DE102008018397A1 - Method for regulating air conditioning of interior of motor vehicle, involves determining state information of body part of passenger of motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves determining the state information of a body part (15) of a passenger (17) of a motor vehicle (1). The air outlet is adjusted depending on the comfort criteria (39) and the detected state information of the body part for injecting the air flow (23) into the interior (3) of the motor vehicle. The state information is determined by a distance sensor or by an imaging device or by an ultrasonic unit. An independent claim is included for a motor vehicle with a controlling unit for air conditioning of an interior of the motor vehicle.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for controlling air conditioning an interior of a motor vehicle with an alignable air outlet for directed injection of an air flow in the interior of the motor vehicle and a motor vehicle with a control device of an air conditioning of Interior of the motor vehicle.

Such methods and control devices can serve to set a climate in the interior of the motor vehicle, for example with respect to an interior temperature and / or prevailing in the interior flow conditions. The DE 10 2004 056 959 A1 relates to an air conditioner and a method for operating such and a corresponding computer program and a corresponding computer-readable storage medium, which can be used in particular for the air conditioning in motor vehicles. An air conditioning system is provided which, based on predefinable basic reference parameters, is operable in at least one operating mode and has means for changing operating and / or desired values, the air conditioning system being set up in dependence on changes in operating and / or operating modes / or setpoints automatically adapted to these changes reference parameters for operating at least one operating mode are generated. The DE 10 2005 050 250 A1 concerns an air vent for the air conditioning of a vehicle interior, which has a housing connected to an air duct, the air outlet side is provided with a pinhole with Luftausströmöffnungen through which air flows into the vehicle interior, the housing side is assigned a sliding plate with at least one recess.

task The invention is an improved air conditioning of an interior a motor vehicle with an alignable air outlet to the directed Blowing an air flow in the interior of the motor vehicle to create, in particular comfort-reducing flow and / or Temperature conditions in the interior best possible to avoid.

The Task is with the features of the independent claims solved.

The Task is with a method for controlling an air conditioning an interior of a motor vehicle with an adjustable air outlet for directed injection of an air flow in the interior of the motor vehicle solved.

The method comprises the steps:
Determining a state information of a body part of a vehicle occupant of the motor vehicle and aligning the air outlet in dependence on a comfort criterion to be observed and the detected state information of the body part for directionally blowing the air flow into the interior of the motor vehicle.

Preferably the state information refers to the spatial Position of the affected body part. So it will be the spatial position of the relevant body part detected.

The Determining the state information can be done by means of a measuring device take the state information to a controller of the air conditioning or a control device of the air conditioning passes.

The Aligning the air outlet can be controlled by means of a controllable by the controller Actuator done. In general, large temperature differences and / or strong air currents, especially on the naked Skin, perceived as comforting. For example, a direct influx of hands, bare arms and especially the face and especially the eyes as disturbing. Advantageously, the comfort criterion can be a measure of contain such comfort influencing parameters and advantageous contain a comfort-optimal value. Advantageously, taking into account or depending on the comfort criterion and the detected state information of the body part the direction the blown air flow are chosen so that the Comfort criterion is best met, so despite of the injected air flow, the air conditioning of the interior as feels as comfortable as possible. It is possible, on a direction adjustment or Richtungsverstellungsmöglichkeit to dispense with the air leaks and the setting of non-directional adjustable Air leaks due to a change in the blown Make air mass flow. Since the adjustment of the air outlet both the state information of the body part as well as the comfort criterion respected or complies with the comfort criterion, the air injection is perceived as particularly comfortable.

An embodiment of the method comprises the following step: Determining the state information by means of a distance sensor and / or determining the state information by means of an imaging unit. The imaging unit can be, for example, an infrared camera, which can advantageously provide images even at night without causing dazzling of the vehicle occupant. Alternatively and / or additionally, the imaging unit can be designed to be sufficiently sensitive to light, so that it also allows imaging at night by means of the residual light present light.

imaging unit be designed sufficiently sensitive to light, so that they too at night by means of the existing residual light allows imaging.

Further can a photonic mixer detector (PMD sensor, Photonic Mixer Device) be used, which makes it possible in addition to the conventional brightness image to directly puncture distances.

