VENTILATION SYSTEM, RECREATIONAL VEHICLE WITH SUCH A VENTILATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VENTILATING A RECREATIONAL VEHICLE

Abstract

A ventilation system 10 for a recreational vehicle 20 is provided. The ventilation system 10 comprises a first ventilation unit 30, which includes a refrigerant evaporator 32 and a first pair of flaps 34, which is configured to bring the refrigerant evaporator 32 into fluid contact with an interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 and the ambient air 24. The ventilation system 10 further comprises a second ventilation unit 40, which includes a refrigerant condenser 42 and a second pair of flaps 44, which is configured to bring the refrigerant condenser 42 into fluid contact with the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 and the ambient air 24.The first pair of flaps 34 and the second pair of flaps 44 are configured to transport heat from the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 via the refrigerant evaporator 32 in a first operating mode and to transport heat into the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 via the refrigerant condenser 42 in a second operating mode. Furthermore, a recreational vehicle 20 with the ventilation system 10 and a method for ventilating a recreational vehicle 20 are provided.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilation system, a recreational vehicle with such a ventilation system and a method for ventilating a recreational vehicle.

[0002] In general, enclosed spaces in which people are to stay must be equipped with ventilation systems to ensure an adequate supply of warm or cold air to the occupants in the space. Any enclosed space in which people are present at least temporarily and which has an air volume that must be supplied with warm or cold air is covered by the present invention. Examples of such enclosed spaces can be the interior of a building as a whole, the individual rooms of a building, or the interior of all types of means of transport, such as airplanes, trains, or vehicles. However, this applies in particular to relatively enclosed spaces, such as those found in recreational vehicles such as caravans, mobile homes, or campers.The supply of warm or cold, i.e., conditioned air to an enclosed space is usually achieved using an air conditioning unit designed to heat or cool the air flow passing through it. The air conditioning unit can be switched between heating and cooling modes, but is normally optimized for cooling. To achieve good and even temperature distribution through a conditioned air flow, the cold air flow should be admitted at the top of the volume. For heating, the opposite is true, i.e., the air conditioning unit should be positioned at the bottom of the room to ensure even distribution of the warm air throughout the space. Until now, known air conditioning systems have been optimized for one of two possible modes: cooling or heating. Switching the air conditioning unit to the other mode results in reduced performance or increased energy consumption.

[0003] In view of this problem, it is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioning system which enables both the heating and the cooling of an enclosed space, in particular the enclosed space of a recreational vehicle, wherein the performance of the air conditioning system is not reduced when switching between heating and cooling.

[0004] This object is achieved by the ventilation system according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments thereof are presented in the dependent claims. While the invention is presented below for the interior of a recreational vehicle, it is understood that the invention is equally applicable to any type of enclosed space that requires conditioned air. The following example of a recreational vehicle therefore does not limit the possible scope of application of the invention.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a ventilation system for a recreational vehicle, such as a motorhome, caravan, or camper, is provided. The ventilation system comprises a first ventilation unit having a refrigerant evaporator and a first pair of dampers. The first pair of dampers is configured to fluidly communicate the refrigerant evaporator with the interior of the recreational vehicle and the ambient air. The first ventilation unit may have openings to establish a fluid passage between the interior of the recreational vehicle and the ambient air. The interior of the recreational vehicle may be an enclosed space of the recreational vehicle filled with air having specific conditions, such as temperature, oxygen content, and / or humidity. The ambient air may be any air surrounding the recreational vehicle.The first ventilation unit can be configured to direct an air flow from the interior of the recreational vehicle into the ambient air and vice versa. The refrigerant evaporator is part of the refrigerant circuit of the recreational vehicle and configured to evaporate a refrigerant flowing through it. Evaporation, i.e., the change in the phase state of the refrigerant from liquid to gaseous, requires an amount of heat, which is extracted from the air flowing through the first ventilation unit and transferred to the refrigerant by the evaporator. In other words, after flowing through the refrigerant evaporator, the air flowing through the first ventilation unit is cooled. The first pair of flaps can be arranged next to the openings of the first ventilation unit and can be movable to cover or uncover the openings, thus creating a fluid passage for the air flowing through the first ventilation unit in a specific direction.

[0006] The ventilation system further comprises a second ventilation unit comprising a refrigerant condenser and a second pair of flaps configured to bring the refrigerant condenser into fluid communication with the interior of the recreational vehicle and the ambient air. The second ventilation unit can be designed and arranged analogously to the first ventilation unit. The second ventilation unit can be arranged at a different location than the first ventilation unit. For example, the first ventilation unit can be arranged on a roof of the recreational vehicle, while the second ventilation unit can be arranged on a floor of the recreational vehicle. Other arrangements of the first and second ventilation units are also possible. The refrigerant condenser is part of the refrigerant circuit of the recreational vehicle and is configured to condense a refrigerant flowing through it.Condensation, i.e., the change in the phase state of the refrigerant from gaseous to liquid, requires an amount of heat, which is extracted from the refrigerant and transferred by the refrigerant condenser to the air flowing through the second ventilation unit. In other words, after passing through the refrigerant condenser, the air flowing through the second ventilation unit is heated. The first and second ventilation units can form a partial air conditioning system in which the evaporator unit and the condenser unit are arranged separately and at a distance from one another, forming a refrigerant circuit. The evaporator unit and the condenser unit are connected by a refrigerant connection. A refrigerant compressor can be arranged in either the first or the second ventilation unit. Likewise, the second pair of flaps can be designed and arranged analogously to the first pair of flaps.

[0007] The first pair of flaps and the second pair of flaps are configured to transport heat from the interior of the recreational vehicle via the refrigerant evaporator in a first operating mode and to transport heat into the interior of the recreational vehicle via the refrigerant condenser in a second operating mode. The first pair of flaps is thus controllable to cool air from the interior of the recreational vehicle through the refrigerant evaporator in the first operating mode and transport it back into the interior of the recreational vehicle. Likewise, the second pair of flaps is thus controllable to heat ambient air through the refrigerant condenser in the first operating mode, but not transport it into the interior of the recreational vehicle. Instead, the heated air is transported back into the environment of the recreational vehicle. As a result, the interior of the recreational vehicle is cooled.

