CA2618285A1 - Vehicle compartment and engine block heater - Google Patents
Vehicle compartment and engine block heater Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2618285A1 CA2618285A1 CA002618285A CA2618285A CA2618285A1 CA 2618285 A1 CA2618285 A1 CA 2618285A1 CA 002618285 A CA002618285 A CA 002618285A CA 2618285 A CA2618285 A CA 2618285A CA 2618285 A1 CA2618285 A1 CA 2618285A1
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- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- controller
- block heater
- controller means
- temperature
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/00642—Control systems or circuits; Control members or indication devices for heating, cooling or ventilating devices
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/00314—Arrangements permitting a rapid heating of the heating liquid
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/22—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices the heat being derived otherwise than from the propulsion plant
- B60H1/2215—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices the heat being derived otherwise than from the propulsion plant the heat being derived from electric heaters
- B60H1/2218—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices the heat being derived otherwise than from the propulsion plant the heat being derived from electric heaters controlling the operation of electric heaters
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01P2025/00—Measuring
- F01P2025/08—Temperature
- F01P2025/13—Ambient temperature
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01P2060/00—Cooling circuits using auxiliaries
- F01P2060/08—Cabin heater
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Air-Conditioning For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
An apparatus and a method for heating a vehicle are provided. The apparatus comprises a heater such as a block heater, and optionally a vehicle compartment heater, a controller in communication with the heater or heaters, and an electrical connector for providing power to the heater or heaters. The controller is mounted inside the vehicle compartment to provide convenient access to the vehicle operator, such that the operator may program the controller upon quitting the vehicle to activate the heater or heaters at a future time. The controller may be provided with one or more temperature gauges for determining which, if any, heaters need to be activated.
A method for heating a vehicle using the heating apparatus includes determining whether the internal and external vehicle temperatures require operation of one or more heaters.
A method for heating a vehicle using the heating apparatus includes determining whether the internal and external vehicle temperatures require operation of one or more heaters.
Description
VEHICLE COMPARTMENT AND ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Technical Field [00011 The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for heating an automotive vehicle.
Technical Background [00021 Automotive vehicles that are stored or parked in low-tcmperature environments, for example outside in cold weather, typically experience a drop in temperature both in the vehicle (passenger) compartment and engine block. As a result, when an operator or a passenger enters the vehicle compartment after the vehicle has been sitting in a low-temperature environment, the ambient temperature of the vehicle camparlment may be uncomfortably cold. Further, fuel combustion in a cold engine is less efficient, resulting in an increase in fuel consumption and production of pollutants by the engine; the engine is also often left to idle until it reaches an optimum operating temperature.
[00031 One solution to the problem of a cold vehicle compartment is to preheat the vehicle prior to operator or passenger entry using the vehicle's internal air conditioning and heating system, such that warm or hot air generated by the vehicle's internal system can be blown into the vehicle comparhnent. This typically requires that the engine be running, which is an inefficient and environmentally unfriendly solution. Further, ignition and continued operation of the vehicle engine may require that an ignition key be used, and left, in the vehicle compartment; this is a security risk for the vehicle owner, as an unscrupulous person may recognize the operator's pattern of preheating the vehicle in the early morning, for example, and gain access to the vehicle when it is unattended. In addition, this solution typically requires the operator to go to the vehicle, enter the vehicle, and start the motor running.
While this inconvenience may be mitigated by installing a remote vehicle starter, for example one controlled remotely by radiofrequency (RF) signals, it remains that this preheating solution requires that the engine be running.
[0004) A solution to the problem of the cold engine block is to preheat the engine block, using, for example, a block heater. A block heater is an electrical heating element fastened to the engine block, for example in a frost plug receptacle, which receives power via an electrical cord connected to an outside source, for example a household AC current. While the use of the block heater does not require that the engine be running, it does require the use of a sufficiently long electrical cord or extension cord so as to connect the heater to the power source. It also requires that the operator remember to connect the power source to the block heater some time shortly before the vehicle is to be used; thus, as with preheating the vehicle compartment, the operator must go to the vehicle, which is usually outside, to connect the block heater with the power source. However, it is not desirable for the operator to do this too much in advance of the vehicle's use, since it is not necessary for the engine block to be kept warm for an extended period of time if it is not being used.
[o005] It is therefore desirable to provide an apparatus and method for efficiently heating both the vehicle compartment and engine block with improved convenience to the operator.
Summarv [00061 In accordance with a first embodiment, a vehicle heating apparatus is provided, comprising: a block heater means; a controller means in communication with the block heater means, for controlling operation of the block heater means; and electrical connection means for providing power to the block heater means, wherein the controller means is mountable inside a vehicle compartment. In a further embodiment, the electrica connection means comprises an electrical cable provided in a retractable mounting apparatus. In a further aspect, the vehicle heating apparatus comprises a vehicle compartment heating means in communication with the controller means, wherein the controller means controls operation of the block heater means and the vehicle compartment heating means. In still a further aspect, the controller means is configured to activate the block heater means, the vehicle compartment heating means, or both, at a predetermined time. In yet a further aspect, the vehicle heating apparatus is provided with at least one of an external and an internal temperature gauge, such that the controller means may be configured to activate the block heater means when the temperature outside the vehicle is below a predetermined value, or to activate the vehicle compartment heating means when the temperature inside the vehicle is below a predetermined value.
