO 2020 / 108 849 A1. The vehicle system comprises - a vehicle cabin defined by an upper cabin surface, a lower cabin surface and a side wall, wherein the vehicle cabin has a seat next to the side wall, - an airflow system comprising air vents located in the upper cabin surface and the lower cabin surface, - an airflow device configured to direct an airflow through the air openings, the air openings being configured to generate an airflow over the side wall to create a thermal curtain over the side wall, and - a control system comprising controllers configured to receive a seat signal relating to whether the vehicle seat is occupied or not, to generate a control signal to control the airflow through the air vents depending on the seat signal, and to output the control signal to generate the thermal curtain above the side wall when the seat next to the side wall is occupied.

[0004] Furthermore, a ventilation nozzle for vehicles is known from DE 20 2020 103 330 U1, which has: - a shaft with a channel through which air flows, and with an outlet through which the air is released; - a first adjusting device arranged in the shaft such that it is rotatable about a first rotating shaft, wherein the direction of extension of a first opening through which the air flows is varied depending on the angle of rotation of the first adjusting device; - a second adjusting device arranged in the shaft in such a way that it is rotatable about a second rotating shaft which is orthogonal to the first rotating shaft, wherein a direction of extension of a second opening through which the air flows is varied depending on the angle of rotation of the second adjusting device; - a third adjusting device arranged at the outlet end such that it is rotatable about a rotating shaft parallel to the first rotating shaft, wherein a third opening is formed between the third adjusting device and the shaft; and - an interlocking connector that functionally connects the first to third adjustment devices.

[0005] Furthermore, ventilation devices for vehicles are generally known from the prior art, which have air outlets that can be automatically controlled with regard to their outflow direction.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of providing a novel device and a novel method for operating a ventilation device of a vehicle.

[0007] The problem is solved according to the invention by a device which has the features specified in claim 1 and by a method which has the features specified in claim 9.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] The device is designed to operate a vehicle ventilation system. The ventilation system comprises a flow generation unit for generating an airflow and at least one automatically adjustable air outlet located in a vehicle interior, which is fluidically coupled or connectable to the flow generation unit. The device includes a control unit that is data-linked to the at least one air outlet.

[0010] According to the invention, the control unit is designed to automatically adjust the direction and / or distribution of an airflow exiting the air outlet by controlling at least one air guide element of the at least one air outlet, depending on determined ambient conditions of the vehicle and / or an interior temperature of the vehicle and / or an opening state of a window opening of the vehicle.

[0011] The device enables improved ventilation and air conditioning of the vehicle interior and consequently increased comfort for vehicle occupants by automatically adjusting the direction and / or distribution of the airflow exiting from at least one air outlet depending on the vehicle's ambient conditions and / or the vehicle's interior temperature and / or the opening state of a vehicle window.

[0012] According to one possible embodiment of the device, an air intake is provided within the vehicle interior, which further improves the direction and / or distribution of the airflow exiting from at least one air outlet by drawing in the airflow.

[0013] According to another possible embodiment of the device, the at least one air guide element for adjusting the direction and / or distribution of the outgoing airflow is coupled to at least one electrically controlled drive via the control unit. By controlling the drive, the shape and / or orientation of the at least one air guide element can be changed. It is also possible that the air guide element incorporates a shape memory alloy, at least in sections, which can be used to change the shape and / or orientation of the at least one air guide element.

[0014] According to another possible embodiment of the device, the control unit is designed to actuate at least one air guide element of at least one air outlet in such a way that the outgoing airflow creates an air curtain, also known as an air curtain or door air curtain, between an occupant in the vehicle interior and the window opening and / or a window pane that at least partially obstructs the window opening. Such an air curtain is formed by a planar, directed airflow and creates a planar barrier for air masses, thus separating them and preventing or at least reducing their exchange. This prevents cold and warm outside air from entering the vehicle interior when the window is open.With the window closed, the radiation of heat and cold from the window pane or from incoming sunlight onto the occupant can be prevented or at least reduced. This means that the occupant is shielded from unpleasant temperature influences.