[0008] Similarly, in the second operating mode, the first pair of flaps can be controlled so that ambient air can be cooled by the refrigerant evaporator, but not transported into the interior of the recreational vehicle. Instead, the cooled air is transported back to the environment of the recreational vehicle. Likewise, in the second operating mode, the second pair of flaps can be controlled so that air from the interior of the recreational vehicle is heated by the refrigerant condenser and transported back into the interior of the recreational vehicle. This heats the interior of the recreational vehicle.

[0009] By operating the first and second ventilation units in the first and second operating modes, a heat pump is created for the recreational vehicle. Specifically, the first pair of flaps optimizes the first ventilation unit for cooling, and the second pair of flaps optimizes the second ventilation unit for heating. Furthermore, a split air conditioning unit is created, with the evaporator unit and the condenser unit separated from each other and positioned optimally for cooling or heating, respectively. Thus, the ventilation system ensures both optimal cooling and heating of the recreational vehicle's interior while operating efficiently in both modes.

[0010] Preferably, in the first operating mode, the first pair of dampers is configured to fluidly connect the refrigerant evaporator to the interior of the recreational vehicle, and the second pair of dampers is configured to fluidly connect the refrigerant condenser to the ambient air. This optimized cooling mode ensures that the interior air of the recreational vehicle is adequately cooled while simultaneously preventing heated air from being directed into the recreational vehicle. This configuration improves the cooling efficiency of the ventilation system.

[0011] Preferably, in the second operating mode, the first pair of dampers is configured to fluidly connect the refrigerant evaporator to the ambient air, and the second pair of dampers is configured to fluidly connect the refrigerant condenser to the interior of the recreational vehicle. This optimized heating mode ensures that the interior air of the recreational vehicle is adequately heated while simultaneously preventing cooled air from being directed into the recreational vehicle. This configuration improves the heating efficiency of the ventilation system.

[0012] Preferably, in a third operating mode of the ventilation system, the first pair of flaps is configured to fluidly connect the refrigerant evaporator to the interior of the recreational vehicle, and the second pair of flaps is configured to fluidly connect the refrigerant condenser to the interior of the recreational vehicle. In this optimized dry mode, the cabin air from the interior of the recreational vehicle, which carries a high level of moisture, is cooled at the refrigerant evaporator, thereby reducing its moisture content. At the same time, the thus cooled air is heated at the refrigerant condenser, thus maintaining a comfortable temperature in the interior of the recreational vehicle. This configuration improves the drying efficiency of the ventilation system.

[0013] Preferably, in a fourth operating mode, at least one of the two pairs of flaps is configured to fluidly connect the interior of the recreational vehicle with the ambient air. In this optimized air intake mode, at least one of the first and second ventilation units provides a fluid passage so that ambient air can be transported into the interior of the recreational vehicle. In this way, the interior of the recreational vehicle can be supplied with fresh ambient air. Alternatively or additionally, overheating or hypothermia of the interior of the recreational vehicle can be avoided.

[0014] Preferably, the ventilation system further comprises a sensor configured to measure a parameter indicative of the air quality in the interior of the recreational vehicle. The first pair of flaps and the second pair of flaps are actuated in response to the sensor measurement. The sensor may be any electronic device capable of detecting at least one parameter. There may be a plurality of sensors configured to measure a plurality of parameters and / or a plurality of different values ​​of the same parameter. The parameter indicative of the air quality in the interior of the recreational vehicle may indicate at least one of an air temperature in the interior of the recreational vehicle, a humidity in the interior of the recreational vehicle, an air pressure in the interior of the recreational vehicle, an oxygen level in the interior of the recreational vehicle, or a carbon monoxide level in the interior of the recreational vehicle.The sensor can be used to optimize the operation of the ventilation system to the needs of a user of the ventilation system and / or to comply with safety standards. For example, the sensor can detect an air temperature in the interior of the recreational vehicle that is below a temperature threshold set by the user. The second pair of dampers can then be controlled so that the refrigerant condenser is in fluid communication with both the interior of the recreational vehicle and the ambient air. The fresh ambient air flowing into the interior of the recreational vehicle can be heated accordingly. In another example, the sensor can detect an oxygen level in the interior of the recreational vehicle that is below a predetermined oxygen limit according to safety standards.Both the first and second pairs of flaps can then be controlled to bring the interior of the recreational vehicle into fluid communication with the ambient air. The fresh ambient air flowing into the interior of the recreational vehicle can thus be enriched with oxygen.

[0015] Alternatively or in addition to the above, the first and second pair of flaps can be operated independently of the operation of the refrigerant evaporator and / or condenser. For example, the first and / or second pair of flaps can be controlled by a control unit of the recreational vehicle such that fresh ambient air is directed into and / or out of the recreational vehicle, even when the first or second ventilation unit is not currently in operation. This makes it possible to vent the recreational vehicle in an emergency, e.g., if a leak of flammable refrigerant is detected (by the sensor). In such a case, the first and second ventilation units are no longer functional due to the refrigerant leak. With the inventive concept, the interior of the recreational vehicle can nevertheless be brought into fluid communication with the ambient air. It is understood that other emergency situations, such asa gas accumulation in the interior of the recreational vehicle can be prevented.

[0016] Preferably, the first ventilation unit is arranged outside the recreational vehicle and is in fluid communication with a third ventilation unit arranged inside the recreational vehicle. The first ventilation unit can be in fluid communication with the ambient air, while the third ventilation unit can be in fluid communication with the cabin air in the interior of the recreational vehicle. The first pair of flaps can be configured to cover and uncover the fluid connection between the first ventilation unit and the third ventilation unit. Alternatively or additionally, the first pair of flaps can be configured to cover and uncover the fluid connection of the first ventilation unit to the ambient air and the fluid connection of the third ventilation unit to the interior of the recreational vehicle.Placing the first ventilation unit outside the recreational vehicle has the advantage of removing the generally noisy evaporator unit of the split air conditioning system from the interior of the recreational vehicle. This reduces the noise level inside the recreational vehicle.

