Portable HVAC system for vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle includes a duct in fluid communication with a cabin of the vehicle and a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system including a housing and an outlet configured to discharge conditioned air from the housing, the HVAC system movable relative to the vehicle between an engaged state in which the outlet is fluidly coupled with the duct and a disengaged state in which the outlet is fluidly coupled with the duct. The outlet is separated from the pipeline in the separated state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this section and in aspects of the description that may not qualify as prior art at the time of filing, is neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art against the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to heating and cooling systems and, more particularly, to a portable heating and cooling system for use in a vehicle. Background Art

[0003] Homes and vehicles often include heating and cooling systems that selectively heat or cool the home or vehicle when needed. Such heating and cooling systems are often referred to as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, which control the temperature, humidity, and in some cases the purity of the air in the home or vehicle.

[0004] HVAC systems typically include an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and piping that fluidly couples the evaporator, compressor, and condenser in a closed-loop system. In operation, the compressor is used to circulate a refrigerant within the closed-loop system so that the refrigerant circulates through both the evaporator and the condenser. Specifically, the compressor compresses the evaporated refrigerant received from the evaporator and, once pressurized at the compressor, directs the evaporated refrigerant to the condenser. At the condenser, the high-pressure evaporated refrigerant circulates through a series of coils fluidly coupled to the piping and changes state from vapor refrigerant to liquid refrigerant. As air circulates over the coils by a fan associated with the condenser, the refrigerant changes state from vapor or gas to liquid. That is, as the air passes over the coils of the condenser, the heat associated with the refrigerant circulating within the coils of the condenser is absorbed by the air flowing through the coils of the condenser, which causes the refrigerant circulating within the condenser to cool and change from gas to liquid, and causes the air passing through the coils to be heated.

[0005] Liquid refrigerant leaves the condenser and is received by the evaporator. Like the condenser, the evaporator typically includes a series of coils that are fluidly coupled to the ducting of the HVAC system. The liquid refrigerant circulates through the coils of the evaporator due to the pressure exerted on the refrigerant by the compressor. Like the condenser, the evaporator is typically associated with a fan that forces air through the coils of the evaporator. In doing so, the heat within the air flowing through the coils of the evaporator is absorbed by the refrigerant circulating within the coils of the evaporator. The absorbed heat causes the refrigerant to change from a liquid to a gas, which in turn causes the air flowing through the coils and through the evaporator to be cooled. The vaporized refrigerant that leaves the evaporator returns to the compressor to begin the cycle again. In the case of a residential HVAC system, the blower motor associated with the furnace acts as the evaporator fan, which causes the cooled air from the evaporator to be directed into the home or residence via a series of ductwork.

[0006] In the context of automotive applications, the vehicle's HVAC system functions in a similar manner to a residential HVAC system. However, compared to residential heating systems, vehicle HVAC systems are more compact because they are typically packaged within the vehicle's instrument panel (IP). In addition, vehicle HVAC systems do not rely on a furnace to provide heating to the vehicle cabin, but rather rely on heat from the vehicle's engine to provide heat to the cabin.

[0007] While conventional vehicle HVAC systems adequately provide conditioned air to a vehicle cabin, such vehicle HVAC systems can be difficult to package within the vehicle's IP. Furthermore, packaging a vehicle HVAC system within the vehicle's IP can be difficult given the number of components that must be packaged within a conventional vehicle IP. Finally, while conventional vehicle HVAC systems adequately condition air for a vehicle cabin, such HVAC systems are permanently installed in the vehicle and, therefore, can only be used to condition the air within a particular vehicle and associated cabin. Summary of the invention

[0008] In one configuration, a vehicle includes a duct and a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in fluid communication with a cabin of the vehicle, the HVAC system including a housing and an outlet configured to discharge conditioned air from the housing, the HVAC system being movable relative to the vehicle between an engaged state and a disengaged state, wherein the outlet is fluidly coupled to the duct and wherein the outlet is disconnected from the duct in the disengaged state.

