DESC:
FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) of the vehicle.
DEFINITIONS
As used in the present disclosure, the following term is generally intended to have the meaning as set forth below, except to the extent that the context in which it is used to indicate otherwise.
Ambient: The term ‘ambient’ hereinafter refers to the immediate surroundings of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Opening or closing the door of a vehicle causes a disturbance or variation in air pressure inside the vehicle. The variation in the air pressure is proportional to the door closing effort. As a result, each time the door is opened or closed the vehicle occupants experience an ear slapping effect because of a booming sound created in the vehicle cabin. Sometimes, the pressurized air inside in the vehicle cabin makes it difficult to close the door.
To avoid variation in the air pressure in the vehicle cabin, conventional vehicles have an air extractor passage, provided at the rear end of the vehicle, typically, in the rear pillar region of the vehicle. However, the conventional arrangement does not adequately assist in equalizing the pressure when the door is opened or closed.
There is therefore required a system for equalizing the air pressure in the vehicle cabin by varies the air pressure in accordance with the closing or opening of the door of the vehicle.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for equalizing the air pressure in a vehicle cabin.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that lowers the door closing effect.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that adds to the comfort of vehicle occupants.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a system for equalizing the air pressure in a vehicle cabin. The system comprises an air venting passage, a deflector, a sensor and an actuator. The air venting passage is defined by a first end which opens into the ambient and a second end which opens into the interior of the vehicle. The deflector is fitted along the passage. The sensor is fitted within the cabin. The sensor is configured to determine the pressure within the cabin. The actuator is connected between the sensor and the deflector. The actuator is configured to displace the deflector from an inoperative configuration wherein the deflector blocks the movement of air between the passage and the cabin to a first operative configuration in which air from the cabin is released through the passage to the ambient when pressure in the cabin increases, and to a second operative configuration which allows ambient air to enter the cabin through the passage when there is drop in pressure in the cabin.
In an embodiment, the sensor is configured to generate a sensed value.
In another embodiment, the system includes a controller coupled to the sensor. The controller includes a repository configured to store a threshold value, and a comparator configured to receive the sensed value and compare the sensed value with the threshold value to generate a first compared value if the sensed value is more than the threshold value and a second compared value if the sensed value is less than the threshold value.
In yet another embodiment, the actuator is configured to receive the first compared signal or the second compared signal to displace the deflector from the inoperative configuration to the first operative configuration or the second operative configuration.
In still another embodiment, the passage is configured in between the recirculation air passage and the fresh air opening of the vehicle air conditioning unit.
In one embodiment, the system includes a filter mounted at the second end of the passage. The filter is configured to filter the air entering the cabin.
In another embodiment, the actuator is an electrically driven motor.
The present disclosure further discloses an air circulation system for an air conditioning unit of a vehicle. The air circulation system comprises the system for equalizing the air pressure in a vehicle cabin.
The present disclosure also envisages a method for equalizing the air pressure in a vehicle cabin. The method comprises the following steps of:
• determining the air pressure in the cabin, by a sensor fitted within the cabin; and
• displacing a deflector fitted along an air venting passage, connecting an interior of the vehicle to an ambient, from an inoperative configuration wherein the deflector blocks the movement of air between the passage and the cabin to a first operative configuration in which air from the cabin is released through the passage to the ambient when pressure in the cabin increases, and to a second operative configuration which allows ambient air to enter the cabin through the passage when there is drop in pressure in the cabin.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 – System
105 – Fresh air opening
110 – Recirculating air opening
115 – Actuator
120 – Fresh air mode relay
125 – Recirculating mode relay
130 – HVAC controller switch
135 – Air extractor relay
140 – Sensor
145 – External power source
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A system, of the present disclosure, for equalizing the air pressure in a vehicle cabin will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of the system of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of the system of Figure 1; and
Figure 3 illustrates a flow diagram depicting the method for equalizing the air pressure in a vehicle cabin.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details, are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element is referred to as being "mounted on," “engaged to,” "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc.,when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Terms such as “inner,” “outer,” "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
A system (100), of the present disclosure, for equalizing the air pressure in a vehicle cabin will now be described with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 3.
