DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to cabin roofs for vehicles and more particularly, to a cabin roof assembly and a method for mounting a HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) unit onto a cabin roof of a vehicle (tractor or other similar vehicles), which comprises a cabin roof and a reinforcement structure for reinforcing (provide stiffness to) the cabin roof, where the cabin roof facilitates strong (secure) mounting of the HVAC unit onto the cabin roof, enables efficient functioning of the HVAC unit, restricts the entry of water (rain water) into a cabin of the vehicle during rainy condition and facilitates effective draining of water (rain water) from the cabin roof in event of rainy condition.
BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, vehicles such as tractors or other similar vehicles are provided with a cabin roof for covering a cabin (integrated cabin or add-on cabin) of the vehicle in order to serve (act) as falling object protection structure (FOPS) therein to protect a driver (operator inside the cabin) against injury from cabin impacts such as falling of logs, objects and the like. Though the cabin roof for covering the cabin is designed to be aesthetic and to provide weather protection, the mounting of an air conditioning unit onto the cabin roof leads to bending or failure of the cabin roof as the cabin roof is made of molded plastic and is one of the challenges posed to the original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s). Conventional system and method for mounting the air conditioning unit onto the cabin roof is usually difficult and is subjected to a huge structural change which results in complicated design, increases overall weight of the vehicle, occupies more space and incur high manufacturing costs. Further, the aforementioned system and method for mounting the air conditioning unit onto the cabin roof results in high or undesired NVH (noise, vibration and harness).
[003] Therefore, there exists a need for a cabin roof assembly and a method for mounting a HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) unit onto a cabin roof of a vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a cabin roof assembly for a cabin of a vehicle (tractor or other similar vehicles), which comprises a cabin roof and a reinforcement structure for reinforcing (provide stiffness to) the cabin roof, where the cabin roof facilitates strong (secure) mounting of the HVAC unit onto the cabin roof, enables efficient functioning of the HVAC unit, restricts the entry of water (rain water) into a cabin of the vehicle during rainy condition and facilitates effective draining of water (rain water) from the cabin roof in event of rainy condition.
[005] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a method for mounting a HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) unit onto a cabin roof of a vehicle.
[006] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a cabin roof assembly for a cabin of a vehicle, which comprises a cabin roof having a base defining a plurality of mounting portions adapted to facilitate effective mounting of the HVAC unit thereby mounting the HVAC unit onto the cabin roof, where each mounting portion substantially defines a slope portion (slope shape configuration) incrementally extending from the base of the cabin roof towards a rearward direction of the vehicle, wherein the plurality of mounting portions defines an air intake passage adapted to facilitate flow of air to the HVAC unit thereby facilitating suction of air for a condenser of HVAC unit 10, and also to provide air ventilation for the HVAC unit.
[007] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a cabin roof assembly for a cabin of a vehicle, which comprises a reinforcement structure adapted to be engaged to the cabin roof therein to reinforce (provide stiffness to) the cabin roof thereby supporting the cabin roof when the HVAC unit is mounted onto the mounting portions of the cabin roof, where the reinforcement structure is adapted to bear (take) the entire load of the HVAC unit.
[008] Yet another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a cabin roof assembly for a cabin of a vehicle, which comprises a cabin roof having a base defining a plurality of water drain channels extending along the lengthwise direction of the vehicle at a predetermined position and provided at a predetermined distance from each other, where each water drain channel is adapted to facilitate draining (discharge) of water (rain water) from the cabin roof in event of rainy condition.
[009] A further object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a cabin roof assembly for a cabin of a vehicle, which comprises a cabin roof having a base defining a portion extending from the base of the cabin roof in a direction along the peripheral portion of a loader visibility window, where the portion of the cabin roof is adapted to restrict entry of water into the cabin and also guides the water (rain water) towards a front portion of the base of the cabin roof thereby facilitating draining (discharging) of water from the cabin roof in event of rainy condition.
[0010] The objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] The embodiments of this invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a cabin roof of a cabin roof assembly for a cabin of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 2 depicts another perspective view of the cabin roof, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a reinforcement structure of the cabin roof assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a HVAC unit mounted onto the cabin roof of the vehicle, where a plurality of work lamps are removably connected to a rear portion of the cabin roof, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the cabin, the cabin roof, the HVAC unit, a loader visibility window and the work lamps in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the cabin, the cabin roof, the work lamps and the reinforcement structure in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0018] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a cabin frame of the cabin, the cabin roof, the reinforcement structure, an air condition (AC) louvers and a re-circulation air filter in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0019] FIG. 8 depicts a transparent perspective view of the cabin, the cabin roof, the reinforcement structure, the HVAC unit, the loader visibility window and the work lamps in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0020] FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the cabin, cabin roof, a headliner, the AC louvers, the re-circulation air filter, a roof inner lamp and a sun visor in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0021] FIG. 10 depicts a transparent