DE102017201846A1 - Temperature control device with thermal feedback, motor vehicle console with temperature control device and method for their operation - Google Patents

Abstract

Temperature control device (1, 1a) with thermal feedback for a motor vehicle, by means of which a temperature setting for an air conditioning device can be specified as the setpoint,
the temperature control device (1, 1a) has an operating location on which
the temperature setting is variable by an input of the operator, further, the temperature control device on a feedback device (16), which is set up for outputting the thermal feedback to the operator, targeted to the operating site, characterized in that
the feedback device comprises a feedback air exhaust nozzle (4) for outputting a feedback air flow (14) to the operating site in a targeted manner, the feedback device further comprises a feedback temperature control device (16) arranged to vary the temperature of the feedback air flow (14) the ambient temperature is established.

Description

The present invention relates to a temperature control device for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of the first claim, and a motor vehicle console with such a temperature control device and a method for its operation.

With a temperature controller or a temperature control device, an operator sets a desired motor vehicle interior temperature by presetting a desired value for an air conditioning device of the motor vehicle. Temperature controllers are generally known in the art, including those in which the operator can be given a haptic feedback on the temperature to be set.

The DE 10 2014 222 443 A1 proposes a control panel, this control panel is heated with different temperatures, so that the operator who touches this panel for setting a temperature for the automotive air conditioning, receives a haptic feedback (warmer / colder) on this panel. In other known temperature setting systems, when a temperature is set, a numerical value for the set temperature is displayed, or a trend (warmer / colder) is displayed and there is no haptic feedback.

The temperature in the interior of a motor vehicle (passenger compartment) is usually adjusted by an air flow, so-called air conditioning air flow. The temperature set for the passenger compartment is not "detectable" to the operator via the known temperature setting systems, since a temperature communicated by means of a solid state contact, as communicated via the aforementioned control panel, is different than the temperature generated by the airflow in the passenger compartment Even less, specifying a numerical value makes the temperature "palpable" for the operator. In particular, due to these facts, it may happen that several times a new setpoint for the air conditioning of the vehicle interior is specified until the desired temperature is set, this can distract the operator from the traffic situation.

It is an object of the invention to provide a temperature control device with improved adjustability of the temperature, as well as a motor vehicle console with such a device and a method of operation for this device. This object is achieved with a device according to claim 1, a motor vehicle console with such a device according to claim 8 and a method for operating such a device according to claim 9. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

For the purposes of the invention, a temperature control device or a temperature controller is understood to mean an operating device by means of which a setpoint value for an air conditioning device can be predetermined by a motor vehicle occupant (operator). Such temperature controllers are known as rotary or slide controllers, and it is also known to input the desired value for an air-conditioning device on a touch-sensitive surface, that is to say a so-called touchpad, touch panel or touch display. Likewise, a device for setpoint input with so-called gesture control is known, in which an operator at or in a certain area in free space, the so-called operating location or space, by a hand movement a setpoint or at least a tendency (warmer / colder) pretends.

In the context of the invention, a thermal feedback is to be understood as meaning that after or during the input of the setpoint for the air conditioning device by the operator at the operating point, as an immediate consequence of the input of this setpoint, the temperature, in particular at this operating point, preferably by means of a feedback Air flow, is changed. Figuratively speaking, in the case of an operation by means of a touchpad, the area "above" of this touchpad, ie the area in which the operator moves his hand to input the desired value (operating location), can be heated as soon as the operator increases the setpoint for the air conditioning, or be cooled as soon as the operator the setpoint for the air conditioning. This heating or cooling preferably takes place by means of the so-called feedback air flow. In particular, by means of such a thermal feedback, the operator can feel the temperature change and thus the operation of the air conditioning is improved.

For the purposes of the invention, an air conditioning device is to be understood as a device for conditioning, but at least for heating, in particular a motor vehicle interior. Such an air conditioning device is to be understood in particular as a motor vehicle heater or, preferably, an automotive air conditioning system. In particular, therefore, such a device is provided for changing the temperature prevailing in the motor vehicle interior / passenger compartment to a desired value predeterminable by an operator.