10007] In accordance with a further embodiment, a method for heating a vehicle is provided, comprising: providing a heating apparatus on a vehicle comprising block heater means mounted on an engine block of the vehicle, controller means mounted within a compartnient of the vehicle, the controller means being in communication with the block heater means and for controlling the operation of the block heater means, and electrical connection means for providing power to the block heater means; determining a predetermined time for the controller means; when the predetermined time is reached, activating, by the controller means, the block heater means. In a further aspect, the heating apparatus further comprises an external temperature gauge in communication with the controller means for measuring the temperature outside the vehicle, and the method further comprises: setting a predetennined external temperature limit; determining, by the controller means, whether the temperature outside the vehiclc is below the predetennined extemal temperature limit; wherein the step of activating, by the controller means, the block heater means comprises activating the block heater means if the temperature outside the vehicle is below the predetermined external temperature limit. In still a further aspect, the heating apparatus further comprises: an internal temperature gauge in communication with the controller means for measuring the temperature inside the vehicle compartment, and vehicle compartment heating means in communication with the controller means, wherein the controller means is configured to control the operation of the vehicle compartment heating means; and the method further comprises: setting a predetermined internal temperature limit; determining, by the controller means, whether the temperature in the vehicle compartment is below the predetermined internal temperature limit; and activating, by the controller means, the vehicle compartment heating means if the temperature in the vehicle compartment is below the predetermined internal temperature limit, and the predetermined time is reached.
Brief Description of the Drawings [00081 In drawings which illustrate by way of example only preferred embodiments of the invention, [00091 Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the heating apparatus of a preferred embodiment.
[00101 Figure 2 is a front elevation of an exemplary display for a controller of the heating apparatus of Figure 1.
[00111 Figure 3 is a front elevation of the controller mounted on a vehicle dashboard.
[00121 Figure 4 is a flowchart representation of a method for heating a vehicle using the heating apparatus of Figure 1.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments [00131 Referring to Figure 1, a schematic diagram of an apparatus 100 of a first preferred embodiment is shown. A controller 50, an optional vehicle compartment heating element 40, and a block heating element 30 are provided. The vehicle compartment heating element 40 and block heating element 30 may be electrically connected, for example by electrical cabling 150, to an electrical power source such as a building AC current, which does not form part of the apparatus itself.
The block heating element 30, although referred to herein as an engine block heater, may include not only engine block heaters, but also coolant, oil pan, and other heaters and heating elements that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The vehicle compartment heater 40 may comprise a forced air heater or produce radiant heat; in the preferred embodiment, the vehicle compartment heater 40 is an electric heater, although the heater 40 may produce heat using other sources that will be known to those in the art.
The apparatus 100 or one or more of its components may be provided already installed in a new vehicle, or may be provided as an aftermarket part installed after delivery to the owner or operator.
[00141 The controller 50 may also be connected to the same electrical power source as that used for the heaters 30, 40. However, the controller 50 is preferably provided with an independent power source, such as a battery or batteries installed within the controller unit 50 itself. Alternatively, the controller 50 may draw current from the vehicle battery. The controller 50, even if provided with a separate power source such as a battery, may also be configured to draw power only from the electrical power source used for the heaters 30, 40 when that power source is connected, in order to extend battery life.
[00151 The controller 50 is also operatively connected with the compartment heater 40 and the block heater 30, such that the controller 50 may transmit and the heaters 30, 40 may receive trigger signals, such as electrical control signals, to start or stop the operation of the heaters 30, 40. Both the controller 50 and the compartment heater 40 are preferably mounted inside the vehicle compartment 200, where the operator and/or passenger is typically seated. Figure 3 illustrates a possible mounting position for the controller 50 on the dashboard in the vehicle compartment 200. In Figure 3, the controller 50 is mounted on the passenger side of the dashboard 215. The controller 50 may be adhered to the dashboard, or may be removably mounted by a bracket screwed or otherwise affixed to the dashboard. The controller 50 may also be mounted on the driver side of the dashboard 225. The compartment heater 40, not shown in Figure 3, may likewise be mounted on the dashboard, or alternatively may be positioned elsewhere in the vehicle compartment 200.
[0016] In still a further embodiment, the electrical cabling 150 is connected directly to the controller 50, and electrical power is directed to the heaters 30, 40 through the controller 50. This embodiment may be preferred where the controller 50 is provided as an aftermarket part and the block heater 30 is already installed. Any necessary wiring or cabling between the controller 50 and the block heater 30, or the external power source may pass through the vehicle firewall from the vehicle compartment 200 to the engine bay, where the block heater 30 is installed.
[00171 The apparatus 100 may also comprise an external and an intemal temperature gauge operatively connected with the controller 50. The intemal temperature gauge, not shown, monitors the temperature in the vehicle compartment 200 and may be provided in the controller 50. The external temperature gauge 60 may be mounted in the engine bay of the vehicle, or outside the exterior 290 of the vehicle, and is used to monitor either the engine block temperature or ambient temperature.
100181 Turning to Figure 2, the controller 50 is preferably programmable and provided with a user interface 52 with a display 520. The display 520 may comprise a screen utilizing liquid crystal or light emitting diode display, or may use another suitable screen technology. The display 520 may show the current or a programmed future time, a date, and optionally interior and exterior temperatures from the interior temperature gauge and the external temperature gauge 60. The interface 52 may also include a power toggle button 522 or switches, and a corresponding indicator light for indicating when the controller 50 is powered on. A timer control button 524 and corresponding indicator light may also be provided for switching on and off the timing function of the controller 50, described below; the timer function control may be integrated with the power toggle button 522. In addition, optional indicator lights 526 and 528 may indicate when the vehicle compartment heater 40 and the block heater 30, respectively, are operating under the control of the controller 50.
