Vehicle Installation Patents (Class 165/202)
  • Publication number: 20150122473
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner includes an electric heater, an air mixing damper, a driver configured to drive the air mixing damper, and a controller configured to control the electric heater and the driver. The controller is configured to perform thermal capacity switching control such that when the thermal capacity of the electric heater is switched, a target opening degree of the air mixing damper is set such that the temperature of blowout air approximates a target temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: JAPAN CLIMATE SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi NII, Hiroaki SHIGENAKA, Hideaki NISHII, Yoichi MIYAZAKI, Koji ASO
  • Publication number: 20150122472
    Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning device includes a blower which blows air to a vehicle cabin through blowout openings, a refrigeration circuit through which refrigerant is circulated by an electric compressor, an interior heat exchanger disposed in the refrigeration circuit and exchanging heat between the refrigerant and a blown air, which is air that is blown by the blower, an interior/exterior air adjustment device adjusting a ratio of interior air and exterior air contained in the blown air, and a first blowing control portion controlling the electric compressor to stop, controlling the blower to operate, and controlling the interior/exterior air adjustment device such that air that is blown into the vehicle cabin includes at least exterior air, when a temperature difference between a target temperature Tao of air that is blown through the blowout opening and an exterior air temperature Tam is less than a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Terukazu Higuchi, Yoshinori Yanagimachi, Yasuhiro Yokoo
  • Patent number: 9021820
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control process for an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system comprises a thermal loop (1) used as a heat pump and an electrical heating device (2). The process calculates a global heating capacity (HCglo) in function of the temperature chosen by the passenger, the speed of the blower and the temperature of the exterior air. Then, the process calculates a heating capacity (HC1) of the thermal loop (1) and compares this heating capacity (HC1) of the thermal loop to the global heating capacity (HCglo). If the global heating capacity (HCglo) is superior to the heating capacity (HC1) of the thermal loop, the process determines a heating capacity (HC2) of the electrical heating device (2). This heating capacity (HC2) of the electrical heating device (2) added to the heating capacity (HC1) of the thermal loop (1) allows to obtain the global heating capacity (HCglo) required in function of the temperature selected by the passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventors: Mohamed Yahia, Bertrand Nicolas, Samy Hammi
  • Publication number: 20150115048
    Abstract: A method for regulating coolant temperature of an HVAC heat pump system with coolant heating. The method includes measuring temperature of coolant flowing through the system, and configuring a valve assembly of the system to direct coolant flow to a heater core from both an engine and an engine bypass line when temperature of the coolant is above a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Brodie, Erik Huyghe, Lisa Florida, Mark Kastner
  • Publication number: 20150107815
    Abstract: A vehicular air conditioner includes a partitioning portion which separates an inside of an air-conditioning casing into an inside-air passage through which an inside air flows and an outside-air passage through which an outside air flows, a cooling heat exchanger extending across both the inside-air passage and the outside-air passage, a heating heat exchanger heating the inside air and the outside air on a downstream side of the cooling heat exchanger in an air flow, and a restriction portion provided downstream of the cooing heat exchanger in the air flow and limiting inflow of the inside air into the outside-air passage on the way to the heating heat exchanger. The restriction portion is located in the inside-air passage between the cooing heat exchanger and the heating heat exchanger, and includes a first temperature regulation door that regulates a temperature of air supplied to the vehicle compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akihiro Hhraguchi, Katsuji Kuwada
  • Publication number: 20150107814