For the purposes of the invention is to be understood by the operating point of the place where the target value for the air-conditioning device can be predetermined by the operator, in particular thus the location at which the hand of the operator is at least partially located for presetting this setpoint. In particular, in the case of a desired value input by means of a translationally or rotationally displaceable operating element, the operating point is therefore to be understood as the spatial region in which this operating element can be moved. In particular, in the case of a desired value specification by means of a touch-sensitive surface, the operating location is thus to be understood as the spatial area on or above this touch-sensitive surface. In particular, with a setpoint input by means of a hand movement in a limited spatial area in free space, so-called gesture control, the operating point is to be understood as this spatially limited space within which this hand movement is performed.

For the purposes of the invention, a feedback device is to be understood as a device for outputting a haptic feedback for the operator of the temperature control device. In particular, a thermal feedback that can be output from this feedback device is to be understood as haptic feedback for the operator of the temperature control device at the operating point, this thermal feedback being a temperature that is "felt" for this operator and generated by a feedback air flow becomes. Preferably, this feedback can be achieved by a tempered feedback air flow.

In particular, this feedback device has a feedback Luftausströmdüse for targeted output of the so-called feedback air flow to the operating site, this feedback air flow is provided for generating the thermal feedback for the operator. Although it is also possible by means of a conventional Luftausströmdüse, as may be provided for air conditioning the motor vehicle interior (air conditioning Luftausströmdüse), an air stream can be output, the temperature changes due to the setting on the temperature control device, but this, provided for air conditioning of the motor vehicle interior, air flow (air-conditioning air current). The air conditioning air flow is not suitable as a feedback air flow within the meaning of the invention, since its response to the setpoint specification is delayed, especially for the feedback but an instantaneous reaction of the feedback air flow to the setpoint input is required, the air conditioning air flow is thus not as feedback To understand air flow within the meaning of the invention.

The thermal inertia of such an air-conditioning air flow is particularly so great that no thermal feedback of the setting of the setpoint on the Temperaurreglereinrichtung with the output air flow can be done or turned around, the operator would always have to wait for quite some time until the temperature change in this air conditioning air flow is tangible. Further, the air conditioning air flow is not focused on the operating site and therefore in the sense of the invention as a feedback air flow unsuitable. For the feedback air flow is thus important that its temperature is almost instantaneously variable with the setpoint input to the temperature control device, as only so an improved setpoint specification can be achieved, in particular for the feedback tempering is provided.

In particular, for the purpose of an instantaneous change in temperature by means of the feedback air flow at the operating point, the feedback device has the feedback Luftausströmdüse. Under this feedback Luftausströmdüse so is a vent to understand, with which the feedback air flow targeted and preferably directly to the operating site is conductive. Preferably, the feedback device has a plurality of such feedback Luftausströmdüsen.

For the purposes of the invention, a feedback tempering device is to be understood as a device which is set up in particular for changing the temperature of the feedback air flow. In particular, the feedback tempering device can be operated independently of the air-conditioning device, which is provided as described for the air-conditioning of the far-glass interior and for which the desired value can be predetermined by means of the temperature-regulating device. The feedback tempering device is in particular designed to change, preferably to increase or decrease, the temperature of the feedback air flow with respect to the ambient temperature or preferably a temperature prevailing in the passenger compartment partially or in the mean temperature.