In addition, for the purpose of prograrnming the controller 50, program set button 530 and control buttons 532 may also be provided. In a further embodiment, one or more electrical outlets 536 may be provided for the delivery of alternating cunrent within the vehicle compartment 200 for use with electrical accessories (not shown);
its operation may be controlled by a corresponding accessory toggle switch or button 534 for switching the outlet 536 between a functional and non-functional state.
[00191 The configuration of the programming functions will be understood by those skilled in the art, but generally the controller 50 is configured to operate one or more of the block heater 30 and vehicle compartment heater 40, for example by routing or disconnecting electrical power to the heaters 30, 40 or by sending trigger signals to the heaters 30, 40 to activate and deactivate the heaters 30, 40, in response to: a direct command via the user interface 52, or a triggering event detected by the controller 50 such as the passage of a predetermined amount of time, a specific time and/or date, and/or the detection of a threshold maximum or minimum temperature. The predetermined amount of time, specific date or time, and detection of maximum or minimum temperatures may be programmed into the controller 50 via the user interface 52, and the controller 50 is therefore preferably provided with a memory or other circuitry for storing data related to the triggering events, and for acting on the triggering events when detected.
[00201 A method for use of the heater apparatus of 100 is illustrated in Figure 4. At block 400, any applicable parameters for the triggering events are set by the operator.
For example, the operator may wish to have the block heater 30 or the vehicle compartment heater 40, or both, activated in anticipation of a predetermined ignition time (i.e., the time at which the operator intends to drive the vehicle); the ignition time, or alternatively the heater start time in advance of the ignition time, may be set via the controller 50. The operator may select a heater start time him- or herself, for example between two and four hours before the intended ignition time, or a heater start time, or alternatively the controller 50 may be configured to compute a heater start time in advance of the programmed ignition time. If the operator has a fixed routine, the controller 50 may be programmed with the same start time or ignition time. If the operator's routine varies, the controller 50 may be programmed with different start or ignition times for different days of the week.
[00211 If the heating apparatus 100 is provided with internal or external temperature gauges in communication with the controller 50, the operator may also program the controller 50 to operate only when a temperature within a specified range is detected.
As an example, it may be desirable to only activate the block heater 30 only if the external temperature drops below -20 C; further, it may be desirable to only activate the vehicle compartment heater 40 if the compartment temperature drops below -C. These temperature limits may be selected by the operator according to the vehicle's heating characteristics or the ambient environment, and in the case of the vehicle compartment temperature, with reference to the operator's or passenger's comfort levels.
[00221 Once the controller 50 is programmed, and the heater(s) 30, 40 are connected with a power supply (either directly, or through the controller 50 as described above), the controller 50 waits until a start event is detected at block 410 of Figure 4. Once a start event, such as a specific heater start time, is detected, the controller 50 then determines via the external temperature gauge 60 whether the external temperature is below a predetermined limit at block 420. If the external temperature is below this predetermined limit, then the controller 50 initiates the operation of the block heater at block 430. If the external temperature is not below the limit, or if the controller 50 is not programmed with an external temperature limit, then the controller 50 proceeds to block 440. At block 440, the controller 50 determines via an intemal temperature gauge whether the vehicle compartment 200 temperature is below a predetermined limit. If the compartment 200 temperature is below the predetermined temperature, then the controller 50 initiates the vehicle compartment heater 40 at block 450. If no predetermined temperature limit is set for the vehicle compartment 40, or if the heating apparatus 100 is not provided with a vehicle compartment heater 40, then the controller proceeds to either block 420 or block 460.
[oo231 In one embodunent, after the start event is detected, and a determination made by the controller 50 whether the heater(s) 30, 40 are to be activated, the controller 50 may return to block 420 (following arrow 452) periodically to determine whether continued use of the heater(s) is necessary. If the controller 50 determines at block 420 that the exteraal temperature has risen above the predetermined limit, the controller 50 may disengage the block heater 30 at block 490, then proceed to determine whether the vehicle compartment temperature still requires operation of the vehicle compartment heater 40 at block 440. If the controller 50 determines at block 440 that the vehicle compartment temperature is no longer below a predetermined value, then the controllei 50 may disengage the vehicle compartment heater 40 at block 495. The controller 50 may continue to monitor the external and/or intemal temperatures in this maimer until overridden by detection of an ignition event at block 460, or disconnection of the power supply from the heater(s).
[00241 If the controller 50 is configured to detect when the engine is started, then the controller 50 may determine at block 460 whether the engine has been ignited.
The controller 50, for example, may be connected via the wiring harness of the vehicle to the other electronic controls in the vehicle, and may be configured to receive a signal when the operator turns the ignition key in the vehicle lock. If ignition is detected, then the controller 50 may disengage the heater(s) at block 470; this disengagement may be accomplished, of course, by disconnecting the power supply from the heater(s) 30,40.
100251 In a further embodiment, the controller 50 may be configured to conserve electricity should a pre-programmed ignition time pass at block 480 without ignition being detected. If the ignition time is passed, for example by more than half an hour or another predetermined period of time, the controller 50 may be configured to disengage the heater(s) 30, 40 unless it is still determined at block 420 that the external temperature is still below a programmed level, and so forth.
100261 In still a further embodiment of the heater apparatus 100 comprising the extemal temperature gauge 60, the controller 50 may be configured to periodically sample the external temperaturc prior to the programmed ignition time in order to determine when, based on the ambient temperature, the block heater 30 should be engaged. For example, in extreme cold, additional time may be needed for the block heater 30 to bring the engine block up to a preferred operating temperature than may have been accounted for by the operator in programming the controller 50.
Thus, by periodically sampling the external temperature between the time the controller 50 is programmed, and the programmed ignition time, the controller 50 may compute an appropriate time to start the block heater and the remainder of the process at block 430.
