Functional unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a functional unit comprising a housing (2), wherein the housing (2) has a loading compartment (3) for at least one energy source (110), which is a gas cylinder, wherein the housing (2) has a plurality of functional compartments (4) for accommodating a plurality of functional devices (40, 42, 44), and each functional device (40, 42, 44) is assigned a functional compartment (4), and wherein the functional unit (1) is designed as a self-contained unit, wherein one of the functional devices is a heating device (44) which has a decoupling unit (45) for thermal energy, and wherein a further functional device is an air temperature control device (42), wherein the air temperature control device (42) has at least one air outlet (43), and wherein the air outlet (43) opens outside the housing (2).

Description

[0001] functional unit

[0002] The present invention relates to a functional unit. It is used, for example, in a mobile home, a caravan, or another vehicle, or, for example, on a boat.

[0003] Caravans and motorhomes are typically equipped with components such as heaters, air conditioners, refrigerators, cooktops, or water heaters. The energy required to operate these components is obtained, for example, from a car battery, solar panels, or by burning diesel fuel or LPG. Especially when using LPG, it is common practice for the corresponding gas cylinders to be housed in a so-called gas locker, which is primarily characterized by being open to the outside world to allow any escaping gas to escape. For operation, connections must then be installed between the individual components and the gas locker. Standards and safety requirements must be met. This is therefore complex and costly.

[0004] The object underlying the invention is to enable the installation of components, e.g., in a caravan, and the necessary power supply as simply as possible.

[0005] The invention solves this problem by means of a functional unit having a housing, the housing having a loading space for at least one energy source, which is a gas cylinder, the housing having functional spaces for accommodating a plurality of functional devices, and each functional device being assigned a functional space, and the functional unit being designed as a self-contained unit, one of the functional devices being a heating device, the heating device having a decoupling unit for thermal energy, a further functional device being an air temperature control device, the air temperature control device having at least one air outlet, and the air outlet opening out outside the housing. The air temperature control device is also referred to below as a room air heater.The heating device is preferably assigned an electrical heating element, for example a resistance heating element, in which electrical current is converted into heat via an electrical resistance.

[0006] The air temperature control device allows for the heating of air. It is a (room) air heater that uses, for example, a flammable gas from a gas cylinder as its energy source. The tempered air is discharged from the housing of the functional unit via an air outlet.

[0007] The functional unit offers space for an energy source and at least two pieces of functional equipment, so that no separate ports, connections, or fixing options need to be created. In particular, all connections between the energy source and the multiple pieces of functional equipment are located within the housing or directly on the housing. The functional unit is a self-contained, ready-to-install module that can be installed, for example, in a mobile home or caravan. The energy source is, for example, a liquid gas cylinder. The functional equipment is preferably a component that is permanently mounted in the functional unit. Alternatively, the functional equipment can be reversibly removed from the housing of the functional unit and replaced, for example, with a differently designed piece of functional equipment.

[0008] A functional device is generally a device that converts one form of energy, preferably but not exclusively provided by the energy source, into another form of energy—in particular thermal energy. For example, if the energy source is a gas cylinder and a functional device is a room air heater, the heater burns the gas from the gas cylinder. Another functional device is a heating device, which preferably comprises an electrical heating element and receives electrical energy from an additional power connection of the functional unit or from a battery. In other words, the functional unit accommodates a unit for providing energy—i.e., the energy source—and energy consumers, namely functional devices.

[0009] The functional unit is therefore a self-contained and ready-to-install module that includes functional devices and can provide their power supply.

[0010] Generally speaking, the functional unit according to the invention can fulfill two functions: Firstly, it can heat air, which can be used to heat the interior of a mobile home, caravan, or other vehicle such as a boat. Secondly, it can heat a liquid gas cylinder housed in the functional unit, which is particularly advantageous if the gas cylinder contains butane, which no longer converts to a gaseous state at low temperatures.

[0011] One design provides for the cargo space and the functional space to be decoupled from each other with regard to air exchange. This design prevents air from the cargo space from entering the functional space. This is relevant, for example, if the energy source is a gas cylinder. In this case, no gas can enter the functional space in an uncontrolled manner.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the loading space is completely decoupled from the remaining volume of the housing with regard to the exchange of air.