[0009] The vehicle may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the HVAC system may slide relative to the vehicle between an engaged state and a disengaged state. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle may include a frunk in which the HVAC system is disposed when in the engaged state. The HVAC system may be selectively attached to a platform within the frunk that may slide relative to the frunk to move the HVAC system between an engaged state and a disengaged state. The HVAC system may include a condenser, an evaporator, and a compressor disposed within a housing.

[0010] In one configuration, the HVAC system may automatically move to the engaged state when the HVAC system moves a predetermined distance relative to the vehicle. In this configuration, the housing may include electrical contacts that automatically move into contact with electrical contacts of the vehicle when the HVAC system moves a predetermined distance relative to the vehicle and enters the engaged state. When the HVAC system is in the engaged state, the vehicle may supply power to the HVAC system via electrical contacts of the vehicle and electrical contacts of the HVAC system.

[0011] In another configuration, a vehicle includes a duct in fluid communication with a cabin of the vehicle and a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, the HVAC system including a housing containing an evaporator, a condenser, and a compressor, the housing being movable relative to the vehicle between an engaged state coupled to the duct and a disengaged state separated from the duct.

[0012] The vehicle may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the HVAC system may slide relative to the vehicle between an engaged state and a disengaged state. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle may include a trunk in which the HVAC system is disposed in the engaged state. The HVAC system may be selectively attached to a platform within the trunk that slides relative to the trunk to move the HVAC system between an engaged state and a disengaged state. The housing may include a handle configured to assist in removing the HVAC system from the vehicle.

[0013] In one configuration, the HVAC system may automatically move to the engaged state when the HVAC system moves a predetermined distance relative to the vehicle. In this configuration, the housing may include electrical contacts that automatically move into contact with electrical contacts of the vehicle when the HVAC system moves a predetermined distance relative to the vehicle and enters the engaged state. When the HVAC system is in the engaged state, the vehicle may supply power to the HVAC system via electrical contacts of the vehicle and electrical contacts of the HVAC system.

[0014] In yet another configuration, a vehicle includes a duct fluidly connected to a cabin of the vehicle, electrical contacts that receive power from a power source of the vehicle, and a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system including a housing, an outlet configured to selectively discharge conditioned air from the housing to the duct, and electrical contacts, the HVAC system being movable relative to the vehicle between an engaged state and a disengaged state, in which the electrical contacts are electrically coupled to electrical contacts of the vehicle and in which the electrical contacts of the housing are separated from electrical contacts of the vehicle.

[0015] The vehicle may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the HVAC system may slide relative to the vehicle between an engaged state and a disengaged state. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle may include a front trunk, the HVAC system being disposed in the front trunk in the engaged state. The outlet of the HVAC system may be fluidly coupled to the duct in the engaged state and disconnected from the duct in the disengaged state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle showing a portable HVAC unit of the vehicle disposed within a front trunk of the vehicle and in an engaged state;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a vehicle of , showing a front trunk door / gate in an open state and a portable HVAC unit in a disengaged state;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A front perspective view of a portable HVAC system;

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A rear perspective view of a portable HVAC unit;

[0021] Figure 4A yes Figure 1 A front view of a portable HVAC system with a portion of the housing removed to schematically illustrate internal components of the HVAC system;

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 a rear perspective view of a vehicle of , wherein a trunk door of the vehicle is shown in an open position and the portable HVAC unit is in a storage position; and

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 1A rear perspective view of a vehicle with the trunk door in an open position and the portable HVAC unit being used in an area remote from the vehicle.

[0024] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly states otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "including" and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as an execution order. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0027] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly engaged with, connected to, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0028] The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used in this article to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another region, layer or part. Unless the context clearly indicates, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply an order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of the example configuration, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or part.

[0029] In this application, including the definitions below, the term "module" may be replaced with the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be a part of, or include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by a memory; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0030] The term "code" as used above may include software, firmware and / or microcode, and may refer to a program, a routine, a function, a class and / or an object. The term "shared processor" covers a single processor that executes some or all codes from multiple modules. The term "group processor" covers a processor that executes some or all codes from one or more modules in combination with an additional processor. The term "shared memory" covers a single memory that stores some or all codes from multiple modules. The term "group memory" includes a memory that stores some or all codes from one or more modules in combination with an additional memory. The term "memory" may be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium". The term "computer-readable medium" does not include transient electrical signals and electromagnetic signals propagated through the medium, and therefore can be considered to be tangible and non-transient memory. Non-limiting examples of non-temporary memory include tangible computer-readable media, which include non-volatile memory, magnetic memory, and optical memory.

