CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/376,602, filed 21 September 2022, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

[0002] Examples of the present disclosure relate generally to ventilation systems. More particularly, the examples of the present disclosure relate to pre-conditioning ventilation system.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Often, when objects are placed in the hot sun or in cold temperatures for periods of time, the temperature of the object can become too hot or too cold for comfort by the time the user of the object returns. Typically, upon entering an interior of the object where the temperatures are too hot or too cold for comfort, the user enters the object and must manually activate the ventilation system thereof. Once in the object, the ventilation system takes time to bring the object interior to a comfortable temperature. During this time, the occupant is uncomfortable. While some objects currently include systems for starting the engine of the object before the user arrives, these systems must be manually initiated by the user, and the resulting ventilation output is based on previous or pre-determined settings. SUMMARY

[0004] In at least one example of the present disclosure, a vehicle cabin preconditioning system includes an air mover, a first vent directing air blown by the air mover onto a structure defining an exterior surface of the vehicle and an internal cabin volume, a second vent directing air blown by the air mover toward a seat disposed in the internal cabin volume, and a controller configured to determine a duration of time to arrival of the occupant to the vehicle, the controller operably connected to the air mover to cause the air mover to blow air through the first vent onto the structure within the duration of time to arrival before an occupant arrives in the internal cabin volume.

[0005] In one example, the vehicle cabin pre-conditioning system further includes a camera, wherein the controller is operably connected to the camera to determine the duration of time to arrival. In one example, the vehicle cabin pre-conditioning system further includes an antenna, the controller operably connected to the antenna to receive signals from an electronic device. In one example, the electronic device includes a calendar software application, the signal includes information generated by the calendar software application, and the controller determines the duration of time to arrival based on the information. In one example, the controller causes the air mover to direct air through the second vent at a first flow velocity when the duration of time to arrival is a first magnitude, and the controller causes the air mover to direct air through the second vent at a second flow velocity greater than the first flow velocity when the duration of time to arrival is a second magnitude that is less than the first magnitude. In one example, the controller is configured to maintain the target temperature in the interior volume with a third flow velocity of air out of the second vent, the third flow velocity being less than about 2 m/s after the duration of time to arrival or when the occupant is within the interior volume. In one example, the controller is configured to maintain the target temperature in the interior volume with the third flow velocity being less than about 1 m/s.

[0006] In at least one example of the present disclosure, a vehicle includes a window, an air mover, a vent positioned to direct air onto the window, and a sensor configured to detect a duration of time to arrival of an occupant to the vehicle. In such an example, the air mover can be configured to be activated to blow air through the vent at the window at a flow velocity, the flow velocity can be based on the duration of time to arrival.

[0007] In one example, the vehicle further includes a solar load sensor to detect a magnitude of a solar load impinging on the window. In one example, the flow velocity is based on the magnitude of the solar load, and air directed onto the window is configured to achieve a target temperature in an internal volume of the vehicle. In one example, the vent is a first vent, the flow velocity is a first flow velocity, the vehicle includes a second vent positioned to direct air toward an occupant seat within an internal volume of the vehicle, and the air mover is configured to be activated to blow air through the second vent at a second flow velocity, the second flow velocity based on the duration of time to arrival. In one example, a magnitude of the second flow velocity after the duration of time to arrival is less than about 2 m/s. In one example, the magnitude of the second flow velocity within the duration of time to arrival is greater than 2 m/s.

[0008] In at least one example of the present disclosure, a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system for a vehicle cabin includes a sensor array configured to determine when an occupant will enter the cabin, a first ventilation system configured to recirculate air in the cabin in a closed loop before the occupant enters the cabin, and a second ventilation system configured to exhaust air from inside the cabin to an external environment after the occupant enters the cabin.

[0009] In one example, the sensor array includes a camera and an antenna. In one example, the antenna is configured to receive signals from an occupant’ s personal electronic device, the signals including calendar information generated by a calendar software application of the personal electronic device. In one example, the vehicle includes a self-driving system and a controller, the controller operably connected to the self-driving system, and the controller causing the self-driving system to move the vehicle from a first location to a second location. In one example, one of the first and second locations includes a shaded location, and the other of the first and second locations includes a sunny location. In one example, the sensor array includes a solar load sensor configured to sense a solar load on the vehicle, and the first ventilation system is configured to recirculate air in the cabin at an air flow velocity based on the solar load. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a vehicle;

[0012] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an example of a vehicle;

[0013] FIG. 3 shows an example of a vehicle including a ventilation system;

[0014] FIG. 4 shows an example of a vehicle including a ventilation system;

[0015] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a vehicle with a first ventilation system and a second ventilation system; and

[0016] FIG. 6 shows an example of a vehicle including a pre-conditioning system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Details regarding representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings are provided below. The descriptions provided herein are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. Rather, they are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

[0018] The following disclosure relates to pre-conditioning heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems of vehicles. The various HVAC systems of vehicles described herein can be smart systems used to pre-condition the cabin of a vehicle. Preconditioning can include the alteration of temperature, humidity, and/or other internal environmental conditions within the cabin of a vehicle before an occupant enters the cabin. For example, a vehicle pre-conditioning system can activate one or more components of an HVAC system, including heat exchangers, air movers such as blowers, heaters, or other HVAC components, to blow conditioned air into the cabin of the vehicle to reach a target temperature before an occupant enters the cabin.

