Air-conditioning module for a caravan or the like,
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TRUMA GERATETECHNIK GMBH & CO KG
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-01
Smart Images
Figure EP2024072267_27022025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Air conditioning module for a caravan or similar
[0002] The invention relates to an air conditioning module for a caravan or similar vehicle, i.e., a mobile home (a motorized caravan), a camper, a motorhome, a construction trailer, a living container, a sales van, or other vehicles (with or without a drive) intended to serve as mobile accommodation for people and / or animals. The air conditioning module is also suitable for boats and ships that offer mobile accommodation.
[0003] Caravans are typically heated using a heater with a fuel-powered burner. The burner can convert, for example, diesel fuel taken from the tank of a motorized caravan into heat. The burner can also be powered by gas taken from a gas cylinder.
[0004] The object of the invention is to air-condition a caravan with the lowest possible energy consumption without requiring fossil fuels as the main energy source.
[0005] To achieve this object, the invention provides an air conditioning module for a caravan or the like. The air conditioning module according to the invention has an external heat exchanger designed to interact with ambient air, an internal heat exchanger designed to interact with the air inside the caravan, a compressor, an internal fan assigned to the internal heat exchanger and capable of generating an air flow through the internal heat exchanger, and an external fan assigned to the external heat exchanger and capable of generating an air flow through the external heat exchanger. An internal changeover flap is provided, with which the air flow can be switched between an upper and a lower air outlet. The term "changeover flap" is also intended to include valves, in particular changeover valves.In the air conditioning module according to the invention, in particular the outdoor heat exchanger, the indoor heat exchanger, the indoor blower, the outdoor blower and the compressor are arranged in a vertical plane when installed. The components outdoor heat exchanger, indoor heat exchanger, indoor blower, outdoor blower and compressor are therefore arranged next to one another, one above the other or one below the other in a plane, whereby inclined arrangements in the plane are also included and the plane is vertical when the air conditioning module is installed. The plane thus intersects and / or touches all of the components outdoor heat exchanger, indoor heat exchanger, indoor blower, outdoor blower and compressor. An arrangement of these components in front of one another or one behind the other, i.e. on a straight line intersecting the said plane perpendicularly, is therefore not intended. However, connecting pieces or the like protruding from these may overlap each other and / or with other of these components.
[0006] The air conditioning module can be operated as a heat pump, allowing the heat required to heat the caravan to be extracted from the ambient air and transferred to the air inside the caravan. No fossil fuels are required for this; any energy required to operate the air conditioning module can be obtained from a battery or a fixed power connection, such as one available at a campsite. In the case of a battery, this can be charged independently, for example, via a photovoltaic system or a wind turbine. In a preferred embodiment, the air conditioning module can be operated reversibly, making it possible to cool the caravan with the air conditioning module, i.e., to use the air conditioning module as an air conditioning system.
[0007] Furthermore, the air conditioning module can also be operated in such a way that a caravan is ventilated using the air conditioning module, meaning that only fresh air from the surrounding area is supplied to the caravan. The air conditioning module can also be operated in such a way that any accumulated heat is dissipated from the vehicle. Furthermore, the air conditioning module can be used to dehumidify the caravan's interior, even in conjunction with operation as an air conditioning system. Heat exchangers, fans, and compressors are typically relatively large components that require a relatively large amount of installation space.The inventive arrangement of the external heat exchanger, the internal heat exchanger, the external fan, the internal fan, and the compressor in a plane that runs vertically when the air conditioning module is installed allows for a relatively narrow, flat air conditioning module that requires little installation space and a small footprint, thus allowing more freedom of movement for people in a caravan. For this purpose, the air conditioning module is preferably designed in a tower shape, i.e., it is tall and has a relatively small footprint.
[0008] The air conditioning module is preferably designed to extend essentially from the floor to the ceiling of a caravan. For this purpose, the height of the air conditioning module is, for example, between 170 cm and 240 cm. Such a design makes it possible to direct heated air to the floor area or, alternatively, cool air to the ceiling area. For comfortable room climate control, it is extremely advantageous to introduce cold, descending air into the ceiling area for cooling or warm, rising air into the floor area for heating. Storage space can be provided between the air conditioning module and the floor and / or between the air conditioning module and the ceiling.
[0009] The indoor heat exchanger and / or the outdoor heat exchanger can be arranged diagonally between two side walls of the air conditioning module, so that a comparatively large indoor heat exchanger or outdoor heat exchanger can be accommodated on a comparatively small footprint of the air conditioning module.
[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the indoor fan is arranged above or below the indoor heat exchanger, so that almost the entire cross section of the air conditioning module can be used for the indoor heat exchanger.
[0011] An additional heater can be provided, which can provide a higher amount of heat on demand at short notice than is possible with the air conditioning module alone. Increasing the exhaust temperature can increase comfort. The additional heater can be electrically operated or, if desired, powered by fossil fuels, such as those supplied from a gas cylinder (i.e., propane or butane, or a propane-butane mixture). Of course, environmentally friendly fuels such as bioethanol can also be used.