The Imaging unit may also include an ultrasound source and an ultrasound sensor exhibit. Advantageously, by means of the distance sensor and / or the imaging unit a position of the body part in the vehicle interior be imaged. Advantageously, based on this state information the direction of the injected airflow can be chosen so that this passes by the body part and therefore too high flow rates and / or temperature differences can be avoided on the body part. Advantageous This makes it possible, despite comparatively large flow velocities, caused by the directed injection, for example by means of a nozzle of the air outlet, also from the air outlet air conditioning relatively remote parts of the interior, without the comfort of the vehicle occupant essential to impair. Advantageously, such a fund area of the interior to be better air-conditioned, without affecting the front passengers with too much draft and temperature differences to impair.

A Another embodiment of the method has the following Step on: Determining the state information by means of one of Imaging unit downstream image processing. Can be advantageous by means of image processing from the delivered image data of the imaging unit targeted state information is extracted. Advantageously the state information is processed so that this example is comparable by means of the controller with the comfort criterion. through of such a comparison, the controller may advantageously be a measure of the orientation or an adjusting movement of the air outlet to generate.

A Another embodiment of the method has the following Step on: illuminating the vehicle occupant by means of a light source, an infrared light source and / or one or more infrared LEDs and / or sonicating the vehicle occupant by means of an ultrasound source. Advantageously, the imaging unit can be independent of operated under the prevailing lighting conditions, So provide a corresponding picture.

A Another embodiment of the method has the following Step on: determining the state information as the head position, three-dimensional head position and / or x, y, z value of the head position of Vehicle occupants. Advantageously, the head position or the coordinates of the head position for alignment of the air outlet be used. For example, it is advantageously possible Align the air outlet so that the injected air flow the head or neck edges of the vehicle occupant not or only to an acceptably small extent. Advantageous So can a direct blowing on the face of the vehicle occupant be avoided.

A Another embodiment of the method has the following Step on: determining a distance from the head position Point as a comfort criterion and alignment of the air outlet the determined point. The comfort criterion can be advantageous represent at least the distance to be maintained from the head position, so that aligning the air outlet does not have the comfort or at least only to a small extent impairing passing by the inflated air flow causes at the head of the vehicle occupant.

A Another embodiment of the method has the following Step on: determining a distance from the head position left point and a right point spaced from the head position as a comfort criterion, aligning a left outlet nozzle of the air outlet on the left point and aligning a right Outlet nozzle of the air outlet on the right point. Advantageously, the air outlet for blowing a plurality of air streams be designed and, for example, a corresponding variety having outlet nozzles. By means of the left and the right point and the aiming outlet nozzles can advantageous two air flows left and right at the head of Car passengers are passed. Becomes advantageous this by not or only to a small extent Drafts affected, with the advantageous flowing past Air for air conditioning, especially cooling of the rear can serve the vehicle occupant space. Especially advantageous This is when there are more seats behind the vehicle occupant of the motor vehicle, for example, rear seats.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method, the following step is provided: determining the left and right points, each 15-20 cm left or right of the head position, in particular an imaginary center of the head, spaced. Under left and right can be understood a spatial orientation within the vehicle interior relative to a direction of travel of the motor vehicle. At a corre sp This distance is sufficient to avoid unpleasant flow phenomena in the face of the vehicle occupant or at least to reduce them to a minimum.

A Another embodiment of the method has the following Step on: Determining the state information as head rotation, inclination or rotation of the vehicle occupant, determining the additional information as the size of a lid gap and / or a distance between an upper, lower eyelid, left and / or right eye of the vehicle occupant. Advantageously, the orientation of the air outlet, So the direction of the injected air flow dynamic in itself adapted during driving operation changing head positions of the driver become. Advantageously, by the observation of the eyes of the vehicle occupant also be drawn a conclusion whether this by a strong influx of the face affected is, for example, by pinching the eyelids and / or a blink would make noticeable.

A Another embodiment of the method has the following Step on: Perform the previously described procedure for several occupants of the motor vehicle, a driver, a passenger and / or rear passengers. Can be advantageous for all occupants of the motor vehicle a comfortable indoor climate be created.

A Another embodiment of the method has the following Step on: Perform a seat occupancy detection for Recognizing occupied and unoccupied seats of the motor vehicle and Increased blowing in of the air flow in the direction of unoccupied Seats. Advantageously, the interior can be cooled faster without harming the occupants. In Direction of unoccupied seats can become faster Air conditioning actually not tolerable for reasons of comfort Flow and temperature conditions set become.