[00271 In a simpler embodiment, the controller 50 may be configured to simply start the block heater 30, the vehicle compartment heater 40, or both, at a predetermined time. The operator may program the controller 50 with either the desired start time for the heater(s) 30, 40, or with the desired ignition time. The controller 50 may automatically start the heater(s) 30, 40 at the programmed start time or a fixed period of time (which may also be programmable by the operator, or may alternatively be coded into the controller 50) in advance of the ignition time. In this simpler embodiment, the heater(s) 30, 40 would continue to heat the engine block and/or the vehicle compartment 200 until either the controller 50 detects ignition (if the controller 50 is configured to do so), or until the power source is disconnected from the heater(s) 30, 40.
[0028] In a further embodiment, the vehicle compartment heater 40 may be omitted.
In a still further embodiment, the electrical cabling 150 extending from the vehicle body may be provided in a retractable mounting apparatus 190, as depicted in Figure 1. The retractable mounting apparatus 190 may be provided in a separate unit that is disengaged from the heating apparatus 100 when the electrical power supply is disconnected, and in Figure 1 the retractable apparatus 190 is shown on the exterior of the vehicle 290. However, the retractable apparatus 190 may be mounted on the vehicle itself, for example at or near the vehicle grille or licence plate, or inside the engine bay. By providing the retractable apparatus 190 mounted on or within the vehicle, the operator need not procure a separate extension cord for use with the heating apparatus 100.
[00291 Thus, by providing the controller 50 of the vehicle heating apparatus inside the vehicle, the operator may easily activate the controller 50 immediately prior to quitting the vehicle compartment, and connect the power cable 150 to the source as he or she departs the vehicle. No finther action need be taken by the operator until it is time for the vehicle to be used again; the operator need not attend at the vehicle in advance of a scheduled departure in order to preheat either the engine block or the vehicle compartment. At the time of scheduled departure, the operator need only disconnect the power cable 150, and if the cable 150 is provided on a retractable apparatus 190 mounted on the vehicle itself, the cable 150 is easily stowed by the operator. Further, by providing the temperature gauges and method described above, efficiencies may be realized by controlling the operation of the heater(s) 30, 40 only if the measured temperatures indicate that the heater(s) 30, 40 are necessary.
[00301 The apparatus and methods disclosed herein are presented only by way of example and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. Other variations of the systems and methods described above will be apparent to those skilled in the art and as such are considered to be within the scope of the invention. For example, it should be understood that steps and the order of the steps in the processing described herein may be altered, modified and/or augmented and still achieve the desired outcome. For example, the process in Figure 4 may be altered such that the controller 50 deternzines whether the vehicle compartment temperature is below the predetermined, specified level prior to determining whether the external temperature is below its corresponding level.
[00311 The controller 50 may comprise many different types of storage devices and programming constructs, such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, programming data structures, programming variables, etc., and code adapted to provide the methods described above may be provided on many different types of computer-readable media including computer storage mechanisms (e.g., CD-ROM, diskette, RAM, flash memory, computer's hard drive, etc.) that contain instructions for use in execution by a processor to perform the methods' operations described herein.
[00321 Various embodiments of the present invention having been thus described in detail by way of example, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the invention. The invention includes all such variations and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Technical Field [00011 The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for heating an automotive vehicle.
Technical Background [00021 Automotive vehicles that are stored or parked in low-tcmperature environments, for example outside in cold weather, typically experience a drop in temperature both in the vehicle (passenger) compartment and engine block. As a result, when an operator or a passenger enters the vehicle compartment after the vehicle has been sitting in a low-temperature environment, the ambient temperature of the vehicle camparlment may be uncomfortably cold. Further, fuel combustion in a cold engine is less efficient, resulting in an increase in fuel consumption and production of pollutants by the engine; the engine is also often left to idle until it reaches an optimum operating temperature.
[00031 One solution to the problem of a cold vehicle compartment is to preheat the vehicle prior to operator or passenger entry using the vehicle's internal air conditioning and heating system, such that warm or hot air generated by the vehicle's internal system can be blown into the vehicle comparhnent. This typically requires that the engine be running, which is an inefficient and environmentally unfriendly solution. Further, ignition and continued operation of the vehicle engine may require that an ignition key be used, and left, in the vehicle compartment; this is a security risk for the vehicle owner, as an unscrupulous person may recognize the operator's pattern of preheating the vehicle in the early morning, for example, and gain access to the vehicle when it is unattended. In addition, this solution typically requires the operator to go to the vehicle, enter the vehicle, and start the motor running.
While this inconvenience may be mitigated by installing a remote vehicle starter, for example one controlled remotely by radiofrequency (RF) signals, it remains that this preheating solution requires that the engine be running.
[0004) A solution to the problem of the cold engine block is to preheat the engine block, using, for example, a block heater. A block heater is an electrical heating element fastened to the engine block, for example in a frost plug receptacle, which receives power via an electrical cord connected to an outside source, for example a household AC current. While the use of the block heater does not require that the engine be running, it does require the use of a sufficiently long electrical cord or extension cord so as to connect the heater to the power source. It also requires that the operator remember to connect the power source to the block heater some time shortly before the vehicle is to be used; thus, as with preheating the vehicle compartment, the operator must go to the vehicle, which is usually outside, to connect the block heater with the power source. However, it is not desirable for the operator to do this too much in advance of the vehicle's use, since it is not necessary for the engine block to be kept warm for an extended period of time if it is not being used.
[o005] It is therefore desirable to provide an apparatus and method for efficiently heating both the vehicle compartment and engine block with improved convenience to the operator.