Generally, the air circulated inside the vehicle cabin is conditioned in accordance with the parameters of temperature and humidity as desired and set by a user. However, in spite of an effective conditioning of the air, the cabin occupant may feel uncomfortable due to irregular air pressure inside the vehicle cabin. More specifically, when the vehicle doors are closed, the pressure of air in the cabin tends to increase or decrease with respect to the ambient. The variation in air pressure causes a booming noise and an ear slapping effect when the doors are later opened. Further, the pressurized air in the vehicle cabin also makes it difficult to close the doors. Hence, it is important to equalize the air pressure inside the cabin with the ambient pressure.
The system (100) comprises an air venting passage which is defined by a first end which opens into the ambient and a second end which opens into the interior of the vehicle. A deflector (not shown in figures) is fitted along the passage, typically at the second end of the passage. A sensor (140) is fitted within the cabin. The sensor (140) is configured to continuously monitor and determine the air pressure within the cabin, to generate a sensed value. An actuator (115) is connected between the sensor (140) and the deflector. In an embodiment, the actuator (115) is connected to a relay switch (135) which in turn is connected to the deflector to control the opening and closing of the deflector.
The actuator (115) is configured to displace the deflector from an inoperative configuration wherein the deflector blocks the movement of air between the passage and the cabin to a first operative configuration in which air from the cabin is released through the passage to the ambient when pressure in the cabin increases, and to a second operative configuration which allows ambient air to enter the cabin through the passage when there is drop in pressure in the cabin.
The system (100) includes a controller (not shown in figures) coupled to the sensor (140). The controller includes a repository and a comparator. The repository is configured to store a threshold value therein. The comparator is configured to receive the sensed value and compare the sensed value with the threshold value to generate a first compared value if the sensed value is more than the threshold value. The comparator is further configured to generate a second compared value if the sensed value is less than the threshold value.
The actuator is configured to receive the first compared signal or the second compared signal to displace the deflector from the inoperative configuration to the first operative configuration or the second operative configuration.
In a first operative configuration, the sensor (140) detects an increased pressure of air inside the vehicle cabin, and generates a signal value corresponding to the increased pressure of air inside the vehicle cabin. The controller receives the sensed signal and compares the sensed signal with the threshold value stored in the memory of the controller. Since the sensed value is greater than the threshold value, the controller generates a first compared signal. The actuator (115) receives the first compared signal, and displaces the deflector based on the first compared signal, from an inoperative configuration to a first operative configuration. More specifically, the actuator (115) displaces the deflector from a position where the deflector blocks the movement of air through the passage to a position where air from the cabin is released through the passage. The release of air equalizes the pressure of air in the cabin with the outside pressure.
In a second operative configuration, the sensor (140) detects a decreased pressure of air inside the vehicle cabin, and generates a signal value corresponding to the decreased pressure of air inside the vehicle cabin. The controller receives the sensed signal and compares the sensed signal with the threshold value stored in the memory of the controller. Since the sensed value is lesser than the threshold value, the controller generates a second compared signal. The actuator (115) receives the second compared signal, and displaces the deflector based on the second compared signal, from an inoperative configuration to a second operative configuration. More specifically, the actuator (115) displaces the deflector from a position where the deflector blocks the movement of air through the passage to a position where ambient air is allowed inside the cabin. The inflow of air equalizes the pressure of air in the cabin with the outside pressure.
In an embodiment, the air venting passage is configured in between the fresh air opening (105) and the recirculation air passage (110) of the vehicle air conditioning unit (as illustrated in Figure 1). In another embodiment, the air venting passage is configured at one of the rear pillars of the vehicle.
The system (100) includes a filter mounted at the second end of the passage. The filter is configured to filter the air entering the cabin. In an embodiment, the filter is a HEPA filter.
In an embodiment, the actuator (115) is an electrically driven motor which is powered by an external power source (145).
In one embodiment, the deflector is a vane type deflector. In another embodiment, the deflector is a rotating window deflector. In yet another embodiment, the deflector is a sliding window deflector.
