DE102007056450A1 - Interface device for a climate control system in a motor vehicle, centralized vehicle system control element combination, climate control system for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for controlling a climate control system for a motor vehicle with at least one first operating element for actuating a heating device and / or at least one second operating element for actuating a cooling device and / or at least one third operating element for actuating an ambient air flow control device, wherein the first and / or the the second and / or the third control element only change the operating state of the first, second and third device under the direct control of the user, the interface device further comprising at least one printed circuit board or the like having means that a conversion of the movements of the first and / or second and or third control element to provide electrical information for visualization on a digital display.

Description

The The present invention relates to devices and systems for use in motor vehicles, which is a simple interaction for the user offer and thereby the ease of use when using it increase equipped motor vehicles.

The present invention provides an interface device for a climate control system (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) in a motor vehicle that produced inexpensively can be and the system upgrades, the device the System easier in accordance with preference settings can manage.

The The present invention provides a centralized vehicle system operator control combination for a motor vehicle with, for example, music, air conditioning and heating system controls at, wherein the device can be produced inexpensively, has a favorable appearance and to the wishes of the User can be customized.

The The present invention further provides a climate control system for a motor vehicle which comprises the above-mentioned first and / or second device.

Finally there the present invention is a motor vehicle, with at least one of the above devices is equipped.

State of the art

To Beginning of motor vehicle history at the end of the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century motor vehicles were pretty simple machines, their main feature in a self-propelled at a minimum reliability was. These qualities were the prerequisite for the unique Success of the motor vehicle over the entire planet.

at this early Vehicles were the accessory systems the drive group very simple, often with no electrical System was present because the engine used to ignite the air-fuel mixture required electric sparks using ordinary Magnet generated.

The The following technical development has created additional comfort and safety systems for vehicles such as climate control systems (heating, ventilation and Air conditioning for the passenger compartment), music and entertainment systems such as car radios and many other components.

What Regarding climate control systems, the first air conditioning systems included for motor vehicles from the mid-forties only one evaporator in the passenger compartment the vehicle was housed, as well as a small electric fan, the air was blown through the evaporator to provide a cooling effect. The operating options The user was restricted to the type of systems in this type of system To operate the compressor, the speed of the electric fan too control and if necessary by a thermostat certain intervals for the operation and turning off the compressor as a type of temperature measurement to instruct. These systems saw only a recirculation of the air already present in the passenger compartment.

To and after the evaporator was housed inside the panel and became the controls for operating the air conditioning system into the vehicle's dynamic ventilation system (with commands for deflecting the air to the windshield, to the front Air nozzles or to the footer) or the heating system integrated, in most cases a small radiator was placed in the panel, by using the the engine cooling system the vehicle heated Water flows.

Accordingly The temperature of the air flowing from the air nozzles could be determined with a certain temperature Accuracy can be regulated by using a combination of air conditioning and heating systems was used.

nowadays Climate control systems can be divided into two categories.

Namely, in a first category, which is the simplest system for use in low cost vehicles such as compact cars (widely used in the Brazilian market and other developing countries) and commercial vehicles. This category provides the following controls:
an operating element for switching on / off the compressor of the air conditioning system,
an operating element for determining the operating speed of the electric fan,
an operating element for operating the heating system (a command for partially or completely opening a passage through which the air flows through the radiator heater before reaching the panel nozzles),
a control element for determining the direction of air flow (to the windshield, the feet, the panel nozzles, etc.),
an operating element that determines the entry of outside air into the passenger compartment or the recirculation of the existing air (optional).

In this simplest system does not provide automatic operation, the stability maintains the temperature in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, but the air is at the set temperature and direction (to the feet, the windshield, etc.) are supplied / recirculated until the user changes the setting.

The System features So over no automatic variation possibility the operating orders for the climate in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, because the system is completely mechanical is and no processing capabilities having.

To belonging to the second category more complex systems in which certain operating parameters are previously programmed can be which the system then during operation follows.

In For example, these more complex systems may have a certain temperature (for example 23 ° C) selected and be maintained indefinitely by the air flow, the Amount of heated Air cooled with Air is mixed, etc. to be adjusted. This type of air conditioning system is widely used and is referred to as automatic air conditioning.

Around to allow a correct temperature control are one or more Specific sensors provided the temperature inside and outside of the vehicle. In some more complex systems are even sensors provided the sunshine determine. Once appropriate data has been generated, analyzed a processing element (preferably in the form of a microprocessor) this data and optimizes the system configuration such that the desired temperature is maintained stable, for example, the speed of the electric fan is varied, the heating system at the same time operated with the compressor or not, etc.

In most cases the operation of the controls and a visualization take place the operating settings of the system via a digital display, which the desired Indicates operating temperature and other values.

For the function of automatic climate control systems is a circuit board required with a processing element, with the controls (Buttons or rotary switch) and the display interface for the user form. Because of the high cost of sensors and a microprocessor PCB are automatic climate control systems for low-cost vehicles such as compact cars or other vehicles where greater complexity is not is crucial (for example, commercial vehicles), not financially practical.

