DESC:VEHICLE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF

Field of the invention
The present invention relates to automotive cooling system and more particularly provides a system and a method for cooling a stationary automotive when engine of such automotive is in turned OFF condition.

Background of the invention
In hot summer if vehicle is parked under direct sun for some time then it may give discomfort to driver or co-passenger because of hot interiors and inside passenger compartments. In sunny days overheating of the inside air of the parked vehicle is very common and people often lock the doors, leave their food, pets and even kids sometimes inside the vehicle.

Various efforts have been already made to cool passenger cabin automatically before his entry. Prior art WO1999009360A1 discloses a control module which controls the operation of the various elements for remote auxiliary cooling and heating of the vehicle. The prior art provides a separate auxiliary system for cooling of the vehicle where motor is in a continuous connection with the compressor via belt drive or direct connected shaft and compressor is connected with the engine via belt drive. The motor works as a generator to charge the battery when the compressor is running by the engine. Another set up in the prior art system shows the possibility of an auxiliary internal combustion engine to run the HVAC system.

Prior art US4497240A discloses vehicle cabin blower which is driven by use of electric power from the solar battery alone and separate power source is a solar battery which is mounted on the external part of the vehicle such as the roof top. Further, the prior art discloses that the vehicle is being cooled by the blowers.

Another prior art US20060075766A1 discloses a system comprising of a controller and a blower in connection with a vehicle battery. The prior art thus provides the vehicle cooling system which is fully dependent on the vehicle battery, thus making it feasible and suitable for use in vehicles having electric-driven HVAC compressors. Further, the prior art discloses opening of the vehicle windows for extracting hot air from outside environment. Yet another prior art US20070245755A1 also discloses the possibility of use of the solar powered cooling system for providing automatic air conditioning to the parked vehicles.

However, all of the existing prior arts disclose a plurality of conventional automotive cooling systems which are mainly associated with following shortcomings including, complexity in design and use, large space requirement, costly along with several other issues with regards to accessibility, serviceability, reliability and safety.

Therefore, there exists a need to provide an automatic vehicle cooling system and method addressing the aforementioned drawbacks of the conventional automotive cooling system. Further, there exists a need for a system and a method for pre-cooling the passenger cabin very effectively even when the vehicle is parked and the engine is OFF.

Objects of the invention
The primary object of present invention is to maintain and provide the desired interior temperature conditions within the parked vehicle prior to passenger’s arrival and prior to starting the engine of the vehicle in hot weather.
Another object of present invention is to reduce space utilization by providing a simple and a cheaper automatic air conditioning system having compact design without compromising the visibility, accessibility, serviceability, reliability and safety of the vehicle.
Yet another object of present invention is to provide a retrofit kit for the automatic air conditioning system.
Still another object of present invention is to provide an operator friendly and simple mechanism for maintaining desired temperature conditions within parked vehicles without running the vehicle engine and prior to the passenger’s arrival.

Summary of the invention
The present invention, in one aspect, discloses a vehicle air conditioning system. The system is adapted for pre-cooling a passenger cabin of a vehicle in parked state prior to passenger’s arrival. The vehicle includes a primary battery, an alternator, an engine and an air conditioning compressor operably connected with each other. The alternator charges the primary battery which supplies power to operate the vehicle. The engine includes a top surface configured with a first and a second engine pulley mounted there above for operation of the air conditioning compressor. The engine is connected to the air conditioning compressor through belt for operation thereof to cool interiors of the vehicle during ON condition of the engine. The air conditioning compressor includes a top surface thereof configured with a first and a second compressor pulley mounted there above. The second compressor pulley includes a compressor clutch configured thereon for removable engagement therewith to provide cooling inside the vehicle using AC vents. During ON condition of the engine, the engine pulleys operate the air conditioning compressor and the compressor pulleys thereby facilitating engagement of the compressor clutch with the second compressor pulleys to cause cooling inside the vehicle. The compressor clutch is disengaged during OFF condition of the engine; thereby restricting the air conditioning compressor to run, as the air conditioning compressor cannot run without powering source.

