FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a vehicle heat exchanger unit, particularly, an auxiliary air conditioning unit for a vehicle that operates in addition to a main air conditioning unit configured in the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
Earlier, heating ventilation and air conditioning systems were considered as an optional or luxury feature that was provided in selected versions of passenger vehicles. However, the heating ventilation and air conditioning system has now become a standard feature that is available in almost all the passenger vehicles. Specifically, with global warming and demand for larger vehicles, such as for example, vehicles with larger cabin —spaee-and-seating-capacity—for— accommodating_more_occupants,_air. conditioning inside the vehicle cabin have become essential. Further, earlier only a single air conditioning unit was used to cater to air conditioning needs of the passengers inside the vehicle cabin. However, such single air conditioning unit failed to provide effective air conditioning to all passengers, particularly, the rear seat occupants of the vehicle. Few vehicles are configured with air vents that are connected to the single air conditioning unit and supplies conditioned air to the rear seat passengers. However, such arrangement provides conditioned air to the rear seat passengers, only when the single air conditioning unit of the vehicle is operating. With vehicle manufacturer targeting fleet owners and owners of high end vehicles that are generally chauffer or driver driven, in which comfort of rear passengers is of prime importance, such arrangement provide conditioned air to the rear seat occupants only when the single air conditioning unit of the vehicle is operating and fails to meet the requirement of providing conditioned air to the rear seat occupants irrespective of operational condition of the single air conditioning unit.

Also, with increase in vehicle size resulting in increase in number of occupants that can be accommodated inside the vehicle, there is a need for an optional auxiliary air conditioning unit along with the main air conditioning unit that operates independent of the main air conditioning unit and is configured with all features and functions of the main air conditioning unit. However, the conventionally known auxiliary air conditioning units are bulky and face issues in relation to packaging thereof inside the limited space inside the vehicle cabin. Further, as the auxiliary air conditioning unit is generally packaged inside the vehicle cabin, the auxiliary air conditioning unit occupies space inside the cabin that can cause hindrance to free movement of the passenger or hinder packaging of other sub-systems inside the vehicle cabin, thereby detrimentally impacting ergonomics inside the vehicle cabin. Few prior art, such as for example, US Published Patent Application US20060000594 suggest configuring a blower fan at an offset, particularly, laterally offset with respect to the evaporator for blowing air over the evaporator and addressing the packaging issue, however, configuring blower fan laterally offset with respect to the evaporator is ineffective in uniformly distributing cooling air over the entire evaporator and as a result the performance and efficiency of the evaporator is adversely impacted.
Considering the above drawbacks associated with the prior art, there is a need for a vehicle heat exchanger unit, particularly, an auxiliary air conditioning unit that is compact in configuration and that can be conveniently packaged in an otherwise unused space inside the vehicle cabin. Furthermore, there is a need for an auxiliary air conditioning unit that is configured to provide better efficiency and performance in spite of being compact. Further, there is a need for an auxiliary air conditioning unit that provides conditioned air to the rear occupants irrespective of operational condition of the main air conditioning unit. Further, there is a

