WO2017093785A1 - Low cost instrument cluster based hvac power control - Google Patents

Low cost instrument cluster based hvac power control Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017093785A1
WO2017093785A1 PCT/IB2015/059270 IB2015059270W WO2017093785A1 WO 2017093785 A1 WO2017093785 A1 WO 2017093785A1 IB 2015059270 W IB2015059270 W IB 2015059270W WO 2017093785 A1 WO2017093785 A1 WO 2017093785A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
engine
rate
increase
vehicle
rotational speed
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2015/059270
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Manuj Prakash AGARWAL
Saptarshi SARADINDUBASU
Mithun DAS
Prashant KALE
Original Assignee
Continental Automotive Gmbh
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Continental Automotive Gmbh filed Critical Continental Automotive Gmbh
Priority to PCT/IB2015/059270 priority Critical patent/WO2017093785A1/en
Publication of WO2017093785A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017093785A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H9/00—Gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio, or for reversing rotary motion, by endless flexible members
    • F16H9/02—Gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio, or for reversing rotary motion, by endless flexible members without members having orbital motion
    • F16H9/04—Gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio, or for reversing rotary motion, by endless flexible members without members having orbital motion using belts, V-belts, or ropes
    • F16H9/12—Gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio, or for reversing rotary motion, by endless flexible members without members having orbital motion using belts, V-belts, or ropes engaging a pulley built-up out of relatively axially-adjustable parts in which the belt engages the opposite flanges of the pulley directly without interposed belt-supporting members
    • 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
    • B60H1/00735—Control systems or circuits characterised by their input, i.e. by the detection, measurement or calculation of particular conditions, e.g. signal treatment, dynamic models
    • B60H1/00764—Control systems or circuits characterised by their input, i.e. by the detection, measurement or calculation of particular conditions, e.g. signal treatment, dynamic models the input being a vehicle driving condition, e.g. speed
    • 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
    • B60H1/32—Cooling devices
    • B60H1/3204—Cooling devices using compression
    • B60H1/3205—Control means therefor
    • B60H1/3208—Vehicle drive related control of the compressor drive means, e.g. for fuel saving purposes
    • 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
    • B60H1/32—Cooling devices
    • B60H2001/3236—Cooling devices information from a variable is obtained
    • B60H2001/3266—Cooling devices information from a variable is obtained related to the operation of the vehicle
    • 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
    • B60H1/32—Cooling devices
    • B60H2001/3269—Cooling devices output of a control signal
    • B60H2001/327—Cooling devices output of a control signal related to a compressing unit
    • B60H2001/3272—Cooling devices output of a control signal related to a compressing unit to control the revolving speed of a compressor

Definitions

  • the application relates to a control system for an air conditioner of a vehicle. More particularly, the application relates to a control system for a compressor of an air conditioner of a vehicle .
  • Passenger vehicles with a small engine capacity of less than about a thousand cubic centimeters (cc) are popular worldwide, especially in economically emerging markets due to their affordable prices.
  • the driving performance of these vehicles is influenced by a number of factors, such as passenger load, cargo load, weather condition, road conditions, and air- conditioning load.
  • a driver of the vehicle can switch off the vehicle air-conditioner in order to attain a desired speed of the vehicle.
  • a control system can also be used to automatically switching off the air conditioner.
  • US4730520 discloses a control system for an engine-driven compressor for a vehicle that is equipped with an automatic transmission.
  • the control system is adapted to interrupt power from an engine to the compressor under a predetermined condition, wherein an instantaneous value of a gear ratio, which is defined as the quotient of a rotation speed of an output shaft of a torque converter to a rotation speed of an input shaft of the torque converter, is within a predetermined range.
  • JPS58211915 discloses a control circuit for a compressor of an air conditioner of a vehicle.
  • the control circuit is adapted for turning off the compressor if a revolving speed of an engine of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined value.
  • the compressor is turned on if the revolving speed drops below the predetermined value .
  • HVAC Heating, Ventilating, and Air condition- ing
  • the application provides an improved control module for an engine-driven compressor of a vehicle with an engine.
  • the vehicle refers to a car, a bus, or a truck, which has wheels for moving people and goods.
  • the vehicle has an engine, a Heating, Ventilating, and Air conditioning (HVAC) unit, and a drive unit.
  • HVAC Heating, Ventilating, and Air conditioning
  • the drive unit selectively connects the engine to the HVAC unit, wherein the engine drives the HVAC unit and the wheels .
  • the HVAC comprises an air conditioner with a gas compressor.
  • the gas compressor is intended for increasing pressure of a gaseous refrigerant that is used for lowering a temperature of an interior of the vehicle.
  • the engine is used for generating mechanical power.
  • Examples of the engine includes an electric engine, which converts electrical energy to mechanical power and an internal combus- tion engine, which converts fue1, such as gasoline, to mechan- ical power.
  • the drive unit includes a clutch module with an improved control module. Parts of the clutch module are connected to the engine and the compressor.
  • the control module selectively activates the clutch module for connecting the engine to the compressor, wherein the mechanical power of the engine is directed for driving the compressor.
  • the mechanical power of the engine is also used for driving the vehicle wheels.
  • the control module includes a first input port, a second input port, and a digital computing processor.
  • the processor acts to process data from the first and the second input ports .
  • the first input port is adapted for receiving two or more rotational speed measurements of a revolving shaft of the engine.
  • the rotational speed measurements can be expressed in number of revolutions per minute (RPM) .
  • the second input port is adapted for receiving two or more vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements.
  • the vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements can be expressed in number of revolutions per minute.
  • the computing processor determines a first rate of increase according to the received engine shaft rotational speed measurements .
  • the first rate of increase is often related to an expected rate of increase of the vehicle speed.
  • the processor later determines a second rate of increase according to the received vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements.
  • the second rate of increase is often related to an actual rate of increase of the vehicle speed.
  • the processor determines a relationship between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase of the vehicle speed.
  • the processor compares the relationship with a predetermined engine overload threshold value.
  • the engine overload threshold value corresponds to an overload condition of the vehicle engine.
  • the overload condition often occurs when the vehicle is accelerating or is travelling up a steep inclination in which the engine is operating beyond its engine operating capacity.
  • the engine is then producing an excessively large mechanical power that exceeds its design. Operating the engine at this rate can damage the engine.
  • the processor When the relationship exceeds the predetermined engine overload threshold value, the processor provides a declutching control signal for disconnecting the compressor from the engine of the vehicle .
  • the processor then sends out the declutching control signal to the clutch module .
  • This arrangement advantageously allows the engine to direct all of its mechanical power for rotating the vehicle wheels .
  • the engine is not burdened with driving the compressor.
  • the engine can then ceases operating in the overload condition, and can operate in the normal load condition.
