Device for utilizing the heat produced by an electronic device to heat the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for utilizing the heat produced by an electronic device for heating the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The device (2) comprises a duct (4) extending from a proximal end (6) adapted to recover at least a portion of a heat-enriched airflow produced by an electronic device (12), to a first distal end (8) allowing the flow of heat-enriched air produced by the electronic device to the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. Control means present in the duct (4) allow the heat-enriched airflow in the duct to be controlled. A control unit (20) operates these control means based on the temperature of the airflow and the temperature of the passenger compartment, measured respectively by a first (28) and a second (30) temperature sensor. A second distal end (10) allows the airflow to be discharged from the passenger compartment when heating is not required.Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Device for utilizing the heat produced by an electronic device for heating the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle Technical field to which the invention relates

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of thermal comfort in motor vehicles, and more particularly, a device for utilizing the heat produced by electronic devices to optimize the energy efficiency of the passenger compartment heating. Technological background

[0002] As is well known, motor vehicles are equipped with an air treatment system within their passenger compartment to ensure passenger comfort. This system, commonly referred to by the acronym HVAC (for "Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning"), is typically installed under the vehicle's dashboard.

[0003] In particular, an HVAC system includes heating means for delivering warm air inside the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. These heating means may vary depending on the type of vehicle, ranging from traditional systems using the heat from the combustion engine to electric heating systems in modern vehicles.

[0004] Thermal comfort represents a major challenge for all types of vehicles in terms of energy efficiency. Indeed, maintaining a comfortable temperature in the passenger compartment requires significant energy consumption, which can significantly affect vehicle performance. For electric vehicles in particular, this can considerably reduce battery range.

[0005] Furthermore, modern vehicles increasingly incorporate electronic devices, particularly screens, which generate heat during operation. This heat is generally vented outside the passenger compartment and therefore lost.

[0006] The present invention aims to address this problem by proposing a device that allows the heat produced by electronic devices to be utilized in order to optimize the energy efficiency of heating the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. Object of the invention

[0007] To this end, the invention proposes a device for utilizing the heat produced by at least one electronic device for heating the passenger compartment of a vehicle automobile, comprising a conduit extending between a proximal end and a first distal end.

[0008] The proximal end is configured to recover at least a portion of a heat-generating airflow produced by at least one electronic device. In this description, "heat-generating airflow" refers to a flow of air heated by an electronic device during its operation, and whose temperature is higher than that of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0009] The first distal end allows the flow of said heated air from said proximal end into the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The device also includes means for regulating the flow of heated air from the proximal end to the first distal end of said duct.

[0010] It should be noted that the first distal end of the duct can be configured to open directly into the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle or to be connected to a vent opening into the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. This latter solution advantageously preserves the aesthetics of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, by not requiring an additional air outlet in the passenger compartment of said vehicle.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the invention, the proximal end of the duct is connected to an electronic device present in a motor vehicle. The term "connected" here means the possibility for a flow of heated air produced by the electronic device to flow at least partially into said duct.

[0012] The electronic device may include, in particular, a display screen, a multimedia system, or any other electronic component that generates heat during its operation.

[0013] The invention thus makes it advantageous to utilize the heat produced by this type of device, which is usually lost.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention, the control means may include a movable flap disposed in said duct. This flap may pivot about an axis to precisely control the flow rate of heated air flowing in the duct.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the control means may include a fan disposed in or near the duct to facilitate the flow of heated air in said duct. The fan may have a variable speed to adapt the airflow rate through the duct according to the heating requirements of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a control unit configured to control the regulation means. This control unit can take into account two main parameters: the temperature of the airflow heat flowing through said conduit, and the temperature of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the invention, the device includes temperature measurement means, for example disposed near the proximal end of the duct, to measure the temperature of the heat-laden airflow in the duct and / or in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle to measure the temperature in the passenger compartment. The control unit uses this information to implement an effective regulation strategy.

[0018] By way of non-limiting example, the control unit can be configured to progressively increase the flow rate of the heated air flowing through the duct when the measured temperature of said airflow exceeds a first threshold and the passenger compartment temperature is below a setpoint temperature. Conversely, the control unit can be configured to progressively decrease the flow rate of the heated air flowing through the duct when the passenger compartment temperature approaches the setpoint temperature.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a plurality of conduits, each associated with a different heat source. This configuration maximizes heat recovery by simultaneously collecting heat from several electronic components of a motor vehicle.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, the device includes a second distal end allowing the flow of heated air to be vented out of the vehicle's passenger compartment or behind the dashboard of the motor vehicle. This feature is particularly useful when the supply of heat into the passenger compartment is not desired or necessary.

