PORTABLE HVAC SYSTEM FOR ONE VEHICLE

Abstract

A vehicle comprises a duct which is fluidically connected to a passenger compartment of the vehicle, and a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC system) comprising a housing and an outlet which is designed to expel conditioned air from the housing, wherein the HVAC system is movable relative to the vehicle between a retracted state in which the outlet is fluidly connected to the duct and a disengaged state in which the outlet is separated from the duct.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The information contained in this section is intended to provide a general context for the disclosure. Work by the presently named inventors, to the extent described in this section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise be considered prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against this 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.

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

[0004] HVAC systems typically include an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and piping that fluidly connects the evaporator, compressor, and condenser in a closed circuit. During operation, the compressor serves to circulate a refrigerant within the closed circuit, ensuring that the refrigerant circulates through both the evaporator and condenser. Specifically, the compressor compresses the vaporized refrigerant coming from the evaporator and, once pressurized in the compressor, directs the vaporized refrigerant to the condenser. At the condenser, the high-pressure vaporized refrigerant circulates through a series of coils that are fluidly connected to the piping, transforming from a vapor to a liquid.The refrigerant changes state from a vapor or gas to a liquid when air is forced over the coils by a fan connected to the condenser. As air flows over the condenser coils, the heat associated with the refrigerant circulating in the condenser coils is absorbed by the air flowing over the condenser coils, causing the refrigerant circulating in the condenser to cool and change phase from gas to liquid, and heating the air flowing over the coils.

[0005] The liquid refrigerant leaves the condenser and is absorbed by the evaporator. Like the condenser, the evaporator typically comprises a series of cooling coils that are fluidly connected to the HVAC system's piping. The liquid refrigerant circulates through the evaporator's cooling coils due to the pressure exerted on the refrigerant by the compressor. Like the condenser, the evaporator is typically equipped with a fan that forces air over the evaporator's cooling coils. As the air flows over the evaporator's cooling coils, heat is absorbed by the refrigerant circulating in the evaporator's cooling coils. The absorbed heat causes the refrigerant to change phase from liquid to gas, which in turn cools the air flowing over the cooling coils and through the evaporator.The evaporated refrigerant exiting the evaporator is returned to the compressor, and the cycle begins again. In the context of a residential HVAC system, the furnace's blower motor acts as the evaporator fan, moving the cooled air from the evaporator through a duct system into a home or residence.

[0006] In the context of an automotive application, a vehicle's HVAC system functions similarly to a residential HVAC system. However, a vehicle HVAC system is more compact than a residential heating system because it is typically housed in the vehicle's dashboard (Dash Panel). Furthermore, a vehicle HVAC system does not rely on a furnace to heat the vehicle cabin, but instead utilizes heat from the vehicle's engine.

[0007] While conventional vehicle HVAC systems adequately supply the cabin with treated air, they are difficult to install within the vehicle's air conditioning system. Furthermore, given the number of components that must be housed in a conventional vehicle air conditioning system, it can be challenging to install a vehicle HVAC system within a vehicle's air conditioning system. Conventional vehicle HVAC systems adequately treat the air in the cabin, but are permanently installed within the vehicle and can therefore only be used for air conditioning for the specific vehicle and its associated cabin. SUMMARY

[0008] In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a conduit fluidly connected to a passenger compartment of the vehicle and a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system including a housing and an outlet configured to expel conditioned air from the housing, the HVAC system being movable relative to the vehicle between an engaged state in which the outlet is fluidly connected to the conduit and a disengaged state in which the outlet is disconnected from the conduit.

[0009] The vehicle may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the HVAC system may be translatable relative to the vehicle between the engaged and disengaged states. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle may include a front trunk, with the HVAC system located in the front trunk when engaged. The HVAC system may optionally be mounted to a platform within the front trunk, with the platform being translatable relative to the front trunk to move the HVAC system from the engaged to the disengaged state and vice versa. The HVAC system may include a condenser, an evaporator, and a compressor disposed within the housing.