  • the improved control module also advantageously detects the engine overload condition automatically and then interrupts the operation of the compressor automatically. This enhances driving safety of a driver of the vehicle as it allows the driver to concentrate on driving and not be burdened with switching off the compressor manually during driving. This is useful, especially for driving in a traffic congested area, which requires the driver to carefully move the vehicle.
  • the processor can be adapted for, when the relationship is within the predetermined engine overload threshold value, providing a clutching control signal to connect the compressor to the engine of the vehicle.
  • a clutching control signal to connect the compressor to the engine of the vehicle.
  • the engine In a normal engine load condition, the engine is operating within its operating capacity and the relationship is within the predetermined engine over load threshold value. The compressor is then automatically connected to the engine.
  • the automatic connection of the compressor to the engine according to the engine loading condition enhances the driving safety of the driver.
  • the processor determines a differenee between the first rate and the second rate of increase . In another way, the processor determines a quotient of the first rate and the second rate of increase.
  • the application also provides an improved instrument cluster for a vehicle.
  • the improved instrument cluster includes a control module as described above, a speedometer, and a tachometer.
  • the control module is adapted for receiving two or more engine shaft rotational speed measurements and for receiving two or more vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements.
  • the speedometer is adapted for displaying a vehicle speed data according to the received vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements.
  • the control module can derive the vehicle speed data from the received vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements and later sends the derived vehicle speed date to the speedometer for displaying.
  • the tachometer is adapted for displaying the received engine shaft rotational speed measurements .
  • the application also provides an improved drive unit for an engine-driven compressor of a vehicle with an engine.
  • the drive unit includes the above-mentioned control module and a clutch module.
  • the control module is adapted for providing a clutch control signal, which is used for actuating the clutch module.
  • the clutch module is adapted for selectively connecting the compressor with the engine according to the clutch control signal. In an engine overload condition, the clutch signal actuates the clutch module to disconnect the compressor from the engine .
  • the clutch module can include a first clutch plate, a second clutch plate, and an electromagnetic coil.
  • the first clutch plate is used for fixedly connecting with the compressor while the second clutch plate is used for fixedly connecting with the engine.
  • the electromagnetic coil is adapted for receiving an electric current.
  • the electric current acts to energize the electromagnetic coil, which provides an electromagnetic field for actuating one of the first clutch plate and the second clutch plate for connecting with each other.
  • the drive unit often includes a pulley with a belt.
  • the pulley is fixedly connected to the second clutch plate.
  • the belt is mechanically engaged with the pulley and with a shaft of the engine for transferring a rotation motion of the engine shaft to a rotation motion of the pulley. This acts to transfer the mechanical power of the engine to the pulley.
  • the application also provides an improved vehicle.
  • the vehicle includes two or more wheels, an engine, a compressor, and a drive unit as described above.
  • the drive unit is adapted for selectively connecting the compressor with the engine .
  • the engine is adapted for driving or rotating the wheels .
  • the engine also drives the compressor when the drive unit connects the engine to the compressor.
  • the application provides an improved method for operating a control module of an engine-driven compressor of a vehicle with an engine .
  • the method includes a measurement step of receiving at least two engine shaft rotational speed measurements and at least two vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements .
  • control module determines a first rate of increase according to the received engine shaft rotational speed measurements and determines a second rate of increase according to the received vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements.
  • a comparison step of determining a relationship between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase of the vehicle speed measurements and comparing the relationship with a predetermined engine overload threshold value is performed.
  • the control module disconnects the compressor from the engine of the vehicle .
  • the method often includes, when the relationship is within the predetermined engine overload threshold value, a step of connecting the compressor to the engine of the vehicle.
  • the determination of the relationship can be implemented in different ways .
  • the relationship is performed by a step of determining a difference between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase.
  • the relationship is done by a step of determining a quotient of the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an improved vehicle with an engine unit, a HVAC unit, and an instrument cluster, and
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a flow chart of a method of operating the improved vehicle of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 1 shows an improved vehicle 1.
  • the vehicle 1 includes an engine unit 3, an instrument cluster 15 with a control unit, a Heating, Ventilating, and Air conditioning (HVAC) unit 2, and a measurement unit 4.
  • the instrument cluster 15 is electrically connected to the HVAC unit 2 and to the measurement unit 4.
  • the HVAC unit 2 is connected to the engine unit 3.
  • the engine unit 3 includes a combustion engine 10 with a ro- tatable crankshaft 11, a belt 13, and a rotatable pulley 14.
  • the belt 13 encloses the pulley 14 and the crankshaft 11 such that the belt 13 engages mechanically with the pulley 14 and with the crankshaft 11.
  • the measurement unit 4 includes a vehicle wheel rotational speed sensing module 9, an engine rotational speed sensing module 12, and a gear position sensing module 54.
  • the sensing module 9 is adapted to measure a rotational speed of a wheel of the vehicle 1.
  • the sensing module 12 is adapted to measure a rotation speed of a shaft of an engine of the vehicle 1.
  • the sensing module 54 is adapted to detect a gear position of a transmission of the vehicle 1.
  • the transmission can refer to an automatic transmission or a manual transmission .
  • the instrument cluster 15 includes a plurality of ports, a plurality of instruments, and a digital computing processor module 21.
  • the processor module 21 is electrically connected to the ports and to the instruments .
  • the ports include a tachometer input terminal 36, a speedometer input terminal 39, and a gear position input terminal 57.
  • the instruments include a speedometer gauge 24, a tachometer gauge 27, and a gear position gauge 28.
  • the speedometer gauge 24 is electrically connected to the speedometer input terminal 39 while the tachometer gauge 27 is electrically connected to the tachometer input terminal 36.
  • the gear position gauge 28 is electrically connected to the gear position input terminal 57.
  • the processor module 21 includes a computing processor 30 and a memory module 33.
  • the memory module 33 includes a nonvolatile memory unit that stores a HVAC unit control software program.
  • the non-volatile memory unit is adapted to store data even when its electrical power supply is removed.
  • the memory module 33 is electrically connected to the computing processor 30 via a data bus 42.
  • the data bus 42 is also electrically connected to the input terminals 36, 39, and 57 as well as to the speedometer gauge 24, to the tachometer gauge 27, and to the gear position gauge 28.
  • the tachometer input terminal 36 is electrically connected to the engine rotational speed sensing module 12 while the speedometer input terminal 39 is electrically connected to the vehicle wheel rotational speed sensing module 9.
  • the gear input terminal 57 is electri- cally connected to the gear position sensing module 54.
  • the HVAC unit 2 includes a HVAC control module 18 and a refrigerant gas compressor unit 6, which is electrically connected to the HVAC control module 18.
