Motor vehicle and camping arrangement

By integrating an air conditioning unit into the front trunk area of a vehicle, the solution addresses the lack of temperature control in additional storage spaces, enhancing comfort and usability for camping and recreational activities.

DE102024110501B3Active Publication Date: 2025-10-02DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

Patent Information

Application Number
DE102024110501
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-04-15
Publication Date
2025-10-02
Estimated Expiration
2044-04-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing motor vehicles lack integrated air conditioning solutions for additional storage spaces like the front trunk, limiting comfort during recreational activities such as camping, especially in extreme weather conditions, and separate components complicate handling and integration with the vehicle.

Method used

Integrating an air conditioning unit into the front trunk area, allowing temperature-controlled air distribution to the front luggage compartment, with a control unit for easy regulation, and incorporating air ducts for seamless temperature control.

Benefits of technology

Enhances user comfort and flexibility by providing uniform temperature control to the front trunk and connected structures, reducing complexity and weight, and improving the overall vehicle's usability for recreational uses.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Motor vehicle (1) with a front wall (1.1), a trunk arranged at the front of the front wall (1.1) with a hood (2) and an air conditioning unit (12) for tempering air (13), characterized by the following features: the trunk contains a bed (4) accessible when the hood (2) is open and the motor vehicle (1) is designed to direct the air (13) tempered by the air conditioning unit (12) into the trunk when the bed (4) is in use.
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Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle. The present invention also relates to an arrangement for camping with such a motor vehicle. State of the art

[0002] In motor vehicles, it has long been common practice to regulate the temperature in the interior using an integrated air conditioning unit. Such air conditioning units typically consist of a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, and an expansion valve. They are designed to increase occupant comfort by providing a pleasant interior temperature, regardless of external weather conditions. The tempered air is usually distributed throughout the various areas of the vehicle interior via a system of air ducts and vents.

[0003] The air conditioning system is controlled via a control unit, usually integrated into the vehicle's dashboard. The control unit allows the driver or passengers to set the desired temperature and regulate the airflow distribution.

[0004] Furthermore, it is well known that additional storage spaces are created in vehicles to increase transport capacity. Therefore, in addition to the main trunk at the rear of the vehicle, many modern vehicles also offer additional storage space at the front of the vehicle, sometimes referred to as the "frunk" (a combination of the English terms "front" and "trunk"). This additional storage space is particularly found in rear-engined vehicles or battery-electric vehicles, where the electric motor takes up less space than a conventional combustion engine. Access to this front trunk is usually via a hood that opens from the outside.

[0005] It's also known that vehicles can be adapted for camping purposes. This often involves devices such as foldable beds or tents that can be attached to the vehicle to create a sleeping area.

[0006] US 2023 / 0 312 009 A1 discloses the subject matter of the preamble of claim 1.

[0007] DE 197 56 311 A1 discloses a device for supplying warm or cold air to a motor vehicle, comprising a heat exchanger for obtaining warm air from the waste heat of the internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle and / or an air conditioning compressor operated by an internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle for obtaining cold air, as well as an air conveying device for conveying the warm or cold air into the vehicle interior, wherein a portion of the warm or cold air that can be conveyed into the vehicle interior can be diverted for heating or cooling a luggage compartment of the motor vehicle.

[0008] DE 10 2006 040 152 A1 relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with a tailgate which has a storage space in a lower region which is delimited on the inside by an inner wall of the tailgate and on the outside by a storage compartment flap which can be pivoted between a closed position and a downwardly pivoted open position, wherein it is provided that the storage space can be air-conditioned and / or that the storage compartment flap is formed as an additional functional part and / or that the storage space has at least one holding device for cargo.

[0009] In combination with the trunk of a vehicle, US 2 815 762 A discloses a collapsible convertible top frame comprising a pair of spaced-apart tubular leg members, each having a ground-engaging shoe at one end and a plurality of longitudinally spaced, diametrical openings between its ends, a rear cross rail between the leg members, having at its ends means slidably engaging the leg members, means selectively engageable in the openings to retain the ends of the rear cross rail in vertically adjusted positions on the leg members, a pair of horizontal tubular side rails in axially aligned and separable sections, one end of each of the horizontal side rails being connected to the rear cross rail adjacent one end thereof, a U-shaped front support for the frame opposite the legs, which can rest on the floor of the trunk,wherein the front support has an extension at each end which engages the opposite end of each of the horizontal side rails, an inverted U-shaped support frame for the hood, the legs of which engage the tilting ends of the leg parts, a removable sectional platform supported on the horizontal side rails, sleeping cushions on the platform, a hood which engages the frame, and means for attaching the hood to the frame.