need for an auxiliary air conditioning unit that operates independent of the main air conditioning unit and supports the main air conditioning unit in maintaining comfort conditions inside the vehicle cabin whenever required. Still further, there is a need for an auxiliary air conditioning unit that is strategically placed inside the vehicle cabin to provide conditioned air to all occupants, particularly, the rear seat occupants while still being able to be connected with condenser of main air conditioning unit for facilitating operation of the auxiliary air conditioning unit.
OBJECTS
An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle heat exchanger unit, particularly, an auxiliary air conditioning unit that obviates the drawbacks associated conventional auxiliary air conditioning unit that is configured with a blower disposed laterally offset with respect to an evaporator for achieving compact configuration thereof, without compromising on efficiency and performance
Another object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary air conditioning unit that is compact in configuration and that can be conveniently packaged in an otherwise un-used and limited space inside the vehicle cabin.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary air- conditioning unit that is independent of the main air conditioning unit but is configured with all features of the main air conditioning unit and provides conditioned air to the rear occupants irrespective of operational condition of the main air conditioning unit.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary air- conditioning unit that operates independent of the main air conditioning unit and supports the main air conditioning unit in maintaining comfort conditions inside the vehicle cabin whenever required based on requirements of rear seat passengers of a vehicle.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary air- conditioning unit that can be disposed inside the vehicle cabin, particularly, underneath at least one of a driver seat and a co-driver seat but still ensures safety of the occupants.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary air conditioning unit thatJs configured_with provision for noise and vibration reduction and as such the same can be configured underneath driver seat and the co-driver seat without causing any disturbance to the vehicle seat occupant.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary air conditioning unit that is configured to effectively distribute air flow across the evaporator to provide better efficiency and performance in spite of being compact.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary air conditioning unit that effectively distributes air inside the vehicle cabin, particularly, towards the rear seat passengers of the vehicle.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning unit that is modular and hence convenient to assemble and disassemble for maintenance.
In the present description, some elements or parameters may be indexed, such as a first element and a second element. In this case, unless stated otherwise, this indexation is only meant to differentiate and name elements which are similar but not identical. No idea of priority should be inferred from such indexation, as these terms may be switched without betraying the invention. Additionally, this indexation does not imply any order in mounting or use of the elements of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A vehicle heat exchanger unit, hereinafter referred to as "unit" is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The heat exchanger unit includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing receives at least a portion of one suction fan. The second housing receives at least one heat exchanger. The first housing and the second housing are laterally offset with respect to each other such that the at least one suction fan is disposed downstream of the heat exchanger in an air flow circulation direction.
Generally, the first housing is a scroll housing configured by assembling together a first scroll portion and a second scroll portion, the first scroll portion includes first latching elements that engage with complimentary second latching elements configured on the second scroll portion to define an enclosure for receiving the at least one drive and the at least one suction fan therein.

Generally, the second housing is configured by assembling together a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion includes first latching elements that engage with complimentary second latching elements configured on the bottom portion to define an enclosure for receiving the at least one heat exchanger.
Further, the vehicle heat exchanger unit also includes at least one first auxiliary housing integrally formed thereon and that receives therein a resistor for regulating speed of the at least one suction fan.
Specifically, the second scroll portion includes at least one connecting—aperture" with engagerhehf~elements~ corTfigured along a periphery thereof that engage with complimentary engagement elements configured along a periphery of at least one corresponding connecting aperture formed on at least one of the top portion and the bottom portion of the second housing to configure an intermediate connection portion that is air tight and facilitates fluid communication between the first housing and the second housing.
Generally, longitudinal axes of the first housing and the second housing respectively are at an angle with respect to each other.
Specifically, the at least one first mounting bracket is integrally configured on at least one of the first scroll portion and the second scroll portion of the first housing, at least one second mounting bracket is integrally configured on at least one of the top portion and the bottom

portion of the second housing, optionally, at an extreme free end thereof, and at least one third mounting bracket is disposed between the at least one first mounting bracket and the at least one second mounting bracket.
Preferably, at least one of the first scroll portion and the second scroll portion of the first housing, the top portion and the bottom portion of the second housing, the at least one first auxiliary housing and the first, second and third mounting brackets are configured by molding.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle Heat exchanger unit is a vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit, whereas the at least one heat exchanger is at least one evaporator.
Further, the vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit additionally includes at least one second auxiliary housing integrally formed thereon to receive therein an expansion valve disposed upstream of the at least one evaporator in a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning circuit of the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit.
Furthermore, the bottom portion of the second housing of the vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit is tapered downwards to form a tapered portion, and further includes a drain plug integrally formed at a narrowest portion of the tapered portion of the bottom portion to facilitate condensate draining, the evaporator being fitted in the broadest portion of said tapered portion.