[0019] In this way, the occupant can enter the vehicle and immediately experience a comfortable temperature, regardless of the weather or other external conditions. Often, when vehicles are parked in the hot sun or cold temperatures for periods of time, the temperature of the vehicle cabin can become too hot or too cold for comfort. Preconditioning HVAC systems include systems that prepare the vehicle cabin for the arrival of the occupant by raising or lowering the temperature in the vehicle from the uncomfortable idle conditions.

[0020] In at least one example, the pre-conditioning system can include one or more sensors as part of a sensor array configured to determine a duration of time to arrival of an occupant to the vehicle. Once the duration of time to arrival of the occupant to the vehicle is determined, the pre-conditioning system can activate the HVAC system to alter the conditions within the vehicle, including temperature and humidity, to reach a comfortable target temperature and/or humidity for the arriving occupant. Depending on the duration of time to arrival, the controller can activate the HVAC system to operate in a variety of ways. The HVAC system can alter a flow velocity, temperature, and direction of conditioned air through various ducts and vents to alter the cabin environment. In some examples, depending on the solar load impinging on the vehicle or other environmental factors, the pre-conditioning system can use one or more vents to direct air at the vehicle structure to cool radiative heat through windows or other conductive heating or cooling through the body structure of the vehicle. In one or more other examples, the pre-conditioning system can use one or more vents to direct air at the seats where occupants will be located to achieve a comfortable target condition before the occupant arrives. These vents can, in some examples, be switched to no longer direct air at the occupant once the occupant arrives, resulting in a more comfortable experience. In other examples, depending on internal and external environmental factors, these vents can be switched to blow air directly at the occupant once the occupant arrives, thereby providing increased comfort and conditioning.

[0021] If the duration of time to arrival is short or minimal, the controller can activate the HVAC system with maximum power output and temperature settings. If the duration of time to arrival is longer, the controller can activate the HVAC system to operate at lower power levels, including less extreme air temperatures and/or flow velocities, to conserve energy while still achieving the target temperature in the vehicle before the occupant arrives. In addition, the controller can activate the HVAC system in ways to address external factors affecting the cabin temperature and humidity, including weather conditions, solar load impinging on the vehicle, and so forth.

[0022] In at least one example, the pre-conditioning systems described herein can include two or more separate HVAC systems, with a first HVAC system configured to recirculate air within the cabin, and a second HVAC system configured to recirculate and exhaust air such that new air from the first HVAC system can be brought in to maintain fresh air for the occupant(s). In such an example, during a pre-conditioning operation, a controller can, in some embodiments, activate just the first HVAC system before any occupants arrive, since new filtered air is not needed in the absence of occupants. This can reduce the number of HVAC components used to pre-condition the vehicle, thus preserving energy. Then, once an occupant arrives, the second HVAC system including an exhaust unit can be activated to maintain a target temperature or condition in the vehicle while exhausting old air, thus keeping fresh air flowing in the cabin while occupants are present. [0023] In this way, pre-conditioning systems described herein can create a living room-like experience where upon entering the cabin of the vehicle, the cabin is already conditioned to the user’s comfort or preferences. The pre-conditioning systems described herein can utilize various sensors, processors, external device signals and communications, and machine learning algorithms to estimate how long the system has to reach a target temperature and what air flow rates, temperatures, and directions of air flow are needed to achieve ideal conditions in a closed loop smart system before the occupant arrives. This can be done automatically without input from the occupant.

[0024] These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1 - 6. However, the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, as used herein, a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature including at least one of a first option, a second option, or a third option should be understood as referring to a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature that can include one of each listed option (e.g., only one of the first option, only one of the second option, or only one of the third option), multiple of a single listed option e.g., two or more of the first option), two options simultaneously (e.g., one of the first option and one of the second option), or combination thereof (e.g., two of the first option and one of the second option).

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective to view of an example of a vehicle 100 including various structural elements. The vehicle 100 shown in FIG. 1 can include a body 102 having a roof, or a roof structure 112. The roof or roof structure 112 can refer to a top covering or portion of the vehicle 100, and can be formed of any number of materials and elements. The body 102 can define a front end or portion 108, and a rear end or portion 110. The body 102 can also include one or more structural beams 104, as well as one or more transparent material portions or windows 106. As used herein, the term “beam” is not intended to infer a cross-sectional shape or configuration of the structural element, and the “beam” can have any number of cross-sectional geometries. In general, the term “beam” can infer an elongate structural element. Also, as used herein, the terms “structural,” “structure,” “structurally,” and related terms refer to load bearing components and elements, or components and elements contributing to the physical form of an object, such as a vehicle. For example, the body of a vehicle can be formed of various structural elements adding to the form and shape of the vehicle, including load bearing elements such as load bearing structural beams, structural roof elements including load bearing or shape forming beams, plates, windows, sheets, and so forth.

