A conditioning device for conditioning the facial area of ​​occupants in the interior space of a vehicle.

Abstract

A conditioning device (10) for conditioning the interior space region (12) of the interior space (14) of an automobile comprises a control device (16) for controlling at least one temperature control element (18), and a temperature control surface (24) that is temperature-adjustable by the temperature control element (18), and is located very close to and facing the facial region (20) of the occupant's (22) face, with the interior space region (12) formed between the facial region (20) and the temperature control surface (24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conditioning device for conditioning an interior space region of an interior space of a motor vehicle according to claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to the method described in claim 10.

Background Art

[0002] An important concept of the present invention is particularly related to moisturizing the skin of vehicle occupants or supplying moisture to the skin, and thereby realizing the skin protection function. Here, instead of applying general skin creams or other drugs, it is intended to directly cool the air around the skin, thereby suppressing skin dryness. Usually, the air inside the vehicle is relatively dry. In most cases, the relative humidity is below 40%. As a result, the skin may dry out. When this relatively dry air passes over the skin surface or mucous membranes (eyes, nose), it particularly causes dryness. The drier the passing air is, the more moisture is taken away from the skin and / or mucous membranes.

[0003] In other words, skin moisturization known from natural cosmetics or cosmetics is particularly encouraged. In this case, a vehicle device for such a task is not disclosed in the prior art. In the cosmetics field, devices for such cases are disclosed, but such inventions have not yet been disclosed with respect to motor vehicles or vehicle occupants.

[0004] In the case of motor vehicles, for example, it is known to increase the relative humidity in the interior space and thus also around the skin of the occupants by supplying fresh air. Alternatively, finely atomized moisture can be directly introduced into the interior space, whereby the moisture in the interior space can be controlled. However, a technique for locally cooling the air and thereby refreshing the face by utilizing the effect of a cold surface near the face, for example, is not known.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses an automobile seat with a backrest, the upholstery of the backrest including a ventilation layer that can be ventilated by a fan of a ventilation device, and the backrest having a panel component on its rear side cut out for the ventilation device, the air inlet opening being located in an area on the upper part of the panel component of the backrest that overlaps with a blower assigned to the ventilation device, and the air inlet opening is bonded to the panel component by a cover located on the panel component.

[0006] Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a face mask capable of delivering liquid for cosmetic treatment. In contrast, Patent Document 3 describes a suction device for breathing air that is movable and fixed to a vehicle seat. The air inside a car is often noticeably drier than the air outside. In Berlin, for example, the average humidity throughout the year is above 68% (relative humidity RH). In contrast, the average relative humidity inside a car is as low as 40%. In this case, the lower the outside temperature, the drier the relative humidity inside the car becomes. Typically, the humidity inside a car is in the range of 15%RH to 30%RH. This is due to the effect that cold air absorbs less moisture. The warmer the air, the more moisture it can absorb. Therefore, when cold air is warmed, the moisture it contains is diluted by dispersion, and the relative humidity decreases further. Conversely, when air is cooled, it eventually reaches the so-called dew point. This dew point is the point at which the air reaches 100% humidity, and the water it contains no longer remains in vapor form. The water condenses, forming clouds or fog. Physical comfort is achieved at an RH value of 40-60%. If the value consistently falls below 40%RH, moisture will be drawn from the skin surface and mucous membranes. Furthermore, it is known that adding salt to inhaled air, such as in saline therapy or halotherapy, can be effective in promoting health. The face, eyes, and upper respiratory tract are particularly exposed to this drying effect. This can lead to unpleasant dry skin, a feeling of sand in the eyes, and infections due to dryness of the upper respiratory tract mucous membranes. Therefore, increasing relative humidity, especially in the areas of the face, nose, and eyes, is considered beneficial. Additionally, adding salt aerosols to the air is beneficial for the respiratory tract, as it can reduce susceptibility to infections. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] EP1338464B1 [Patent Document 2] DE202019102669U1 [Patent Document 3] DE102020005186A1 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to condition the area around the face of the occupant's face to generate air humidity. This object is solved by a conditioning device having the features of claim 1, and a method having the features of claim 10. Preferred embodiments of the conditioning device can be found by referring to the dependent claims. Preferred embodiments of the conditioning device can be considered as preferred embodiments of the method, and vice versa. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention relates to a conditioning device for conditioning the facial region of an occupant's face in the interior space of an automobile, the device comprising a conditioning element adapted to the facial region of the occupant's face, the conditioning element being held in the vicinity of the facial region by a holding device, and at least one temperature control element being positioned on the conditioning element. In other words, a conditioning device is provided which is formed to condition an interior space region near the face in the interior space of an automobile. Such an interior space region is a region of the interior space. That is, the interior space region is formed in the interior space of an automobile and thus forms a sub-region of the interior space. Accordingly, the conditioning device is formed to precisely condition this interior space region, in particular to temperature control, i.e., to heat or cool, the resulting temperature change of the interior space region may diffusively transfer into the interior space, but according to the present invention, it is intended to bring at least this interior space region to a predetermined temperature by cooling and / or heating. In this case, the conditioning device has a control device for controlling at least one temperature-regulating element, and here, a conditioning device for cooling is used in particular. In this case, a Peltier element is used as the temperature-regulating element, which can bring a predetermined temperature as a thermoelectric converter. At this time, the temperature-regulating element is mainly controlled by a signal from the control device and is provided to achieve a predetermined temperature and, in particular, to regulate temperature fluctuations. In addition to the Peltier element, further temperature-regulating elements equipped with efficient thermoelectric materials can also be used. The conditioning element has a temperature-regulating surface that can be conditioned by the temperature-regulating element, and in particular is temperature-regulating, which is positioned very close to the facial area of ​​the occupant's face and faces the facial area. At this time, an internal space area is formed between the facial area and the temperature-regulating surface. "Very close" refers to the distance between the facial area and the temperature-regulating surface, which is, for example, between >0 cm and 10 cm, particularly between 1 cm and 9 cm, and particularly between 1.5 cm and 8.5 cm.Therefore, the internal spatial region is defined by the distance between the facial region and the temperature-controlled surface, and also by the size of the facial region and the size of the temperature-controlled surface. In particular, this allows for the generation of temperature radiation from the temperature-controlled surface to the facial region in a fixed direction at a predetermined temperature.