[0010] In one embodiment, the HVAC system can be automatically moved to the engaged state when the HVAC system is moved a certain distance relative to the vehicle. In this embodiment, the housing can include an electrical contact that is automatically brought into contact with an electrical contact of the vehicle when the HVAC system is moved the certain distance relative to the vehicle into the engaged state. The vehicle can supply power to the HVAC system via the electrical contact of the vehicle and the electrical contact of the HVAC system when the HVAC system is in the engaged state.

[0011] In another embodiment, a vehicle includes a conduit fluidly connected to a passenger compartment of the vehicle and a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system having a housing including an evaporator, a condenser, and a compressor, the housing being movable relative to the vehicle between an engaged state connected to the conduit and a disengaged state disconnected from the conduit.

[0012] The vehicle may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the HVAC system may be translatable relative to the vehicle between the engaged and disengaged states. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle may include a front trunk, with the HVAC system located in the front trunk when engaged. The HVAC system may optionally be mounted to a platform within the front trunk, with the platform being translatable relative to the front trunk to move the HVAC system from the engaged to the disengaged state and vice versa. The housing may include a handle configured to facilitate removal of the HVAC system from the vehicle.

[0013] In one embodiment, the HVAC system can be automatically moved to the engaged state when the HVAC system is moved a certain distance relative to the vehicle. In this embodiment, the housing can include an electrical contact that is automatically brought into contact with an electrical contact of the vehicle when the HVAC system is moved the certain distance relative to the vehicle into the engaged state. The vehicle can supply power to the HVAC system via the electrical contact of the vehicle and the electrical contact of the HVAC system when the HVAC system is in the engaged state.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, a vehicle includes a conduit fluidly connected to a passenger compartment of the vehicle, an electrical contact receiving power from a power source of the vehicle, and a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system having a housing, an outlet configured to selectively expel conditioned air from the housing into the conduit, and an electrical contact, the HVAC system being movable relative to the vehicle between an engaged state in which the electrical contact is electrically connected to the vehicle electrical contact and a disengaged state in which the housing electrical contact is disconnected from the vehicle electrical contact.

[0015] The vehicle may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the HVAC system may be movable relative to the vehicle between the engaged and disengaged states. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle may include a front trunk, with the HVAC system located in the front trunk when engaged. The HVAC system outlet may be fluidly connected to the conduit when engaged and disconnected from the conduit when disengaged. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle showing a portable HVAC unit of the vehicle disposed in a front trunk of the vehicle and in an engaged state; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle from Fig. 1 and shows a front trunk door / hatch in the open state and the portable HVAC unit in the disengaged state; Fig. 3 is a front perspective view of the portable HVAC system of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the portable HVAC unit of Fig. 1; Fig. 4A is a front view of the portable HVAC system of Fig. 1, with part of the casing removed to schematically show internal components of the HVAC system; Fig. 5 is a perspective rear view of the vehicle from Fig. 1, wherein a tailgate of the vehicle is shown in an open position and the portable HVAC unit is shown in a storage position; and Fig. 6 is a perspective rear view of the vehicle from Fig. 1 with the tailgate open, using the portable HVAC unit in an area away from the vehicle.

[0017] Corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Example embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example embodiments are provided to thoroughly illustrate this disclosure and to convey its full scope to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be used, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and example embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0019] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific training examples only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms where appropriate. The terms “comprise,” “comprising,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and thus indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily being performed in the particular order explained or illustrated unless they are expressly identified as being in that order of performance.Additional or alternative steps may be applied.

[0020] Where an element or layer is described as being "on" or "engaging with" another element or layer, or as being "connected" or "coupled" or "attached" to it, it may be directly on or engaging with, connected, coupled, or attached to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, where an element is described as being "directly on" or "directly engaging with" another element or layer, or as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" or "directly attached" to it, there must be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted similarly (e.g.,(e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" or "contiguous" versus "directly adjacent" or "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination of one or more of the related listed items.

[0021] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Unless clearly dictated by the context, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply a particular sequence or order.Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0022] For the purposes of this application and the definitions below, the term "module" may be replaced by the term "circuit." The term "module" may refer to, be 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 (common, dedicated, or group) executing code, a memory (common, dedicated, or group) storing code executed by a processor, other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality, or a combination of some or all of the above components, e.g., in a system-on-chip.