Additionally, the vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit includes a protective cover that covers at least a portion of the vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit, the protective cover further includes a noise and vibration absorbing material disposed on an inner side thereof that eliminates noise and vibration emanating from the vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit.
Specifically, the at least one second auxiliary housing and the drain plug are configured by molding.
Also is disclosed a vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air_C.onditionina_svstem. includes at least one Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit as disclosed above. The vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit is at least one of an auxiliary air conditioning unit and a main air conditioning unit of said vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning system.
Further is disclosed a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the vehicle is configured with at least one Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit as disclosed above that is disposed underneath at least one of driver and co-driver seat of the vehicle, wherein floor of the vehicle is configured with a drain aperture adapted to receive said drain plug of the at least one vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit for facilitating draining of the condensate outside the vehicle.

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention can be inferred from the description of the invention hereunder. A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof wilt be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures, wherein:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 illustrates an isometric exploded view of a vehicle heat exchanger unit, particularly, a vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 illustrates an isometric view of the vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit of FIGURE 1 in an assembled configuration;
FIGURE 3 illustrates a side view of the vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit of FIGURE 2;
FIGURE 4 illustrates an isometric exploded view of the vehicle heat exchanger unit, particularly, the vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit of FIGURE 1 configured with a protective cover; and
FIGURE 5 illustrates an isometric view of the vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit of FIGURE 4 in an assembled configuration.

It must be noted that the figures disclose the invention in a detailed enough way to be implemented, said figures helping to better define the invention if needs be. The invention should however not be limited to the embodiment disclosed in the description.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention envisages a compact heat exchanger unit, particularly, a compact, auxiliary Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit, also referred to as the "unit" that is having modular configuration. The unit includes a first housing laterally offset from and connected to a second housing such that at least one suction fan received in the first housing is disposed downstream of at least one evaporator in an air flow circulation direction. The evaporator is received in the second housing, further, the suction fan-in operation configures"pre"ssuTe_difference"across-tfTe af least" one evaporator for facilitating air flow across the at least one evaporator, thereby pulling air through the at least one evaporator. The laterally offset configuration of the first housing with respect to the second housing imparts compactness to the unit without compromising on the efficiency and performance of the unit. Although, the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit of the present invention is for use in vehicles as an auxiliary air conditioning unit, the same can also be used as a main air conditioning unit in a vehicle configured with a single air conditioning unit. Further, the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit can also be used as a heating unit in vehicle. Also, the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit of the present invention is also applicable in any other application where the heating units or the air conditioning units are required to be disposed in limited confined space and hence are required to be compact.

As a vehicle heat exchanger unit 100 can also be a vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200, the vehicle heat exchanger unit 100 of the present invention is explained with example of the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 in the description and the drawings. Every embodiment disclosed hereinafter for the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 and the elements configuring the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 are also applicable for the vehicle heat exchanger unit 100 and elements configuring the vehicle heat exchanger unit 100.
Referring to FIGURE 1 of the accompanying drawings, an exploded view of an Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning unit, also referred to as the vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning unit 200, auxiliary Heating J/en.til.atio.n_aod..Aird3jooditio.ning_uni.t_Qr_.simplyJlunitL20.0_f.or_a. vehicle is illustrated. The Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning unit 200 includes a first housing 110 and a second housing 120. The first housing 110 receives at least a portion of least one drive 112, particularly, a motor and at least one suction fan {not depicted in the FIGURES) driven by the at least one drive 112. The second housing 120 receives at least one evaporator 122. The first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are laterally offset with respect to each other but still are inter connected such that the at least one suction fan is disposed downstream of the at least one evaporator 122 in an air flow circulation direction, such that when in operation the at least one suction fan configures pressure difference across the at least one evaporator 122 for facilitating air flow across the at least one evaporator 122, thereby pulling air through the at least one evaporator 122 without causing obstruction to the air flow. With such configuration, air is uniformly, homogeneously distributed over the evaporator core, the air flow path through the evaporator 122 and the vents is simplified and accordingly the efficiency and performance of the