  • the HVAC control module 18 includes a solenoid-actuated switch device 45, which is normally closed, and an electrical power source 50.
  • the switch device 45 includes a switch 49 and an electromagnetic coil 48, which is adapted to actuate the switch 49.
  • An end of the switch 49 is electrically connected to the electrical power source 50 while another end of the switch 49 is electrically connected to the gas compressor unit 6.
  • the coil 48 is electrically connected to the processor 30 of the instrument cluster 15 via a wire 51.
  • the gas compressor unit 6 includes a gas compressor 5 with a drive shaft 7, and an electromagnetic clutch 8.
  • the electromagnetic clutch 8 is fixedly connected to the drive shaft 7 of the gas compressor 5.
  • the electromagnetic clutch 8 includes an electromagnetic coil 16 and a pair of rotatable clutch plate 17 and 19.
  • the clutch plate 17 is fixedly connected to the drive shaft 7 of the gas compressor 5 while the clutch plate 19 is mounted to the pulley 14 of the engine unit 3.
  • the electromagnetic coil 16 is connected to the switch 49. When energized, the coil 16 is adapted for providing a magnetic field that acts to couple the clutch plate 17 with the clutch plate 19. In use, the vehicle 1 is used for transporting people or goods .
  • the vehicle wheel rotational speed sensing module 9 is intended for measuring a rotational speed of a wheel of the vehicle 1 and for transmitting the wheel rotational speed measurement data to the speedometer input terminal 39 of the instrument cluster 15.
  • the engine rotational speed sensing module 12 is used for measuring a rotational speed of the engine 10 of the vehicle 1 and for transmitting the engine rotational speed measurement data to the tachometer input terminal 36 of the instrument cluster 15.
  • the gear position sensing module 54 acts to detect a gear position of the transmission of the vehicle 1. It also serves to transmit the detected gear positional data to the gear position input terminal 57 of the instrument cluster 15.
  • the speedometer input terminal 39 receives the transmitted wheel rotational speed measurement data from the sensing module 9 and then transmits the received wheel rotational speed measurement data to the memory module 33 for storing.
  • the computing processor 30 later retrieves the stored wheel rotational speed measurement data from the memory module 33 for converting to a corresponding speed data of the vehicle 1.
  • the computing processor 30 later transmits the converted vehicle speed data to the speedometer gauge 24 for displaying to a user of the vehicle 1.
  • the computing processor 30 also sends the converted vehicle speed data to the memory module 33 for storing .
  • the tachometer input terminal 36 receives the transmitted engine rotational speed measurement data from the sensing module 12 and sends the received engine rotational speed measurement data to the memory module 33 for storing.
  • the computing processor 30 retrieves the stored engine rotational speed measurement data from the memory mod- ule 33 and later transmits the engine rotational speed meas- urement data to the tachometer gauge 27 for displaying to the user of the vehicle 1.
  • the gear position input terminal 57 receives the transmitted gear positional data from the sensing module 54 and transmits the gear positional data to the memory module 33 for storing.
  • the computing processor 30 afterward retrieves the stored gear positional data from the memory module 33 and then transmits the gear positional data to the gear position gauge 28 for displaying to the user of the vehicle 1.
  • the combustion engine 10 is intended for converting fuel to mechanical power for rotating the crankshaft 11.
  • the rotatable crankshaft 11 acts to rotate wheels of the vehicle 1.
  • the crankshaft 11 also acts to rotate the pulley 14 via the belt 13.
  • the belt 13 is intended for transferring rotational motion of the crankshaft 11 to rotational motion of the pulley 14.
  • the pulley 14 acts to rotate the drive shaft 7 of the gas com- pressor 5, when the clutch plate 17 is mechanically coupled with the clutch plate 19.
  • the HVAC unit control software program is intended for instructing the computing processor 30 to detect degradation engine performance according to the stored measurement data The degradation of the engine performance occurs during an overload of the vehicle engine 10.
  • the processor 30 When the processor 30 detects an engine normal load condition, it serves to provide an electromagnetic clutch activation signal.
  • the electromagnetic clutch activation signal does not energize the coil 48. This allows the switch 49 to be placed in a normally closed state.
  • the switch 49 In the closed state, the switch 49 provides a closed circuit to allow an electric current to flow from the electrical power source 50, to the switch 49, an ⁇ then to the electromagnetic coil 16 of the electromagnetic lutch 8.
  • the electric current then energizes the electromagnetic
  • This coupling serves to transfer rotational motion of the pulley 14 to rotation motion of the drive shaft 7 of the gas compressor 5.
  • the processor 30 When the processor 30 detects an engine overload condition, also acts to provide an electromagnetic clutch de-activation signal.
  • the electromagnetic clutch de-activation signal pro- vides an electric current for energizing the coil 48.
  • the energized coil 48 then actuates the switch 49 to an open state from the normally closed state.
  • the switch 49 In the open state, the switch 49 provides an open circuit that prevents an electric current of the electrical power source 50 from flowing to the electromagnetic coil 16.
  • the output power of the engine 10 is then not used for driving the gas compressor 5 and is used essentially for driving the vehicle wheels .
  • FIG. 2 shows a flow chart 60 of an improved method of operating the vehicle 1 when the vehicle 1 is accelerating or moving up a slope.
  • the flow chart includes a measurement step 63, a computation step 65, a detection step 70, an engine overload step 78, and an engine normal load step 79.
  • the measurement unit 4 obtains vehicle related readings, which include engine shaft rotational speed measurement, a gear position data, and vehicle wheel rotational speed measurement .
  • the computation step 65 is performed .
  • the processor 30 derives rates of increases of the vehicle speed according to the vehicle related measurements.
  • the processor 30 computes a first rate of increase of the vehicle speed according to a rate of increase of the rotational speed measurements of the engine shaft and according to the gear position data, in a step 66.
  • the rate of increase of the rotational speed measurements of the engine shaft is used to determine the rate of increase of the vehicle speed .
  • the gear position data is used to indicate any change of gear position during the increase of the vehicle speed.
  • the first rate of increase of the vehicle speed is computed according to just only the rate of in- crease of the rotational speed measurements of the engine shaft .
  • the processor 30 later computes a second rate of increase of the vehicle speed according to a rate of increase of the whee rotational speed measurements, in a step 69.
  • the rate of increase of the wheel rotational speed measure- ments is used to determine the rate of increase of the vehicl speed .
  • the processor 30 determines different rates of increase of vehicle speed using two different types of data.
  • the detection step 70 is performed .
  • the processor 30 computes a difference between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase of the vehicle speed, in a step 72.
  • the processor 30 compares said difference with a predetermined engine overload threshold value, in a step 75.
  • the engine overload threshold value indicates an overload condition of the vehicle engine 10.