[0010] In other words, the internal space is temperature-controlled, and in particular, cooled, using a temperature-controlled surface to generate thermodynamic air humidity within this internal space. Here, the temperature-controlled surface of a conditioning element facing the face, for example, the forehead, cools the air in the internal space, thereby increasing the relative humidity in this area and generally preventing moisture from being drawn from the mucous membranes and skin. Furthermore, depending on the temperature and absolute humidity of the temperature-controlled surface, the moisture in the air is transformed into a fine mist, which can moisturize the face. The focus of atomization is the face, particularly the mucous membranes of the forehead, nose, eyes, and upper respiratory tract. Accordingly, the air humidity reaches the occupant's face or each facial area directly, thereby increasing the air humidity in this facial area or, by means of moisturizing the skin of the face at least partially. In particular, in this case, the best possible humidity can be generated by setting the temperature-controlled surface at a predetermined distance from the facial area. In automobiles, it is known that relative humidity is increased by supplying fresh air, but according to the present invention, the air humidity is concentrated and thus increased in the interior space towards the occupants' faces or their respective facial areas. Thus, the conditioning device utilizes the effect of a cooled surface near the face to locally cool the air, thereby refreshing the face. Here, the temperature-controlled surface is a cooled surface positioned very close to the facial area. The conditioning device with the temperature-controlled surface, or the cooled surface provided by the temperature-controlled surface, can be freely shaped in terms of design and may, for example, conform to an adjustable hood-type dryer used in natural cosmetics. The important thing is to incorporate a cooled surface preferably using a Peltier-type thermoelectric cooling element or "Peltier-Thermoelectric Cooler Modules," which cool the air on the side facing the face, for example, the forehead, thereby moisturizing the face with moisture in the air, or at least preventing dryness. In the case of cooling for temperature control, the thermoelectric temperature control element needs to be operated by the strength of the current, which determines the strength of the cooling, and in turn, the dew point and target, i.e., the speed and strength at which cooling is achieved.