evaporator 122 is enhanced. The interconnection between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 facilitates reducing the number of mounting points required for mounting the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 on a vehicle frame.
Referring to the FIGURES 1-3, the first housing 110 is a scroll housing configured by detachably assembling together a first scroll portion 110a and a second scroll portion 110b to define an enclosure for receiving the at least one drive 112 and the at least one suction fan therein. Specifically, the first scroll portion 110a includes first latching elements 116a that engage with complimentary second latching elements 116b configured on the second scroll portion 110b to facilitate detachable assembly between the first scroll portion 110a and the second scroll portion 110b. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first latching elements 116a and the second latching elements 116b are integrally formed on the respective first scroll portion 110a and the second scroll portion 110b by molding. The detachable assembly between the first scroll portion 110a and the second scroll portion 110b facilitates in providing access to an interior of the first housing 110 for repair and maintenance of the at least one drive 112 and the at least one suction fan, whenever required. Accordingly, the vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning unit 200 exhibits enhanced serviceability even after installation. Generally, the latching elements 116a and 116b are configured along the periphery of the respective first scroll portion 110a and the second scroll portion 110b. In accordance with one embodiment, the latching elements 116a and 116b are snap fit engagement elements. In accordance with another embodiment, holes on a first set of holed flanges configured around of the periphery of the first scroll portion 110a align with holes on a second set of holed flanges configured on the second scroll portion 110b, and engagement between bolts passing through the

aligned holes of the first and the second set of holed flanges and the corresponding nut elements configures detachable assembly between the first scroll portion 110a and the second scroll portion 110b. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular configuration of the latching elements or the connecting elements and the placement of the latching elements or the connecting elements as far as the latching elements or the connecting elements are capable of configuring detachable assembly between the first scroll portion 110a and the second scroll portion 110b for configuring an air tight enclosure and modular configuration of the first housing 110. The first scroll portion 110a includes a first outlet vent 118a and the second scroll portion 110b includes a second outlet vent 118b extending there from, wherein the first outlet vent 118a and the second outlet vent 118b are independent of each other and receive air cooled by the at least one evaporator 122 via the first housing 110 and delivers the cooled air in different directions, particularly opposite directions as illustrated in FIGURE 2. The number and orientation of the vents 118a and 118b is based on the regions inside the vehicle cabin where the conditioned air is to be directed. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular configuration, placement and orientation of the first outlet vent 118a and the second outlet vent 118b. With such configuration even a single drive and suction fan can be used for delivering the cooled air in different multiple directions. Further, with such configuration of the vents 118a and 118b, the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 is capable of effectively distributing conditioned air to desired locations within the vehicle cabin, particularly, to rear seat passengers of the vehicle.
The second housing 120 is configured by detachably assembling together a top portion 120a and a bottom portion 120b of the second housing 120. Specifically, the top portion 120a of the second housing 120 includes first latching elements 121a configured along periphery thereof

