FR2780349A1 - Automobile air conditioning system with climatic/pollution condition control via. satellite - Google Patents

Abstract

The system includes a connection module adapted to communicate with a navigation system (201,202) for controlling the temperature and flow of air in the vehicle cabin, as a function of the information transmitted by the navigation system. The automobile air conditioning control system is of the type which has a connection module (11) with inputs (113,114) and outputs (115 to 118) connected to an actuator for regulation of air temperature in the vehicle. The system includes a receiver (1) connected to the input (113), this receiver is arranged to deliver data associated with the geographic position of the vehicle. The module (11) is arranged to forecast a variation to an air temperature magnitude as a function of data relative to an event (203) occurring on the route of the vehicle and to deliver a control signal which actuates the vehicles air temperature regulator to take into account the data relative to the occurring event (203).

Description

Regulated control device for a ventilation system

  The invention relates to the control of a ventilation, heating and air conditioning installation, of a motor vehicle interior. More particularly, it relates to a device for regulating an aerothermal quantity chosen in the passenger compartment, as a function of climatic conditions and / or

of external pollution.

  Known control devices usually include at least one manual control member for adjusting a

  desired aerothermal size in the passenger compartment (temperature-

  ture, ventilated air flow, recirculation of air / outside air, etc.). Other known devices include a plurality of sensors arranged outside and / or inside the passenger compartment. These sensors are connected to a plurality of inputs of a connection module, which furthermore comprises

  an input connected to input means housed in the habita-

  tackling the vehicle, available to a passenger. The connection module also includes a plurality of outputs, at least one of which is connected to an actuator for adjusting a quantity.

  aerothermal chosen in the habitable.

  These devices using sensors have a drawback

  deny relating to the number of sensors to be provided to ensure regulation on a set of aerothermal quantities. Indeed, these sensors are relatively expensive and strike the

cost price of the device.

  More generally, the known devices have a drawback linked to the reaction time of one of the sensors which measures a variation of an aerothermal quantity,

  thus limiting the real-time performance of the regulation

  tion, or a user manually adjusting the position of a control member. To this reaction time is added a delay of the ventilation, heating and air conditioning device, to restore the desired aerothermal quantity.

  The present invention then improves the situation.

  To this end, it offers a control device comprising a receiver in connection with a navigation system. This system is arranged to deliver information on a

chosen route of the vehicle.

  The invention therefore relates to a device comprising a connection module, provided with at least one inlet and at least one outlet connected to an actuator for adjusting an aerothermal quantity chosen in the passenger compartment, this module being arranged for issue an actuator command setpoint for

to modify this quantity.

  According to the invention, the connection module is arranged on the one hand to provide for a variation of the aerothermal magnitude as a function of information relating to an event on the journey of the vehicle, and on the other hand, to deliver a setpoint control of the adjustment actuator, in order to modify the aerothermal quantity in the passenger compartment by

based on this information.

  The term “event” on the route (or route) of the vehicle means any area which the vehicle must pass through and which is liable to induce a variation in temperature and / or in flow of ventilated air in the passenger compartment. It can also be a polluted area (area with a high density of motor vehicles, area near factories emitting odorous gases, tunnels, etc.) Advantageously, the navigation system chosen can

  perform temporal tracking of the vehicle's route.

  According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the connection module comprises an outlet connected to an actuator for adjusting an air recirculation device in the passenger compartment. The connection module can then issue a command for controlling the recirculation device as a function of information relating to a polluted area planned for the route. Thus, the control device according to the invention is capable of anticipating the passage of the vehicle into a polluted area and controlling an actuator for adjusting the air recirculation device, so as to avoid in time

pollution of the passenger compartment.

  According to an advantageous optional feature of the invention,

  tion, the connection module further comprises an outlet connected to an actuator for adjusting the temperature of the ventilated air in the passenger compartment. The device is thus able to modify this temperature as a function of information relating to a

  variation of outside temperature predicted in the course.

  Advantageously, the connection module has an output

  connected to an adjustment actuator of a climate control device

  station. The module is then able to issue a command for controlling the air conditioning device, with a view to modifying the temperature of the ventilated air in the passenger compartment as a function of information relating to a shaded area provided in the

  routes (tunnels, overhead constructions, forests, ...).

  Advantageously, the connection module includes an outlet connected to an actuator for adjusting the ventilated air flow in the passenger compartment. The device is then able to control the flow of ventilated air as a function of information relating to the

vehicle speed.

  More generally, the navigation system chosen provides information relating to weather conditions on

the route of the vehicle.