To Today, no climate control system has been developed that supports the low cost of a non-automatic, but manually operated system with the advantageous appearance of a digital display interface united, even if it is over no microprocessor capabilities and does not have automatic operation. In any case, this alone increases more advantageous appearance already the attractiveness for the vehicle buyer.

It was also until today no interface device for a climate control system designed with a more advantageous appearance, the interface device includes a digital displays and in non-automatic, but manually operated Climate control systems can be integrated in the form of an accessory device, about the attractiveness of used vehicles equipped with it.

Objects of the invention

It It is an object of the present invention to provide an interface device for a Specify a non-automatic climate control system for motor vehicles the a digital display and thus a similar appearance as the interface an automatic climate control system, wherein the interface device produced inexpensively can be, has a more favorable appearance and greater interactivity with the user offers, allowing the user to simplify operation in accordance with his preferences can make.

Besides that is It is an object of the present invention, a centralized Vehicle system operator control combination such as a climate control system control indicate that cost can be produced, has a favorable appearance, a interactivity and customization options to the wishes the user offers and a digital visualization of information even if the system is not automatic.

Farther It is an object of the present invention to provide a climate control system for motor vehicles indicate that the above device and / or the comprising the aforementioned combination.

Finally is it is an object of the present invention to provide a motor vehicle that the above device and / or the above combination and / or the aforementioned system.

Brief description of the invention

• (i) wenigstens ein erstes Bedienelement zum Betätigen der Heizvorrichtung und/oder wenigstens ein zweites Bedienelement zum Betätigen der Kühlvorrichtung und/oder wenigstens ein drittes Bedienelement zum Betätigen der Umgebungsluftfluss-Steuereinrichtung, und
• (ii) wenigstens eine Leiterplatte oder ähnliches,

wobei das erste und/oder zweite und/oder dritte Bedienelement nur den Betriebsstatus der jeweils ersten, zweiten und dritten Vorrichtung unter der direkten Steuerung des Benutzers ändern und wobei die Leiterplatte Einrichtungen aufweist, die eine Wandlung der Bewegungen des ersten und/oder zweiten und/oder dritten Bedienelements zu elektrischen Informationen für die Visualisierung auf einem Digitaldisplay ermöglichen.The objects of the present invention are achieved by an interface device for controlling a climate control system for motor vehicles, comprising at least a first device for heating ambient air and / or at least a second device for cooling ambient air and / or at least a third device for controlling a heated and / or or cooled ambient air flow, wherein the interface device comprises at least a first operating element for operating the heating device and / or at least a second operating element for operating the cooling device and / or at least a third operating element for operating the air flow control device, wherein the first and / or second and or third control element only change the operating status of the first, second or third device under the direct control of the operator, the interface device further comprising at least one printed circuit board or the like having means sst, which allows a conversion of the movements of the first and / or second and / or third control element to electrical information for visualization on a digital display. Furthermore, the objects of the present invention by a centralized vehicle system control combination for the operation of a climate control system for a motor vehicle with at least a first device for heating air and / or at least a second device for cooling air and / or at least a third device for controlling a heated and / or cooled ambient air flow and other vehicle systems such as music and entertainment systems, on-board computers, a navigation system, etc., the control combination also including at least one interface device for controlling a climate control system, the interface device comprising:

• (i) at least one first operating element for actuating the heating device and / or at least one second operating element for actuating the cooling device and / or at least one third operating element for actuating the ambient airflow control device, and
• (ii) at least one printed circuit board or the like,

wherein the first and / or second and / or third operating element only change the operating status of the respective first, second and third device under the direct control of the user and wherein the printed circuit board comprises means for converting the movements of the first and / or second and / or third or third control element to provide electrical information for visualization on a digital display.

• (i) wenigstens ein erstes Bedienelement zum Betätigen der Heizvorrichtung und/oder wenigstens ein zweites Bedienelement zum Betätigen der Kühlvorrichtung und/oder wenigstens ein drittes Bedienelement zum Betätigen der Umgebungsluftfluss-Steuervorrichtung, und
• (ii) wenigstens eine Leiterplatte oder ähnliches,

wobei das erste und/oder das zweite und/oder das dritte Bedienelement nur den Betriebsstatus der jeweils ersten, zweiten und dritten Vorrichtung unter der direkten Steuerung des Bedieners ändern, wobei die Leiterplatte weiterhin Einrichtungen aufweist, die eine Wandlung der Bewegungen des ersten und/oder zweiten und/oder dritten Bedienelements zu elektrischen Informationen für die Visualisierung auf einem Digitaldisplay ermöglichen.Furthermore, the objects of the present invention by a manual climate control system for a motor vehicle having at least a first device for heating ambient air and / or at least a second device for cooling ambient air and / or at least a third device for controlling the heated and / or cooled ambient air flow and the system further comprises at least one interface device for controlling a climate control system, the interface device comprising:

• (i) at least one first operating element for actuating the heating device and / or at least one second operating element for actuating the cooling device and / or at least one third operating element for actuating the ambient airflow control device, and
• (ii) at least one printed circuit board or the like,

wherein the first and / or the second and / or the third operating element change only the operating status of the respective first, second and third device under the direct control of the operator, the circuit board further comprising means for converting the movements of the first and / or second and / or third control element to provide electrical information for visualization on a digital display.