By means of such a temperature control device is in particular the hand or a part of this, with which the operator sets the target value for the air conditioning device, by the feedback tempering and thus by the feedback air flow with a thermal feedback, during the setpoint specification for the air conditioning, acted upon. This thermal feedback not only provides the operator with a qualitative (warmer / colder) result of his setpoint, as was previously the case, but a relatively accurate sense of the set temperature. In particular, by means of such a device thus a more precise adjustment of the desired temperature of the air conditioning device is made possible, whereby the operator can adjust the pleasant temperature with less adjustments and his attention other things, as in particular the traffic, can dedicate.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the operating location is arranged on a touch-sensitive surface. In particular, the temperature setting, that is, the target value specification for the air conditioning device, by an input of the operator by a Kontaktierien and a control movement, preferably by hand or preferably a part of this, on this touch-sensitive surface. Such touch-sensitive surfaces are known as a so-called touchpad or as a so-called touch screen. In particular, in such a case, the feedback air flow is conducted into the area of this touch-sensitive surface, preferably by means of the feedback air outlet nozzle, so that the hand or at least part of the operator's hand during operation is, at least temporarily, replaced by the feedback signal. Air flow is detected. In particular, a touchpad or screen are particularly reliable facilities and by means of such a device a particularly safe inputting of the desired value for the air conditioning device is made possible.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the operating point is arranged in the region of a movable operating element which is set up for the setpoint specification for the air-conditioning device. A reference value specification for the air conditioning device is effected in particular by a change in position of the operating element by the operator. Such a control element is known in particular as a slide switch / controller or rotary switch / - controller. In such a case, the feedback airflow, in particular by means of the feedback Luftausströmdüse, in the region of this control element is conductive, so that the hand or at least a portion of the hand of the operator during operation, at least temporarily, by the feedback air flow is detected. In particular, rotary or slide switch are particularly simple and intuitive to use facilities and so a safe inputting the setpoint for the air conditioning is possible.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the feedback Luftausströmdüse is arranged immediately adjacent to the operating site. Here, by immediately adjacent to understand that preferably one, preferably more and more preferably all feedback Luftausströmdüsen less than 200 mm apart from the operating location are arranged, preferably less than 100 mm and more preferably less than 50 mm. Preferably, no obstacles obstructing the feedback air flow or, in particular, these are arranged between the feedback air outlet nozzle and the operating location, so that an unimpeded flow of the feedback air flow from the feedback air outlet nozzle to the operating location is made possible. In particular, by means of such an embodiment, a particularly secure thermal feedback is possible.

In a preferred embodiment, the operating element is designed as a rotary switch or turntable and preferably the feedback device has two or preferably a plurality of feedback Luftausströmdüsen. Preferably, these feedback Luftausströmdüsen are arranged radially around this rotary switch or turntable around. In particular, in a setpoint specification by turning this rotary switch so a safe flow of the hand of the operator by the feedback air flow can be achieved and so is an improved temperature control device can be displayed.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the setpoint specification for the air-conditioning device is effected by means of a gesture control and preferably an area spatially defined in free space is provided as the operating location. To change this setpoint specification, the operator performs, in particular by means of one hand, a gesture or movement in this defined area of the free space, which is detected and interpreted as setpoint input by a vehicle control / regulation. Such gesture control systems are known in the art.

In such a case, the feedback air flow, in particular by means of the feedback Luftausströmdüse, in this defined area can be conducted, so that the hand or at least a part of the operator's hand during operation, at least temporarily, detected by the feedback air flow becomes. In particular, with a gesture control is a particularly simple and intuitive to use device by means of which a safe inputting of the setpoint for the air conditioning device is possible, allows.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the feedback tempering device has a heating device and preferably a cooling device. In particular, the heater is configured to supply heat to the feedback airflow, and more preferably, the cooler is configured to extract heat from the feedback airflow. Preferably, the heating device is designed as an electric heater, that is as a device which emits heat when supplied with electric current. Further preferably, the heating device has a so-called PTC heating element, preferably a resistance heating element. Preferably, the cooling device has a so-called Peltier element. In particular, by means of a heating and a cooling device, a particularly precise conditioning of the feedback air flow is made possible and thus an improved temperature control device can be represented.

Preferably, the temperature control device, at least partially, arranged in a motor vehicle console. Under a motor vehicle console is in particular a motor vehicle interior trim or a motor vehicle dashboard to understand. Further preferably, the motor vehicle console on an air conditioning Luftausströmdüse, by means of which an air-conditioning air flow of an air conditioning device can be fed to the motor vehicle interior.

For the purposes of the invention, an air conditioning device is understood in particular to mean a motor vehicle interior heating system or a motor vehicle interior air conditioning system. The air-conditioning device is in particular configured to supply the motor vehicle interior with an air-conditioning air stream by means of at least one or a multiplicity of air-conditioning air outlet nozzles. With such an air-conditioning air flow, in particular the temperature in the motor vehicle interior can be set to the desired value predefined by the operator by means of the temperature control device.

