Claims:We claim:
1. A method (300) of controlling a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit (101) for regulating temperature in a cabin (102) of a vehicle, the method (300) comprising:
receiving, by an electronic control unit (ECU) (103), a signal to initiate regulation of temperature of the cabin (102) from a remote control unit (108) associated with the vehicle;
determining, by the ECU (103), condition of a handbrake (107) in the vehicle, upon receiving the signal from the remote control unit (108), wherein the condition of the handbrake (107) is either one of an operated state (109) and a relaxed state (110);
operating, by the ECU (103), an actuator (104) to displace a clutch pedal (105) for disengaging a clutch (111) in a powertrain (112) of the vehicle, based on the determined condition of the handbrake (107) to be the operated state (109);
operating, by the ECU (103), a starter motor to crank up a prime mover of the vehicle, upon disengagement of the clutch (111); and
operating, by the ECU (103), the HVAC unit (101) to regulate temperature in the cabin (102) for at least one of a predetermined time period and a predetermined temperature range, upon cranking of the prime mover of the vehicle.

2. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein condition of the handbrake (107) is determined based on signals received from at least one of one or more sensors (106) and brake control module of the vehicle associated with the ECU (103).

3. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined time period and the predetermined temperature range is dependent on parameters including at least one of a temperature in the cabin (102), surrounding temperature of the vehicle, and humidity in the cabin (102).

4. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU (103) is configured to terminate operation of the HVAC unit (101) based on at least one of lapse of the predetermined time period, temperature of the cabin (102) being within the predetermined temperature range and receiving termination signal from the remote control unit (108).

5. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined temperature range is between 19°C to 30°C.

6. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined time period is between 60 seconds to 600 seconds.

7. A system (100) for controlling Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit (101) for regulating temperature in a cabin (102) of a vehicle, the system comprising:
a remote-control unit (108) associated with the vehicle;
an electronic control unit (ECU) (103) of the vehicle communicatively coupled to the remote-control unit (108), the HVAC unit (101), an actuator (104) coupled to a clutch pedal (105), and one or more sensors (106) or brake control module associated with a handbrake (107) of the vehicle, wherein the ECU (103) is configured to:
receive a signal to initiate regulation of temperature of the cabin (102) from the remote control unit (108);
determine condition of the handbrake (107) in the vehicle, upon receiving the signal from the remote control unit (108), wherein the condition of the handbrake (107) is either one of an operated state (109) and a relaxed state (110);
operate the actuator (104) to displace the clutch pedal (105) for disengaging a clutch (111) in a powertrain (112) of the vehicle, based on the determined condition of the handbrake (107) to be the operated state (109);
operate a starter motor to crank up a prime mover of the vehicle, upon disengagement of the clutch (111); and
operate the HVAC unit (101) to regulate temperature in the cabin (102) for at least one of a predetermined time period and a predetermined temperature range, upon cranking of the prime mover of the vehicle.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the actuator (104) is at least one of a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, and an electric actuator.

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein condition of the handbrake (107) is determined based on signals received from at least one of one or more sensors (106) and brake control module of the vehicle associated with the ECU (103).

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the predetermined time period and the predetermined temperature range is dependent on parameters including at least one of a temperature in the cabin (102), surrounding temperature of the vehicle, and humidity in the cabin (102).

11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the ECU (103) is configured to terminate operation of the HVAC unit (101) based on at least one of lapse of the predetermined time period, temperature of the cabin (102) being within the predetermined temperature range and receiving termination signal from the remote control unit (108).

12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the predetermined temperature range is between 19°C to 30°C.

13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the predetermined time period is between 60 seconds to 600 seconds.

14. A vehicle comprising a system (100) of controlling a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit (101) for regulating temperature in a cabin (102), as claimed in claim 7.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of automobile engineering. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a HVAC unit of automotive vehicles. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method and a system for regulating temperature of a cabin in the vehicle by remotely operating the HVAC unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally, vehicles such as passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, are provided with an air conditioning unit or Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit for regulating temperature of a passenger cabin, as per passenger comfort. Such temperature regulation is performed by the HVAC units based on inputs from the passengers, in conjunction with operation of one or more control devices such as knobs, sensors including, but not limited to, climate control sensors, temperature sensors, and the like, that are associated with the HVAC units. Based on said inputs, the HVAC unit may be configured to at least clean, cool, heat, ventilate and dehumidify the air either within or entering the passenger cabin of the vehicle. Further, the HVAC unit may also be configured to defog/demist windscreen and/or windows of the vehicle, which may assist in enhancing visibility during vehicular movement, thereby increasing safety of passengers therein.

