DEVICE FOR REGULATING THE TEMPERATURE OF AT LEAST ONE OBJECT AND METHOD FOR CHECKING THE FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITY OF A SENSOR DEVICE HAVING AT LEAST TWO SENSORS

Abstract

A device for regulating a temperature of at least one object. The device includes a thermoelectric element for release of heating and/or cooling energy to the object. The device includes a processor unit, which is coupled for regulation to the thermoelectric element. The device includes a sensor device, Which has at least one sensor for detecting a de facto temperature trending in an area of the thermoelectric element, and at least one additional sensor configured as a component of the processor unit for detecting a de facto temperature trending in an area of the processor unit. The processor unit is connected with the sensor device, and is configured for comparison of the detected de facto temperatures, and while allowing for the comparison, the processor unit can derive an assessment of a functional capability of the sensor device.

Claims

1) A device for regulating a temperature of at least one object, the device comprising: a thermoelectric element for release of heating and/or cooling energy to the object; a processor unit, which is coupled to thermoelectric element for regulation of the thermoelectric element; and a sensor device, which has: a) at least one sensor for detecting a de facto temperature trending in an area of the thermoelectric element; and b) at least one additional sensor configured as a component of the processor unit for detecting a de facto temperature trending in an area of the processor unit, wherein the processor unit is connected with the sensor device, and is configured for comparison of the detected de facto temperatures, and while allowing for the comparison, the processor unit can derive an assessment of a functional capability of the sensor device.

2) The device of claim 1, wherein the processor unit can check the thermoelectric element for a Seebeck voltage, and wherein the processor unit is configured so that if the Seebeck voltage is present, the processor unit halts the comparison of the de facto temperatures, and if the Seebeck voltage is not present, the processor unit permits the comparison.

3) The device of claim 1, wherein instructions are placed on the processor unit, which result in the comparison when the processor unit is placed in operation, or immediately thereafter.

4) The device of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric element is configured as a Peltier element.

5) The device of claim 4, wherein on a wide lateral surface of the Peltier element, at least one means for cooling the Peltier element adjoins.

6) The device of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric element, the processor unit, and the sensor device are accommodated in a joint housing.

7) Using the device of claim 1 for regulating the temperature of at least one storage battery.

8) Using the device of claim 1, in which the thermoelectric element is configured to release the heating and/or cooling energy to a drink container.

9) The device of claim 1, wherein the processor unit confirms the sensor device to be functionally capable if the de facto temperatures are trending identically, and wherein the processor unit assesses a malfunction of the sensor device if the de facto temperatures diverge front each other, or diverge from each other within a certain range.

10) The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one additional sensor is configured to detect a temperature in a range from about −40° C. to +150° C.

11) The device of claim 2, wherein no Seebeck voltage occurs when there is no temperature difference between first and second wide surfaces of the thermoelectric element.

12) A method for checking a functional capability of a sensor device having at least two sensors, the method comprising steps of: detecting a de facto temperature trending in an area of a thermoelectric element via at least one sensor of the sensor device; detecting a de facto temperature trending in the area of a processor unit coupled with the thermoelectric element, via at least one additional sensor of the sensor device, the additional sensor is configured as a component of the processor unit; comparing the de facto temperatures determined via the at least one sensor and the at least one additional sensor; and, making an assessment of the functional capability of the sensor device by means of the comparison.

13) The method of claim 12, wherein the de facto temperature trending in the area of the thermoelectric element is detected via the at least one sensor before, during, or immediately after placement of the thermoelectric element into operation.

14) The method of claim 12, wherein the de facto temperature is detected via the at least one additional sensor during or immediately after placement of the processor unit into operation.

15) The method of claim 12, wherein a Seebeck voltage of the thermoelectric element is checked, and if no Seebeck voltage forms, the comparing step is carried out of the detected de facto temperatures, or if the Seebeck voltage does form, the comparing step is halted.

16) The method of claim 12, wherein the method comprises: confirming the sensor device to be functionally capable if the de facto temperatures are trending identically, and assessing a malfunction of the sensor device if the de facto temperatures diverge from each other, or diverge from each other within a certain range.

17) A device for regulating a temperature of an object, the device comprising: a thermoelectric element that is a Peltier element for release of heating and/or cooling energy to the object; a processor unit coupled to the thermoelectric element for regulation to the thermoelectric element; and a sensor device, which has: a) at least one sensor for detecting a de facto temperature trending in an area of the thermoelectric element; and b) at least one additional sensor configured as a component of the processor unit for detecting a de facto temperature trending in an area of the processor unit, wherein the processor unit is connected with the sensor device, and is configured to compare the detected de facto temperatures, wherein the processor unit confirms the sensor device to be functionally capable if the de facto temperatures are trending identically, wherein the processor unit assesses a malfunction of the sensor device if the de facto temperatures diverge from each other, or diverge from each other within a certain range, wherein the processor unit is configured to check the thermoelectric element for a Seebeck voltage, wherein if the Seebeck voltage is present, the processor unit halts the comparison of the detected de facto temperatures, and if the Seebeck voltage is not present, the processor unit carries out the comparison of the detected de facto temperatures, wherein the thermoelectric element, the processor unit, and the sensor device are accommodated in a joint housing.

