阅读说明：本技术 太阳传感器 (Sun sensor ) 是由 N·沃尔法特 S·布朗 M·贾克斯 于 2020-07-07 设计创作，主要内容包括：用于确定太阳高度信息的传感器(2),传感器包括至少一个二极管(24)用于测量阳光强度的,其中,还包括一计算模块(20),计算模块具有用于基于时间和位置的数据的输入端的端口(72、74),用于从基于位置的数据、基于时间的数据和测量的阳光强度中确定当前的太阳位置并且用于在输出端口(80)处提供太阳位置输出信号。(Sensor (2) for determining sun height information, the sensor comprising at least one diode (24) for measuring the intensity of sunlight, wherein a computing module (20) is further included, the computing module having ports (72, 74) for input of time-and location-based data, for determining a current sun position from the location-based data, the time-based data and the measured intensity of sunlight, and for providing a sun position output signal at an output port (80).)

1. Sensor (2) for determining sun height information, the sensor comprising at least one diode (24) for measuring the intensity of sunlight, characterized in that the sensor further comprises a calculation module (20) having an input with ports (72, 74) for inputting time and position based data, for determining the current sun position from the position based data, the time based data and the measured intensity of sunlight and for providing a sun position output signal at an output port (80).

2. A sensor (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor is provided with a diode (24) for measuring the intensity of sunlight.

3. A sensor (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sun position output signal comprises azimuth, elevation and sunlight intensity.

4. A sensor (2) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the location-based data comprises longitude and latitude.

5. A sensor (2) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the time-based data comprises the current time, date, month.

6. Sensor (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it has a housing (6) and a flat-configured sensor cover (14) arranged thereon.

7. Sensor (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the port of the respective input and/or output is configured as a digital port, in particular as a LIN bus or CAN digital port.

8. A sensor (2) according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sensor further comprises at least one additional sensor selected from the group of: ambient light sensor, temperature sensor, the sensor that is used for detecting windshield temperature.

9. Sensor (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one additional member selected from the group: WLAN antenna, warning light component, battery power display.

10. Method for controlling and/or regulating an air conditioning unit (30) of a motor vehicle (62), which method measures the sunlight intensity by means of a sensor (2), characterized in that a sun position output signal is calculated in the sensor (2) by means of the measured sunlight intensity and by means of the provided time-based and position-based data and is supplied to the air conditioning unit (30).

Technical Field

The invention relates to a sensor for determining sun altitude information, comprising at least one diode for measuring the sunlight intensity. The invention also relates to a method for controlling and/or regulating an air conditioning unit of a motor vehicle, wherein the method measures the sunlight intensity by means of the sensor.

Background

In order to optimize the temperature regulation in an air conditioning unit or a multi-zone air conditioning unit, the current solar radiation needs to be taken into account, which can be carried out at least partially by means of sensors. Existing 3D sensors are known to determine the position of the sun and the intensity of the solar radiation by using a plurality of photodiodes. However, due to the limitations of the vehicle body, in particular the rear-facing photodiode can only detect the sunlight intensity within a limited range. Furthermore, the orientation of the individual photodiodes in different directions requires a hemispherical sensor cover design. For example, each photodiode generates an analog signal of a tension value. The respective tension values are transmitted to a control unit of the vehicle, which calculates the height of the sun on the basis thereof. The sensor may also calculate the sun altitude by means of a microcontroller.

A disadvantage of such a sensor is that a large installation space is required due to the use of a plurality of photodiodes oriented in different directions. It is often not possible to provide such structural space or it is not desirable for design reasons to see any parts of the sensor from the outside.

A sensor is also known which provides only a single signal simulating the intensity of the sunlight and transmits it to the control unit of the motor vehicle. To determine the position of the sun, the controller also uses GPS signals provided by the navigation device.

US 5,553,661 describes a method in which an air conditioning unit uses a correction signal for the position of the sun in order to control the air conditioning unit using a sun sensor.

A disadvantage of these arrangements is that the controller must be upgraded in order to calculate the signals applicable to the air conditioning unit, or the controller must be implemented at great cost and effort from the outset.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a sensor by means of which the disadvantages of the prior art are overcome. In particular, complicated mounting of the controller should be avoided. Furthermore, an improved method for controlling and/or regulating an air conditioning unit of a motor vehicle is proposed.

The sensor according to the invention, which object is achieved by a computing module having a port for inputting time-and position-based data at an input, for determining a current sun position from the position-based data, the time-based data and the measured solar intensity, and for providing a sun position output signal at the port as an output, in particular for controlling an air conditioning unit of a motor vehicle.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the consideration that solar radiation is a very important control variable for modern air conditioning units. The thermal sensation of an occupant in a vehicle depends on the local air ambient temperature and the thermal radiation felt directly through the window. Furthermore, the vehicle body heats up on the side facing the sun, which also heats up the interior space further locally.