A Another embodiment of the method has the following Step on: Blowing in the air stream as a cold air stream for cooling of the interior. Advantageously, the interior can be faster and more even be cooled.

The Task is also with a motor vehicle with a Control device of an air conditioning of an interior of the motor vehicle, set up, designed and / or designed to perform one and / or operable with a previously described method solved. This results in the advantages described above.

at an embodiment of the motor vehicle has the Control device, a measuring device for determining a state information a body part of a vehicle occupant of the motor vehicle, one of the measuring device associated controller and one by means of Regulator depending on the state information of the body part and a comfort criterion controllable adjusting device with a by means of the regulator adjustable air outlet for directional injection an air flow in the interior of the motor vehicle. Advantageously the controller the state information of the measuring device with the comfort criterion compare and thus control the air outlet of the actuator. Advantageously, a closed loop is realized, which also at changing positions of the body part sets a comfort-oriented orientation of the air outlet or allows.

Further Advantages, features and details emerge from the following Description, in reference to the drawing, an embodiment is described in detail. Same, similar and / or functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals. Show it:

1 a schematic representation of a control circuit for controlling an air conditioning of an interior of a motor vehicle.

1 schematically shows a part of a motor vehicle 1 with an interior 3 as a controlled system 5 a control loop 7 for controlling an air conditioning of the interior 3 of the motor vehicle 1 , The controlled system 5 is a measuring device 9 and this one regulator 11 downstream or assigned. The measuring device 9 measures or determines a status information 13 of a body part 15 a vehicle occupant 17 , As a body part 15 is in 1 schematically by means of an oval a head of the vehicle occupant 17 indicated. The controlled system 5 has one by means of the regulator 11 controllable actuating device 19 on. The adjusting device 19 is used for setting, in particular alignment of air outlets 21 , designed for directional injection of appropriate air streams 23 , in the 1 are indicated by dashed lines. Curved double arrows 25 indicate that the air flows 23 by means of air outlets 21 the adjusting device 19 adjustable or pivotable, so are adjustable in their discharge direction. Adjustment of the air outlets can also be carried out by setting an injected air mass flow, in particular in the case of non-adjustable Luttaustritten in their Austrblasblasrichtung. The air outlets 21 as well as the air flows 23 can refer to one by means of an arrow 27 indicated direction of travel of the motor vehicle 1 as left or right air outlet 21 , Airflow 23 be designated.

In front of the vehicle occupants 17 is schematically a steering wheel 29 of the interior 3 of the motor vehicle 1 indicated. For controlling the air outlets 21 has the adjusting device 19 a controller 31 for adjusting the air outlets 21 on. The air outlets 21 can correspondingly alignable nozzles, for example, electrically adjustable, have. The nozzles may be, for example, jet nozzles, which is a directional injection of the air streams 23 enable. The interior 3 has an imaginary left and right point 33 on. The points 33 are left and right spaced from one another by means of a cross on a dot-dash line 35 indicated head center of the head of the vehicle occupant 17 away. A left and a right distance 37 the points 33 can by means of the measuring device 9 be simulated. A compliance with a desired left and / or right distance 37 to which the air flows 23 can be adjusted as a comfort criterion 39 with the status information 13 compared and the controller 11 be supplied.

The distance or the distances 37 the points 33 be from the measuring device 9 only simulated, so are not measured directly. The measuring device 9 points to the vehicle occupant 17 aligned imaging unit 41 on, the one control unit 43 assigned. To illuminate the vehicle occupant 17 indicates the measuring device 9 In addition, at least one infrared LED 45 or an infrared LED array 45 on. The infrared LED array 45 is generated in feedback by means of the imaging unit and by means of a double arrow 47 symbolized image data by means of the control unit 43 driven. Likewise, the imaging unit 41 by means of the control unit 43 driven, what in 1 by means of control connections 49 is indicated. The by means of the imaging unit 41 Generable image data can be either direct, or as in 1 by means of another double arrow 47 indicated by the control unit 43 an image processing 51 be supplied. The image processing 51 For example, a head rotation, head inclination and / or rotation, a three-dimensional head position and / or x, y, z values of the head position of the vehicle occupant can be determined from the image data as state information. It is also possible, as additional information, the size of an eyelid and / or a distance between an upper and lower eyelid, a left and / or right eye of the vehicle occupant 17 filter out. For this determined state information can then appropriate comfort criteria 39 be determined. At the comfort criterion 39 it can be one or a plurality or vector of data which are suitable for describing, determining, defining and / or defining a subjective and / or objective measure of a sense of comfort. For example, it may be a minimum angle difference of an exit angle of the air outlets 21 , in particular as a function of a distance from the air outlets 21 , based on a target angle to the head center of the vehicle occupant 17 So act a conscious passing. Or derivable from it, the minimum distances or distances exactly to be observed 37 ,