[0017] Preferably, the ventilation system also includes refrigerant lines that connect the first ventilation unit and the second ventilation unit. The refrigerant lines transport the refrigerant between the refrigerant evaporator, the refrigerant condenser, and the refrigerant compressor. The refrigerant lines thus form a refrigerant circuit. The presence of the refrigerant lines allows the first and second ventilation units to be freely positioned on the recreational vehicle. This improves the adjustability of the ventilation system.

[0018] Preferably, the ventilation system further comprises a piping system that is in fluid communication with the second ventilation unit and extends at least partially within the recreational vehicle. The piping system can be configured to distribute the heated air from the refrigerant condenser within the recreational vehicle. For example, the piping system can extend along a floor and / or under a table of the recreational vehicle. The piping system improves the heating performance of the ventilation system.

[0019] Preferably, the ventilation system further comprises additional heating means fluidly connected to at least one of the first ventilation unit and the second ventilation unit. The additional heating means may be directly connected to the first or second ventilation unit, respectively. For example, the first or second ventilation unit may have an opening to which the additional heating means are attached. Alternatively, the additional heating means may also be indirectly connected to the first or second ventilation unit, respectively. For example, the additional heating means may be integrated into a pipe system fluidly connected to the first or second ventilation unit, respectively. The additional heating means further improve the heating performance of the ventilation system.

[0020] Preferably, the additional heating medium consists of a heat exchanger arranged within the second ventilation unit and in fluid communication with the refrigerant condenser. A heat exchanger is a device that transfers heat, i.e., thermal energy, from a heat source to a working medium. The heat exchanger can be installed in a housing of the second ventilation unit and can be in direct or indirect fluid communication with the refrigerant condenser. The heat exchanger enables the air heated by the refrigerant condenser to be used for an additional heating purpose. This improves the usability of the ventilation system.

[0021] Preferably, the heat exchanger is fluidly connected to a water tank that supplies the vehicle interior with hot water and / or hot air. The water tank can provide hot water for faucets, a shower, and / or other water supply devices in the interior of the recreational vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the water tank can store thermal energy to heat the interior of the recreational vehicle. The heat exchanger can transfer the heat generated in the refrigerant condenser to the water stored in the water tank. The heat can be transferred via heat pipes or similar heat transfer devices. With the heat exchanger and the water tank, the ventilation system can also be used to supply hot water to the recreational vehicle. This further improves the efficiency of the ventilation system.

[0022] Preferably, the heat exchanger and / or the water tank can be retrofitted to the ventilation system. For example, the second ventilation unit can be provided with an insert for the heat exchanger. Alternatively or additionally, the second ventilation unit can be provided with an outlet for connecting the water tank. By retrofitting the heat exchanger and / or the water tank, the ventilation system can be adapted to the user's needs.

[0023] Preferably, the heat exchanger is operable in the first operating mode of the ventilation system. The first operating mode of the ventilation system is the cooling mode, in which the second pair of flaps can be controlled such that ambient air can be heated by the refrigerant condenser and transported back to the environment of the recreational vehicle. With the heat exchanger, this heated air can be used for additional heating purposes, even if heat is being transported from the interior of the recreational vehicle.

[0024] Preferably, the additional heating means consists of a heating device arranged in the interior of the recreational vehicle and in fluid communication with the refrigerant condenser. The heating device can be any electrical device designed to generate heat. The heating device can be arranged near the second ventilation unit or the refrigerant condenser. Alternatively or additionally, the heating device can also be arranged at a distance from the refrigerant condenser and in fluid communication with it via heat pipes or the like. The air heated by the refrigerant condenser can be supplied to the heating device. The heating device can be used to additionally heat the interior of the recreational vehicle, e.g., in severe winter conditions.

[0025] Preferably, the heater is powered by electricity or gas. The heater can be supplied with air heated by the refrigerant condenser and can further heat this air to increase the temperature inside the recreational vehicle. The heater's electric or gas operation allows the ventilation system to be adapted to the user's needs.

[0026] Preferably, the ventilation system further comprises a pipe system in fluid communication with the second ventilation unit and extending at least partially into the interior of the recreational vehicle. The additional heating means comprises a plurality of heating means arranged within the pipe system and in fluid communication with the refrigerant condenser. The pipe system may be configured to distribute the heated air from the refrigerant condenser within the interior of the recreational vehicle. The pipe system may extend, for example, along a floor or under a table of the recreational vehicle. The pipe system may consist of a plurality of fluidly connected pipes. Each of the plurality of heating means may be arranged accordingly in one of the plurality of pipes. Alternatively, the pipe system may consist of a single pipe in which the plurality of heating means may be arranged one after the other.By arranging a plurality of heating elements inside the pipe system, the heating efficiency of the ventilation system is improved.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a recreational vehicle, in particular a mobile home, a caravan or a camper, comprises the ventilation system described above.

[0028] In this way, it is possible to use the technical effects achieved with the ventilation system described above in a recreational vehicle.

[0029] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for ventilating a recreational vehicle is provided. The method comprises the steps of attaching a first ventilation unit to the recreational vehicle, wherein the first ventilation unit comprises a refrigerant evaporator and a first pair of flaps configured to bring the refrigerant evaporator into fluid communication with an interior of the recreational vehicle and the ambient air; and attaching a second ventilation unit to the recreational vehicle, wherein the second ventilation unit comprises a refrigerant condenser and a second pair of flaps configured to bring the refrigerant condenser into fluid communication with the interior of the recreational vehicle and the ambient air.