perspective view of the cabin, cabin roof, the reinforcement structure and the headliner in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0022] FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of the cabin roof, the HVAC unit and the reinforcement structure in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0023] FIG. 12 depicts a flowchart showing the steps of a method for mounting a HVAC unit onto a cabin roof of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0025] The embodiments herein achieve a cabin roof assembly for a cabin of a vehicle (tractor or other similar vehicles), which comprises a cabin roof and a reinforcement structure for reinforcing (provide stiffness to) the cabin roof, where the cabin roof facilitates strong (secure) mounting of the HVAC unit onto the cabin roof, enables efficient functioning of the HVAC unit, restricts the entry of water (rain water) into a cabin of the vehicle during rainy condition and facilitates effective draining of water (rain water) from the cabin roof in event of rainy condition). Further, embodiments herein achieve a method for mounting a HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) unit onto a cabin roof of a vehicle. Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1 through 12, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 8 depicts a transparent perspective view of a cabin 20, a cabin roof 102, a reinforcement structure 104, a HVAC unit 10, a loader visibility window 40 and work lamps 30 in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the vehicle (not shown) includes a cabin roof assembly 100 (as shown in fig. 4, fig. 6, fig. 7 and fig. 11), a HVAC unit 10 (HVAC - heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit 10, as shown in fig. 4, fig. 5, fig. 8 and fig. 11), a cabin 20 (as shown in fig. 4, fig. 5, fig. 6, fig. 8 and fig. 10), a plurality of work lamps 30 (as shown in fig. 4, fig. 5, fig. 6 and fig. 8), a loader visibility window 40 (as shown in fig. 5 and fig. 8), an air conditioner (AC) louvers 50 (as shown in fig. 7 and fig. 9), also called as AC vents), a re-circulation air filter 60 (as shown in fig. 7 and fig. 9), a roof inner lamp 70 (as shown in fig. 9), a headliner 80 (as shown in fig. 9 and fig. 10), a sun visor 90 (as shown in fig. 9, as called as sun shade cover), an air condition (AC) drain hose D (as shown in fig. 8), an air condition (AC) suction hose S (as shown in fig. 8) and may include other standard components/system as present in a standard vehicle. In an embodiment, the cabin roof assembly 100 includes a cabin roof 102 and a reinforcement structure 104. For the purpose of this description and the ease of understanding, the cabin roof assembly 100 is explained herein below with reference to be provided to a tractor. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to practice/implement the components of the cabin roof assembly 100 in an off-road vehicle or a constructional vehicle or any other type of vehicle without otherwise deterring the intended function of the cabin roof assembly 100 as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0027] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a cabin roof 102 of a cabin roof assembly 100 for a cabin 20 of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 2 depicts another perspective view of the cabin roof 102, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The cabin roof 102 of the cabin roof assembly 100 is used for covering the cabin 20 of the vehicle therein to serve/act as falling object protection structure (FOPS) to protect a driver (operator) against injury from cabin impacts such as falling of logs, objects and the like, and also to provide weather protection. The cabin roof 102 is disposed between the reinforcement structure 104 and the HVAC unit 10. The cabin roof 102 is also used for mounting of various components such as the HVAC unit 10, the work lamps 30, the loader visibility window 40, the AC louvers 50, the re-circulation air filter 60 and so on. The cabin roof 102 includes a base 102a, a front portion 102b, a rear portion 102c (as shown in fig. 4) and a plurality of side portions 102d (as shown in fig. 1, fig. 2 and fig. 4). In one embodiment, the cabin roof 102 is used for covering an add-on cabin. In another embodiment, the cabin roof 102 is used for covering an integrated cabin. In an embodiment, the cabin roof 102 is hollow. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide a solid cabin roof without otherwise deterring the intended function of the cabin roof 102 as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. Further, in an embodiment, the cabin roof 102 is made of molded plastic. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the cabin roof 102 to be made of metal or any other material without otherwise deterring the intended function of the cabin roof 102 as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In an embodiment, the cabin roof 102 is substantially concave to enhance stiffness during cooling phase of manufacturing and also to provide draining of water (rain water) during rainy condition. The cabin roof 102 is a hollow cabin roof, where the cabin roof 102 defines an internal cavity C (as shown in fig. 11) disposed inside the base 102a, wherein the internal cavity C reduces the weight of the cabin roof 102 thereby reducing the overall weight of the vehicle. The base 102a of the cabin roof 102 substantially defines a concave shape configuration (curvature shape) to facilitate draining of water (rain water) from cabin roof 102 during rainy condition. In an embodiment, the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 includes a first portion 102e, a plurality of mounting portions 102f (as shown in fig. 1, fig. 4 and fig. 5), a plurality of water drain channels 102g (also called as water drain passage), a reinforcement structure receiving portion 102h, a plurality of stiffening portions 102i (also called as emboss), an AC (air condition) drain hose receiving portion 102j (also called as AC drain hose relief), an AC suction hose receiving portion 102k, an air filter mounting portion 102l, an air condition (AC) louvers mounting portion 102m, a loader visibility window mounting portion 102n, a first water drain drip edge 102o (as shown in fig. 2), a second water drain drip edge 102p (as shown in fig. 4), an air filter opening 102q and an air condition (AC) louvers opening 102r. In an embodiment, the first portion 102e of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is adapted to extend from the base 102a in a direction along the peripheral portion of the loader visibility window 40. The first portion 102e of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is adapted to restrict the entry of water (rain water) into the cabin 20 of the vehicle during rainy condition. The first portion 102e of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is also adapted to guide the water (rain water) to the first water drain drip edge 102o of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 thereby facilitating draining (discharge) of water away from a front windshield 20w (as shown in fig. 5) of the cabin 20 in an event of rainy condition. The first portion 102e of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 substantially defines a rectangular shape protrusion. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the first portion 102e in a square shape protrusion or any other shape protrusion without otherwise deterring the intended function of the first portion 102e of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In an embodiment, each mounting portion 102f of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is adapted to extend from base 102a along the lengthwise direction of the vehicle (lengthwise direction of the cabin roof 102) at a predetermined position and provided at a predetermined distance from each other. The plurality of mounting portions 102f of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is adapted to facilitate mounting (removable mounting) of the HVAC unit 10 thereby mounting (removable mounting) the HVAC unit 10 onto the cabin roof 102. In an embodiment, each mounting portion 102f of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 substantially defines a slope portion (slope shape configuration) incrementally extending from the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 towards a rearward direction of the vehicle (rearward direction of said cabin roof 102). The plurality of mounting portions 102f of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is also used to restrict the entry of water into the cabin 20. The plurality of mounting portions 102f of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 defines an air intake passage 102z (as shown in fig. 4) adapted to facilitate flow of air to the HVAC unit 10 thereby providing effective air suction for a condenser (not shown) of HVAC unit 10 and also provides air ventilation for the HVAC unit 10. The plurality of mounting portions 102f of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is adapted to guide the water (rain water) to the first water drain drip edge 102o and the second water drain drip edge 102p of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 thereby facilitating draining (discharge) of water away from the front windshield 20w and a rear windshield 20r (as shown in fig. 4) of the cabin 20 respectively in an event of rainy condition. The plurality of water drain channels 102g of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is adapted to facilitate drainage/discharge of water (rain water) in an event of rainy condition. Each water drain channel 102g of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 extends along the longwise direction of the vehicle at a predetermined position and provided at a predetermined distance from each other. Each water drain channel 102g of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 can be considered to be a longitudinal groove or a longitudinal cavity. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 with protrusions or any other means for drainage/discharge of water. The reinforcement structure receiving portion 102h of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is adapted to receive the reinforcement structure 104 therein to facilitate engagement of the reinforcement structure 104 with the cabin roof 102 thereby enabling the reinforcement structure 104 to reinforce (provide stiffness to) the cabin roof 102 therein to support the cabin roof 102 when the HVAC unit 10 is mounted onto the cabin roof 102. The reinforcement structure receiving portion 102h of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 can be considered to be a cavity or a relief corresponding to the shape of the reinforcement structure 104. The reinforcement structure receiving portion 102h of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is provided to an inner side of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102. The plurality of stiffening portions 102i of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is adapted to provide stiffness to the cabin roof 102. The plurality of stiffening portions 102i of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 are provided to an inner side of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102, where each stiffening portion 102i can be considered to a conical shape emboss or a conical shape cavity. The AC drain hose receiving portion 102j of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is adapted to receive the air condition (AC) drain hose D (as shown in fig. 8), where the AC drain hose D is provided in fluid communication with the HVAC unit 10. The AC drain hose receiving portion 102j of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is provided to an inner side of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102, where the AC drain hose receiving portion 102j can be considered to be a cavity or a relief corresponding to the shape of the AC drain hose D. The AC suction pipe receiving portion 102k of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is adapted to receive the AC suction hose S (as shown in fig. 8), where the AC suction hose S is provided in fluid communication with the HVAC unit 10. The AC suction hose receiving portion 102k of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is provided to an inner side of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102, where the AC suction hose receiving portion 102k can be considered to be a cavity or a relief corresponding to the shape of the AC suction hose S. The air filter mounting portion 102l of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is adapted to facilitate mounting (removable mounting) of the re-circulation air filter 60 thereby mounting (removable mounting) the re-circulation air filter 60 to the cabin roof 102. The air filter mounting portion 102l of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is provided to an inner side of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102. The AC louvers mounting portion 102m of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is adapted to facilitate mounting (removable mounting) of the AC louvers 50 thereby mounting (removable mounting) the AC louvers 50 to the cabin roof 102. The AC louvers mounting portion 102m of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is provided to an inner side of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102. The loader visibility window mounting portion 102n of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is adapted to facilitate mounting (removable mounting) of the loader visibility