Air-conditioning module for a caravan or the like, and method for the operation of the air-conditioning module

Abstract

The invention relates to an air-conditioning module (1) for a caravan or the like, said air-conditioning module (1) comprising a reversibly operable heat pump that includes an exterior heat exchanger (10) provided for interacting with ambient air, an interior heat exchanger (12) provided for interacting with the air inside the caravan, an interior fan (18) associated with the interior heat exchanger (12), and an exterior fan (16) associated with the exterior heat exchanger (10), wherein a controller is provided that is configured and suitable for operating the air-conditioning module (1) in a comfort-oriented mode or a power-oriented mode.

Description

[0001] Air conditioning module for a caravan or similar and method for operating the air conditioning module

[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 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] The invention also relates to a method for operating such an air conditioning module.

[0004] 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.

[0005] There is usually a conflict of objectives when all comfort requirements are to be met simultaneously, in particular high heating performance and low noise levels during operation.

[0006] The object of the invention is to air condition a caravan in such a way that the different requirements are met as optimally as possible.

[0007] To achieve this object, the invention provides an air conditioning module for a caravan or the like, wherein the air conditioning module has an external heat exchanger which is intended to interact with ambient air, and an internal heat exchanger which is intended to interact with the air inside the caravan, as well as a compressor, wherein an internal fan is provided which is assigned to the internal heat exchanger, and an external fan which is assigned to the external heat exchanger and with which an air flow through the external heat exchanger can be generated, wherein a controller is provided which is designed and suitable to operate the air conditioning module in a comfort-oriented mode or in a performance-oriented mode.Furthermore, a method for operating such an air conditioning module is provided, in which the air conditioning module is operated by the controller in a comfort-oriented mode or in a performance-oriented mode. The controller can switch from the comfort-oriented mode to the performance-oriented mode and vice versa.

[0008] The climate control module operates in comfort-oriented mode, especially at night, so that the sleep of the caravan's occupants is not disturbed. The performance-oriented mode is used especially when the caravan's interior temperature needs to be brought to a specified target temperature in the shortest possible time, for example, when the interior needs to be quickly heated to a comfortable temperature or cooled down to a pleasant temperature.

[0009] 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.

[0010] Furthermore, the air conditioning module can also be operated in such a way that a caravan is ventilated by means of the air conditioning module, i.e. that only fresh air from the environment is supplied to the caravan with the air conditioning module. 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 interior, even in conjunction with operation as an air conditioning system. According to one embodiment of the invention, the air conditioning module has at least one air vent equipped with an electric heating element that is switched on by the control system as needed. With the electric heating element, the temperature of the air flowing out of the air vent can be increased beyond the values ​​that can be achieved with the air conditioning module operated as a heat pump.This is particularly useful when a person is in close proximity to the corresponding air vent. It has been found that the airflow provided by the air conditioning module, which operates as a heat pump, may still be perceived as unpleasantly cool by some people.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air conditioning module has an auxiliary heater that can be operated electrically and / or with a fuel. The auxiliary heater can be used either in performance-oriented mode in parallel with the air conditioning module operating as a heat pump, or alternatively in comfort-oriented mode without the air conditioning module operating as a heat pump. The auxiliary heater can be operated electrically or, if desired, with fossil fuels, for example, from a gas cylinder (i.e., propane or butane, or a propane-butane mixture). Environmentally friendly fuels such as bioethanol can also be used.

[0012] In comfort-oriented mode, the interior fan can be operated at a speed significantly lower than the speed at which the fan operates when the air conditioning module is operating at maximum heating output. This reduces the operating noise of the air conditioning module perceptible inside the caravan.

[0013] The comfort-oriented mode can be activated automatically by the control system at night without the operator having to select it manually.