    Abstract: A method of controlling an air conditioner includes determining whether or not a signal for operating the air conditioner is input to a controller. When it is determined that the signal for operating the air conditioner is input to the controller, determining whether or not conditions for variably controlling the air conditioner are satisfied. When it is determined that the conditions are satisfied, an energy flow mode is checked on the basis of an energy flow between a battery, a motor, an engine, and electric components. The air conditioner is controlled in a mode corresponding to the checked energy flow mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Won Young JEONG
  • Publication number: 20150101789
    Abstract: First circulation portions switch a flow of a heat medium such that one of the heat media for two systems selectively circulates through a radiator flow path or a first bypass flow path. Second circulation portions switch the flow of the heat medium such that the heat media for the two systems selectively circulate with respect to a second flow path group. The first circulation portions and the second circulation portions are adapted to switch the flow of the heat medium so as to form a first circulation circuit for allowing the heat medium to circulate among a first flow path group, the second flow path group, and a first pump, as well as a second circulation circuit for allowing the heat medium to circulate among the first flow path group, the second flow path group, and a second pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Norihiko Enomoto, Nobuharu Kakehashi, Michio Nishikawa, Yasumitsu Omi, Takashi Yamanaka, Masayuki Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20150096733
    Abstract: Vehicles and methods for controlling climate control systems are provided. The vehicle, for example, may include, but is not limited to at least one seat, a climate control system, and a controller communicatively coupled to the climate control system, wherein the controller is configured to, calculate a directional sun effect for each of the at least one seats, and modify at least one of an airflow, a temperature and air distribution of the climate control system based upon the calculated directional sun effect for each of the at least one seats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: RUPESH S. KAKADE, PRASHANT MER, TODD M. TUMAS, VISH S. IYER
  • Publication number: 20150094893
    Abstract: A temperature regulation apparatus for a hybrid vehicle having a forced induction combustion engine and an electric drive motor, the apparatus comprising: a temperature regulating circuit carrying a fluid coolant; a heat exchanger for cooling the coolant; and a first coolant pump for circulating the coolant around the temperature regulating circuit; the temperature regulating circuit having: a first branch serving a charge air cooler of a forced induction combustion engine; and a second branch serving one or more electric drive components and including a second coolant pump for regulating the flow of the coolant through the one or more electric drive components; wherein the first and second branches of the temperature regulating circuit are arranged in parallel and the first coolant pump is arranged between the heat exchanger and the first and second branches of the temperature regulating circuit so as to be operable to circulate coolant from each of the first and second branches of the temperature regulating
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: McLaren Automotive Limited
    Inventors: Richard Hopkirk, Simon Lacey
  • Patent number: 8991477
    Abstract: A refrigerant radiator used for a vapor compression refrigerant cycle including a compressor configured to compress and discharge refrigerant includes tubes through which the refrigerant flows. The tubes are stacked and arranged in a horizontal direction, and extend in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction or with an angle from the horizontal direction. The tubes include a first heat exchange area where refrigerant having a temperature equal to or higher than a standard temperature exchanges heat with first air blown to a space, and a second heat exchange area where refrigerant having a temperature lower than the standard temperature exchanges heat with second air blown to the space. Generally, the second air has a temperature different from a temperature of the first air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiki Katoh
  • Patent number: 8983665
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a data and commands communication system between compressor and electronic thermostat, particularly applied to cooling systems having variable capacity compressor (VCC), with the purpose of providing an exchange of data between said equipment which is technically more efficient and less costly compared to the solutions available today.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool S.A.