[0013] In one embodiment, the cargo space has a separate air vent. In this embodiment, gas, for example, can escape from the cargo space. The air vent preferably has no further contact with the rest of the interior of the housing. Thus, there is preferably no air or gas transfer between the air vent and a functional space. In one embodiment, the air temperature control device allows not only heating the air but also heating a liquid, e.g., domestic water.

[0014] In one embodiment, the decoupling unit opens into an interior space of the housing. In this embodiment, heat generated by the functional device, i.e., thermal energy, enters the housing. In an alternative embodiment, the decoupling unit is, for example, a recess in a wall component or, for example, an adjustable air damper.

[0015] The thermal energy from a functional device in one of the functional spaces can be transferred to the other functional space. In particular, the thermal energy generated by a functional device in a first functional space can be conducted to a second functional space. Preferably, additional thermal energy generated by another functional device in the second functional space is transferred to the first functional space. This exchange can be achieved, for example, by circulating air between the two functional spaces. Thus, for example, the decoupling unit is a closable air damper.

[0016] The thermal energy of the heating device is used, in particular, to heat the energy source. For example, a flammable gas present in the energy source in liquefied form is converted from a liquid to a gaseous state.

[0017] In one embodiment, the air outlet opens outside the housing and has a grille.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the air outlet has at least one connection option for connecting an air pipe or air hose. According to one embodiment, a further functional device is a liquid heater. This could be, for example, a boiler or a thermal unit as variants of a water heater.

[0019] One embodiment provides that the functional unit further comprises an interface for connection to an additional energy source located outside the functional unit. In this embodiment, the functional unit allows the connection of another energy source, which can be connected, for example, to the functional device of the functional unit and then supplies it with energy. Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides that the energy source in the functional unit is supplied with energy, i.e., refilled, from the additional energy source. In one embodiment, the additional energy source is a gas cylinder.

[0020] One embodiment includes an adaptor for the interface, and for the adaptor to adapt a form of energy provided by the additional energy source to operating parameters specified for the functional unit. If the energy source and the additional energy source are, for example, gas cylinders, the adaptor has a regulator that adjusts the pressure of the additional energy source to a required standard pressure for the functional equipment. Depending on the embodiment, the adaptor is fully or partially integrated into the interface. In one embodiment, components of the adaptor can be arranged away from the interface. However, the assignment from the adaptor to the interface still exists.

[0021] One embodiment provides that the functional unit further comprises a control unit, and that the control unit is coupled to at least one functional device in order to intervene in the functional device. In this embodiment, a control unit is present which intervenes in or accesses the functional device and controls or regulates it. In one embodiment, the control unit distributes thermal energy originating from a functional device to at least one further functional device and / or to the interior space in the housing and / or to the exterior space around the functional unit. Thus, for example, a room air heater can be used so that a thermal bath can provide hot water more quickly as a water heater.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the functional unit has at least one sensor, with the control unit receiving and processing measurement signals from the sensor. In this embodiment, for example, the internal temperature in the housing is regulated by the control unit operating a heater based on temperature measurements. If the energy form in the energy source is, for example, a gas that only changes into the gaseous state above a certain temperature, the control unit regulates in particular the functional device designed as a heater until this temperature is reached. Gas operation then takes place. The functional unit therefore preferably also has a second energy source, e.g. a connection to an electrical power grid. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the control unit ensures that the temperature in the functional unit does not become too high.If such a case occurs, the control unit switches off at least one functional device.

[0023] The following configurations refer to the area in which the energy source is installed.

[0024] One embodiment involves arranging a thermally conductive unit in the cargo space. The thermally conductive unit is preferably coupled to the energy source, allowing thermal energy to be supplied to or removed from the energy source. For example, if the energy source is a gas cylinder containing a liquefied flammable gas, it can be heated via the thermally conductive unit.

[0025] One embodiment provides that the thermally conductive unit is coupled to a decoupling unit of the functional device. In this embodiment, the functional unit has a functional device that can provide heating or cooling within it. A thermally conductive connection is created via the decoupling unit from the functional device to the thermally conductive unit and then preferably to the energy source. The functional device is, in particular, the functional device configured as a heating device, which outputs thermal energy via the decoupling unit, which heats the energy source via the thermally conductive unit.