Farther the objects of the present invention by a manual Climate control system for a motor vehicle solved, the at least one first device for heating ambient air and / or at least one second device for cooling Ambient air and / or at least a third device for controlling of the heated and / or cooled Ambient air flow, wherein the system further comprises at least one as defined above centralized vehicle system control combination includes.

Finally the objects of the present invention by a motor vehicle solved that at least one interface device for controlling a climate control system, at least one centralized vehicle system control combination and at least one manual climate control system as in the preceding Paragraphs defined includes.

The main innovation of the interface device according to the present invention is to provide the ugly control panel of a conventional manual climate control system (the only illuminated symbol buttons that indicate the speed of the electric fan, the positions of the airflow, and the approximate temperature using a blue and red scale , comprising) by replacing a panel at least one digital display similar to the controls of an automatic climate control system that includes data processing capabilities and sensors and is much more expensive.

Accordingly will give a more favorable appearance to the controls of the manual Climate control system achieved, making the attractiveness of cost-effective Compact cars and commercial vehicles is increased, their selling price at the customer the installation of real automatic climate control systems financially impracticable.

Brief description of the drawings

The The present invention will be described below by means of examples Referring to the drawings described.

1 is a first rear view of the interface device for a climate control system for a motor vehicle according to the present invention.

2 Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the interface device for a climate control system for a motor vehicle according to the present invention.

3 is a rear perspective view of the device of 1 and 2 ,

4 is an exploded perspective view of the device of 1 to 3 ,

5 is a first detailed view of the interior of the device of 1 to 4 ,

6 is a second detailed view of the interior of the device of 1 to 5 ,

7 is a third detailed view of the interior of the device of 1 to 6 ,

8th is a fourth detailed view of the interior of the device of 1 to 7 ,

9 is a fifth detailed view of the interior of the device of 1 to 8th ,

10 is a schematic block diagram of which blocks the processing of the device of 1 to 9 correspond.

11 shows three variations of the digital display of the device of 1 to 9 ,

12 FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the climate control system for a motor vehicle according to the present invention. FIG.

Detailed description of the drawings

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention and as in 1 For example, the present invention provides an interface device for a climate control system for a motor vehicle, a centralized vehicle system control combination, a climate control system for a motor vehicle, and a motor vehicle, all of which embody the concept of the invention.

Before the invention and its innovative features are described in more detail some comments on conventional Climate control systems in motor vehicles, especially in family cars and light commercial vehicles such as vans and pickup vehicles be made.

The climate control system mentioned in the preceding paragraph essentially comprises a first device or a first subsystem for heating the air in the passenger compartment (hereinafter referred to as heating device 2 a second device or a second subsystem for cooling the air in the passenger compartment (hereinafter referred to as cooling device) 3 and a third device or a third subsystem for directing the (heated, cooled or unchanged) air flow in the passenger compartment (hereinafter referred to as ambient air flow control device 4 designated). Furthermore, at least one electric fan 12 is provided, which carries the air through the various openings / nozzles in the vehicle panel and is preferably an integral part of the air flow control device.

In essence, the heater comprises 2 a heat exchanger (radiator) (not shown) disposed within the passenger compartment of the vehicle (generally behind the instrument panel) and circulating through the water from the engine cooling system of the vehicle.

Of the Radiator is arranged in a box, which has a door or a has movable plate, which is a steering in the passenger compartment directed air straight to the panel nozzles or, if desired, complete or partially enabled by the radiator, where the air is heated and heated to the desired temperature at the Paneeldüsen arrives. In some systems, besides that in the passenger compartment entering air also the recirculated air, which is already located in the passenger compartment, go through the radiator and to the desired Temperature warmed up become.

The cooler, commonly referred to as "Kli includes all components associated with the refrigeration cycle, ie a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and an expansion valve or the like to form a circuit in which a cooling fluid (such as CFC R12 or HFC R134) is circulated. circulated.

The compressor is driven directly or indirectly by the internal combustion engine of the vehicle and compresses the cooling fluid, which is originally in the form of a gas, into a liquid. For this purpose, heat must be removed from the gas, which is accomplished by a heat exchanger outside the vehicle, which is referred to as a capacitor (here, the liquefaction or condensation of the fluid begins). At a low temperature and in liquid form, the cooling fluid pumped by the compressor flows through a pipe until it reaches another heat exchanger, called an evaporator, inside the vehicle, preferably behind the dashboard and near the radiator of the heater 2 is arranged.

To Upon arrival at the evaporator, the fluid passes to an expansion valve or an enlargement of the Pipe thickness, which reduces the pressure. The reduction in pressure causes evaporation of the fluid in liquid form In this process, heat from the evaporator flowing Air is absorbed. Accordingly, the air is cooled, so the temperature is much lower than before.

