Method for controlling a temperature control device in a vehicle

Abstract

In order to carry out a method for controlling at least one temperature control device (11), wherein the temperature control device (11) comprises at least one heating device (12) and / or at least one cooling device (12a) and at least one blower device (13), in a vehicle (10), which counteracts a cooling climate feeling and allows the driver to experience a pleasant climate feeling, e.g. during a power nap and / or a rest phase, it is proposed that the method comprise the steps: a) Determination of a predetermined tilt angle (A) of a seat backrest (15) and / or determination of the activation of a rest function, and upon exceeding the predetermined tilt angle (A) and / or upon activation of the rest function: b) Detection of a preferably preset first setpoint temperature, wherein the first setpoint temperature is a first outlet temperature of the temperature control device (11), c) Setting a second target temperature, wherein the second target temperature is a second outlet temperature of the temperature control device (11), wherein the second target temperature produces a comfortable temperature in a predefined vehicle seat environment (18), and d) Adjustment of the blower device (13) while maintaining a predefined covering airflow (20) and adjustment of the heating device (12) and / or the cooling device (12a) to maintain the second target temperature and the comfort temperature in the vehicle seating environment (18) is included.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for controlling a temperature control device in a vehicle, a control device for carrying out the method, and a vehicle comprising such a control device.

[0002] US 2021 / 0 129 624 A1 describes a vehicle air conditioning control system comprising a control unit that controls a blower outlet actuator and a plate element actuator based on a detected result from a seatback state detection device. When a reclined seatback state is detected, the control unit controls the blower outlet actuator, thereby moving an airflow reversal mechanism into a predetermined position to direct air conditioning air blown from the blower outlet so that it strikes a plate surface of a plate element.At this point, the control unit also controls the panel element drive device to move the panel element into a predetermined position so that the air conditioning air striking the surface of the panel element reaches a specific part of an occupant who is on the seat whose backrest is in the reclined position.

[0003] From DE 10 2020 203 406 A1, an air conditioning control system is known, comprising: an air conditioning system that blows air at a set temperature into the interior of a vehicle cabin; an information acquisition unit that acquires distance measurement information within the cabin from a front reference position in the cabin; a position detection unit that acquires a three-dimensional position of a passenger's head within the cabin CR1 based on the distance measurement information; and a control unit that controls an air blowing direction of the air conditioning system based on at least the position acquired by the position detection unit.

[0004] DE 11 2018 000 819 T5 relates to a vehicle air conditioning unit installed in a vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes a destination seat located in a vehicle compartment and has a seat back that can be tilted. The vehicle air conditioning unit comprises an outlet section with a vent that opens in front of the destination seat and through which air is blown towards the destination seat in the vehicle compartment, and a device that increases or decreases the volume of air blown from the outlet. A control unit of the vehicle air conditioning unit controls the device for adjusting the air volume in order to increase the volume of air blown when the seat back is tilted in such a way that a section of the seat back faces upwards.

[0005] DE 10 2020 107 908 A1 relates to a device and a method for temperature control of a vehicle interior using air nozzles directed into the vehicle interior. The device comprises at least one control unit – for continuously determining the position of a vehicle seat and an occupant in the direction of a vehicle's longitudinal axis and vertical axis, as well as the inclination of the seat back – and for positioning at least one actuator located in the area of ​​an air outlet opening of the respective air nozzle to specify an air outlet direction depending on the position of the vehicle seat and the inclination of the seat back.

[0006] US 2019 / 0359028A1 concerns a vehicle air conditioning system installed in a vehicle. The vehicle includes a destination seat located in a vehicle compartment and has a reclining seatback. The vehicle air conditioning system includes an outlet section with a vent open in front of the destination seat, through which air is blown toward the destination seat in the vehicle compartment, and a blower that increases or decreases the volume of air blown from the outlet. A control unit of the vehicle air conditioning system controls the blower so that it increases the volume of air blown when the seatback is reclined, such that a portion of the seatback faces upward.

[0007] EP 4 578 379 A1 discloses a method and a system for sleep care. US 2021 / 0 213 801 A1 discloses an air conditioning control system and a control unit for a vehicle, while DE 11 2021 005 544 T5 relates to a sleep control device.

[0008] Drivers of vehicles covering long distances should take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue. Battery-electric vehicles also require regular battery charging. During these breaks, it can be beneficial for the driver to take a power nap to ensure they can resume driving fully focused.