[0030] The first pair of flaps and the second pair of flaps are controlled in a first operating mode to transport heat from the interior of the recreational vehicle via the refrigerant evaporator. The first pair of flaps and the second pair of flaps are further controlled in a second operating mode to transport heat into the interior of the recreational vehicle via the refrigerant condenser.

[0031] The first and second aeration units are configured as described in the first aspect of the invention. Likewise, the first and second aeration units are configured to perform the method steps of the third aspect of the present invention. Thus, the technical effects described with regard to the first aspect are also applicable to the method according to the third aspect.

[0032] As already mentioned, the invention is applicable to any type of enclosed space, such as the interior of buildings, specific rooms within a building, the cabin of an aircraft, or the carriages of a train. All of the features described above are suitable for achieving the technical effects in any enclosed air volume, regardless of the respective application context. The specific embodiment of a recreational vehicle described above and below therefore does not limit the possible applications of the present invention in any way. Rather, the specific embodiment of a recreational vehicle serves as a clear example of the general inventive concept.

[0033] The above and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred, non-limiting, exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a general overview of a ventilation system for a recreational vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 the ventilation system Fig. 1 in a first operating mode; Fig. 3 the ventilation system Fig. 1 in a second operating mode; Fig. 4 the ventilation system Fig. 1 in a third operating mode; Fig. 5 the ventilation system of Fig. 1 in a fourth operating mode; Fig. 6 the ventilation system of Fig. 3 with an additional heat exchanger and a water tank; Fig. 7 the ventilation system Fig. 2 with an additional heat exchanger and a water tank; Fig. 8 a detailed view of the additional heat exchanger of the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 shows; Fig. 9 the ventilation system of Fig. 3 with an additional heating device; and Fig. 10 the ventilation system of Fig. 3 with a variety of additional heating devices.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a ventilation system 10 for a closed space. In the embodiment of Fig. In Figure 1, the enclosed space is depicted as a recreational vehicle 20, more specifically, a caravan. However, the ventilation system 10 is not limited to a recreational vehicle, but can also be applied to any other type of enclosed space, such as a room in a building, the cabin of an aircraft, the passenger compartment of a train, a bus, a mobile home, a camper, or any other type of enclosed space in general. However, to simplify the discussion, the following will refer to a recreational vehicle 20.

[0035] The interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 is filled with air that meets certain conditions, e.g., a specific temperature, humidity, or oxygen content. The interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 is an enclosed space intended to accommodate occupants. Therefore, the interior 22 must be equipped with ventilation units to adjust the air conditions to ensure the comfort of the occupants. In particular, the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 can be in fluid communication with the ambient air 24 surrounding the recreational vehicle 20 to provide a supply of fresh air. However, the ambient air 24 must be cooled or heated, depending on the conditions in the interior of the recreational vehicle 20 and the preferences of the occupants.

[0036] For this purpose, the ventilation system 10 comprises a first ventilation unit 30 and a second ventilation unit 40. Both ventilation units 30, 40 are in fluid communication with both the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 and the ambient air 24. Thus, an air flow between the interior 22 and the ambient air 24 is provided by the first and second ventilation units 30, 40. The ventilation units 30, 40 are configured to change the state of the air in the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20, in particular its temperature.

[0037] For this purpose, the first ventilation unit 30 comprises a refrigerant evaporator 32. The refrigerant evaporator 32 is part of a refrigerant circuit of the recreational vehicle 20, in which a refrigerant fluid undergoes phase transitions from liquid to gaseous and vice versa. The thermal energy required or available for these phase transitions is used to cool or heat an air stream that is in fluid communication with the refrigerant. In particular, the refrigerant evaporator 32 changes the state of the refrigerant from liquid to gaseous. The amount of energy required for this phase transition is taken from an air stream guided along the refrigerant evaporator 32. As a result, the temperature of this air stream drops, i.e., the air stream is cooled by the refrigerant evaporator 32.

[0038] The first ventilation unit 30 further comprises a first pair of flaps 34 configured to fluidly connect the refrigerant evaporator 32 with the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 and the ambient air 24. In other words, the first pair of flaps 34 allows an air flow from the ambient air 24 along the refrigerant evaporator 32 to the interior 22 and vice versa. The first pair of flaps 34 can assume an open and a closed position, which can be determined with reference to the Fig. 2 to 5 are described in detail.

[0039] The first ventilation unit 30 further comprises a first blower 36, first air inlets 38a, 38b, and first air outlets 39a, 39b. The first air inlets 38a and the first air outlets 39a, respectively, are in fluid communication with the ambient air 24. The first air inlets 38b and the air outlets 39b, respectively, are in fluid communication with the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20. The first blower 36 is configured to direct an air flow entering the first ventilation unit 30 via the first air inlets 38a, 38b to the refrigerant evaporator 32. Furthermore, the first fan 36 is configured to direct an air flow from the refrigerant evaporator 32 to the first air outlets 39a, 39b so that this air flow can leave the first ventilation unit 30.

[0040] In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the first ventilation unit 30 is arranged outside the recreational vehicle 20 and thus forms an outside air unit. The first ventilation unit 30 is in fluid communication with a third ventilation unit 31, which is arranged inside the recreational vehicle 20. The third ventilation unit 31 thus forms an inside air unit. The first air inlets 38b and the first air outlets 39b, which face the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20, fluidly connect this interior 22 to the third ventilation unit 31 and also to the first ventilation unit 30. The arrangement of the first ventilation unit 30 outside the recreational vehicle 20 has the advantage that the generally noisy components such as the first fan 36 and the refrigerant evaporator 32 do not protrude into the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20. Therefore, the persons in the interior of the recreational vehicle 20 are not disturbed by the operating noise of these components.

[0041] For heating purposes, the second ventilation unit 40 includes a refrigerant condenser 42. The refrigerant condenser 42 is also part of the refrigerant circuit of the recreational vehicle 20 and serves to convert the state of the refrigerant from gaseous to liquid. The amount of energy required for this phase transition is transferred to an air stream that is guided past the condenser 42. As a result, the temperature of this air stream rises, i.e., the air stream is heated by the condenser 42.

