Method for controlling an air-conditioning system for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Improving and bringing about predefined climatic conditions in the interior of a vehicle more quickly, an air mass flow rate sensor is used to measure the air mass flow rate fed to the air-conditioning system, whereby the passenger compartment can be air-conditioned quickly and effectively.

1 - 15 . (cancelled)  
     
     
         16 . A method for controlling an air-conditioning system for a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of: 
 measuring ( 10 ) with an air mass flow rate sensor ( 28 ) the actual value of air ( 26 ) flowing into the air-conditioning system ( 22 ); and    means for increasing and/or decreasing the airflow are actuated ( 14 - 20 ), in order to adjust the actual value to a setpoint value for the entering airflow rate.    
     
     
         17 . The method as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the air mass flow ( 26 ) into the air-conditioning system ( 22 ) is composed of a recirculated airflow ( 30 ) and an external airflow ( 32 ).  
     
     
         18 . The method as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein there is an excessively low air mass flow into the air-conditioning system ( 22 ), and the recirculated airflow ( 30 ) and/or external airflow ( 32 ) are increased.  
     
     
         19 . The method as claimed in  claim 18 , further wherein a fan, which is connectable into circuit for an increased air mass flow, is provided in an inlet duct for the external airflow ( 32 ).  
     
     
         20 . The method as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein an adjustable flap ( 34 ), which is adjustable in accordance with the required airflow rate, is provided in an inlet duct for the external airflow ( 32 ).  
     
     
         21 . The method as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the air mass flow to the air-conditioning system ( 22 ) is controlled independently of speed.  
     
     
         22 . The method as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein proportions of recirculated airflow ( 30 ) and external airflow ( 32 ) are set by a recirculation flap ( 34 ).  
     
     
         23 . The method as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein characteristic variables of the inflowing air mass flow rate are measured in the air mass flow ( 26 ) to the air-conditioning system ( 22 ).  
     
     
         24 . The method as claimed in  claim 23 , further comprising the steps of measuring temperature and/or relative humidity in the air mass flow to the air-conditioning system.  
     
     
         25 . The method as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein one or more sensors ( 28 ), which each respond to a gas or a mixture of gases, are provided in the airflow ( 26 ) to the air-conditioning system ( 22 ).  
     
     
         26 . The method as claimed in  claim 25 , wherein the sensors ( 28 ) respond to exhaust gas in the flow ( 26 ) to the air-conditioning system ( 22 ), and the proportion of external air ( 32 ) is reduced by actuating the flap ( 34 ).  
     
     
         27 . A device for an air-conditioning system, comprising 
 a suction element, via which at least one airflow is fed to the air-conditioning system, and    an air mass flow rate sensor in the suction element measures one or more airflows which enter the air-conditioning system via the suction element.    
     
     
         28 . The device as claimed in  claim 27 , wherein the suction element has an inflow line for recirculated air and an inflow line for external air.  
     
     
         29 . The device as claimed in  claim 28 , wherein the suction element has a diverter flap which sets the proportions of external air and recirculated air in the suction element to the air-conditioning system.  
     
     
         30 . The device as claimed in  claim 29 , wherein the air mass flow rate sensor is located downstream of the diverter flap and upstream of the air-conditioning system.