[0009] If the driver puts a seat into a reclining position during the standard air conditioning of a vehicle, a cooling sensation develops on the driver's upper body, which can be perceived as unpleasant.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of proposing a method by which a cooling climate feeling is counteracted and the driver experiences a pleasant climate control feeling, e.g. during a power nap and / or a rest phase.

[0011] This problem is solved by the method claimed in claim 1.

[0012] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0013] According to the invention, a method for controlling at least one temperature control device is provided, wherein the temperature control device comprises at least one heating device and / or one cooling device and at least one blower device, in a vehicle, comprising the following steps: a) Determining the tilt angle of a seat back and / or determining the activation of a rest function, and when a predetermined tilt angle is exceeded and / or when the rest function is activated; b) Detection of a preferably preset first target temperature, wherein the first target temperature is a first outlet temperature of the temperature control device; c) Setting a second target temperature, wherein the second target temperature is a second outlet temperature of the temperature control device, the second target temperature creating a comfortable temperature in a predefined vehicle seat environment; and d) Adjusting the blower device while maintaining a predefined covering airflow and adjusting the heating device and / or the cooling device to maintain the second target temperature and the comfort temperature in the vehicle seating area.

[0014] This process allows the driver to start the procedure, for example, during a break and then rest. The first target temperature in the vehicle interior is understood by experts to be the initial outlet temperature of the temperature control device, i.e., the temperature at an air outlet. This initial target temperature can usually be set via the vehicle's infotainment system. For example, the initial target temperature is set with an offset, as it is lower than the temperature perceived by the driver when a heating function is active and colder when a cooling function is active. The initial target temperature can be detected by at least one sensor in the vehicle interior. The second target temperature is understood by experts to be the outlet temperature required for the power nap and / or rest phase.During sleep, the body's bodily functions slow down, meaning that the body requires a change in the ambient temperature to achieve the same feeling of comfort. In a vehicle seating environment, creating a comfortable temperature is understood by those skilled in the art to mean regulating the first and second outlet temperatures of the temperature control device, whereby the temperature actually perceived by the driver may differ. For example, with a heating function, a heated airflow might cool down on its way to the driver, so precise control at the temperature control device allows for better monitoring. The second target temperature can preferably be determined metrologically. For example, the second target temperature can be determined through modeling. Preferably, no sensor is used for the metrological determination and / or the modeling.

[0015] For example, the first target temperature can be lower than the second target temperature. This ensures that the driver's comfort is maintained during their rest period, as the required comfort temperature is higher during rest than while driving. For example, at least one environmental parameter can be used to determine the second target temperature; preferably, this parameter includes the outside temperature.

[0016] A vehicle seating environment, as understood by those skilled in the art, is the environment surrounding a driver in a seated position. For example, the vehicle seating environment may encompass a distance to the contour of a seat of a maximum of 50 cm, preferably a maximum of 40 cm.

[0017] In technical terms, a covering airflow is a directed heat flow required to adjust the vehicle seating area to a comfortable temperature. This creates the feeling of a blanket-like cushion of air for the driver. For example, the covering airflow can be a turbulent airflow, ensuring more efficient airflow around the driver within the vehicle seating area.

[0018] For example, the seat back is a backrest. For example, the angle of inclination of the seat back is 135 to 180°, preferably 140 to 180°, and particularly preferably 145 to 180°. The degree of inclination, as understood by those skilled in the art, is the angle between a seat surface and the seat back.

[0019] For example, the procedure also includes the following step: e) Continuous monitoring of the second target temperature and / or adjustment of the heating device setting to maintain the second target temperature and the comfort temperature in the vehicle seating area.

[0020] To react to changing environmental parameters, continuous monitoring of the second target temperature is necessary. For example, if the temperature drops due to a heavy rain shower, the comfort temperature remains constant and the driver is not disturbed during their rest phase.

[0021] For example, the procedure also includes the following step: f) Lowering the second target temperature to the first target temperature and / or lowering the second target temperature to a predetermined third target temperature which is lower than the second target temperature.

[0022] If the driver's rest period serves, for example, to bridge the charging time of an electric vehicle, the procedure can be carried out in such a way that the driver is woken from the power nap. For this purpose, the second target temperature is slowly lowered to the first target temperature or to the third target temperature. This gently awakens the body from sleep without causing discomfort. Lowering the temperature to the third target temperature would accelerate the driver's awakening. The third target temperature can therefore be understood as a wake-up temperature.