Summarv [00061 In accordance with a first embodiment, a vehicle heating apparatus is provided, comprising: a block heater means; a controller means in communication with the block heater means, for controlling operation of the block heater means; and electrical connection means for providing power to the block heater means, wherein the controller means is mountable inside a vehicle compartment. In a further embodiment, the electrica connection means comprises an electrical cable provided in a retractable mounting apparatus. In a further aspect, the vehicle heating apparatus comprises a vehicle compartment heating means in communication with the controller means, wherein the controller means controls operation of the block heater means and the vehicle compartment heating means. In still a further aspect, the controller means is configured to activate the block heater means, the vehicle compartment heating means, or both, at a predetermined time. In yet a further aspect, the vehicle heating apparatus is provided with at least one of an external and an internal temperature gauge, such that the controller means may be configured to activate the block heater means when the temperature outside the vehicle is below a predetermined value, or to activate the vehicle compartment heating means when the temperature inside the vehicle is below a predetermined value.
10007] In accordance with a further embodiment, a method for heating a vehicle is provided, comprising: providing a heating apparatus on a vehicle comprising block heater means mounted on an engine block of the vehicle, controller means mounted within a compartnient of the vehicle, the controller means being in communication with the block heater means and for controlling the operation of the block heater means, and electrical connection means for providing power to the block heater means; determining a predetermined time for the controller means; when the predetermined time is reached, activating, by the controller means, the block heater means. In a further aspect, the heating apparatus further comprises an external temperature gauge in communication with the controller means for measuring the temperature outside the vehicle, and the method further comprises: setting a predetennined external temperature limit; determining, by the controller means, whether the temperature outside the vehiclc is below the predetennined extemal temperature limit; wherein the step of activating, by the controller means, the block heater means comprises activating the block heater means if the temperature outside the vehicle is below the predetermined external temperature limit. In still a further aspect, the heating apparatus further comprises: an internal temperature gauge in communication with the controller means for measuring the temperature inside the vehicle compartment, and vehicle compartment heating means in communication with the controller means, wherein the controller means is configured to control the operation of the vehicle compartment heating means; and the method further comprises: setting a predetermined internal temperature limit; determining, by the controller means, whether the temperature in the vehicle compartment is below the predetermined internal temperature limit; and activating, by the controller means, the vehicle compartment heating means if the temperature in the vehicle compartment is below the predetermined internal temperature limit, and the predetermined time is reached.
Brief Description of the Drawings [00081 In drawings which illustrate by way of example only preferred embodiments of the invention, [00091 Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the heating apparatus of a preferred embodiment.
[00101 Figure 2 is a front elevation of an exemplary display for a controller of the heating apparatus of Figure 1.
[00111 Figure 3 is a front elevation of the controller mounted on a vehicle dashboard.
[00121 Figure 4 is a flowchart representation of a method for heating a vehicle using the heating apparatus of Figure 1.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments [00131 Referring to Figure 1, a schematic diagram of an apparatus 100 of a first preferred embodiment is shown. A controller 50, an optional vehicle compartment heating element 40, and a block heating element 30 are provided. The vehicle compartment heating element 40 and block heating element 30 may be electrically connected, for example by electrical cabling 150, to an electrical power source such as a building AC current, which does not form part of the apparatus itself.
The block heating element 30, although referred to herein as an engine block heater, may include not only engine block heaters, but also coolant, oil pan, and other heaters and heating elements that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The vehicle compartment heater 40 may comprise a forced air heater or produce radiant heat; in the preferred embodiment, the vehicle compartment heater 40 is an electric heater, although the heater 40 may produce heat using other sources that will be known to those in the art.
The apparatus 100 or one or more of its components may be provided already installed in a new vehicle, or may be provided as an aftermarket part installed after delivery to the owner or operator.
[00141 The controller 50 may also be connected to the same electrical power source as that used for the heaters 30, 40. However, the controller 50 is preferably provided with an independent power source, such as a battery or batteries installed within the controller unit 50 itself. Alternatively, the controller 50 may draw current from the vehicle battery. The controller 50, even if provided with a separate power source such as a battery, may also be configured to draw power only from the electrical power source used for the heaters 30, 40 when that power source is connected, in order to extend battery life.
[00151 The controller 50 is also operatively connected with the compartment heater 40 and the block heater 30, such that the controller 50 may transmit and the heaters 30, 40 may receive trigger signals, such as electrical control signals, to start or stop the operation of the heaters 30, 40. Both the controller 50 and the compartment heater 40 are preferably mounted inside the vehicle compartment 200, where the operator and/or passenger is typically seated. Figure 3 illustrates a possible mounting position for the controller 50 on the dashboard in the vehicle compartment 200. In Figure 3, the controller 50 is mounted on the passenger side of the dashboard 215. The controller 50 may be adhered to the dashboard, or may be removably mounted by a bracket screwed or otherwise affixed to the dashboard. The controller 50 may also be mounted on the driver side of the dashboard 225. The compartment heater 40, not shown in Figure 3, may likewise be mounted on the dashboard, or alternatively may be positioned elsewhere in the vehicle compartment 200.
[0016] In still a further embodiment, the electrical cabling 150 is connected directly to the controller 50, and electrical power is directed to the heaters 30, 40 through the controller 50. This embodiment may be preferred where the controller 50 is provided as an aftermarket part and the block heater 30 is already installed. Any necessary wiring or cabling between the controller 50 and the block heater 30, or the external power source may pass through the vehicle firewall from the vehicle compartment 200 to the engine bay, where the block heater 30 is installed.
