CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM AND A CONTROL ARRANGEMENT THEREFOR

Abstract: A climate control system (particularly for automotive use) is controlled by a dual stage controller in which a user interfacable control input stage includes a memory device; and operatively connected to control input stage a controller module stage enabling ereading of data stored on the memory device of the control input stage, and output of instructions to operate one or more output devices in response to control inputs via the control input stage.

Description: Climate Control System and a Control Arrangement Therefor The present invention relates to a climate control system and a control arrangement therefor, and in particular to such a system for use in vehicular applications. According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a climate control system (particularly for a vehicle) including a control arrangement comprising: i) a control input stage including user input means and a memory device; ii) a controller module stage arranged to, be operatively connected to the control input stage, the control module including means for reading data stored on the memory device of the control input stage, and means for outputting instructions to operate one or more output devices in response to control inputs via the user input means of the control input stage . Herein climate control system may be construed widely, including, but not limited to relatively simple heater/blower and airflow ducting and also more complex heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) arrangements . The sending of output instructions to a respective output device is desirably dependent upon confirmatory data being carried by the memory device of the control input stage . The output means to one or more output devices is preferably debarred depending upon the data stored on the memory device of the control input device. The memory device of the control input stage beneficially contains system data concerning: i) output devices to be controlled by the system; and/or; ii) the user input means of the control input stage. It is preferred that the memory device of the control input stage comprises a programmable memory device. It is preferred that the memory device of the control input stage comprises an electronic memory device. The controller module stage preferably includes processor means for reading data stored on the memory device of the control input stage, and for outputting instructions to operate one or more output devices . The processor means desirably comprises a microprocessor. The processor means is advantageously programmed to enable possible operation of all output devices connected, the actual operation permitted being dependent upon the data carried by the memory means of the control input stage . The control arrangement is beneficially connected to control one or more output devices of an air conditioning system, preferably a vehicle climate control system. The control input stage and controller module stage are typically manufactured as separate sub-units, being connectable to form a unitary assembly. According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of controlling a climate control system, the method comprising: i) reading data stored by a memory device; ii) registering a control input requesting the performance of a specific output; iii) either enabling operation of the output specified or disabling operation of the output specified, depending upon the data stored by the memory device . In a broader aspect, the invention may be said to provide a system control arrangement, the control arrangement comprising: i) a control input stage including user input means and an electronic memory device; ii) a controller module stage arranged to be operatively connected to the control input stage, the control module including means for reading data stored on the electronic memory device of the control input stage, and means for outputting instructions to operate one or more output features in response to control inputs via the user input means of the control input stage . The invention will now be further described in a specific embodiment by way of example' only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic layout of a climate control system according to the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic view of a control input stage and controller module arrangement in accordance with the invention; and, Figures 3a and 3b show respective different control input stages for connection to respective controller module stages . Referring to the drawings and initially to figure 1, in a vehicle climate control system (generally designated 1) a base unit control module 2 is operatively connected to direct output control signals to various climate control system outputs. The outputs may be to operate a blower 21 or solenoids or switches 23, 24, 25 arranged to operate mechanical, electrical/electronic, electromechanical or other devices of the vehicle climate control system such as a heater, airflow distribution doors/flaps, valves of the engine coolant/refrigerant circuit or the like. The control module 2 is interfaced with a selected fitted user interface input panel 3 (either 3a or 3b) to permit user operation of and interaction with, the vehicle climate control system. The nature of the arrangement and use thereof will be explained in greater detail hereafter. The essence of the invention is that the user interfaceable control input stages 3a, 3b, are interchangeable depending upon the functionality to be permitted of the system. Referring now additionally to Figure 2, common base module controller 2 is manufactured as a standard unit. A microprocessor 6 holds instructions to control the outputs 21, 22, 23, 25 to the mechanical, electrical/electronic, electromechanical or other devices of, or relating to, the vehicle climate control system. Such outputs may include heaters, airflow distribution doors/flaps, valves/actuators controlling engine coolant/refrigerant circuit operation (for example compressor operation) , display drivers and devices . Inputs 28, 29 relating to system parameters are also provided to the micro-processor 6. Inputs may relate to ambient air temperature/humidity/pressure, user settings (switches dials etc) , sun load, vehicle speed, actuator positional feedback, In-vehicle temperature/humidity, engine coolant temperature . The above listings are not intended to be exhaustive but merely exemplary. The user interface input panel 3 includes a display 7 and input controls 8 (such as dials, keys or buttons) . The user interfaceable input stage 3 also includes a programmable memory device 9 which is programmed with unique information relating to permitted functionality of the climate control system. When the user interfaceable control input stage 3 is fitted as a facia to the base module 2, electrical connection between the input stage 3 and base module 2 is established by connecting communication buses 10, 11 via respective interface connectors . The programmed data on memory device 9 is read by microprocessor 6 to determine the permitted functionality of the system. In other words the micro-processor 6 determines the output devices of the system which are connected, and also the permitted mode of operation of the respective devices by interrogating the data stored on memory device 9. Systems comprising identical climate control hardware and devices are therefore permitted to have different functionality capabilities depending upon the "permitted access" data stored on memory device 9, and therefore identical base modules may be provided for different grades or specifications of permitted output' or system functionality. The programmable memory device 9 of control input stage 3 also carries data concerning the input devices (switches 8) and display 7 present on the control input stage 3. By way of example, system functionality may be modified by microprocessor 6 depending upon the data downloaded from memory device 9 by, for example omitting or modifying the extent to which micro-processor inputs (relating to system parameters) are accepted, and/or by limiting or omitting (disabling) outputs to certain system output devices or apparatus . In an exemplary system, the base module 2 may include the following: - Input/outputs 12 (analogue & digital) - Power supply 13 , suitable for functioning over a wide range of voltage .0 - 100 volts d.c. - Microprocessor 6 with internal or external memory 14 - Display driver 15 - Communications bus 10 - Interface connector - Analogue/Digital converter 27 The user interfaceable control input stage typically includes the following: Dials - Lever switches - Push switches 8 - Displays 7 - Interface connector - Programmable memory device 9 - Communications bus 11 The user interface input stage 3 may be programmed (either at manufacture or subsequently) with not only feature information but also with a code, identifying base modules to which connection is permissible. The control module 2 retains a full set of instructions required to operate the system. When the user interface stage 3 is attached to the control module 2 the control circuits microprocessor 6 reads the information stored within the memory device, the information received contains a feature list which tells the control circuit what functionality is present on the user interface i.e. air- conditioning button present, display etc. The instructions also tell the control circuit what system components are connected (and are authorised for use) (number and function of actuators, sun sensor present etc) and location where the relevant device connects to the control circuit. When user interface stage 3 manufactured the control system and user functions are loaded into the memory 9 of the user interface. The microprocessor 6 is then programmed with its system control software. These two components can be then assembled as one or shipped to the vehicle manufacturer as two separate parts . When the vehicle is assembled the manufacturer fits the common control module and when the finishing panels are fitted to the dashboard the user interface can be attached. Specific advantages of the invention are as follows: 1. The system is designed to work with any style of 'User Interface' (front panel) ; 2. The system eliminates the need to develop a new control system for each new project; 3. The system will potentially reduce system development time hence give a cost saving; 4. The control circuit can work as an independent controller to work with a customer specified control head; 5. The modular control allows standardisation of the HVAC control system configuration; and 6. The modular system allows the vehicle manufacturer to upgrade the functionality of the control system by changing the user interface, this offers special limited edition models and model face lifts to be undertaken with a minimum of effort.