[0026] In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, any of the structural beams 104 can be a part of a structural frame of the vehicle 100. In at least one example, the structural beams 104 can be disposed between adjacent windows 106. The various windows 106 adjacent to the beams 104 can be disposed on the front end 108, the rear end 110, sides, or on top at the roof structure 112 of the vehicle 100. In one example, the roof structure 112 includes an overhead structural beam 104a disposed between two adjacent overhead windows 106 forming a part of the roof structure 112. In such an example, the beam 104a of the roof structure 112 can be situated generally horizontally, extending from the front end 108 to the rear end 110. Beams 104a of the roof structure 112 can also include “spines,” “roof beams,” “cross-beams,” or other related beam structures.

[0027] The vehicle 100 can also include a beam 104b situated on the side of the vehicle 100 and disposed between two adjacent windows 106 such that the beam 104 is configured vertically up and down between the windows 106. Such vertical structural beams 104b can include side pillars. Structural beams 104 can also be disposed at the corner edges of the body 102, either horizontally or vertically, as shown.

[0028] Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in FIG. 1 can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another example of the vehicle 200 including a body 202 having a roof structure 212 and various structural beams 204 and windows 206. In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, the roof structure 212 includes a horizontal beam 204 spanning a width of the vehicle 200 rather than extending from the front end 208 to the rear end 210, like the example vehicle 100 shown in FIG. 1. The vehicle 200 shown in FIG. 2 also includes first and second windows 206 disposed adjacent the beam 204 of the roof structure 212 such that the beam 204 of the roof structure 212 is disposed between the adjacent windows 206. In this way, the two windows 206 form a part of the roof structure 212.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates the vehicle 200 having a single window 206 on the side of the vehicle 200, and a single window 206 disposed at or near the front end 208 of the vehicle 200. The various examples of vehicles described and shown herein are not meant as limiting, but rather, illustrative of the variety of possible configurations of the vehicle bodies, such as body 102 of vehicle 100 shown in FIG. 1, and body 202 of vehicle 200 shown in FIG. 2. In other examples not shown in the figures or described herein, vehicles can include any number and arrangement of structural beams and windows that define an interior cabin volume configured to receive and transport occupants.

[0031] Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in FIG. 2 can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in FIG. 2.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of another example of a vehicle 300 including a surface such as a body 302 defining an interior cabin volume 314, otherwise referred to as a cabin 314. The body 302 includes a first overhead window 306a and a second overhead window 306b, each positioned adjacent to a structural beam 304 that is disposed between the first and second overhead windows 306a, 306b. The vehicle 300 can also include one or more side windows 306c and 306d. The beam 304 shown in FIG. 3 can be disposed “overhead” such that the beam 304 is situated above the one or more occupants that may be seated in the cabin 314, including occupants seated on seats 334. The term “overhead” should be interpreted broadly to include a beam 304 that is directly above one or more occupants, or above and to the side of the occupant. The beam 304 can also define an interior structural volume 316, which can also be referred to as an interior beam volume 316. [0033] In at least one example, the vehicle 300 can also include a ventilation system 318. The ventilation system 318 can be an adaptive structural cooling system configured to cool the structure of the body 302, including the first and second overhead windows 306a, 306b and/or side windows 306c, 306d and other portions of the body 302. In at least one example, the ventilation system 318 can include a duct 324 disposed within the interior structural volume 316 of the beam 304 as part of the body 302. In addition, at least one example of the ventilation system 318 can include a first vent 320a and/or a second vent 320b. The first and/or second vents 320a, 320b of the ventilation system 318 can be configured to direct air from the duct 324 into the interior cabin 314.

[0034] Specifically, in at least one example, the first and/or second vents 320a, 320b of the ventilation system 318 shown in FIG. 3 can direct air 322 toward the body 302 to lower a temperature of the body 302. In one example, the air 322 is directed at the first and/or second overhead windows 306a, 306b. For example, the first vent 320a can direct air 322 at, toward, or onto an interior surface 326a of the first window 306a. The first window 306a can also include an exterior surface 328 that defines an outer surface of the body 302 of the vehicle 300. Additionally or alternatively, the second vent 320b of the environmental ventilation system 318 can direct air 322 at, toward, or onto an interior surface 326b of the second window 306b. The air 322 directed onto the first and/or second overhead windows 306a and 306b can reduce a temperature of the interior surface 326 of the windows 306a, 306b to reduce or otherwise manage radiation due to the windows 306a, 306b via convective heat transfer. Similarly, air can be directed at the side windows 306c and 306d to reduce a solar load of heating the interior cabin 314.

[0035] In this way, the windows 306a - d, which may introduce heat transfer to an occupant within the cabin 314, and would otherwise create a temperature imbalance or an uncomfortable temperature for the occupant, can be cooled by the ventilation system 318 such that the discomfort is minimized. While the air 322 directed by the first and second vents 320a, 320b directly impinges upon the interior surface 326 of the windows 306a, 306b, the air 322 can subsequently be circulated and recirculated around the volume of the cabin 314 to affect the overall or average temperature and climate of the cabin 314 more generally. However, initially or predominantly, the air 322 extending from the vents 320a, 320b of the ventilation system 318 disposed in the beam 304 can be configured to affect the heat transfer due to radiation through the windows 306a - 306d. [0036] While the ventilation system 318 is shown in the beam 304 in FIG. 4, the position of the ventilation system 318 is not limited as such. In at least one example, the ventilation system 318, including the duct 324 and vents 320a, 320b thereof, can be incorporated or integrated into one or more other structural components of the vehicle 300. For example, the ventilation system 318 can be incorporated into the floor, side panels, dashboard, and other structural components or portions of the vehicle 300. In at least one example, the ventilation system 318 can form a part of any of the components or portions of the vehicle 300 that support or form the structural frame of the vehicle 300.