The system of the present invention comprises of a secondary battery, an electronic control unit (ECU), a solenoid and a motor operably connected with each other. The secondary battery is charged using the alternator for supplying power to operate the air conditioning compressor to facilitate cooling in OFF condition of the engine. The ECU includes a remote communication module, a detection module and a control module. The remote communication module initiates an input signal when used by a user for pre-cooling the vehicle prior to passenger’s arrival. The detection module receives the input signal from the remote communication module and transmits further upon determining pre-defined conditions including OFF condition of the engine, locked condition of door and closed condition of windows glasses of the vehicle. Upon satisfying all of the pre-defined conditions, the control module receives the input signal from the detection module, and thereafter determines temperature of the passenger cabin using a temperature sensor for comparison thereof with a preset temperature value. Thereafter, the control module determines voltage of the secondary battery for comparison thereof with a preset voltage value, if the temperature is higher than the preset temperature value. Furthermore, if the voltage is equal to or higher than the preset voltage value, the control module initiates a cooling initiation signal to perform cooling inside the passenger cabin of the vehicle. The solenoid is configured with a lever that gets displaced in response to the cooling initiation signal received from the ECU. Displacement of the lever causes upward movement of an overrunning clutch of a motor armature thereby facilitating engagement of a pinion of the overrunning clutch with splines disposed below a motor pulley (17) mounted on a motor. Engagement of the splines with the pinion actuates the motor thereby causing operation of the air conditioning compressor connected thereto to perform cooling within the vehicle. The motor further includes a hollow shaft configured below the motor pulley (17) for rotation thereof without rotating the motor armature in the ON condition of the engine.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle air conditioning method for pre-cooling the passenger cabin of the vehicle in parked state thereof prior to passenger’s arrival. The method includes initiating an input signal for pre-cooling the vehicle by the user using the remote communication module. Thereafter, the method includes the detection module checking for the pre-defined conditions prior to transmitting the input signal to the control module. Thereafter, the method includes the control module detecting temperature of the passenger cabin and comparing thereof with the preset temperature value, and further checking voltage of the secondary battery for comparison thereof with the preset voltage value if the temperature is higher than the preset temperature value. Thereafter, the method includes the control module initiating cooling initiation signal if the voltage value is higher than or equal to the preset voltage value. The method further includes displacement of the lever of the solenoid, to cause actuation of the motor simultaneously thereby facilitating operation of the air conditioning compressor for cooling within the vehicle.

Brief description of the drawings
The objectives and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein,
Figures 1 & 2 shows schematic representations of vehicle air conditioning system, in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 3 shows a flow chart of the vehicle air conditioning method for pre-cooling the vehicle in engine OFF condition, in accordance with the present invention; and
Figure 4 shows steps followed by the ECU upon receiving instructions for pre-cooling the vehicle, when the vehicle is locked, ignition is OFF and the power windows are open.