18) The device of claim 17, wherein the de facto temperature trending in the area of the thermoelectric element is detected via the at least one sensor before, during or immediately after the thermoelectric element is placed in operation, and wherein the de facto temperature trending in the area of the processor unit is detected via the at least one additional sensor, during or immediately after the processor unit is placed in operation to prevent the de facto temperature trending in the area of the processor unit from being affected by an intrinsic heating of the processor unit during operation.

19) The device of claim 18, wherein the object is a container for drinks.

20) The device of claim 18, wherein the object is a storage battery.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an invention-specific device for regulating the temperature of at least one object.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an additional embodiment of an invention-specific device for regulating the temperature of at least one object.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an additional embodiment of an invention-specific device for regulating the temperature of at least one object.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a flow chart for a conceivable embodiment of an invention-specific method for checking the functional capability of a sensor device having at least two sensors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an invention-specific device 2 for regulating the temperature of at least one object 6 (see FIG. 2). The device 2 for regulating the temperature of the at least one object 6 comprises a thermoelectric element 4, which is configured as a Peltier element 4′. As an additional component, device 2 comprises a processor unit 12, which is coupled to thermoelectric element 4. Processor unit 12 is provided to control and/or monitor thermoelectric element 4.

[0032] Processor unit 12 is coupled with sensor 8, as can be seen by means of the connection depicted by reference to number 16. Additionally, device 2 comprises a sensor device 20. Sensor device 20 has at least one sensor 8 for detection of a de facto temperature in the area of thermoelectric element 4. Ideally, as sensor 8 Negative Temperature Coefficient sensor, called NTC sensor 8′ for short, is used. In this embodiment, sensor 8 is situated on a wide lateral surface 10 of thermoelectric element 4. Additionally, at least one more sensor 14 is provided for detection of a de facto temperature in the area of processor unit 12. Additional sensor 14 is configured as a component of processor unit 12. Additional sensor 14 can especially be a negative temperature coefficient sensor 14′, which is integrated into processor unit 12. Processor unit 12 is in connection with sensor unit 20. Likewise, a connection 16 is provided for it. Thermoelectric element 4, processor unit 12 and sensor device 20 are enclosed by a housing 18 or accommodated by a housing 18. By placement in a common housing 18, provision can be made for unitary environmental conditions fur thermoelectric element 4, processor unit 12 and sensor device 20, and thermoelectric element 4, processor unit 12 and sensor device 20 can be protected from exterior environmental effects. Processor unit 12 is provided for comparison of de facto temperatures detected by sensors 8 and 14, which are trending in the area of thermoelectric element 4 and processor unit 12. Additionally, which considering the comparison of the detected de facto temperatures, processor unit 12 can make an assessment of the functional capability of sensor unit 20. Processor unit 12 is configured to check thermoelectric element 4 for a Seebeck voltage. if a Seebeck voltage is present, processor unit 12 halts a comparison of the detected de facto temperatures; if no Seebeck voltage is present, processor unit 12 can carry out a comparison.

[0033] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of an invention-specific device 2 for regulating the temperature of at least one object 6. Thermoelectric element 4 of device 2 is provided here to emit heating and/or cooling energy to a container for drinks 24 that can be thermally regulated. Drink container 24 capable of thermal regulation has an acceptor unit 26 in which an object 6, for example in the form of a drink holder 6′, can be admitted for temperature regulation. Thermoelectric element 4 is coupled with acceptor unit 26. A wide lateral surface 10 of thermoelectric element 4, which adjoins acceptor unit 26, can be designated as the effective side 10′ of thermoelectric element 4, since on effective side 10′, heating and/or cooling energy is emitted to particular object 6. An additional wide lateral surface 10 of thermoelectric element 4. to which a means for cooling 28 of thermoelectric element 4 in the form of a cooling body 28′ is coupled, can be designated as the waste heat side 10″ of thermoelectric element 4. In addition, device 2 has a sensor device 20, which comprises a sensor 8 for detection of a de facto temperature trending in the area of thermoelectric. element 4 and an additional sensor 14 configured as a component of processor unit 12 for detection of a de facto temperature in the area of processor 12. Sensor 8 is situated on the effective side 10′ of thermoelectric element 4, to additionally be able to detect the de facto temperature in the area of object 6. Processor unit 12 is coupled with thermoelectric element 4 and is in connection with sensor device 20, as is shown by reference symbol 16. Thermoelectric element 4, processor unit 12 and sensor device 20 are situated in a common housing 18. Also, the means 28 for cooling can be in housing 18. Processor unit 12 is provided for comparison of de facto temperatures detected by sensors 8 and 14, which are configured in the area of thermoelectric element 4 and processor unit 12. Using processor unit 12, through the comparison of de facto temperatures, an assessment on the functional capability of sensor device 20 can be derived.

