Method of changing an air filter of vehicle air conditioning system

• US 6,819,232 B2
• Filed: 12/30/2002
• Issued: 11/16/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/02/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor Group)
• Original Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor Group)
• Inventors: Kwon, Jong Hwan
• Primary Examiner(s): Wu, Daniel J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nguyen, Tai T.
• Application Number:
  US10/331,885
• Publication Number:
  US 20040041710A1
• Time in Patent Office: 687 Days
• Field of Search: 340/449, 340/457.4, 340/438, 340/606, 340/607, 340/609, 340/580, 340/581
• US Class Current: 340/449
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 2003/0683 the quality of the filter or the air being checked
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 3/0608 Filter arrangements in the air stream

Abstract

A method of signaling for a change of an air filter of a vehicle air conditioning system is disclosed. The present invention uses a sensor installed in a conventional air conditioner and the appropriate time for changing the air filter is determined by checking compressor operation when a degree of airflow is decreased during air conditioner operation.

Claims

1. A method for signaling a change of an air filter for an air conditioning system of a vehicle, comprising:

turning on an air conditioner and setting a blower at a maximum level to set a passenger compartment temperature at a lowest temperature of the air conditioner;

sensing the presence of at least one signaling condition; and

signaling a need for a new air filter when an air conditioner compressor cycles five times or more and at least one said signaling condition is present.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said signaling conditions include an ambient temperature of 30°

C. or higher, the air conditioner operated at least for 10 mm, and an average compartment temperature of 25°

C. or higher.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the ambient temperature, the operation time period of the air conditioner, and the average compartment temperature are set according to a type of the vehicle, respectively.

4. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein said signaling occurs when all said signaling conditions are sensed.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said signaling comprises automatically turning on a lamp.