In order to be able to take account of this local and asymmetrical effect with respect to the driver's cabin in the air conditioning unit, the latter requires the position of the sun in the sky and the intensity of the sunlight. In this application, the two together are also referred to as a sun position signal. This signal can be calculated in the control device of the vehicle, which comprises, for example, the GNNS system, in particular the GPS or galileo system. If this function is not already available in the control device, retrofitting is required, which is time-consuming and expensive.

It has now been recognized that by generating a signal by means of GNNS data and date data transmitted to the sensor, the signal can be used directly for the air conditioning unit, thereby avoiding cumbersome and expensive retrofitting of the control device. The sensor is therefore configured as a smart sensor which not only transmits the directly measured values (sunlight intensity), but which processes the signals of the sunlight intensity measurement and the position and date data of the input into an output signal. This signal can then be used directly to control the air conditioning unit, which can then be adjusted accordingly in the vehicle interior. The output port is part of the sensor.

The sun position signal includes a position of the sun in the sky and a sunlight intensity. The calculation of the sun position signal is part of the intelligence of the sun sensor, which is thus configured as an intelligent sensor.

Advantageously, only one diode is provided for measuring the intensity of sunlight, i.e. the sensor comprises one diode. For measuring the sunlight intensity, the diode is preferably used for measuring IR light. The diode is preferably configured as a photodiode. Since the intelligent construction of the sensor requires only one photodiode, a flat sensor cover can be used. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor further comprises at least one additional diode for measuring light other than IR light, in particular for measuring visible light, in particular daylight. In a further preferred embodiment, the sensor also comprises further components, such as LEDs or temperature measuring devices.

Preferably, the sun position output signal preferably includes an azimuth Angle (AZ), an elevation angle (EL), and a sunlight intensity.

Preferably, the location-based data includes longitude and latitude. The current position of the vehicle is thus represented by these two variables. The location-based data is advantageously data provided by means of a GNNS system, in particular a GPS or galileo system.

Preferably, the time-based data or time of day includes the current time (time point), day, month. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the time-based data comprise current values of time (time point), day, month and year, respectively.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sensor has a housing and a flat sensor cover arranged on the housing. The sensor cover, which is of flat design, also makes it possible to mount the sensor insignificantly in the outer region of the vehicle body.

The sensor and/or the housing of the sensor is preferably configured to be mounted in or on a motor vehicle. For this purpose, the housing of the sensor preferably has a fastening element. The fixing comprises a clip or device that can be snapped or snap-connected to a corresponding part on the vehicle. A fixing spring made of plastic or metal can be provided, which ensures a fixed seating of the sensor. The housing may also include openings and/or passages for screws to fixedly tighten the sensor in or on the vehicle.

The ports of the individual inputs and/or outputs are advantageously designed as digital ports, in particular for a LIN bus (local interconnect network bus) or a CAN (control area network).

In a preferred embodiment, the sensor comprises at least one additional sensor selected from the group consisting of: ambient light sensor, temperature sensor, the sensor that is used for detecting windshield temperature.

In another preferred embodiment, the sensor comprises at least one additional member selected from the group consisting of: WLAN antenna, warning light component, battery power display.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having a sensor as described above, which is mounted or arranged in or on the motor vehicle. Preferably, the sensor is electrically connected to an air conditioning unit of the motor vehicle to transmit the sun position output signal.

In a method according to the invention, the above object is achieved in that a sun position output signal is calculated in the sensor by means of the measured solar intensity and by means of the provided time-based and location-based data and is made available to the air conditioning unit, in particular to an air conditioning unit of a motor vehicle. The air conditioning unit, in particular a multi-zone air conditioning unit of a motor vehicle, provides temperature control of the ambient air in one or more zones of the vehicle interior space by means of the signal and instructions given by the driver and/or the passenger. The preferred embodiments described in connection with the sensor correspond to the respective preferred embodiments of the method.

The advantage of the invention is, in particular, that the air conditioning control unit in the motor vehicle does not need to be adjusted or only needs to be adjusted slightly by successfully determining the position in the sensor itself. Thereby reducing the effort and cost of the vehicle manufacturer. Since the sensor according to the invention requires only one diode, it can be provided in a smaller construction and with a flat sensor cover than conventional sensors with diode arrays, so that little installation space is required and the design of the motor vehicle is not adversely affected.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In which are shown in highly schematic view:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a sensor according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the sensor according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic of a sensor using the present invention; and

fig. 4 shows a schematic structural view of a preferred embodiment of the sensor according to the invention.

Detailed Description

In all the figures, identical components are provided with the same reference numerals.

In the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2, the sensor 2 comprises a housing 6 with a connector 15 and a plug housing for a cable harness. The fitting 15 includes ports 66, 72, 74, 80 as shown in fig. 4. The housing 6 also has a plurality of locking clips 10, 11, 12, 13 for mounting the housing 6 and the cover 14 and a locking clip 17 for mounting the sensor 2 on an instrument panel.