Detailed description of the invention
The foregoing objects of the invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiment.
The present invention provides a vehicle air conditioning system and method thereof. The vehicle air conditioning system and the method is capable of attaining a desired temperature for pre-cooling a passenger cabin of the vehicle automatically prior to passenger’s arrival, when the vehicle engine is in OFF condition and the vehicle is parked. The vehicle air conditioning system and the method is safe, reliable and easy in its operation, and is cheaper and less complicated as compared to the conventional vehicle cooling systems.
This present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in bracket in the following description.
Referring to figure 1 and figure 2, in one aspect, a “vehicle air conditioning system”, hereinafter referred to as “the system” is shown. The system is capable of pre-cooling a passenger cabin of a vehicle in parked state prior to passenger’s arrival and before starting the vehicle. The vehicle includes a primary battery (1), an alternator (6), an engine (5), and an air conditioning compressor (7). The above mentioned components are operably connected with each other.
The primary battery (1) supplies power for operation/ starting of the vehicle. The alternator (6) charges the primary battery (1) during running state of the vehicle. The alternator (6) includes an alternator pulley (23) configured at a top surface thereof.
The engine (5) is operably connected to the alternator (6) by means of a belt (24). The engine (5) includes an engine shaft (not shown) having a top surface configured with a first engine pulley (21) and a second engine pulley (22) placed there above. Particularly, the belt (24) extends from the first engine pulley (21) towards the alternator pulley (23) for establishing connection between the engine (5) and the alternator (6).
The air conditioning compressor (7) is operably connected to the engine (5) using the belt (24). The air conditioning compressor (7) includes a compressor shaft (not shown) having a top surface configured with a first compressor pulley (18) and a second compressor pulley (19) placed there above. The second compressor pulley (19) further includes a compressor clutch (20) mounted there above such that the compressor clutch (20) removably engages with the second compressor pulley (19) to provide cooling inside the vehicle through air conditioning (AC) vents (26) of the vehicle. Particularly, the belt (24) extends from the second compressor pulley (19) towards the second engine pulley (22) for establishing connection between the air conditioning compressor (7) and the engine (5). In standard operation, when the engine (5) is in ON condition, the engine pulleys (21, 22) supplies power via the belt (24) for operation of the air conditioning compressor (7), the compressor pulleys (18, 19) and the compressor clutch (20) allowing the compressor clutch (20) to engage with the second compressor pulley (19) to facilitate cooling inside the passenger cabin of the vehicle. During OFF condition of the engine (5), the compressor clutch (20) is disengaged from the second compressor pulley (19). Due to this, the engine (5) and the air conditioning compressor (7) are disconnected from each other. Hence, the air conditioning compressor (7) cannot run without powering source. After starting the vehicle, the compressor clutch (20) again engages with the second compressor pulley (19) to provide cooling inside the passenger cabin of the vehicle.
According to the present invention, the system is adapted of operating independent of the engine (5) of the vehicle, in response to control signals initiated remotely for facilitating cooling even in the OFF condition of the engine (5) of the vehicle. The system is retrofitted within an existing cooling system of the vehicle. Accordingly, the system comprises of a secondary battery (2), an electronic control unit (3) (hereinafter referred as “ECU (3)”), a solenoid (9), and a motor (8). The above mentioned components are operably connected with each other using a wiring harness (25). Particularly, the wiring harness (25) is used to establish connections between different hardware components of the system for passage of electricity and signals therebetween.
The secondary battery (2) supplies power for operating the air conditioning compressor (7) in the OFF condition of the engine (5) to facilitate cooling inside the vehicle. The secondary battery (2) is charged along with the primary battery (1) using the alternator (6) during the running state of the vehicle. Particularly, the primary battery (1) and the secondary battery (2) are kept in parallel connection with the alternator (6) output for charging during the running state of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the primary battery (1) and the secondary battery (2) are placed in opposite directions in engine compartment so that their weight will be balanced and equally distributed. However, it is evident to a person skilled in the art that the primary battery (1) and the secondary battery (2) can be placed anywhere in the vehicle considering the accessibility, serviceability and safety of the passenger and user/operator of the vehicle.