• - Erfassen einer Sollwertvorgabe für die Temperatur für die Klimatisierungseinrichtung, sogenannte Klimatisierungstemperatur,
• - Ausgeben eines Feedback-Luftstroms an den Bedienort der Temperaturreglereinrichtung mit einer der Sollwertvorgabe entsprechenden Temperatur.

Preferably, the temperature control device of the type described above is operable by a method comprising the steps of:

• Detecting a setpoint value for the temperature for the air conditioning device, so-called air conditioning temperature,
• - Outputting a feedback air flow to the operating point of the temperature control device with a temperature corresponding to the setpoint specification.

In this sense, the setpoint specification is the temperature, or the temperature value, which is set by the operator at the operating point for the air conditioning device. In particular, the output of the feedback airflow is terminated immediately after the setpoint input by the operator, or preferably shortly after the user has completed the setpoint setpoint, and preferably the output of the feedback airflow is terminated as soon as the operator's hand has left the operator or preferably short after leaving the operating location. In this sense, briefly means a period of less than 60s, preferably less than 20s, and preferably less than 5s.

• - diese häufig nur eine Temperaturtendenz ausgeben können, also Verstellung der Temperatur in Richtung warm oder kalt, anstatt einer „genauen“ thermischen Rückkopplung, welche dem Bediener einen genauen haptischen Eindruck von der eingestellten Temperatur vermittelt,
• - zudem wird bei bekannten Systemen das thermische Feedback in der Regel über den direkten Kontakt des Bedieners mit der Bedieneinrichtung realisiert. Die im Fahrzeug erlebte Temperatur kann sich von der so gefühlten Temperatur unterscheiden, da insbesondere das Einstellen der Temperatur mittels einer Luftströmung Auswirkungen auf das Temperaturempfinden des Bedieners haben kann.

In other words, known systems for setpoint specification for an air conditioning device in a motor vehicle in particular have the disadvantages that

• these can often only emit a temperature tendency, that is, adjustment of the temperature in the direction of warm or cold, instead of a "precise" thermal feedback, which gives the operator an exact haptic impression of the set temperature,
• - In addition, in known systems, the thermal feedback is usually realized via the direct contact of the operator with the operating device. The temperature experienced in the vehicle may differ from the temperature so sensed, since in particular the adjustment of the temperature by means of an air flow can have an effect on the temperature perception of the operator.

To provide an improved setting of the setpoint for the air conditioning device, it is therefore proposed, in particular in the control element or preferably in its immediate vicinity, to provide at least one feedback ventilation duct with a feedback air outlet nozzle, or to integrate it into the control element. By the feedback Luftausströmdüse it is in particular when adjusting the temperature (target value specification for the air conditioning device by the operator) allows a feedback air flow, in particular at the operating point, to flow out and thus provide a thermal feedback for the operator.

This feedback airflow is brought to the operator set temperature (set point) by means of the feedback temperature control means, preferably a Peltier element or heating coil, or both. The feedback Luftausströmdüse is in particular arranged and aligned so that the feedback air flow directly or directly on the hand of the operator meets, that is supplied to the operating site.

The one or more feedback Luftausströmdüsen can be attached to different positions depending on the structural design.

• 1: eine Teilansicht einer Kraftfahrzeugkonsole mit Temperaturreglereinrichtung,
• 2: eine schematisierte Temperaturreglereinrichtung,

Below, individual features and embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the figures, in which:

• 1 a partial view of a motor vehicle console with temperature control device,
• 2 : a schematic temperature control device,

In 1 is a plan view of a motor vehicle console 6 with two temperature control devices 1 . 1a shown. These temperature control devices 1 . 1a are intended to be able to set different temperatures for different areas in the vehicle interior. The setpoint set by the operator is indicated by a display 2 . 2a displayed. The temperature control devices 1 . 1a have to setpoint input a rotatable control 3 . 3a on. These controls 3 . 3a are in the direction 5 . 5a rotatable relative to the motor vehicle console 6 stored.