window 40 thereby mounting (removable mounting) the loader visibility window 40 to the cabin roof 102. The loader visibility window mounting portion 102n of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 defines a loader visibility window opening 102y adapted to enhance the visibility to the operator (driver inside the cabin 20). The first water drain drip edge 102o of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is adapted to facilitate draining (discharge) of water (rain water) away from the front windshield 20w of the cabin 20 in event of rainy condition thereby enhancing the visibility of the operator driving the vehicle, where the first water drain drip edge 102o of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is disposed to the front of and away from the front portion 102b of said cabin roof 102. The second water drain drip edge 102p of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is adapted to facilitate draining (discharge) of water away from the rear windshield 20r of the cabin 20 in event of rainy condition, where the second water drain drip edge 102p of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is disposed to the rear of and away from the rear portion 102c of said cabin roof 102. The air filter opening 102q of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is adapted to facilitate fluid communication between the HVAC unit 10 and the re-circulation air filter 60. The AC louver opening 102r of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 is adapted to facilitate fluid communication between the HVAC unit 10 and the AC louvers 50. The front portion 102b of the cabin roof 102 is transversely extending from a front end portion of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102, where the front portion 102b of the cabin roof 102 defines a plurality of work lamp mounting portion 102x (as shown in fig. 2) adapted to facilitate mounting of corresponding work lamp 30. The front portion 102b of the cabin roof 102 is disposed to the rear of and away from the first water drain drip edge 102o of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102. The rear portion 102c of the cabin roof 102 is transversely extending from a rear end portion of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102, where the rear portion 102b of the cabin roof 102 defines a plurality of work lamp mounting portion 102w (as shown in fig. 4) adapted to facilitate mounting of corresponding work lamp 30. The rear portion 102c of the cabin roof 102 is disposed to the front of and away from the second water drain drip edge 102p of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102. The rear portion 102c is substantially parallel to the front portion 102b of the cabin roof 102. Each side portion 102d of the cabin roof 102 is transversely extending from corresponding side portion of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102. Each side portion 102d of the cabin roof 102 defines a water drain drip edge 102v (as shown in fig. 2) adapted to facilitate draining of water (rain water) from the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 in an event of rainy condition. The plurality of side portions 102d of the cabin roof 102 is substantially parallel to each other. Each side portion 102d of the cabin roof 102 serves/acts as an overhang portion to provide shade to the operator (driver) during sunlight or hot weather condition.
[0028] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a reinforcement structure 104 of the cabin roof assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the reinforcement structure 104 of the cabin roof assembly 100 is adapted to reinforce (provide stiffness to) the cabin roof 102 thereby supporting the cabin roof 102 when the HVAC unit 10 is mounted onto the cabin roof 102. The reinforcement structure 104 is adapted to bear (take) the entire load of the HVAC unit 10 when the HVAC unit 10 is mounted onto the mounting portions 102f of the cabin roof 102. The reinforcement structure 104 is disposed between the inner side of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 and the headliner 80. The reinforcement structure 104 is adapted to be engaged to the reinforcement structure receiving portion 102h of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 by connecting (removably or detachably connected) the reinforcement structure 104 to at least one of corresponding frame portion of a cabin frame 20f (as shown in fig. 7) of the cabin 20 and the side portions 102d of the cabin roof 102 by using a plurality of fasteners (not shown). However, it is also within the scope of the invention to connect the reinforcement structure 104 with corresponding portion of the cabin frame 20f of the cabin 20 and the side portions 102d of the cabin roof 102by welding or riveting or by using any other means without otherwise deterring the intended function of the reinforcement structure 104 as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In an embodiment, the reinforcement structure 104 includes a plurality of longitudinal members 104a and a plurality of cross members 104b. Each longitudinal member 104a of the reinforcement structure 104 is used for reinforcing (provide stiffness to) the cabin roof 102 thereby supporting the cabin roof 102 when the HVAC unit 10 is mounted onto the cabin roof 10. Each longitudinal member 104a of the reinforcement structure 104 is extending along the widthwise direction of the vehicle (widthwise direction of the cabin roof 102) and provided at a predetermined distance from each other. Each longitudinal member 104a is substantially parallel to each other. Each longitudinal member 104a is substantially transverse to corresponding cross member 104b of the reinforcement structure 104. Each longitudinal member 104a of the reinforcement structure 104 includes a base 104c and a plurality of legs 104d. The base 104c of each longitudinal member 104a is engaged to corresponding portion of the reinforcement structure receiving portion 102h of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 therein to reinforce (provide stiffness to) the cabin roof 102 thereby supporting the cabin roof 102. Each leg 104d of corresponding longitudinal member 104a is transversely extending from corresponding end of the base 104c of corresponding longitudinal member 104a. Each leg 104d of corresponding longitudinal member 104a is used for mounting (removably mounting) the reinforcement structure 104 to at least one of the corresponding portion of the cabin frame 20f of the cabin 20 and the side portions 102d of the cabin roof 102. Each cross member 104b of the reinforcement structure 104 is connected to each longitudinal member 104a, and extends between each longitudinal member 104a along the lengthwise direction of the vehicle (lengthwise direction of the cabin roof 102) and provided at a predetermined distance from each other. Each cross member 104b is used for supporting the cabin roof 102. Each cross member 104b is substantially parallel to each other.