[0023] According to the invention, the vehicle seat environment comprises at least a first section, a second section, and a third section, wherein the first section is configured as an extremity section, the second section as a torso section, and the third section as a neck section. This division of the vehicle seat environment allows for targeted control of the sections, and furthermore, an airflow directed towards the driver's face can be perceived as unpleasant. Therefore, the neck section is understood by those skilled in the art to be a section that excludes the head.

[0024] According to the invention, the at least one blower device comprises a personnel air outlet.

[0025] The passenger air vent is particularly suitable for maintaining a sufficient airflow that reaches the entire vehicle seating area. Preferably, the passenger air vent is an electric one. An electric passenger air vent, in this context, means that it can be electrically controlled. This allows for the automatic control of various climate control modes within the vehicle.

[0026] According to the invention, in step d) the covering airflow is directed through the personnel outlet onto the first to third sections in the following sequence: a) Extremity section, b) Extremity section and trunk section, and c) Extremity section, trunk section and neck section.

[0027] The sequence of directing the airflow towards the corresponding sections creates the feeling of a warming blanket and thus of being covered up for the driver, which can help him fall asleep faster.

[0028] For example, the personnel air outlet is open by at least 20%, preferably by 20% to 40%. This ensures the necessary focusing of the covering airflow, thus enabling efficient adjustment of the second target temperature.

[0029] For example, at least one blower unit is located in the vehicle's instrument panel. This allows, for instance, both the driver's and passenger's sides of the vehicle to be controlled, enabling the driver and passenger to use the system simultaneously.

[0030] For example, a temperature difference between the first and second target temperatures is 2 to 10 K, preferably 4 to 8 K, and particularly preferably 5 to 7 K. This optimally provides the required physiologically induced heat flow compensation through the covering airflow.

[0031] For example, the procedure further includes a step f), in which the reduction to the second or third target temperature is initially carried out in the a) neck section, then in b) neck section and torso section and finally in the c) Neck section, trunk section and extremity section.

[0032] By successively lowering the temperature of the covering airflow to the corresponding sections, the driver experiences the sensation of having a blanket pulled away, thus helping them to wake up more quickly from a resting state. For example, the covering airflow can be lowered simultaneously with the temperature in the following sequence: a) neck section, b) Neck section and torso section and c) Neck section, trunk section and extremity section This will be stopped. This creates the sensation of a blanket being pulled away, and the driver wakes up more efficiently from the power nap.

[0033] For example, the procedure is only carried out while the vehicle is in a stationary state.

[0034] For example, the procedure can also be carried out in self-driving vehicles while they are in motion. Preferably, the procedure can be performed in any seat of the vehicle.

[0035] The problem according to the invention is further solved by a control device for carrying out the method.

[0036] Furthermore, the problem according to the invention is solved by a vehicle comprising the control device.

[0037] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1. A schematic representation of a vehicle interior during the execution of the procedure, and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a process flow.

[0038] In the figures, the same constructive elements each have the same reference symbols.