[0011] Therefore, this invention utilizes the mechanism by which the relative humidity of the air increases as the temperature of the air decreases. Air humidity is the proportion of gaseous water, i.e., water vapor, contained in the air. Relative humidity (percent) indicates how much of the maximum possible amount of water vapor is currently present in the air. In contrast, absolute humidity provides information about the actual amount of water vapor currently present in the air, expressed in g / m³. 3 This is shown by the fact that air can only hold a certain amount of water vapor, and that amount depends greatly on the temperature. Warm air can hold more water vapor than cold air. Therefore, for the same absolute humidity, warm air is always relatively drier. In other words, when air is cooled, the relative proportion of moisture in the air increases. This also reduces or prevents the potential drying effect on the skin and mucous membranes.

[0012] An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is that the temperature-controlled surface is positioned to be immediately adjacent to the face area using a first actuator controllable by a control device. A temperature-controlled surface positioned in front of the occupant's face would likely significantly impair the occupant's field of view, even if an opening for viewing the outside is provided. Therefore, according to the present invention, the temperature-controlled surface is positioned only when necessary, immediately adjacent to the face area. This means that the conditioning device is adjustable to an operational position and a resting position, in which case the conditioning device, particularly the temperature-controlled surface, is adjusted to a position away from the occupant's field of view in the resting position. For example, the adjustable temperature-controlled surface may be located in the roof area of ​​the vehicle, so that when the conditioning device is adjusted to the operational position, the temperature-controlled surface is positioned immediately adjacent to the face area. Alternative embodiments of positioning the temperature-controlled surface toward the face area are similarly possible, where mainly linear movement is provided to simplify the adjustment of the conditioning device.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the temperature-controlled surface of the conditioning device and the user's facial area is set to be changed or set according to a predetermined or set temperature value, and possibly according to the user's preference. That is, the greater the temperature difference between the temperature-controlled surface and the vehicle's interior space, the greater the distance between the temperature-controlled surface and the facial area can be adjusted. Accordingly, parameters such as the temperature generated on the temperature-controlled surface and the temperature difference between the interior space temperature or interior space area of ​​the vehicle's interior space can be selected. Alternatively, the temperature of the user's facial area can be detected, and the temperature difference between the facial area and the temperature-controlled surface can be considered when setting the distance. Preferably, the distance between the temperature-controlled surface and the facial area can be automatically set to be larger, preferably larger, and possibly smaller, as the temperature difference increases. For example, the user may be able to reduce or increase the automatically set or preset distance, particularly by manual input. To adapt the distance, it must be possible to move the temperature-controlled surface back and forth from the usage position towards the facial area and then return it to its original position. For this purpose, the first actuator or control device is configured to automatically adjust this distance. Therefore, the temperature-controlled surface moves forward in the direction of the face area from the usage position to a preset position. In other words, the conditioning device is first adjusted from the resting position to the usage position, and then a more precise distance adjustment is performed between the user's face and the temperature-controlled surface. Here, in addition to the first actuator, for distance measurement, for example, a sensor device, an optical detection device or other device is also placed in the control unit, and these are used to control the actuator that controls the temperature-controlled surface in the direction of the face area. Preferably, after reaching a predetermined distance, temperature adjustment is started by the temperature-controlled element, and the air humidity in the internal space between the temperature-controlled surface and the face area increases. After use of the conditioning device, the temperature-controlled surface is returned to its original position, and the conditioning device is adjusted to the resting position. This frees the user's field of view again.Here, the arrangement of the conditioning device within the interior space of the automobile can be freely selected, and according to the present invention, the temperature control surface is provided so that it can be moved or its position adjusted to be very close to the face. In this case, the use of robotic arms, telescopic rods, etc., can also be incorporated. Here, each actuator and control device is arranged in the conditioning device, or the conditioning device is arranged in a movable device that is already in the automobile.