Around the cooling system to press, the compressor must be operated. This is done by a switch or a corresponding key is reached. Besides, in most equipments a regulatable thermostat is provided, with which the operating interval of the compressor (the operating time during which the compressor can be turned on and off) can be approximately regulated, around a (albeit rough) regulation of the average temperature the cooled Provide air.

Finally, the ambient air flow control device includes 4 an air box with internal tubes, controllable flow deflectors and nozzles which receive air from outside the vehicle and steer correctly to the windshield and / or to the foot area and / or the panel nozzles (central and side, if present) and also the passage of air through the evaporator of the cooling system 3 or the radiator of the heating system 2 allow. Some flow deflectors also serve to recirculate the ambient air, which is useful when it is desired to prevent the entry of outside air or to obtain maximum acceleration to cool the passenger compartment.

It It should be noted that these equipment is in other older vehicles independently from each other while in the present vehicle environment to a single master system integrated, which is referred to as climate control system.

In such modern vehicles, the ambient air control device may 4 for example, not be removed and the cooling device 3 continue to be operated because they are physically integrated with each other and in practice correspond to individual subsystems of the climate control system.

As already mentioned, there are two categories of climate control systems, the in the market for vehicles available with the current operating environment.

A first category includes the simplest systems for use in low-cost vehicles such as compact cars (very common in the Brazilian market and other developing countries) and commercial vehicles. These systems are called mechanical or manual because they have no automation or "intelligence." Such systems include the following controls:
an operating element for switching on / off the compressor of the air conditioning system,
an operating element for determining the operating speed of the electric fan,
an operating element for actuating the heating system (which directs the partial or complete opening of a passage for the flow of air through the radiator heater before reaching the panel nozzles),
an operating element for determining the air flow direction (to the windshield, the feet, the panel nozzles, etc.),
an operating element for determining the entry of outside air into the passenger compartment or the recirculation of the already existing air (optional).

Therefore, the operating element (i) is on the cooling device 3 referred to, the operating element (ii) is on the heating device 2 and the controls (ii), (iv) and (v) are related to the ambient airflow control device.

In manual climate control systems, there is no automatic operation for maintaining the temperature in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, but the air is supplied / recirculated at a set temperature and direction (to the feet, to the windshield, etc.) until the user changes them. The system also does not provide capabilities for automatic variation of the Be operating climate settings in the passenger compartment of the vehicle because the system is completely mechanical and has no processing capabilities. A second category includes more complex climate control systems, in which certain operating parameters can be pre-programmed and then followed by the system during operation.

In more complex systems can be about a certain temperature (for example 23 ° C) and be maintained indefinitely by the air flow, the amount the heated air mixed with the cooled air, the Percentage of air directed to the windshield, etc. adjusted becomes. This type of climate control system is generally considered automatic Air conditioning called.

In order to allow correct control of the temperature, one or more specific sensors are provided which detect the temperature inside the vehicle. In some more complex systems, even sensors are provided which detect the penetration of sunbeams into the passenger compartment, because this changes the internal temperature. Once this data is collected, a processing element (preferably in the form of a microprocessor) analyzes the data and optimizes the system configuration to stably maintain a desired temperature, for example, the speed of the electric fan, the airflow direction through the radiator of the heater 2 and the passage through the evaporator of the cooling device 3 etc. are changed.

In most cases the operation of the controls and the visualization take place the operating settings of the system via a digital panel, the Specifies, inter alia, in particular the desired operating temperature.

Next The above sensors require automatic climate control systems at least one printed circuit board with a processing element, operating elements (Buttons or rotary switch) and a display to an interface for the Provide users. Because of the high cost of the sensors and the Microprocessor circuit board are automatic climate control system for low-cost vehicles such as compact cars or other vehicles where the complexity is not is crucial (for example, commercial vehicles), not financially practical.

The interface device 1 For controlling a climate control system for a motor vehicle according to the present invention, the appearance of a climate control system with hybrid characteristics between a non-automatic, manual system and an automatic system provides by combining the low cost of the first system with the advantageous appearance of the second system. The interface device 1 is, as the name implies, an interface between the climate control system and the user, preferably in the form of a control panel mounted in the dashboard of the vehicle such as the console. This makes it part of the conventional manual climate control system, whose components have already been described.

The interface device 1 includes at least a first operating element 5 to operate the heater 2 and / or at least a second operating element 6 for actuating the cooling device 3 and / or at least a third operating element 7 for actuating the ambient air flow control device 4 ,

Preferably, the three controls 5 . 6 . 7 provided together, but it is also possible, the interface device 1 to use in a climate control system that does not have a heater 2 or no cooling device 3 includes.

In any case, regardless of the presence of two or three controls 5 . 6 . 7 Note that due to the manual nature of the climate control system, which has no sensor and no processing capability, the first and / or second and / or third control element 5 . 6 . 7 only the operational status of the first, second and third device 2 . 3 . 4 change under the direct control of the user. For example, if the cooling option is selected and the electric fan is operated at maximum speed, the system will operate continuously in this mode regardless of the temperature in the passenger compartment. Operation can only be changed manually by the user.

It should hypothetically be assumed here that a vehicle whose Climate control system with the settings mentioned in the previous paragraph Activated on a sunny morning of a summer day.