[0031] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented in part or in whole by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes processor executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer program may also include and / or rely on stored data.

[0032] Software applications (i.e., software resources) may refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0033] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used to temporarily or permanently store programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used for firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0034] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, device, and / or memory (e.g., disks, optical disks, processors, programmable logic devices (PLDs)) for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable device, including machine-readable media that receive machine instructions as machine-readable signals. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0035] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be realized in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system, the programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, at least one input device, and at least one output device, the at least one programmable device being either special purpose or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, and to send data and instructions to the storage system.

[0036] The process and logic flow described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors (also referred to as data processing hardware), which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating outputs. The process and logic flow can also be performed by a dedicated logic circuit (e.g., FPGA (field programmable gate array) or ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit)). As an example, a processor suitable for executing a computer program includes both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices (e.g., disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or be operably coupled to receive data from it or transmit data to it or both. However, a computer does not need to have such a device. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of nonvolatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0037] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touch screen for displaying information to the user, and optionally a keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including sound, voice, or tactile input. In addition, the computer may interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on a user's client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0038] Many embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0039] Special References Figure 1 and Figure 2, a vehicle 10 is provided. The vehicle 10 includes a cabin 12, a front trunk 14 located in a front area of ​​the vehicle 10, and a storage area 16 located in a rear area of ​​the vehicle 10. The front trunk 14 is located in an area of ​​the vehicle 10 that would normally house the engine of the vehicle 10. However, Figure 1 The illustrated vehicle is an electric vehicle (EV) that may be powered by one or more electric motors (not shown) powered by a battery 20 of the vehicle 10. Although the vehicle 10 will be described hereinafter as an EV, the vehicle 10 may alternatively be powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) or may be a hybrid electric vehicle that includes an ICE and one or more electric motors that work in conjunction with each other to power the vehicle 10.

[0040] The vehicle 10 has a cabin 12 that is generally disposed between a front trunk 14 and a storage area 16. The cabin 12 includes a series of seats 22 and an instrument panel (IP) 24. The instrument panel 24 is opposite the driver's seat and the passenger seat of the seats 22, and generally provides the driver and / or passenger with the ability to control various aspects of the vehicle. For example, the IP 24 generally supports mechanisms that allow the driver to control and steer the vehicle 10, such as a steering wheel 26. The IP 24 may additionally include a series of controls, instruments, and displays 28 that allow the driver and / or passenger to control the functions of the vehicle 10 and monitor the operating conditions of the vehicle 10, such as the vehicle's speed.

[0041] The IP 24 may additionally include one or more vents 30 that provide conditioned air to the cabin 12. The conditioned air provided to the cabin 12 by the vents 30 may be controlled via one or more of a controller or display 28 associated with the IP 24.

[0042] The conditioned air provided to the cabin 12 via the vents 30 is supplied by an HVAC system 32 . The HVAC system 32 is in fluid communication with the vents 30 and is disposed within the front trunk 14 .

[0043] The HVAC system 32 is a portable HVAC system that can be used in conjunction with the vehicle 10 or outside the vehicle 10. When the HVAC system 32 is used in conjunction with the vehicle 10, the HVAC system 32 is received by and disposed within the front trunk 14. Specifically, the HVAC system 32 is disposed on a slidable platform or drawer 34 within the front trunk 14, which allows the HVAC system 32 to be in an engaged state ( Figure 1 ) and out of state ( Figure 2 ). When the HVAC system 32 is in the engaged state, the HVAC system 32 is fluidly coupled to the vents 30 via the duct system 33 and can provide conditioned air to the cabin 12 via the vents 30. When the slidable drawer 34 is moved to the disengaged state ( Figure 2), the HVAC system 32 is disconnected from the vents 30 and therefore cannot supply conditioned air to the cabin 12 via the duct system 33 and the vents 30.