    Inventor: Günter Johann Maass
  • Patent number: 8967239
    Abstract: A controller and method for operating an air mover for a cooling system of a work vehicle. In one embodiment, engine coolant, hydraulic oil and charge air temperature data is measured. The temperature data is reconciled by using the largest required fan speed as the set point speed for cooling the heat exchangers with airflow. An air mover is operated at the set point speed to generate airflow across each of the heat exchangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Rex Schertz, Gerald R. Johnson, Daniel Soldan
  • Publication number: 20150041113
    Abstract: A method and device for regulating a stationary climate control system for a vehicle that includes at least one first energy source is provided. A first actual value of a climate parameter is determined from the interior of the parked vehicle, and a difference value is generated from the actual value and a reference value. In addition, a projected usage time is determined for the vehicle, wherein a time interval is determined from the current time and the determined projected usage time. A quantity of energy that is required to set to a desired value for the climate parameter is determined here based on the length of the time interval and the difference value, and the actual value for the climate parameter within the time interval is set to the desired value based on the required quantity of energy and the quantity of energy available from the first energy source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Lukas ENKE, Sathyamoorthy NARESH, Christoph WAELLER, Viktor BADER
  • Patent number: 8944145
    Abstract: A vehicle seat air-conditioner includes a seat on which an occupant sits, a heat exchanger that adjusts the temperature of a conditioned gas, a blower that supplies the conditioned gas to the seat, a seat covering layer provided on a surface of the seat and facing the seated occupant, and a flow channel provided on an underside of the seat covering layer that pass the conditioned gas that is introduced by the blower. The vehicle seat air-conditioner is adapted to convey heat of the conditioned gas to an occupant side of the seat covering layer by directly blowing out a portion of the introduced conditioned gas to the occupant side of the seat covering layer, and to perform heat exchange with the occupant side of the seat covering layer by circulating a portion of a remainder of the conditioned gas through the flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidenori Esaki
  • Patent number: 8944144
    Abstract: The heating-ventilation and/or air-conditioning device for a motor vehicle passenger compartment comprises modules grouped substantially at the same horizontal level, namely at least one ventilation module (14) arranged to produce a pulsed air flow, a heating module (12) to be located in a central region of the passenger compartment and having heat exchangers (32, 34, 36) through which the air flow from the ventilation module can pass, and at least one distribution module (16) having an air inlet connected to a side air outlet (46d, 46g) of the heating module. The device of this invention may be installed in a vehicle passenger compartment having no central console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventors: Gilles Elliot, Philippe Pierres, Serge Pouysegur
  • Publication number: 20150017492
    Abstract: A heat pump cycle includes a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit. A first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger are disposed between the refrigerant circuit and the coolant circuit. The first heat exchanger includes an exterior heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator in a heating operation, and a radiator for radiating heat of a coolant. The second heat exchanger transmits a heat of high-pressure refrigerant to the coolant in the heating operation. A temperature of refrigerant within the second heat exchanger is higher than a temperature of refrigerant within the first heat exchanger. The heat obtained from the second heat exchanger is supplied to the first heat exchanger through the coolant. Further, the heat obtained from the second heat exchanger is stored in the coolant. In defrosting operation, the coolant that has stored the heat therein is supplied to the first heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Masayuki Takeuchi, Seiji Inoue, Takashi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 8931712
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fragrance device for a vehicle capable of supplying plural fragrant ingredients to the inside of the vehicle as being contained in air flow of a vehicle-use air-conditioning device with a simple structure. The fragrance device for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a main body 10 having a fragrance retention container 5, an inlet passage 6, an outlet passage 7, an inlet passage opening/closing door 8 and an outlet passage opening/closing door 9, an actuator 11 fixed to the main body 10, and a cam 14 which rotationally drives a rotary shaft 12 of the inlet passage opening/closing door and a rotary shaft 12 of the outlet passage opening/closing door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Valeo Japan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Nagano, Hisayoshi Yoshizaki, Toshio Tsubakida, Shinichi Hara, Yoshie Mizuno, Naoto Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8931547