[0015] According to another possible embodiment of the device, the control unit is designed to activate at least one air outlet to generate the air curtain when an opening of the window is detected or imminent. This enables early, automatic generation of the air curtain and, consequently, particularly effective and reliable protection of the occupant from unpleasant temperature effects.

[0016] According to another possible embodiment of the device, the control unit is linked to an environment detection device and configured to detect the imminent opening of the window based on an access control system located in front of the vehicle in the direction of travel, which requires operation by the occupant. This system is identified using environmental data determined by the environment detection device. This enables particularly early and reliable detection of the imminent opening of the window, for example, before entering a road section limited by an access control system, such as at a toll station, a limited parking space, a limited parking garage, a limited parking area, and / or an underground parking facility.This early detection, even before the window is opened, allows the airflow, for example an air curtain, to be generated well in advance. This enables the occupant to reach a control device for the access control system through the open window, while simultaneously minimizing air exchange between the vehicle interior and the outside environment. For example, the occupant can then pull out a parking ticket through the window with minimal exposure to the temperature.

[0017] According to another possible embodiment of the device, it includes at least one window sensor, which is linked to the control unit via data transmission and designed to detect the opening status of the window. This window sensor is designed, for example, to monitor a control element for the electric opening and closing of the window pane and detects complete opening and closing when the control element is activated. Alternatively, it may be possible to detect partial opening and closing based on the duration of the control element's activation. The degree of opening and closing of the window pane can also be determined. This enables reliable and efficient detection of the window opening status.

[0018] According to another possible embodiment of the device, the environmental detection device is designed to also determine other environmental conditions. For this purpose, the environmental detection device features - at least one detection unit designed to detect environmental objects and / or - at least one radiation detection unit designed to detect solar radiation and / or - at least one data source, for example a backend server, a navigation device with digital map data, etc. on or is linked to these / these in terms of data technology.

[0019] According to another possible embodiment of the device, it is provided that - the ventilation device includes a temperature control unit for regulating the temperature of the airflow, - the control unit is linked to the temperature control unit via data technology and - the control unit is designed to control the temperature control unit depending on an ambient temperature and / or the interior temperature of the vehicle.

[0020] Controlling the temperature control unit and thus the temperature regulation of the airflow allows for an adjustment of its temperature to the ambient temperature and / or the interior temperature of the vehicle, thereby further improving the climate control of the vehicle interior and consequently increasing comfort for the vehicle's occupants.

[0021] According to another possible embodiment of the device, the control unit is designed to control the temperature control unit in such a way that the airflow exiting from the at least one air outlet - if the vehicle's ambient temperature falls below a specified level, it is heated and - cools down when a predetermined ambient temperature of the vehicle is exceeded and - if a predetermined value of solar radiation on the vehicle is not reached, it heats up and - cools the vehicle when a predetermined value of solar radiation is exceeded.

[0022] This enables particularly efficient and effective climate control of the vehicle interior for the vehicle's occupants.

[0023] According to another possible embodiment of the device, the control unit is designed to regulate the temperature of the airflow depending on a desired interior temperature. This allows the temperature of the airflow to be adjusted to the preferences of the vehicle occupants. It is also possible for the vehicle occupants to specify further parameters of the airflow, in particular regarding its direction and / or distribution and / or temperature, so that the automatic adjustment of these parameters by the device can be better adapted to the occupants' preferences.

[0024] According to another possible embodiment of the device, it has at least one temperature sensor that is linked to the control unit in terms of data technology and is designed to detect the indoor temperature, which enables the detection of a current indoor temperature and transmits a value of this to the control unit.

[0025] According to another possible embodiment of the device, the control unit is designed to control the direction and / or distribution of the airflow exiting the at least one air outlet, depending on the seating position of at least one occupant of the vehicle. This allows the airflow to be adapted to occupants of different sizes and / or in different seating positions on a vehicle seat, and consequently maximizes the effect of the airflow on each occupant.