[0044] By first moving the door / gate 36 of the front trunk 14 from the closed position ( Figure 1 ) to the open position ( Figure 2 ), the slidable drawer 34 is in the engaged state ( Figure 1 ) and out of state ( Figure 2 ). Once the door / gate 36 of the front trunk 14 is moved to the open position, access to the slidable drawer 34 and the HVAC system 32 is allowed. At this point, a force may be applied to the slidable drawer 34 to move the slidable drawer 34 from the engaged state ( Figure 1 ) moves to the disengaged state ( Figure 2 The slidable drawer 34 may include one or more tracks 38 that allow the slidable drawer 34 to translate relative to the front trunk 14 of the vehicle 10 between an engaged state and a disengaged state.

[0045] The HVAC system 32 can be positioned on and within the slidable drawer 34 such that the HVAC system 32 is secured to move between an engaged state and a disengaged state with the slidable drawer 34. When the HVAC system 32 is disposed on the slidable drawer 34 and the slidable drawer 34 is in the engaged state, the HVAC system 32 is automatically fluidly coupled to the ductwork 33 and the vents 30, and is automatically coupled to the battery 20 of the vehicle 10.

[0046] Special References Figure 3 and 4 , the HVAC system 32 is shown to include a housing 42 and a carrier 44 that supports the housing 42. In one configuration, the housing 42 is formed of a hard plastic material, and the carrier 44 is formed of a metal material. The carrier 44 can surround the housing 42, and in one configuration, can be formed by bending Figure 3 and Figure 4 The configuration shown is formed from a single piece of metal.

[0047] The metal sheet forming the carrier 44 is formed as Figure 3 and Figure 4 The shape shown in the figure is adapted to the size and shape of the housing 42. That is, the carrier 44 is formed as Figure 3 and Figure 4 The shape shown is to receive and support the housing 42 within the carrier 44, and the carrier 44 may include ends 45 of the metal sheet, which are adjacent and opposite to each other on the bottom side 47 of the carrier 44 ( Figure 4). As shown, the carrier 44 includes a handle 46 that allows a user to easily grasp and carry the HVAC system 32. The handle 46 may be formed of the same or different plastic material as the housing 42, or alternatively, may be formed of a metal material. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The location shown is attached to a carrier 44 .

[0048] refer to Figure 4A , the HVAC system 32 includes an evaporator 48, a condenser 50, an evaporator fan 52, a condenser fan 54, and a compressor 56 that are fluidly coupled to each other via a series of ducts 58. The evaporator 48, the condenser 50, the evaporator fan 52, the condenser fan 54, the compressor 56, and the ducts 58 are all located within the housing 42 and cooperate to provide conditioned air to the cabin 12, as will be described in more detail below.

[0049] In operation, compressor 56 delivers high pressure, vapor or gaseous refrigerant to condenser 50 via conduit 58. The high pressure gaseous refrigerant received by condenser 50 circulates through the coils (not shown) of condenser 50 and, in doing so, changes phase from gas to liquid. Specifically, condenser fan 54 directs air flow across the coils of condenser 50, which causes heat disposed within the refrigerant to be absorbed by the air passing over the coils of condenser 50, thereby cooling the refrigerant and causing the refrigerant to change from gas to liquid. The air passing through condenser 50 is heated, and when HVAC system 32 is in an engaged state ( Figure 1 ) can be used to heat the cabin 12, or when the HVAC system 32 is in the disengaged state ( Figure 2 and Figure 6 ) can be used to heat the area outside the vehicle compartment 12.

[0050] The liquid refrigerant is directed to the evaporator 48 and circulates through the coils (not shown) of the evaporator 48. The evaporator fan 52 directs air over the coils of the evaporator 48 and, in doing so, causes the refrigerant to absorb heat from the air and change from liquid to gas. The gaseous refrigerant is then directed to the compressor 56 to restart the cycle. As the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, the air passing through the evaporator 48 is cooled, and when the HVAC system 32 is engaged ( Figure 1 ), the air passing through the evaporator 48 can be used to cool the cabin 12, or when the HVAC system 32 is in the disengaged state ( Figure 2 and Figure 6 ), the air passing through the evaporator 48 can be used to cool the area outside the vehicle cabin 12.

