DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of temperature control systems for vehicles.
DEFINITIONS
Occupant-zone– The term ‘occupant-zone’ hereinafter in the specification refers to a space that can be occupied by an occupant in a vehicle cabin.
Dual-zone temperature control system – The term ‘dual-zone temperature control system’ hereinafter in the specification refers to a temperature control system that enables a user to set different temperatures for different occupant-zones in a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
A temperature control system is used in a vehicle to control air temperature within the vehicle. The temperature control system is in communication with a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to control the air temperature. In conventional temperature control systems, only temperature of the vehicle cabin is fed to the control system. Due to this, the performance of the control system is hampered which further affects passenger’s comfort inside the vehicle. Particularly in dual-zone temperature control systems, where a user can set different temperatures for different zones in the vehicle cabin (for example, different air temperatures for the driver and a front passenger), fine and precise logic needs to be set for optimizing the performance. For this, different accurate inputs are required to be fed to the control system, which are not fed in conventional temperature control systems. Also, in a conventional temperature control system, other relevant information such as coolant temperature are not taken into consideration.
Therefore, there is felt a need of a temperature control system that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks of conventional temperature control systems, and takes into account various inputs along with the temperature value inside a vehicle cabin.
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 temperature control system that optimizes the performance of an air conditioning system in a vehicle.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a temperature control system that reduces dependency on an electronic control unit of a vehicle.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a temperature control system that takes into account various inputs along with the temperature value inside a vehicle cabin.
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 heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) temperature control system for a vehicle. The vehicle has a plurality of occupant-zones. Each occupant-zone defines a space that can be occupied by an occupant in the vehicle cabin and has a corresponding air vent for receiving conditioned air. The HVAC temperature control system comprises a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of a coolant associated with an engine of the vehicle. The coolant temperature sensor provides a sensed coolant temperature information to the HVAC control unit for regulating temperature of air within the occupant-zones.
The HVAC temperature control system includes an evaporator configured to cool air entering the HVAC system and a plurality of heaters, configured to heat air output given by the evaporator. The HVAC temperature control system further includes a plurality of temperature doors of the HVAC system disposed across air outlet ducts. The temperature doors are configured to control the flow of conditioned air supplied to the occupant-zones. The HVAC control unit is configured to generate one or more control signals to independently actuate the temperature doors based on user temperature input, thereby selectively facilitating blending of the air output of the evaporator with the air output of the heaters and passing the blended air from the air outlet ducts to the air vents of the occupant-zone of the vehicle and therefore regulate temperature of air within each of the occupant-zones.
In an embodiment the coolant temperature sensor is configured to sense temperature of coolant entering in the HVAC system. The HVAC control unit is configured to control the flow of coolant in the heater.
In another embodiment the system includes at least one coolant temperature sensor and a plurality of air temperature sensors. The air temperature sensors include air temperature sensors corresponding to the occupant-zones in a one-to-one correspondence. The air temperature sensors are mounted in the corresponding occupant-zone of the vehicle.
In another embodiment the temperature control system includes an air temperature sensor configured to sense temperature of air coming out from a radiator of the vehicle.
In yet another embodiment the HVAC temperature control system is configured to regulate temperature for at least two occupant-zones of the vehicle.
In an embodiment system the HVAC temperature control system comprises a temperature selection interface in communication with the HVAC control unit for facilitating selection of a desirable occupant-zone temperature by the occupant(s).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A temperature control system, of the present disclosure, will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an HVAC system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of a coolant temperature sensor of the temperature control system of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged view of the coolant temperature sensor of Figure 2;
Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of a first air temperature sensor mounted proximal to a radiator of a vehicle; and
Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of the air temperature sensor of Figure 4.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 - HVAC system
101 - air inlets
102 - air inlet door
103 - blower unit
104 - evaporator
105a, 105b - heater
106a, 106b - temperature door
107a, 107b - air outlet duct
108 - coolant temperature sensor
109 - coolant conveying pipe
225 - radiator
230 - air temperature sensor
231 – first air temperature sensor
A - enlarged view
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, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, 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. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
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.
The present disclosure envisages a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) temperature control system that optimizes the performance of a vehicle air conditioning system by taking into account a plurality of inputs from different sensors and regulate temperature of air within each of the occupant-zones defined within the vehicle cabin.
The HVAC temperature control system, of the present disclosure, is now elaborated with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 5.