[0010] DE 10 2023 203 295 A1 relates to a device for regulating the indoor climate of an interior of a mobile living facility using an air conditioning unit. To propose a device that enables the indoor climate of an interior of a mobile living facility to be regulated cost-effectively and flexibly, it is proposed that the air conditioning unit be designed as a vehicle air conditioning unit of a vehicle and have at least one interface configured for detachable connection to a first end of a hose line. The hose line is configured to conduct a heat flow and is detachably connectable to the interior of the mobile living facility by a second end.

[0011] DE 2734713 A1 describes a sleeping area in the rear trunk of a vehicle. This sleeping area can be folded out when the trunk is open. Additionally, a tarpaulin is provided, which is attached to the open trunk lid and can enclose the sleeping area.

[0012] WO 2023 / 072 352 A1 describes a fold-out sleeping area in the rear trunk of a vehicle. This sleeping area can be folded out when the trunk is open. A tarpaulin is also provided, which is attached to the open trunk lid, thus creating a protected space above the sleeping area.

[0013] DE 102019126724 A1 describes a climate-controlled front trunk for an electric vehicle. This front trunk is equipped with a climate control system that regulates the temperature inside the trunk.

[0014] DE 102023113492 A1 describes a front trunk for an electric vehicle. This front trunk is equipped with an air conditioning system that can be operated independently of the vehicle's interior.

[0015] DE 202019106016 U1 describes a climate-controlled front trunk for an electric vehicle. The vehicle's air conditioning system is installed directly in the front trunk. Disclosure of the invention

[0016] One problem arises from the common separation of vehicle functions from applications for recreational activities such as camping. While modern motor vehicles offer comprehensive interior climate control, the comfort provided by these systems remains limited to the passenger compartment. Additional storage spaces, such as the front trunk of electric vehicles, are excluded from these systems and offer neither access to temperate air nor to other amenities of the vehicle interior.

[0017] For vehicle users who want to use their car not only as a means of transportation but also as an integral part of their leisure activities, especially when camping, this creates a comfort deficit. They have to forgo the benefits of air conditioning if they sleep in a tent attached to the vehicle or use the sleeping area in the trunk. This can be an unpleasant experience, especially in extreme weather conditions. Cold at night or excessive heat during the day can significantly limit the everyday suitability and comfort of these camping solutions.

[0018] Another problem is the lack of integration of vehicle functions into these leisure activities. While vehicles can be equipped with sleeping areas and tents, these are often not seamlessly integrated into the overall vehicle concept, resulting in a suboptimal user experience. The necessary handling of separate components can be cumbersome and requires additional effort for setting up and dismantling these modules, as well as for air conditioning.

[0019] The described problem is solved by a motor vehicle and an arrangement for camping with such a motor vehicle according to the independent claims.

[0020] This approach has the advantage of extending the climate control concept to the front trunk area, increasing comfort for users who want to use their vehicle for camping or similar activities. Controlling the temperature of the additional storage space and the associated sleeping area makes it possible to create a pleasant environment even under variable and extreme weather conditions.

[0021] Adapting the climate control unit to supply temperate air to the front trunk allows for seamless and comfortable use of the sleeping area and tent without forgoing the usual temperature control. This configuration expands the vehicle's usability and extends living comfort beyond the traditional interior.

[0022] By integrating a control unit in the front trunk area, the climate control can be conveniently controlled by the user without having to leave the area. This significantly simplifies operation and significantly increases the flexibility of using the vehicle.

[0023] Furthermore, the integration of climate control ducts leading to the front trunk contributes to a unified and efficient vehicle design. It eliminates the need for separate climate control units for the interior and exterior, reducing additional weight, complexity, and potentially costs.

[0024] Compared to previous solutions, which required the subsequent addition of external climate control modules to the vehicle or the acceptance of an uncomfortable environment, this concept enables a higher level of comfort and user-friendliness. This opens up new possibilities for the recreational use of motor vehicles and improves the experience for users who view their vehicle as a place of retreat and a functional extension of their living space.

[0025] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 shows the front view of a conventional electric vehicle with the front trunk open. Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of a vehicle according to the invention with the front trunk open, a bed with support feet folded out of it and a tent pitched above it. Fig. 3 shows one of the Fig. 2 corresponding configuration in a vehicle according to the invention in a longitudinal section showing details of the air conditioning unit and air duct. Fig. 4 shows a front view of the vehicle with the front trunk open and the bed unfolded, but without the tent and support legs. Embodiments of the invention

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the front view of a conventional electric vehicle with the front trunk lid open. Here, it is clearly visible that the trunk has an easily accessible loading sill. The user does not have to lean over the front of the vehicle to access the trunk, but can conveniently load from the front.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates, for comparison, a motor vehicle (1) according to the invention, the hood (2) of which is open to provide access to the front trunk. A bed (4) is folded out from this front trunk and stabilized by support feet (4.1). A tent (5) is erected above the bed (4), the entrance (5.1) of which is provided at the foot end of the bed (4) facing away from the trunk. The structure of the tent (5) is held in place by tent poles (10.1, 10.2) and is fixed to the hood (2) by means of a piping rail (7) into which the piping (7.1) of the tent is inserted.