[0014] A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention is that the temperature-regulating surface is rotatable about its own axis using a second actuator controllable by a control device, and is positioned to be very close to the facial area by rotation. With regard to positioning the conditioning device from a resting position to an operational position, rotation is another possibility for applying further degrees of freedom. This means that the temperature-regulating surface can be controlled not only in linear forward and backward positioning relative to the occupant's face, but also by positioning the adjustment surface about a predetermined axis, thereby shaping the internal space area where humidity is generated to better fit the face, or allowing for better movement from various angles. Thus, rotational and flap movements can be introduced into the positioning. In one embodiment of the conditioning device, the temperature-regulating surface is located, for example, on the headrest of a vehicle seat in a car where an occupant is sitting. The temperature-regulating surface is, for example, incorporated into a side cushion on the side of the headrest and rotates forward in the vehicle's longitudinal direction by rotating about its respective axis relative to the occupant's head using its respective actuator. This allows each temperature-controlled surface to be guided to the occupant's face, particularly to specific facial areas such as the cheeks, thereby creating a conditioned internal space. In this example, it is clear that the temperature-controlled surfaces do not necessarily need to have a mask-like structure, and each surface can be guided from other areas of the internal space to its respective facial area. Furthermore, each temperature-controlled surface can be positioned around the user's head via rails from the side cushions of the headrest, thereby covering the entire face and subsequently enabling temperature adjustment. Here, each temperature-controlled surface is formed, for example, in a convex shape and moves relative to each other to form a semicircle around the user's head, thereby defining the internal space. In other words, the side brackets with temperature-controlled surfaces are guided around the occupant's face by corresponding mechanisms and actuators, enabling temperature adjustment of various facial areas.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the temperature-regulating surface is provided to have a predetermined contour, particularly corresponding to the facial region. This means that the temperature-regulating surface is not formed as a flat surface, but has at least a contour corresponding to the facial region, i.e., a convex portion may be formed on the regulating surface, thereby allowing the regulating surface to better conform to the curvature of the face. However, it is also possible to form the entire temperature-regulating surface in such a way that it copies the contour of the face and guides it to be very close to the face. For example, in this case, the temperature-regulating surface has two openings for looking outside when it is worn on the face, and is therefore formed in a mask shape. This mask-shaped temperature-regulating surface can be attached to the face by first and second actuators, and its position can be adjusted forward and backward via each actuator, and its angle can also be adjusted. However, for example, this temperature-regulating surface or the contour corresponding to the facial region may be formed from different temperature-regulating surfaces, and these regulating surfaces can conform to the occupant's face through their corresponding movements, thereby enabling temperature regulation of the internal space region near the face. For example, facial conditioning can be achieved by having the temperature-regulating surfaces on both sides of the head or on both sides of the headrest protrude in front of the face. Furthermore, such mask-like forms of temperature-regulating surfaces can be formed by 3D printing or by using 3D knitted fabrics. In particular, the temperature-regulating surfaces can have a coating made of a soft material or fabric, which protects the skin when the skin comes into direct contact with the temperature-regulating surface.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the temperature-controlled surface has a first wall and a second wall distinct from the first wall, with a cavity positioned between them. Here, for example, by temperature-controlled the first wall, the second wall, at a predetermined distance from the first wall, provides a protective function to the user's face, similar to a coating. It is also possible to block the temperature by filling the cavity with a chemical agent, thereby enabling staggered temperature control.

[0017] Similarly, further embodiments of the present invention have proven advantageous when a ventilator for conditioning a temperature-controlled surface is located within the cavity. In particular, a spacer fabric of the ventilator is located within the cavity, and the temperature-controlled airflow can flow through this spacer fabric. In other words, the ventilator is located to condition a temperature-controlled surface, and the ventilator transmits airflow through the cavity, for example, by being connected to an air conditioner. Here, the conditioning device has an inlet and outlet for the airflow by valves or other components at the necessary locations, and these locations are located in correspondence with the connection to the air conditioner. In this case, the ventilator has a connection to, for example, an air conditioner in a car, so that cooling is performed by the ventilator rather than by a temperature-controlled element.

[0018] Even more advantageously, in a further embodiment of the present invention, a control device can be used to generate signals for adjusting the position of a vehicle seat. This means that the control device transmits signals to the surroundings, and the vehicle adjusts the vehicle seat to a predetermined position in response to these signals, thereby adjusting the occupant's seat position when using a conditioning device. For example, after receiving a signal, the vehicle seat can be tilted backward, while each actuator of the conditioning device moves its temperature-regulating surface toward the occupant's face, thereby at least partially regulating the temperature of a predetermined interior space. Similarly, the vehicle seat can not only recline backward but also rise, thus eliminating the need for complex mechanical movements to mount the temperature-regulating surface toward the occupant's face, for example, by quickly reaching a conditioning device located in the rear region of the interior roof in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In other words, in this case, the conditioning device can be connected to a driver assistance system for controlling the vehicle seat, etc.

