DE102016107116A1 - Device and method for adjusting the temperature in a room, in particular in a vehicle interior - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for adjusting the temperature in a room (21), in particular in a vehicle interior, comprising at least one temperature sensor (23) for detecting an actual temperature value in the room (21), an operating unit (24). for adjusting the temperature in the room (21), a dispenser (22) for delivering heat and / or cold into the room (21), and a control unit (25) configured between a first and a second mode wherein the control unit (25) is configured to control, in the first mode, the temperature in the room (21) by comparing a desired temperature value given by the operating unit (24) with the actual temperature value, and in the second mode, a heat and / or cold entry depending on a setting of the operating unit (24), but independent of a detected by the temperature sensor (23) actual temperature value, controls.

Description

The invention relates to a device and a method for adjusting the temperature in a room, in particular a vehicle interior.

In the prior art, control devices for the air conditioning of a room, such as a vehicle cabin are known in which a temperature sensor detects an internal temperature (cabin temperature). A setpoint generator (eg a dial) generates a setpoint for the indoor temperature (cabin temperature). By comparing setpoint and actual temperature, a (comfortable) room climate can be adjusted. The problem here is that the regulation of the indoor climate is dependent on the functioning of the sensor. In general, the prior art controllers are prone to malfunction.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device and a method for adjusting the temperature in a room, wherein an adjustment of the temperature should also be possible if malfunctions occur, in particular the temperature sensor no longer works (correctly).

This object is achieved by a device for adjusting the temperature in a room, in particular in a vehicle interior (vehicle cabin), comprising at least one temperature sensor for detecting an actual temperature value in the room, an operating unit for adjusting the temperature in the Room, a dispenser for delivering heat and / or cold into the room and a control unit configured to select between a first and a second mode, wherein the control unit is configured in the first mode, the temperature in the room by comparing a predetermined by the control unit set temperature value with the actual temperature value controls and in the second mode, a heat and / or cold entry depending on a setting of the control unit, but independent of a determined by the temperature sensor Ist -Temperature value, controls.

A central idea of the invention is to provide an emergency function (emergency mode or second mode) in which, despite a malfunction of the temperature sensor or another device provided for controlling the temperature, a control of the room climate is made possible. In general, the first mode can be understood as a normal (operating) mode, and under the second mode as an emergency mode, which is to be selected only in exceptional situations. In the first mode (normal mode), the control unit operates analogously to the prior art and thus regulates the room temperature in a known manner. In the second mode (emergency mode), however, the control unit operates independently of the temperature sensor, so that no (real) control, but only a control takes place. In general, "control" is to be understood in a conventional manner as feedback control (feedback; close-loop-control). As far as a "control" is mentioned, this is to be understood as a generic term for a control with feedback or without feedback (open-loop control), but preferably as a control without feedback (open-loop control). A "cooling output" is a corresponding heat absorption by the "delivery device" to understand (heat absorption from the room, especially the vehicle interior). As a result, even with a faulty room temperature sensor, an adjustment of the temperature can be realized by (same) operating unit (intuitively). The user does not have to (necessarily) realize the switching between the individual modes. It may continue to operate the same control unit and the temperature adjustment device will respond in the same (or at least similar) manner.

The device for adjusting the temperature preferably comprises a device for detecting a malfunction of the temperature sensor or another device provided for regulating the temperature. More preferably, the control unit is configured to switch from the first to the second mode upon detection of a malfunction. In principle, however, it is also conceivable that it is possible to switch manually to the second mode (emergency mode), for example if the user determines that the device for adjusting the temperature does not (reasonably) work. However, a means for (automatically) detecting a malfunction further simplifies the operation. Even if the temperature sensor fails, at least one controlled room temperature control is ensured by the proposed "emergency running property". This runflat feature is straightforward and takes into account the user's intuitive behavior.

In a specific embodiment, the control unit is configured to transpose an absolute desired temperature value selected in the operating unit for regulating the temperature in the first mode into a relative temperature value for controlling the temperature in the second mode. The control unit can therefore have an absolute setpoint temperature value (of, for example, 18 ° C.) given by the operating unit as a selection between a possible range (of, for example, 10-30 ° C.) and a relative value (of, for example, 40 ° ) within a range of, for example, 0-100). The adjustment range of the operating unit (Setpoint generator) in the first mode is thus transposed into a relative signal range (for example 0-100). The operating range of the dispensing device (of actuators) can also be normalized to control the heat and / or refrigeration output in the room to a relative signal range, the limits of this normalized signal range may possibly be identical to those of the adjustment range of the control unit (the setpoint generator) ,

The operating unit may include an adjustment device, such as a switch and / or knob, in particular rotary knob, and / or a touch screen, in particular in the first mode, a target temperature value within a range between a maximum and a minimum target temperature value pretend.