[0021] In this context, the device advantageously includes switching means for selectively directing the flow of heated air either to the first distal end (for heating the passenger compartment) or to the second distal end (for exhausting from the passenger compartment or behind the dashboard). These switching means may consist, for example, of a motorized, adjustable flap or a system of coordinated motorized flaps.

[0022] Of course, the different characteristics, variants and embodiments mentioned above can be combined with each other in various ways, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0023] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising the device described above. Integrating this device into a vehicle makes it possible to improve the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle by utilizing the heat that is usually lost from electronic components.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the proximal end of the duct is positioned near an electronic device capable of producing heat, and the first distal end of the duct is connected directly or indirectly to the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, so as to allow the flow of a heat-rich air stream produced by the electronic device to the passenger compartment.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the conduit comprises a second distal end, opening behind the dashboard or outside the motor vehicle.

[0026] By way of non-limiting examples, an electronic device may be a head-up display, an electronic screen, a computer, etc. Description of the figures

[0027] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to a preferred embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawing, in which:

[0028] [Fig-1] illustrates a longitudinal section of an embodiment of a device for utilizing the heat produced by a head-up display for heating the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. Detailed description of the invention

[0029] As a reminder, the invention proposes a device for utilizing the heat produced by at least one electronic device for heating the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, thereby optimizing thermal comfort and energy efficiency in motor vehicles.

[0030] Figure 1 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a particularly advantageous embodiment of a device 2 according to the invention. The device 2 consists of a conduit 4 extending between a proximal end 6, a first distal end 8 and a second distal end 10.

[0031] According to the present example, the first distal end 8 is connected to a vent 11 of a dashboard of the motor vehicle. This configuration has the advantage, on the one hand, of avoiding the creation of a dedicated air outlet which would impact a styling area visible to the passengers of the motor vehicle, and on the other hand, of using an existing dashboard vent to optimize the diffusion of air in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

[0032] According to the present example, the conduit 4 is advantageously made of thermoplastic material, for example polypropylene or ABS, allowing economical manufacturing while ensuring good thermal insulation.

[0033] In one embodiment, the conduit can be made of aluminium or of a composite material combining a plastic body and an inner layer of aluminium, allowing to optimize thermal conduction while maintaining a reduced mass.

[0034] According to the present example, the proximal end 6 of the conduit opens into a conduit of a head-up display 12 in which a light source 14 is present.

[0035] The connection between the proximal end 6 of the conduit and the conduit of the head-up display 12 can be made either by direct fitting with a sealing gasket, or via a flexible connecting piece allowing greater flexibility in the arrangement of the device.

[0036] The device 2 includes means for regulating an airflow through the conduit 4, so as to control the airflow through the first distal end 8 and the second distal end 10.

[0037] According to the present example, the control means include a flap 16 mounted on an axis to allow the flap to pivot in the duct 4 to prevent the flow of air towards the first distal end 8 or towards the second distal end 10.

[0038] The flap 16, preferably made of the same material as the duct, has a thickness of between 1.5 and 3 mm, ensuring both lightness and rigidity. In an advantageous variant, the flap can be fitted with peripheral elastomer seals to improve sealing in the closed position.

[0039] The pivoting of the flap 16 is operated by an electric motor 18 controlled by a control unit 20. The electric motor 18 is preferably a servomotor.

[0040] In this embodiment, the control unit 20 is advantageously integrated into the on-board computer 22 of the motor vehicle 24, thus enabling optimized thermal regulation management in coordination with the other systems of the vehicle.

[0041] The control unit 20 is configured to operate according to different predefined modes (for example, economy mode, comfort mode, automatic mode), selectable by the user via a human-machine interface of the vehicle not shown.

[0042] A fan 26 is disposed in the duct 4 to facilitate and control the circulation of an airflow in said duct. Preferably, the fan 26 has a variable speed and is also controlled by the control unit 20, thus allowing fine regulation of the airflow according to requirements.

[0043] Temperature measurement means include a first temperature sensor 28 disposed in the conduit 4, near its proximal end 6 to measure the temperature of the incoming heat-laden airflow, and a second temperature sensor 30 of the same type is placed in the passenger compartment to measure the ambient temperature. In this example, the second temperature sensor is placed on the dashboard 32 of the motor vehicle 24.