[0012] The additional heater can be located at the level of the indoor heat exchanger and / or at the level of the indoor fan so that it can be integrated into the circulation path of the air to be heated with short flow paths.
[0013] According to the invention, an interior switching flap is provided, with which the air flow can be switched between an upper and a lower air outlet. When the air conditioning module is used for heating, the heated air is introduced into the interior of the caravan through the lower air inlet, allowing it to rise from there and ensure natural circulation. If, however, the air conditioning module is used for cooling, the air is introduced into the interior of the caravan via the upper air outlet. In this case, natural circulation is also achieved. The design thus optimally utilizes the possibilities of natural and therefore low-energy circulation.
[0014] The air outlet can be designed as a connection for a vehicle-mounted air ducting system, which can direct the heated or cooled air to a variety of air vents distributed throughout the caravan. This is particularly advantageous for larger caravans.
[0015] Alternatively, the air outlet can also be an air vent – preferably a separate unit and essentially directly connected to the air conditioning module – so that the air is drawn directly from the air conditioning module into the caravan's interior. This cost- and installation-time-saving design is sufficient, for example, for air conditioning smaller caravans.
[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air vent is a lower air vent and is equipped with an electric heating element. This embodiment is based on the phenomenon that an air flow heated by a heat pump is sometimes perceived by a user as unpleasantly warm, even though it actually has a temperature of up to 50°C. A heat pump cannot achieve a higher vent temperature, at least not with a technical outlay that is generally acceptable and justifiable for use in a caravan. Therefore, the electric heating element of the embodiment can further heat the air leaving the vent, so that a user perceives the air as pleasantly warm.
[0017] In order to ensure optimal use of the installation space, the external fan can be arranged at the same height as the external heat exchanger.
[0018] Preferably, an external switching flap is provided with which the air flow can be switched between an external opening leading into the (outside) environment and a (different) upper air outlet leading into the caravan interior, so that the air can be directed in the desired direction depending on the respective operating mode.
[0019] The external reversing flap can be concave on the side associated with the external opening and / or on the side associated with the (other) upper air outlet, viewed in cross-section through its pivot axis, so that the air is optimally guided with low flow resistance depending on the position of the external reversing flap. Preferably, both sides are concave, with the curvature of the side of the external reversing flap associated with the external opening preferably being less than the curvature of the side associated with the upper air outlet.
[0020] The external switching flap can have a sealing surface that interacts with a concave surface of an air guiding structure of the air conditioning module. The sealing surface preferably comprises a sealing surface edge that is convex with a center of curvature located on the pivot axis of the external switching flap. In this way, reliable sealing can be ensured with minimal effort in one of the end positions of the external switching flap.
[0021] According to one embodiment, a height adjustment element is provided, allowing the air conditioning module to be flexibly adapted to different room heights. This allows the use of a standardized air conditioning module that can be installed in caravans of different heights. The height adjustment element can form part of the air conditioning module.
[0022] The height adjustment element can be designed as a telescopic element, with a bellows, or as a rigid adapter, allowing for a visually appealing connection to the caravan's ceiling with minimal effort. The height adjustment element can also be designed as a storage compartment, for example, for a domestic water tank.
[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the height adjustment element has an upper air outlet. If the height adjustment element is arranged at an upper end of the air conditioning module, cooled air near the ceiling can be introduced into the interior of the caravan through this upper air outlet when the air conditioning module is operating as an air conditioning system. A height adjustment element arranged at an upper end of the air conditioning module can also be referred to as an upper height adjustment element. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," etc., refer to the installed state in a caravan.
[0024] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the height adjustment element has a lower air outlet. If the height adjustment element is arranged at a lower end of the air conditioning module, heated air near the floor can be introduced into the interior of the caravan through this lower air outlet when the air conditioning module is operating as a heater. A height adjustment element arranged at a lower end of the air conditioning module can also be referred to as a lower height adjustment element. For installation in a caravan, an upper height adjustment element or a lower height adjustment element can be provided for adaptation to the caravan interior height. Of course, both an upper height adjustment element and a lower height adjustment element can also be provided.It is also possible to integrate a cable duct into the air conditioning module so that cables to, for example, a photovoltaic system or an antenna on the roof of the caravan can be led into the interior of the caravan with little effort.
[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, a water heater is also integrated into the air conditioning module, eliminating the need for a separate water heater. The air conditioning module then represents a self-contained unit that incorporates essential components to be installed in the caravan.
[0026] The water heater may include an electric heater or an air-to-water heat exchanger, so that the warm air provided by the air conditioning module operating as a heat pump can be used to heat the water in the water heater.
[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a control unit is integrated into the air conditioning module so that the air conditioning module can be mounted as a self-contained unit that does not need to be wired to a separately designed control unit.