[0026] The method is designed for operating a vehicle ventilation system. The ventilation system includes a flow generation unit that creates an airflow. At least one air outlet located in the vehicle interior is fluidically coupled or can be coupled to the flow generation unit. This air outlet is automatically controlled by a control unit.

[0027] According to the invention, the control unit is designed to automatically adjust the direction and / or distribution of an airflow exiting the at least one air outlet by controlling at least one air guide element of the at least one air outlet, depending on the determined ambient conditions of the vehicle and / or the interior temperature of the vehicle and / or the opening state of a window opening of the vehicle.

[0028] The method enables improved ventilation and air conditioning of the vehicle interior and consequently increased comfort for vehicle occupants by automatically adjusting the direction and / or distribution of the airflow exiting from at least one air outlet depending on the vehicle's ambient conditions and / or the vehicle's interior temperature and / or the opening state of a vehicle window.

[0029] According to one possible embodiment of the method, the outgoing airflow creates an air curtain, also known as an air curtain or door air curtain, between an occupant inside the vehicle and the window opening and / or a window pane that at least partially obstructs the window opening. Such an air curtain is a flat, directed airflow that creates a barrier to air masses, separating them and preventing or at least reducing their exchange. Thus, when the window is open, the ingress of cold and warm outside air into the vehicle interior can be prevented. Similarly, when the window is closed, the radiation of heat and cold from the window pane or from incoming sunlight onto the occupant can be prevented or at least reduced.This means that the occupant is shielded from unpleasant temperature effects.

[0030] According to another possible embodiment of the method, a control unit is used to regulate the temperature of the airflow based on the ambient temperature and / or the vehicle's interior temperature. Controlling the temperature control unit, and thus the temperature of the airflow, allows its temperature to be adjusted to the ambient temperature and / or the vehicle's interior temperature, thereby further improving the climate control of the vehicle's interior and consequently increasing comfort for the vehicle's occupants.

[0031] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0032] This shows: Fig. 1. Schematic perspective view of a section of a vehicle interior with an air outlet during the emission of a focused airflow. Fig. 2. Schematic side view of an air outlet during the emission of a focused airflow, Fig. 3 schematically a perspective view of the section of the vehicle interior according to Fig. 1 with the air outlet during an emission of a fanned airflow, Fig. 4 schematically a side view of an air outlet during the emission of a fanned airflow, Fig. 5 schematically a top view of a section of a vehicle interior and Fig. 6 schematically a side view of a section of the vehicle interior according to Fig. 6.

[0033] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0034] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a section of a vehicle interior with an air outlet 1 during the emission of a bundled airflow S. Fig. Figure 2 shows a side view of the air outlet 1 during an emission of the bundled airflow S.

[0035] The air outlet 1 is fluidically coupled to a flow generation unit in a manner not shown in detail, which generates the airflow S.

[0036] The air outlet 1 has several air guide elements 1.1 to 1.n for adjusting the direction and / or distribution of the airflow S exiting the air outlet 1. Furthermore, the air outlet 1 is equipped with a Fig. 3 and Fig. The control unit 2, shown in more detail below, is data-connected to the air guide elements 1.1 to 1.n, which is designed to control the direction and / or distribution of the outgoing airflow S. For this purpose, the air guide elements 1.1 to 1.n are coupled to at least one electric drive (not shown in detail) that can be controlled by the control unit 2. By controlling the drive, the shape and / or orientation of the air guide elements 1.1 to 1.n can be changed. It is also possible that the air guide elements 1.1 to 1.n have a shape memory alloy, at least in sections, which can be used to change their shape and / or orientation.

[0037] In particular, the air guide elements 1.1 to 1.n are controlled by the control unit 2 in such a way that the airflow S exiting the at least one air outlet 1 is automatically adjusted depending on determined ambient conditions of the vehicle and / or an interior temperature of the vehicle and / or an opening state of a window opening O of the vehicle.