In general, the invention is also advantageous if, although the temperature sensor still works per se, but any other necessary for the control component, such as a component for the feedback of a signal of the temperature sensor, is faulty.

Preferably, the setting of the temperature in the second mode is performed by the same operating unit (so that the user can not in principle determine in which mode the control unit is currently working).

In a specific embodiment, the dispensing device comprises a valve, which can be flowed through by a heat exchange fluid, wherein the valve can be controlled by the control unit. This allows control of the heat and / or cooling output in a structurally simple manner.

In the first mode, preferably by the operating unit (continuous or discontinuous), a setpoint temperature value within a range defined by a minimum and a maximum setpoint temperature value can be specified. Alternatively or additionally, in the second mode, preferably by the operating unit (continuous or discontinuous), a relative temperature value within a range defined by a minimum and a maximum relative temperature value can be achieved.

In general, the control, in particular regulation, should make it possible to set more than 2, in particular more than 3, more preferably more than 5 different values (the controlled variable, for example temperature, degree of opening of a valve, heat release, etc.).

The above object is further achieved by a method for adjusting the temperature in a room, in particular in a vehicle interior, preferably using the device of the type described above, wherein at least one temperature sensor detects an actual temperature value in the room, wherein heat and / or cold is discharged into the room, wherein a control unit changes from a first to a second mode when a malfunction of the temperature sensor is detected, wherein in the first mode, the temperature in the room by comparing a predetermined by the operating unit target temperature Value is controlled with the actual temperature value and in the second mode, a heat and / or cold entry depending on a setting of the control unit, but independently of a detected by the temperature sensor actual temperature value is controlled. The control unit preferably transposes an absolute desired temperature value selected in the operating unit for regulating the temperature in the first mode into a relative temperature value for controlling the temperature in the second mode. Further preferably, the control unit controls a valve, which is traversed by a heat exchange fluid, for controlling and / or regulating the temperature in the room.

The valve (which ultimately controls the entry of thermal energy into the room) can be acted upon (in the second mode, emergency mode) with a relative (percentage) signal. If the PMV (predicted mean vote) of the room is rated smaller than a neutral mean value, for example 0, an adjustment of the operating unit (eg a setpoint generator) can be expected by a person or facility who is in the room or watching this room causes an adjustment of the operating position of the Verntils. Thereby, a flow increase of a heat transfer medium can be effected by means for exchanging thermal energy with the room, which causes an increase of the entry of the thermal energy into the room.

If, on the other hand, the PMV of the air-enclosing area is rated greater than a neutral average value, for example 0, an adjustment of the operating unit (of the setpoint generator) of the control device can be reckoned by a person or facility watching in space or observing this space, which is a Adjusting the operating position of the valve causes a flow reduction of a heat transfer medium is carried out by means for exchanging thermal energy with the air-enclosing region, causing a lowering of the input of the thermal energy of the air-enclosing region.

Further embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

The invention will be described with reference to an embodiment which is explained in more detail with reference to the figures. Hereby show:

1 a substep of a first step of converting a temperature setpoint to a relative signal;

2 a further sub-step of the first step;

3 a further sub-step of the first step;

4 a second step of driving a valve for adjusting the temperature in a vehicle interior; and

5 a schematic representation of a device for adjusting the temperature in a room.

In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for identical and equivalent parts.

The 1 and 2 show the calculation of coefficients a and b. 3 shows the conversion of a (for example via a setpoint generator in the vehicle cabin) predetermined temperature setpoint in a relative (percentage) signal. In detail, according to 1 according to position 10 a difference of a maximum valve position (VlvPos max) and a minimum valve position (VlvPos min) is formed. For example, the maximum valve position is 100, the minimum valve position is 0. Generally, the valve discussed here is a valve that controls (or controls) the flow of a heat exchange fluid. In the maximum valve position, the flow is greatest, in the minimum valve position the lowest (for example, 0). In this respect, the heat or cooling output in the maximum valve position is the largest and smallest in the minimum valve position (eg 0). Furthermore, according to position 11 in 1 a difference of a maximum adjustable setpoint temperature value (T_Set_Max) and a minimum predefinable setpoint temperature value (T_Set_Min) is formed. According to position 12 in 1 will be the difference according to position 10 by the difference according to position 11 divided and thereby determines the coefficient a.

According to 2 the coefficient a for determining the coefficient b is first at position 13 inverted and then multiplied by the minimum predeterminable temperature value T_Set_Min, namely at position 14 , The result of this multiplication is the coefficient b.

Overall, this satisfies the following equation (provided that the maximum valve position is set to a value of 100 and the minimum valve position is set to a value of 0): y = a × x + b, where y = MFD_T_Set_percent [%] and x = MFD_T_Set_ [° C].