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system includes an electric powered refrigerant compressing device, an evaporator, an electric heater, an air temperature determining component, a cabin interior temperature controlling component, an upper limit electric power setting component, and an electric power distribution controller. The evaporator receives refrigerant from the compressing device. The heater is downstream of the evaporator in an air passageway. The determining component determines a first air temperature upstream of the evaporator and a second air temperature between the evaporator and the heater. The controlling component sets a vehicle interior discharge air temperature at a position downstream of the heater to a target temperature. The power setting component sets an upper limit for power supplied to the compressing device and the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tzu-Hsiang Yen, Takayoshi Matsuoka, Takafumi Uehara
  • Publication number: 20140374081
    Abstract: A heat medium discharge side of a first pump and a heat medium discharge side of a second pump are connected to a first switching valve in parallel with each other. Respective heat medium inlet sides of a plurality of temperature adjustment devices are connected to the first switching valve in parallel with each other. Respective heat medium outlet sides of the temperature adjustment devices are connected to a second switching valve in parallel with each other. A heat medium suction side of the first pump and a heat medium suction side of the second pump are connected to the second switching valve in parallel with each other. Each of the temperature adjustment devices is switched between a state in which the heat medium circulates between the device and the first pump, and another state in which the heat medium circulates between the device and the second pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Nobuharu Kakehashi, Takashi Yamanaka, Masayuki Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8910705
    Abstract: An automobile which includes a radiator fan control for heat pump HVAC which can selectively reverse fan direction based on ambient temperature and moisture to reduce ice buildup on a liquid-gas converter. The automobile may include a liquid-gas converter located within an engine bay, a radiator located adjacent the liquid-gas converter, a first fan located adjacent the radiator, a fuel cell and motor with the inverter located adjacent the first fan, the fuel cell supplying electricity to the motor with the inverter to drive the vehicle. The automobile can also include a temperature sensor located on an exterior surface of the automobile to sense an ambient temperature, a heater core connected to the liquid-gas converter and located between the engine bay and the passenger area, and a control unit connected to the first fan, the temperature sensor, and the heater core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Shimpei Miura
  • Patent number: 8905123
    Abstract: An automobile which includes a radiator fan control for heat pump HVAC which can selectively reverse fan direction based on ambient temperature and moisture to reduce ice buildup on a liquid-gas converter. The automobile may include a liquid-gas converter located within an engine bay, a radiator located adjacent the liquid-gas converter, a first fan located adjacent the radiator, a fuel cell and motor with the inverter located adjacent the first fan, the fuel cell supplying electricity to the motor with the inverter to drive the vehicle. The automobile can also include a temperature sensor located on an exterior surface of the automobile to sense an ambient temperature, a heater core connected to the liquid-gas converter and located between the engine bay and the passenger area, and a control unit connected to the first fan, the temperature sensor, and the heater core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Shimpei Miura
  • Patent number: 8909390
    Abstract: A charging start time and preliminary air conditioning time are calculated based on the departure time that is set with a control/operation device (S108), and the charging time and preliminary air conditioning time are set (S110). Then, a control is executed to start charging when at the charging start time (S112 to 116) and preliminary air conditioning may be started when the amount of charge is sufficient for preliminary air conditioning and a preliminary air conditioning starting trigger is detected, that is locking or preparation for leaving house is detected, for example (S118 to 128).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiromi Tonegawa, Katsutoshi Murawaka, Tetsuhiro Ishikawa, Shinji Ichikawa, Daisuke Ishii
  • Patent number: 8899311
    Abstract: When there is no occupant in seats other than a driver seat during a foot mode, an air-conditioning controller executes a single seat concentration mode to prevent blowing of warm air to a passenger seat and a backseat by closing foot outlets on a passenger seat side and a backseat side. In this case, in order to maintain an air volume blown from the foot outlet on a driver seat side when the controller changes the mode from the normal foot mode to the single seat concentration mode, the controller sets a blower level to be lower than in the case of the normal foot mode with respect to the same target blown air temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Haruki Misumi, Takuya Kataoka, Koji Ota, Michio Nishikawa, Shinichirou Hirai, Yoshiaki Suzuki, Akihiro Haraguchi, Katsuji Kuwada, Yasuhiro Sagou
  • Patent number: 8887797