[0029] The HVAC unit 10 is used to clean, cool, heat, regulate, ventilate and dehumidify the air entering the cabin 20 of the vehicle thereby enhancing the comfort level of the occupant (driver) in the vehicle. The HVAC unit 10 comprises an air conditioner unit (not shown), a condenser (not shown) and may include cabin heater (not shown) and other standard components as present in standard HVAC system. The air conditioner unit (not shown) of the HVAC unit 10 is used for cooling/conditioning the air entering the cabin 20 of the vehicle thereby enhancing the comfort level of the operator inside the cabin 20. The cabin heater (not shown) of the HVAC unit 10 is used for warming the air entering the cabin 20. The HVAC unit 10 is adapted to be mounted (removably mounted) onto the mounting portions 102f of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 thereby mounting the HVAC unit 10 onto the cabin roof 102.
[0030] The cabin 20 serve as roll over protection structures (ROPS) to protect the driver against injury from rollover (overturning) of the vehicle. The cabin 20 protects the driver (operator) from harsh environment, dust and also to provide air conditioned space. In one embodiment, the cabin 20 is an add-on cabin. In another embodiment, the cabin 20 is an integrated cabin. The cabin 20 includes a cabin frame 20f, a front windshield 20w (as shown in fig. 5, also called as front transparent glass), a rear windshield 20r (as shown in fig. 4, also called as rear transparent glass), and may include other standard components as present in a standard cabin. The cabin frame 20f of the cabin 20 includes a plurality of A-pillars 20a, a plurality of B pillars 20b, a plurality of C-pillars 20c and may include other standard frame portions as present in a standard cabin frame structure.
[0031] Some of the work lamps 30 are mounted (removably mounted) to corresponding work lamp mounting portion 102x of the front portion 102b of the cabin roof 102 therein to enhance the visibility of the operator during night or low light condition. Other work lamps 30 are mounted (removably mounted) to corresponding work lamp mounting portion 102w (as shown in fig. 4) of the rear portion 102c of the cabin roof 102 therein to enhance the visibility of the operator during night or low light condition. The loader visibility window 40 is used to provide visibility to the operator. The loader visibility window 40 is mounted (removably mounted) to the loader visibility window mounting portions 102n of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102. The AC louvers 50 is used to discharge air (cool air or hot air) to the desired area of the cabin 20 thereby enhancing the comfort level of the operator inside the cabin 20. The AC louvers 50 is mounted (removably mounted) to the AC louvers mounting portion 102m of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102. The re-circulation air filter 60 is mounted (removably mounted) to the air filter mounting portion 102l of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102. The roof inner lamp 70 is provided to the headliner 80 at a predetermined position.
[0032] The headliner 80 is used for mounting various accessories or devices such as lights (not shown), speakers (not shown), the roof inner lamp 70, the sun visor 90 and so on. The headliner 80 is also used to cover the AC drain hose D and the AC suction hose S that are provided to the HVAC unit 10 and other electrical connections (routing) that are provided to the HVAC unit 10 and corresponding accessories or devices that are mounted to the headliner 80. The headliner 80 is removably connected to the cabin 20. The sun visor 90 is connected to the headliner at a pre-determined position.
[0033] The AC drain hose D and the AC suction hose S for the HVAC unit 10 is routed through the A-pillar 20a (as shown in fig. 8) of the cabin frame 20f of the cabin 20.
[0034] FIG. 12 depicts a flowchart showing the steps of a method 200 for mounting a HVAC unit 10 onto a cabin roof 102 of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an method 200 for mounting the HVAC unit 10 onto the cabin roof 102 of the vehicle is as follows, the method 200 comprising, engaging a reinforcement structure 104 with a reinforcement structure receiving portion 102h of a base 102a of the cabin roof 102 by connecting the reinforcement structure 104 to at least one of corresponding frame portion of a cabin frame 20f of a cabin 20, and corresponding side portion 102d of the cabin roof 102 (step 202); and mounting the HVAC unit 10 onto a plurality of mounting portions 102f of the base 102a of the cabin roof 102 thereby mounting the HVAC unit 10 onto the cabin roof 102 (step 204).
[0035] Therefore, a cabin roof assembly 100 and a method 200 for mounting a HVAC unit 10 onto a cabin roof 102 is provided for a vehicle.
[0036] The following description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
We claim,
1. A cabin roof assembly 100 for a cabin 20 of a vehicle, said cabin roof assembly 100 comprising:
a cabin roof 102 having a base 102a defining a plurality of mounting portions 102f extending from the base 102a along the lengthwise direction of the vehicle and provided at a predetermined distance from each other, where the plurality of mounting portions 102f are adapted to facilitate mounting of a HVAC unit 10 thereby mounting the HVAC unit 10 onto said cabin roof 102; a plurality of water drain channels 102g extending along the lengthwise direction of the vehicle and provided at a predetermined distance from each other, each water drain channel 102g is adapted to facilitate draining of water; a first portion 102e extending from the base 102a in a direction along a peripheral portion of a loader visibility window 40, where the first portion 102e is adapted to restrict the entry of water into the cabin 20; and a reinforcement structure receiving portion 102h provided to an inner side of the base 102a; and
a reinforcement structure 104 adapted to be engaged to the reinforcement structure receiving portion 102h of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102, and removably connected to at least one of corresponding frame portion of a cabin frame 20f of the cabin 20 and corresponding side portion 102d of said cabin roof 102,
wherein
the plurality of mounting portions 102f of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 defines an air intake passage 102z adapted to provide air to the HVAC unit 10; and
said reinforcement structure 104 is adapted to reinforce said cabin roof 102 thereby supporting said cabin roof 102 when the HVAC unit 10 is mounted onto the mounting portions 102f of said cabin roof 102.