The HVAC temperature control system includes a plurality of temperature sensors configured to sense the temperature of various parameters associated with an air conditioning system of the vehicle. The temperature control system further includes an HVAC control unit in communication with the sensors and a temperature selection interface. The HVAC control unit is configured to control and optimize the performance of the air conditioning system based on received inputs from the sensors.
Figure 1, shows a HVAC system 100. The HVAC system 100 is controlled by the HVAC control unit. The HVAC system 100 includes air inlets 101, an air inlet door 102, a blower unit 103, an evaporator 104, a plurality of heaters 105a, 105b, a plurality of temperature doors 106a, 106b and air outlet ducts 107a, 107b. The air inlet door 102 facilitates suction of outside air or a cabin air of the vehicle, for conditioning the air, as per selection of one of ‘fresh air mode’ or ‘recirculation mode’ of the HVAC system. The air intake is controlled by the air inlet door 102. The air inlet door 102 is actuated for a desired air inlet preference, i.e., fresh air or recirculated air. Further, on selection of the ‘fresh air mode’, fresh air from outside is processed by the HVAC system 100 and the air received from the the cabin through one of the air inlets 101 is discharged to the outside of the vehicle. The blower unit 103 blows the inlet air through an evaporator 104. The air passed from the evaporator 104 is cool air. The cooled air pass through the air outlet ducts 107a, 107b of the HVAC system 100 connecting to air vents of occupant-zones of the vehicle cabin. Further, for obtaining warm air, the air from evaporator is passed through the heaters 105a, 107b.
In an embodiment, two separate occupant-zones are defined in a vehicle cabin. The HVAC system 100 has two separate air outlet ducts 107a, 107b with heaters 105a, 105b and temperature doors 106a, 106b. For obtaining different temperatures in respective occupant-zones, the user provides their desirable temperature on the temperature selection interface. If a user desires to have warm air temperature in a particular occupant-zone, the HVAC control unit allows heated coolant coming from the engine to flow from the coil of the corresponding heater out of heaters 105a, 105b. Thus, warm air is obtained as the air from the blower 103 flows across the corresponding heater out of the heaters 105a, 105b. Further, if the user only desires to have cool air temperature, the HVAC control unit bypasses the heated coolant from the heater corresponding to the user’s occupant-zone and only cool air is channeled from the evaporator 104, passing through respective air outlet duct out of the air outlet ducts 107a, 107b to the air vent of the respective occupant-zone of the vehicle cabin. Also, if the user desires to have a specific air temperature in a particular occupant-zone, the HVAC control unit is further configured with control logic for independently controlling the movement of temperature doors 106a, 106b and for holding the temperature doors 106a, 106b at positions between respective fully open positions and fully closed positions.
The opening of each of the temperature doors 106a, 106b facilitates passage of the cool air from the evaporator 104 to blend with the warm air from the respective heater from the heaters 105a, 105b to achieve desired air temperature. The HVAC control unit is configured to independently control the degree of opening of temperature doors 106a, 106b. The degree of opening of temperature doors 106a, 106b limits and also controls the flow of cool air from the evaporator 104 as per desired air temperature.
In present embodiment, a coolant temperature is monitored continuously or at intervals by the HVAC control unit by a coolant temperature sensor 108. The coolant temperature sensor 108 is mounted on a coolant conveying pipe 109 near an HVAC heater hose. Preferably, the coolant temperature sensor 108 provides temperature of heated coolant which is entering into the heater 105a, 105b. For providing a desired temperature of any of the occupant-zone, the control logic of the HVAC control unit controls the degree of opening of the corresponding temperature door out of the temperature doors 106a, 106b for blending of warm air with the cool air in accordance with the coolant temperature received from the coolant temperature sensor 108. The mounting of the coolant temperature sensor 108 is shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3. Figure 3 shows enlarged view ‘A’ of the coolant temperature sensor 108 as shown in Figure 2.
In an embodiment, the HVAC control unit controls the flow of heated coolant in the heaters 105a, 105b in accordance with the sensed coolant temperature.
In another embodiment, the HVAC control unit controls the speed of blower unit 103 in accordance with the sensed coolant temperature.
In yet another embodiment, the HVAC system another blower unit is mounted to the heaters 105a, 105b.
In another embodiment, the temperature control system includes includes at least one coolant temperature sensor 108 and a plurality of air temperature sensors 230.