    Abstract: An air-conditioner for a vehicle may include a casing including an internal space therein, wherein the internal space communicates with an upper outlet formed in a side of the casing, an evaporator and a heating member installed in the casing, a partition wall partitioning a portion of the internal space behind the heating member into an upper space and a lower space, wherein the upper space includes at least a floor duct inlet and the lower space receives the heating member therein to form an upward flowing path which guides air from the heating member toward the upper outlet, a floor duct coupled to the upper space to communicate the at least a floor duct inlet with the outside, and a floor door installed in the casing to selectively open the upper space and/or a flowing path fluid-connecting the evaporator and the heating member to the upper outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jin Ho Kim, Dong Won Yeon, In Uk Hwang
  • Publication number: 20140305624
    Abstract: A climate control system including an air controller switchable between fresh air, recirculated air, and partial recirculated air modes is disclosed. The system further includes a control module connected to the controller and a link operatively connecting the washer fluid system and the module. When the washer fluid system is activated the module switches the controller from the fresh air to the recirculated air mode. Thus washer fluid odors are prevented from entering the vehicle cabin while the washer fluid system is activated. The module can also selectively switch the air controller between fresh air, recirculated, and partial recirculated air modes based on condition inputs. Non-limiting examples of condition inputs include a fog look-up table, a wet bulb level, humidity level, air quality level, and temperature level. The module directs air controller to switch to the fresh air mode based on information generated by one or more of the condition inputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Jackson, Dale Scott Crombez, Mary-Margaret Wenz Crombez
  • Patent number: 8849487
    Abstract: A method of operating a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, comprising during a first engine-running condition, where a vehicle window or vent is in a more closed position, operating a climate control system to provide a user requested level of thermal comfort, and during a second engine-running condition, wherein the vehicle window or vent is in a less closed position, limiting the performance of the climate control system and biasing shared vehicle resources to provide additional fuel economy. In this manner, thermal comfort of the vehicle passengers can be maintained while providing additional fuel economy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Douglas Malone, Tuan Anh Be, Hafiz Shafeek Khafagy, William Najib Mansur
  • Patent number: 8833313
    Abstract: A method of controlling airflow through a grille on a front end of a vehicle comprising the steps of: detecting vehicle operating conditions; determining a desired percentage of airflow through the grille based on the desired operating conditions; actuating grille airflow shutters to an open position for the determined desired percentage of a predetermined time interval; and actuating the grille airflow shutter to a closed position for a remaining percentage of the predetermined time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Thomas K. Lockwood, Darren L. Bohne, Michael G. Leffert, Rajneesh K. Singh, Jason W. Guenzel
  • Patent number: 8813831
    Abstract: An air-conditioning system for a vehicle, that includes a module for controlling the air-conditioning group for adjusting the temperature inside the passenger compartment to a setpoint temperature, the control module being capable of correcting the temperature adjustment in the passenger compartment based on a received sunshine value in the passenger compartment. The system further includes a mechanism correcting the sunshine value to improve the correction of the temperature adjustment inside the passenger compartment particularly in cloudy conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Christophe Ripoll, Nicolas Deniaud
  • Publication number: 20140223943
    Abstract: An air conditioner for a vehicle, including: a discharge capability control section that controls refrigerant discharge capability of a compressor; an upper limit value determination section that determines an upper limit value of the refrigerant discharge capability; and a gear shift position detection section that determines a gear shift position of a gear shift device of a vehicle, wherein the gear shift device having a forward range for moving the vehicle forward and a range other than the forward range as the gear shift position; when the gear shift position determined by the gear shift position detection section is in a range other than the forward range, the upper limit value determination section decreases the upper limit value compared to when the gear shift position determined by the gear shift position detection section is in the forward range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshinori Ichishi, Tetsuya Takechi, Satoshi Furukawa, Hidekazu Hirabayashi, Yoshihisa Shimada, Yoshinori Okuno
  • Patent number: 8800644
    Abstract: A system and method for environmental management of a vehicle automatically operates a vehicle climate control system to defog a vehicle windshield, while still operating at or near environmental comfort guidelines determined by a vehicle occupant. The method may be executed by an HVAC control system that is configured with a preprogrammed algorithm to operate an HVAC to achieve the desired results. A number of sensors can provide inputs to the control system, which can also receive inputs from a number of manual overrides operable by an occupant of the vehicle. The preprogrammed algorithm is configured to act on the various inputs to operate the HVAC to strike an appropriate balance between occupant comfort and windshield defogging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Greiner, Gerhard Dage, Halim Wijaya, Wayne Buescher