[0023] The term “code,” as used above, may include software, firmware, and / or microcode and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term “shared processor” includes a single processor that executes code from multiple modules, in part or in whole. The term “group processor” includes a processor that, in combination with additional processors, executes code from one or more modules, in part or in whole. The term “shared memory” includes a single memory that stores code from multiple modules, in part or in whole. The term “group memory” includes memory that, in combination with additional memory, stores code from one or more modules, in part or in whole. The term “memory” may be a subset of the term “computer-readable medium.”The term "computer-readable medium" does not encompass transitory electrical or electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium and can therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory storage. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory storage include tangible, computer-readable medium, including non-volatile memory, magnetic memory, and optical memory.

[0024] The devices and methods described in this application may be implemented partially or entirely by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include and / or be based on stored data.

[0025] A software application (i.e., a software resource) may refer to computer software that causes a computing device to perform a task. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an application, app, or program. Examples of 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.

[0026] Non-transitory memory can be physical devices used for the temporary or permanent storage of programs (e.g., instruction sequences) 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) / electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., typically used for firmware such as boot programs). 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 floppy disks or tapes.

[0027] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) contain machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in a high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming language and / or assembly language / machine language. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable media, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., magnetic disks, optical disks, memories, programmable logic devices (PLDs)) designed to deliver machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal designed to deliver machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0028] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein may be implemented in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, purpose-built ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementation in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, which may be used for special or general purpose and is coupled to receive data and instructions from and transmit data and instructions to a storage system, and at least one input device and at least one output device.

[0029] The processes and logic flows described in this patent may 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 responding to input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows may also be performed by special-purpose logic circuits, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). Examples of processors suitable for executing a computer program include both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Generally, a processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random-access memory, or both.The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions, and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic, magneto-optical, or optical disks, or to receive or transfer data to or from them, or both. However, a computer is not required to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data includes all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, for example, semiconductor storage 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 can be supplemented by or integrated into special logic circuits.

[0030] To enable interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT or LCD monitor or a touchscreen for displaying information to the user, and optionally, a keyboard and pointing device, e.g., a mouse or trackball, with which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to enable interaction with the user; for example, the user may receive any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback, and input from the user may be received in any form, including auditory, voice, or tactile input. In addition, a computer may interact with a user by sending and receiving documents to and from a device used by the user, e.g.,by sending web pages to a web browser on a user's client device after receiving requests from the web browser.

[0031] While a number of implementations have been described, it should be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

[0032] With particular reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a vehicle 10 is provided. The vehicle 10 includes a passenger compartment 12, a front trunk 14 in a front area of ​​the vehicle 10, and a cargo space 16 in a rear area of ​​the vehicle 10. The front trunk 14 is located in an area of ​​the vehicle 10 in which a power engine of the vehicle 10 is normally housed. However, the vehicle in Fig. 1 is an electric vehicle (EV) that may be powered by one or more electric motors (not shown) that are fed by a battery 20 of the vehicle 10. Although the vehicle 10 is described below as an EV, the vehicle 10 could alternatively be powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) or be a hybrid electric vehicle that includes both an IC engine and one or more electric motors that work together to propel the vehicle 10.

[0033] The passenger compartment 12 of the vehicle 10 is generally located between the front trunk 14 and the cargo area 16. The passenger compartment 12 includes a bank of seats 22 and an instrument panel (IP) 24. The instrument panel 24 is located opposite the driver's seat and front passenger's seat 22 and typically provides the driver and / or front passenger with the ability to control various aspects of the vehicle. For example, the IP 24 typically supports a mechanism that allows the driver to steer and control the vehicle 10, such as a steering wheel 26. The IP 24 may additionally include a bank of controls, gauges, and displays 28 that allow the driver and / or front passenger to control functions of the vehicle 10 and monitor operating conditions of the vehicle 10, such as vehicle speed.

[0034] The AB 24 may additionally include one or more vents 30 that supply conditioned air to the passenger compartment 12. The conditioned air supplied to the passenger compartment 12 through the vents 30 may be controlled via one or more of the controls or indicators 28 connected to the AB 24.

[0035] The conditioned air supplied to the passenger compartment 12 via the vents 30 is provided by an HVAC system 32. The HVAC system 32 is fluidly connected to the vents 30 and is located in the front trunk 14.