[0026] Furthermore, one embodiment provides for a drawer to be arranged in the loading space, for an axis of rotation to be arranged in the loading space, for the drawer to be rotatable about the axis of rotation, for the drawer to have a base surface, and for the base surface, when the drawer is at rest, to be lower than a plane in which the axis of rotation lies. Thus, a support unit referred to as a drawer, which is movable relative to the housing, is located in the loading space, carries the energy source, and by means of which the energy source is movable relative to the housing. In one embodiment, the energy source stands - directly or indirectly - on the base surface. This is, in particular, a drawer that is rotatable about an axis of rotation of the loading space. In a state of rest, i.e., when not rotated relative to the housing, the base surface is lower than the axis of rotation. This results in a type of tilting out of the housing when the drawer is rotated about the axis of rotation.This makes it easier to remove and replace the energy source. This is relevant, for example, when the energy source is a heavy gas cylinder. In one embodiment, the base surface forms a positive fit with the housing when at rest. In one embodiment, the base surface rests on a component inside the housing.

[0027] In a supplementary embodiment, it is provided that, in the resting state, any rotational movement of the drawer relative to the loading space is blocked. In this embodiment, for example, a lock is provided to prevent the drawer from being moved unintentionally. In one embodiment, this lock is provided by a door located in front of the loading space.

[0028] An alternative or additional embodiment comprises arranging a connection for a gas hose near the axis of rotation. In this embodiment, the energy source is in particular a gas cylinder. If a connection for a gas hose is located near the axis of rotation, a gas hose connected to the connection as part of the functional unit and to the gas cylinder experiences little mechanical stress and preferably only a small change in length. The proximity of the axis of rotation and the connection ensures that the gas hose can only execute a specific and well-defined movement. This also prevents incorrect routing of the gas hose, which could potentially result in the hose becoming trapped. The defined movement also prevents inadmissibly small bending radii, which could damage the hose.

[0029] In one embodiment, a movable door is arranged in front of the cargo space.

[0030] The door (as a general name for a unit that reversibly closes a room on one side) is, in one embodiment, part of a holding device for holding the energy source, for example, a gas cylinder, in a locked use position. The door thus preferably prevents the drawer from tipping. The user thus locks the drawer by tilting the drawer into the rest position and closing the door. This simplifies use, as, for example, no tensioning straps or belts need to be routed around the gas cylinder and tightened.

[0031] One embodiment provides that the functional unit can be subjected to a standards test, and that after the standards test has been carried out and the functional unit has been approved at an installation location, the approval remains valid. In this embodiment, the functional unit is tested to determine whether it meets the standards required for the application. The functional unit is then installed, for example, in a mobile home. The functional unit is so self-contained that the approval conditions are not changed by installation. The functional unit can therefore be manufactured in such a way that it only needs to be set up and secured by a mobile home manufacturer. All relevant normative or general legislative requirements are already met, and no inspection of the assembled unit is necessary. Such a test is, for example,Gas testing, if liquefied petroleum gas is used as the energy source. A gas test refers to the tightness of the entire system, which may consist of devices, connection fittings, pipes, regulators, or shut-off devices. This entire system is preferably completely enclosed by the functional unit and is subjected to a test before installation in the application area.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, a functional unit is provided with a housing, a loading space for a drawer for a liquefied gas cylinder, a functional space with a room air heater, and a decoupling unit with which thermal energy can be transferred into the loading space. Regarding the resulting advantages, in particular regarding the possibility of heating a butane liquefied gas cylinder to a temperature at which the butane evaporates, reference is made to the above explanations.

[0033] According to one embodiment, an electric heating element is assigned to the decoupling unit, so that the decoupling unit and thus the cargo space can be heated. In other words, a heating device is provided which serves—preferably solely—to heat the LPG cylinder. This allows the LPG cylinder, for example, when a motorhome has cooled down in winter, to be electrically preheated to a temperature at which it releases gaseous butane, which can then be used to operate a gas-powered burner, which is part of the room air heating system and can be used to heat the motorhome to a comfortable temperature.

[0034] The decoupling unit can be a thermally conductive plate with conductor tracks and at least one resistance heating element, which is arranged at the interface between the functional space and the cargo space. The resistance heating element represents an electrical heating element and, together with the decoupling unit, forms the heating device. The decoupling unit can also be assigned a receiving space for a heating element that generates heat through an exothermic reaction. For example, fuel rods, such as those used in hand or pocket warmers, can be inserted into the receiving space. In this way, the gas cylinder can be heated independently of electrical energy.