Claims: Claims : 1. A control arrangement for a climate control system the control arrangement comprising: i) a control input stage including user input means and a memory device; ii) a controller module stage arranged to be operatively connected to the control input stage, the control module including means for reading data stored on the memory device of the control input stage, and means for outputting instructions to operate one or more output devices in response to control inputs via the user input means of the control input stage . 2. A control arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the sending of output instructions to a respective output device is dependent upon confirmatory data being carried by the memory device of the control input stage. 3. A control arrangement according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the output means to one or more output devices is debarred depending upon the data stored on the memory device of the control input device. 4. A control arrangement according to claim 1 or claim 2 , wherein the memory device of the control input stage contains system data concerning: i) output devices to be controlled by the system; and/or; ii) the user input means of the control input stage. 5. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim,- wherein the memory device of the control input stage comprises a programmable memory device. 6. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the memory device of the control input stage comprises an electronic memory device. 7. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller module stage includes a processor means for reading data stored on the memory device of the control input stage, and for outputting instructions to operate one or more output devices. 8. A control arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the processor means comprises a microprocessor. 9. A control arrangement according to claim 7, or claim 8, wherein the processor means includes is programmed to enable possible operation of all output devices connected, the actual operation permitted being dependent upon the data carried by the memory means of the control input stage . 10. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim connected to control one or more output devices of an air conditioning system. 11. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim for a vehicle climate control system. 12. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the control input stage and controller module stage are manufactured as separate sub-units, being connectable to form a unitary assembly. 13. A vehicle climate control system including a control arrangement according to any preceding claim. 14. A method of controlling a climate control system, the method comprising: i) reading data stored by a memory device; ii) registering a control input requesting the performance of a specific output; iii) either enabling operation of the output specified or disabling operation of the output specified, depending upon the data stored by the memory device. 5. A system control arrangement, the control arrangement comprising: i) a control input stage including user input means and an electronic memory device; ii) a controller module stage arranged to be operatively connected to the control input stage, the control module including means for reading data stored on the electronic memory device of the control input stage, and means for outputting instructions to operate one or more output features in response to control inputs via the user input means of the control input stage .

Inventors: THOMAS GARETH, THOMAS, GARETH
Applicants: LLANELLI RADIATORS LTD, THOMAS GARETH, LLANELLI RADIATORS LIMITED, THOMAS, GARETH
Application year: 2001
Main classification: B60H1
IPC codes: B60H1, F24F11