that engage with corresponding, complimentary second latching elements 121b configured along periphery of the bottom portion 120b of the second housing 120 to facilitate detachable assembly between the top portion 120a and the bottom portion 120b of the second housing 120. In accordance with an embodiment, the first latching elements 121a and the second latching elements 121b are integrally formed on the respective top portion 120a and the bottom portion 120b of the second housing 120 by molding. The detachable assembly between the top portion 120a and the bottom portion 120b of the second housing 120 facilitates in providing access to an interior of the second housing 120 for repair and maintenance of the at least one evaporator 122 received therein, whenever required. In accordance with one embodiment, the latching elements 121a and 121b are snap fit engagement elements. In accordance with another embodiment, holes on the first set of holed flanges configured-around-of the periphery -of -the-top-portion~T20a~aligrT with holes on the second set of holed flanges configured on the bottom portion 120b, and engagement between bolts passing through the aligned holes of the first and the second set of holed flanges and corresponding nut elements configures detachable assembly between the top portion 120a and the bottom portion 120b of the second housing 120. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular configuration of the latching elements or the connecting elements and the placement of the latching elements or the connecting elements as far as the latching elements or the connecting elements are capable of configuring detachable assembly between the top portion 120a and the bottom portion 120b of the second housing 120 for configuring an air tight enclosure.
The top portion 120a of the second housing 120 further includes at least one protective grid 130 that covers at least a portion of the at least one evaporator 122. The at least one protective grid 130 is so configured that the at least one protective grid 130 facilitates convenient packaging of

the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 in a limited space inside the vehicle cabin. More specifically, the protective grid 130 is not co-planar, and includes a first portion that is at one plane and a second portion that is at a different plane and orientation with respect to the first portion. In accordance with an embodiment, the protective grid 130 extends inwardly from at least one of top and sides of the at least one evaporator 122 for covering at least a portion of the at least one evaporator 122. The bottom portion 120b of the second housing 120 is tapered downwards to form a tapered portion and further includes a drain plug 128 integrally formed at a narrowest portion of the tapered portion of the bottom portion 120b to facilitate condensate draining and the evaporator 122 being fitted in the broadest portion of the tapered portion. The drain plug 128 also acts as a one way valve for facilitating draining of the condensate outside the vehicle but at the same time preventing outside pollutantS-from.entering insideJhe vehicle-cabin-through-the.drain— plug 128.
The first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are laterally offset with respect to each other to render compactness to the Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning unit 200 without compromising on effectiveness and performance of the evaporator 122 and are inter¬connected by an intermediate connection portion 140 such that the at least one suction fan is disposed downstream of the at least one evaporator 122 in an air flow circulation direction. The at least one suction fan operates to configure pressure difference across the at least one evaporator 122 for facilitating air flow across the at least one evaporator 122, thereby pulling the air through the at least one evaporator 122 without causing obstruction to the air flow. Specifically, the second scroll portion 110b includes at least one connecting aperture 111b with engagement elements configured along a periphery thereof that engage with complimentary engagement elements configured along a periphery of at least one corresponding

connecting aperture 127 formed on at least one of the top portion 120a and the bottom portion 120b of the second housing 120 to configure the intermediate connection portion 140 that is air tight and facilitates connection and fluid communication between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. The at least one connecting aperture 127 is configured by assembling portions 127a and 127b of the second connecting aperture 127 configured on the top portion 120a and the bottom portion 120b of the second housing 120 respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular configuration of the intermediate connection portion 140 and ways of configuring the intermediate connection portion 140, as far as the intermediate connection portion 140 configures an air tight connection and fluid communication between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120.
The Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning unit 200 further includes at least one first auxiliary housing 124a and at least one second auxiliary housing 124b integrally formed thereon. Specifically, the at least one first auxiliary housing 124a and the at least one second auxiliary housing 124b are formed on at least one of the top portion 120a and the bottom portion 120b of the second housing 120. At least one of the top portion 120a and the bottom portion 120b of the second housing 120 includes an extended portion 126 for facilitating mounting of at least one of the first auxiliary housing 124a and the second auxiliary housing 124b thereon. The at least one of the first auxiliary housing 124a and the second auxiliary housing 124b receive therein at least one of a resistor 123 for regulating speed of the at least one suction fan and an auxiliary element such as for example an expansion valve 125 disposed upstream of the at least one evaporator 122 in the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning circuit and. Specifically, the first auxiliary housing 124a receives the resistor 123 and the second auxiliary housing 124b receives