[0019] Further embodiments of the present invention are equally advantageous, in which multiple temperature-controlled surfaces are temperature-controlled by at least one temperature-controlled element. In particular, each temperature-controlled surface is equipped with its own temperature-controlled element, and each temperature-controlled surface covers a segment of the facial area to be conditioned, thereby forming a contour. That is, a conditioned mask is made up of multiple temperature-controlled surfaces, where each temperature-controlled surface is temperature-controlled by one temperature-controlled element or each temperature-controlled element. This makes it possible to cool or adapt multiple different facial shapes or facial areas, each equipped with a temperature-controlled surface, to these facial areas. In particular, it is possible to adapt to each occupant of a vehicle, and in this case, it is possible to save preset settings according to the occupant.

[0020] Finally, in a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the control device is intended to be connected to a driver assistance system of an automobile for at least semi-automatic use. Here, for example, the surrounding environment is applied to audiovisually alter the interior design. In this case, for example, when using the conditioning device, the vehicle seat is tilted backward, the lights are dimmed, and calming music is played, making it possible to create a calm atmosphere while using the conditioning device. Connection to the driver assistance system also enables voice control for using the conditioning device. In particular, multiple adaptation functions of the conditioning device are provided.

[0021] In addition, in an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, a sensor device equipped with a temperature sensor is provided in the conditioning device, which is configured to determine the temperature of the internal space region and to perform temperature control and adjustment according to the settings. In particular, such a sensor device is supplemented by an air humidity sensor for calculating relative humidity. Similarly, in addition to a hazardous substance sensor, this sensor device may be supplemented by a CO2 sensor or an O2 sensor or an ion measuring device or a salt aerosol detection device.

[0022] A further aspect of the present invention relates to an operating method of a conditioning device for conditioning an interior space area of an interior space of a motor vehicle. In the case of this method, at least one temperature adjustment element is controlled using a control device, and a temperature adjustment surface facing the facial area, which is arranged immediately adjacent to the facial area of the occupant's face, is temperature-adjusted by the temperature adjustment element. At this time, the interior space area is formed between the facial area and the temperature adjustment surface. In particular, the temperature adjustment surface is position-adjusted back and forth to be immediately adjacent to the facial area using a first actuator and a second actuator controllable by the control device, and is configured to rotate about an axis, whereby the conditioning device, particularly the temperature adjustment surface in the rest position, is position-adjusted to the use position. In this case, the temperature adjustment surface particularly has a predetermined contour corresponding to the facial area, and at this time, a plurality of temperature adjustment surfaces each provided with a temperature adjustment element can be arranged to realize the contour. Further, the conditioning device can be formed by a first wall and a second wall different from the first wall, and a cavity is arranged between the walls. A spacer fabric can be attached to this cavity, which is part of a ventilation device inside the cavity or a ventilation device including the cavity. In particular, instead of the temperature adjustment element, a ventilation device is arranged to condition the temperature adjustment surface, and this ventilation device is connected to the air conditioner of the motor vehicle. Further, the control device is formed to generate a signal for position-adjusting the vehicle seat of the motor vehicle or to be connected to a driver assistance system of the motor vehicle so as to use the driver assistance system at least semi-automatically. Further method steps for operating a further embodiment of the conditioning device can be included in this method. [[ID=*]] [[ID=*]]

[0023] [[ID=*]] In other words, the possibility of at least partially moisturizing the occupant's face is provided. In this case, the present invention also includes a temperature-regulating surface or a temperature-regulating surface with a predetermined contour, such as a hood or hood-type structure, which is positioned at a defined distance from the driver's face or the occupant's facial area and roughly mimics the facial contour so that a defined distance, i.e., a very close distance, is maintained from the eyes and nose. Here, multiple temperature-regulating surfaces can be used, and this contour is created by positioning them around the face. It is possible to condition the facial area of ​​the occupant's face, or the internal space area between the facial area and the temperature-regulating surface, by such a hood, or by such a contour which may also be formed by, for example, 3D printing, or by using a 3D knitted fabric. In this case, it is also possible to create a double wall through which air can be conditioned, and the air can be sent directly between the walls or to the temperature-regulating surface via a ventilator. Such conditioning devices or temperature-controlled surfaces can be fixed, for example, to the upper part of the backrest or to the headrest, and can be pulled in front of the face and then moved away as needed. In particular, the conditioning devices here have actuators, which allow for adjustment of the front-to-back position and rotation around an axis. However, various mechanisms are also possible here, allowing for flexible use, for example, by folding, flapping, swiveling, or by fully automatic or manual movement of the temperature-controlled surface. In particular, conditioning is considered in this case. Heating and cooling are possible here, and in addition to cooling, plant or salt aerosols can be added to the facial area or internal space area, allowing for oxygen addition or ionization.