[00171 The apparatus 100 may also comprise an external and an intemal temperature gauge operatively connected with the controller 50. The intemal temperature gauge, not shown, monitors the temperature in the vehicle compartment 200 and may be provided in the controller 50. The external temperature gauge 60 may be mounted in the engine bay of the vehicle, or outside the exterior 290 of the vehicle, and is used to monitor either the engine block temperature or ambient temperature.
100181 Turning to Figure 2, the controller 50 is preferably programmable and provided with a user interface 52 with a display 520. The display 520 may comprise a screen utilizing liquid crystal or light emitting diode display, or may use another suitable screen technology. The display 520 may show the current or a programmed future time, a date, and optionally interior and exterior temperatures from the interior temperature gauge and the external temperature gauge 60. The interface 52 may also include a power toggle button 522 or switches, and a corresponding indicator light for indicating when the controller 50 is powered on. A timer control button 524 and corresponding indicator light may also be provided for switching on and off the timing function of the controller 50, described below; the timer function control may be integrated with the power toggle button 522. In addition, optional indicator lights 526 and 528 may indicate when the vehicle compartment heater 40 and the block heater 30, respectively, are operating under the control of the controller 50.
In addition, for the purpose of prograrnming the controller 50, program set button 530 and control buttons 532 may also be provided. In a further embodiment, one or more electrical outlets 536 may be provided for the delivery of alternating cunrent within the vehicle compartment 200 for use with electrical accessories (not shown);
its operation may be controlled by a corresponding accessory toggle switch or button 534 for switching the outlet 536 between a functional and non-functional state.
[00191 The configuration of the programming functions will be understood by those skilled in the art, but generally the controller 50 is configured to operate one or more of the block heater 30 and vehicle compartment heater 40, for example by routing or disconnecting electrical power to the heaters 30, 40 or by sending trigger signals to the heaters 30, 40 to activate and deactivate the heaters 30, 40, in response to: a direct command via the user interface 52, or a triggering event detected by the controller 50 such as the passage of a predetermined amount of time, a specific time and/or date, and/or the detection of a threshold maximum or minimum temperature. The predetermined amount of time, specific date or time, and detection of maximum or minimum temperatures may be programmed into the controller 50 via the user interface 52, and the controller 50 is therefore preferably provided with a memory or other circuitry for storing data related to the triggering events, and for acting on the triggering events when detected.
[00201 A method for use of the heater apparatus of 100 is illustrated in Figure 4. At block 400, any applicable parameters for the triggering events are set by the operator.
For example, the operator may wish to have the block heater 30 or the vehicle compartment heater 40, or both, activated in anticipation of a predetermined ignition time (i.e., the time at which the operator intends to drive the vehicle); the ignition time, or alternatively the heater start time in advance of the ignition time, may be set via the controller 50. The operator may select a heater start time him- or herself, for example between two and four hours before the intended ignition time, or a heater start time, or alternatively the controller 50 may be configured to compute a heater start time in advance of the programmed ignition time. If the operator has a fixed routine, the controller 50 may be programmed with the same start time or ignition time. If the operator's routine varies, the controller 50 may be programmed with different start or ignition times for different days of the week.
[00211 If the heating apparatus 100 is provided with internal or external temperature gauges in communication with the controller 50, the operator may also program the controller 50 to operate only when a temperature within a specified range is detected.
As an example, it may be desirable to only activate the block heater 30 only if the external temperature drops below -20 C; further, it may be desirable to only activate the vehicle compartment heater 40 if the compartment temperature drops below -C. These temperature limits may be selected by the operator according to the vehicle's heating characteristics or the ambient environment, and in the case of the vehicle compartment temperature, with reference to the operator's or passenger's comfort levels.
[00221 Once the controller 50 is programmed, and the heater(s) 30, 40 are connected with a power supply (either directly, or through the controller 50 as described above), the controller 50 waits until a start event is detected at block 410 of Figure 4. Once a start event, such as a specific heater start time, is detected, the controller 50 then determines via the external temperature gauge 60 whether the external temperature is below a predetermined limit at block 420. If the external temperature is below this predetermined limit, then the controller 50 initiates the operation of the block heater at block 430. If the external temperature is not below the limit, or if the controller 50 is not programmed with an external temperature limit, then the controller 50 proceeds to block 440. At block 440, the controller 50 determines via an intemal temperature gauge whether the vehicle compartment 200 temperature is below a predetermined limit. If the compartment 200 temperature is below the predetermined temperature, then the controller 50 initiates the vehicle compartment heater 40 at block 450. If no predetermined temperature limit is set for the vehicle compartment 40, or if the heating apparatus 100 is not provided with a vehicle compartment heater 40, then the controller proceeds to either block 420 or block 460.
[oo231 In one embodunent, after the start event is detected, and a determination made by the controller 50 whether the heater(s) 30, 40 are to be activated, the controller 50 may return to block 420 (following arrow 452) periodically to determine whether continued use of the heater(s) is necessary. If the controller 50 determines at block 420 that the exteraal temperature has risen above the predetermined limit, the controller 50 may disengage the block heater 30 at block 490, then proceed to determine whether the vehicle compartment temperature still requires operation of the vehicle compartment heater 40 at block 440. If the controller 50 determines at block 440 that the vehicle compartment temperature is no longer below a predetermined value, then the controllei 50 may disengage the vehicle compartment heater 40 at block 495. The controller 50 may continue to monitor the external and/or intemal temperatures in this maimer until overridden by detection of an ignition event at block 460, or disconnection of the power supply from the heater(s).