Conventionally the HVAC unit may include a compressor for pressurizing coolant, where the coolant may be configured to exchange heat energy with the air circulating through the passenger cabin [hereafter simply referred to as “cabin”] of the vehicle for regulating temperature thereabout. The HVAC unit may also include a condenser to reduce the temperature of the coolant, an accumulator to store and control quantity of coolant being supplied to an evaporator, and an expansion valve for regulating pressure drop in cooling circuit of the HVAC unit. In convention, the compressor of the HVAC unit may be either directly coupled or be coupled through auxiliary means to an internal combustion engine of the vehicle, such that the compressor may be mechanically driven for pressurizing the coolant and initiate circulation of said coolant within the cabin to regulate temperature therein. Such conventional arrangements between the compressor and the engine may allow the HVAC unit to operate and/or regulate temperature of the passenger cabin only when the engine is under running condition. That is, the HVAC unit may not regulate the temperature of the cabin when the engine is in OFF condition, as the compressor may not be operable due to non-working condition of the engine. With such arrangements, situations including but not limited to, onboarding of passengers after prolonged period of the vehicle being in a parked condition, may cause inconvenience said passenger due to controlled temperature of said cabin. For example, in summer seasons, the cabin may reach elevated temperatures when the vehicle may be parked in broad day light, whereas the cabin may be proximal to subzero temperatures during winter seasons. Particularly, in vehicles parked in direct or indirect sunlight, the cabin reaches elevated temperatures due to solar heat load entering the cabin through the roof, windscreen and windows. The incoming solar heat load rises temperature levels above passenger comfort level and may even exceed 50°C during summer or on hot days. With that being the situation, the cabin of the vehicle may not be at an ambient temperature for passengers to seat, let alone travel till the HVAC unit is adapted to circulate the coolant for regulating temperature per passenger comfort.

For example, figure 1 illustrates a flow chart of a conventional method 10 of operating the HVAC unit, to perform temperature regulation in the passenger cabin of the vehicle. The method 10 includes the step of cranking the engine or actuating a prime mover of the vehicle, as depicted at 11. Further, the method 10 includes engaging a clutch associated with a compressor of the HVAC unit of the vehicle, with which the compressor gets coupled to the prime mover for operating the HVAC unit. The compressor of the HVAC unit is configured to pump and circulate a coolant, that regulates temperature of the passenger cabin of the vehicle. The conventional method 10 of operating HVAC unit results in elevated cabin temperatures, thereby causing discomfort to passengers that may even result in excessive sweating and breathing difficulty in infants and older adults.

With advent of technology, developments have been carried out on the HVAC unit to be operable by a remote accessed climate control for regulating temperature of the cabin. Such conventional remote accessed climate control may operate the HVAC unit even prior boarding/occupancy of the cabin by passengers so that, temperature of the cabin may be regulated as per requirement of the passenger. The conventional method may include remotely signaling a starter motor to operate the engine, which subsequently operates the compressor of the HVAC unit for circulating the coolant throughout the cabin as per requirements of the passenger. However, various parameters associated with condition of the vehicle may not be assessed by such conventional methods, where some of such parameters being gradient of the surface on which the vehicle may be positioned/parked, position of shift lever or gear being engaged in a transmission, enabled child lock features, braking condition, and the like. Also, operating the engine for prolonged period without being monitored by a user/operator may not be advisable, in view of safety of the vehicle.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a method and a system as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the method and the system as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a method of controlling a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit for regulating temperature in a cabin of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by an electronic control unit (ECU), a signal to initiate regulation of temperature of the cabin from a remote control unit associated with the vehicle. The method further includes determining, by the ECU, condition of a handbrake in the vehicle, upon receiving the signal from the remote control unit. The condition of the handbrake is either one of an operated state and a relaxed state. The method also includes operating, by the ECU, an actuator to displace a clutch pedal for disengaging a clutch in a powertrain of the vehicle. The clutch is disengaged based on the determined condition of the handbrake to be the operated state. The method further includes operating, by the ECU, a starter motor to crank up a prime mover of the vehicle, upon disengagement of the clutch. The method further includes operating, by the ECU, the HVAC unit to regulate temperature in the cabin for at least one of a predetermined time period and a predetermined temperature range, upon cranking of the prime mover of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, condition of the handbrake is determined based on signals received from at least one of one or more sensors and brake control module of the vehicle associated with the ECU.