[0042] The second ventilation unit 40 further comprises a second pair of flaps 44 configured to fluidly connect the refrigerant condenser 42 with the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 and the ambient air 24. In other words, the second pair of flaps 44 allows an air flow from the ambient air 24 along the refrigerant condenser 42 to the interior 22 and vice versa. The second pair of flaps 44 can assume an open and a closed position, which can be determined with reference to the Fig. 2 to 5 are described in detail.

[0043] The second ventilation unit 40 further includes a second blower 46, second air inlets 48a, 48b, and second air outlets 49a, 49b. The second air inlets 48a and air outlets 49a, respectively, are in fluid communication with the ambient air 24. The second air inlets 48b and air outlets 49b, respectively, are in fluid communication with the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20. The second blower 46 is configured to direct an air flow entering the second ventilation unit 40 via the second air inlets 48a, 48b to the refrigerant condenser 42. Furthermore, the second fan 46 is configured to direct an air flow from the refrigerant condenser 42 to the second air outlets 49a, 49b so that this air flow can leave the second ventilation unit 40.

[0044] As in Fig. 1, the first and second ventilation units 30, 40 are spaced apart from each other. In particular, the first ventilation unit 30 is arranged on the roof of the recreational vehicle 20, and the second ventilation unit 40 is arranged on the floor of the recreational vehicle 20. Therefore, the air cooled by the refrigerant evaporator 32 of the first ventilation unit 30, as described above, is distributed throughout the air volume in the interior of the recreational vehicle 20. The cold air falls to the floor, and a good temperature distribution is achieved in the interior of the recreational vehicle 20. Furthermore, the air heated by the refrigerant condenser 42 of the second ventilation unit 40, as described above, is distributed throughout the air volume in the interior of the recreational vehicle 20. The hot air rises, and a good temperature distribution is achieved in the interior of the recreational vehicle 20.

[0045] The separate ventilation units 30, 40 are connected by refrigerant lines 50 to supply refrigerant to the refrigerant evaporator 32 and the refrigerant condenser 42. Furthermore, a refrigerant compressor (not shown) is arranged in one of the first and second ventilation units 30, 40. The refrigerant evaporator 32, the refrigerant condenser 42, the compressor, and the refrigerant lines 50 form a refrigerant circuit in the recreational vehicle 20.

[0046] The ventilation system 10 of the Fig. 1 also includes a piping system 60 fluidly connected to the second ventilation unit 40. In particular, the second air outlet 49b of the second ventilation unit 40 is fluidly connected to an inlet of the piping system 60, so that the air heated by the refrigerant condenser 42 is transported into the piping system 60. The piping system 60 is configured to transport the hot air coming from the second ventilation unit 40 and to extend along the floor of the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20. The piping system 60 thus distributes the hot air throughout the interior of the recreational vehicle 20.

[0047] In the Fig. 2 to 5 describe different operating modes of the ventilation system 10.

[0048] Fig. 2 shows the ventilation system 10 from Fig. 1 in a first operating mode, a so-called cooling mode. In this operating mode, the first pair of flaps 34 and the second pair of flaps 44 are configured to transport heat from the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 via the refrigerant evaporator 32.

[0049] More specifically, the first pair of flaps 34 is in an open position in which the first air inlet 38a and the first air outlet 39a, which fluidly connect the first ventilation unit 30 to the ambient air 24, are covered by the first pair of flaps 34. Likewise, in this open position, the first air inlet 38b and the first air outlet 39b, which fluidly connect the first ventilation unit 30 to the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20, are not covered by the first pair of flaps 34, i.e., the first ventilation unit 30 is in fluid communication with the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20.

[0050] In cooling mode, the open position of the first pair of flaps 34 allows cabin air 70 (shown with solid arrows) from the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20, which has a specific temperature, to enter the first ventilation unit 30. The cabin air 70 comes into contact with the refrigerant evaporator 32 and is thereby cooled to cold air 72 as described above. This cold air 72 (shown with dashed arrows) then re-enters the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 due to the open position of the first pair of flaps 34.

[0051] On the other hand, the second pair of flaps 44 is located in the Fig. 2, in a closed position. In the closed position of the second pair of flaps 44, the second air inlet 48a and the second air outlet 49a, which fluidly connect the second ventilation unit 40 to the ambient air 24, are not covered by the second pair of flaps 44. Likewise, in the closed position, the second air inlet 48b and the second air outlet 49b, which fluidly connect the second ventilation unit 40 to the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20, are covered by the first pair of flaps 44, i.e., the second ventilation unit 40 is in fluid communication with the ambient air 24.

[0052] In cooling mode, the closed position of the second pair of flaps 44 allows ambient air 24 to enter the second ventilation unit 40. The ambient air 24 comes into contact with the refrigerant condenser 42 and is thereby heated to hot air 74 as described above. However, due to the closed position of the second pair of flaps 44, the hot air 74 (shown in dashed lines) does not enter the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20. Instead, the hot air 74 is transported back to the exterior of the recreational vehicle 20.

[0053] Consequently, due to the specific positions of the first and second pair of flaps 34, 44 in the first operating mode or cooling mode, the temperature of the cabin air 70 drops, i.e. the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 is cooled.

[0054] Fig. 3 shows the ventilation system of Fig. 1 in a second operating mode, a so-called heating mode. In this operating mode, the first pair of flaps 34 and the second pair of flaps 44 are configured to transport heat via the refrigerant condenser 42 into the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20.

[0055] More specifically, the first pair of flaps 34 is in a closed position, in which the first air inlet 38a and the first air outlet 39a, which fluidly connect the first ventilation unit 30 to the ambient air 24, are not covered by the first pair of flaps 34. Likewise, in this closed position, the first air inlet 38b and the first air outlet 39b, which fluidly connect the first ventilation unit 30 to the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20, are covered by the first pair of flaps 34, i.e., the first ventilation unit 30 is fluidly connected to the ambient air 24.