  • Publication number: 20140216705
    Abstract: An automatic climate controller device may be configured to perform operations including identifying, by an automatic climate controller device, an operating zone of the climate control system according to at least two input factors; identifying a discharge temperature of the climate control system; determining, based on the operating zone and the discharge temperature, whether to perform at least one override action to override a climate control system setting to reduce the possibility of evaporator core icing; and adjusting an evaporator set point according to the at least one override action to reduce the discharge temperature. The input factors may include evaporator temperature and cabin relative humidity. The actions may include to increase blower speed and to increase use of recirculated air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gary A. Dage, Steven L. Lambert
  • Patent number: 8794304
    Abstract: A temperature sensor assembly may include a thermally insulating body, a temperature sensing element within the body, and a thermally conductive element exposed externally of the body and in thermal communication with the temperature sensing element. The thermally conductive element may have a substantially planar exposed upper surface, with the temperature sensing element in thermal communication with a lower surface of the thermally conductive element. A thermally insulating housing assembly may have an upper end surrounding and supporting the temperature sensing element, with the housing assembly extending downwardly away from the lower surface of the thermally conductive element and having an internal air gap surrounding leads for the temperature sensing element. A mirror mounting system may include a mounting bracket adapted for releasable connection to a vehicle window, with the sensor assembly resiliently mounted to the bracket and urged against the window when the bracket is connected to the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Patrick J. Lawlor, Garrett Coady
  • Patent number: 8789766
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mixing device for an aircraft air conditioning system with a supply conduit for fresh air from the air conditioning system, with a second supply conduit for recirculated air from a pressurized region of the aircraft, and with a discharge conduit for supplying mixed air into the pressurized region of the aircraft, wherein a non-return valve is integrated in the mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH
    Inventor: Georg Baldauf
  • Publication number: 20140190678
    Abstract: A climate control system includes a blower, a memory device, a user interface device, and a processor. The memory device stores a default value associated with a speed of the blower. The user interface device receives a user input changing the speed of the blower. The processor is in communication with the memory device, the user interface device, and the blower and controls the speed of the blower based at least in part on the default value. The processor determines whether a user input changing the speed of the blower has been received. In response to receiving the user input, the processor defines an adjusted control value based on the user input to replace the default value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: Gary A. Dage, Michael T. Spencer
  • Publication number: 20140182832
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a combined heating and cooling vapor compression system are provided. The apparatus may be a vehicle and may include a cabin, a vehicle battery, a Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS), and a vapor-compression system, having at least one controller, operable in a variety of modes selectable to facilitate cooling, heating, and dehumidification of the vehicle cabin. The method may include steps to adjust evaporator air temperature to control comfort, fogging and smell in the cabin by adjusting the compressor speed; regulate heat pump performance by adjusting the output of an electric heater and adjusting the flow of coolant through the RESS chiller; and evaluating and optimizing the discharge pressure and suction pressure of the compressor by adjusting the compressor speed and adjusting the coolant flow through the RESS chiller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Bryan M. Styles, Mark D. Nemesh
  • Publication number: 20140174708
    Abstract: A temperature-adjustment system for a vehicle includes temperature-adjustment passages and obtained by circularly connecting a battery, an inverter, a DC/DC converter, a traveling motor, and a pump that circulates the heat medium that adjusts temperatures by cooling/heating the heat generation elements, are provided. The temperature-adjustment passages and are provided with proportional valves that interrupt the flow of the heat medium and adjust the flow volume of the heat medium, an air flow-in part that introduces air into the battery temperature-adjustment passage, and a heat medium discharge part that discharges the heat medium from the temperature-adjustment passage to outside of the vehicle. The proportional valve, air flow-in part, battery, pump, and heat medium discharge part are preferably arranged in that order, and the proportional valve is closed and an air take-in valve and a heat medium discharge valve are opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Yuki Akiyama, Tadashi Osaka, Masatsugu Arai
  • Publication number: 20140174707