In an embodiment, the predetermined time period and the predetermined temperature range is dependent on parameters including at least one of a temperature in the cabin, surrounding temperature of the vehicle, and humidity in the cabin.

In an embodiment, the ECU is further configured to terminate the operation of the HVAC unit based on at least one of lapse of the predetermined time period, temperature of the cabin being within the predetermined temperature range and receiving termination signal from the remote control unit.

In an embodiment, the predetermined temperature range is between 19°C to 30°C.

In an embodiment, the predetermined time period is between 60 seconds to 600 seconds.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a system for controlling Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit for regulating temperature in a cabin of a vehicle, is disclosed. The system includes a remote-control unit associated with the vehicle. An electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle is communicatively coupled to various components in the vehicle including, but not limited to, the remote-control unit, the HVAC unit, an actuator coupled to a clutch pedal, and one or more sensors or brake control module associated with a handbrake of the vehicle. The ECU is configured to receive a signal to initiate regulation of temperature of the cabin from the remote control unit. Further, the ECU is configured to determine condition of the handbrake in the vehicle, upon receiving the signal from the remote control unit. The condition of the handbrake is either one of an operated state and a relaxed state. Further, the ECU is then configured to operate the actuator to displace the clutch pedal for disengaging a clutch in a powertrain of the vehicle, based on the determined condition of the handbrake to be the operated state. The ECU is further configured to operate a starter motor to crank up a prime mover of the vehicle, upon disengagement of the clutch. Subsequent to the cranking of the prime mover of the vehicle, the ECU is configured to operate the HVAC unit to regulate temperature in the cabin for at least one of a predetermined time period and a predetermined temperature range.

In an embodiment, the actuator is at least one of a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, and an electric actuator.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 is a flow chart illustrating a conventional method of operating a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit, for temperature regulation in a passenger cabin of a vehicle.

Figure 2 illustrates schematic view of a system for controlling Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit for regulating temperature in a cabin of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 illustrates schematic view of a modified vehicle control arrangement associated with the system of figure 2, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method of controlling the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit for regulating temperature in the cabin of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system and method illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, assembly, mechanism, system, method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or mechanism.

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a system for controlling Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit for regulating temperature in a cabin of a vehicle remotely. The system includes a remote-control unit associated with the vehicle. In an embodiment, the remote control unit is the device used for providing a signal to lock and unlock the vehicle remotely, and the remote control unit may be equipped with a button to initiate the HVAC unit operation. An electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle is communicatively coupled to various components in the vehicle including, but not limited to, the remote-control unit, the HVAC unit, an actuator coupled to a clutch pedal, and one or more sensors or brake control module associated with a handbrake of the vehicle. The ECU is configured to receive a signal to initiate regulation of temperature of the cabin from the remote control unit. Further, the ECU is configured to determine condition of the handbrake in the vehicle, upon receiving the signal from the remote control unit. The condition of the handbrake is either one of an operated state and a relaxed state. Further, the ECU is then configured to operate the actuator to displace the clutch pedal for disengaging a clutch in a powertrain of the vehicle, based on the determined condition of the handbrake to be the operated state. The ECU is further configured to operate a starter motor to crank up a prime mover of the vehicle, upon disengagement of the clutch. Subsequent to the cranking of the prime mover of the vehicle, the ECU is configured to operate the HVAC unit to regulate temperature in the cabin for at least one of a predetermined time period and a predetermined temperature range. The system is configured to regulate cabin temperature prior to boarding of passengers, by operating the HVAC unit of the vehicle, while considering the position of the handbrake of the vehicle.