The ECU (3) includes a remote communication module (not shown), a detection module (not shown) and a control module (not shown). The remote communication module includes means which are operable from locations remote from said vehicle. Particularly, the remote communication module includes a transmitter operable from locations remote from the vehicle. The remote communication module is used by the user/ passenger for initiating an input signal for pre-cooling the passenger cabin of the vehicle prior to passenger’s arrival in the parked state of the vehicle. The remote communication module is structured to be hand carried for establishing communication between the user and the vehicle for transmitting the input signal for pre-cooling the passenger cabin of the vehicle prior to passenger’s arrival. In an embodiment, the remote communication module includes, not limiting thereto, a cellular telephone, and like any other hand carried means capable of transmitting input signal thereof. Further, in an alternate embodiment, the input signal can be transmitted or initiated by remote, button on doors inside or outside the vehicle, any cellphone to vehicle communication method, by cellphone computer application, by specially assigned button, by any software or input methods from inside the vehicle, any other advance communication method, and like communication means. Furthermore, real time information / temperature monitoring can be evolved in user end device / remote device.
The detection module is adapted for receiving the input signal from the remote communication module connected thereto. The detection module determines if pre-defined conditions are satisfied before transmitting the input signal therefrom. The pre-defined conditions includes, checking whether the engine (5) is in the OFF condition, whether doors of the vehicle are locked and whether window glasses of the vehicle are in closed condition.
The control module is disposed in operable communication with the detection module for receiving the input signal therefrom upon satisfying all of the pre-defined conditions. The control module controls the operation of various components of the system to provide cooling within the vehicle when the engine (5) is in the OFF condition. The control module is operably associated with the system for enablement and disablement of the system in response to the input signal received from the detection module. In response to the input signal received from the detection module, the control module determines temperature (T) of the passenger cabin using a temperature sensor for comparison thereof with a preset temperature value to determine accordingly whether or not to pass the input signal further to initiate cooling. If the temperature (T) of the passenger cabin is higher than the preset temperature value, then the control module determines voltage (V2) of the secondary battery (2). If the voltage (V2) value is found to be higher than or equal to a preset voltage value, then the control module initiates and transmits a cooling initiation signal therefrom to perform cooling inside the passenger cabin of the vehicle.
The solenoid (9) is operably connected with the control module of the ECU (3) for activation in response to the cooling initiation signal received from the ECU (3) suggesting for initiating cooling within the vehicle. The solenoid (9) includes a lever (11) configured thereon which displaces in response to the cooling initiation signal received from the ECU (3) suggesting initiation of cooling within the vehicle.
The motor (8) is disposed in operable communication with the solenoid (9) by means of the lever (11) and actuates in response to the displacement of the lever (11). The motor (8) comprises of a motor armature (10), a motor pulley (17) and a hollow shaft (15). The motor armature (10) is configured within the motor (8), and includes a top surface configured with an overrunning clutch (12). In an embodiment, the overrunning clutch (12) is provided to prevent undesired rotation of the motor (8) in an opposite direction. In an embodiment, the lever (11) extends from the solenoid (9) towards the overrunning clutch (12) of the motor armature (10), such that the overrunning clutch (12) displaces upward in response to the displacement of the lever (11). The overrunning clutch (12) is configured with a pinion (13) mounted thereon, such that the pinion (13) displaces in response to the upward movement of the overrunning clutch (12). The motor pulley (17) is configured on a top surface of the motor (8). The motor pulley (17) includes splines (16) mounted there under. The splines (16) engage with the pinion (13) upon displacement thereof causing actuation of the motor (8). The hollow shaft (15) is configured below the motor pulley (17) and is supported therein using a ball bearing (14). The hollow shaft (15) causes rotation of the motor pulley (17) without rotating the motor armature (10) in the ON condition of the engine (5) when the air conditioning compressor (7) is running on the power provided by the engine (5). The hollow shaft (15) and the overrunning cultch (12) arrangement help in preventing unnecessary rotation of the motor armature (10) of the motor (8).
Further, the motor (8) is connected with the air conditioning compressor (7) by means of the belt (24) extending from the motor pulley (17) towards the first compressor pulley (18). Therefore, actuation of the motor (8) operates the air conditioning compressor (7) to facilitate cooling within the passenger cabin of the vehicle during the OFF condition of the engine (5).