    Abstract: A method for charging a thermal storage device of a thermal storage heat pump system in a vehicle is provided. The method includes comparing an actual temperature of the thermal storage device to a target temperature, and an actual charge time to an available charge time, where the comparing is performed by a controller. The target temperature may be based upon ambient air temperature and ambient air humidity. The actual charge time is the time it takes to charge the thermal storage device to the target temperature. The available charge time is the difference between the current time and an intended departure time. When the target temperature is greater than the actual temperature, and the available charge time is equal to or greater than the actual charge time, the controller may charge the thermal storage device until the actual temperature is equal to the target temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Paul S. Lombardo, Lawrence P. Ziehr, Matthew Simonini
  • Patent number: 8757249
    Abstract: A cooling device for an electrical apparatus mounted on a rear side of a vehicle having a cooling airflow intake port in the vehicle interior at a lower section of a rear windshield, a supply unit which supplies a cooling airflow through the cooling airflow intake port to the electrical apparatus, a blocking unit for blocking solar radiation from coming onto the cooling airflow intake port through the rear windshield, and a control unit to control the blocking unit based on at least one of intensity of the solar radiation coming onto the cooling airflow intake port and a temperature of the cooling airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Bandai, Tomonari Taguchi, Tatsuya Tsuduki
  • Patent number: 8757245
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner is disclosed having means to cool and heat air with three air paths, of which, two outer air paths have a common first temperature and an inner air path has a second temperature, wherein a means for controlling the air volume flow through the outer air paths and the inner air path is provided by two control elements which are configured jointly to be able to move in opposing directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Halla Visteon Climate Control Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Richter, Jürgen Hoppen, Mario Opiela
  • Publication number: 20140166259
    Abstract: A cooling system of vehicle having a motor includes: a mainline that provides a coolant flow channel; a radiator that is installed at one side of the mainline; a pump that is installed at the other side of the mainline; a first branch line and a second branch line that are branched from the main line; a first heat emitter and second heat emitter that are installed at the first branch line and the second branch line, respectively; and a control valve that supplies a coolant necessary for the first heat emitter and the second heat emitter by controlling flow of a coolant flowing from the mainline to the first branch line or the second branch line. Therefore, by controlling a quantity of each coolant that is supplied to a first heat emitter including an inverter and a motor and a second heat emitter including a DC converter, a capacity of a coolant pump or an operation load can be reduced and thus entire cooling efficiency can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jin-Hun LEE, Seung Yong LEE
  • Patent number: 8753762
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has an electric traction motor and a battery pack that provides power to the motor. The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells. A thermal system includes a battery pack coolant loop, a cabin coolant loop, a power electronics coolant loop and a plurality of controllable valves controlled by a controller to select thermal modes by controlling flow paths of coolant in one or more of the coolant loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Major, Mark Utter
  • Patent number: 8740103
    Abstract: An air conditioning system and a method of heating air flowing through a heater core of a HVAC module is disclosed. The method includes flowing essentially all of the air flowing through an evaporator through a heater core for all HVAC operating conditions. A flow control valve is opened long enough to allow a flow of hot coolant from an engine into the heater core. The valve is then closed to stop the flow of the hot coolant. When the temperature of the hot coolant is determined to have cooled to a predetermined temperature threshold, the flow control valve is then opened again to allow hot coolant to flow into the heater core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gregory A. Major, Edwin J. Stanke
  • Publication number: 20140138452
    Abstract: A system for conditioning the air in a passenger compartment of a fuel cell-powered vehicle is provided, the system including a metal hydride buffer and a hydrogen source, wherein the metal hydride buffer reversibly adsorbs and desorbs hydrogen gas. The change in temperature associated with adsorption or desorption of the hydrogen gas by the metal hydride buffer is thermally communicated to the passenger compartment, thereby conditioning the air therein. Desorbed hydrogen gas is fed back to the fuel cell to power the vehicle. Also provided are a vehicle having a system for conditioning air in a passenger compartment that employs the change in temperature resulting from the adsorption and desorption of hydrogen gas by the metal hydride buffer and methods for heating or cooling a passenger compartment of a fuel cell-powered vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Volker Formanski, Bram Peters, Remy Fontaine
  • Patent number: 8720538