The term ‘vehicle’ as used herein refers to any vehicle having a cabin, where the cabin may be an enclosed space configured to accommodate at least one of a passenger, goods, and any other substance/subject that may be carriable by the vehicle. The cabin may be equipped with at least one of an HVAC unit, an air conditioning unit, a blower, a heater, a cooler and a heat exchanger for regulating temperature per requirements based on the passenger/goods being accommodated in such cabin. The term ‘regulating’ as referred herein may be performed by controlling or varying parameters of air contained in the cabin, where such parameters of the air within the cabin may include but may not be limited to, temperature, humidity, moisture content and ventilation of air within the cabin.

The disclosure is described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 2 to 4. In the figures, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. It is to be noted that, the vehicle is not illustrated in the figures for the purpose of simplicity. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the system and the method as disclosed in the present disclosure may be used in any vehicle including but not liming to passenger cars, public transport vehicles, goods transportation vehicles or any other vehicle having air conditioning unit or HVAC unit.

Figure 2 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a schematic view of a system (100) for controlling a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit (101) in a vehicle. The HVAC unit (101) is configured to regulate temperature in a cabin (102) of the vehicle [not shown in the figures], in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (100) includes a remote-control unit (108) associated with the vehicle, and the remote-control unit (108) is configured to initiate operation of the HVAC unit (101) remotely from the vehicle, such that temperature of the cabin may be either lowered or elevated, as per requirement of a passenger to be accommodated in such cabin. The remote-control unit (108) is communicatively coupled to an electronic control unit (ECU) (103) of the vehicle. The ECU (103) is configured to receive the signal from the remote control unit (108) and execute operations that are necessary to perform temperature regulation in the cabin (102) of a vehicle.

The remote control unit (108) may include a regulating module and a transmitter module [both not shown in Figures], where the regulating module may be configured to enable the passenger to input data and/or select options pertaining to temperature at which the cabin is to be regulated to, or may allow the passenger to operate parameters that may be associated in regulating the temperature of the cabin. The transmitter module may be configured to generate a signal, based on selection of the data and/or options from the regulating module by the passenger. In an embodiment, the regulator module may allow selection of the data or options by means including, but not limited to, a push-button, a switch, a trackball, a touch screen module, and any other selecting means for the passenger. The remote control unit (108) may be a device such as, but not limited to, a key fob remote control device, a switch-blade, flip-style remote control device, a smart key remote control device or any application in a computing device associated with the vehicle, for controlling operation of the HVAC unit (101) to regulate temperature of the cabin. The signal transmitted by the remote control unit (108) includes at least one of a signal to initiate regulation of temperature of the cabin (102), signal to terminate regulation of temperature of the cabin (102), signal to extend or reduce a predetermined time period of operation of the HVAC unit (101), and signal to extend, reduce and/or modify a predetermined temperature range during operation of the HVAC unit (101). The remote control unit (108) may also be configured to allow the passenger or user an option to select and/or vary the predetermined temperature range and the predetermined time period of operation of the HVAC unit (101).

Further, the ECU (103) is configured to receive the signal from the remote control unit (108) and is configured to initiate regulation of temperature of the cabin (102). Additionally, the ECU (103) may also be communicatively coupled to the HVAC unit (101), an actuator (104) coupled to a clutch pedal (105), and to one or more sensors (106) or a brake control module associated with a handbrake (107) of the vehicle. To initiate regulation of the temperature of the cabin, the ECU (103) is configured to determine conditions and/or parameters of the vehicle. The conditions and/or parameters of the vehicle may be including, but not limited to, gradient of surface on which the vehicle may be parked, braking condition of the vehicle, transmission state in the powertrain of the vehicle, and the like. In the illustrative embodiment, for selectively considering and controlling said parameters of the vehicle, the ECU (103) may be configured to monitor the braking condition and transmission state in the powertrain of the vehicle, by determining condition of a handbrake (107) and condition of clutch in the powertrain of the vehicle, respectively. The condition of the handbrake (107) of the vehicle is either one of an operated state (109) and a relaxed state (110). The term ‘operated state’ (109) may be referred to as a state where handbrake lever [not shown in figures] may be displaced to an engaged position, at which brake forces may be applied on wheels of the vehicle to maintain said vehicle in a motionless state, thereby inhibiting inadvertent accidental rolling of wheels of the vehicle even when parked on a slope or gradient surface. Also, the term ‘relaxed state’ (110) may be referred to as a state where handbrake lever may be displaced to a disengaged position, at which the wheels of the vehicle are free from brake forces. In the ‘relaxed state’ (110) of the handbrake (107), though the vehicle may be motionless, the vehicle is not secured against accidental rolling away when parked on slopes or uneven surfaces. In addition, on displacing the handbrake lever to the operated state (109), the handbrake (107) may ensure that the vehicle remains motionless, that is, in a state of rest, irrespective of gear being actuated in the transmission of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the condition of the handbrake (107) may be determined by one or more sensors (106) positioned proximal to said handbrake (107) , where the one or more sensors (106) may be communicatively coupled to the ECU (103) and transmit a signal pertaining to condition of the handbrake (107) and/or position of the handbrake lever. In an embodiment, condition of the handbrake (107) may also be determined based on signals received from a brake control module associated with the vehicle and interfaced with the ECU (103).