An implementation of the determination of y is 3 refer to. First, at position 15 the coefficient a multiplied by the setpoint temperature value from the setpoint generator. The result will be at position 16 added to the coefficient b. At position 17 can (optionally) another area be defined (above or below) the value y should no longer increase or decrease (saturation). The result from position 16 (and optional 17 ) is then the value y, so a percentage (temperature) signal. All in all, an absolute temperature (in ° C) is converted into a percentage signal (in percent).

4 then shows the control of the valve in an error case (for example, a malfunction of the temperature sensor) by the percentage (temperature) signal. Will be at position 18 detected a fault, a switch turns 19 such that a valve position 20 (in the present example, "1") is controlled accordingly by the percentage (temperature) signal. In this "emergency mode", the valve position (Vlv Pos) is therefore not adjusted by comparing an actual value with a desired value (as would be the case in normal mode).

5 schematically shows a device for adjusting the temperature in a room 21 , The space 21 is through a dispenser 22 heated or cooled to give off heat and / or cold in the room. Furthermore, a temperature sensor 23 provided that measures the temperature in the room. Via a control unit 24 (eg rotary switch), a desired temperature value can be specified. In normal mode, a control unit controls 25 by means of an input from the temperature sensor 23 and the control knob 24 the heat or cooling output by the dispenser 22 , Specifically, this is a valve 26 the dispenser 22 further open (to increase the heat or cooling output) or further closed (to reduce the heat and / or cooling release). The valve 26 controls the flow of a heat exchange fluid.

It should be noted at this point that all the above-described parts taken alone and in any combination, in particular the details shown in the drawings, are claimed as essential to the invention. Variations thereof are familiar to the person skilled in the art.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1-18

position

19

switch

20

valve position

21

Space (vehicle interior)

22

dispenser

23

temperature sensor

24

operating unit

25

control unit

26

Valve

Claims (9)

Device for adjusting the temperature in a room ( 21 ), in particular in a vehicle interior, comprising at least one temperature sensor ( 23 ) for detecting an actual temperature value in the room ( 21 ), a control unit ( 24 ) for adjusting the temperature in the room ( 21 ), a dispenser ( 22 ) for the release of heat and / or cold into the room ( 21 ) and a control unit ( 25 ) configured to choose between a first and a second mode, wherein the control unit ( 25 ) is configured so that in the first mode the temperature in the room ( 21 ) by comparing one through the control unit ( 24 ) predetermined setpoint temperature value with the actual temperature value controls and in the second mode a heat and / or cold entry depending on a setting of the operating unit ( 24 ), but independent of one through the temperature sensor ( 23 ) determined actual temperature value, controls. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that a device for detecting a malfunction of the temperature sensor and / or another device provided for the regulation of the temperature is provided, wherein the control unit ( 25 ) is preferably configured to switch from the first to the second mode upon detection of a malfunction. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit ( 25 ) is configured so that it has an absolute, in the operating unit ( 24 ) selected target temperature value for controlling the temperature in the first mode transposed into a relative, in particular percentage, temperature value for controlling the temperature in the second mode. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating unit ( 24 ) comprises an adjustment means, such as a switch and / or knob, in particular a knob, and / or a touch screen for setting in the first mode a setpoint temperature value within a range between a maximum and a minimum setpoint temperature value. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing device ( 22 ) a valve ( 26 ), which can be traversed by a heat exchange fluid, wherein the valve ( 26 ) from the control unit ( 25 ) is controllable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the first mode by the operating unit ( 24 ) a setpoint temperature value can be preset within a range defined by a minimum and a maximum setpoint temperature value and / or in the second mode by the control unit (FIG. 24 ), a relative temperature value within a range defined by a minimum and a maximum relative temperature value can be specified continuously or discontinuously. Method for adjusting the temperature in a room, in particular in a vehicle interior ( 21 ), preferably using the device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one temperature sensor ( 23 ) an actual temperature value in the room ( 21 ), whereby heat and / or cold in the room ( 21 ), wherein a control unit ( 25 ) changes from a first to a second mode when a malfunction of the temperature sensor ( 23 ), wherein in the first mode the temperature in the room ( 21 ) by comparing one through the control unit ( 24 ) predetermined temperature value is controlled with the actual temperature value and in the second mode, a heat and / or cold entry depending on a setting of the operating unit ( 24 ), but independent of one through the temperature sensor ( 23 ) is determined actual temperature value, is controlled. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the control unit ( 25 ) an absolute, in the operating unit ( 24 ) selected target temperature value for controlling the temperature in the first mode transposed into a relative, in particular percentage, temperature value for controlling the temperature in the second mode. Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the control unit ( 25 ) a valve ( 26 ) that of a heat exchange fluid can be flowed through, for controlling and / or regulating the temperature in the room ( 21 ).

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