[00241 If the controller 50 is configured to detect when the engine is started, then the controller 50 may determine at block 460 whether the engine has been ignited.
The controller 50, for example, may be connected via the wiring harness of the vehicle to the other electronic controls in the vehicle, and may be configured to receive a signal when the operator turns the ignition key in the vehicle lock. If ignition is detected, then the controller 50 may disengage the heater(s) at block 470; this disengagement may be accomplished, of course, by disconnecting the power supply from the heater(s) 30,40.
100251 In a further embodiment, the controller 50 may be configured to conserve electricity should a pre-programmed ignition time pass at block 480 without ignition being detected. If the ignition time is passed, for example by more than half an hour or another predetermined period of time, the controller 50 may be configured to disengage the heater(s) 30, 40 unless it is still determined at block 420 that the external temperature is still below a programmed level, and so forth.
100261 In still a further embodiment of the heater apparatus 100 comprising the extemal temperature gauge 60, the controller 50 may be configured to periodically sample the external temperaturc prior to the programmed ignition time in order to determine when, based on the ambient temperature, the block heater 30 should be engaged. For example, in extreme cold, additional time may be needed for the block heater 30 to bring the engine block up to a preferred operating temperature than may have been accounted for by the operator in programming the controller 50.
Thus, by periodically sampling the external temperature between the time the controller 50 is programmed, and the programmed ignition time, the controller 50 may compute an appropriate time to start the block heater and the remainder of the process at block 430.
[00271 In a simpler embodiment, the controller 50 may be configured to simply start the block heater 30, the vehicle compartment heater 40, or both, at a predetermined time. The operator may program the controller 50 with either the desired start time for the heater(s) 30, 40, or with the desired ignition time. The controller 50 may automatically start the heater(s) 30, 40 at the programmed start time or a fixed period of time (which may also be programmable by the operator, or may alternatively be coded into the controller 50) in advance of the ignition time. In this simpler embodiment, the heater(s) 30, 40 would continue to heat the engine block and/or the vehicle compartment 200 until either the controller 50 detects ignition (if the controller 50 is configured to do so), or until the power source is disconnected from the heater(s) 30, 40.
[0028] In a further embodiment, the vehicle compartment heater 40 may be omitted.
In a still further embodiment, the electrical cabling 150 extending from the vehicle body may be provided in a retractable mounting apparatus 190, as depicted in Figure 1. The retractable mounting apparatus 190 may be provided in a separate unit that is disengaged from the heating apparatus 100 when the electrical power supply is disconnected, and in Figure 1 the retractable apparatus 190 is shown on the exterior of the vehicle 290. However, the retractable apparatus 190 may be mounted on the vehicle itself, for example at or near the vehicle grille or licence plate, or inside the engine bay. By providing the retractable apparatus 190 mounted on or within the vehicle, the operator need not procure a separate extension cord for use with the heating apparatus 100.
[00291 Thus, by providing the controller 50 of the vehicle heating apparatus inside the vehicle, the operator may easily activate the controller 50 immediately prior to quitting the vehicle compartment, and connect the power cable 150 to the source as he or she departs the vehicle. No finther action need be taken by the operator until it is time for the vehicle to be used again; the operator need not attend at the vehicle in advance of a scheduled departure in order to preheat either the engine block or the vehicle compartment. At the time of scheduled departure, the operator need only disconnect the power cable 150, and if the cable 150 is provided on a retractable apparatus 190 mounted on the vehicle itself, the cable 150 is easily stowed by the operator. Further, by providing the temperature gauges and method described above, efficiencies may be realized by controlling the operation of the heater(s) 30, 40 only if the measured temperatures indicate that the heater(s) 30, 40 are necessary.
[00301 The apparatus and methods disclosed herein are presented only by way of example and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. Other variations of the systems and methods described above will be apparent to those skilled in the art and as such are considered to be within the scope of the invention. For example, it should be understood that steps and the order of the steps in the processing described herein may be altered, modified and/or augmented and still achieve the desired outcome. For example, the process in Figure 4 may be altered such that the controller 50 deternzines whether the vehicle compartment temperature is below the predetermined, specified level prior to determining whether the external temperature is below its corresponding level.
[00311 The controller 50 may comprise many different types of storage devices and programming constructs, such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, programming data structures, programming variables, etc., and code adapted to provide the methods described above may be provided on many different types of computer-readable media including computer storage mechanisms (e.g., CD-ROM, diskette, RAM, flash memory, computer's hard drive, etc.) that contain instructions for use in execution by a processor to perform the methods' operations described herein.
[00321 Various embodiments of the present invention having been thus described in detail by way of example, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the invention. The invention includes all such variations and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (17)
1. A vehicle heating apparatus comprising:
a block heater means;
a controller means in communication with the block heater means, for controlling operation of the block heater means; and electrical connection means for providing power to the block heater means, wherein the controller means is mountable inside a vehicle compartment.
a block heater means;
a controller means in communication with the block heater means, for controlling operation of the block heater means; and electrical connection means for providing power to the block heater means, wherein the controller means is mountable inside a vehicle compartment.
2. The vehicle heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrical connection means is connected from an electrical source to the controller means, and wherein the controller means is configured to provide electrical current to the block heater for heating the vehicle.
3. The vehicle heating apparatus of either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the electrical connection means comprises an electrical cable provided in a retractable mounting apparatus.
4. The vehicle heating apparatus of any one of claims 1, 2, or 3, further comprising a vehicle compartment heating means in communication with the controller means, wherein the controller means controls operation of the block heater means and the vehicle compartment heating means.
5. The vehicle heating apparatus of any one of claims 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the controller means is configured to activate the block heater means at a predetermined time.