[0028] A summary of the Fig. 3 and Fig.Figure 4 shows the interior and air flow of the vehicle in detail. The air conditioning unit (12), which consists of a compressor (12.1) and a heating element (12.2), is located below the control panel (11). The air (13) tempered by this unit is guided through the front wall (1.1) of the vehicle (1) into a hose (13.1). From there, the air can be directed into the area of ​​the sleeping area (4) and the tent (5) via various outlets - in the backrest (13.2) of the open trunk, from above (13.3) and from the sides (13.4, 13.5). The air flows can be controlled using two flaps (12.4, 12.5), which allow the air (13) to be directed either into the interior of the vehicle (1) or into its front trunk. List of reference symbols 1 motor vehicle 1.1 Front wall 2 hood 4 lying areas 4.1 Support feet 5 tent 5.1 Entrance 7 piping rail 7.1 Piping 10.1 first tent pole 10.2 second tent pole 11 Control panel 12 air conditioner 12.1 Compressor 12.2 Heating element 12.4 first take 12.5 second flap 13 air (ducts) 13.1 Hose 13.2 Backrest 13.3 upper vents 13.4 first side outlet 13.5 second side outlet

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle (1) with a front wall (1.1), a trunk arranged at the front of the front wall (1.1) with a hood (2) and an air conditioning unit (12) for tempering an air (13), with the following features: - the trunk contains a bed (4) accessible when the hood (2) is open and - the motor vehicle (1) is designed to direct the air (13) tempered by the air conditioning unit (12) into the trunk when the bed (4) is in use, characterized by following features: - the trunk contains a control unit and - the motor vehicle (1) is designed to control the air conditioning unit (12) from the bed (4) using the control unit. [2] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized by following features: - the bed (4) is integrated into the trunk and is provided with support feet (4.1) and - the motor vehicle (1) is further designed to fold out the bed (4) from the trunk and place it on the support feet (4.1). [3] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by following features: - the motor vehicle (1) is further designed to pitch a tent (5) above the unfolded bed (4) with an entrance (5.1) located beyond the trunk, piping (7.1) and integrated tent poles (10.1, 10.2), and - the hood (2) carries a circumferential piping rail (7) for holding the piping (7.1). [4] Motor vehicle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by following features: - the motor vehicle (1) comprises, at the rear of its front wall (1.1), an air-conditioned interior with a control panel (11) and - the control panel (11) is arranged above the air conditioning unit (12) and is designed to direct the tempered air (13) into the interior. [5] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 4, characterized by following features: - the air conditioning unit (12) comprises a compressor (12.1) which compresses a refrigerant for sucking in the air (13) and - the air conditioning unit (12) comprises a heating element (12.2) for heating the air (13). [6] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 5, characterized by following features: - on the end wall (1.1), the air conditioning unit (12) has a first flap (12.4) downstream of the compressor (12.1) and heating element (12.2), - on the control panel (11), the air conditioning unit (12) has a second flap (12.5) downstream of the compressor (12.1) and heating element (12.2) and - the motor vehicle (1) is designed to open the first flap (12.4) and close the second flap (12.5) in order to use the bed (4). [7] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 6, characterized by following features: - the hood (2) carries a hose (13.1) on the hinge side connected to the air conditioning unit (12) via its first flap (12.4), - the hood (2) has a hollow backrest (13.2) and upper vents (13.3) opening into the trunk downstream of the backrest (13.2), and - the motor vehicle (1) is designed to direct the air (13) tempered by the air conditioning unit (12) through the hose (13.1) and the backrest (13.2) to the upper outlets (13.3) for use of the bed (4). [8] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by following features: - the motor vehicle (1) has outlets (13.4, 13.5) opening into the trunk at the side of the bed 5(4) and - the motor vehicle (1) is designed to direct the air (13) tempered by the air conditioning unit (12) to the side outlets (13.4, 13.5) for use of the bed (4). [9] Camping arrangement, characterized by following features: - a motor vehicle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8 and - a tent (5) to be attached to the front of the motor vehicle (1) on the front wall (1.1).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • vehicle with a tailgate having a storage space

    DE102006040152A1

  • ELECTRIFYED VEHICLE WITH AIR-CONDITIONED FRONT TRUNK AND CORRESPONDING PROCEDURE

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