[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, if the air vent is equipped with an electric heating element, occupancy detection is preferably provided, so that the electric heating element is only operated when a person is near the corresponding air vent. One example is an air vent located near a bench. The electric heating element is only operated when a person is sitting on the bench. Otherwise, the air can leave the air vent at the temperature that can be achieved with the internal heat exchanger.
[0029] A control unit can also be integrated into the air conditioning module so that an operator can make all desired inputs directly on the air conditioning module, for example, specifications for the desired room temperature.
[0030] Temperature sensors can also be integrated into the air conditioning module, so that the air conditioning module, as a standalone unit, is not dependent on receiving information from external sensors. In an alternative or supplementary embodiment, the air conditioning module has at least one interface for receiving measured values from external sensors.
[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a power control unit is integrated into the air conditioning module, which can control the electrical consumption of the air conditioning module and / or the electrical energy consumption of external consumers provided in the caravan in such a way that at no time is more electrical energy consumed than is technically possible at the respective time, for example in view of the maximum permissible current supplied by a stationary power connection to which the caravan is connected, for example at a campsite.
[0032] In a simple design, the power control unit prevents an additional consumer from being switched on if it detects that doing so would exceed the permissible electrical power.
[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the power control unit has a prioritization module. If there is a risk that the permissible power level will be exceeded due to the simultaneous operation of several electrical consumers, the prioritization module makes an "intelligent" decision as to which electrical consumer can be operated and, if so, at what power level (if this power level is selectable, for example). This decision is intelligent in that the immediate consequences of prioritization as well as the expected future power demand of the respective electrical consumer are incorporated into the decision.For example, if a user has selected maximum heating power and then wants to turn on a dishwasher at the same time, it makes more sense to continue running the heater at full power and either not run the dishwasher at all for the time being or to run it at a reduced power, for example, by allowing a longer heating time for the dishwater. Another example is the simultaneous operation of an electric stove and an electric water heater. If the user selects the stove's maximum power, they may want to sear a steak or cauliflower schnitzel. In this case, reducing the available electrical power would result in a much greater loss of comfort than waiting a little longer for hot water.According to one embodiment of the invention, the prioritization module has a learning module configured to generate parameter sets, in particular database entries, using artificial intelligence. The learning module enables the prioritization module to operate in a self-learning manner, so that the decisions are increasingly better adapted to the behavior of the respective user over time. For example, if it is detected that the user regularly showers in the morning, it can be ensured that the water heater is activated before the air conditioning module is activated in the morning to heat the caravan. The learning module can be implemented as a cloud application or as an edge application.
[0034] The air conditioning module can be equipped with side panels designed to be a load-bearing component of the caravan. This allows the caravan manufacturer to save material on other walls.
[0035] The outdoor heat exchanger is preferably designed with vertically arranged fins, allowing condensate to be drained particularly easily. Alternatively, a horizontal arrangement of the fins is possible. A separate condensate drain can be provided, through which the condensate, i.e., the condensate water, can be drained out of the caravan.
[0036] The invention also relates to a modular system with an air conditioning module according to the invention and a set of separate air vents that can be connected directly or indirectly to the lower air outlet of the air conditioning module. A first air vent of the set of separate air vents can be connected directly to the lower air outlet. At least one second air vent of the set of separate air vents can be connected to the lower air outlet via a separate air duct. The first air vent can, for example, be designed as an outlet grille. The separate air duct can also form part of the modular system. A pipe connector, e.g. in the form of a T-piece, can also be provided to connect several separate air vents to the lower air outlet via air ducts.
[0037] An electric heating element can be assigned to at least one second air vent, which is preferably arranged at a distance from the air conditioning module and has an air duct connected to its lower air outlet. Preferably, several such (second) air vents with electric heating elements are distributed throughout the interior of the caravan. The outlet temperature at the respective air vents can then be controlled via a control system assigned to the electric heating elements. By means of an occupancy detection system, which is preferably provided, it is possible to determine where people are located in the motorhome, and the electric heating elements can be controlled accordingly to increase the temperature at the location of the people to a comfortable level.
[0038] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
[0039] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an air conditioning module;
[0040] Figure 2 shows a vertical section through the air conditioning module of Figure 1;
[0041] Figure 3 shows a vertical section through the air conditioning module of Figure 1, the viewing direction being opposite to the viewing direction of the section of Figure 2;
[0042] Figures 3a and 3b are perspective views of an external changeover flap of the air conditioning module of Figure 1;
[0043] Figure 4 shows a vertical section through the air conditioning module of Figure 1, the cutting direction being perpendicular to the cutting direction of the illustration in Figures 2 and 3;
[0044] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a vertical section similar to the section in Figure 2;
[0045] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a horizontal section through the air conditioning module at the level of plane VI-VI of Figure 3;
[0046] Figure 7 shows the section of Figure 2, showing the air flows for a heating operation of the air conditioning module;
[0047] Figure 8 shows the section of Figure 2, showing the air flows for a cooling operation of the air conditioning module; Figure 9 shows the section of Figure 2, showing the air flow for a pre-conditioning of the caravan's interior, which essentially corresponds to a fresh air function;
[0048] Figure 10 shows the section of Figure 2, showing the air flows for a dehumidification operation of the air conditioning module;
[0049] Figure 11 shows the section of Figure 2, showing the air flows for a mixed operation of cooling and dehumidification of the air conditioning module;
[0050] Figure 12 shows the section of Figure 2, wherein the air flows represent an operation of the air conditioning module, including heating, dehumidification and fresh air supply;
[0051] Figure 13 shows schematically an air conditioning module installed in a caravan;
[0052] Figure 14 shows schematically an air conditioning module with a height adjustment element designed as a base element;
[0053] Figure 15 schematically shows an air conditioning module with external air outlets; and
[0054] Figure 16 shows a heating module used instead of the air conditioning module.