[0035] If the room air heater also includes an electric heating element, this electric heating element can be assigned to the decoupling unit. With this configuration, if the room air heater is electrically operated, an additional heating element for the gas cylinder is not necessary. Instead, the heat generated electrically by the room air heater can be used to heat the gas cylinder.

[0036] A thermally conductive unit coupled to the decoupling unit can be provided in the cargo space. This thermally conductive unit allows the heat transferred from the decoupling unit into the cargo space to be transferred to the contents of the LPG cylinder without noticeable losses.

[0037] The invention also provides a method for controlling the temperature of a liquefied gas cylinder in a functional unit, in which an electrical heating element is assigned to the decoupling unit. In a first step, a temperature characteristic of the liquefied gas cylinder is determined. Then, in a second step, if the characteristic temperature is below a predetermined threshold, the electrical heating element is switched on. In a third step, if the characteristic temperature is above the predetermined threshold, the electrical heating element is switched off and the cargo space is further heated by means of the room air heating. Here, too, reference is made to the above explanations with regard to the resulting advantages, in particular with regard to the possibility of heating a butane liquefied gas cylinder to a temperature at which the butane evaporates.The first step, the second step, and / or the third step can be carried out by means of a control unit assigned to the functional unit. In detail, there are numerous possibilities for designing and developing the functional unit according to the invention. Reference is made to the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. They show:

[0038] Fig. 1 : a schematic representation of a functional unit according to the invention in a state mounted in a mobile home,

[0039] Fig. 2: a partially sectioned spatial representation of a functional unit and

[0040] Fig. 3: a section through a part of the functional unit of Fig. 2 in two different states (a) closed, b) open).

[0041] Fig. 1 schematically shows a functional unit 1 within a space 100, such as is found, for example, within a mobile home or a caravan.

[0042] A key aspect is that a connection—indicated by the dashed line—between the energy source 110 and the functional devices 40, 42, 44 exists only within the housing 2 of the functional unit 1. Thus, there is no effort required to relocate components outside the functional unit 1. The connections may also include all components, such as shut-off valves or regulators, etc., that are required in each case.

[0043] In the example shown, the functional unit 1 has three functional devices 40, 42, 44. In this example, these are a water heater 40 (also called a liquid heater), a room air heater 42 (also called an air temperature control device), and an electric heating device 44, which serves to heat the energy source 110. For this purpose, the electric heating device 44 is also located nearby below the energy source 110. Accordingly, the room air heater 42 has an air outlet 43 that opens outside the housing 2. The energy source 110 is assigned a loading space 3. A special embodiment of the loading space 3 is described in connection with Fig. 3. Each of the three functional devices 40, 42, 44 is assigned a functional space 4. The functional spaces 4 are indicated separately here, but can also merge into one another or partially overlap.

[0044] Furthermore, a control unit 6 is arranged in the functional unit 1, which is connected to a sensor 7 and receives measurement data from it. The control unit 6 is connected, for example, via a Bluetooth connection to a user input unit, so that the user can specify target values. The control unit 6 influences the functional devices 40, 42, 44 (only one connection is indicated here). Furthermore, the control unit 6 is also connected to the energy source 110 and more precisely to a fill level sensor (not shown here), which in the exemplary embodiment shown determines the fill level of a liquid gas within the energy source 110. In one variant, the control unit 6 regulates how much heat is conducted from the functional devices 40, 42, 44 into the housing 2 and how much is conducted to the outside.

[0045] The functional unit 2 has an interface 5 to which an external additional energy source 111 outside the functional unit 2, and here outside the enclosed space 100, is connected. The interface 5 has an adjustment device 50 that adjusts the energy provided by the additional energy source 111 to the requirements in the functional unit 1. In the example shown, the energy source 110 is a liquid gas cylinder. Accordingly, the additional energy source 111 should also be a gas cylinder. Thus, the adjustment device 50 has a pressure regulator that regulates the gas pressure provided by the additional energy source 111 to a predetermined target pressure.

