Ventilation – Vehicle – Having automatic control means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-17
2001-02-13
Joyce, Harold (Department: 3743)
Ventilation
Vehicle
Having automatic control means
C237S00200B
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186883
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention relates to a climate control arrangement for a motor vehicle and more particularly to such an arrangement used with a multiple projection vent height combination and control of such an arrangement with manual over-ride to the arrangement.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Typically within a motor vehicle there is provided a ventilation system through which air flows can be directed towards occupants of that vehicle. These air flows may be chilled or heated as required by the occupants. In broad terms, it is normal for such ventilation systems to present air flows at respective heights directed towards the occupants of the vehicle. Such systems are termed bi-level and present respective air flows to occupant torso and foot areas.
Provision of automatic adjustments for the climate within a motor vehicle is becoming common. Thus, air conditioning systems will heat or cool air projected into the motor vehicle cabin in order to adapt the climate therein. Furthermore, air conditioning systems can act as dehumidifiers in order to inhibit misting of windows, etc. Such automatic climate control systems compare actual vehicle cabin temperature with desired vehicle cabin temperature in relation to current ambient temperature about the vehicle and other information indicative of environmental conditions. Thus, in most automatic climate control systems, when in automatic mode, air flow distribution between projection heights is varied in accordance with a predetermined target air outlet (TAO) relation which considers the previously mentioned parameters.
Inherently, most users, i.e. the occupants of the motor vehicle, have individual preferences for respective air flow rates and distributions which cannot be accommodated through generalised predetermined relations identified by the motor vehicle manufacturer. Thus, the automatic climate control system will include a manual override to allow that occupant of the motor vehicle to select their individual preferences for air flow rates and distribution in accordance with current conditions and mood.
Unfortunately, such manual selection of air distribution and flow rates typically provides for a simple fixed proportion ratio level between air flow projection vent heights. Thus, in a bi-level system there will be fixed 50/50 air flow mix between a head height and a foot height directed towards occupants of a motor vehicle. Such fixed split is acceptable during mild conditions such as prevalent during Spring and Autumn. However, in more extreme conditions, prevalent in Winter or Summer, this fixed split may be unacceptable or, at least, be significantly different from that expected by the occupant. In such circumstances, in Winter there is too much air flow towards the face whilst too little towards the feet, whilst in Summer air flow to the face is insufficient for comfort. Thus, an uncomfortable occupant of a motor vehicle will tend to constantly change the temperature control arrangement settings in order to achieve a comfortable condition. Such repetitive alteration in the climate control system will typically diminish overall efficiency of that system along with creating potentially unsafe and irritable driving conditions for the occupant of the vehicle.
OBJECTIVE OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a climate control arrangement for use within a motor vehicle having an automatic climate control system with a manual override. Thus, the arrangement can accommodate individual motor vehicle occupant preferences whilst retaining adaptability to facilitate flexible response to such preferences in terms of air flow rate and distribution from the climate control system.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a climate control arrangement for a motor vehicle, the arrangement comprising manual operation means and a controller for air distribution means and air duct means arranged to present air flows at two vent heights, the controller determining an indicator quotient (TOA) dependent upon objective temperature, environmental temperature and current temperature compared in accordance with a pre-determined relationship, the controller normally using the indicator quotient (TOA) to variously control that air distribution means to achieve a desired climate, the manual operation means being coupled to the controller to alter operation of that controller when activate to ensure a substantially fixed air flow proportion ratio is provided for a respective indicator quotient (TOA) value between the respective vent heights through the air duct means irrespective of the desired climate objective
The control means may also compare under said predetermined relationship solar load and/or other factors to determine the indicator quotient (TOA).
Typically, the air duct means will comprise separate first and second vents at respective vent height levels. Said first vent being arranged to project air flows towards an occupant's head and/or upper torso whilst said second vent is arranged to project air towards an occupant's feet.
The predetermined relationship may take the form of an algorithm along the lines of:
Indicator quotient (TAO)=Ks.Ts−Kr.Tr−Kam.Tam−Kso.Tso+C wherein:
K=correction constant
C=correction factor
T=temperature
s=desired or objective set
r=actual or current
am=environmental or exterior
so=solar load.
The indicator quotient (TAO) will typically be high (positive) where there is air warming whilst low (negative) where air temperature is cooled, both in comparison with air inlet temperature whether that air is taken from the cabin or the exterior of the vehicle or a combination of both.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4417618 (1983-11-01), Yoshimi et al.
patent: 4460036 (1984-07-01), Yoshimi et al.
patent: 4562954 (1986-01-01), Kajita
patent: 4852798 (1989-08-01), Ito et al.
patent: 5626186 (1997-05-01), Honda et al.
Boles Derek S.
Davis and Bujold
Joyce Harold
Rover Group Limited
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