[0055] Figures 1 to 6 show a caravan air conditioning module. The term "caravan" is used here as a generic term for caravans, mobile homes, campervans, motorhomes, construction trailers, and similar vehicles, i.e., vehicles that represent mobile accommodation on wheels. However, this also includes boats or ships that provide shelter for sailors after work during a voyage. The air conditioning module serves to heat and cool this accommodation.
[0056] The air conditioning module 1 is designed as a (at least approximately) room-high, enclosed module (see in particular Figure 1) and has the shape of an elongated, flat cuboid. Of the four side walls of the cuboid, two opposite side walls are thus considerably narrower than the other two opposite side walls. Of the narrower, opposite side walls, one side wall preferably forms a front side. If one considers a possible installation state of the air conditioning module 1, the depth of the cuboid (for example, viewed from the front side located in the interior to the rear of the air conditioning module 1 arranged on an outer wall of the caravan) is thus considerably greater than the width. The height, in turn, is considerably greater than the depth. The air conditioning module 1 is designed, in particular, in the shape of a tower.
[0057] The air conditioning module 1 comprises an outdoor heat exchanger 10, an indoor heat exchanger 12, and a compressor 14 as its essential components. Other components, such as switching valves, expansion valves, and the refrigerant pipes, are not shown in detail here for the sake of clarity. The air conditioning module 1 is preferably operable reversibly.
[0058] The external heat exchanger 10 serves to absorb heat from the ambient air outside the caravan or to release it to it (depending on the direction in which the preferably reversible air conditioning module 1 is operated). An external fan 16 is assigned to the external heat exchanger 10, which can be used to generate an air flow through the external heat exchanger 10.
[0059] The interior heat exchanger 12 serves to transfer heat to the interior air within the caravan or to absorb heat from the interior air. An interior fan 18 is assigned to the interior heat exchanger 12, which can generate an air flow through the interior heat exchanger 12.
[0060] The interior heat exchanger 12 is assigned an intake opening 20, which is located on the front of the air conditioning module 1. A protective grille is inserted into the intake opening 20.
[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the internal heat exchanger 12 extends vertically and is arranged obliquely within the cuboid, in that its front edge is located near one side wall of the cuboid and its rear edge is located near the other side wall of the cuboid (see in particular Figures 5 and 6). The air conditioning module 1 is provided with lower air outlets 22, to which air vents 24, shown schematically here, are connected. An air vent 24 can also be an outlet grille, which can, for example, be attached directly to the air outlet 22.
[0062] As an alternative to the illustrated air vents 24, a vehicle-mounted air guidance system can also be connected to the air outlets 22. These represent a uniform interface by means of which the air vents or the vehicle-mounted air guidance system can be connected, depending on requirements, essentially without any structural changes.
[0063] On its upper side, the air conditioning module 1 is provided with two air outlets 26, 28, one of which leads to the vehicle interior and the other to the outside of the caravan. The air outlet 28 is also referred to as the exterior opening.
[0064] The upper air outlet 26 is designed here, in particular, as an air vent into the vehicle interior. It can also be provided that a vehicle-mounted air ducting system is connected here, which directs the air in the area of the caravan's ceiling.
[0065] An inside switching flap 30 and an outside switching flap 32 are provided for switching between the different operating modes and the different air flow paths required for this purpose.
[0066] The internal switching flap 30 is designed, in particular, as a flat flap that can be pivoted through an angle of the order of 60° between two stops 34. In the respective end positions, the internal switching flap 30 rests on one or the other side of an outlet opening 36 of the internal fan 18.
[0067] The exterior switchover flap 32 is concave on the side 32.1 associated with the upper air outlet 26 and on the opposite side 32.2 associated with the outlet opening 28. The curvature on side 32.1 may be greater than the curvature on side 32.2 to enable improved, more unimpeded air flow into the interior of a caravan (see in particular Figures 2, 3, 3a and 3b, 9). The two sides 32.1, 32.2 of the exterior switchover flap 32 are connected to a sealing surface 38 in section, which interacts with a concave surface 40 of an air guide structure 42 of the air conditioning module 1. The sealing surface 38 preferably comprises a convex sealing surface edge 38.1, which in particular surrounds a concave side 32.3 of the outer switching flap 32, which lies between the sides 32.1 and 32.2 (see Figures 32a, 32b).The center of curvature of the sealing surface edge 38 and the concave surface 40 coincide with the pivot axis 44 of the external switching flap 32. This third concave side 32.3 serves to enable air flow from the guide structure 42 to the upper air outlet 26 when the external switching flap 32 is pivoted such that its sealing surface 38 partially points toward the upper air outlet 26.