The temperature in the passenger compartment at the beginning, for example, 50 ° C, so that the user manually the device 1 for operation at maximum cooling rate. Some time later, the temperature in the passenger compartment drops to 22 ° C and then continues to fall continuously. After a few hours of operation, it will be night and the ambient temperature will decrease accordingly, but the system inside the vehicle will continue to operate at maximum cooling rate, so that the temperature will only go down 13 ° C, because the system has no automatic operation. The system thus cools the passenger compartment of the vehicle until the setting is changed.

The main innovation of the interface device 1 according to the invention is that the ugly control panel of a conventional manual climate control system (which includes only buttons with illuminated symbols indicating the speed of the electric fan, the positions of the air flow and the approximate temperature using a blue and red scale) by a Panel with at least one digital display 10 (such as an LCD display) similar to the control of an automatic climate control system that has data processing capabilities and sensors and is much more expensive.

Accordingly will give a more favorable appearance to the controls of the manual Climate control system achieved, which makes the sale attractive a cost-effective Compact cars or commercial vehicles is increased, its selling price the installation of real automatic climate control systems financially impracticable.

To the conversion of manual operations of the climate control system to digital information on a display 10 cost-effective, includes the interface device 1 at least one printed circuit board 8th or similar with facilities 9 that a conversion of the movements of the first and / or second and / or third control element 5 . 6 . 7 to electrical information for visualization on display 10 enable.

The controls 5 . 6 . 7 Preferably, they have the configuration of rotary switches but, if desired, they may also assume other required or desired configurations.

The controls 5 . 6 . 7 are mechanical and operate the corresponding devices 2 . 3 . 4 on the movement of steel wires or plastic or metal bars (simpler and reasonably efficient solutions), but other solutions can be realized to allow a more comfortable and smoother movement of the controls. For example, the mechanical operations of the devices 2 . 3 . 4 be accomplished by electric motors or by the pneumatic control of Tiefdruckluftleitungen with a "vacuum" from the vehicle engine.

The controls 5 . 6 . 7 are mechanically operated, and regardless of the chosen solution, an actuation only the operating status of the corresponding device 2 . 3 . 4 without any analysis, processing or control of the climate control system.

Preferably, the interface device 1 box-shaped (see 2 . 3 and 4 ) and can be adapted to a vehicle panel, the appearance, the dimensions and the arrangement of the controls 5 . 6 . 7 in accordance with the vehicle in which it is installed.

A preferred embodiment of the interface device shown in the figures and described in more detail below 1 according to the present invention comprises a receiving box 13 or the like, which is associated with the vehicle panel and surrounds all components.

The box 13 preferably, but not necessarily, has the shape of a parallelepiped and defines a main opening through a decorative panel 14 is covered in accordance with the rest of the vehicle panel.

The box 13 further comprises at least one and preferably three rear passage openings 15 that control the passage and positioning of electrical wires and components of the controls 5 . 6 . 7 and the already mentioned steel cables, rods, electric wires, compressed air pipes, etc. (not shown).

In the box 13 is a circuit board 8th or similar (in 4 and 9 completely shown, and in 5 . 6 and 8th partially shown).

The circuit board 8th is with at least one digital display 10 , at least one light source 11 such as a light bulb or an LED to illuminate the display 10 and the controls 5 . 6 . 7 , and facilities 9 for converting a movement of the controls 5 . 6 . 7 to electrical information for visualization on display 10 associated. Preferably, different light sources are in the form of LEDs 11 intended.

To the lighting of the display 10 to maximize is a three-dimensional support structure 16 provided the three LEDs 11 surrounds and allows the display 10 slightly away from them, increasing the efficiency of the lighting. Between the LEDs and the display is still a printed circuit board made of a translucent material 17 provided that the light from the LEDs "spreads" or "scatters". The scattering circuit board 17 allows a uniform and homogeneous illumination of the display 10 , in which however, their use is optional.

Finally, a square structure 18 for fixing the display 10 on the three-dimensional support structure 16 and a connection 19 of the "zebra" type, which attaches the display to the circuit board, supplying it with power and supplying the data to be visualized.

The way of fixing the display 10 on the circuit board 8th may, of course, vary without, therefore, departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

The panel 14 further comprises at least one passage opening for the positioning of the controls and for the visualization of the display 10 , wherein preferably seven openings 20 are provided, one of which is rectangular and for visualization of the display 10 while the others are circular and serve to position the controls.

As in particular in 1 As shown, the device includes the following controls:
a first control 5 for actuating / controlling the heater 2 in the form of a rotary switch,
a second control 6 for actuating / controlling the cooling device 3 in the form of a push button,
three third controls 7 for actuating / controlling the ambient air flow control device, wherein one of these control elements is provided in the form of a rotary switch which controls the air flow direction 7A (to the windshield and / or to the foot area and / or to the central panel nozzles), controls another of the controls in the form of another rotary switch 7B is provided, the speed of the electric fan 12 controls, and another of the controls in the form of a push button 7C is provided, which allows the recirculation of the air in the passenger compartment / activated.