In an embodiment, the AC vents (26) disposed on an instrument panel (4) are operably connected to a blower (not shown) located in the passenger cabin of the vehicle. The blower is operated by the control module for providing pressurized air through the AC vents (26) to the passenger cabin of the vehicle in the event the voltage (V2) of the secondary battery (2) is lower than the preset voltage value. In an embodiment, the blower runs automatically at an auto speed for a preset period of time.
Referring to figure 3 and figure 4, in other aspect, a “vehicle air conditioning method (150)”, hereinafter referred to as “the method (150)” is disclosed. The method (150) is explained in conjunction with the system. The method (150) is adapted for pre-cooling the passenger cabin of the vehicle when the engine (5) is not operating.
Referring to figure 3, the method (150) begins at step (10) when the user initiates the input signal using the remote communication module of the ECU (3). The input signal corresponds to the instructions received from the user using the remote communication module for pre-cooling the passenger cabin of the vehicle in the OFF condition of the vehicle prior to the passenger’s arrival.
At step (20), the method (150) includes receiving the input signal by the detection module of the ECU (3) and determining whether the pre-defined conditions are satisfied prior to transmitting the input signal therefrom. The pre-defined conditions include checking whether the ignition is OFF (OFF condition of the engine (5)), whether the vehicle doors are locked and whether the window glasses of the vehicle are closed. For confirming if the ignition is OFF, the detection module of the ECU (3) takes input from engine sensors (not shown). For confirming if the vehicle is locked, the detection module of the ECU (3) takes input from latches and door switches and from vehicle locking and safety system (not shown). For confirming if the window glasses are in closed condition, the detection module of the ECU (3) takes input from power window motors (not shown).
If all of the above mentioned pre-defined conditions are met, then the detection module transmits the input signal therefrom to the control module of the ECU (3). In the event all of the pre-defined conditions are not met, then the method (150) ends at step (20). Upon satisfying all of the pre-defined conditions, the control module receives the input signal from the detection module suggesting the control module to start detection of temperature of the passenger cabin of the vehicle (Step 30). Thereafter, the control module, upon receiving the input signal from the detection module, at step (40) determines temperature of the passenger cabin using a temperature sensor of the AC unit for comparison thereof with a preset temperature value.
In the event the temperature (T) is lower than the preset temperature value, then the method (150) ends at step (40). If the temperature (T) is found to be higher than the preset temperature value, then at step (50), the control module further checks the voltage (V2) of the secondary battery (2). The control module of the ECU (3) takes a call based on the voltage (V2) of the secondary battery (2).
In the event the voltage (V2) of the secondary battery is lower than the preset voltage value, then the method (150) involves only operating the blower automatically at an auto speed for a preset period of time to provide pressurized air through the AC vents (26) to cool the interiors of the vehicle (Step 55). It is evident to those skilled in the art that the blowers can be set for any time interval as desired. When the blowers are ON, the air conditioning compressor (7) will not be working since the voltage (V2) of the secondary battery (2) is not meeting as per the requirement. Further, the timing to run the AC blower can be adjusted as per the requirement. Furthermore, the blowers speed will be automatically adjusted while cooling of the vehicle cabin based on the temperature inside the vehicle, and the blowers will be working on face and foot mode only to increase the cooling efficiency. In an embodiment, modes for cooling can be adjusted as per requirement. In another embodiment, the system takes the mode input given by the passenger/ user.
However, if the voltage (V2) of the secondary battery is found to be higher than or equal to the preset voltage value, then at step (60), the method (150) involves the control module initiating and transmitting the cooling initiation signal therefrom for initiating cooling inside the vehicle. In an embodiment, the preset temperature value is kept at 37°C, as a threshold desired temperature. In another embodiment, the preset voltage value is kept at 11.5V. However, it is evident to a person skilled in the art that the preset temperature and voltage values varies depending upon the comfort temperature level of any interested person, and therefore are set by the interested person, generally a regular occupant or operator of the vehicle in which the system is disposed.
Thereafter, at step (70), the method (150) involves displacement of the lever (11) of the solenoid (9) upon receiving the cooling initiation signal from the control module. Displacement of the lever (11) causes actuation of the solenoid (9) suggesting initiation of cooling within the vehicle.