[0038] Furthermore, a temperature control unit is provided, linked to the control unit 2 in a manner not shown in detail, for temperature control of the airflow S, wherein the temperature control unit is controlled by the control unit 2 depending on an ambient temperature and / or the interior temperature of the vehicle.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the airflow S is directed between a window pane 3 closing the window opening O and a component in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 more precisely depicted occupants I of the vehicle, for example a driver of the vehicle, along in order to minimize temperature effects on the occupants I resulting from solar radiation and / or ambient temperatures.

[0040] For example, the airflow S is automatically - if the vehicle's ambient temperature falls below a specified level, it is heated and - cooled when a predetermined ambient temperature of the vehicle is exceeded.

[0041] For example, at cold ambient temperatures, such as below 16 °C, a heated airflow S can be automatically generated. The heated airflow S can be automatically deactivated, for example, at an ambient temperature of 20 °C or at another target ambient temperature that can be specified by the occupant I.

[0042] At warm ambient temperatures, for example above 22 °C, a cooled airflow S can be generated. The cooled airflow S can be automatically deactivated, for example, at an ambient temperature of 20 °C or at another target ambient temperature that can be specified by the occupant I.

[0043] Furthermore, for example - if a predetermined value of solar radiation on the vehicle is not reached, the emission of a heated airflow S is activated and - if a predetermined value of solar radiation on the vehicle is exceeded, the emission of a cooled airflow S is activated.

[0044] The solar radiation will be determined, for example, by means of an environment detection device (not shown in detail), for example, based on image data captured by a camera and / or on weather data transmitted from a data source.

[0045] Furthermore, the emission of the airflow S can be automatically activated when the window opening O is detected or is about to be detected. The activation and / or temperature control of the airflow S can also be triggered by a difference between the ambient temperature and the vehicle's interior temperature. For example, activation and / or temperature control, i.e., cooling or heating, can occur automatically when the temperature difference exceeds 6 K.

[0046] A window sensor is provided to detect the opening status of the window opening O. This sensor is designed, for example, to monitor a control element, also known as a window regulator switch, for the electric opening and closing of the window pane 3 and detects a complete opening and closing when the control element is actuated. It can also be provided, for example, to detect a partial opening and closing based on the duration of the control element's actuation. In this way, the degree of opening and closing of the window pane 3 can also be determined.

[0047] The imminent opening of window O can be detected, for example, by an access control system located in front of the vehicle in the direction of travel, which requires operation by the occupant I. This system is identified using environmental data determined by the environmental sensing device. For instance, if it is detected that the vehicle is approaching a barrier with a control device for issuing a parking ticket, the airflow S can be generated even before window O opens. This allows the occupant I to reach through the airflow S and the open window O to grasp the parking ticket, while simultaneously minimizing air exchange between the vehicle interior and the surrounding environment. The automatic activation and / or temperature control of the airflow S can also be adjusted based on the difference between the ambient temperature and the vehicle interior temperature.

[0048] Temperature thresholds intended for the automatic activation and / or temperature control of the airflow S can be set and adjusted automatically and / or manually by the occupant I. It is also possible for the occupant I to specify or select from a list of use cases for the automatic activation and / or temperature control of the airflow S.

[0049] In Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the section of the vehicle interior with the air outlet 1 according to Fig. 1 shown during an emission of a fanned airflow S. Fig. Figure 4 shows a side view of the air outlet 1 during an emission of the fanned airflow S.

[0050] Unlike the one in the Fig. 1 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the air guide elements 1.1 to 1.n are controlled by the control unit 2 in such a way that an air curtain is generated by means of the fanned airflow S between the window opening O or the window pane 3, covering the window opening O or window pane 3 as completely as possible.

[0051] The activation and / or temperature control of the airflow S is carried out in particular analogously to that described in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrated embodiment.

[0052] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a top view of a section of a vehicle interior with an air outlet 1 and a vehicle occupant I. For clarity, only the head of the vehicle occupant I is shown. Fig. Figure 6 shows a side view of a section of the vehicle interior according to Fig. 6. Furthermore, a coordinate system with a longitudinal direction y, a transverse direction y and a vertical direction z is shown in each case.