Preferably, each control element comprises 5 . 6 . 7 a lamp or LED 11 that allows proper lighting.

In the preferred embodiment of the device 1 According to the present invention operate the first control element 5 and the third controls 7A . 7B the corresponding devices 2 . 3 . 4 using steel cables while the push buttons 6 . 7C do so using electrical contacts, it being understood, however, that these characteristics may vary without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Preferably, the drive of the electric fan has its own switch 80 on that with the rotary switch 7B is associated and in 9 is shown.

Using the controls mentioned in the two preceding paragraphs, the operator of the motor vehicle selects the desired operating setting of the climate control system, the settings then being displayed on the digital display 10 and operate the system using the settings until the user changes the selected settings.

The transformation of the movements of the controls 5 . 6 . 7 to electrical information on the display 10 can be visualized is one of the most important aspects of the invention. In the case of controls of the push-button type, such as the control 6 for the cooling device 3 and the operating element 7C for air recirculation, the on / off operation of the key is converted to an electrical signal that simply appears on the display 10 can be played.

In the case of the rotary switch 5 . 7A . 7B however, potentiometers must be used to convert the angular movement of the switches into an electrical signal that can be reproduced on the display. A potentiometer is a type of rotary contact that allows signal variation when one of its components is rotated relative to another component. Nevertheless, it should be clear that another device can be used instead of the potentiometer as long as it fulfills the required function.

Each of the three rotary switches 5 . 7A . 7B So includes a base with a locking ring 50 that with a corresponding ratchet wheel 60 in a corresponding potentiometer 9 cooperates, which converts the rotary motion into electrical impulses. The three potentiometers 9 are in 9 shown, and their interaction with the corresponding rotary switches is in detail in 5 and 6 shown. The push buttons are in 9 shown together with the corresponding LEDs or illumination lamps.

Preferably, each of the rotary switches 5 . 7A . 7B a base part 70 who is at the box 13 is fixed, a rotating intermediate part 71 which can be angularly or rotatably actuated by the user and the locking ring 50 contains, and finally a circular, rear central part 72 that is associated with the intermediate part and has symbols that identify the function of the corresponding button. With the rotary part are rotary axes 74 associated with the steel cables / rods of the climate control system or the switch 80 for the electric fan.

Finally, the circuit board includes 8th also a small and simple processor 81 which is inexpensive and whose function is only to process the electrical data based on the movements of the controls 5 . 6 . 7 for display on the display 10 to process. This small processor does not handle the processing of the controls 5 . 6 . 7 obtained data with the objective of changing the operating settings of the climate control system, which is not possible because no sensors are provided.

It is emphasized here that the small processor 81 only serves the correct operation of the display 10 and in no way affects the operating settings of the system.

The operating functions of the processor 81 are in the schematic diagram of 10 played.

As shown, the processor receives 81 that physically on the circuit board 8th installed, a series of electrical signals from the system components 200 and from the vehicle.

For their function, the circuit board 8th (and thus the processor 81 , the potentiometers 9 , the LEDs 11 , the display 10 etc.) are supplied with an electric current. Accordingly, a connection to the positive pole of the battery (KL_30) is provided, which supplies a continuous direct current of 12V. However, for proper operation of the board, the current should be reduced to 5V, which is accomplished by a voltage regulator. The processor 81 is preferably operated with a DC voltage of 5 V, it being understood, however, that other corresponding devices may be used to operate at different voltage levels, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

The processor 81 is also supplied with the electric power supplied from the ignition key of the vehicle via the line KL_15, wherein it is preferably operated only when the ignition is turned on, to avoid power consumption in unforeseen situations.

The processor 81 is also operatively connected to the dimmer, which controls the intensity of the panel illumination via KL_58 (d). However, this connection is only optional.

Preferably, the processor receives 81 also information from the rear window heater over the connection 82 so the display 10 by means of one in the figures 104 can be indicated that it is ready to operate reproduced and explained in more detail below.

Finally, the processor 81 connected to the chassis (the mass) via the connection KL_31.

So that the display 10 the operating parameters of the climate control system 200 can inform the processor 81 all from the potentiometers and push buttons 9 about the connections 87 . 88 . 89 process received electrical signals.

The connection 87 allows the processor 81 receives the electrical signals from the potentiometer, with the rotary switch 5 is associated to the heater 2 to operate.

The connection 88 allows the processor 81 receives the electrical signals from the potentiometer, with the rotary switch 7B is associated to the operating speed of the electric fan 12 to control.

The connection 89 in turn, allows the processor 81 The electrical signals from the potentiometers are received by the rotary switch 7A , which controls the air flow direction, and with the push button 7C , which controls the recirculation of the air in the passenger compartment (recirculator) associated.

Once all are connected via the links KL_30, KL_15, KL_31, KL_58 (d), 82 . 87 . 88 and 89 collected information, the processor leads 81 his function, whereby he lighting the controls and the display via the LEDs 11 controls and continues to display the operating information of the system on the display 10 displays.