[0068] The external switching flap 32 is preferably provided with a perforation on at least one of its sides 32.1, 32.2, 32.3, particularly preferably on all of its sides 32.1, 32.2, 32.3. Insulating material, for example, foam, is provided between the sides 32.1, 32.2, 32.3, resulting in improved sound insulation (see Figures 3a and 3b). The sides 32.1, 32.2, and 32.3 are preferably made of plastic.
[0069] Alternatively, the sides 32.1, 32.2, 32.3 can be formed from insulating material (e.g., foam), wherein between the sides 32.1, 32.2, 32.3 (i.e., within the external changeover flap 32), a support structure for supporting these insulating material sides is preferably provided, which support structure can be made of plastic or metal. The air guide structure 42 here consists of an air guide duct, with which air can be guided from an internal fan 18 to the upper air outlet 26, and of the air guide duct of the external fan 16. As can be seen in particular in Figure 4, these two air guide ducts are designed to lie next to one another (see the air guide duct 46, with which the air is guided from the internal fan 18 to the upper air outlet 26, and the fan duct 48).
[0070] As can be seen particularly in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the external fan 18 and the air guide structure 42, which defines the air guide channel 46, are arranged laterally next to the external heat exchanger 10. The internal heat exchanger 12, being arranged at an angle, extends across the entire width of the air conditioning module 1. The internal fan 18 is arranged above the internal heat exchanger 12.
[0071] Above the interior fan 18 and below the inclined air guide structure 42, an installation space 50 is created for the compressor 14 of the air conditioning module 1. Valves and other components, for example, can also be arranged in this space.
[0072] An auxiliary heater 52 is arranged to the side of the internal heat exchanger 12 and the internal fan 18. It serves to supply additional heat, as needed, to the air flow generated by the internal heat exchanger 12. The auxiliary heater 52 can be powered electrically or by a fuel.
[0073] The side walls 54 of the air conditioning module 1, shown schematically in Figure 6, are designed with such rigidity and load-bearing capacity that an inherently stable module is created that supports all necessary components. Furthermore, the side walls 54 can also be designed with such strength that the air conditioning module 1 can be integrated into the caravan as a load-bearing component.
[0074] A user interface 56 is integrated into the front panel of the air conditioning module 1, allowing an operator to control all functions of the air conditioning module. This can be a touch-sensitive display, thus representing, in particular, an HMI (Human-Machine Interface).
[0075] The control interface can also, or alternatively, include a module for wireless connection to a user's mobile phone, allowing the user to control all functions via an app on their phone. This allows the user, for example, to activate the heating in advance as soon as they know they'll soon be returning to the caravan from, say, a trip.
[0076] Figure 7 schematically shows the various air paths for a mode in which the air conditioning module 1 is used to heat the interior of the caravan. In this operating mode, the air conditioning module 1 actually operates as a heat pump in the sense that heat is extracted from the ambient air by means of the external heat exchanger 10. The external heat exchanger 10 therefore functions as an evaporator, while the internal heat exchanger 12 functions as a condenser. The internal changeover flap 30 is in the upper position, closing the connection from the internal fan 18 to the air guiding structure 42 and to the upper area of the air conditioning module 1. When the internal fan 18 is operating, air is sucked in through the intake opening 20 and the internal heat exchanger 12 and directed from the internal fan 18 through the auxiliary heater 52 to the air outlets 24.
[0077] The outside changeover flap 32 is in a position in which the outside fan 16 is connected to the outside opening 28; the upper air outlet 26 is not used in this mode.
[0078] The outside fan 16 draws in ambient air directly through the outside heat exchanger 10 and releases it back to the outside via the outside opening 28.
[0079] Figure 8 shows the air conditioning module in a mode in which the air conditioning module 1 is operated in reverse, so that it functions as an air conditioner. The indoor heat exchanger 12 thus acts as an evaporator, while the outdoor heat exchanger 10 operates as a condenser.