[0037] Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in FIG. 3 can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in FIG. 3. For example, a vehicle not shown in FIG. 3 can include a vertical side beam and an overhead beam with ventilation systems disposed in both beams. That is, the ventilation system 318 shown in FIG. 3 can be combined with the ventilation systems of vehicles shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 within a single vehicle that includes a vertical side beam and a horizontal beam as part of a single vehicle structure. Additionally, the present exemplary systems and methods can incorporate air controlled and provided by any number of other vents distributed throughout the vehicle including vents located on the floor and/or on side portions of the vehicle.

[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of another example of a vehicle 400 including a body 402 having a roof structure 412. The roof structure 412 can include a structural beam 404 defining an interior beam volume 416 disposed between adjacent overhead windows 406a and 406b. The body 402, including the first and second windows 406a and 406b and the beam 404 of the roof structure 412, can define an interior volume or cabin 414 configured to house one or more occupants in the vehicle 400. In at least one example, the vehicle 400 can include an occupant seat 434 disposed in the cabin 414. In one example, the vehicle can also include side windows 406c and 406d.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle 400 can also include a ventilation system 418, including a vent body 421 defining a first vent 420a, a second vent 420b, and a third vent 420c. In at least one example, the vent body 421 can extend downward from the beam 404, and can be connected to the beam 404. In one example, the vent body 421 can be integrally formed with the beam 404. In one example, the vent body 421 and the beam 404 can together define the interior beam volume 416. In one example, the vent body can include or define one or more ducts, such as the duct 324 shown in FIG. 3. In one example, the vent body 421 and the beam 404 can share, include, and/or define a single duct or multiple ducts within the interior beam volume 416.

[0040] While the ventilation system 418 is shown in the beam 404 in FIG. 4, the position of the ventilation system 418 is not limited as such. In at least one example, the ventilation system 418, including the duct 424 and vents 420a, 420b thereof, can be incorporated or integrated into one or more other structural components of the vehicle 400. For example, the ventilation system 418 can be incorporated into the floor, side panels, dashboard, and other structural components or portions of the vehicle 400. In at least one example, the ventilation system 418 can form a part of any of the components or portions of the vehicle 400 that support or form the structural frame of the vehicle 400.

[0041] The vents 420a - c are configured to direct air 422, 432 from the interior beam volume 416 toward the body 402, including toward the roof structure 412 and windows 406a - 406b thereof. The vents 420a - 420c can include a first indirect vent 420a directing first conditioned air 422 at the first window 406a, and a second indirect vent 420b directing the first conditioned air 422 at the second window 406b. The first conditioned air 422 exiting the first and second indirect vent 420a and 420b is not necessarily the same conditioned air in all contemplated examples. In at least one example, the air exiting one indirect vent 420a can be conditioned at a different temperature or humidity than the conditioned air 422 exiting at the second indirect vent 420b. As used herein, directing air through the first indirect vent 420a or the second indirect vent 420b can include directing air blown by an air mover to a desired surface by stationary or dynamic vanes, louvers, motors, covers, or any other air directing features. In some examples, the vents 420a-c can direct air at any number of features in the vehicle including, but in no way limited to, structures, windows, seats, occupants, and the like.

[0042] The environment of conditioning system 418 can include a direct vent 420c configured to direct a second conditioned air 432 away from the first and second windows 406a and 406b. In at least one example, the direct vent 420c of the ventilation system 418 can be configured to direct or steer the second conditioned air 432 directly at occupants within the cabin, for example, the occupants seated at or on the seat 434. In at least one example, the direct vent 420c can be one of multiple direct vents of the ventilation system 418 that can be manipulated to change the direction of the second conditioned air 432 based on preferences of the occupants within the cabin 414.

[0043] In at least one example, the indirect vents 420a, 420b direct the first conditioned air 422 at or toward the interior surfaces of the window 406a, 406b, while the direct vent 420c directs the second conditioned air 432 away from the first and second windows 406a, 406b toward the inside of the cabin 414, as shown in FIG. 4. In at least one example, the first conditioned air 422 can be a different temperature than the second conditioned air 432. In one example, the first and second conditioned air 422, 432 can be the same temperature and/or humidity and can be generated from the same source. In at least one example, the indirect vents 420a, 420b can direct the first conditioned air 422 at a first velocity and the direct vent 420c can direct the second conditioned air 432 at a second velocity. The second velocity can be the same or different than the first velocity.