Exemplary is in 1 only the functioning of the regulation of the distances 37 from the head center of the vehicle occupant 17 shown. At the imaging unit 41 It may be a common infrared camera, which is usually insensitive to air currents and / or turbulence. Alternatively or additionally, however, it is also possible to use an imaging unit 41 provide that can detect the air currents and / or turbulences, so that the distances 37 are directly measurable. In the present case, however, the distances 37 simulated. This is the image processing 51 about a return 53 the controller 11 additionally assigned. About the return 53 can control signals 55 the air outlets 21 the image processing 51 be supplied. From this can by means of double arrows 25 symbolized angle of the air outlets 21 and from these together with the spatial coordinates of the head position of the state information 13 the head of the vehicle occupant 17 the spatial points 33 inside the vehicle interior 3 be calculated. By means of the points 33 and also calculable imaginary, by means of the cross of the dot-dash line 35 indicated head center point, the distances 37 as state information 13 the comparison with the comfort criterion 39 be supplied. Alternatively, it is possible instead of recycling 53 the simulation of the measured value or the state information 13 within the regulator 11 perform. The regulator 11 This can only be the position of the body part 15 as state information 13 this being both the comparison with the comfort criterion 39 as well as the simulation of the actual measured value, ie the distance 37 takes over.

The comfort criterion 39 For example, the distances 39 , Can be selected by means of a control unit not shown as the setpoint of the control. However, it is also possible to specify this firmly.

Advantageously, a comfort and safety increase by a draft-free flow or air conditioning by means of an air conditioning system of the motor vehicle, not shown 1 be achieved. In addition, it can be advantageously avoided that air masses directly into the face of the vehicle occupant 17 stream. This is advantageously possible even with high differences between a desired and an actual temperature of the interior, with a fan not shown in detail the air conditioning system generates a high and thus potentially disturbing air flow. It is possible on a manual direction adjustment or Richtungsverstellungsmöglichkeit the air outlets 21 to renounce. Alternatively, it is possible to provide these in addition.

The measuring device 9 has a camera system, for example with the imaging unit 41 and the infrared diodes 45 , The camera system can on not shown components of the interior 3 For example, an instrument panel, a combination instrument, an A-pillar or attached to an interior mirror and detect the head position of the driver and / or passenger. The direction of the nozzles or vents of the air outlets 21 can be electronically controlled so that the air flow 23 left of the driver or vehicle occupants 17 in by means of the arrow 27 indicated direction of travel of the motor vehicle 1 Seen, also passes on the left on the driver's head and the flow 23 passing right of the driver on the right side of the driver's head. Depending on the head of the driver of the motor vehicle is a Anströmpunkt or the point 33 for the outlets of the air outlets 21 fixed, about 15-20 cm next to the by means of the dotted line 35 or the cross indicated head center is, so that in the interior 3 blown air not directly into the face of the vehicle occupant 17 arrives. The complete system camera - air vents of the air outlet 21 - Flow direction can dynamically changing the driving position head positions of the driver or the vehicle occupants 17 of the motor vehicle 1 to adjust. If no passenger is detected, there may be a stronger air flow, for example, a stronger cold air flow into the interior 3 be blown. In the course of the timing chain, the camera module detects an image of the vehicle occupant 17 and forwards this to the control unit 43 further. The control unit 43 controls the infrared LEDs 45 and the camera 41 , The control unit outputs the image data via the image processing 51 Next, the filtered state information 13 , in particular the position of the driver's head and corresponding x, y, z coordinates. Subsequently, a data match or data adjustment is performed, in particular by means of the controller 11 , the corresponding control of the controller 31 for adjusting the air outlets 21 causes. A supposed movement of the head of the vehicle occupant 17 causes the control chain described a corresponding adjustment movement of the air outlets 21 ,