[0036] 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 housed and disposed within the front trunk 14. In particular, the HVAC system 32 is disposed on a sliding platform or drawer 34 within the front trunk 14 that allows the HVAC system 32 to be switched between an engaged state ( Fig. 1) and a disengaged state ( Fig. 2). When the HVAC system 32 is in the engaged state, the HVAC system 32 is fluidly connected to the vents 30 via a duct system 33 and can supply the passenger compartment 12 with conditioned air via the vents 30. When the sliding drawer 34 is moved to a disengaged state ( Fig. 2), the HVAC system 32 is separated from the vents 30 and therefore cannot supply the passenger compartment 12 with conditioned air via the duct system 33 and the vents 30.

[0037] The sliding drawer 34 is switched between the engaged state ( Fig. 1) and the disengaged state ( Fig. 2) by first moving a door / flap 36 of the front trunk 14 from a closed position ( Fig. 1) into an open position ( Fig. 2). Once the door / hatch 36 of the front trunk 14 is moved to the open position, access to the sliding drawer 34 and the HVAC system 32 is possible. At this point, a force may be applied to the sliding drawer 34 to move the sliding drawer 34 from the engaged state ( Fig. 1) into the disengaged state ( Fig. 2). The sliding drawer 34 may include one or more rails 38 that allow the sliding drawer 34 to be moved relative to the front trunk 14 of the vehicle 10 between the engaged state and the disengaged state.

[0038] The HVAC system 32 can be positioned on and within the sliding drawer 34 such that the HVAC system 32 is fixed for movement with the sliding drawer 34 between the engaged state and the disengaged state. When the HVAC system 32 is disposed on the sliding drawer 34 and the sliding drawer 34 is in the engaged state, the HVAC system 32 is automatically fluidly connected to the ductwork 33 and the vents 30 and is automatically connected to the battery 20 of the vehicle 10.

[0039] With particular reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the HVAC system 32 is shown with a housing 42 and a support 44 that supports the housing 42. In one embodiment, the housing 42 is made of a hard plastic material, while the support 44 is made of a metal material. The support 44 may surround the housing 42 and, in one embodiment, be formed from a single sheet of metal that can be inserted into the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown formation is bent.

[0040] The metal sheet from which the support 44 is made is inserted into the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 to accommodate the size and shape of the housing 42. The carrier 44 is brought into the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 to receive and support the housing 42 within the support 44, and may include ends 45 of the metal sheet abutting and opposing each other on an underside 47 of the support 44 ( Fig. 4). As shown, the support 44 includes a handle 46 that allows a user to easily grasp and carry the HVAC system 32. The handle 46 may be made of the same or a different plastic material as the housing 42, or alternatively, a metal material that is secured to the support 44 in the manner shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is attached in the position shown.

[0041] With reference to Fig. 4A, the HVAC system 32 includes an evaporator 48, a condenser 50, an evaporator fan 52, a condenser fan 54, and a compressor 56 fluidly connected by a series of conduits 58. The evaporator 48, the condenser 50, the evaporator fan 52, the condenser fan 54, the compressor 56, and the conduits 58 are all located within the housing 42 and cooperate to supply conditioned air to the passenger compartment 12, as described in more detail below.

[0042] In operation, the compressor 56 supplies vaporous or gaseous high-pressure refrigerant to the condenser 50 via a line 58. The gaseous high-pressure refrigerant received by the condenser 50 circulates through cooling coils (not shown) of the condenser 50, changing its phase from gas to liquid. In particular, the condenser fan 54 directs a flow of air over the cooling coils of the condenser 50, absorbing the heat contained in the refrigerant from the air flowing over the cooling coils of the condenser 50, thereby cooling the refrigerant and changing its phase from gas to liquid. The air flowing through the condenser 50 is heated and can be used to heat the passenger compartment 12 when the HVAC system 32 is engaged ( Fig. 1), or an area outside the passenger compartment 12 when the HVAC system 32 is in the disengaged state ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 6).