[0044] In at least one example, the beam 404 can define an interior beam volume 416 through which the first and second conditioned air 422 and 432 is transported and ultimately exits the vents 420a, 420b, and 420c. In at least one example, the beam 404 defines one or more of the vents 420a, 420b, and 420c. For example, the vents 420a, 420b, and 420c can be formed as apertures defined by the beam 404. Also, as noted above with reference to other figures and examples, one or more ducts disposed within the interior beam volume 416 can transport the air 422 and 432 from an external source or intake component, through the duct in the beam 404, and out the various events 420a, 420 B, and 420c. [0045] In the illustrated example of FIG. 4, the ventilation system 418 includes both indirect ventilation through the direct vents 420a, 420b, as well as direct ventilation through the direct vent 420c. As noted above, the direct vent 420c can be manipulated and controlled by one or more occupants in the cabin 414 to change the direction, temperature, velocity, or other characteristic of the second conditioned air 432. In at least one example, the first conditioned air 422 directed at the window 406a, 406b can be automatically adjusted based on a sensed temperature of the windows 406a, 406b or radiation heat transfer through the windows 406a, 406b. In this way, the first conditioned air 422 can be temperature and humidity adjusted without manual input by the occupant in the cabin 414 to adapt to the changing external environment producing the radiation to the windows 406a, 406b. According to this example, any number of sensors or data can be used by the ventilation system 418 to automatically adjust the temperature and/or humidity of the first conditioned air 422.

[0046] In at least one example, the first conditioned air 422 can be manually adjusted or controlled by the occupants in the cabin 414, and the second conditioned air 432 exiting the direct vent 420c can be automatically controlled. In any case, the first conditioned air 422 exiting the first and second indirect vents 420a, 420b can be configured to directly impinge on and manage the temperature and heat transfer of the body 402 of the vehicle, and in particular, the temperature of the interior surfaces of the window 406a, 406b. This heat transfer management of radiation at the windows 406a, 406b can reduce the uncomfortable contribution from the radiation to the occupants seated on the seat 434 or elsewhere in the cabin 414. Simultaneously, the occupants can adjust or control the direct vent 420c and the second conditioned air 432 to further adjust comfort according to preferences of the occupants.

[0047] Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in FIG. 4, can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in FIG. 4. [0048] FIG. 4A illustrates a vehicle 500 which can include an overhead structural beam 504 defining an interior beam volume 516, a first HVAC system 536 and a second HVAC system 538. The first HVAC system 536 can include a first air mover 540, a first heat exchanger 542 disposed in a front portion 508 of the vehicle 500, and a first air duct 524 disposed in the interior beam volume 516. The second HVAC system 538 can include a second air mover 544, a second heat exchanger 546 disposed in the rear portion 510 of the vehicle 500, and an exhaust unit 548 which can include an extractor 560, and a second air duct 525 disposed in the internal beam volume 516. The vehicle 500 can define an interior cabin 514, and the overhead structural beam 504 can extend longitudinally across the top of the cabin 514 from the front portion 508 to the rear portion 510. The first air duct 524 disposed in the vehicle 500 can be configured to carry air taken from an external environment and blow said air into the interior cabin 514 of the vehicle 500.

[0049] The first and second HVAC systems 536, 538 can have air ducts 524, 525 wherein the second air duct 525 can be isolated from the first air duct 524. The air ducts 524, 525 can be isolated in the sense that air traveling through each duct 524, 525 is contained so that the air does not mix until expelled into the cabin 514. The first and second air ducts 524, 525 can be disposed within the interior beam volume 516 at opposite ends of the vehicle cabin 514. The first air duct 524 of the first HVAC system 536 can direct conditioned air to occupants seated in the first seat 534a located in the front of the cabin 514. The second air duct 525 of the second HVAC system 538 can direct conditioned air to occupants seated in the second seat 534b located in the rear of the cabin 514. Both the first and second HVAC systems 536, 538 can work in unison to provide conditioned air for the entirety of the cabin 514. Actuators, which can be disposed within the air ducts 524, 525 can direct air location and air velocity toward transparent areas of the vehicle 500, such as the windows 506 or sun/moon roofs 507 that form part of the roof structure 512, which can be disposed on the vehicle exterior and can provide visibility and environmental insulation.

[0050] Functional components, such as lights, speakers, entertainment systems, wires, computers, motors, and other components can be disposed within the interior beam volume 516 of the overhead structural beam 504. In some examples, a functional component 550 can be disposed in the overhead structural beam 504 between the first HVAC system 536 and the second HVAC system 538. The functional component 550 between the first HVAC system 536 and the second HVAC system 538 can vary in size, such that a plurality of functional components with the same function or different functions can be disposed in the overhead structural beam 504. In some examples, the functional component 550 can be an entertainment system, a structural element, an airbag, or a plurality of airbags.

[0051] Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in FIG. 5, can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in FIG. 5.

[0052] The various HVAC systems of vehicles described herein can be used to precondition the cabin of a vehicle. Pre-conditioning can include the alteration of temperature, humidity, and other internal environmental conditions within the cabin of a vehicle before an occupant enters the cabin. For example, a pre-conditioning system can activate one or more components, including heat exchangers, air movers such as blowers, heaters, or other HVAC components, to blow conditioned air into the cabin to reach a target temperature before an occupant enters the cabin. In this way, the occupant can enter the vehicle and immediately experience a comfortable temperature. Often, when vehicles are parked in the hot sun or cold temperatures for periods of time, the temperature of the vehicle cabin can become too hot or too cold for comfort. Preconditioning HVAC systems include systems that prepare the vehicle cabin for the arrival of the occupant to be raise or lower the temperature in the vehicle from the uncomfortable idle conditions.