  Other advantages and characteristics of the invention

  will appear on reading the detailed description below

  after, and the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle provided with a control device according to the invention, which is arranged to communicate with a navigation system, and - Figure 2 shows schematically a control device according to the invention, of a heating and air conditioning ventilation installation of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

  The detailed description below and the drawings include

  elements of a certain character. They can therefore not only serve to better understand the present invention, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary. Firstly, reference is made to FIG. 1 in which a motor vehicle 200 appears preparing to pass through a tunnel 203, in the example. The motor vehicle comprises a control device according to the invention for a ventilation, heating and air conditioning installation. This control device is connected over the air, in the example described, to a satellite 201 capable of detecting the spatial position of the vehicle in a predetermined region, in particular for carrying out time tracking of the vehicle over a predetermined route. In practice, the vehicle includes an antenna which is of the radio frequency type 111 in the example described, to indicate its position on this route. The satellite 201 then cooperates with a transmitting receiving antenna 202 arranged to receive position information and to transmit, in

  return, information relating to specific conditions

  res of the course. The navigation system chosen is, in the example, a GPS type radionavigation system ("Global

  Positioning System ", registered trademark).

  The control device according to the invention then comprises a

  radio frequency receiver 1 (Figure 2) fitted with an antenna 111.

  The receiver 1 is connected to the input 113 of a connection module 11. This module also comprises an input 114 connected to input means 112 housed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle

  automobile (not shown), available to a passenger.

  The ventilation, heating and air conditioning installation, in the example described comprises a blower 10 equipped with a motor for driving a turbine 2 in rotation. The rotation of the turbine produces an air flow (arrow F) which circulates in a common duct 5c, which is divided into a branch of hot air 5a and a branch of cold air 5b. The hot air branch 5a includes a heating radiator 4 intended to be

  crossed, at least in part by the air flow F. The propor-

  tion of the flow F which circulates in the hot air branch 5a is managed by the angular position of a mixing flap 3. The hot air branches 5a and cold air 5b communicate, at their outlet, with a chamber 9. The control of the angular position of the mixing flap 3 thus makes it possible to obtain an air flow of adjusted temperature in the mixing chamber 9. This mixing chamber also communicates with air distribution ducts in the passenger compartment, a central ventilation duct 8a, a "foot" ventilation duct 8b and a "defrost" ventilation duct 8c, in the example described. The distribution of the air flow F in one and / or the other of these distribution conduits is ensured by the control of three distribution flaps 7a, 7b and 7c. Thus, the relative angular positions of these three distribution flaps allow the control of the distribution of the flow in the passenger compartment.

  This installation also includes an air conditioning loop.

  tion (not shown) comprising an evaporator 6 disposed downstream, in the example described, of the turbine 2 of the blower, to cool an air flow which passes through it, by suction. The quantity of the flow of cooled air then depends on the flow of a refrigerant which passes through the evaporator 6. This control of the flow of refrigerant can be carried out by controlling the opening of an electronic valve.

in the air conditioning loop.

  The installation finally comprises a device 12 for recirculation-

  rear air / outside air AE of the air ventilated in the passenger compartment. In practice, this device comprises a flap 121 disposed upstream of the turbine 2 so as to put the duct 5c in communication with air coming from

  cockpit AR or with air coming from outside AE.

  The connection module 11 has an outlet 115 connected to the evaporator 6 to modify the flow of refrigerant passing through it and from there, modify the temperature of the air conditioning and ventilated in the passenger compartment. It also includes an outlet 116 connected to the blower 10 to modify the flow of ventilated air in the passenger compartment, as well as an outlet 117 for controlling the angular position of the mixing flap 3, and from there, the temperature of the heated / cooled air is ventilated in the passenger compartment. Finally, the module 11 has an outlet 118 connected to the device 12 for recirculating air / outside air to control the position of the flap 121, and from there, to control the recirculation of air or the admission of outside air into the cockpit. The link module expects from receiver 1 a plurality of instructions. A first set of instructions relates to crossing an area polluted by the vehicle. The set of instructions that the

  control device in the form of a radio signal

  modulated quence, detected by the antenna 111 associated with the receiver 1, includes a header instruction for signaling the presence of a polluted area on the vehicle route, accompanied by a vehicle speed instruction, the distance separating the vehicle from the polluted zone and finally, the length of this polluted zone which the vehicle must cross. The connection module 11 then evaluates a command setpoint delivered at output 118, this setpoint being a function of the time from which the vehicle will cross the polluted zone, and of the duration during which the vehicle will have to cross this zone. The module 11 then emits a command instruction via the output 118, just before or at the moment when the vehicle begins to cross the polluted zone, to control the angular position of the flap 121 so as to close the central communication of the vehicle with the air

  exterior, ensuring recirculation of air in the passenger compartment.

  A second set of instructions awaited concerns an air conditioning circuit command in anticipation of crossing a shaded area or a tunnel. The instruction set includes a header instruction for reporting the estimated temperature of the area to be crossed. The instruction set then comprises an instruction on the speed of the vehicle, on the length of this zone, and on the distance separating the vehicle from this zone. The connection module 11 evaluates as a function of these parameters a control instruction which it delivers via its output 115. The flow of refrigerant circulating in the air conditioning loop is then regulated from an open or closed position. the aforementioned electronic valve, thereby increasing the temperature of the ventilated air before entering a tunnel or

  in a particularly shaded area.