  • the engine overload condition occurs when the engine 10 is operating beyond its operating full capacity. In other words, the engine is providing more mechanical power that the engine 10 is designed to provide. Operating the engine 10 beyond its operating full capacity can damage the engine 10.
  • the engine 10 When the difference is more than the predetermined engine overload threshold value, the engine 10 is deemed to be experiencing the overload condition.
  • the engine rotational speed is increasing while the corre- sponding vehicle speed is increasing at a rate, which is below a predetermined expected rate of increase of the vehicle speed.
  • the engine 10 has -ifficulties driving both the gas compressor 5 and the vehicle wheel .
  • the transmission can be shifted to a lower gear position, wherein the engine rotation al speed is higher for generating a greater engine output torque. This then results in a higher rate of increase of the rotational engine shaft speed and a slower rate of increase o the wheel rotational speed.
  • the processor 30 later generates the electromagnetic clutch de-activating signal, in a step 78.
  • This electromagnetic clutch de-activating signal acts to direct essentially all the output power of the engine 10 to driving the wheels of the vehicle 1 for coping with the engine overload. The output power is not used for driving the gas compressor 5.
  • the engine 10 When the difference is less than the predetermined engine overload threshold value, the engine 10 is deemed to be expe- riencing the normal load condition.
  • the engine rotational speed is increasing while the corresponding vehicle speed is increasing at a rate, which is within the predetermined expected rate of increase of the vehicle speed.
  • the engine 10 is able to drive comfortably both the gas compressor 5 and the vehicle wheel.
  • the processor 30 then generates the electromagnetic clutch activating signal, in a step 79.
  • the electromagnetic clutch activating signal serves to direct the output power of the en- gine 10 for rotating the wheels and for driving the gas compressor 5.
  • the improved instrument cluster 15 with the control unit has several benefits.
  • the improved instrument cluster 15 is advantageously simple to implement with low material cost. This is because the implementation acts to mainly send a signal from the instrument cluster to the HVAC control module.
  • this implementation can be easily applied to many types of vehicles that comprise an instrument cluster and a HVAC control panel.
  • the automatic switching of the gas compressor 5 also enhances driving safety as it allows a driver to concentrate on driving the vehicle 1 and not be burdened with frequent manual switching of the gas compressor 5 during driving.
  • a control module for an engine-driven compressor of a vehicle with an engine comprising
  • a first port being adapted for receiving at least two engine shaft rotational speed measurements
  • a second port being adapted for receiving at least two vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements
  • a processor being adapted for determining a first rate of increase according to the engine shaft rotational speed measurements ,
  • the processor is further adapted for, when the relationship is within the predetermined engine overload threshold value, providing a control signal for connecting the compressor to the engine of the vehicle.
  • control module according to item 1 or 2, wherein the processor is further adapted for the determining of the relationship between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase that comprises determining a difference between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase.
  • control module according to item 1 or 2, wherein the processor is further adapted for the determining of the relationship between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase that comprises determining a quotient of the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase .
  • An instrument cluster for a vehicle comprising
  • control module for receiving at least two engine shaft rotational speed measurements and for receiving at least two vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements
  • a speedometer for displaying a vehicle speed accord ing to the vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements
  • a tachometer for displaying the engine shaft rotational speed measurements .
  • a drive unit for an engine-driven compressor of a vehicl with an engine comprising
  • control module according to one of the items 1 to 4 for providing a clutch control signal
  • a clutch module being adapted for selectively connecting the compressor with the engine according to the clutch control signal.
  • the clutch module comprises
  • the drive unit according to item 7 further comprising a pulley being connected to the second clutch plate, and
  • a belt being engaged with the pulley and with the engine for transferring a rotation motion of the engine to a rotation motion of the pulley.
  • a vehicle comprising
  • a drive unit according to one of items 6 to 8, the drive unit being adapted for selectively connecting the compressor with the engine,
  • the engine is adapted for driving the wheels and the compressor.
  • a method for operating a control module for an engine- driven compressor of a vehicle with an engine comprising
  • the determining of the relationship comprises determining a difference between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase.
  • the determining of the relationship comprises determining a quotient of the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Air-Conditioning For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

The application provides a control module for an engine-driven compressor of a vehicle. The control module includes a first port, a second port, and a processor. The first port is adapted for receiving at least two engine shaft rotational speed measurements. The second port is adapted for receiving at least two vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements. The processor is adapted for determining a first rate of increase according to the engine shaft rotational speed measurements and for determining a second rate of increase according to the vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements. The processor later determines a relationship between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase and then compares the relationship with a predetermined engine overload threshold value. After this, the processor provides a control signal for disconnecting the compressor from the engine of the vehicle when the relationship exceeds the predetermined engine overload threshold value.

Description

LOW COST INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BASED HVAC POWER CONTROL
The application relates to a control system for an air conditioner of a vehicle. More particularly, the application relates to a control system for a compressor of an air conditioner of a vehicle .
Passenger vehicles with a small engine capacity of less than about a thousand cubic centimeters (cc) are popular worldwide, especially in economically emerging markets due to their affordable prices. The driving performance of these vehicles is influenced by a number of factors, such as passenger load, cargo load, weather condition, road conditions, and air- conditioning load.
In certain circumstances, for examples, when the vehicle accelerates or moves up a steep slope, a driver of the vehicle can switch off the vehicle air-conditioner in order to attain a desired speed of the vehicle. Instead of the user manually switching off the air-conditioner, a control system can also be used to automatically switching off the air conditioner.
US4730520 discloses a control system for an engine-driven compressor for a vehicle that is equipped with an automatic transmission. The control system is adapted to interrupt power from an engine to the compressor under a predetermined condition, wherein an instantaneous value of a gear ratio, which is defined as the quotient of a rotation speed of an output shaft of a torque converter to a rotation speed of an input shaft of the torque converter, is within a predetermined range.
JPS58211915 (A) discloses a control circuit for a compressor of an air conditioner of a vehicle. The control circuit is adapted for turning off the compressor if a revolving speed of an engine of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined value. The compressor is turned on if the revolving speed drops below the predetermined value .
It is an objective of this application to provide an improved control system for a Heating, Ventilating, and Air condition- ing (HVAC) unit of a vehicle .
The application provides an improved control module for an engine-driven compressor of a vehicle with an engine.
The vehicle refers to a car, a bus, or a truck, which has wheels for moving people and goods.
The vehicle has an engine, a Heating, Ventilating, and Air conditioning (HVAC) unit, and a drive unit. The drive unit selectively connects the engine to the HVAC unit, wherein the engine drives the HVAC unit and the wheels .