[0051] When the HVAC system 32 is engaged, air directed over the evaporator 48 by the evaporator fan 52 can be directed into the cabin 12 via the ductwork 33 and the vents 30 to provide cooling air to the cabin 12. Similarly, if the cabin 12 requires heat, air passing through the coils of the condenser 50 by the condenser fan 54 can be directed into the cabin 12 via the ductwork 33 and the vents 30 to heat the cabin 12. Again, cooling air is produced by air passing through the evaporator 48 being cooled by the refrigerant circulating within the coils of the evaporator 48, which absorbs heat from the air passing therethrough. Heated air is produced by air passing through the condenser 50 absorbing heat from the refrigerant circulating within the coils of the condenser 50.

[0052] Special References Figure 4 , the housing 42 is shown to include an outlet 60 and an electrical contact 62. When the HVAC system 32 is in the engaged state, the outlet 60 directs conditioned air from the evaporator 48 and / or the condenser 50 to the vent 30 via the duct system 33. Specifically, when the slidable drawer 34 positions the HVAC system 32 in the engaged position, the outlet 60 is automatically fluidly coupled to the port 64 of the duct system 33 ( Figure 2 Port 64 is fluidly coupled to vent 30 via ductwork 33 so that conditioned air produced by HVAC system 32 may be directed to cabin 12 via outlet 60 of HVAC system 32 , port 64 , ductwork 33 , and vent 30 of IP 24 .

[0053] The electrical contacts 62 are disposed adjacent the outlet 60 and are positioned relative to the electrical contacts 66 of the vehicle 10 so that when the slidable drawer 34 positions the HVAC system 32 in the engaged state ( Figure 1 ), the electrical contacts 62 of the HVAC system 32 are automatically placed in contact with the electrical contacts 66 of the vehicle 10. Placing the electrical contacts 62 of the HVAC system 32 in contact with the electrical contacts 66 of the vehicle 10 allows the battery 20 of the vehicle 10 to supply power to the HVAC system 32. The power supplied to the HVAC system 32 by the battery 20 of the vehicle 10 allows the HVAC system 32 to function as previously described. That is, the power supplied to the HVAC system 32 allows the compressor 56 to circulate the refrigerant between the evaporator 48 and the condenser 50, and further allows the evaporator fan 52 and the condenser fan 54 to direct air over and through the coils of the evaporator 48 and the condenser 50, respectively.

[0054] In operation, a user can open the door / gate 36 of the front trunk 14 to provide access to the slidable drawer 34. Once the door / gate 36 is open, a force can be applied to the slidable drawer 34 to move the slidable drawer 34 to the extended position. Once the slidable drawer 34 is moved to the extended position, the HVAC system 32 can be placed on the slidable drawer 34 and secured to move with the slidable drawer 34. A force can then be applied to the slidable drawer 34 to move the slidable drawer 34 to the engaged state ( Figure 1 ).

[0055] Once the HVAC system 32 and the slidable drawer 34 are moved to the engaged state, the outlet 60 of the HVAC system 32 is automatically fluidly coupled to the port 64 of the vehicle 10, and the electrical contacts 62 of the HVAC system 32 are automatically placed in contact with the electrical contacts 66 of the vehicle 10. At this point, the door / gate 36 of the front trunk 14 can be closed, and the HVAC system 32 can provide conditioned air to the cabin 12 via the outlet 60 of the HVAC system 32, the port 64, the ductwork 33, and the vents 30 of the IP 24.

[0056] The HVAC system 32 is a so-called portable HVAC system 32 because the HVAC system 32 can be used in conjunction with the vehicle 10 or in a location separate from the vehicle 10. For example, the door / gate 36 of the front trunk 14 can be opened to expose the HVAC system 32 and the slidable drawer 34. At this time, the slidable drawer 34 can be moved to the extended state ( Figure 2 ) to provide access to the HVAC system 32. When the slidable drawer 34 is moved to the extended state, the outlet 60 of the HVAC system 32 is automatically disconnected from the port 64 of the vehicle 10, and the electrical contacts 62 of the HVAC system 32 are automatically disconnected from the electrical contacts 66 of the vehicle 10. At this point, the HVAC system 32 can be removed from the slidable drawer 34 for use in an area outside the vehicle 10.