1

motor vehicle

3

inner space

5

controlled system

7

loop

9

measuring device

11

regulator

13

state information

15

body part

17

passenger

19

setting device

21

air outlets

23

airflows

25

double arrows

27

arrow

29

steering wheel

31

control

33

Point

35

line

37

distance

39

comfort criterion

41

imaging unit

43

control unit

45

Infrared LED array

47

double arrow

49

control connections

51

image processing

53

return

55

actuating signal

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102004056959 A1 [0002]
• - DE 102005050250 A1 [0002]

Claims (14)

Method for controlling air conditioning of an interior space ( 3 ) of a motor vehicle ( 1 ) with an adjustable air outlet ( 21 ) for the directed injection of an air stream ( 23 ) in the interior ( 3 ) of the motor vehicle ( 1 ), comprising the following steps: determining state information ( 13 ) of a body part ( 15 ) of a vehicle occupant ( 17 ) of the motor vehicle ( 1 ), - adjusting the air outlet ( 21 ) depending on a comfort criterion to be met ( 39 ) and the acquired state information ( 13 ) of the body part ( 15 ) for blowing in the air stream ( 23 ) in the interior ( 3 ) of the motor vehicle ( 1 ). Method according to the preceding claim, with at least one of the following steps: determining the state information ( 13 ) by means of a distance sensor, - determining the state information ( 13 ) by means of an imaging unit ( 41 ), in particular camera, and / or by means of an ultrasound unit. Method according to the preceding claim, with the following step: determining the state information ( 13 ) by means of one of the imaging unit ( 41 ) downstream image processing ( 51 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one of the following steps: - illuminating the vehicle occupant ( 17 ) by means of a light source, - by means of an infrared light source, - by means of an infrared LED, - sounding of the vehicle occupant ( 17 ) by means of an ultrasound source. Method according to one of the preceding claims, with the following step: determining the state information ( 13 ) as head position, three-dimensional head position and / or x, y, z value of the head position of the vehicle occupant ( 17 ). Method according to the preceding claim, with at least one of the following steps: determining a point spaced from the head position ( 33 ) as a comfort criterion ( 39 ), - Aligning the air outlet ( 21 ) to the determined point ( 33 ). Method according to one of the preceding two claims, with at least one of the following steps: determining a left-hand point spaced from the head position ( 33 ) and a right-most point spaced from the head position ( 33 ) as a comfort criterion ( 39 ), - Aligning a left outlet nozzle of the air outlet ( 21 ) to the left point ( 33 ), - Aligning a right outlet nozzle of the air outlet ( 21 ) to the right radio ( 33 ). Method according to the preceding claim, with the following step: determining the left and right points ( 33 ) each 15-20 cm left or right of the head position, in particular an imaginary center of the head, spaced. Method according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one of the following steps: determining the state information ( 13 ) as head rotation, head tilt and / or head rotation of the vehicle occupant ( 17 ), - determining the state information ( 13 ) as a size of a lid gap and / or a distance between an upper lid and a lower lid of a left and / or right eye of the vehicle occupant ( 17 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, with the following step: - carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims for several occupants ( 17 ) of the motor vehicle ( 1 ), a driver, a passenger and / or rear passengers. Method according to the preceding claim, with the following step: - Carrying out a seat occupancy recognition for detecting occupied and unoccupied seats of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) and - increased injection of airflow ( 23 ) towards unoccupied seats. Method according to one of the preceding claims, with the following step: - blowing in the air stream ( 23 ) as a cold air stream for cooling the interior ( 3 ). Motor vehicle ( 1 ) with a control device of an air conditioning of an interior ( 3 ) of the motor vehicle ( 1 ), designed, constructed and / or constructed for carrying out a method according to any one of the preceding claims. Motor vehicle according to the preceding claim, wherein the control device - a measuring device ( 9 ) for determining status information ( 13 ) of a body part ( 15 ) of a vehicle occupant ( 17 ) of the motor vehicle ( 1 ), - one of the measuring devices ( 9 ) assigned controller ( 11 ), - one by means of the controller ( 11 ) depending on the state information ( 13 ) of the body part ( 15 ) and a comfort criterion ( 39 ) controllable actuating device ( 19 ) with a by means of the controller ( 11 ) adjust bleed air outlet ( 21 ) for the directed injection of an air stream ( 23 ) in the interior ( 3 ) of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) having.