The housing 6 and/or the casing 14 are preferably made of PC (polycarbonate) or a material that is transparent to IR light, in particular commercially available molded plastic (macrolon). The housing shell 14 is connected to the housing 6, preferably by a snap connection to the housing 6. Alternatively and/or additionally, a screw connection and/or an adhesive connection can also be provided for the connection.

A computing module 20 (see fig. 4) is arranged in the housing 6 and is connected at the input end to a photodiode 24, which photodiode 24 is arranged below the housing shell 14. The photodiode 24 is used to measure the intensity of sunlight. Based on the configuration of the sensor 2 described above and below in conjunction with fig. 4, only one photodiode 24 is required in the preferred embodiment shown.

The sensor 2 is preferably mounted in the dashboard of the front of the motor vehicle. Alternatively, the sensor can also be installed in the rear region of the passenger compartment, in particular in the region of the rear window sill. It may also be mounted outside the vehicle, for example in or on an antenna. The housing shell 14 is preferably flat, so that the sensor 2 is barely visible.

Fig. 3 shows the operating principle of the photodiode 24 of the sensor 2 and the air conditioning unit 30 and the control unit 34 of the motor vehicle 62. The vehicle 62 includes an antenna device 90 configured in the shape of a shark fin. The antenna device 90 comprises a cover 92, which cover 92 is made of a material through which IR light can pass, in particular a mold clone material that is translucent for IR light. The antenna arrangement 90 includes an antenna 42 configured as, for example, an LTE or GPS antenna, and a button base 44 including a printed circuit board. The photodiode 24 is preferably connected to a printed circuit board and the computing module and port are preferably integrated into the circuit board. The arrangement in this way enables the sensor 2 to be mounted so as to be invisible to the user and without the need for an additional housing. Furthermore, the sensor 2 is not blocked by a component, so that the solar radiation or the intensity of the solar radiation can be measured without loss.

The positioning of the sensor 2 in the antenna device 90 is indicated by arrow 110 in fig. 3. The arrow 114 symbolically represents the mounting of the sensor 2 on the dashboard in the cabin of the motor vehicle 62.

The sensor 2 measures the intensity of the sunlight of the sun 50. The control device 34 includes a navigation system 38 having a GPS sensor and a date module that provides the current time, date and month, i.e., the current time, current day and current month, respectively, and preferably also the current year. The control device 34 transmits the time, day, month of the date data and the current position of the motor vehicle, which is obtained by means of a GPS sensor, preferably in a combination of Longitude and Latitude (Longitude) to the sensor 2 via a data connection 56. The sensor 2 processes the time-based and location-based data and determines therefrom the current position of the sun in the sky. The sensor generates a sun position signal comprising the measured sunlight intensity and the sun position, wherein the position of the sun in the sky is preferably expressed as azimuth and elongation angles. The sensor 2 transmits a signal via a data connection 58 to the air conditioning unit 30 of the motor vehicle 62. The air conditioning unit/automation can set the ambient temperature in the motor vehicle interior by means of the sun position signal.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a sensor 2 configured as an intelligent sensor having a photodiode 24 and a computing module 20, the photodiode 24 being connected at a signal input via a port 66 to the computing module. A further port 72 is also provided via which date data or location-based data, in particular the current time, day and month and preferably also the year (current date), are transmitted to the computing module 20. In addition, a third port 74 is provided, via which position-based data or position coordinates, preferably GNSS data, are transmitted to the computation module 20.

Preferably, the time-based and position-based data are provided to the sensor 2 by a control unit 34 of the motor vehicle. The ports 66, 72 may be configured as a common port via which both types of data are transmitted.

The calculation module 20 calculates the current position of the sun in the sky as azimuth and elevation by means of the date and position coordinates. These angles are transmitted as a sun position signal together with the measured intensity of the sunlight via a port or output port 80 to the air conditioning unit of the motor vehicle (see data connection 58 in fig. 3). The ports 72, 74, 80 are preferably configured as LIN ports, i.e. ports to a LIN bus.

Since the sensor 2 is configured as an intelligent sensor which not only measures but also processes the input signals, no or only minimal adjustment of the control device 34 is necessary when the motor vehicle 62 is equipped with this function. If not, the control device 34 need only be configured to transmit date data and location coordinates to the sensor, and need not be configured with a new function for calculating the position of the sun.

The sensor 2 sends an integrated signal to the air conditioning unit 30, which is used to reference the sun position and the sunlight intensity in order to optimally set the air conditioning unit 30.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, which are illustrative only and not restrictive, and various modifications which do not depart from the spirit of the present invention and which are intended to be covered by the claims of the present invention may be made by those skilled in the art.