The HVAC comprises an air conditioner with a gas compressor. The gas compressor is intended for increasing pressure of a gaseous refrigerant that is used for lowering a temperature of an interior of the vehicle.
The engine is used for generating mechanical power. Examples of the engine includes an electric engine, which converts electrical energy to mechanical power and an internal combus- tion engine, which converts fue1, such as gasoline, to mechan- ical power.
The drive unit includes a clutch module with an improved control module. Parts of the clutch module are connected to the engine and the compressor. The control module selectively activates the clutch module for connecting the engine to the compressor, wherein the mechanical power of the engine is directed for driving the compressor. The mechanical power of the engine is also used for driving the vehicle wheels.
The control module includes a first input port, a second input port, and a digital computing processor. The processor acts to process data from the first and the second input ports .
The first input port is adapted for receiving two or more rotational speed measurements of a revolving shaft of the engine. The rotational speed measurements can be expressed in number of revolutions per minute (RPM) .
The second input port is adapted for receiving two or more vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements. The vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements can be expressed in number of revolutions per minute.
The computing processor then determines a first rate of increase according to the received engine shaft rotational speed measurements . The first rate of increase is often related to an expected rate of increase of the vehicle speed.
Similarly, the processor later determines a second rate of increase according to the received vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements. The second rate of increase is often related to an actual rate of increase of the vehicle speed.
After this, the processor determines a relationship between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase of the vehicle speed.
The processor then compares the relationship with a predetermined engine overload threshold value. The engine overload threshold value corresponds to an overload condition of the vehicle engine. The overload condition often occurs when the vehicle is accelerating or is travelling up a steep inclination in which the engine is operating beyond its engine operating capacity. The engine is then producing an excessively large mechanical power that exceeds its design. Operating the engine at this rate can damage the engine.
When the relationship exceeds the predetermined engine overload threshold value, the processor provides a declutching control signal for disconnecting the compressor from the engine of the vehicle .
The processor then sends out the declutching control signal to the clutch module .
This arrangement advantageously allows the engine to direct all of its mechanical power for rotating the vehicle wheels . In other words, the engine is not burdened with driving the compressor. The engine can then ceases operating in the overload condition, and can operate in the normal load condition.
The improved control module also advantageously detects the engine overload condition automatically and then interrupts the operation of the compressor automatically. This enhances driving safety of a driver of the vehicle as it allows the driver to concentrate on driving and not be burdened with switching off the compressor manually during driving. This is useful, especially for driving in a traffic congested area, which requires the driver to carefully move the vehicle.
The processor can be adapted for, when the relationship is within the predetermined engine overload threshold value, providing a clutching control signal to connect the compressor to the engine of the vehicle. In a normal engine load condition, the engine is operating within its operating capacity and the relationship is within the predetermined engine over load threshold value. The compressor is then automatically connected to the engine.
In short, the automatic connection of the compressor to the engine according to the engine loading condition enhances the driving safety of the driver.
Different ways of determining the relationship between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase of the vehicle speed measurements are possible .
In one way, the processor determines a differenee between the first rate and the second rate of increase . In another way, the processor determines a quotient of the first rate and the second rate of increase.
The application also provides an improved instrument cluster for a vehicle.
The improved instrument cluster includes a control module as described above, a speedometer, and a tachometer.
The control module is adapted for receiving two or more engine shaft rotational speed measurements and for receiving two or more vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements.
The speedometer is adapted for displaying a vehicle speed data according to the received vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements. The control module can derive the vehicle speed data from the received vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements and later sends the derived vehicle speed date to the speedometer for displaying.
The tachometer is adapted for displaying the received engine shaft rotational speed measurements .
The application also provides an improved drive unit for an engine-driven compressor of a vehicle with an engine.
The drive unit includes the above-mentioned control module and a clutch module.
The control module is adapted for providing a clutch control signal, which is used for actuating the clutch module.
The clutch module is adapted for selectively connecting the compressor with the engine according to the clutch control signal. In an engine overload condition, the clutch signal actuates the clutch module to disconnect the compressor from the engine .
The clutch module can include a first clutch plate, a second clutch plate, and an electromagnetic coil.
The first clutch plate is used for fixedly connecting with the compressor while the second clutch plate is used for fixedly connecting with the engine.
The electromagnetic coil is adapted for receiving an electric current. The electric current acts to energize the electromagnetic coil, which provides an electromagnetic field for actuating one of the first clutch plate and the second clutch plate for connecting with each other. The drive unit often includes a pulley with a belt. The pulley is fixedly connected to the second clutch plate. The belt is mechanically engaged with the pulley and with a shaft of the engine for transferring a rotation motion of the engine shaft to a rotation motion of the pulley. This acts to transfer the mechanical power of the engine to the pulley.
The application also provides an improved vehicle.
The vehicle includes two or more wheels, an engine, a compressor, and a drive unit as described above. The drive unit is adapted for selectively connecting the compressor with the engine .
The engine is adapted for driving or rotating the wheels . The engine also drives the compressor when the drive unit connects the engine to the compressor.
The application provides an improved method for operating a control module of an engine-driven compressor of a vehicle with an engine .
The method includes a measurement step of receiving at least two engine shaft rotational speed measurements and at least two vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements .
In a subsequent computation step, the control module determines a first rate of increase according to the received engine shaft rotational speed measurements and determines a second rate of increase according to the received vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements.
Following the computation step, a comparison step of determining a relationship between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase of the vehicle speed measurements and comparing the relationship with a predetermined engine overload threshold value is performed.
When the relationship exceeds the predetermined engine overload threshold value, which indicates an engine overload condition, the control module disconnects the compressor from the engine of the vehicle .
The method often includes, when the relationship is within the predetermined engine overload threshold value, a step of connecting the compressor to the engine of the vehicle.
The determination of the relationship can be implemented in different ways .
In one implementation, the relationship is performed by a step of determining a difference between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase.
In another implementation, the relationship is done by a step of determining a quotient of the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase.
Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an improved vehicle with an engine unit, a HVAC unit, and an instrument cluster, and
Fig. 2 illustrates a flow chart of a method of operating the improved vehicle of Fig. 1.
In the following description, details are provided to describe embodiments of the application. It shall be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without such details . Some parts of the embodiments have similar parts. The similar parts may have the same names or similar part numbers with an alphabet symbol. The description of one part applies by reference to a similar part, where appropriate, thereby reducing repetition of text without limiting the disclosure.
Fig. 1 shows an improved vehicle 1.
The vehicle 1 includes an engine unit 3, an instrument cluster 15 with a control unit, a Heating, Ventilating, and Air conditioning (HVAC) unit 2, and a measurement unit 4. The instrument cluster 15 is electrically connected to the HVAC unit 2 and to the measurement unit 4. The HVAC unit 2 is connected to the engine unit 3.