[0056] In heating mode, the closed position of the first pair of flaps 34 allows ambient air 24 to enter the first ventilation unit 30. The ambient air 24 comes into contact with the refrigerant evaporator 32 and is thereby cooled to cold air 72 as described above. However, due to the closed position of the first pair of flaps 34, the cold air 72 does not enter the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20. Instead, the cold air 72 is transported back to the exterior of the recreational vehicle 20.

[0057] On the other hand, the second pair of flaps 44 is located in the Fig. 3 in an open position. In the open position of the second pair of flaps 44, the second air inlet 48a and the second air outlet 49a, which fluidly connect the second ventilation unit 40 to the ambient air 24, are covered by the second pair of flaps 44. Likewise, in this open position, the second air inlet 48b and the second air outlet 49b, which fluidly connect the second ventilation unit 40 to the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20, are not covered by the first pair of flaps 44, i.e., the second ventilation unit 40 is in fluid communication with the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20.

[0058] In heating mode, the open position of the second pair of flaps 44 allows cold air 72 to enter the second ventilation unit 40. The cold air 72 comes into contact with the refrigerant condenser 42 and is thereby heated to hot air 74 as described above. Due to the open position of the second pair of flaps 44, this hot air 74 is then transported into the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20. In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the hot air 74 coming from the refrigerant condenser 42 is transported into the pipe system 60 and spreads therein.

[0059] As a result, the temperature of the cold air 72 in the interior of the cabin rises due to the special position of the first and second pair of flaps 34, 44, i.e. the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 is heated.

[0060] Fig. 4 shows the ventilation system of Fig. 1 in a third operating mode, the so-called dry mode. In this operating mode, the first pair of flaps 34 and the second pair of flaps 44 are both in their respective open positions, as described above. Thus, the first and second ventilation units 30, 40 are both in fluid communication with the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20.

[0061] In dry mode, the open position of the first pair of flaps 34 enables the cabin air 70 to be cooled, as described above, to cold air 72 and the cold air 72 to re-enter the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20. Likewise, the open position of the second pair of flaps 44 enables the cold air 72 from the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 to be heated to hot air 74 as described above and this hot air 74 to be reintroduced into the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20, in particular into the pipe system 60.

[0062] As a result, the humidity content of the cabin air 70 decreases due to the special position of the first and second pair of flaps 34, 44, meaning that the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 is dried. At the same time, the thus dried air is maintained at a specific temperature.

[0063] Fig. 5 shows the ventilation system of Fig. 1 in a fourth operating mode, a so-called air intake mode. In this operating mode, the first pair of flaps 34 is in its closed position and the second pair of flaps 44 is in an intermediate position.

[0064] In the intermediate position, the second pair of flaps 44 is arranged such that the second ventilation unit 40 is in fluid communication with the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20. Furthermore, the second pair of flaps 44 is arranged such that a certain amount of fresh air 76 (shown with small dashed arrows) enters the second ventilation unit 40 from outside the recreational vehicle 20 and thus into the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20. In this way, the occupants accommodated in the recreational vehicle can be supplied with fresh air 76.

[0065] It is understood that in a variant of the fourth operating mode or air intake mode (not shown), the second pair of flaps 44 could also be in its closed position and the first pair of flaps 34 could be in an intermediate position as described above. In this configuration, the fresh air 76 enters the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 through the first ventilation unit 30.

[0066] As in Fig. 5, the ventilation system 10 includes an optional sensor 52. The sensor 52 is configured to measure a parameter indicative of the air quality in the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the sensor 52 measures the temperature of the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20. In other examples, the sensor 52 measures the humidity content of the cabin air 70, the oxygen content of the cabin air 70, or the carbon monoxide content of the cabin air 70.

[0067] If the sensor 52 is present, the first and second pair of flaps 34, 44 are operated depending on the parameter measured by the sensor 52. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the sensor 52 measures a temperature of the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 and transmits the temperature to a controller (not shown) of the ventilation system 10. If the temperature measured by the sensor 52 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller changes the intermediate position of the second pair of flaps 44 so that the amount of fresh air 76 entering the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 is regulated accordingly. The sensor 52 can be used to adapt the operation of the first and second pair of flaps 34, 44 to the user's needs.

[0068] As described above, the proposed ventilation system 10 provides a split air conditioning (AC) system for a recreational vehicle 20. The split air conditioning system is divided into a cooling unit (the first ventilation unit 30 with the refrigerant evaporator 32) and a heating unit (the second ventilation unit 40 with the refrigerant condenser 42). With the first and second pairs of dampers 34, 44, the split air conditioning system can be optimized for both cooling and heating purposes. Furthermore, due to the different operating modes (the respective open, closed, and intermediate positions of the first and second pairs of dampers 34, 44), the ventilation system functions as a heat pump for the recreational vehicle 20.Since the refrigerant evaporator 32 and the refrigerant condenser 42 are also distributed between the first and second ventilation units 30, 40, the number of parts required to implement the presented concept is reduced compared to a conventional air conditioning system consisting of two fully equipped air conditioning units.

[0069] The ventilation system 10 presented above can optionally be equipped with additional heating means, as shown in the Fig. 6 to 10 described.

[0070] Fig. 6 shows the ventilation system 10 from Fig. 3 in the second operating mode (the heating mode) in a first variant of the embodiment described above. In Fig. 6, the ventilation system 10 also includes a heat exchanger 80 and a water tank 90.

[0071] The heat exchanger 80 is arranged within the second ventilation unit 40 and is in fluid communication with the refrigerant condenser 42. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the heat exchanger 80 is located within the flow of hot air 74 coming from the refrigerant condenser 42. The heat exchanger 80 is configured to transfer the thermal energy of the hot air 74 to a transport medium, such as water. The transferred heat can then be used for any desired thermal process.