Further, upon determining the handbrake (107) to be in the operated state (109), the ECU (103) may be configured to operate the actuator (104) to displace the clutch pedal (105) for disengaging a clutch (111) in the powertrain (112) of the vehicle. Displacement of the clutch pedal (105), by the actuator (104), may results in disengagement of the clutch (111) in the powertrain (112) of the vehicle, where such disengagement of the clutch (111) may disconnect or disrupt power transmission from the prime mover to the transmission of the vehicle. Due to such disconnection in transmission of the power from the power train, state of the vehicle may be controlled to remain as motionless [or at state of rest], irrespective of actuation of the gear via the gear lever may, thereby minimizing risk of inadvertent movement of the vehicle. The term ‘powertrain’ used herein refers to the components of the vehicle involved in generation and transmission of power to drive wheels of the vehicle. Such components of the powertrain may include prime mover or engine, transmission, drive shafts, differentials, and the drive wheels. In an embodiment, the prime mover of the vehicle may be an internal combustion engine of the vehicle.

On disengagement of the clutch (111), a starter motor is operated by the ECU (103) to crank up a prime mover of the vehicle. Upon cranking up of the prime mover, the HVAC unit (101) is operated by the ECU (103) to regulate temperature in the cabin (102). The HVAC unit (101) is operated for at least one of the predetermined time period and the predetermined temperature range. Further, the operation of the HVAC unit (101) may be terminated by the ECU (103) based on at least one of lapse of the predetermined time period, temperature of the cabin (102) being within the predetermined temperature range and receiving termination signal from the remote control unit (108). In an embodiment, the operation of the HVAC unit (101) may be regulated by controlling actuation of at least one of a blower, a heater, a compressor, a pump, and one or more valves associated with the HVAC unit (101). In the embodiment, the predetermined time period and the predetermined temperature range is dependent on parameters including at least one of a temperature in the cabin (102), surrounding temperature of the vehicle, and humidity in the cabin (102). In the embodiment, the predetermined temperature range may be in between 19°C to 30°C, and the predetermined time period may be in between 60 seconds to 600 seconds.

Figure 3 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a schematic view of a modified vehicle control arrangement (200) associated with the system (100) of figure 2. In a conventional vehicle control arrangement associated with the conventional method (10) of figure 1, the vehicle control arrangement includes an accelerator, a foot brake and a clutch pedal only. In the modified vehicle control arrangement (200), in addition to the accelerator (114) and the foot brake (113), the arrangement (200) includes the actuator (104) coupled to the clutch pedal (105). The clutch pedal (105) is coupled to the clutch (111) in the powertrain (112) of the vehicle. Both the actuator (104) and the powertrain (112) are communicatively coupled to the ECU (103) of the vehicle. Such modified arrangement (200) enables the actuator (104) to displace the clutch pedal (105) based on the determined condition of the handbrake (107), in which the determined condition should be the operated state (109). Displacing the clutch pedal (105) by the actuator (104) further results in disengagement of the clutch (111) in the powertrain (112) of the vehicle, thereby safeguarding the vehicle against accidental movement and/or rolling away while being in a parked condition. In an embodiment, the actuator (104) may be, but not limited to, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, and an electric actuator and the like.