2. The cabin roof assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein each mounting portion 102f of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 substantially defines a slope portion (slope shape configuration) incrementally extending from the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 towards a rearward direction of the vehicle (rearward direction of said cabin roof 102).

3. The cabin roof assembly 100 as claimed in claim 2, wherein the air intake passage 102z defined by the mounting portions 102f of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 is adapted to facilitate flow of air to the HVAC unit 10 thereby facilitating suction of air for a condenser of HVAC unit 10, and to provide air ventilation for the HVAC unit 10.

4. The cabin roof assembly 100 as claimed in claim 3, where said cabin roof 102 includes a front portion 102b transversely extending from a front end portion of the base 102a, where the front portion 102b defines a plurality of work lamp mounting portions 102x adapted to facilitate mounting of corresponding work lamp 30.

5. The cabin roof assembly 100 as claimed in claim 4, wherein the base 104a of said cabin roof 102 defines a first water drain drip edge 102o adapted to facilitate draining (discharge) of water away from a front windshield 20w of the cabin 20 in event of rainy condition thereby enhancing the visibility of the operator driving the vehicle, where the first water drain drip edge 102o is disposed to the front of and away from the front portion 102b of said cabin roof 102.

6. The cabin roof assembly 100 as claimed in claim 5, where said cabin roof 102 includes a rear portion 102c transversely extending from a rear end portion of the base 102a, where the rear portion 102b defines a plurality of work lamp mounting portions 102w adapted to facilitate mounting of corresponding work lamp 30.