    Abstract: A cold energy storage system for a vehicle includes an air-conditioning unit that includes an evaporator and a heater core. The system stores cold energy during a cooling operation and supplements the cooling operation by using the stored cold energy after stoppage of the cooling operation. A cold energy storage tank (50) connects in parallel to an engine cooling circulation circuit to the heater core. The storage tank (50) has a liquid storage layer (50A) for engine coolant and a refrigerant layer (50B) in which refrigerant from the evaporator flows. A mode switcher switches between a storing cold energy mode and a cooling supplement mode. In the storing cold energy mode, engine coolant stored in the liquid storage layer (50A) is refrigerated during the cooling operation. In the cooling supplement mode, refrigerated engine coolant from the liquid storage layer (50A) is introduced to the heater core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Jinichi Hiyama
  • Publication number: 20140096945
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system configured for use in a vehicle to provide a perceived comfortable thermal environment to an occupant seated in a rear portion of a vehicle cabin. A heat exchanger provides a first airstream characterized as having a first temperature to an air moving device configured to generate a second airstream characterized as having a second temperature. The second airstream comprises a mixture of the first airstream and cabin air drawn from the rear portion of the vehicle cabin. The air moving device may be disposed in the rear portion of the vehicle. The HVAC system further includes a nozzle that may be configured to direct the second airstream toward an occupant in the rear portion of the vehicle cabin to provide spot conditioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: DEBASHIS GHOSH, MINGYU WANG, PRASAD S. KADLE
  • Patent number: 8689860
    Abstract: In a vehicular air conditioning apparatus, a first blower unit is connected by a connection duct to a side of a casing constituted by respective air passages. On a lower portion of the casing, a second blower unit different from the first blower unit is connected. A center plate is disposed centrally in a lateral direction of the casing. Air is supplied from the first blower unit to the interior of the casing, whereby cool air cooled by an evaporator and warm air heated by a heater core are mixed together and blown respectively and separately to a driver's seat side and a passenger seat side of the front seats. Also, Air supplied from the second blower unit to the interior of the casing, after being adjusted to a predetermined temperature in the evaporator and the heater core, is supplied to a rear seat side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignees: Keihin Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Seto, Junichi Kanemaru, Shinji Kakizaki
  • Publication number: 20140083672
    Abstract: Recirculation of air within a passenger cabin by a vehicular HVAC system is controlled to maximize the use of recirculation without causing discomfort from a large air flow around the legs of a passenger located near the cabin air return vent. An automatic recirculation condition is detected in response to first conditions including a window defrost setting. A fogging probability is determined in response to second conditions including a humidity measurement. Occupancy of a passenger seat adjacent the cabin air return vent is detected. A partial recirculation of the return vent is set in response to the fogging probability and the detected occupancy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: James C. Rollinson, Alan D. Wallington
  • Patent number: 8672022
    Abstract: A method and a correspondingly designed motor vehicle are provided for pre-climatizing the motor vehicle when shut-off by way of a heating and/or cooling unit, which draws its energy for heating and/or cooling from an electric storage unit. When the heating and/or cooling unit is activated by a vehicle external operator control element, the heating and/or cooling unit is initially activated in a first output stage. Then, the heating and/or cooling unit is switched from the first output stage to a second output stage as a function of predetermined conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ralph Ostermeier, Peter Satzger, Georg Gerstenbrandt
  • Publication number: 20140060795
    Abstract: The disclosure herein provides methods, systems, and devices for ventilating the interior of a vehicle with concealed dynamic ventilation system. A concealed dynamic ventilation system and vents thereof can beneficially provide one or more passengers in a vehicle with an increased distribution of air substantially throughout the cabin of a vehicle as compared with traditional vents that are limited to fixed locations with limited capabilities. Further, a concealed dynamic ventilation system can provide aesthetic value by concealing the vents from a passenger's line of sight in a normal seating position behind existing trims of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey N. Yu
  • Patent number: 8634961
    Abstract: A fan includes a number of fan blades, a casing, a first actuating device, a second actuating device, a camera, and a controlling system. The first actuating device drives the fan blades. The second actuating device makes the fan change direction, thus to adjust a direction of wind from the fan. The camera captures an image of a scene at front of the fan. The controlling system checks the image to determine whether there is a person in the image, and to determine a position of the person in the image and outputs a corresponding position signal to the second actuating device for controlling the fan to change the direction of the wind from the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hou-Hsien Lee, Chang-Jung Lee, Chih-Ping Lo