[0024] Furthermore, it is possible to create a more or less large gap between the face and the temperature-controlled surface using a conditioning device, thereby improving the air quality beneath the temperature-controlled surface in this area and allowing exhaled air to escape easily. However, the core of the present invention is a mechanism to lower the surface temperature of the side of the temperature-controlled surface facing the face, with the aim of lowering the temperature of the air between the temperature-controlled surface and the face. Here, a Peltier element can be used as a temperature-controlled element to relatively lower the surface temperature, and this Peltier element is placed on the temperature-controlled surface and transmits the generated cold or warmth to the temperature-controlled surface. The material of the temperature-controlled surface can be selected to conduct cold. In other words, the temperature-controlled surface is formed of a material that conducts cold and warmth. In particular, it is possible to attach a cold-conductive fabric or filament by selecting the material for 3D printing, thereby enabling temperature conduction. Additionally, it is possible to introduce or print a thermal filament, thereby enabling a temperature rise, especially in the facial area.

[0025] Alternatively, the temperature regulating surface may be formed as a 3D knit fabric in the sense of a spacer fabric, through which the ventilation layer is moved by a blower of a ventilation device or a ventilation device. For this purpose, at least one air inlet opening is provided, for example, at the contact surface with the hood and at the upper part of the backrest of the vehicle seat. Such transition points are joined together by panel parts and are provided especially for providing the air inlet opening. Similarly, it is also possible to arrange a low-pressure fan with, for example, a radial blower, by which air can be moved to the air inlet opening, and subsequently the air moves through the ventilation layer. In order to add salt aerosol to the air in the facial area under the hood, for example, the salt aerosol can be mixed into the air stream, where the salt as a solid is held in an air-permeable container as an obstacle to the air stream and is thereby mixed into the air stream. This is likewise possible when using plant aerosols, for example, adding lavender flowers so that they can be introduced into the air stream with an air-permeable fleece.

[0026] In other words, the object of the present invention is to provide a conditioning device or control device for controlling the interaction of components for cooling, ventilating, or heating in accordance with air temperature and humidity. In this case, the target conditions may be, for example, cooling or heating the facial surface. Similarly, it is intended to adjust the relative humidity of the intake air and increase the relative humidity of the air around the eyes. Finally, it is intended to increase the humidity of the face. Here, for each target condition, one algorithm is stored in the control device or conditioning device, thereby controlling the interaction of sensors and actuators. In order for the occupant to select these target conditions, it must be possible to select options in the form of user interaction, for example using a driver assistance system, and determine a set of target conditions and their durations. Alternatively, these target conditions are determined so that the occupant knows exactly which function to use for themselves and are coded by number or name. Or, the format and duration of the target conditions can be prepared via an external mobile data device, an external input medium, or a smartphone application.

[0027] Finally, the conditioning device is shaped to be usable for further applications with additional materials or layers of materials. For example, an acoustic layer could be added to block sound in order to further optimize privacy and quiet zones. Furthermore, layers could be selectively added or incorporated internally to eliminate breathing sounds.

[0028] Further advantages, features, and details of the present invention will become apparent from the following description based on preferred embodiments and drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned in the above description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned in the following descriptions relating to each figure, and / or the features and combinations of features shown only in each figure, are not limited to the combinations presented, but can also be used in other combinations or individually without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a conditioning device based on the present invention in the interior space of an automobile. [Figure 2] This is a side view of an occupant inside an interior space of a conditioning device according to the present invention, in use. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Figure 1 shows a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a conditioning device 10 according to the present invention for conditioning an interior space 14 of an automobile or an interior space region 12 in a vehicle passenger compartment. Here, the conditioning device 10 includes a control device 16 (not shown in detail) for controlling at least one temperature control element 18 (not shown in detail), and a temperature control surface 24 that is temperature-controllable by the temperature control element 18 and faces the facial region 20 of an occupant 22 or user's face. The temperature control surface 24 is formed on a molded or contoured conditioning element and faces the user 22. Here, the interior space region 12 is located between the facial region 20 and the temperature control surface 24 and is formed very close to the facial region 20. The conditioning device 10, as illustrated here in a simplified form in one embodiment, has a temperature-regulating surface 24, which is particularly adjustable in the forward and backward directions using a first actuator 26 (not shown in detail) controllable by a control device 16, and is rotatable about axis A shown in Figure 2 using a second actuator 28 controllable by the control device 16. In other words, the conditioning device 10 is positioned so close to the face area 20 of the occupant's face that its conditioning elements are used to condition the interior space area 12. At this time, the temperature-regulating surface 24 is guided by the control device 16 towards the occupant's face using actuators 26 and 28. Here, the placement of the conditioning device 10 within the interior space 14 of the automobile is freely selectable, in which case the temperature-regulating surface 24 is provided so that it can be moved or positioned so close to the face. In this case, the use of robotic arms, telescopic rods, etc., may also be considered. Here, the respective actuators 26, 28 and control devices 16 are located in the conditioning device 10, or the conditioning device 10 is located in a movable device already present in the vehicle. Here, the intention is to increase the relative humidity in the internal space area 12, i.e., the area surrounding the skin of the occupant's face.