[0080] The air flow through the outdoor heat exchanger 10 is the same as in the operating mode shown in Figure 7. However, the indoor changeover flap 30 is now pivoted into its lower position, so that the air sucked in by the indoor fan 18 through the intake opening 20, after being cooled as it passes through the indoor heat exchanger 12, is guided through the air guiding structure 42 to the upper air outlet 26. From there, it is introduced into the interior of the caravan. To remove the condensate produced during cooling, a condensate drain / condensate outlet, e.g. a condensate hose, can be provided via which the condenser can be drained outwards or to the side by gravity. A condensate pump can also be provided to transport the condensate to a higher level before it is drained from the air conditioning module via the condensate outlet. A condensate drain is described as an example in connection with Figure 13.Figure 9 shows an operating mode in which the air conditioning module 1 is used to pre-cool (pre-condition) the interior of the caravan when it has heated up to a temperature above the ambient air temperature. In this mode, only the outside fan 16 is operated, and the outside changeover flap 32 is in a position in which it connects the outlet opening of the outside fan 16 to the upper air outlet 26. After the interior has been brought to ambient temperature, the air conditioning module 1 can subsequently be operated as an air conditioning system if the temperature in the interior of the caravan needs to be reduced even further.
[0081] Figure 10 shows an operating mode in which the air conditioning module 1 is used to dehumidify the interior of the caravan. The air paths and the positions of the switching flaps 30, 32 correspond to the air paths and switching flap positions shown in Figure 7, in which the air conditioning module 1 is operated as a heat pump. The interior switching flap 30 is therefore in the upper position, in which it closes the connection from the interior fan 18 to the air guide structure 42 and to the upper area of the air conditioning module 1. The exterior switching flap 32 is in a position in which the exterior fan 16 is connected to the exterior opening 28; the upper air outlet 26 is also not used in this mode.
[0082] When the interior fan 18 is operating, moist air is drawn in through the intake opening 20 and the interior heat exchanger 12 and directed by the interior fan 18 through the auxiliary heater 52 to the air outlets 24. At least some of the moisture is separated by condensation at the interior heat exchanger 12 and expelled via a condensate outlet. The interior heat exchanger 12 is preferably in a cold state. The auxiliary heater 52 heats the air dried in this way to a temperature desired for the interior of the caravan, which is then directed back into the interior of the caravan via the air outlets 24.
[0083] Figure 11 shows a mixed operation of the air conditioning module 1, in which the interior of the caravan is cooled (ie the air conditioning module 1 acts as an air conditioning system) and the air in the interior of the caravan is dehumidified.
[0084] The air flow through the outdoor heat exchanger 10 is the same as in the operating modes shown in Figures 7, 8, and 10. The position of the outdoor changeover flap 32 also corresponds to the position shown in Figures 7, 8, and 10. However, the indoor changeover flap 30 is now pivoted into an intermediate position between the lower position shown in Figure 8 and the upper position shown in Figure 10, so that the air sucked in by the indoor fan 18 through the intake opening 20, after being cooled as it passes through the indoor heat exchanger 12 and dehumidified by condensation thereon, is guided on the one hand through the air guide structure 42 to the upper air outlet 26 and on the other hand via the auxiliary heater 52 to the air vents 24. From the upper air outlet 26 and the air vents 24, it is introduced into the interior of the caravan.
[0085] As described in connection with Figure 10, moisture is removed from the moist air in the caravan's interior by condensation at the interior heat exchanger 12, and the thus dried air is heated to a desired temperature for the interior by means of the auxiliary heater 52. In the operating mode shown in Figure 11, dried air that has not been heated (i.e., not (re-)heated) by the auxiliary heater 52 is directed into the interior via the upper air outlet 26.
[0086] Figure 12 shows the air conditioning module 1 in a winter operating mode, in which on the one hand cold (and thus dry) fresh air from the environment is supplied to the interior of the caravan, and on the other hand the air from the interior of the caravan is dehumidified and heated.
[0087] As with the fresh air function described in connection with Figure 9, the outside switchover flap 32 is in a position in which it connects the outlet opening of the outside fan 16 with the upper air outlet 26. The inside switchover flap 30 is in the upper position described in connection with Figures 7, 9, and 10. Cold, often drier fresh air from the environment is supplied to the interior of the caravan via the upper air outlet 26 via the outside heat exchanger 10 and the outside fan 16.
[0088] Furthermore, moist air from the caravan's interior is passed through the auxiliary heater 52 via the interior heat exchanger 12 and the interior fan 18, where it is dried and heated to a temperature sufficient to heat the interior to a specified temperature in winter. The heated air is then returned to the caravan's interior via the air outlets 24.
[0089] Figure 13 shows the air conditioning module 1 schematically installed in a caravan, of which a floor 2, a ceiling 3 and an outer wall 4 can be seen.
[0090] A height adjustment element 60 is arranged above the air conditioning module 1, which is designed here as a telescopically movable panel. The height adjustment element 60 closes the space between the air conditioning module 1 and the ceiling 3. The height adjustment element 60 is also referred to as the upper height adjustment element. The height adjustment element 60 can be part of the air conditioning module 1.
[0091] This space can be used either as a storage compartment or as an air vent or vent. For example, the upper height adjustment element 60 can have an upper air vent (not shown) through which, for example, cool air is directed into the caravan's interior from above during the air conditioning mode shown in Figure 8 or fresh air is directed from above during the fresh air / pre-conditioning mode shown in Figure 9.