[0053] Along these lines, FIG. 6 illustrates a vehicle 600 including a pre-conditioning system 646. The pre-conditioning system 646 can include a controller 662 operably coupled with, or connected to, a sensor array or assembly and an HVAC system 640. The HVAC system 640 can include an air mover such as a blower, heat exchanger for heating or cooling air, ducts and/or vents 624, or other HVAC components described herein. In at least one example, the sensor array can include a solar load sensor 672, a camera 674, and one or more other sensors 676, including temperature sensors, humidity sensors, or other environmental condition sensors. In at least one example, the controller 662 can include a processor 664 electrically coupled to a memory component 666 storing electronic instructions that, when executed by the processor 664, cause the HVAC system 640 to blow conditioned air 622 out through one or more ducts and vents 624 of the pre-conditioning system 636.

[0054] In at least one example, the magnitude of the velocity and flow rate of the air 622 can vary depending inputs received by the controller from the sensor array 678. The temperature and directionality of the air 622 can also be altered based on inputs from the sensors 672, 674, and 676. The sensor array can also include other sensors providing inputs to the controller for operating the HVAC system 640. Other sensors of the preconditioning system 662, as part of the sensor array or assembly, can include a personal electronic device 686 of an occupant or future/approaching occupant, and an antenna 668, which in one example can be a part of the controller 662, or alternatively can be electrically coupled with the controller 662. The personal electronic device 686 can be electrically coupled with the controller 662, for example with the antenna 668, via a wireless communication link 688. This electrical coupling that allows the controller 662 to control and utilize the antenna 668 can be described as being operably connected.

[0055] In at least one example, the controller can include one or more other components 670, including wires, logic boards, electronic connections and flexes, or any other electronic or non-electronic component utilized by the controller 662 for operation. In at least one example, pre-conditioning system 662 can also include an artificial intelligence (Al) machine or algorithm 682 such as a server based machine learning engine wirelessly communicating with the controller 668, for example via a wireless communication link 684. The wireless communication link 684 between the Al machine 682 and the controller 662 can include an internet connection enabled by one or more communication components of the component 670 of the controller 662.

[0056] In at least one example, the controller 662 can be electrically coupled to the sensor(s) 672, 674, 676 and the air mover of the HVAC system 640 such that the controller causes the air mover to blow air through a first vent onto the body or other structure of the vehicle 600 or other surface defining an internal cabin volume thereof before an occupant arrives to or in the vehicle 600. In at least one example, as shown above with reference to other figures, the vehicle structure or body can include a window. In such an example, the vent 624 can be configured to direct the air 622 at the window before the occupant arrives.

[0057] In at least one example, one or more of the sensors, including the camera 674 or a sensor including the occupant’s personal electronic device 686, can be used to detect a duration of time to arrival of the occupant to the vehicle 600. In the example using the camera 674, one or more cameras can be mounted in or on the vehicle 700 to visually detect an approaching occupant and be operably coupled with or connected to the controller 662 to determine how long it will take for the occupant to arrive based on a distance of the occupant from the vehicle 600. In at least one example, the antenna 668 of the controller 662 can be configured to receive signals from the occupant’s personal electronic device 686. In one example, the occupant’s personal electronic device 686 can include a calendar software application, and the signal can include information generated by the calendar software application. In one example, the controller 662 can determine the duration of the time to arrival based on the calendar information.

[0058] In at least one example, the pre-conditioning system 636 can include a machine learning algorithm stored on a machine-learning memory device, for example, one or more of the other components 670 of the controller 662, electrically coupled with the processor 664. The memory component 666 can include instructions to carry out one or more machine learning algorithms with inputs received from the various sensors and personal electronic device 686 of the occupant. Over time, the machine learning algorithm can learn the most likely durations of time to arrival of the occupant to the vehicle 600 based on the occupant’ s regular or typical schedule, locations of activities planned in the occupant’s calendar that would likely need the vehicle 600 to get to, daily lunch break times, and any other input from the sensors 676, cameras 674, or signals sent by the occupant’s personal electronic device 686.

[0059] In at least one example, the duration of time to arrival of the occupant to the vehicle 600 can be determined when the occupant uses a software application on the personal electronic device 686 to hail the vehicle 600. The hailing of the vehicle 600 can be communicated via the wireless communication link 688 to set a time when the occupant wishes to enter the vehicle 600. [0060] In addition to, or alternative to, examples of on-board machine learning algorithms of the controller 662, the controller 662 can also communicate with a server based Al machine 682 via the wireless communication link 684. This server based Al machine 682 can incorporate large amounts of inputs from the occupants of the vehicle 600, as well as from occupants of other vehicles, to learn likely arrival times and preconditioning preferences of occupants. In order to learn occupant preferences for vehicle cabin temperatures and humidity, as well as typical durations of time to arrival, the server based Al machine 682, as well as by any onboard machine learning systems, can include inputs such as weather data, geo-fencing, changes to the temperature or other environmental settings manually adjusted by the occupants once arrived, and any other input or factor affecting the preferred target conditions for the pre-conditioning systems described herein.