In response to the displacement of the lever (11), the method (150) at step (80), involves upward movement of the overrunning clutch (12) connected thereto. Particularly, the overrunning clutch (12) of the motor armature (10) moves upward in response to displacement of the lever (11), thereby causing upward movement of the pinion (13) mounted on top of the overrunning clutch (12) (Step 80).
The pinion (13) upon displacement engages with the splines (16) mounted below the motor pulley (17) configured on the motor (8) thereby resulting into actuation of the motor (8) (Step 90).
The motor (8), upon actuation operates the air conditioning compressor (7) connected thereto thereby facilitating cooling inside the passenger cabin of the vehicle (Step 100) when the engine (5) is in the OFF condition and the vehicle is in the parked state. In an embodiment, the solenoid (9) and the motor (8) are actuated simultaneously in response to the cooling initiation signal transmitted by the control module of the ECU (3). Upon actuation, the pinion (13) and the overrunning clutch (12) will pass from the hollow shaft (15) and at the same time the compressor clutch (20) will be in disengaged condition.
The control module continuously monitors the temperature (T) of the passenger cabin during cooling by the air conditioning compressor (7). When the temperature (T) of the passenger cabin drops below the preset temperature value, the control module of the ECU (3) stops operation of the air conditioning compressor (7) thereby stopping cooling within the vehicle. The control module allows cooling within the vehicle by the air conditioning compressor (7) till the temperature (T) falls below the preset temperature value.
Further, the cooling process will be stopped if, the ignition is started by any means, the vehicle is unlocked by key or remote, or if the voltage (V2) of the secondary battery (2) goes below the preset or predetermined voltage value. Furthermore, the cooling process will be stopped if the power windows are operated by remote or by any other means.
Referring to figure 4, in the event the detection module after receiving the input signal for pre-cooling detects that the windows glasses of the vehicle are not closed, whereas the ignition is OFF and the vehicle is locked, then the ECU (3) provides an input to the power window motor for closing the window glasses automatically prior to transmitting the input signal therefrom for pre-cooling of the vehicle.
Accordingly, the system is capable of being used in hybrid vehicles which uses the integrated starter alternator (not shown) since the alternator (6) is meaningfully kept separate. Further, if the motor (8) fails, only the functioning of the system will hamper when the vehicle is not running and there will not be any effects on charging system of the batteries when the vehicle is running. There is no chance of battery draining due to malfunction of the motor (8) of the system.
In alternate embodiment of the present invention, the primary battery (1) and the secondary battery (2) can be charged by solar power or from the electric grid with the help of portable charger. With such charging facility, the vehicle can be cooled for very long time when the vehicle is parked under direct sunlight. This makes the system more flexible and adoptable. Vehicle will not be off-road in case of any failure in the system components. Further, the system is capable of being retrofitted in existing vehicle, provided if the vehicles are manufactured with pre-arrangements on engine and engine compartment.
Advantages of the present invention
1. The system is very easy to operate, and can be remotely operated using remote communication means including cellular telephone and like devices.
2. The system is reliable and durable since the failure chances are very less. Further, any failure in the system does not off-road the vehicle.
3. Ease of accessibility of all the components of the system.
4. Ease of serviceability, and hence reduction in downtime and service hours.
5. Vehicle safety remains intact.
6. The system is useful since it eliminates the probability of any suffocation or discomfort to the pets or kids, if left completely locked inside the parked vehicle.
7. The system helps in maintaining and controlling the inside temperature constant during its operation.
8. The system makes use of a separate battery to run the air conditioning compressor (7) and the motor (8) along with the blower of the AC unit. Further the vehicle starting system is kept separate and thus there are no chances of main vehicle battery draining and vehicle not starting.
9. Since the batteries can be charged by solar power or from the electric grid with the help of portable charger, the vehicle can be cooled for very long time.
10. The system helps in providing comfortable temperature for the occupants while entering in the car after a long or a short parking.
11. Since the vehicle is continuously cooled, after starting the vehicle less cooling time is required for the further cooling. Thus, the vehicle cooling efficiency increases with the lesser cooling time required.
12. Less engagement and disengagement of the air conditioning compressor (7) for further cooling and thus lesser load on the air conditioning compressor (7), thus offering better fuel economy.
13. Very less (minor) effects on NVH levels while running the vehicle.
14. Retro fitment of this system is possible if the vehicles are manufactured with several arrangements.