Radially distributed around each of these controls 3 . 3a are feedback air exhaust nozzles 4 . 4a arranged. While the operator sets a setpoint for the air conditioning unit by turning one of the controls 3 . 3a is specified by the feedback tempering (not shown) of the feedback air flow through the affected feedback Luftausströmdüsen 4 . 4a output. As a result of this thermal feedback, the operator already "experiences" the set temperature during the setting of the air-conditioning temperature, that is to say in the setpoint specification for the air-conditioning device, and a better input of this is made possible.

In 2 a schematic temperature control device is shown. The operating element 3 is to setpoint for the air conditioning device about the axis 15 rotatable relative to the motor vehicle console 6 stored. The feedback tempering device 16 has a resistance heater 8th and a cooling device 7 on. By means of these facilities 7 . 8th is a conditioning of the feedback air flow 14 to the set by the operator for the air conditioning setpoint for the temperature allows. The feedback tempering device has two subchannels 9 and 10 on, through these subchannels 9 . 10 become the partial flows 12 . 13 the feedback air flow 14 the common air duct 11 fed. The common air duct 11 has the feedback air exhaust nozzle 4 for outputting the feedback airflow 14.

The feedback air exhaust nozzle 4 is immediately adjacent to the control 3 arranged so that the operator by means of the feedback air flow 14, a thermal feedback on the set temperature, during the setpoint specification, can be mediated and thus a better adjustment of the temperature in the passenger compartment allows.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 1a

Temperature control device

2,2a

temperature display

3, 3a

operating element

4, 4a

Feedback Luftausströmdüsen

5, 5a

Direction of movement of the operating element 3 . 3a for setpoint specification

6

Motor vehicle console

7

Cooling device for tempering the feedback air flow

8th

Heating device for tempering the feedback air flow

9, 10

Partial air channels

11

common air duct

12, 13

Partial air flow

15

Rotary axis of the operating element

16

Feedback tempering

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102014222443 A1 [0003]

Claims (9)

Temperature control device (1, 1a) with thermal feedback for a motor vehicle, by means of which a temperature setting for an air conditioning device can be specified as the setpoint, the temperature control device (1, 1a) has an operating point at which the temperature setting is changed by an input of the operator, on the temperature control device has a feedback device (16), which is set up for outputting the thermal feedback for the operator, aimed at the operating point, characterized in that the feedback device has a feedback air outlet nozzle (4) for the purposeful outputting of a feedback air flow (14). at the operating point, further comprises the feedback device to a feedback tempering device (16) which is adapted to change the temperature of the feedback air flow (14) relative to the ambient temperature. Temperature control device after Claim 1 , characterized in that the operating point is arranged on a touch-sensitive surface and that the temperature setting is carried out by an input of the operator directly on this surface. Temperature control device after Claim 1 , characterized in that a translationally or rotationally displaceable operating element (3, 3a) is arranged at the operating point and that this operating element (3, 3a) is movable by the input of the operator for temperature adjustment. Temperature control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feedback Luftausströmdüse (4) is arranged immediately adjacent to the operating site. Temperature control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (3, 3a) is designed as a turntable that radially distributed around this turntable several feedback Luftausströmdüsen (4, 4a) are arranged. Temperature control device after Claim 1 , characterized in that the operating location is defined as a spatially limited area in free space, that the operator performs a hand movement for temperature adjustment in this area. Temperature control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feedback tempering device has a heating device (8) and a cooling device (7) which can be supplied with heat to the feedback air flow (14) by means of the heating device (8) and by means of the cooling device ( 7) heat can be withdrawn. Motor vehicle console with a Temperierregeleinrichtung according to any one of the preceding claims and with at least one air conditioning Luftausströmdüse through which a motor vehicle interior air conditioning air flow from an air conditioning device can be fed and that by means of this air conditioning air flow, the temperature in the motor vehicle interior to the predetermined by the Temperrierregeleinrichtung setpoint is adjustable. Method for operating a temperature control device according to one of Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that this method comprises the steps of detecting a setpoint input for air conditioning temperature, ie the temperature to be set by the air conditioning device, by the operator at the operating point, operating the feedback device in such a way that a feedback air flow with the air conditioning temperature through the feedback Luftausströmdüse the operating point is output.

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