[0061] Once the duration of time to arrival of the occupant to the vehicle 600 is determined, the pre-conditioning system 636 can activate the HVAC system 640 to alter the conditions within the vehicle 600, including temperature and humidity, to reach a comfortable target temperature and/or humidity for the arriving occupant. Depending on the duration of time to arrival, the controller 662 can activate the HVAC system 640 to operate in a variety of ways. As described above with reference to HVAC system shown in other figures, the HVAC system 640 can alter a flow velocity, temperature, and direction of conditioned air through various ducts and vents 624 to alter the cabin environment. If the duration of time to arrival is short, the controller 662 can activate the HVAC system 640 with maximum power output and extreme temperatures. If the duration of time to arrival is longer, the controller 662 can activate the HVAC system 640 to operate at lower power levels, including less extreme air temperatures and/or flow velocities, to conserve energy while still achieving the target temperature in the vehicle 600 before the occupant arrives. In addition, the controller 662 can activate the HVAC system 640 in ways to address external factors affecting the cabin temperature and humidity, including external weather conditions, a solar load impinging on the vehicle 600, and so forth.

[0062] In at least one example, the air mover of the HVAC system 640 is configured to be activated to blow air 622 through the vent 624 at a window of the vehicle 600, as shown in examples illustrated in FIGS. 1 - 5, at a flow velocity based on the duration of time to arrival determined by the controller 662. In at least one example, the sensor 672 includes a solar load sensor disposed on or near a window of the vehicle 600. The solar load sensor 672 can be configured to detect a magnitude of solar load impinging on the window, which relates to radiative heat generated in the vehicle 600 cabin by the sun. Examples of solar load sensors disposed on windows of a vehicle include the solar load sensor 378 on the window 306d shown in FIG. 3, the solar load sensor 478 on the window 406c shown in FIG. 4, and the solar load sensor 578 on the window 506 shown in FIG. 5. Other sensors, including the temperature sensor 676 can be positioned on or near the windows of the vehicle 600 to determine a temperature of the internal surface of the window. These temperatures can be sent to the controller 662 as inputs to determine which if any vents 624 should be directed at the windows to heat or cool the windows for achieving comfortable target conditions during pre-conditioning.

[0063] In at least one example, the controller 662 can cause the air mover of the HVAC system 640 to direct the air 622 through one or more vents 624, either indirect or direct vents as shown in examples of FIGS. 3 - 5, at a first flow velocity when a first duration of time to arrival is a first magnitude. In such an example, the controller 662 can cause the air mover to direct the air 622 through the same or another vent at a second flow velocity when a second duration of time to arrival is greater than the first duration of time to arrival. In this way, the magnitude of the duration of time to arrival of the occupant to the vehicle 600 can determine the flow velocity of the air 622 to reach the target conditions in the cabin of the vehicle 600 with higher air velocities when needed and while conserving energy with low air velocities when possible. In at least one example, in the same way as noted above with reference to flow velocities of conditioned air 622, the temperature of the air 622 can also be altered for pre-conditioning based on the magnitude of the duration of time to arrival to reach target conditions while conserving energy.

[0064] As noted above, the time needed to achieve target temperature and other conditions such as humidity within the vehicle 600 can vary depending on external conditions and user preferences. The time it takes to achieve the target conditions by the pre-conditioning system can thus vary. In one example, when the temperature outside is 36 degrees Celsius and a solar load impinging on the vehicle 600 is about 100 watts/m ^A 2, the time to target temperature can be less than about 10 minutes. In one example, if the temperature outside the vehicle is less than about 36 degrees Celsius, the target time to achieving a target temperature inside the vehicle 600 by the pre-conditioning system 636 can be less than about 25 minutes.

[0065] In general, the controller 662 is configured to achieve a target temperature of an interior volume of the vehicle 600 within the duration of time to arrival. The target temperature can vary based on conditions and user preferences as input or learned by the pre-conditioning system 636, as described above. In at least one example, the controller 662 is configured to reach the target temperature before the occupant arrives, and to maintain the target temperature after the occupant arrives with a flow velocity of air that is comfortable and un-noticed by the occupant. The lower the velocity, the less noticeable it is to the occupant and the more comfortable the occupant will be. In addition, the lower the flow velocity, the quieter the HVAC system 640, leading to a more enjoyable experience. It has been found that occupants typically notice or feel air moving over them starting at about 1 or 2 m/s flow velocities. Thus, in at least one example, the flow velocity after arrival can be less than about 2 m/s. In one example, the flow velocity after arrival can be less than about 1 m/s, for example about Vi m/s. Depending on the adjustability and needs of the system, the controller 662 can operate the HVAC system 640 at a first flow velocity, a second flow velocity, a third flow velocity, or other variable flow velocities, as desired.