In the diagram are the LEDs 11 schematically within the rectangle labeled "Illumination." The electrical signals for operating the LEDs after processing in the processor 81 be through the connections 90A . 90B reproduced, with the first connection for the illumination of the display 10 is used and the second connection for the illumination of the buttons / controls is used.

The display of the operating functions of the system on the display is via the connection 91 accomplished, with the display in 11 in its final configuration in the rectangle labeled "Display".

It is noted here that the processor 81 operational also with other components Than can be associated with the above, such as with the electronic control unit of the vehicle, the compressor of the cooling system, which is schematically through the blocks 85 . 85 . 86 without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, the operating architecture of the system may be substantially schematically related to that described in US Pat 10 shown preferred embodiment without, therefore, the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

11 includes detailed views of three possible configurations for the display 10 according to the present invention and shows the operating capabilities of the system. The views show:
a left ideogram 100 indicating the temperature of the air blown into the vehicle as either hot (H) or cold (C). It should be noted that the air temperature is not indicated because there is no sensor that can guarantee the maintenance of the value.
a central ideogram 101 representing the passenger compartment of the vehicle, with arrows indicating the positions at which the air is injected,
a right ideogram 102 indicating the speed of the electric fan
smaller ideograms 103 . 104 . 105 , respectively, the compressor of the cooling device 3 , the operation of the rear window heater and the operation of the climate control system in anti-fog mode.

Of course, the display can 10 may also look and be configured differently and additional additional functions may be provided without, therefore, departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

As a further novelty, the present invention provides a centralized vehicle system control combination that operates a climate control system for a motor vehicle and other equipment and functions such as music and entertainment systems, satellite navigation systems, an on-board computer with fuel consumption, range, average speed, and so on can. Accordingly, the combination among other controls must include an interface device such as that described above. Another object of the present invention is a non-automatic, manual climate control system 200 for a motor vehicle, the system having at least one interface device 1 for controlling a climate control system as described above.

It should be emphasized here that the interface device 1 , The centralized combination and the climate control system can be provided as original equipment of vehicles or in the form of kits for installation in used vehicles, which can not be equipped with such devices and upgraded accordingly.

A Another innovation of the invention is a motor vehicle, at least an interface device for controlling a climate control system, at least one centralized vehicle system control combination and at least one manual climate control system as described above. It is to be understood that the matter is defined by the contents of the appended claims Scope of the invention various possible Variations and equivalents includes.

Claims (28)