[0046] Figure 2 provides a view of one embodiment of the functional unit 1. The housing 2 contains the loading compartment 3 for the energy source 110, which in this case is a gas cylinder. The interface 5 is located on the rear side of the housing 2.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, an air outlet 43, designed here as an air grille, is located near the floor and through which heated room air is discharged. Above this outlet is an output unit 45 associated with the electric heating device 44, through which thermal energy is extracted from the electric heating device 44 to be available in the housing 2.

[0048] The cargo space 3 is decoupled from the rest of the interior of the housing 2 with respect to the exchange of air. This is relevant because the energy source 110 is a gas cylinder. Since no air exchange takes place, no gas can escape from the cargo space 3 into the rest of the housing 2. In other words, the decoupling with respect to the exchange of air can also be described as the gas-tightness of the cargo space 3.

[0049] It is indicated that an exhaust pipe is located at the rear of housing 2. Thus, the relevant components are not only mounted in, but possibly also on, housing 2.

[0050] Below the cargo space 3, two functional compartments 4 can be seen, each containing a functional device 40, 42. Air exchange is possible between the functional compartments 4, through which the exchange of thermal energy is realized. This is indicated here by the recess, which can be reversibly and / or gradually closed with a flap (not shown here). This, especially in conjunction with the air outlet 43, allows for control of the extraction or circulation of the thermal energy.

[0051] Furthermore, the cargo space 3 receives thermal energy from a heating or warming unit (not shown here) located beneath the cargo space 3. This is, for example, an electric heating element of the heating device 44, which is supplied with electrical energy from outside the functional unit. The electric heating element here, in particular, allows the heating of the energy source 110, so that the other functional devices can subsequently be supplied with the gas converted into the gaseous state.

[0052] Fig. 3 is devoted to the loading space 3 for the energy source 110, which is gas-tight with respect to the rest of the interior of the housing. Fig. 3 a) shows a resting state and Fig. 3 b) shows a tilted state.

[0053] Located within the housing 2 is the loading compartment 3, which is closed at the front by a movable and lockable door (alternatively known as a flap) 33. Located within the loading compartment 3 is a drawer 30 that can be rotated about a pivot axis 31. This pivot axis 31 is implemented, for example, by a rod fastened within the housing 2. The drawer 30 and thus the energy source 110 can thus be tilted out of the housing 2. Near the pivot axis 31, which is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing here, is a connection 34 into which a gas hose 35, which is connected to the energy source 110, opens. By being positioned near the pivot axis 31, the gas hose experiences little mechanical stress, and secure installation of the hose within the loading compartment 3 is also ensured.

[0054] Within the drawer 30, the energy source 110 is located - indirectly via a thermally conductive unit 36 ​​- on a base surface 32 (cf. Fig. 3 b)), which in turn rests on a plane of the housing 2 in the rest state (cf. Fig. 3 a)). In the rest state, the base surface 32 is located below the plane in which the axis of rotation 31 lies, resulting in the forward tilting movement in the rotated state. As can be seen in Fig. 3 b), the drawer 30 is shaped so that it can be tilted out of the housing 2. In an alternative embodiment - not shown - the energy source 110 is located above the base surface 32 by means of a holding mechanism which is coupled, for example, to the drawer 30, so that a gap is created.In a further alternative embodiment (not shown), the base surface 32 does not come to rest on a plane or support of the housing 2, but is in a position that does not allow further tilting into the housing 2.

[0055] Between the floor surface 32 and the floor of the energy source 110, there is also a thermally conductive base plate as an example of the thermally conductive unit 36, which is coupled to the output unit 45 of the electric heating device 44 (see Fig. 1). In this way, the energy source 110 can be heated.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the cargo space 3 has its own air opening 37. This air opening 37 is designed here so that it is long enough to extend through a wall, e.g., of a mobile home. The air opening 37 thus allows, for example, escaping gas to be discharged directly into the environment. In the illustrated embodiment, the air opening 37 and the interface 5 are designed as a single component. In an alternative embodiment—not shown—the air opening 37 is designed separately, or only the air opening 37 is present and no interface 5 is present.