[0066] In at least one example, the vents 624 of the vehicle 600 include first and second vents. The second vent can be positioned to direct air toward an occupant seat within an internal volume of the vehicle 600, and the air mover of the HVAC system 640 is configured to be activated by the controller 662 to blow air 622 through the first vent at a first flow velocity and through the second vent at a second flow velocity, with the second flow velocity based on the duration of time to arrival detected by the preconditioning system 636. The vent being positioned to direct air toward an identified location can refer to the positioning of the vent within the vehicle, the orientation or direction of the vent exits, an orientation or modification of the air directing features of the vent (such as fins or vanes), or the movement and adjustment of the vent itself. In at least one example, the magnitude of the first and/or second flow velocities can be based the detected solar load from the solar sensor 672. In one example, the greater the solar load detected, the higher the flow velocity of the air 622 out of the vents 624. Conversely, the smaller the solar load detected, the smaller the flow velocity of air 622 out of the vents 624.

[0067] In at least one example including multiple HVAC systems or units, such as the first and second HVAC systems 536, 538 shown in FIG. 5, the controller 662 can activate solely the first HVAC system 536 to condition the cabin of the vehicle 600, which recirculates the air 622, before the occupant arrives in the vehicle 600. In such a scenario, the exhausting of air 622 by the second HVAC system 538 is not needed for introducing fresh air into the cabin, since no occupant is present. This saves energy during pre-conditioning. Then, once the occupant arrives in the vehicle 600, both the first and second HVAC systems 536, 538 can be activated by the controller 662 to reach or maintain the target conditions, and to provide fresh air to the occupant present. In addition, using HVAC and ventilation systems of vehicles disclosed herein, the occupant(s) can manually change settings including temperature, air velocity, and direction of air flowing from vents once the occupant(s) arrive in the vehicle to suit individual preferences.

[0068] Along these lines, in at least one example, an HVAC system for a vehicle cabin can include a sensor array configured to determine when an occupant will enter the cabin, a first ventilation system configured to recirculate air in the cabin in a closed loop before the occupant enters the cabin, and a second ventilation system configured to exhaust air from inside the cabin to an external environment after the occupant enters the cabin. In at least one example, at least the solar load sensor 672 of the sensor array is configured to sense or measure a solar load impinging on the vehicle 600, and the HVAC system 640 can include a first ventilation system configured to recirculate the air 622 in the cabin at an air velocity based on the measured/detected solar load.

[0069] In at least one example, the pre-conditioning system 636 can include a selfdriving system 680 operably coupled with the controller 662. The self-driving system can include electronic and mechanical control components configured to operate the vehicle to drive from one location to another without occupant input or control. The selfdriving system 680 can include automatic control of engine output, vehicle speed and direction, as well as sensors for detecting roads, lines, and objects external to the vehicle 600. In at least one example, the controller 662 can cause the self-driving system 680 to move the vehicle 600 from a first location to a second location. [0070] In at least one example, the first location can be a sunny location and the second location can be a shaded location. In such an example, in order to reduce a temperature of the vehicle 600 when the occupant is not in the vehicle cabin, the selfdriving system 680 can move the vehicle 600 to a shaded location during hot weather to reduce the solar load and maintain a more comfortable temperature in the vehicle 600 for when the occupant arrives or for minimizing the difference in temperature form the target temperature in preparation for pre-conditioning.

[0071] Conversely, in at least one example, the first location can be a shaded location and the second location can be a sunny location. In such an example, in order to increase a temperature of the vehicle 600 when the occupant is not in the vehicle cabin, the selfdriving system 680 can move the vehicle 600 to a sunny location during cold weather to increase the solar load and to maintain a more comfortable temperature in the vehicle 600 for when the occupant arrives, or for minimizing the difference in temperature from the target temperature in preparation for pre-conditioning. In at least one example, the camera 674 and/or various other sensors of the self-driving system 680 can be used to visually identify shaded and sunny locations. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor 676 and/or solar load sensor 672 can be used to identify shaded and sunny locations.

[0072] In at least one example, the controller 662 of the pre-conditioning system 636 can be operably coupled with motors or mechanisms configured to raise and lower various windows of the vehicle 600. In such an example, based on the detected temperature, solar load, internal conditions, and other environmental factors sensed and determined by the pre-conditioning system 636, the controller 662 can cause one or more windows of the vehicle 600 to raise or lower to various degrees to enable or prevent air flow through the vehicle 600 to lower or raise, respectively, the temperature inside the cabin due to convective cooling and heating from the passive air flow through the cabin as part of a controlled pre-conditioning operation.

[0073] In at least one example, the controller 662 of the pre-conditioning system 636 can be operably coupled with motors or mechanisms configured to raise and lower the temperature of seats within the vehicle 600. Seat warmers and coolers can thus be utilized to control conditions within the cabin and provide a comfortable target condition for the occupant(s) upon arrival. [0074] In some examples, personal information data can be collected, stored, used, and/or distributed as part of the present systems and methods. Such use can facilitate the present systems and methods in providing the user with a customized experience. In such examples where personal information data is used, such use should be governed by well-known and accepted policies and procedures to prevent any inadvertent disclosure or dissemination of the personal information data.

[0075] The foregoing description uses unique language in order to provide a thorough understanding of the described examples. However, the specific details described herein are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Rather, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. In fact, many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.