The foregoing objects of the invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with prior art techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention described in the present embodiment. Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein; however, it is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure, or matter. The embodiments of the invention as described above and the methods disclosed herein will suggest further modification and alterations to those skilled in the art. Such further modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. ,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. A vehicle air conditioning system, the vehicle air conditioning system capable of pre-cooling a passenger cabin of a vehicle in parked state prior to passenger’s arrival, the vehicle having,
a primary battery (1) for supplying power for operation of the vehicle,
an alternator (6) operably connected to the primary battery (1) for charging thereof during running state of the vehicle, the alternator (6) having an alternator pulley (23) configured at a top surface thereof,
an engine (5) operably connected to the alternator (6) using belt (24), the engine (5) having a top surface configured with a first engine pulley (21) and a second engine pulley (22) configured there above, and
an air conditioning compressor (7) operably connected to the engine (5) using the belt (24), the air conditioning compressor (7) having a top surface configured with a first compressor pulley (18) and a second compressor pulley (19) configured there above, the second compressor pulley (19) having a compressor clutch (20) configured thereon for removable engagement therewith to provide cooling inside the vehicle using AC vents (26),
wherein, in ON condition of the engine (5) in running state of the vehicle, the engine pulley (22) powers the air conditioning compressor (7) and the compressor pulleys (18, 19) thereby facilitating engagement of the compressor clutch (20) with the second compressor pulley (19) to cause cooling inside the vehicle, and
wherein, in OFF condition of the engine (5) in the parked state of the vehicle, the compressor clutch (20) remains disengaged from the second compressor pulley (19) thereby restricting the air conditioning compressor (7) to run,
the vehicle air conditioning system comprising of:
a secondary battery (2) for supplying power to the air conditioning compressor (7) for functioning thereof in the OFF condition of the engine (5) to facilitate cooling inside the vehicle, the secondary battery (2) disposed in parallel connection with the alternator (6) for being charged along with the primary battery (1) during the running state of the vehicle;
an electronic control unit (ECU) (3) consisting of,
• a remote communication module including a transmitter operable from locations remote from the vehicle, the remote communication module being used by a user for initiating an input signal for pre-cooling the passenger cabin of the vehicle prior to passenger’s arrival,
• a detection module for receiving the input signal from the remote communication module operably connected thereto, and thereafter transmitting the input signal upon determining pre-defined conditions including OFF condition of the engine (5), locked condition of door and closed condition of windows glasses of the vehicle, and
• a control module disposed in operable communication with the detection module for receiving the input signal therefrom upon satisfying all of the pre-defined conditions and thereafter determining temperature of the passenger cabin using a temperature sensor for comparison thereof with a preset temperature value, wherein, if the temperature of the passenger cabin is higher than the preset temperature value, the control module determines voltage (V2) of the secondary battery (2) for comparison thereof with a preset voltage value, wherein if the voltage (V2) of the secondary battery (2) is higher than or equal to the preset voltage value, the control module initiates and transmits a cooling initiation signal therefrom to perform cooling inside the passenger cabin of the vehicle;
a solenoid (9) disposed in operable communication with the control module of the ECU (3) for receiving the cooling initiation signal therefrom, the solenoid (9) having a lever (11) configured thereon for being displaced in response to the cooling initiation signal received from the ECU (3) suggesting initiation of cooling within the vehicle; and
a motor (8) disposed in operable communication with the solenoid (9) for being actuated in response to the displacement of the lever (11), the motor (8) comprising of,
• a motor armature (10) having a top surface configured with an overrunning clutch (12) along with a pinion (13) mounted thereon for preventing undesired rotation of the motor (8) in an opposite direction, wherein the overrunning clutch (12) moves upward in response to the displacement of the lever (11),
• a motor pulley (17) with splines (16) mounted there under configured at a top surface of the motor (8) such that the splines (16) engages with the pinion (13) after displacement thereof in response to upward movement of the overrunning clutch (12), and
• a hollow shaft (15) configured below the motor pulley (17) using a ball bearing (14) to cause rotation of the motor pulley (17) without rotating the motor armature (10) in the ON condition of the engine (5),
wherein, the engagement of the splines (16) with the pinion (13) causes actuation of the motor (8) and the air conditioning compressor (7) connected thereto thereby facilitating cooling within the passenger cabin of the vehicle during the OFF condition of the engine (5) of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle air conditioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the remote communication module is structured to be hand carried for establishing communication between the user and the vehicle for transmitting the input signal for pre-cooling the passenger cabin of the vehicle prior to the passenger’s arrival.