7. The cabin roof assembly 100 as claimed in claim 6, wherein the base 104a of said cabin roof 102 defines a second water drain drip edge 102p adapted to facilitate draining (discharge) of water away from a rear windshield 20r of the cabin 20 in event of rainy condition, where the second water drain drip edge 102p is disposed to the rear of and away from the rear portion 102c of said cabin roof 102.

8. The cabin roof assembly 100 as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of mounting portions 102f of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 is adapted to guide the water to the first water drain drip edge 102o and the second water drain drip edge 102p of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 thereby facilitating draining (discharge) of water away from the front windshield 20w and the rear windshield 20r of the cabin 20 respectively in an event of rainy condition.

9. The cabin roof assembly 100 as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first portion 102e of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 is adapted to guide the water to the first water drain drip edge 102o of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 thereby facilitating draining (discharge) of water away from the front windshield 20w of the cabin 20 in an event of rainy condition.

10. The cabin roof assembly 100 as claimed in claim 9, wherein each water drain channel 102g of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 is at least one of a longitudinal groove and a longitudinal cavity.

11. The cabin roof assembly 100 as claimed in claim 10, wherein the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 defines a plurality of stiffening portions 102i adapted to provide stiffness to said cabin roof 102, where the plurality of stiffening portions 102i are provided to an inner side of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102, wherein each stiffening portion 102i is at least one of a conical shape emboss and a conical shape cavity.

12. The cabin roof assembly 100 as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first portion 102e of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 substantially defines a rectangular shape protrusion.

13. The cabin roof assembly 100 as claimed in claim 12, wherein the reinforcement structure receiving portion 102h of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 is at least one of a cavity and a relief corresponding to the shape of said reinforcement structure 104.

14. The cabin roof assembly 100 as claimed in claim 13, wherein the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 substantially defines a concave shape configuration (curvature shape) to facilitate draining of water from said cabin roof 102 during rainy condition.

15. The cabin roof assembly 100 as claimed in claim 14, wherein said cabin roof 102 is a hollow cabin roof, where said cabin roof 102 defines an internal cavity C disposed inside the base 102a, wherein the internal cavity C is provided to said cabin roof 102 to reduce the overall weight of said cabin roof 102.

16. The cabin roof assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said reinforcement structure 104 comprises a plurality of longitudinal members 104a extending along the widthwise direction of the vehicle (widthwise direction of said cabin roof 102) and provided at a predetermined distance from each other; and a plurality of cross members 104b extending between each longitudinal member 104a along the lengthwise direction of the vehicle (lengthwise direction of said cabin roof 102) and provided at a predetermined distance from each other.