[0072] In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the heat exchanger 80 is connected to a water tank 90 via a heat line 81. The water tank 90 is arranged in the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 and contains a certain amount of water. The heat exchanger 80 transfers heat energy from the hot air 74 in the interior of the second ventilation unit 40. This heat energy is supplied to the water tank 90 via the heat line 81 to increase the temperature of the water in the interior of the tank 90. ​​The heated water in the tank 90 can then be used for cooking, cleaning, showering, or other tasks requiring hot water.

[0073] Fig. 7 shows the ventilation system 10 of Fig. 2 in the first operating mode (the cooling mode) in a second variant of the embodiment described above. In Fig. 7, the ventilation system 10 also includes the heat exchanger 80 and the water tank 90 from Fig. 6.

[0074] In Fig. 7, the heat exchanger 80 is also arranged within the second ventilation unit 40 and is located next to the refrigerant condenser 42. The heat exchanger 80 is configured to transfer heat to the water tank 90 via the heat line 81. The water in the water tank 90 is heated by the heat exchanger 80 as described above.

[0075] Due to the optimized operation of the ventilation system 10 for cooling and the arrangement of the heat exchanger 80 within the second ventilation unit 40, the heat exchanger 80 also operates in the first operating mode (cooling mode). Thus, with the heat exchanger 80 and the water tank 90, warm water is available even when the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 has cooled down.

[0076] In a further variant of the embodiment described above, the heat exchanger 80 and / or the water tank 90 can be retrofitted to the ventilation system 10, as described with reference to Fig. 8 is described.

[0077] Fig. Figure 8 shows a detailed view of the heat exchanger 80 and the water tank 90 from the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the heat exchanger 80 is arranged within the second ventilation unit 40 next to the refrigerant condenser 42. The heat exchanger 80 is thus located within the heating circuit of the second ventilation unit 40, in which cold air 72 (shown with dashed arrows) from outside the second ventilation unit 40 is heated by the refrigerant condenser 42 to hot air 74. This hot air 74 (shown with dashed-dotted arrows) is then transported to the heat exchanger 80. The heat exchanger 80 absorbs a portion of the thermal energy of the hot air 74 and transfers it to the water tank 90 via the heat line 81. As a result, the hot air 74 loses some of its temperature, and a flow of cabin air 70 leaves the second ventilation unit 40.

[0078] The heat energy extracted from the hot air stream 74 by the heat exchanger 80 is applied to the water in the water tank 90 to increase the water temperature. The heated water is part of the hot water circuit 92 of the recreational vehicle 20.

[0079] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the heat exchanger 80 and the water tank 90 can be built as a retrofit kit 94. The retrofit kit 94 can contain the heat exchanger 80, the water tank 90, or both the heat exchanger 80 and the water tank 90. ​​The retrofit kit 94 can be retrofitted to the ventilation system 10. The second ventilation unit 40 can have a retrofit slot (not shown) for receiving the heat exchanger 80, as shown in Figures Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 described.

[0080] Fig. 9 shows the ventilation system 10 from Fig. 3 in the second operating mode (the heating mode) in a third variant of the embodiment described above. In Fig. 9, the ventilation system 10 further comprises an additional heating device 82. The heating device 82 is arranged in the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20 and is in fluid communication with the refrigerant condenser 42.

[0081] The heating device 82 from Fig. 9 is located within the pipe system 60, which is in fluid communication with the second ventilation unit 40. The heating device 82 is operated electrically or with gas. As shown in Fig. 9, the heating device 82 additionally heats the cabin air 70 coming from the refrigerant condenser 42 to hot air 74. This hot air 74 is then transported through the pipe system 60 and reaches the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20. It is understood that the heating device 82 can be arranged anywhere in the interior of the recreational vehicle 20.

[0082] Consequently, the Fig. 9 increases the heating efficiency of the ventilation system 10, especially in severe winter conditions.

[0083] Fig. 10 shows the ventilation system 10 from Fig. 3 in the second operating mode (the heating mode) in a fourth variant of the embodiment described above. In Fig. 10, the ventilation system 10 further includes a plurality of additional heating means 84. The pipe system 60 includes a plurality of heating pipes. Each of the plurality of heating means 84 is arranged within one of the heat lines of the pipe system 60.

[0084] The plurality of heating means 84 are in fluid communication with the refrigerant condenser 42. The plurality of heating means 84 are operated electrically or with gas. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the heating means 84 additionally heat the cabin air 70 coming from the refrigerant condenser 42 to hot air 74. This hot air 74 is then transported further through the pipe system 60 and reaches the interior 22 of the recreational vehicle 20. It is understood that the multiple heating means 84 can also be arranged side by side in a single pipe of the pipe system 60. Other arrangements of the plurality of heating means 84 are also possible.

[0085] Consequently, the plurality of heating means 84 as shown in Fig. 10 shows the heating efficiency of the ventilation system 10, especially under harsh winter conditions.

[0086] Finally, it should be noted that the present invention not only relates to the ventilation system 10 illustrated and described, but also to any type of enclosed air volume that accommodates people and therefore should be air-conditioned, e.g., the individual rooms of a house. In particular, the present invention also relates to recreational vehicles 20 such as mobile homes, caravans, campers, or other vehicles or buildings equipped with the ventilation system 10. The invention also relates to a method for providing and operating the ventilation system 10 described above in the first and second operating modes.