The engine unit 3 includes a combustion engine 10 with a ro- tatable crankshaft 11, a belt 13, and a rotatable pulley 14. The belt 13 encloses the pulley 14 and the crankshaft 11 such that the belt 13 engages mechanically with the pulley 14 and with the crankshaft 11.
The measurement unit 4 includes a vehicle wheel rotational speed sensing module 9, an engine rotational speed sensing module 12, and a gear position sensing module 54.
The sensing module 9 is adapted to measure a rotational speed of a wheel of the vehicle 1. The sensing module 12 is adapted to measure a rotation speed of a shaft of an engine of the vehicle 1. The sensing module 54 is adapted to detect a gear position of a transmission of the vehicle 1. The transmission can refer to an automatic transmission or a manual transmission . The instrument cluster 15 includes a plurality of ports, a plurality of instruments, and a digital computing processor module 21. The processor module 21 is electrically connected to the ports and to the instruments .
The ports include a tachometer input terminal 36, a speedometer input terminal 39, and a gear position input terminal 57.
The instruments include a speedometer gauge 24, a tachometer gauge 27, and a gear position gauge 28. The speedometer gauge 24 is electrically connected to the speedometer input terminal 39 while the tachometer gauge 27 is electrically connected to the tachometer input terminal 36. The gear position gauge 28 is electrically connected to the gear position input terminal 57.
The processor module 21 includes a computing processor 30 and a memory module 33. The memory module 33 includes a nonvolatile memory unit that stores a HVAC unit control software program. The non-volatile memory unit is adapted to store data even when its electrical power supply is removed. The memory module 33 is electrically connected to the computing processor 30 via a data bus 42.
The data bus 42 is also electrically connected to the input terminals 36, 39, and 57 as well as to the speedometer gauge 24, to the tachometer gauge 27, and to the gear position gauge 28.
Referring to the measurement unit 4, the tachometer input terminal 36 is electrically connected to the engine rotational speed sensing module 12 while the speedometer input terminal 39 is electrically connected to the vehicle wheel rotational speed sensing module 9. The gear input terminal 57 is electri- cally connected to the gear position sensing module 54.
Referring to the HVAC unit 2, it includes a HVAC control module 18 and a refrigerant gas compressor unit 6, which is electrically connected to the HVAC control module 18.
The HVAC control module 18 includes a solenoid-actuated switch device 45, which is normally closed, and an electrical power source 50.
The switch device 45 includes a switch 49 and an electromagnetic coil 48, which is adapted to actuate the switch 49. An end of the switch 49 is electrically connected to the electrical power source 50 while another end of the switch 49 is electrically connected to the gas compressor unit 6. The coil 48 is electrically connected to the processor 30 of the instrument cluster 15 via a wire 51.
The gas compressor unit 6 includes a gas compressor 5 with a drive shaft 7, and an electromagnetic clutch 8. The electromagnetic clutch 8 is fixedly connected to the drive shaft 7 of the gas compressor 5.
The electromagnetic clutch 8 includes an electromagnetic coil 16 and a pair of rotatable clutch plate 17 and 19. The clutch plate 17 is fixedly connected to the drive shaft 7 of the gas compressor 5 while the clutch plate 19 is mounted to the pulley 14 of the engine unit 3. The electromagnetic coil 16 is connected to the switch 49. When energized, the coil 16 is adapted for providing a magnetic field that acts to couple the clutch plate 17 with the clutch plate 19. In use, the vehicle 1 is used for transporting people or goods .
The vehicle wheel rotational speed sensing module 9 is intended for measuring a rotational speed of a wheel of the vehicle 1 and for transmitting the wheel rotational speed measurement data to the speedometer input terminal 39 of the instrument cluster 15.
The engine rotational speed sensing module 12 is used for measuring a rotational speed of the engine 10 of the vehicle 1 and for transmitting the engine rotational speed measurement data to the tachometer input terminal 36 of the instrument cluster 15.
The gear position sensing module 54 acts to detect a gear position of the transmission of the vehicle 1. It also serves to transmit the detected gear positional data to the gear position input terminal 57 of the instrument cluster 15.
Referring to the instrument cluster 15, the speedometer input terminal 39 receives the transmitted wheel rotational speed measurement data from the sensing module 9 and then transmits the received wheel rotational speed measurement data to the memory module 33 for storing.
The computing processor 30 later retrieves the stored wheel rotational speed measurement data from the memory module 33 for converting to a corresponding speed data of the vehicle 1. The computing processor 30 later transmits the converted vehicle speed data to the speedometer gauge 24 for displaying to a user of the vehicle 1. The computing processor 30 also sends the converted vehicle speed data to the memory module 33 for storing . Similarly, the tachometer input terminal 36 receives the transmitted engine rotational speed measurement data from the sensing module 12 and sends the received engine rotational speed measurement data to the memory module 33 for storing.
After this, the computing processor 30 retrieves the stored engine rotational speed measurement data from the memory mod- ule 33 and later transmits the engine rotational speed meas- urement data to the tachometer gauge 27 for displaying to the user of the vehicle 1.
Likewise, the gear position input terminal 57 receives the transmitted gear positional data from the sensing module 54 and transmits the gear positional data to the memory module 33 for storing.
The computing processor 30 afterward retrieves the stored gear positional data from the memory module 33 and then transmits the gear positional data to the gear position gauge 28 for displaying to the user of the vehicle 1.
The combustion engine 10 is intended for converting fuel to mechanical power for rotating the crankshaft 11.
The rotatable crankshaft 11 acts to rotate wheels of the vehicle 1. The crankshaft 11 also acts to rotate the pulley 14 via the belt 13.
The belt 13 is intended for transferring rotational motion of the crankshaft 11 to rotational motion of the pulley 14. The pulley 14 acts to rotate the drive shaft 7 of the gas com- pressor 5, when the clutch plate 17 is mechanically coupled with the clutch plate 19.
The HVAC unit control software program is intended for instructing the computing processor 30 to detect degradation engine performance according to the stored measurement data The degradation of the engine performance occurs during an overload of the vehicle engine 10.
When the processor 30 detects an engine normal load condition, it serves to provide an electromagnetic clutch activation signal. The electromagnetic clutch activation signal does not energize the coil 48. This allows the switch 49 to be placed in a normally closed state.
In the closed state, the switch 49 provides a closed circuit to allow an electric current to flow from the electrical power source 50, to the switch 49, an< then to the electromagnetic coil 16 of the electromagnetic lutch 8.
The electric current then energizes the electromagnetic
16 to provide a magnetic field to enable coupling of the clutch plate 17 with the clutch plate 19.