[0043] The liquid refrigerant is directed to the evaporator 48 and circulates through the cooling coils of the evaporator 48 (not shown). The evaporator fan 52 directs air over the cooling coils of the evaporator 48, causing the refrigerant to absorb heat from the air and change phase from liquid to gas. The gaseous refrigerant is then directed to the compressor 56, and the cycle begins again. The air flowing through the evaporator 48 is cooled as the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air and can be used to cool the passenger compartment 12 when the HVAC system 32 is engaged ( Fig. 1), or an area outside the passenger compartment 12 when the HVAC system 32 is in the disengaged state ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 6).

[0044] When the HVAC system 32 is engaged, the air directed by the evaporator fan 52 over the evaporator 48 can be directed into the passenger compartment 12 via the ductwork 33 and the vents 30 to supply the passenger compartment 12 with cooled air. If heating of the passenger compartment 12 is required, the air directed by the condenser fan 54 over the cooling coils of the condenser 50 can also be directed into the passenger compartment 12 via the ductwork 33 and the vents 30 to heat the passenger compartment 12. Here, too, cooled air is generated by the air flowing through the evaporator 48 being cooled by the refrigerant circulating in the cooling coils of the evaporator 48, which absorbs the heat of the flowing air. Heated air is generated by the air flowing through the condenser 50 absorbing heat from the refrigerant circulating in the cooling coils of the condenser 50.

[0045] With particular reference to Fig. 4, the housing 42 is shown with an outlet 60 and an electrical contact 62. The outlet 60 directs conditioned air from the evaporator 48 and / or condenser 50 via the ductwork 33 to the vents 30 when the HVAC system 32 is in the engaged state. In particular, the outlet 60 is automatically fluidically connected to a connection 64 ( Fig. 2) of the ducting system 33 when the sliding drawer 34 moves the HVAC system 32 into the engaged position. The port 64 is fluidly connected to the vents 30 via the ducting system 33 such that the conditioned air generated by the HVAC system 32 can be directed into the passenger compartment 12 via the outlet 60 of the HVAC system 32, the port 64, the ducting system 33, and the vents 30 of the AB 24.

[0046] The electrical contact 62 is disposed adjacent to the outlet 60 and positioned relative to an electrical contact 66 of the vehicle 10 such that when the sliding drawer 34 places the HVAC system 32 in the engaged state ( Fig. 1), the electrical contact 62 of the HVAC system 32 is automatically brought into contact with the electrical contact 66 of the vehicle 10. When the electrical contact 62 of the HVAC system 32 is brought into contact with the electrical contact 66 of the vehicle 10, the battery 20 of the vehicle 10 can supply power to the HVAC system 32. The power supplied by the battery 20 of the vehicle 10 to the HVAC system 32 enables the HVAC system 32 to function as described above. Namely, the compressor 56 can circulate refrigerant between the evaporator 48 and the condenser 50 due to the power supplied by the HVAC system 32. Furthermore, the evaporator fan 52 and the condenser fan 54 can also direct air over and through the cooling coils of the evaporator 48 and condenser 50, respectively, due to this power.

[0047] In operation, a user may open the door / hatch 36 of the front trunk 14 to access the sliding drawer 34. Once the door / hatch 36 is opened, a force may be applied to the sliding drawer 34 to move the sliding drawer 34 into an extended position. Once the sliding drawer 34 is moved into an extended position, the HVAC system 32 may be placed onto the sliding drawer 34 and secured for movement with the sliding drawer 34. A force may then be applied to the sliding drawer 34 to move the sliding drawer 34 into the engaged state ( Fig. 1).

[0048] Once the HVAC system 32 and the sliding drawer 34 are placed in the engaged state, the outlet 60 of the HVAC system 32 is automatically fluidly connected to the port 64 of the vehicle 10, and the electrical contact 62 of the HVAC system 32 is automatically brought into contact with the electrical contact 66 of the vehicle 10. At this point, the door / hatch 36 of the front trunk 14 can be closed, and the HVAC system 32 can supply conditioned air to the passenger compartment 12 via the outlet 60 of the HVAC system 32, the port 64, the ductwork 33, and the vents 30 of the AB 24.