3. The vehicle air conditioning system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the remote communication module includes a cellular telephone.

4. The vehicle air conditioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lever (11) extends from the solenoid (9) towards the overrunning clutch (12) of the motor armature (10) of the motor (8).

5. The vehicle air conditioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor (8) and the air conditioning compressor (7) are connected using the belt (24) extending from the motor pulley (17) towards the first compressor pulley (18) of the air conditioning compressor (7).

6. The vehicle air conditioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the primary battery (1) and the secondary battery (2) is charged using anyone of solar power and electric grid with help of a portable charger thereby facilitating continuous cooling inside the vehicle when parked under direct sunlight.

7. The vehicle air conditioning system further comprising of a blower connected to the AC vents (26) and operated by the control module for providing pressurized air through the AC vents (26) to the passenger cabin of the vehicle in the event the voltage (V2) of the secondary battery (2) is lower than the preset voltage value.

8. A vehicle air conditioning method (150), the vehicle air conditioning method (150) capable of pre-cooling a passenger cabin of a vehicle in parked state prior to passenger’s arrival, the vehicle having,
a primary battery (1) for supplying power for operation of the vehicle,
an alternator (6) operably connected to the primary battery (1) and a secondary battery (2) for charging thereof, the alternator (6) having an alternator pulley (23) configured at top surface thereof,
an engine (5) operably connected to the alternator (6) using belt (24), the engine (5) having a top surface configured with a first engine pulley (21) and a second engine pulley (22) configured there above, and
an air conditioning compressor (7) operably connected to the engine (5) using the belt (24), the air conditioning compressor (7) having a top surface configured with a first compressor pulley (18) and a second compressor pulley (19) configured there above, the second compressor pulley (19) having a compressor clutch (20) configured thereon for removable engagement therewith to provide cooling inside the vehicle using AC vents (26),
wherein, in ON condition of the engine (5) in running state of the vehicle, the engine pulleys (21, 22) powers the air conditioning compressor (7) and the compressor pulleys (18, 19) thereby facilitating engagement of the compressor clutch (20) with the second compressor pulley (19) to cause cooling inside the vehicle, and
wherein, in OFF condition of the engine (5) in the parked state of the vehicle, the compressor clutch (20) remains disengaged from the second compressor pulley (19) thereby restricting the air conditioning compressor (7) to run,
the vehicle air conditioning method (150) comprising the steps of:
initiating an input signal by a user using a remote communication module of a ECU (3) for pre-cooling the passenger cabin of the vehicle prior to the passenger’s arrival, the remote communication module including a transmitter operable from locations remote from the vehicle, wherein, the remote communication module is structured to be hand carried to establish communication between the user and the vehicle for transmitting the input signal thereto;
receiving the input signal by a detection module of the ECU (3) and transmitting the input signal upon determining pre-defined conditions including OFF condition of the engine (5), locked condition of door and closed condition of windows glasses of the vehicle;
determining temperature of the passenger cabin by a control module of the ECU (3) using a temperature sensor in response to the input signal received from the detection module upon satisfying all of the pre-defined conditions, and thereafter comparing the temperature to a preset temperature value;
determining voltage (V2) of the secondary battery (2) by the control module in the event the temperature of the passenger cabin is higher than the preset temperature value, and thereafter comparing the voltage to a preset voltage value, the secondary battery (2) being provided for supplying power to the air conditioning compressor (7) for functioning thereof in the OFF condition of the engine (5) to facilitate cooling inside the vehicle, the secondary battery (2) disposed in parallel connection with the alternator (6) for being charged along with the primary battery (1) during the running state of the vehicle;
initiating and transmitting a cooling initiation signal by the control module to perform cooling inside the passenger cabin of the vehicle in the event the voltage (V2) of the secondary battery (2) is higher than or equal to than the preset voltage value, wherein the control module continuously monitors the temperature and voltage values during cooling and stops operation of the air conditioning compressor (7) when anyone of the temperature (T) of the passenger cabin and the voltage (V2) of the secondary battery (2) drops below the preset temperature and voltage values;
receiving the cooling initiation signal from the control module of the ECU (3) by a solenoid (9) connected thereto to cause displacement of a lever (11) configured thereon suggesting initiation of cooling within the vehicle;
upward movement of an overrunning clutch (12) configured on a top surface of a motor armature (10) in response to the displacement of the lever connected thereto, wherein the overrunning clutch (12) prevents undesired rotation of a motor (8) in an opposite direction;
displacement of a pinion mounted on the overrunning clutch (12) in response to upward movement thereof for engagement with splines thereby actuating the motor connected to the solenoid (9) to initiate cooling within the vehicle, wherein the splines being connected below a motor pulley (17) configured at a top surface of the motor (8), the motor pulley (17) being rotated by a hollow shaft (15) configured there below using a ball bearing (14) without rotating the motor armature (10) in the ON condition of the engine (5), wherein in the ON condition, the air conditioning compressor (7) operates on power supplied by the engine (5); and
actuation of the air conditioning compressor (7) in response to the actuation of the motor (8) connected thereto using the belt (24) extending from the motor pulley (17) towards the first compressor pulley (18) of the air conditioning compressor (7) thereby facilitating cooling within the passenger cabin during the OFF condition of the engine (5) of the vehicle,
wherein, if the voltage (V2) of the secondary battery (2) is lower than the preset voltage value, the remote operated vehicle air conditioning method (150) comprises operating a blower by the control module to provide pressurized air through the AC vents (26) to the passenger cabin of the vehicle.

9. The vehicle air conditioning method (150) as claimed in claim 8 including the step of closing the windows glasses of the vehicle in response to actuation of power window motor upon receiving corresponding inputs from the ECU (3) before transmitting the input signal by the detection module to the control module of the ECU (3) for pre-cooling the passenger cabin of the vehicle prior to the passenger’s arrival.

10. The vehicle air conditioning method (150) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the input signal is initiated using any remote communication module to vehicle communication means including buttons configured on doors of the vehicle.
Dated this 27th day of October 2017

Madhavi Vajirakar
(Agent for Applicant), IN/PA-2337