In an embodiment, the HVAC unit (101) of the vehicle may be communicatively coupled with a plurality of climate control sensors associated with the ECU (103) of the vehicle. The plurality of climate control sensors may include one or more sensors to determine at least one of a temperature, humidity and moisture content values, within and outside the cabin (102) of the vehicle. Additionally, the plurality of climate control sensors may be communicatively coupled to a user interface for inputting or setting passenger comfort parameters such as, but not limited to, preferred temperature ranges, preferred humidity and moisture content levels, and allowing or denying permission for the plurality of climate control sensors to regulate temperature of the cabin (102) based on external weather conditions and the like. In another embodiment, the plurality of climate control sensors may be configured to control the operation of the HVAC unit (101) by controlling actuation of at least one of a blower, a heater, a compressor, a pump, and one or more valves associated with the HVAC unit (101) of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the ECU (103) or the remote control unit (108) may be provisioned with safety control means such as, but not limited to, terminating operation control, for terminating operation of the HVAC unit (101) and/or the prime mover of the vehicle upon determining at least one of an accidental release of the handbrake (107), depletion of battery charge level in a battery associated with the HVAC unit (101), reduction of fuel level in the vehicle and the like. In an embodiment, the ECU (103) of the vehicle may be configured to terminate operation of the HVAC unit (101) and/or the prime mover of the vehicle upon determining at least one of an accidental movement or rolling away of the vehicle, unauthorized entry into the passenger cabin (102), opening of bonnet or engine compartment cover of the vehicle and the like.

In an embodiment, the system (100) for controlling HVAC unit (101) for regulating temperature in the cabin (102) of the vehicle, may be automated. In such automated system (100), the HVAC unit (101) may be controlled by the ECU (103) without the requirement of, receiving of a signal by the ECU (103) from the remote control unit (108). In the embodiment, the ECU (103) may control the operation of the HVAC unit (101) based on external weather conditions and user preferences.

Operation of the system (100) for controlling HVAC unit (101) for regulating temperature in the cabin (102) of the vehicle is described with reference to figures 2 and 3. The operation of the system (100) begins with receipt of a signal by the ECU (103) from the remote control unit (108) associated with the vehicle. The signal includes a command or instruction to initiate regulation of temperature of the cabin (102) of the vehicle. The signal may be generated by a user or an operator, when a push button is actuated on the remote control unit (108). Upon receipt of the signal by the ECU (103), the ECU (103) checks for condition of the handbrake (107) in the vehicle. The condition of the handbrake (107) may be determined based on the signals received from at least one of one or more sensors (106) and the brake control module of the vehicle associated with the ECU (103). The condition of the handbrake (107) is either one of an operated state (109) and a relaxed state (110). If it is determined by the ECU (103) that the handbrake (107) is in the relaxed state (110) condition, the ECU (103) negates the signal received from the remote-control unit (108) and abandons initiation of temperature regulation of the cabin (102). On the other hand, if it is determined by the ECU (103) that the handbrake (107) is in the operated state (109) condition, the ECU (103) operates the actuator (104) to displace the clutch pedal (105). Displacement of the clutch pedal (105) results in disengagement of the clutch (111) in the powertrain (112) of the vehicle. Subsequent to disengagement of the clutch (111), the ECU (103) operates a starter motor to crank up a prime mover of the vehicle. The prime mover may be an internal combustion engine or an electric motor in the powertrain (112) of the vehicle. Following the cranking up of the prime mover (112), the ECU (103) operates the HVAC unit (101) to regulate temperature in the cabin (102). The HVAC unit (101) is operated for at least one of a predetermined time period and a predetermined temperature range, as determined by the ECU (103). In an embodiment, the HVAC unit (101) may be operated until a termination signal, to terminate operation of the HVAC unit (101), is received by the ECU (103) from the remote control unit (108). The above described configuration of the system (100), enables controlling operation of the HVAC unit (101) for regulating temperature in the cabin (102) of a vehicle.

Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrating a flow chart of a method (300) of controlling a Heat, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit (101) for regulating temperature in a cabin (102) of a vehicle. In an embodiment, the method may be implemented in any vehicle including, but not limited to, passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle, mobility vehicles, and the like.

The method may describe in the general context of processor executable instructions in the ECU (103). Generally, the executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, units, and functions, which perform particular functions or implement particular data types.