[0049] 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 at a location separate from the vehicle 10. For example, the door / hatch 36 of the front trunk 14 can be opened to expose the HVAC system 32 and the sliding drawer 34. At this point, the sliding drawer 34 can be moved to the extended state ( Fig. 2) to allow access to the HVAC system 32. When the sliding drawer 34 is extended, the outlet 60 of the HVAC system 32 is automatically disconnected from the receptacle 64 of the vehicle 10, and the electrical contact 62 of the HVAC system 32 is automatically disconnected from the electrical contact 66 of the vehicle 10. At this point, the HVAC system 32 can be removed from the sliding drawer 34 for use outside the vehicle 10.

[0050] With particular reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the HVAC system 32 is shown as being used in an area external to the vehicle system 10. In one embodiment, the HVAC system 32 includes one or more outlets 68 that allow the HVAC system 32 to be powered by an external power source via a power cord 70. As shown in Fig. 6, a power cord 70 may extend from the vehicle 10 and be received by an outlet 68 of the HVAC system 32 to allow the vehicle 10 to supply power to the HVAC system 32 when the HVAC system 32 is used in an area remote from the vehicle 10. Once the cord 70 is connected to an outlet 68 of the HVAC system 32 and the vehicle 10, the HVAC system 32 may supply conditioned air to a location external to the vehicle 10 via the outlet 60. For example, the HVAC system may be used to supply conditioned air to a tent (not shown) located near the vehicle 10. While the power cord 70 is described and illustrated as being connected to the HVAC system 32 at outlet 68, it could alternatively be connected to the HVAC system 32 at electrical contact 62.

[0051] Finally, while the HVAC system 32 may be used in an area remote from the vehicle 10, when the passenger compartment 12 does not require conditioned air from the HVAC system 32, it may be stored in a tray 72 of the vehicle 10. The tray 72 may be located in the cargo area 16 of the vehicle 10 and may include a recess or pocket 74 formed in a panel 76 of the vehicle 10 or protruding from the panel 76, as shown in Fig. 5. The recess or pocket 74 may be located within the cargo area 16 of the vehicle 10 to allow the recess or pocket 74 to snugly accommodate 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 is in a stored state within the cargo area 16.

[0052] As described, the HVAC system 32 may be used in conjunction with the vehicle 10 to supply conditioned air to the passenger compartment 12. Alternatively, the HVAC system 32 may be removed from the vehicle 10 so that the HVAC system 32 can supply conditioned air to an area remote from the vehicle 10. Finally, when the HVAC system 32 is located remote from the vehicle 10 and used to supply conditioned air to a space remote from the vehicle 10, the HVAC system 32 may provide a location where a user can connect one or more external devices to power the external devices. In the above example where the HVAC system 32 supplies conditioned air to a tent, one or more occupants of the tent may wish to use the HVAC system 32 to power a device such as a cell phone or tablet.

[0053] The foregoing description is for purposes of illustration and description. It is neither exhaustive nor intended to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited thereto, but are interchangeable and may be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. They may also be modified in a variety of ways. Such modifications are not to be construed as a departure from the disclosure, but rather are to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

[1] Vehicle comprising: a line that is fluidically connected to a passenger compartment of the vehicle, and a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system comprising a housing and an outlet configured to expel conditioned air from the housing, the HVAC system being movable relative to the vehicle between an engaged state in which the outlet is fluidly connected to the conduit and a disengaged state in which the outlet is disconnected from the conduit. [2] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the HVAC system is translatable relative to the vehicle between the engaged and disengaged states. [3] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle has a front trunk, wherein the HVAC system is located in the front trunk when engaged. [4] The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the HVAC system is selectively mounted to a platform within the front trunk, the platform being slidable relative to the front trunk to move the HVAC system from the engaged to the disengaged state and vice versa. [5] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the HVAC system includes a condenser, evaporator, and compressor disposed in the housing. [6] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the HVAC system is automatically moved to the engaged state when the HVAC system is moved a predetermined distance relative to the vehicle. [7] The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the housing includes an electrical contact that is automatically brought into contact with an electrical contact of the vehicle when the HVAC system is moved the determined distance relative to the vehicle to the engaged state. [8] The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the vehicle supplies power to the HVAC system through the vehicle electrical contact and the HVAC system electrical contact 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 an electrical outlet configured to supply power to an external device when the HVAC system is in the disengaged state.

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