The present disclosure further envisages an air circulation system for an air conditioning unit of a vehicle, wherein the air circulation system comprises the system (100) for equalizing the air pressure in a vehicle cabin.
The system (100) is configured to be in fluid communication with an air conditioning unit (not specifically shown in figures) of the vehicle, which includes an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and a fan which are fitted inside the vehicle to provide air conditioning inside the vehicle cabin. The air conditioning unit is configured to operate in three modes that are as follows:
a. Vehicle compartment air control mode;
b. Fresh air mode; and
b. Recirculating mode.
The above modes can be selected by the user with the help of an HVAC controller switch (130). The vehicle compartment air control mode is configured to effectively control the cabin temperature and humidity levels. The fresh air mode when selected, causes actuation of a fresh air mode relay (120) to activate allows inflow of outside air into the vehicle by opening an air duct situated in front of the vehicle. In the air recirculation mode, a recirculating mode relay (125) is activated to allow air from inside the vehicle cabin to be recirculated for cooling. The fresh air inflow or the recirculated air inflow, and the opening of doors causes the increase or decrease in the air pressure inside the cabin. Hence the system (100), of the present disclosure is required to facilitate the entry of ambient air into the cabin or the removal of air from the cabin into the ambient to equalize the cabin air pressure.
The present disclosure also envisages a method for equalizing the air pressure in a vehicle cabin, the method comprising the following steps of:
Step 202: determining the air pressure in the cabin, by a sensor (140) fitted within the cabin; and
Step 204: displacing a deflector fitted along an air venting passage which connects an interior of the vehicle to an ambient , from an inoperative configuration wherein the deflector blocks the movement of air between the passage and the cabin to a first operative configuration in which air from the cabin is released through the passage to the ambient when pressure in the cabin increases, and to a second operative configuration which allows ambient air to enter the cabin through the passage when there is drop in pressure in the cabin.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a system for equalizing the air pressure in a vehicle cabin, that:
• eliminates booming noise caused due to increased cabin pressure;
• lowers the door closing effect; and
• adds to the comfort of the vehicle occupants.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for equalizing the air pressure in a vehicle cabin, said system (100) comprising:
• an air venting passage defined by a first end which opens into the ambient and a second end which opens into the interior of the vehicle;
• a deflector fitted along said passage;
• a sensor (140) fitted within said cabin, said sensor (140) configured to determine the pressure within said cabin; and
• an actuator (115) connected between said sensor (140) and said deflector, said actuator (115) configured to displace said deflector from an inoperative configuration wherein said deflector blocks the movement of air between said passage and said cabin to a first operative configuration in which air from said cabin is released through said passage to the ambient when pressure in said cabin increases, and to a second operative configuration which allows ambient air to enter the cabin through said passage when there is drop in pressure in said cabin.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensor (140) is configured to generate a sensed value.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a controller coupled to said sensor (140), said controller including:
o a repository configured to store a threshold value; and
o a comparator configured to receive said sensed value and compare said sensed value with said threshold value to generate a first compared value if said sensed value is more than said threshold value and a second compared value if said sensed value is less than said threshold value.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuator is configured to receive said first compared signal or said second compared signal to displace said deflector from said inoperative configuration to said first operative configuration or said second operative configuration.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said passage is configured in between the recirculation air passage and the fresh air opening of the vehicle air conditioning unit.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a filter mounted at the second end of said passage, said filter configured to filter the air entering said cabin.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuator (115) is an electrically driven motor.
8. An air circulation system for an air conditioning unit of a vehicle, said air circulation system comprising said system (100) for equalizing the air pressure in a vehicle cabin, as claimed in claim 1.
9. A method for equalizing the air pressure in a vehicle cabin, said method comprising the following steps of:
• determining the air pressure in said cabin, by a sensor (140) fitted within said cabin; and
• displacing a deflector fitted along an air venting passage, connecting an interior of the vehicle to an ambient , from an inoperative configuration wherein said deflector blocks the movement of air between said passage and said cabin to a first operative configuration in which air from said cabin is released through said passage to the ambient when pressure in said cabin increases, and to a second operative configuration which allows ambient air to enter the cabin through said passage when there is drop in pressure in said cabin.