The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

As depicted at block 301, the method (300) includes the step of receiving, by an electronic control unit (ECU) (103), a signal to initiate regulation of temperature of the cabin (102). The signal may be generated and communicated by a remote control unit (108) associated with the vehicle.

As depicted at block 302, the method (300) includes determining, by the ECU (103), condition of a handbrake (107) in the vehicle. The condition of the handbrake (107) may be either one of an operated state (109) and a relaxed state (110). The ECU (103) determines the condition or status of the handbrake (107) upon receiving the signal from the remote control unit (108).

As depicted at block 303, the method (300) further includes operating, by the ECU (103), an actuator (104) to displace a clutch pedal (105) for disengaging a clutch (111) in a powertrain (112) of the vehicle. The actuator (104) is operated based on the determined condition of the handbrake (107), which mandatorily needs to be in the operated state (109). On the contrary, the actuator (104) is not operated if it is determined that the handbrake (107) is in the relaxed state (109) condition.

As depicted at block 304, the method (300) further includes operating, by the ECU (103), a starter motor to crank up a prime mover of the vehicle, as depicted in 304. The prime mover is cranked up by the starter motor only upon disengagement of the clutch (111). The prime mover may be an internal combustion engine or an electric motor in the powertrain (112) of the vehicle.

Further, as depicted at block 305, the method (300) includes operating, by the ECU (103), the HVAC unit (101) to regulate temperature in the cabin (102). The HVAC unit (101) is operated by the ECU (103) subsequent to the cranking of the prime mover of the vehicle. The HVAC unit (101) is operated for at least one of a predetermined time period and a predetermined temperature range, as determined by the ECU (103).

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the ECU (103) may be a centralized control unit, or a dedicated control unit associated with the system (100). The ECU (103) may be implemented by any computing systems that is utilized to implement the features of the present disclosure. The ECU (103) may be comprised of a processing unit. The processing unit may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user- or system-generated requests. The processing unit may be a specialized processing unit such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. The processing unit may include a microprocessor, such as AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, IBM PowerPC, Intel’s Core, Itanium, Xeon, Celeron or other line of processors, etc. The processing unit may be implemented using a mainframe, distributed processor, multi-core, parallel, grid, or other architectures. Some embodiments may utilize embedded technologies like application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and the like.

Further, in some embodiments, the processing unit may be disposed in communication with one or more memory devices (e.g., RAM, ROM etc.) via a storage interface. The storage interface may connect to memory devices including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as serial advanced technology attachment (SATA), integrated drive electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, universal serial bus (USB), fiber channel, small computing system interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, redundant array of independent discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid-state drives and the like.

In an embodiment, the method (300) enables regulating temperature in the cabin (102) of the vehicle, prior to boarding of passengers into the vehicle. Such advanced regulation of the temperature in the cabin (102) prevents heat exhaustion and discomfort in passengers, that may be caused by high cabin temperatures in vehicles parked in direct or indirect sunlight. Further, such advanced regulation of cabin temperature allows for cooling of the cabin (102) in a short period of time, thereby minimizing fuel consumption of the vehicle. In addition, advanced regulation of cabin temperature saves passengers time, as it allows them to begin their journey soon after boarding the vehicle, without waiting for the cabin temperatures to reach a desired level. Furthermore, the embodiment of the system (100) including climate control sensors allows for regulation of cabin temperature based on preferred temperature ranges, preferred humidity and moisture content levels, external weather conditions and the like. In addition, the system (100) enhances child lock or child safety features of the vehicle by ensuring that the vehicle remains motionless (at state of rest) during operation of HVAC unit (101).

EQUIVALENTS

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERRAL NUMERICALS
Particulars Numerical
Conventional method of operating a HVAC unit 10
Steps included in the conventional method of operating the HVAC unit 11-13
System for controlling HVAC unit 100
Heat, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit 101
Cabin
102
Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
103
Actuator
104
Clutch Pedal
105
Sensor
106
Handbrake
107
Remote Control Unit 108
Operated state of the handbrake
109
Relaxed state of the handbrake 110
Clutch
111
Powertrain
112
Foot Brake
113
Accelerator
114
Modified passenger vehicle control arrangement 200
Method of controlling the HVAC unit 300
Steps included in the method of controlling the HVAC unit 301-305