[0057] The gas cylinder 110 can be heated as follows:

[0058] At low temperatures (especially <10°C in the cargo space 3), the electrical heating element of the heating device 44 is initially operated to heat the gas cylinder or the gas contained therein. The temperature in the cargo space 3 is detected, for example, by means of the sensor 7, which can be a temperature sensor. Depending on the detected temperature and, in particular, the time course, the temperature of the butane contained in the gas cylinder 110 can be determined. This temperature of the butane contained in the gas cylinder 110 is a characteristic temperature for the liquefied gas cylinder. If, based on the temperature in the cargo space 3, it can be concluded that the gas has been heated sufficiently to operate the air temperature control device / room air heater 42, the electrical heating device 44 or its electrical heating element can be switched off.Furthermore, the temperature in the cargo space 3 is maintained solely by the air temperature control device / room air heater 42. The heat generated by the air temperature control device 42 can also be used to additionally heat the water in the preferably additionally provided liquid heater 40, which comprises the bottles and pipes indicated in the (upper) functional space 4.

Claims

Patent claims Functional unit (1) with a housing (2), wherein the housing (2) has a loading space (3) for at least one energy source (110), which is a gas cylinder, wherein the housing (2) has a plurality of functional spaces (4) for accommodating a plurality of functional devices (40, 42, 44), and each functional device (40, 42, 44) is assigned a functional space (4), and wherein the functional unit (1) is designed as a self-contained unit, wherein one of the functional devices is a heating device (44) which has a coupling-out unit (45) for thermal energy, and wherein a further functional device is an air temperature control device (42), wherein the air temperature control device (42) has at least one air outlet (43), and wherein the air outlet (43) opens outside the housing (2).Functional unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein the loading space (3) and the functional spaces (4) are decoupled from one another with respect to the exchange of air. Functional unit (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the air outlet (43) comprises a grille. Functional unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating device (44) comprises an electric heating element. Functional unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a further functional device (40) is a liquid heater. Functional unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the functional unit (1) further comprises an interface (5) for connection to an additional energy source (111) located outside the functional unit (1). Functional unit (1) according to claim 6, wherein the interface (5) comprises an adaptation device (50), and wherein the adaptation device (50) adapts a form of energy provided by the additional energy source (111) to operating parameters predetermined for the functional unit (1). Functional unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the functional unit (1) further comprises a control unit (6), and wherein the control unit (6) is coupled to at least one functional device (44) in order to intervene in the functional device (44). Functional unit (1) according to claim 8, wherein the functional unit (1) comprises at least one sensor (7), and wherein the control unit (6) receives and processes measurement signals from the sensor (7).Functional unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a thermally conductive unit (36) is arranged in the loading space (3). Functional unit (1) according to claim 10, wherein the thermally conductive unit (36) is coupled to the decoupling unit (45) of the functional device (44). Functional unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a drawer (30) is arranged in the loading space (3), wherein a rotation axis (31) is arranged in the loading space (3), wherein the drawer (30) is rotatable about the rotation axis (31). wherein the drawer (30) has a bottom surface (32), and wherein the bottom surface (32) is lower than a plane in which the axis of rotation (31) lies when the drawer (30) is in a rest state.

13. Functional unit (1) according to claim 12, wherein in the rest state a rotational movement of the drawer (30) relative to the loading space (3) is blocked.

14. Functional unit (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein a connection (34) for a gas hose (35) is arranged near the axis of rotation (31).

15. Functional unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein a movable door (33) is arranged in front of the loading space (3).

16. Functional unit (1) with a housing, a loading space (3) for a drawer (30) for a liquid gas cylinder (110), a functional space (4) with a room air heater (42) and a decoupling unit (45) with which thermal energy can be transferred into the loading space (3).

17. Functional unit (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that an electrical heating element is assigned to the decoupling unit (45) so that the decoupling unit (45) and thus the loading space (3) can be heated.

18. Functional unit (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that the decoupling unit (45) is a thermally conductive plate with conductor tracks and at least one resistance heating element.

19. Functional unit (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that the decoupling unit is assigned a receiving space for a heating element which generates heat by an exothermic reaction.

20. Functional unit according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that a thermally conductive unit (36) is provided in the loading space (3), which is coupled to the decoupling unit (45).

21. Method for controlling the temperature of a liquid gas cylinder in a Functional unit (1) according to one of claims 17 and 18, wherein in a first step a temperature characteristic of the liquid gas cylinder is determined, then in a second step, if the characteristic temperature is below a predetermined threshold, the electric heating element is switched on, and in a third Step, if the characteristic temperature is above the specified threshold, the electric heating element is switched off and the loading space (3) is further heated by means of the room air heater (42).

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