This coupling serves to transfer rotational motion of the pulley 14 to rotation motion of the drive shaft 7 of the gas compressor 5.
In effect, output power of the engine 10 is transmitted for rotating the wheels and for driving the gas compressor 5.
When the processor 30 detects an engine overload condition, also acts to provide an electromagnetic clutch de-activation signal. The electromagnetic clutch de-activation signal pro- vides an electric current for energizing the coil 48.
The energized coil 48 then actuates the switch 49 to an open state from the normally closed state.
In the open state, the switch 49 provides an open circuit that prevents an electric current of the electrical power source 50 from flowing to the electromagnetic coil 16.
This de-energizes the electromagnetic coil 16 such that the electromagnetic coil 16 does not generate any magnetic field, In absence of the magnetic field, the clutch plate 17 is de- coupled or separated from the clutch plate 19, thereby stop- ping the transfer of the rotational motion of the pulley 14 to the drive shaft 7.
The output power of the engine 10 is then not used for driving the gas compressor 5 and is used essentially for driving the vehicle wheels .
This is useful, especially when the vehicle 1 is accelerating or moving up a steep slope, wherein the engine 10 can be subjected to an additional load. By not driving the gas compressor 5, essentially all output power of the engine 10 can be directed to rotating the wheels of the vehicle 1. In other words, the engine 10 can drive the wheels without being overloaded. After the additional load is removed, the engine 10 can be engaged for driving the wheels and the gas compressor 5 of the vehicle 1.
Different methods of operating the vehicle 1 are possible. Fig. 2 shows a flow chart 60 of an improved method of operating the vehicle 1 when the vehicle 1 is accelerating or moving up a slope.
The flow chart includes a measurement step 63, a computation step 65, a detection step 70, an engine overload step 78, and an engine normal load step 79.
In the measurement step 63, the measurement unit 4 obtains vehicle related readings, which include engine shaft rotational speed measurement, a gear position data, and vehicle wheel rotational speed measurement .
After the measurement step 63, the computation step 65 is performed .
In the computation step 65, the processor 30 derives rates of increases of the vehicle speed according to the vehicle related measurements.
The processor 30 computes a first rate of increase of the vehicle speed according to a rate of increase of the rotational speed measurements of the engine shaft and according to the gear position data, in a step 66. In other words, the rate of increase of the rotational speed measurements of the engine shaft is used to determine the rate of increase of the vehicle speed .
The gear position data is used to indicate any change of gear position during the increase of the vehicle speed.
In a special embodiment, the first rate of increase of the vehicle speed is computed according to just only the rate of in- crease of the rotational speed measurements of the engine shaft .
The processor 30 later computes a second rate of increase of the vehicle speed according to a rate of increase of the whee rotational speed measurements, in a step 69. Put differently, the rate of increase of the wheel rotational speed measure- ments is used to determine the rate of increase of the vehicl speed .
In short, the processor 30 determines different rates of increase of vehicle speed using two different types of data.
After the computation step 65, the detection step 70 is performed .
In the detection step 70, the processor 30 computes a difference between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase of the vehicle speed, in a step 72.
After this, the processor 30 compares said difference with a predetermined engine overload threshold value, in a step 75. The engine overload threshold value indicates an overload condition of the vehicle engine 10. The engine overload condition occurs when the engine 10 is operating beyond its operating full capacity. In other words, the engine is providing more mechanical power that the engine 10 is designed to provide. Operating the engine 10 beyond its operating full capacity can damage the engine 10.
When the difference is more than the predetermined engine overload threshold value, the engine 10 is deemed to be experiencing the overload condition. The engine rotational speed is increasing while the corre- sponding vehicle speed is increasing at a rate, which is below a predetermined expected rate of increase of the vehicle speed. In other words , the engine 10 has -ifficulties driving both the gas compressor 5 and the vehicle wheel .
To cope with the engine overload, the transmission can be shifted to a lower gear position, wherein the engine rotation al speed is higher for generating a greater engine output torque. This then results in a higher rate of increase of the rotational engine shaft speed and a slower rate of increase o the wheel rotational speed.
The processor 30 later generates the electromagnetic clutch de-activating signal, in a step 78. This electromagnetic clutch de-activating signal acts to direct essentially all the output power of the engine 10 to driving the wheels of the vehicle 1 for coping with the engine overload. The output power is not used for driving the gas compressor 5.
When the difference is less than the predetermined engine overload threshold value, the engine 10 is deemed to be expe- riencing the normal load condition.
The engine rotational speed is increasing while the corresponding vehicle speed is increasing at a rate, which is within the predetermined expected rate of increase of the vehicle speed. The engine 10 is able to drive comfortably both the gas compressor 5 and the vehicle wheel.
The processor 30 then generates the electromagnetic clutch activating signal, in a step 79. The electromagnetic clutch activating signal serves to direct the output power of the en- gine 10 for rotating the wheels and for driving the gas compressor 5.
The improved instrument cluster 15 with the control unit has several benefits.
The improved instrument cluster 15 is advantageously simple to implement with low material cost. This is because the implementation acts to mainly send a signal from the instrument cluster to the HVAC control module.
Furthermore, this implementation can be easily applied to many types of vehicles that comprise an instrument cluster and a HVAC control panel.
The automatic switching of the gas compressor 5 also enhances driving safety as it allows a driver to concentrate on driving the vehicle 1 and not be burdened with frequent manual switching of the gas compressor 5 during driving.
The embodiments can also be described with the following lists of features or elements being organized into an item list. The respective combinations of features, which are disclosed in the item list, are regarded as independent subject matter, respectively, that can also be combined with other features of the application.
1. A control module for an engine-driven compressor of a vehicle with an engine, the control module comprising
a first port being adapted for receiving at least two engine shaft rotational speed measurements,
a second port being adapted for receiving at least two vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements, and
a processor being adapted for determining a first rate of increase according to the engine shaft rotational speed measurements ,
determining a second rate of increase according to the vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements ,
determining a relationship between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase ,
comparing the relationship with a predetermined engine overload threshold value, and when the relationship exceeds the predetermined engine overload threshold value, providing a control signal for disconnecting the compressor from the engine of the vehicle.
The control module according to item 1 wherein
the processor is further adapted for, when the relationship is within the predetermined engine overload threshold value, providing a control signal for connecting the compressor to the engine of the vehicle.
The control module according to item 1 or 2, wherein the processor is further adapted for the determining of the relationship between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase that comprises determining a difference between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase.
The control module according to item 1 or 2, wherein the processor is further adapted for the determining of the relationship between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase that comprises determining a quotient of the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase .
An instrument cluster for a vehicle comprising
a control module according to one of the above- mentioned items for receiving at least two engine shaft rotational speed measurements and for receiving at least two vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements,
a speedometer for displaying a vehicle speed accord ing to the vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements, and
a tachometer for displaying the engine shaft rotational speed measurements .
A drive unit for an engine-driven compressor of a vehicl with an engine, the drive unit comprising
a control module according to one of the items 1 to 4 for providing a clutch control signal, and
a clutch module being adapted for selectively connecting the compressor with the engine according to the clutch control signal.
The drive unit according to item 6, wherein
the clutch module comprises
a first clutch plate for connecting with the compressor,
a second clutch plate for connecting with the engine, and
an electromagnetic coil, the electromagnetic coil for actuating one of the first clutch plate and the second clutch plate for connecting the first clutch plate and the second clutch plate to each other. The drive unit according to item 7 further comprising a pulley being connected to the second clutch plate, and
a belt being engaged with the pulley and with the engine for transferring a rotation motion of the engine to a rotation motion of the pulley.
A vehicle comprising
a plurality of wheels,
an engine,
a compressor, and
a drive unit according to one of items 6 to 8, the drive unit being adapted for selectively connecting the compressor with the engine,
wherein the engine is adapted for driving the wheels and the compressor.
A method for operating a control module for an engine- driven compressor of a vehicle with an engine, the method comprising
receiving at least two engine shaft rotational speed measurements and at least two vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements,
determining a first rate of increase according to the engine shaft rotational speed measurements,
determining a second rate of increase according to the vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements,
determining a relationship between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase,
comparing the relationship with a predetermined engine overload threshold value, and
when the relationship exceeds the predetermined engine overload threshold value, disconnecting the compressor from the engine of the vehicle. 11. The method for operating the control module according to item 10, wherein the method further comprising
when the relationship is within the predetermined engine overload threshold value, connecting the compressor to the engine of the vehicle.
The method for operating the control module according to item 10 or 11, wherein
the determining of the relationship comprises determining a difference between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase.
The method for operating the control module according to item 10 or 11, wherein
the determining of the relationship comprises determining a quotient of the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase .
Although the above description contains much specificity, thi should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but merely providing illustration of the foreseeable em bodiments . The above stated advantages of the embodiments should not be construed especially as limiting the scope of the embodiments but merely to explain possible achievements i the described embodiments are put into practice. Thus, the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the claims and their equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
REFERENCE NUMBERS
1 vehicle
2 HVAC unit
3 engine unit
4 measurement unit
5 gas compressor
6 gas compressor unit
7 drive shaft
8 electromagnetic clutch
9 vehicle wheel rotational speed sensing module
10 combustion engine
11 crankshaft
12 engine rotational speed sensing module
13 belt
14 pulley
15 instrument cluster
16 electromagnetic coil
17 clutch plate
18 HVAC control module
19 clutch plate
21 processor module
24 speedometer gauge
27 tachometer gauge
28 gear position gauge
30 computing processor
33 memory module
36 input terminal
39 input terminal
42 data bus
45 solenoid actuated switch device
48 electromagnetic coil
49 switch
50 electrical power source
51 wire gear position sensing module input terminal
flow chart
step
step
step
step
step
step
step
step
step

Claims

A control module for an engine-driven compressor of a vehicle with an engine, the control module comprising
a first port being adapted for receiving at least two engine shaft rotational speed measurements,
a second port being adapted for receiving at least two vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements, and
a processor being adapted for
determining a first rate of increase according to the engine shaft rotational speed measurements ,
determining a second rate of increase according to the vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements ,
determining a relationship between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase ,
the relationship wi
rload threshold val
elationship exceeds
rload threshold val
gnal for disconnect
ngine of the vehicl
The control module according to claim 1 wherein
the processor is further adapted for, when the relationship is within the predetermined engine overload threshold value, providing a control signal for connecting the compressor to the engine of the vehicle.
The control module according to claim 1, wherein
the processor is further adapted for the determining of the relationship between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase that comprises determining difference between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase.
The control module according to claim 1, wherein
the processor is further adapted for the determining of the relationship between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase that comprises determining a quotient of the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase .
An instrument cluster for a vehicle comprising
a control module according to claim 1 for receiving at least two engine shaft rotational speed measurements and for receiving at least two vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements,
a speedometer for displaying a vehicle speed accord ing to the vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements, and
a tachometer for displaying the engine shaft rotational speed measurements .
A drive unit for an engine-driven compressor of a vehicle with an engine, the drive unit comprising
a control module according to claim 1 for providing a clutch control signal, and
a clutch module being adapted for selectively connecting the compressor with the engine according to the clutch control signal.
7. The drive unit according to claim 6, wherein
the clutch module comprises
a first clutch plate for connecting with the compressor, a second clutch plate for connecting with the engine, and
an electromagnetic coil, the electromagnetic coil for actuating one of the first clutch plate and the second clutch plate for connecting the first clutch plate and the second clutch plate to each other.
8. The drive unit according to cl im 7 further comprising a pulley being connected o the second clutch plate, and
a belt being engaged with the pulley and with the engine for transferring a rotation motion of the en- gine to a rotation motion of the pulley.
A vehicle comprising
a plurality of wheels,
an engine,
a compressor, and
a drive unit according to claim 6, the drive unit being adapted for selectively connecting the compressor with the engine,
wherein the engine is adapted for driving the wheels and the compressor.
A method for operating a control module for an engine- driven compressor of a vehicle with an engine, the method comprising
receiving at least two engine shaft rotational speed measurements and at least two vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements,
determining a first rate of increase according to the engine shaft rotational speed measurements,
determining a second rate of increase according to the vehicle wheel rotational speed measurements, determining a relationship between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase,
comparing the relationship with a predetermined engine overload threshold value, and
when the relationship exceeds the predetermined engine overload threshold value, disconnecting the compressor from the engine of the vehicle.
11. The method for operating the control module according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprising
when the relationship is within the predetermined engine overload threshold value, connecting the compressor to the engine of the vehicle.
The method for operating the control module according to claim 10, wherein
the determining of the relationship comprises determining a difference between the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase.
The method for operating the control module according to claim 10, wherein
the determining of the relationship comprises determining a quotient of the first rate of increase and the second rate of increase .
PCT/IB2015/059270 2015-12-02 2015-12-02 Low cost instrument cluster based hvac power control WO2017093785A1 (en)

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US6626001B2 (en) * 2000-10-12 2003-09-30 Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Control apparatus for air-conditioner for motor vehicle
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0066874A2 (en) * 1981-06-05 1982-12-15 Hitachi, Ltd. Compressor drive controller
US5056326A (en) * 1989-05-18 1991-10-15 Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Apparatus for controlling air conditioning unit for automotive vehicle
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