[0039] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 10 during the procedure (see Fig. 2) comprising a temperature control device 11, wherein the temperature control device 11 includes a heating device 12, a cooling device 12a, and a blower device 13, the blower device 13 being configured as a passenger air outlet 13a and as an electronically controllable electric passenger air outlet 13b. In step a), it is first determined whether the predetermined inclination angle A of 140° has been exceeded or whether, alternatively or additionally, a rest function has been activated via an infotainment system. The inclination angle A is formed between a seat surface 14 and the seat backrest 15. In step b), a preset first target temperature or first outlet temperature of the temperature control device 11 is then detected. This is done via a sensor 16. A driver 17 has set a first target temperature of 21°C as a comfortable temperature while driving. In step c), a second target temperature orA second outlet temperature of the temperature control device 11 is set, thereby creating a comfortable temperature in a predefined vehicle seat environment 18. The predefined vehicle environment 18 is an area encompassing the contours of the seat surface 14 and the seat backrest 15 at a distance of 30 cm. The driver 17 is located within this vehicle seat environment 18. During a power nap, the driver 17's bodily functions slow down somewhat. This results in an increased energy requirement for the body to maintain a comfortable temperature. The second target temperature, or second outlet temperature, of the temperature control device is increased by 6 K compared to the first target temperature. The temperature control device 11, which is located in an instrument panel 19, then increases the second outlet temperature in step d) to achieve the desired second target temperature.The electric air vent 13a generates a covering airflow 20, which is a turbulent airflow. This airflow first directs a first section 21, designated as the extremity section 21a, towards the legs of the driver 17. The covering airflow is then directed to a second section 22, designated as the torso section 22a, towards the upper body of the driver 17. Finally, the covering airflow 20 is directed to a third section 23, designated as the neck section 23a, encompassing the neck area of ​​the driver 17. This sequence, in combination with the turbulent airflow of the covering airflow 20, creates the sensation of being covered for the driver 17, thus facilitating sleep. The driver's head is not covered by the covering airflow 20, as directing the airflow over the head can be perceived as unpleasant.The electric passenger air vent 13b is only open between 20% and 40% to ensure focus on sections 21, 22, and 23. While the driver 17 sleeps, the second target temperature is monitored and maintained constant in step e). After a preset time period or a predetermined event, such as the vehicle 10 being fully charged, the second target temperature is lowered to a third target temperature in step f). This reverses the effect of improved sleep onset, and the driver 17 wakes up from the power nap. Additionally, the covering airflow 20 is stopped first in the neck section 23a, then in the neck section 23a and the torso section 22a, and then in the midsection 23a, the torso section 22a, and the extremity section 21a. This creates the sensation of a blanket being pulled away from the driver 17. The process is carried out by a control device 24.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2 shows the schematic sequence of the process under Fig. 1 described procedure steps a) to f). Reference symbol list 10 vehicles 11 Temperature control device 12 Heating device 12a Cooling device 13 Blower device 13a Personnel outlets 13b electric personnel air vent 14 Seating area 15 seat back 16 Sensor 17 drivers 18 Vehicle seat environment 19 Instrument panel 20 Cover airflow 21 first section 21a Extremity section 22 second section 22a Hull section 23 third section 23a Neck section 24 Control device A tilt angle a) to f) Procedural steps

Claims

[1] Method for controlling at least one temperature control device (11), wherein the temperature control device (11) comprises at least one heating device (12) and / or at least one cooling device (12a) and at least one blower device (13), in a vehicle (10), comprising the following steps: a) Determining the tilt angle (A) of a seat back (15) and / or determining the activation of a rest function, and upon exceeding a predetermined tilt angle (A) and / or upon activation of the rest function: b) Detection of a preferably preset first setpoint temperature, wherein the first setpoint temperature is a first outlet temperature of the temperature control device (11), c) Setting a second setpoint temperature, wherein the second setpoint temperature is a second outlet temperature of the temperature control device (11), wherein the second setpoint temperature produces a comfortable temperature in a predefined vehicle seat environment (18), and d) Adjustment of the blower device (13) while maintaining a predefined covering airflow (20) and adjustment of the heating device (12) and / or the cooling device (12a) to maintain the second target temperature and the comfort temperature in the vehicle seat environment (18), wherein the at least one blower device (13) comprises at least one passenger air outlet (13a), wherein the passenger air outlet (13a) is preferably designed as an electric passenger air outlet (13b), wherein the at least one blower device (13) is arranged in particular in an instrument panel (19) of the vehicle (10), wherein the vehicle seat environment (18) has at least a first section (21), a second section (22) and a third section (23), wherein the first section (21) is designed as an extremity section (21a), the second section (22) as a torso section (22a) and the third section (23) as a neck section (23a), characterized by , that The covering airflow (20) in step d) is directed through the personnel outlet (13a) onto the first to third sections (21, 22, 23) in the following order a) Extremity section (21a), b) Extremity section (21a) and trunk section (22a), and c) Extremity section (21a), trunk section (22a) and neck section (23a). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the first target temperature is lower than the second target temperature. [3] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the procedure further includes the following step: e) Continuous monitoring of the second target temperature and / or adjustment of the heating device setting (12) to maintain the second target temperature and the comfort temperature in the vehicle seat environment (18) constant. [4] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the procedure further includes the following step f) Lowering the second target temperature to the first target temperature and / or lowering the second target temperature to a predetermined third target temperature which is lower than the second target temperature. [5] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the personnel outlet (13a) is open by at least 20%, preferably by 20% to 40%. [6] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the temperature difference between the first target temperature and the second target temperature is 2 to 10 K, preferably 4 to 8 K, and particularly preferably 5 to 7 K. [7] Method according to claim 4, characterized by , that in step f) the reduction to the second or third target temperature initially in a) neck section (23a), then in b) neck section (23a) and trunk section (22a) and finally in the c) Neck section (23a), trunk section (22a) and extremity section (21a).

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