[0092] Figure 13 also schematically shows a controller 62 which serves to control the air conditioning module 1.
[0093] The controller 62 can receive signals from one or more temperature sensors 64 installed in the air conditioning module 1. Furthermore, external signals can be processed, which are schematically indicated here by the arrow P. A water heater 66, shown schematically here, can also be integrated into the air conditioning module 1.
[0094] A power control unit with a prioritization module can also be integrated into the controller 62. The power control unit can be used to control the various consumers in such a way that a predefined, possibly variable, value for a maximum connected load is not exceeded.
[0095] A learning module can also be used, which uses artificial intelligence to recognize the behavior of the air conditioning module's user and, based on user behavior, assigns different priorities to different consumers. For example, processes that cannot be interrupted at all or are difficult to interrupt (e.g., operating a dishwasher) can have a higher priority than other processes that can easily be run at lower power or can be interrupted completely, such as the provision of hot water.
[0096] Figure 13 also schematically shows a condensate drain / condensate outlet 68.
[0097] The air conditioning module 1 can also have a forced ventilation system (not shown) in accordance with DIN EN 721, which serves to ensure that the CO2 content in the caravan's interior does not increase disproportionately. The forced ventilation system can, for example, be implemented as a continuous opening leading from the caravan's interior to the surrounding area.
[0098] Figure 14 shows the air conditioning module 1 with a height adjustment element 60' arranged beneath its base surface, which is also referred to as the lower height adjustment element and can be part of the air conditioning module 1. When installed, the height adjustment element 60' closes the space between the air conditioning module 1 and the floor 2 (see Figure 13). The height adjustment element 60' is preferably designed as a base. Like the upper height adjustment element 60 shown in Figure 13, the lower height adjustment element 60' can be designed as a telescopically movable panel.
[0099] According to a preferred embodiment, the lower height compensation element 60' forms a storage compartment for a service water tank 90.
[0100] The height compensation element 60' preferably has a lower air outlet 60.1, through which warm air can be introduced into the interior of the caravan during heating operation described in connection with Figure 7. If a domestic hot water tank 90 is provided in the height compensation element 60', the lower air outlet 60.1 is arranged below the domestic hot water tank 90, and the warm air is guided underneath the domestic hot water tank 90. In this way, warm air can also be used to heat the water in the domestic hot water tank 90, thereby fulfilling the function of a thermal bath.
[0101] Additionally, an upper air outlet 60.2 may be provided, which is located above a service water tank 90, if provided in the height compensation element 60'. Warm air can also be introduced into the interior of the caravan via the upper air outlet 60.2, whereby the warm air can additionally heat the water in the service water tank 90 from above.
[0102] Figure 15 shows the air conditioning module 1 together with several external air vents 24, 24', 24" (also called outlet nozzles) connected to the lower air outlet 22 of the air conditioning module 1. The air conditioning module 1 and the set of external air vents 24, 24', 24" form a modular system within the meaning of the invention. The air vent 24 is an outlet grille that can, for example, be attached directly to the air outlet 22. The air vent 24' is an air vent arranged remotely from the air outlet 22 and connected to it by an air duct.
[0103] The 24" air vent is an air vent equipped with an electrical heating element 70, shown schematically here. The electrical heating element 70 can, for example, be an electrical heating resistor or a Peltier element, which can be arranged in the 24" air vent. This can also create zones. Otherwise, the outlet temperature is also increased locally. This can be activated and controlled by the controller 62 of the air conditioning module 1 in order to heat the air flowing out there above the temperature to which the air can be heated by the air conditioning module 1 operated as a heat pump. If several decentralized 24" air vents with electrical heating elements 70 are provided, zones of different or the same temperature can be created in the interior by appropriate control. The local outlet temperature can also be increased.In this way, the user's subjective feeling of comfort can be increased. Advantageously, the air conditioning module 1 shown in Figure 15 can dispense with the auxiliary heater 52, particularly since the electric heating element 70 is provided.
[0104] The air vent 24" is assigned an occupancy detection device 72, shown schematically here, with which the controller 62 can detect whether a user is located near the air vent 24", for example, whether a user is sitting on a bench where the air vent 24" is located. Only when a person is present there - e.g., in a respective and / or selectable operating mode - is the electric heating element 70 activated. Otherwise, the air flows out of the air vent 24" at the temperature provided by the air conditioning module 1.
[0105] All air vents 24, 24', and 24" are characterized by the fact that they can be connected to the air outlet 22 without major technical modifications. Thus, for example, a user can decide whether to order the air conditioning module from a supplier with only the air vents 24 located directly there, with decentrally arranged air vents 24', and / or with decentralized air vents 24" equipped with an electric heating element 70 as a comfort function. The air outlet 22 and an air vent 24 located directly there can also be designed as a single piece.