Interface device for controlling a climate control system for a motor vehicle with at least one first device ( 2 ) for heating the ambient air and / or at least one second device ( 3 ) for cooling the ambient air and / or at least one third device ( 4 ) for controlling the flow of heated and / or cooled ambient air, the interface device ( 1 ) at least a first control element ( 5 ) for actuating the heating device ( 2 ) and / or at least one second operating element ( 6 ) for actuating the cooling device ( 3 ) and / or at least a third operating element ( 7 ) for actuating the ambient air flow control device ( 4 ), wherein the first and / or the second and / or the third control element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) only the operational status of the first, second and third devices ( 2 . 3 . 4 ) under the direct control of the user, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) at least one printed circuit board ( 8th ) or similar with facilities ( 9 ), which is a conversion of the movements of the first and / or second and / or third operating element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) to electrical information for visualization on a digital display ( 10 ) enable. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and / or second and / or third operating element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) are mechanically operated to determine the operational status of the first, second and third devices ( 2 . 3 . 4 ) to change. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first and / or the second and / or the third control element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) work manually / mechanically. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, since characterized in that the facilities ( 9 ), which is a conversion of the manual / mechanical movements of the first and / or second and / or third operating element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) to electrical information for the visualization on the digital display ( 10 ), each with the circuit board ( 8th ) are associated potentiometers. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the digital display ( 10 ) with the printed circuit board ( 8th ) and the visualization using at least one with the printed circuit board ( 8th ) associated light source ( 11 ) such as an incandescent lamp or an LED is accomplished. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the first and / or second and / or third operating element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) the first, second and third devices ( 2 . 3 . 4 ) mechanically by the movement of steel cables. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the first and / or the second and / or the third control element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) the first, second and third devices ( 2 . 3 . 4 ) mechanically by sending electrical signals. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the first and / or the second and / or the third control element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) the first, second and third devices ( 2 . 3 . 4 ) mechanically by a pneumatic control of low pressure lines (vacuum). Centralized vehicle system control combination for operating a climate control system for a motor vehicle with at least one first device ( 2 ) for heating the ambient air and / or at least one second device ( 3 ) for cooling the ambient air and / or at least one third device ( 4 ) for controlling the flow of heated and / or cooled ambient air and other vehicle systems such as music and entertainment systems, on-board computers, a navigation system and the like, the combination being characterized in that it comprises at least one interface device ( 1 ) for controlling a climate control system, wherein the interface device ( 1 ) comprises: (i) at least one first operating element ( 5 ) for actuating the heating device ( 2 ) and / or at least one second operating element ( 6 ) for actuating the cooling device ( 3 ) and / or at least a third operating element ( 7 ) for actuating the ambient air flow control device ( 4 ), and (ii) at least one printed circuit board ( 8th ) or the like, wherein the first and / or the second and / or the third control element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) only the operational status of the first, second and third devices ( 2 . 3 . 4 ) under the direct control of the user, and wherein the printed circuit board ( 8th ) Facilities ( 9 ), which is a conversion of the movements of the first and / or second and / or third operating element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) on electrical information for visualization on a digital display ( 10 ) enable. Combination according to claim 9, characterized in that the first and / or the second and / or the third control element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) of the device ( 1 ) are mechanically operated to determine the operational status of the respective first, second and third devices ( 2 . 3 . 4 ) to change. Combination according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the first and / or the second and / or the third control element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) of the device ( 1 ) works manually / mechanically. Combination according to claim 9, 10 or 11, characterized in that the devices ( 9 ), which is a conversion of the manual / mechanical movements of the first and / or second and / or third operating element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) to electrical information for the visualization on the digital display ( 10 ), with the circuit board ( 8th ) are associated potentiometers. Combination according to claim 12, characterized in that the digital display ( 10 ) of the device ( 1 ) with the printed circuit board ( 8th ) and the visualization using at least one with the printed circuit board ( 8th ) associated light source ( 11 ) such as an incandescent lamp or an LED is accomplished. Combination according to claim 9, 10, 11 or 12, characterized in that the first and / or the second and / or the third control element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) the first, second and third devices ( 2 . 3 . 4 ) mechanically by the movement of steel cables. Apparatus according to claim 9, 10, 11 or 12, characterized in that the first and / or the second and / or the third control element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) of the interface device ( 1 ) the first, second and third devices ( 2 . 3 . 4 ) mechanically by sending electrical signals. Apparatus according to claim 9, 10, 11 or 12, characterized in that the first and / or the second and / or the third control element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) of the interface device ( 1 ) the first, second and third devices ( 2 . 3 . 4 ) mechanically by a pneumatic control of low pressure lines (vacuum). Manual climate control system for a motor vehicle with at least one first device ( 2 ) for heating ambient air and / or at least one second device ( 3 ) for cooling ambient air and / or at least one third device ( 4 ) for controlling the flow of heated and / or cooled ambient air, characterized in that the system comprises at least one interface device ( 1 ) for controlling a climate control system, wherein the interface device ( 1 ) comprises: (i) at least one first operating element ( 5 ) for actuating the heating device ( 2 ) and / or at least one second operating element ( 6 ) for actuating the cooling device ( 3 ) and / or at least a third operating element ( 7 ) for actuating the ambient air flow control device ( 4 ), and (ii) at least one printed circuit board ( 8th ) or the like, wherein the first and / or the second and / or the third control element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) only the operational status of the first, second and third devices ( 2 . 3 . 4 ) under the direct control of the user, and wherein the printed circuit board ( 8th ) Facilities ( 9 ), which is a conversion of the movements of the first and / or second and / or third operating element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) on electrical information for visualization on a digital display ( 10 ) enable. System according to claim 17, characterized in that the first and / or the second and / or the third control element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) of the interface device ( 1 ) are mechanically operated to determine the operational status of the first, second and third devices ( 2 . 3 . 4 ) to change. System according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the first and / or the second and / or the third control element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) of the interface device ( 1 ) work manually / mechanically. System according to claim 17, 18 or 19, characterized in that the devices ( 9 ), which is a conversion of the manual / mechanical movements of the first and / or second and / or third operating element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) to electrical information for the visualization on the digital display ( 10 ), with the circuit board ( 8th ) are associated potentiometers. System according to claim 20, characterized in that the digital display ( 10 ) of the interface device ( 1 ) with the printed circuit board ( 8th ) and the visualization using at least one with the printed circuit board ( 8th ) associated light source ( 11 ) such as an incandescent lamp or an LED is accomplished. System according to claim 17, 18, 19 or 20, characterized in that the first and / or second and / or third operating element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) the first, second and third devices ( 2 . 3 . 4 ) mechanically by the movement of steel cables. Apparatus according to claim 17, 18, 19 or 20, characterized in that the first and / or the second and / or the third control element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) of the interface device ( 1 ) the first, second and third devices ( 2 . 3 . 4 ) mechanically by sending electrical signals. Apparatus according to claim 17, 18, 19 or 20, characterized in that the first and / or the second and / or the third control element ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) of the interface device ( 1 ) the first, second and third devices ( 2 . 3 . 4 ) mechanically by a pneumatic control of low pressure lines (vacuum). Manual climate control system for a motor vehicle with at least one first device ( 2 ) for heating ambient air and / or at least one second device ( 3 ) for cooling ambient air and / or at least one third device ( 4 ) for controlling the flow of heated and / or cooled ambient air, characterized in that the system comprises at least one centralized vehicle system control combination according to claims 9 to 16. Motor vehicle, characterized by at least one Interface device for controlling a climate control system according to claim 1 to 8. Motor vehicle, characterized by at least one centralized vehicle system control combination according to claim 9 to 16. Motor vehicle, characterized by at least one Manual climate control system according to claim 17 to 25.