17. The cabin roof assembly 100 as claimed in claim 16, wherein each longitudinal member 104a of said reinforcement structure 104 having a base 104c adapted to be engaged to corresponding portion of the reinforcement structure receiving portion 102h of said cabin roof 102 therein to provide stiffness to said cabin roof 102 thereby supporting said cabin roof 102 when the HVAC unit 10 is mounted onto said cabin roof 102; and a plurality of legs 104d transversely extending from corresponding end of the base 104c, where each leg 104d of corresponding longitudinal member 104a is adapted to be removably connected to at least one of corresponding frame portion of the cabin frame 20f of the cabin 20, and corresponding side portion 102d of said cabin roof 102.

18. The cabin roof assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle is at least a tractor.

19. The cabin roof assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle is an off-road vehicle.

20. A method 200 for mounting a HVAC unit 10 onto a cabin roof 102 of a vehicle, said method 200 comprising:
engaging a reinforcement structure 104 with a reinforcement structure receiving portion 102h of a base 102a of said cabin roof 102 by connecting said reinforcement structure 104 to at least one of corresponding frame portion of a cabin frame 20f of a cabin 20, and corresponding side portion 102d of said cabin roof 102; and
mounting the HVAC unit 10 onto a plurality of mounting portions 102f of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 thereby mounting the HVAC unit 10 onto said cabin roof 102,
wherein
the plurality of mounting portions 102f of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 defines an air intake passage 102z adapted to provide air to the HVAC unit 10; and
said reinforcement structure 104 is adapted to reinforce said cabin roof 102 thereby supporting said cabin roof 102 when the HVAC unit 10 is mounted onto the mounting portions 102f of said cabin roof 102.

21. The method 200 as claimed in claim 20, wherein said reinforcement structure 104 comprises a plurality of longitudinal members 104a extending along the widthwise direction of the vehicle (widthwise direction of said cabin roof 102) and provided at a predetermined distance from each other; and a plurality of cross members 104b extending between each longitudinal member 104a along the lengthwise direction of the vehicle (lengthwise direction of said cabin roof 102) and provided at a predetermined distance from each other.

22. The method 200 as claimed in claim 21, wherein each longitudinal member 104a of said reinforcement structure 104 having a base 104c adapted to be engaged to corresponding portion of the reinforcement structure receiving portion 102h of said cabin roof 102 therein to provide stiffness to said cabin roof 102 thereby supporting said cabin roof 102 when the HVAC unit 10 is mounted onto said cabin roof 102; and a plurality of legs 104d transversely extending from corresponding end of the base 104c, where each leg 104d of corresponding longitudinal member 104a is adapted to be removably connected to at least one of corresponding frame portion of the cabin frame 20f of the cabin 20, and corresponding side portion 102d of said cabin roof 102.

23. The method 200 as claimed in claim 22, wherein the reinforcement structure receiving portion 102h of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 is at least one of a cavity and a relief corresponding to the shape of said reinforcement structure 104, where the reinforcement structure receiving portion 102h is provided to an inner side of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102.

24. The method 200 as claimed in claim 23, wherein each mounting portion 102f of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 substantially defines a slope portion (slope shape configuration) incrementally extending from the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 towards a rearward direction of the vehicle (rearward direction of said cabin roof 102).

25. The method 200 as claimed in claim 24, wherein the air intake passage 102z defined by the mounting portions 102f of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 is adapted to facilitate flow of air to the HVAC unit 10 thereby facilitating suction of air for a condenser of HVAC unit 10, and to provide air ventilation for the HVAC unit 10.

26. The method 200 as claimed in claim 25, wherein the plurality of mounting portions 102f of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 is adapted to guide the water to a first water drain drip edge 102o and a second water drain drip edge 102p of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 thereby facilitating draining (discharge) of water away from a front windshield 20w and a rear windshield 20r of the cabin 20 respectively in an event of rainy condition, where the first water drain drip edge 102o of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 is disposed to the front of and away from a front portion 102b of said cabin roof 102, and the second water drain drip edge 102p of the base 102a of said cabin roof 102 is disposed to the rear of and away from a rear portion 102c of said cabin roof 102.