[0106] Figure 16 shows a variant in which an electric heating module 5 is arranged in the installation space in which the air conditioning module 1 is arranged in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 14. This module has a fan 80 and an electric heating element 82, which heats air drawn in from the interior of the caravan. This air can then be discharged via the air outlets 24, 24', or 24".
[0107] Since the heating module 5 can be accommodated within the same installation space as the air conditioning module 1, the caravan manufacturer can offer different equipment variants without having to take into account the layout of the interior design as to whether the customer later decides for the air conditioning module 1 or the heating module 5.
Claims
Patent claims 1. Air conditioning module (1) for a caravan or similar, with - an external heat exchanger (10) designed to interact with ambient air, - an internal heat exchanger (12) designed to interact with the air inside the caravan, - a compressor (14), - an internal fan (18) associated with the internal heat exchanger (12) and with which an air flow through the internal heat exchanger (12) can be generated, and - an external fan (16) which is assigned to the external heat exchanger (10) and with which an air flow can be generated through the external heat exchanger 10, wherein an internal switching flap (30) is provided with which the air flow can be switched between a lower and an upper air outlet (22, 26), wherein the external heat exchanger (10), the internal heat exchanger (12), the internal fan (18), the external fan (16) and the compressor (14) are arranged in a plane which is vertical in the installed state, and wherein the air conditioning module is tower-shaped.
2. Air conditioning module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the height of the air conditioning module (1) is between 170 cm and 240 cm.
3. Air conditioning module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external heat exchanger (10) is arranged above the internal heat exchanger (12).
4. Air conditioning module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the internal heat exchanger (12) and / or the external heat exchanger (10) is arranged obliquely between two side walls of the air conditioning module (1).
5. Air conditioning module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the internal fan (18) is arranged above or below the internal heat exchanger (12).
6. Air conditioning module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an additional heater (52) is provided.
7. Air conditioning module (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the additional heater (52) can be operated electrically or with a fuel.
8. Air conditioning module (1) according to one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that the additional heater (52) is arranged at the height of the internal heat exchanger (12) and / or at the height of the internal fan (18).
9. Air conditioning module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air outlet (22, 26) is designed as a connection for a vehicle-mounted air guidance system or is an air vent (24).
10. Air conditioning module (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that when the air outlet (22) is designed as an air vent, the air vent is a lower air vent (24) and is provided with an electric heating element (70).
11. Air conditioning module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external fan (16) is arranged at the same height as the external heat exchanger (10).
12. Air conditioning module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external fan (16) is arranged above or below the external heat exchanger (10).
13. Air conditioning module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an external switching flap (32) is provided, with which the air flow can be switched between an external opening (28) and an upper air outlet (26), wherein the external switching flap (32) has a side (32.1) associated with the upper air outlet (26) and a side (32.2) associated with the outlet opening (28).
14. Air conditioning module (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one of the two sides (32.1, 32.2) is provided with a perforation and an insulating material is arranged between the two sides.
15. Air conditioning module (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one of the two sides (32.1, 32.2) is made of insulating material.
16. Air conditioning module (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the two sides (32.1, 32.2) of the external switching flap (32) are formed from insulating material and a support structure is provided between the two sides (32.1, 32.2).
17. Air conditioning module (1) according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the external switching flap (32) is concave at least on one side (32.1, 32.2) when viewed in cross section through its pivot axis (44).
18. Air conditioning module (1) according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the external switching flap (32) has a sealing surface (38) with a sealing surface edge (38.1) which is convex with a center of curvature which lies on the pivot axis (44) of the external switching flap (32), wherein the sealing surface edge (38.1) interacts with a concave surface of an air guiding structure (40) of the air conditioning module (1).
19. Air conditioning module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one height compensation element (60, 60') is provided with which the air conditioning module (1) can be adapted to different room heights.
20. Air conditioning module (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that the height compensation element (60, 60') operates telescopically or with a bellows.
21. Air conditioning module (1) according to one of claims 19 and 20, characterized in that the height compensation element (60, 60') has an upper air outlet and / or a lower air outlet.
22. Air conditioning module (1) according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the height compensation element (60') forms a storage space.
23. Air conditioning module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that side walls (54) are provided which are designed to be a supporting component of the caravan and / or of a furniture structure provided in the caravan.
24. Air conditioning module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external heat exchanger (10) is designed with vertically arranged fins.
25. Modular system with an air conditioning module (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a set of separate air outlets (24, 24', 24") which can be connected directly or indirectly to the lower air outlet (22) of the air conditioning module (1).
26. Modular system according to claim 25, characterized in that a first of the air vents (24) can be connected directly to the lower air outlet (22) and a second air vent (24', 24") is connected to the lower air outlet (22) via a separate air duct, wherein the first air vent (24) is designed in particular as an outlet grille.
27. Modular system according to claim 26, characterized in that an electric heating element (70) is assigned to the second air vent (24"), wherein the modular system preferably has an occupancy detection device (72).
28. Caravan with an air conditioning module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air conditioning module (1) is installed between the ceiling (2) and floor (3) of a caravan.