In an embodiment, a first air temperature sensor 231 is mounted proximal to a radiator 225 of the vehicle as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5. The first air temperature sensor 231 senses the temperature of air ramping on the radiator and helping the radiator 225 to reject heat of the coolant flowing through it. The first air temperature sensor 231 is in communication with the HVAC control unit, and transmits sensed temperature value of air to the HVAC control unit. As the first air temperature sensor 231 is proximal to the radiator, which is proximal to the engine of the vehicle, the engine heat is also taken into account when the HVAC control unit receives the temperature value from the first air temperature sensor 231.
In another embodiment, a second air temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of air inside a vehicle cabin. The second air temperature sensor is in communication with the HVAC control unit, and transmits sensed temperature value of inside air to the HVAC control unit.
In yet another embodiment, the temperature control system includes at least one of the first air temperature sensors, the coolant temperature sensor 108, and the second air temperature sensor.
The HVAC control unit is in communication with the first air temperature sensor 231, the coolant temperature sensor 108 and the second air temperature sensor, and receives sensed temperature values therefrom. The HVAC control unit is configured to control the operation of an air conditioning system of the vehicle based on the received temperature values.
In an embodiment, the logic stored in a repository in communication with the HVAC control unit takes into account different temperature values fed to the HVAC control unit and controls the HVAC system accordingly.
In another embodiment, the HVAC control unit is configured to take into account forced convection phenomena near the sensors. Further, the sensors are configured to transmit temperature data at certain time interval and at certain vehicle speed.
As the temperature control system takes into account various temperature inputs, particularly the coolant temperature value, the performance of the air conditioning system in the vehicle is improved. Further, the temperature control system of the present disclosure is particularly useful in dual-zone temperature control which requires different accurate temperature inputs along with temperature of vehicle’s 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 temperature control system that:
• optimizes the performance of an air conditioning system in a vehicle;
• reduces dependency of the air conditioning system on the electronic control unit of a vehicle; and
• takes into account various inputs along with the temperature value inside a vehicle cabin.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
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 documents, acts, materials, 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.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
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 heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) temperature control system for a vehicle, said vehicle having a plurality of occupant-zones, each occupant-zone defining a space that can be occupied by an occupant in the vehicle cabin and having a corresponding air vent for receiving conditioned air, characterized in that:
said HVAC temperature control system comprises a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of a coolant associated with an engine of the vehicle and providing a sensed temperature information to the HVAC control unit for regulating temperature of air within each of said occupant-zones.
2. The HVAC temperature control system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said coolant temperature sensor (108) is configured to sense temperature of coolant entering in the HVAC system.
3. The HVAC temperature control system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said HVAC temperature control system includes an evaporator (104), configured to cool air entering the HVAC system.
4. The HVAC temperature control system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein said HVAC temperature control system includes a plurality of heaters (105a, 105b), configured to heat air output given by said evaporator (104).
5. The HVAC temperature control system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said HVAC temperature control system includes a plurality of temperature doors (106a, 106b) of a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system disposed across air outlet ducts (107a, 107b), said temperature doors (106a, 106b) configured to control the flow of conditioned air supplied to said occupant-zones, and wherein said HVAC control unit is configured to generate one or more control signals to independently actuate said temperature doors (106a, 106b) based on user temperature input, thereby selectively facilitating blending of the air output of said evaporator (104) with the air output of said heaters (105a, 105b) and passing the blended air from the air outlet ducts (107a, 107b) to the air vents of said occupant-zone of the vehicle and therefore regulate temperature of air within each of said occupant-zones.
6. The HVAC temperature control system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said HVAC control unit is configured to control the flow of coolant in the heater (105a, 105b).
7. The HVAC temperature control system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system includes at least one coolant temperature sensor (108) and a plurality of air temperature sensors (230).
8. The HVAC temperature control system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 7, wherein said air temperature sensors (230) include air temperature sensors corresponding to said occupant-zones in a one-to-one correspondence.
9. The HVAC temperature control system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein each of said air temperature sensors (230) is mounted in the corresponding occupant-zone of the vehicle.
10. The HVAC temperature control system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system includes an air temperature sensor (230) configured to sense temperature of air coming out from a radiator (225) of the vehicle.
11. The HVAC temperature control system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system is configured to regulate temperature for at least two occupant-zones of the vehicle.
12. The HVAC temperature control system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a temperature selection interface for facilitating selection of a desirable occupant-zone temperature by the occupant(s), wherein said temperature selection interface is in communication with said temperature control unit.