[0014] Using a control unit, the available electrical power of a stationary power connection can be specified, ensuring that the control system does not activate more electrical heating elements or additional heaters than can be switched on with regard to the maximum connected load.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, consumers are prioritized using a power control system, whereby consumers outside the air conditioning module can also be taken into account. For example, the power of an external water heater can be taken into account, as can the power of an electric dishwasher or an electric cooktop.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the power control unit can query data records from a database generated by a learning module. The data records reflect user-specific usage behavior to which the operation of the air conditioning module can be adapted. Thus, if the learning module recognizes that users usually get up at a certain time in the morning, the temperature in the caravan's interior can be raised to the desired daytime temperature in good time. It can also be provided that a water heater is activated with sufficient preheating before the heat pump (i.e., the air conditioning module in heat pump mode) is switched on in the morning.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control system switches from comfort-oriented mode to performance-oriented mode when it detects the first activity of a user in the morning. Such an activity could be, for example, turning on a consumer device or connecting a user's mobile phone to the caravan's internal network.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, when icing of the outdoor heat exchanger is detected, the control system switches to a defrost cycle in which the heat pump operation of the air conditioning module is switched off and the auxiliary heater and / or the electric heating element are activated. This makes it possible to continue heating the interior of the caravan even if no heat can be provided by a heat pump for a defrost cycle. During the defrost cycle, the refrigeration circuit is reversed. The refrigeration circuit runs in air conditioning mode (cooling), with no air flow passing over the evaporator (indoor heat exchanger). In this mode, heating cannot be provided via the air conditioning module's heat pump operating mode. Therefore, heating is provided by the auxiliary heater or the electric heating element. An alternative to this defrost cycle is so-called hot gas bypass defrosting, which is well known in refrigeration technology.Finally, separate heating elements could also be used, which are integrated into the heat exchanger and are activated when defrosting is required.

[0019] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0020] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an air conditioning module;

[0021] Figure 2 shows a vertical section through the air conditioning module of Figure 1;

[0022] 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;

[0023] Figures 3a and 3b are perspective views of an external changeover flap of the air conditioning module of Figure 1;

[0024] Figure 4 shows a vertical section through the air conditioning module of Figure 1, the section direction being perpendicular to the section direction of the illustration in Figures 2 and 3;

[0025] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a vertical section similar to the section in Figure 2;

[0026] 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;

[0027] Figure 7 shows the section of Figure 2, showing the air flows for a heating operation of the air conditioning module;

[0028] 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;

[0029] Figure 10 shows the section of Figure 2, showing the air flows for a dehumidification operation of the air conditioning module;

[0030] 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;

[0031] 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;

[0032] Figure 13 shows schematically an air conditioning module installed in a caravan;

[0033] Figure 14 shows schematically an air conditioning module with a height adjustment element designed as a base element; and

[0034] Figure 15 shows a schematic of an air conditioning module with external air outlets.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 significantly 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 significantly greater than the width. The height, in turn, is significantly greater than the depth. The air conditioning module 1 is designed, in particular, in the shape of a tower.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 associated with the interior heat exchanger 12, which can generate an air flow through the interior heat exchanger 12.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The external switching 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, wherein the curvature on the side 32.1 can be greater than the curvature of the side 32.2 in order to enable an improved, more unhindered air transfer into the interior of a caravan (see in particular Figures 2, 3, 3a and 3b, 9).

[0048] The two sides 32.1, 32.2 of the external switching flap 32 are connected to a sealing surface 38 in section, which interacts with a concave surface 40 of an air guiding structure 42 of the air conditioning module 1. The sealing surface 38 preferably comprises a convex sealing surface edge

[0049] 38.1, which in particular surrounds a concave side 32.3 of the external 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 it partially points with its sealing surface 38 toward the upper air outlet 26.

[0050] The external switching flap 32 is preferably at least on one of its sides 32.1, 32.2, 32.3, particularly preferably on all of its sides 32.1,

[0051] 32.2, 32.3, provided with a perforation, whereby between the pages 32.1 ,

[0052] 32.2, 32.3, insulating material, such as foam, is provided, resulting in improved sound insulation (see Figures 3a and 3b). Sides 32.1, 32.2, and 32.3 are preferably made of plastic.

[0053] 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).

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] This operating mode represents a performance-oriented mode, as the air conditioning module, operating as a heat pump, transfers a large amount of heat into the interior. This is especially true when the auxiliary heater 52 is operating simultaneously.

[0064] To switch to a comfort-oriented mode, the compressor 14 and the outdoor fan 16 are switched off, so that the heat pump operation of the air conditioning module 1 is no longer active. The indoor fan 18 is operated at a reduced speed, and the auxiliary heater 52 is also operated. In the comfort-oriented mode, the auxiliary heater 52 therefore provides the amount of heat used to heat the interior of the caravan. Alternatively, a comfort-oriented mode is also possible in which the heat pump operation of the air conditioning module 1 is not completely switched off, so that the air conditioning module 1, operated as a heat pump, runs / operates at a very low and particularly quiet operating level, either alone or together with the auxiliary heater 52. Since the outdoor fan 16 is not operated, a particularly low noise level results.