[0031] Figure 2 is a side view of an occupant 22 in the interior space 14 while using an embodiment of the conditioning device 10 according to the present invention. The conditioning device 10 for conditioning the interior space region 12 of the interior space 14 of an automobile is configured to cool in particular in order to condition the interior space region 12 in the facial region 20 of the occupant 22's face and generate air humidity, thereby moisturizing the skin of the occupant 22's facial region.

[0032] In this case, the internal space region 12 is one region of the internal space 14, that is, the internal space region 12 is formed within the internal space 14 of the automobile. Therefore, the conditioning device 10 is configured to precisely condition this internal space region 12, that is, to heat or cool it, so that the resulting temperature change in the internal space region 12 may diffusively transfer to the internal space 14, but the intention is to bring at least this internal space region 12 to a predetermined temperature T through cooling and / or heating. For this purpose, the conditioning device 10 has a control device 16 for controlling at least one temperature control element 18, and the conditioning device 10 is used in particular for cooling. As the temperature control element 18, a Peltier element is used here as a thermoelectric converter that can bring about a predetermined temperature T. In this case, the control of the temperature control element 18 is mainly performed by signals from the control device 16 in order to achieve the predetermined temperature T, and in particular to adjust temperature fluctuations.

[0033] The conditioning element 10 has a temperature-adjustable surface 24 that is positioned very close to and facing the facial area 20, and whose temperature can be adjusted by a temperature-adjustable element 18. In this case, the internal space area 12 is positioned between the facial area 20 and the temperature-adjustable surface 18. "Very close" refers to the distance between the facial area 20 and the temperature-adjustable surface 18, which is between >0cm and 10cm, particularly between 1cm and 9cm, and particularly between 1.5cm and 8.5cm. Therefore, the internal space area 12 is defined by the distance between the facial area 20 and the temperature-adjustable surface 24, and also by the size of the surface of the facial area 20 and the size of the temperature-adjustable surface 24. The distance between the temperature-adjustable surface 24 of the conditioning element and the facial area 20 of the user 22 can be changed or set according to a predetermined temperature value or a set temperature value on the temperature-adjustable surface 24, and in some cases according to the user's wishes. In other words, the greater the temperature difference between the temperature control surface 24 and the internal space area 12 or internal space 14 of the vehicle or automobile, the more the distance between the temperature control surface 24 and the face area 20 can preferably be automatically adjusted to be larger. Therefore, as a parameter, for example, the temperature difference between the temperature generated on the temperature control surface 24 and the internal space temperature of the vehicle's internal space (internal space area 12 and / or internal space 14) can be selected. The setting or adjustment of the distance between the temperature control surface 24 and the face area 20 is preferably performed by a first actuator 26 equipped with a control device 16 and at least one temperature sensor (not shown).