[0034] FIG. 3 discloses an additional embodiment of an invention-specific device 2 for regulating the temperature of at least one object 6. In this, thermoelectric element 4 of device 2 is provided for regulating the temperature of a storage battery 6″. Thermoelectric element 4 with the effective side 10′ adjoins storage battery 6″, by the waste heat side 10″, thermoelectric element 4 is coupled with a means 28 for cooling, for example in the form of a coolant circuit 28″. For regulating and/or monitoring of thermoelectric element 4, device 2 has processor unit 12, which is coupled with thermoelectric element 4. Device 2 additionally has a sensor device 20, which comprises a sensor 8 for detecting a de facto temperature trending in the area of thermoelectric element 4, as well as an additional sensor 14 configured as a component of processor unit 12, for detection of a de facto temperature trending in the area of processor unit 12. Sensor 8 is situated in the area of the effective side 10 of thermoelectric element 4. Processor unit 12 is connected with sensor unit 20. Thermoelectric element 4, processor unit 12 and sensor device 20 are situated in a common housing 18. Also, the means 28 for cooling is in housing 18. Additionally, by means of processor unit 12, it is possible to compare the de facto temperatures detected by sensors 8 and 14, which are configured in the area of thermoelectric element 4 and processor unit 12, Using processor unit 12, through the comparison, an assessment on the functional capability of sensor device 20 can be derived.

[0035] FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of an invention-specific method for checking the functional capability of a sensor device 20 consisting of at least two sensors 8, 14. In a first step 101 of the method, processor unit 12 is started or placed in operation, and immediately following a de facto temperature is detected (step 102) of a sensor 14 configured as a component of processor unit 12. Doing a readout of the one additional sensor 14 immediately after startup of processor unit 12 yields an advantage in that the particular de facto temperature detected via sensor 14 is not influenced by intrinsic warming of processor unit 12, or not substantially.

[0036] In the following step 103, a Seebeck voltage of thermoelectric element 4 is checked. The check can be done via processing unit 12. If no Seebeck voltage of thermoelectric element 4 forms, or if a Seebeck voltage is determined with a value of 0 volts or at least approximately 0 volts, the procedure can be continued (step 104).

[0037] With this in step (105a), sensor 8 for detection of the de facto temperature trending in the area of thermoelectric element 4 is read out using processor unit 12. Ideally, sensor 8 is read out during or immediately after starting thermoelectric element 4, to avoid influencing the de facto temperature which is trending, in the area of thermoelectric element 4, due to intrinsic heating of thermoelectric element 4 during operation and/or through a release of heat of processor unit 12. lf, according to step 104, the Seebeck voltage of thermoelectric element 4 yields a value other than 0 volts or at least approximately 0 volts, it is not possible to check sensor device 20 for functional capability (step 105b).

[0038] After readout of sensor 8 of thermoelectric element 4, as per step 106 a comparison is made of the de facto temperature detected by sensor 8, which is trending in the area of thermoelectric element 4, and the de facto temperature detected by additional sensor 14, which is trending in the area of processor unit 12. Hereupon an assessment is made of the functional capability of sensor device 20 (steps 107a and 107b). If the de facto temperatures detected by sensors 8 and 14 manifest differing values, then as per step 108b, sensor device 20 is found to be non-functional. Consequently, one of sensors 8 and 14 is not functioning in fault-free fashion. If, in a defined range, the de facto temperatures detected by sensors 8 and 14 have a nearly identical value when compared in step 106, then it can be concluded that sensors 8 and 14 of sensor device 20 are functionally capable or fault-free. Ideally, the de facto temperatures trending in the area of thermoelectric element 4 and of processor element 12 can be compared at repeated fixed intervals (step 109).

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0039] 2 Device for regulating the temperature of at least one object [0040] 4, 4′ Thermoelectric element, Peltier element [0041] 6, 6′, 6′ Object, container for drinks, storage battery [0042] 8, 8′ Sensor, negative temperature coefficient sensor [0043] 10, 10′, 10″ Wide lateral surface, effective side, waste heat side [0044] 12 Processor unit [0045] 14, 14′ Additional sensor, additional negative temperature coefficient sensor [0046] 16 Coupling [0047] 18 Housing [0048] 20 Sensor unit [0049] 24 Drink holder capable of being temperature regulated [0050] 26 Acceptor unit [0051] 28, 28′, 28″ Means for cooling, cooling body, coolant circuit [0052] 101 Step 1 [0053] 102 Step 2 [0054] 103 Step 3 [0055] 104 Step 4 [0056] 105a, 105b Step 5 [0057] 106 Step 6 [0058] 107 Step 7 [0059] 108a, 108 Step 8 [0060] 109 Step 9