[0044] The control unit 20 is configured to implement a thermal regulation process which includes the following steps:

[0045] - continuous measurement of the temperature of the heat-generating airflow via the first sensor temperature 28;

[0046] - continuous measurement of the passenger compartment temperature via the second sensor temperature 30;

[0047] - comparison of the cabin temperature with a setpoint temperature predefined, this can be adjusted by the occupants between 18°C ​​and 25°C using known means;

[0048] - if the cabin temperature is lower than the set temperature and the temperature of the heat-generating airflow in duct 4 is above a predefined threshold (e.g., 30°C):

[0049] - orientation of the flap 16 towards the first distal end 8 with an angle opening calculated based on the temperature difference;

[0050] - activation of fan 26 with a speed proportional to the gap between the cabin temperature and setpoint temperature;

[0051] - if the cabin temperature is close (±0.5°C) or higher than the temperature instructions:

[0052] - orientation of the flap 16 towards the second distal end 10 in such a way progressive over a period of a few seconds to avoid jolts;

[0053] - progressive reduction of the fan speed 26 according to a ramp of Adjustable deceleration.

[0054] The control unit 20 also incorporates a self-learning function that optimizes the regulation parameters according to vehicle usage habits. For example, it can adapt the activation thresholds and ventilation speeds based on recurring user preferences.

[0055] This regulation method advantageously optimizes the use of heat produced by the light source 14 of the head-up display 12, thus contributing to:

[0056] - reduce the overall energy consumption of the vehicle by utilizing a source of heat that is usually lost, allowing for significant energy savings in the total consumption of the heating system;

[0057] - improve the thermal comfort of the occupants by providing a heat source complementary, particularly appreciated during the passenger compartment's temperature rise phase;

[0058] - to increase the range of electric vehicles by reducing the demand on the main heating systems, with a significant gain in autonomy in winter conditions;

[0059] - optimize the thermal management of the head-up display by ensuring evacuation controlled heat it produces, thus helping to prolong its lifespan.

[0060] The control unit 20 can also be configured to adapt its regulation strategy according to additional parameters such as:

[0061] - the outside temperature, measured by an external temperature sensor 34 of the vehicle ;

[0062] - the battery charge level (in the case of an electric vehicle), with a modulation of the heat recovery strategy according to the state of load;

[0063] - user preferences regarding thermal comfort, stored in a user profile;

[0064] - the selected driving mode (for example, eco or comfort mode), with a automatic adjustment of regulation thresholds.

[0065] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the system can be coupled with other heat sources in the vehicle, such as electronic control units or multimedia systems, thereby multiplying the possibilities for heat recovery. In this case, the control unit 20 can manage several heat recovery circuits in a coordinated manner, thus optimizing the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle.

[0066] In one embodiment, the duct 4 may include several first distal ends opening at different locations in the passenger compartment in order to allow a more homogeneous diffusion of the heat flowing from said duct.

[0067] The device according to the invention also has the advantage of being easily adaptable to different types of vehicles by means of simple dimensional modifications to the duct and adjustments to the control parameters in the control unit. Its integration can be planned from the vehicle design stage or carried out as a retrofit on existing vehicles equipped with head-up displays.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (2) for utilizing the heat produced by at least one electronic device (12) for heating the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle (24), characterized in that it comprises: - a conduit (4) extending between a proximal end (6) capable of recovering at least part of a heat-enriched airflow produced by an electronic device (12) and a first distal end (8) allowing the flow of said heat-enriched airflow from said proximal end (6) into the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle (24); and - means for regulating the flow rate of a heat-enriched airflow from the proximal end (6) to the first distal end (8) of said conduit (4).

2. Device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the proximal end (6) of the conduit (4) is connected to an electronic device (12) present in a motor vehicle (24).

3. Device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the regulating means comprise a movable flap (16) disposed in said conduit (4).

4. Device (2) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the control means comprise a fan (26) disposed in or near the duct (4) to facilitate the flow of the heat-enriched air in said duct (4).

5. Device (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it further comprises a control unit (20) configured to control the regulation means as a function of the temperature of the heat-generating airflow in said duct (4), and the temperature of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle (24).

6. Device (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises: - means for measuring the temperature of the heat-generating airflow in the duct (4), comprising a first temperature sensor (28) disposed near the proximal end (6) of said duct (4); - means for measuring the temperature of the passenger compartment comprising a second temperature sensor (30); and in that the control unit (20) is configured to control the regulation means so as to: - progressively increase the flow rate of the heat-enriched air towards the first distal end (8) when the measured temperature of the airflow is above a first threshold and the temperature of the passenger compartment is below a setpoint temperature; - progressively decrease said flow rate when the temperature of the passenger compartment approaches said setpoint temperature.

7. Device (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of conduits (4) and in that each conduit is associated with a different heat source (14).

8. Device (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a second distal end (10) allowing the evacuation of a flow of calorific air out of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle (24).

9. Device (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises switching means including a flap (16) for selectively directing the flow of heated air to the first (8) or the second (10) distal end.

10. Motor vehicle (24) characterized in that it comprises a device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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