[0087] The above-described embodiments are preferred, but merely represent exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the described embodiments of the present invention do not limit the achieved scope of protection, as defined by the appended set of claims. Those skilled in the art will be able to conceive various modifications to the above-described configurations without violating the basic concept of the present invention and / or departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended set of claims. REFERENCE SYMBOL 10 Ventilation system 20 recreational vehicles / motorhomes 22 Interior of the recreational vehicle 24 Ambient air 30 first ventilation unit 31 third ventilation unit 32 refrigerant evaporators 34 first pair of flaps 36 first blower 38a, 38b first air intakes 39a, 39b first air outlets 40 second ventilation unit 42 Refrigerant condenser 44 second pair of flaps 46 second fan 48a, 48b second air inlets 49a, 49b second air outlets 50 refrigerant lines 52 Sensor 60 pipe system 70 cabin air 72 cold air 74 Hot air 76 Fresh air 80 heat exchangers 81 Heat conduction 82 Heating device 84 Plurality of heating resources 90 water tank 92 Hot water circuit 94 Retrofit kit

Claims

[1] Ventilation system (10) for a recreational vehicle (20), the ventilation system (10) comprising: a first ventilation unit (30) comprising a refrigerant evaporator (32) and a first pair of flaps (34) configured to bring the refrigerant evaporator (32) into fluid communication with an interior space (22) of the recreational vehicle (20) and the ambient air (24); a second ventilation unit (40) comprising a refrigerant condenser (42) and a second pair of flaps (44) configured to bring the refrigerant condenser (42) into fluid communication with the interior (22) of the recreational vehicle (20) and the ambient air (24), characterized by , that the first pair of flaps (34) and the second pair of flaps (44) are configured to transport heat from the interior (22) of the recreational vehicle (20) via the refrigerant evaporator (32) in a first operating mode and to transport heat into the interior (22) of the recreational vehicle (20) via the refrigerant condenser (42) in a second operating mode. [2] Ventilation system (10) according to claim 1, characterized by in that in the first operating mode, the first pair of flaps (34) is configured to bring the refrigerant evaporator (32) into fluid communication with the interior (22) of the recreational vehicle (20), and the second pair of flaps (44) is configured to bring the refrigerant condenser (42) into fluid communication with the ambient air (24). [3] Ventilation system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized byin that in the second operating mode, the first pair of flaps (34) is configured to bring the refrigerant evaporator (32) into fluid communication with the ambient air (24), and the second pair of flaps (44) is configured to bring the refrigerant condenser (42) into fluid communication with the interior (22) of the recreational vehicle (20). [4] Ventilation system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that in a third operating mode, the first pair of flaps (34) is configured to bring the refrigerant evaporator (32) into fluid communication with the interior (22) of the recreational vehicle (20), and the second pair of flaps (44) is configured to bring the refrigerant condenser (42) into fluid communication with the interior (22) of the recreational vehicle (20). [5] Ventilation system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin a fourth operating mode, at least one of the first pair of flaps (34) and the second pair of flaps (44) is arranged to bring the interior (22) of the recreational vehicle (20) into fluid communication with the ambient air (24). [6] Ventilation system (10) according to claim 5, characterized by in that the ventilation system (10) further comprises a sensor (52) which is configured to measure a parameter which indicates the air quality of the interior (22) of the recreational vehicle (20), wherein the first pair of flaps (34) and the second pair of flaps (44) are actuated in dependence on the measurement of the sensor (52). [7] Ventilation system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first ventilation unit (30) is arranged outside the recreational vehicle (20) and is in fluid communication with a third ventilation unit (31) arranged inside the recreational vehicle (20). [8] Ventilation system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the ventilation system (10) further comprises refrigerant lines (50) which connect the first ventilation unit (30) and the second ventilation unit (40) to one another. [9] Ventilation system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the ventilation system (10) further comprises a pipe system (60) which is in fluid communication with the second ventilation unit (40) and extends at least partially into the interior (22) of the recreational vehicle (20). [10] Ventilation system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the ventilation system (10) further comprises additional heating means (80, 82, 84) which are in fluid communication with at least one of the first ventilation unit (30) and the second ventilation unit (40). [11] Ventilation system (10) according to claim 10, characterized bythat the additional heating means (80, 82, 84) comprise a heat exchanger (80) which is arranged within the second ventilation unit (40) and is in fluid communication with the refrigerant condenser (42). [12] Ventilation system (10) according to claim 11, characterized by that the heat exchanger (80) is connected to a water tank (90) in order to supply warm water and / or hot air into the interior (22) of the recreational vehicle (20). [13] Ventilation system (10) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by that the heat exchanger (80) and / or the water tank (90) can be retrofitted in the ventilation system (10). [14] Ventilation system (10) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by that the heat exchanger (80) can be operated in the first operating mode of the ventilation system (10). [15] Ventilation system (10) according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized bythat the additional heating means (80, 82, 84) comprise a heating device (82) which is arranged in the interior (22) of the recreational vehicle (20) and is in fluid communication with the coolant condenser (42). [16] Ventilation system (10) according to claim 15, characterized by that the heating device (82) is operated electrically or with gas. [17] Ventilation system (10) according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized by that the ventilation system (10) further comprises a pipe system (60) which is in fluid communication with the second ventilation unit (40) and extends at least partially into the interior (22) of the recreational vehicle (20); and that the additional heating means (80, 82, 84) comprise a plurality of heating means (84) which are arranged within the pipe system (60) and are in fluid communication with the refrigerant condenser (42). [18] Recreational vehicle (20) comprising the ventilation system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. [19] A method for ventilating a recreational vehicle (20), the method comprising the following steps: Attaching a first ventilation unit (30) to the recreational vehicle (20), wherein the first ventilation unit (30) comprises a refrigerant evaporator (32) and a first pair of flaps (34) which are configured to bring the refrigerant evaporator (32) into fluid communication with an interior (22) of the recreational vehicle (20) and the ambient air (24); Attaching a second ventilation unit (40) to the recreational vehicle (20), wherein the second ventilation unit (40) comprises a refrigerant condenser (42) and a second pair of flaps (44) which are designed to bring the refrigerant condenser (42) into fluid communication with the interior (22) of the recreational vehicle (20) and the ambient air (24), characterized by Controlling the first pair of flaps (34) and the second pair of flaps (44) in a first operating mode to transport heat from the interior (22) of the recreational vehicle (20) via the refrigerant evaporator (32); and Controlling the first pair of flaps (34) and the second pair of flaps (44) in a second operating mode to transport heat via the refrigerant condenser (42) into the interior (22) of the recreational vehicle (20).

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