6. The vehicle heating apparatus of claim 4, wherein the controller means is configured to activate the vehicle compartment heating means at a predetermined time.
7. The vehicle heating apparatus of any one of claims 1 through 6, further comprising an external temperature gauge in communication with the controller means for measuring the temperature outside the vehicle.
8. The vehicle heating apparatus of claim 7, wherein the controller means is configured to activate the block heater means when the temperature outside the vehicle is below a predetermined value.
9. The vehicle heating apparatus of any one of claims 4, 6, or claims 5, 7, or when dependent on claim 4, further comprising an internal temperature gauge in communication with the controller means for measuring the temperature inside the vehicle, and wherein the controller means is configured to activate the vehicle compartment heating means when the temperature inside the vehicle is below a predetermined value.
10. The vehicle heating apparatus of any one of claims 1 through 9, wherein the apparatus is mountable on a dashboard inside the vehicle.
11. A method for heating a vehicle, comprising:
providing a heating apparatus on a vehicle, comprising:
block heater means mounted on an engine block of the vehicle, controller means mounted within a compartment of the vehicle, the controller means being in communication with the block heater means and for controlling the operation of the block heater means, and electrical connection means for providing power to the block heater means;
determining a predetermined time for the controller means;
when the predetermined time is reached, activating, by the controller means, the block heater means.
providing a heating apparatus on a vehicle, comprising:
block heater means mounted on an engine block of the vehicle, controller means mounted within a compartment of the vehicle, the controller means being in communication with the block heater means and for controlling the operation of the block heater means, and electrical connection means for providing power to the block heater means;
determining a predetermined time for the controller means;
when the predetermined time is reached, activating, by the controller means, the block heater means.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the predetermined time is a heater start time.
13 13. The method of either claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the heating apparatus further comprises an external temperature gauge in communication with the controller means for measuring the temperature outside the vehicle, and wherein the method further comprises:
setting a predetermined external temperature limit;
determining, by the controller means, whether the temperature outside the vehicle is below the predetermined external temperature limit; and wherein the step of activating, by the controller means, the block heater means comprises activating the block heater means if the temperature outside the vehicle is below the predetermined external temperature limit.
setting a predetermined external temperature limit;
determining, by the controller means, whether the temperature outside the vehicle is below the predetermined external temperature limit; and wherein the step of activating, by the controller means, the block heater means comprises activating the block heater means if the temperature outside the vehicle is below the predetermined external temperature limit.
14. The method of any one of claims 11, 12, or 13, wherein the heating apparatus further comprises:
an internal temperature gauge in communication with the controller means for measuring the temperature inside the vehicle compartment, and vehicle compartment heating means in communication with the controller means, wherein the controller means is configured to control the operation of the vehicle compartment heating means;
and wherein the method further comprises:
setting a predetermined internal temperature limit;
determining, by the controller means, whether the temperature in the vehicle compartment is below the predetermined internal temperature limit; and activating, by the controller means, the vehicle compartment heating means if the temperature in the vehicle compartment is below the predetermined internal temperature limit, and the predetermined time is reached.
an internal temperature gauge in communication with the controller means for measuring the temperature inside the vehicle compartment, and vehicle compartment heating means in communication with the controller means, wherein the controller means is configured to control the operation of the vehicle compartment heating means;
and wherein the method further comprises:
setting a predetermined internal temperature limit;
determining, by the controller means, whether the temperature in the vehicle compartment is below the predetermined internal temperature limit; and activating, by the controller means, the vehicle compartment heating means if the temperature in the vehicle compartment is below the predetermined internal temperature limit, and the predetermined time is reached.
15. The method of any one of claims 11 through 14, further comprising:
detecting, by the controller means, engine ignition; and deactivating the block heater means upon detection of engine ignition.
detecting, by the controller means, engine ignition; and deactivating the block heater means upon detection of engine ignition.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising, prior to detecting engine ignition, repeatedly determining, by the controller means, whether the temperature outside the vehicle is below the predetermined external temperature limit; and if the temperature outside the vehicle is not below the predetermined external temperature limit, deactivating the block heater means.
17. The method of either claim 15 or 16 when dependent on claim 14, further comprising deactivating the vehicle compartment heating means upon detection of engine ignition, and further comprising, prior to detecting engine ignition, repeatedly determining, by the controller means, whether the temperature in the vehicle compartment is below the predetermined internal temperature limit;
and if the temperature in the vehicle compartment is not below the predetermined internal temperature limit, deactivating the vehicle compartment heating means.
and if the temperature in the vehicle compartment is not below the predetermined internal temperature limit, deactivating the vehicle compartment heating means.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002618285A CA2618285A1 (en) | 2008-01-21 | 2008-01-21 | Vehicle compartment and engine block heater |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002618285A CA2618285A1 (en) | 2008-01-21 | 2008-01-21 | Vehicle compartment and engine block heater |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2618285A1 true CA2618285A1 (en) | 2009-07-21 |
Family
ID=40900681
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002618285A Abandoned CA2618285A1 (en) | 2008-01-21 | 2008-01-21 | Vehicle compartment and engine block heater |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2618285A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102010017670A1 (en) | 2010-06-30 | 2012-01-05 | Fev Motorentechnik Gmbh | Method for preheating component of motor vehicle, involves providing operating point of control unit, at which component is preheated |
-
2008
- 2008-01-21 CA CA002618285A patent/CA2618285A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102010017670A1 (en) | 2010-06-30 | 2012-01-05 | Fev Motorentechnik Gmbh | Method for preheating component of motor vehicle, involves providing operating point of control unit, at which component is preheated |
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