[0065] The comfort-oriented mode can be selected manually by a user. It is particularly preferred that the comfort-oriented mode be activated automatically at night, similar to the nighttime reduction of a heating system in a property.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 through 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] As with the fresh air function described in connection with Figure 9, the outside switching 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 switching flap 30 is in the upper position described in connection with Figures 7, 9, and 10.

[0076] Cold, often drier fresh air from the environment is supplied to the interior of the caravan via the upper air outlet 26 via the external heat exchanger 10 and the external fan 16.

[0077] 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 sufficient temperature to heat the interior to a specified temperature in winter. The heated air is then fed back into the caravan's interior via the air vents 24. Figure 13 shows a schematic representation of the air conditioning module 1 installed in a caravan, showing a floor 2, a ceiling 3, and an exterior wall 4.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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 mode shown in Figure 9.

[0080] Figure 13 also schematically shows a controller 62 which serves to control the air conditioning module 1.

[0081] 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.

[0082] A water heater 66, shown schematically here, can also be integrated into the air conditioning module 1.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] The learning module is particularly suitable for recognizing over time when a user desires the comfort-oriented mode or when to switch from the comfort-oriented mode to the performance-oriented mode.

[0086] Figure 13 also schematically shows a condensate drain / condensate outlet 68.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] According to a preferred embodiment, the lower height compensation element 60' forms a storage compartment for a service water tank 90.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] The 24" air vents are particularly advantageous for the comfort-oriented mode, as they allow the air introduced into the interior to be heated to a comparatively high temperature without the air conditioning module having to be operated as a heat pump.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Air conditioning module (1) for a caravan or similar, with an external heat exchanger (10) which is intended to interact with ambient air, an internal heat exchanger (12) which is intended to interact with the air inside the caravan, a compressor, an internal fan (18) which is assigned to the internal heat exchanger (12), and an external fan (16) which is assigned to the external heat exchanger (10) and with which an air flow through the external heat exchanger can be generated, wherein a controller (62) is provided which is designed and suitable for operating the air conditioning module (1) in a comfort-oriented mode or in a performance-oriented mode.

2. Air conditioning module according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one air vent (24") is provided, which is equipped with an electric heating element (70) which is switched on by the control (62) as required.

3. Air conditioning module according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that an additional heater (52) is provided which can be operated electrically and / or with a fuel.

4. Air conditioning module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an operating part (56) is provided with which an available electrical power of a stationary power connection can be specified.

5. Air conditioning module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a power control unit is provided with which a prioritization of the consumers takes place.

6. Air conditioning module according to claim 5, characterized in that a learning module is provided which can generate data sets, wherein a database is provided for the data sets which can be accessed by the power control unit.

7. Method for operating an air conditioning module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Air conditioning module (1), by means of the control (62), is operated in a comfort-oriented mode or in a performance-oriented mode.

8. Method according to claim 7 in combination with claim 3, characterized in that in the comfort-oriented mode the additional heater (52) is operated and a heat pump operation of the air conditioning module is switched off.

9. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that in the power-oriented mode the additional heater (52) and the air conditioning module (1) are operated as a heat pump.

10. Method according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that in the power-oriented mode the air conditioning module (1) is operated as a heat pump and the electric heating element (70) is operated.

11. Method according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that in the comfort-oriented mode the interior fan (18) is operated at a speed which is significantly below the speed at which the fan is operated in an operation with maximum heating power of the air conditioning module (10).

12. Method according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the comfort-oriented mode is automatically activated at night.

13. Method according to one of claims 7 to 12 in combination with one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the electrical consumers are prioritized in advance.

14. Method according to one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that the control switches from the comfort-oriented mode to the performance-oriented mode when the control (62) detects the first activities of a user in the morning.

15. Method according to one of claims 7 to 14, characterized in that, when icing of the outdoor heat exchanger is detected, the controller (62) switches to a defrost cycle in which a heat pump operation of the air conditioning module (1) is switched off and the additional heater (52) and / or the electric heating element (70) are activated.

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