[0034] An internal space area 12 exists between the facial area 20 of the occupant's face 22 and the temperature-controlled surface 24 facing the face. The temperature-controlled surface 24 is formed such that a predetermined contour 30 corresponding to the facial area 20 is drawn. This contour 30 is particularly corresponding to the facial area 10, that is, it is made so that the distance of the temperature-controlled surface 24 to the occupant's face is as equal as possible with respect to the nose, mouth, eyes, forehead, and other areas. Furthermore, the conditioning element has a first wall 32 and a second wall 34 at a distance from it, so that there is a cavity between these walls, in which, for example, a spacer fabric or temperature-regulating agent can be placed. Furthermore, each temperature-regulating element 18 is located, for example, in the second wall 34, and the first wall 32 has a protective layer made, for example, a woven fabric, which protects the face from direct contact with the temperature-controlled surface 24. Similarly, a ventilator 36 can be placed between the two walls 32, 34 to condition the temperature-controlled surface 24. In this case, the ventilation device 36 may be connected to an air conditioner, for example, and has an opening in the headrest 39 of the vehicle seat 38, but this is not shown in the illustration.

[0035] Similarly, the control device 16 can be used to adjust the position of the vehicle seat 38 and to provide signals for adjusting the position of the headrest 39, thereby allowing the vehicle seat 38 to be raised or tilted backward, for example. This means that when the conditioning device 10 is in use, the occupant 22 can be provided with a relaxed posture while using the conditioning device 10. Similarly, it is possible to form a conditioning device 10 with multiple temperature-controlled surfaces 24. In this case, it is possible to place a temperature-controlled element 18 on each surface, but similarly, the temperature control of each temperature-controlled surface 24 can also be achieved by a single temperature-controlled element 18, for example, by a ventilation device 36. Finally, the control device 16 is connected to the vehicle's driver assistance system for at least semi-automatic use, thereby allowing the surrounding environment or audiovisual interior design of the vehicle's interior space 14 to be adapted while the conditioning device 10 is in use.

[0036] The conditioning device 10 operates using a method according to the present invention, in which a control device 16 is used to control at least one temperature control element 18 in order to condition the internal space region 12. In this method, a temperature control surface 24 positioned very close to the face region 20 and facing the face region 20 is also temperature-controlled by the temperature control element 18, and the internal space region 12 is positioned between the face region 20 and the temperature control surface 24. In particular, the temperature control surface 24 is positioned forward and backward to very close to the face region 20 using actuators 26 and 28 controllable by the control device 16, and is also capable of rotating around axis A, thereby adjusting the position of the conditioning device 10, particularly the temperature control surface 24, from a resting position to a usage position. In this case, the temperature control surface 24 has a predetermined contour 30 that corresponds particularly to the face region 20, and in this case, the contour 30 can also be realized by using a plurality of temperature control surfaces 24, each equipped with a temperature control element 18.

[0037] In summary, the conditioning device 10 is a device that replaces a facial humidifying hood for moisturizing the facial area 20 of the occupant 22 inside a vehicle.

Claims

1. A conditioning device (10) for conditioning the facial region (20) of an occupant (22) in the interior space (14) of an automobile, comprising a conditioning element including a temperature-regulating surface (24) that is fitted to the facial region (20) of the occupant's (22) face, the conditioning element being held in the vicinity of the facial region (20) by a holding device, and at least one temperature-regulating element (18) being disposed on the conditioning element.

2. The conditioning device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature control element can be positioned front to back to very close to the facial region (20) using a first actuator (26) controllable by a control device (16).

3. The conditioning device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the distance between the temperature adjustment surface (24) and the user's facial area (20) can be automatically adjusted according to a predetermined temperature value or a set temperature value.

4. The conditioning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the conditioning element is rotatable about its own axis (A) using a second actuator (28) controllable by the control device (16), and the position can be adjusted to be very close to the facial region (20) by the rotation.

5. The conditioning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the conditioning element has a predetermined contour (30).

6. The conditioning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the conditioning element has a first wall (32) and a second wall (34) spaced apart from the first wall (32), and a cavity is formed between the walls.

7. The conditioning device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that a ventilation device (36) for conditioning the conditioning element is arranged in the cavity.

8. A conditioning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control device (16) is capable of generating a signal for adjusting the position of the vehicle seat (38) of the automobile.

9. A conditioning apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that multiple conditioning elements can be temperature-controlled by their respective temperature control elements (18).

10. The conditioning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the control device (16) is connected to the driver assistance system of the automobile for use at least semi-automatically.

11. A method for operating a conditioning device (10) for conditioning the facial area (20) of an occupant (22) in the interior space (14) of an automobile, wherein at least one temperature control element (18) is arranged on a conditioning element including a temperature control surface (24) that is fitted to the facial area (20), and the conditioning element is held in the vicinity of the facial area (20) by a holding device.

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