  A third set of instructions concerns, in the example

  described, the passage of the vehicle in sunny areas.

  The third set of instructions includes an instruction to

  head with information on the degree of sunshine in an area of the route. From the information transmitted by the receiver 1, the link module 11 evaluates a command setpoint for the mixing shutter 3 which it delivers via its output 117. This control setpoint is a function

  on the one hand the estimated temperature in this area

  the length of this zone and the distance separating the vehicle from this zone. In the example described, the connection module 11 comprises an outlet 119 connected to the actuators for adjusting the distribution flaps 7a, 7b and 7c allowing a spatial distribution of the flow, in particular between the face and the feet of the passengers. The connection module 11 then emits a command instruction via the outlet 119 so as to regulate the air flow rate at the outlet of the central aeration duct, as a function of the degree of sunshine of

the aforementioned area.

  Finally, the connection module 11 has an output 116 for controlling the speed of the blower 10, and from there, the flow rate

  of air F ventilated in the passenger compartment. A fourth set of instructions

  This then relates to the speed of the vehicle. This game of ins

  tructions includes a header instruction which may relate to vehicle speed. The connection module 11 then evaluates an outside air flow with respect to the air flow inside the vehicle. It then issues a command command for the blower 10 through the outlet 116 to regulate the flow of ventilated air in the passenger compartment, as a function of the speed of the vehicle. Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above by way of example. She

extends to other variants.

  Thus, it will be understood that the connection module 11 can wait

  from receiver 1 a greater number of instruction sets.

  In fact, the radio navigation system can transmit additional information in relation to the humidity of the ambient air. In this case, the connection module 11 would be arranged to modify the temperature and the flow rate of ventilated air in the passenger compartment, as a function of the estimated humidity of the ambient air. Furthermore, the installation described above may include an air distribution device allowing distribution to the right and left, and / or in front and behind the passenger compartment, and in which a plurality of vents would be provided. central ventilation. In this case, the module 11 can issue a command for this device to regulate the distribution according to the orientation of the

vehicle in relation to the sun.

  Conversely, the control device described above can be further simplified. Thus, the connection module 11 can only control the evaporator 6 or the mixing flap 3 to manage the temperature of the ventilated air in the passenger compartment. In the example described above, the navigation system used is a GPS type radionavigation system, arranged

  to emit radio waves by radio.

  However, the invention can be applied to any other type of navigation system, possibly different from a system

with radio waves.

  Finally, the control of a mixing flap 3 to adjust the temperature of the ventilated air in the passenger compartment is described here

  for exemple. In a different version of the realization

  tion of the present invention, the air flow F can circulate in a single duct communicating with the mixing chamber 9. In this case, this single duct comprises a water heating radiator. The connection module 11 then controls the flow of water circulating in this heating radiator for

  regulate the temperature of the ventilated flow in the passenger compartment.

Claims (8)

Claims   1. Device for controlling a ventilation, heating and air conditioning installation, of a motor vehicle interior, of the type comprising a connection module (11), provided with at least one input (113, 114) and with at least one output (115,116,117,118) connected to an actuator for adjusting an aerothermal quantity chosen in the passenger compartment, said module being arranged to deliver an actuator control instruction in order to modify this quantity, characterized in that it further comprises a receiver (1) connected to the input of the connection module (113), this receiver being arranged to communicate with a navigation system (201,202), arranged to deliver information associated with a geographic position of the vehicle, while said module (11) is arranged on the one hand to provide a variation of the aerothermal quantity as a function of information relating to an event (203) on a journey of the vehicle, and on the other hand to deliver a control actuator setpoint, in order to modify the aerothermal quantity in   the passenger compartment based on this information.   2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said navigation system (201,202) is arranged for   perform a temporal tracking of the course of the vehicle (200).   3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the connection module comprises an outlet (118) connected to an actuator for adjusting a recirculation device (12) of air in the passenger compartment, while the module link (11)   is arranged to deliver an order for controlling the device   recirculation according to relative information   to a polluted area planned for the route.   4. Device according to one of claims 2 and 3, character-   in that the connection module (11) has an outlet (117) connected to an actuator for adjusting the temperature of the ventilated air in the passenger compartment, in order to modify this temperature as a function of information relating to a variation in   outdoor temperature forecast on the course.   5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the connection module comprises an outlet (115) connected to an actuator for adjusting an air conditioning device (6), while the connection module is arranged to deliver a setpoint for controlling the air conditioning system, in order to modify the temperature of the ventilated air in the passenger compartment as a function of information relating to a shaded area (2O3) planned in the course.   6. Device according to one of claims 2 to 5, character-   in that the connection module has an outlet (116) connected to an actuator for adjusting the ventilated air flow in the passenger compartment, while the connection module is arranged for   issue an order instruction based on information   relating to vehicle speed.   7. Device according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the navigation system (201,202) is arranged to provide information on conditions weather forecast.   8. Device according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the receiver is a radio frequency receiver   quence (1) designed to communicate over the air with   a radio navigation system (201,202).