[0053] In order to create an airflow S, in particular an air curtain, between the occupant I, whose head is located at a value of 0.8 in the vertical direction z and a value of 0.8 in the longitudinal direction x, according to Fig. To generate the airflow, the air guide elements 1.1 to 1.n are controlled – as already described – such that the airflow S is fanned out. Additionally, the direction of the airflow S is set so that it strikes the window pane 3 at a defined point P. This point P is located, for example, at a value of 0.65 in the longitudinal direction x and a value of 0.6 in the vertical direction z. These values ​​of point P can be varied, for example, depending on the detected seating position and / or size of the occupant I. 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] WO 2020 / 108 849 A1

[0003] DE 20 2020 103 330 U1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Device for operating a ventilation device of a vehicle, wherein - the ventilation device comprises a flow generation unit for generating an airflow (S) and at least one automatically adjustable air outlet (1) arranged in a vehicle interior and which is fluidically coupled or can be coupled to the flow generation unit. - a control unit (2) with which at least one air outlet (1) is linked via data technology, characterized by , that the control unit (2) is designed to automatically adjust a direction and / or a distribution of an airflow (S) exiting from the at least one air outlet (1) by means of controlling at least one air guide element (1.1 to 1.n) of the at least one air outlet (1) depending on determined ambient conditions of the vehicle and / or an interior temperature of the vehicle and / or an opening state of a window opening (O) of the vehicle. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the control unit (2) is designed to control the at least one air guide element (1.1 to 1.n) of the at least one air outlet (1) in such a way that it generates an air curtain between an occupant (I) located in the vehicle interior and the window opening (O) and / or a window pane (3) that at least partially closes the window opening (O) by means of the outgoing airflow (S). [3] Device according to claim 2, characterized by , that the control unit (2) is designed to control at least one air outlet (1) to generate the air curtain when an opening of the window opening (O) is detected or is imminent. [4] Device according to claim 3, characterized by, that the control unit (2) is digitally coupled with an environment detection device and is designed to detect the imminent opening of the window opening (O) on the basis of an access control system located in front of the vehicle in the direction of travel, which requires operation by the occupant (I), and which is detected in environment data determined by means of the environment detection device. [5] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the ventilation device has a temperature control unit for temperature control of the airflow (S), - the control unit (2) is linked to the temperature control unit via data technology and - the control unit (2) is designed to control the temperature control unit depending on an ambient temperature and / or the interior temperature of the vehicle. [6] Device according to claim 5, characterized by, that the control unit (2) is designed to control the temperature control unit in such a way that the airflow (S) exiting from the at least one air outlet (1) - if the vehicle's ambient temperature falls below a specified level, it is heated and - cools down when a predetermined ambient temperature of the vehicle is exceeded and - if a predetermined value of solar radiation on the vehicle is not reached, it heats up and - cools the vehicle when a predetermined value of solar radiation is exceeded. [7] Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by , that the control unit (2) is designed to control the temperature of the airflow (S) depending on a desired interior temperature. [8] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the control unit (2) is designed to control the direction and / or distribution of the airflow (S) exiting from the at least one air outlet (1) depending on the seating position of at least one occupant (I) of the vehicle. [9] Method for operating a ventilation device of a vehicle, wherein - the ventilation device comprises a flow generation unit by means of which an airflow (S) is generated, and at least one air outlet (1) arranged in a vehicle interior which is fluidically coupled or can be coupled to the flow generation unit, and - which at least one air outlet (1) is automatically controlled by means of a control unit (2), characterized by, that by means of the control unit (2) a direction and / or a distribution of an airflow (S) exiting from the at least one air outlet (1) by means of control of at least one air guide element (1.1 to 1.n) of the at least one air outlet (1) is automatically set depending on determined ambient conditions of the vehicle and / or an interior temperature of the vehicle and / or an opening state of a window opening (O) of the vehicle. [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized by , that by means of the outgoing airflow (S) an air curtain is created between an occupant (I) located in the vehicle interior and the window opening (O) and / or a window pane (3) that at least partially closes the window opening (O).

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