[0057] Special References Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the HVAC system 32 is shown being used in an area external to the vehicle system 10. In one configuration, the HVAC system 32 includes one or more receptacles 68 that allow the HVAC system 32 to be powered by an external power source via a power cord 70. Figure 6As shown, a power cord 70 may extend from the vehicle 10 and may be received by the receptacle 68 of the HVAC system 32 to allow the vehicle 10 to provide power to the HVAC system 32 when the HVAC system 32 is used in an area away from the vehicle 10. Once the cord 70 is attached to the receptacle 68 of the HVAC system 32 and the vehicle 10, the HVAC system 32 may provide conditioned air to a location outside the vehicle 10 via the outlet 60. For example, the HVAC system may be used to provide conditioned air in a tent (not shown) disposed near the vehicle 10. Although the power cord 70 is described and shown as being attached to the HVAC system 32 at the receptacle 68, the power cord 70 may alternatively be attached to the HVAC system 32 at the electrical contacts 62.

[0058] Finally, while the HVAC system 32 may be used in an area remote from the vehicle 10, when the cabin 12 does not require conditioned air from the HVAC system 32, the HVAC system 32 may be stored within a storage compartment 72 of the vehicle 10. The storage compartment 72 may be located in the storage area 16 of the vehicle 10 and may include a recess or pocket 74 formed in or protruding from a panel 76 of the vehicle 10, such as Figure 5 A recess or pocket 74 may be located in the storage area 16 of the vehicle 10 to allow the recess or pocket 74 to matingly receive the carrier 44 of the HVAC system 32. Once the carrier 44 of the HVAC system 32 is disposed within the recess or pocket 74, the HVAC system 32 is secured to the panel 76 and in a stored state, within the storage area 16.

[0059] As described, the HVAC system 32 may be used in conjunction with the vehicle 10 to provide conditioned air to the cabin 12. Alternatively, the HVAC system 32 may be removed from the vehicle 10 to allow the HVAC system 32 to provide conditioned air to an area located remotely from the vehicle 10. Finally, the HVAC system 32 may provide a location where a user may plug in one or more external devices to power the external devices when the HVAC system 32 is located remotely from the vehicle 10 and is used to provide conditioned air to a space located remotely from the vehicle 10. For example, in the above example regarding the HVAC system 32 providing conditioned air to a tent, one or more occupants of the tent may wish to use the HVAC system 32 to power a device (e.g., a cellular phone or tablet).

[0060] The foregoing description is provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. It can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: a conduit in fluid communication with a cabin of the vehicle; as well as A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a housing and an outlet configured to discharge conditioned air from the housing, the HVAC system being movable relative to the vehicle between an engaged state in which the outlet is fluidly coupled to the duct and a disengaged state in which the outlet is disconnected from the duct.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The HVAC system is slidable relative to the vehicle between the engaged state and the disengaged state.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle includes a front trunk, and the HVAC system is disposed in the front trunk in the engaged state.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein: The HVAC system is selectively attached to a platform within the trunk, the platform being slidable relative to the trunk to move the HVAC system between the engaged state and the disengaged state.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The HVAC system includes a condenser, an evaporator, and a compressor disposed within the housing.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The HVAC system automatically moves to the engaged state when the HVAC system moves a predetermined distance relative to the vehicle.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein: The housing includes electrical contacts that automatically move into contact with electrical contacts of the vehicle when the HVAC system moves a predetermined distance relative to the vehicle and enters the engaged state.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: The vehicle provides electrical power to the HVAC system via the electrical contacts of the vehicle and the electrical contacts of the HVAC system when the HVAC system is in the engaged state.

9. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a handle configured to facilitate removal of the HVAC system from the vehicle.

10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a power receptacle configured to provide power to an external device when the HVAC system is in the disengaged state.

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