the expansion valve 125. Such configuration, further imparts compactness to the overall Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning unit 200.
The Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 includes three mounting brackets 142a, 142b, 142c for facilitating mounting of the connected first housing 110 and the second housing 120 on the vehicle frame. Specifically, the at least one first mounting bracket 142a is integrally configured on at least one of the first scroll portion 110a and the second scroll portion 110b of the first housing 110 and at least one second mounting bracket 142b is integrally configured on at least one of the top portion 120a and the bottom portion 120b of the second housing 120 at an extreme free end thereof and at least one third mounting bracket 142c is disposed between the at least one first mounting bracket 142a and the at least one second mounting bracket 142b. With such configuration, the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 requires comparatively fewer mounting points for mounting on the vehicle as compared to the conventional arrangement of separately mounting the evaporator and the fan on the vehicle.
Generally, at least one of the first scroll portion 110a and the second scroll portion 110b with the respective first outlet vent 118a and the second outlet vent 118b extending there from, the top portion 120a and the bottom portion 120b of the second housing 20 with the at least one first auxiliary housing 124a, the at least one second auxiliary housing 124b, the extended portion 126, the drain plug 128 integrally formed on the tapered portion of the bottom portion 120b of the second housing 120, the at least one protective grid 130 and the first, second and third mounting brackets 142a, 142b, 142c are of plastic material and configured by molding. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular material and process for configuring the first scroll portion 110a, the

second scroll portion 110b, the top portion 120a and the bottom portion 120b of the second housing 120 with the at least one first auxiliary housing 124a, the at least one second auxiliary housing 124b, the extended portion 126, the drain plug 128 integrally formed on the bottom portion 120b of the second housing 120 , the at least one protective grid 130 and the first, second and third mounting brackets 142a, 142b, 142c.
Typically, the longitudinal axes of the respective first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are at an angle with respect to each other.
Also is disclosed a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning system includes at least one compact Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 as disclosed above. The compact Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit is at least one of an auxiliary air conditioning unit and a main air conditioning unit of the vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning system. The auxiliary air conditioning unit operates independent of the main air conditioning unit and supports the main air conditioning unit in maintaining comfort conditions inside the vehicle cabin whenever required.
Due to the compact configuration of the auxiliary Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200, the same can be disposed anywhere inside the vehicle cabin, particularly, any unused space inside the vehicle cabin such as underneath at least one of driver and co-driver seat of the vehicle. Accordingly, the auxiliary Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 can be strategically disposed near the main air conditioning unit and can be connected to the condenser of the main air conditioning unit for facilitating operation of the auxiliary Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200. The auxiliary Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 is configured with all features and functions of the

main air conditioning unit, such as for example, the unit 200 can also operate in fresh air mode and the re-circulation mode. With such configuration of the auxiliary Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 disposed underneath at least one of driver and co-driver seat and the vents 118a and 118b capable of directing conditioned air at different directions, the conditioned air is effectively directed to the rear seat passengers of the vehicle to effectively cater to the air conditioning needs of the rear seat passengers. In accordance with an embodiment, the unit 200 is at least one of an auxiliary air conditioning unit and a main air conditioning unit configured in a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning system of a vehicle configured with auxiliary air conditioning unit as well as main air conditioning unit. Although, the present specification explains configuration and functioning of a compact, auxiliary air conditioning unit 200, however, the heat exchange unit 100 configured with at least one of
radiator cor.e,_condenser core, electrie-heater-eore—Positive-Temperature
Coefficient heater and a tube type heater core or any other heat exchanger core instead of the evaporator core operating in conjunction with the fan to configure the heat exchanger unit 100, the latter being required to be compact in configuration, is also within the scope and ambit of the present invention.
As the auxiliary Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 is disposed under the driver or the co-driver seat of the vehicle and is within the reach of the driver or the co-driver seated on the driver seat or the co-driver seat respectively, the auxiliary Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 is incorporated with safety features to ensure safety of the vehicle occupants. Particularly, the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 is configured with a protective cover 90 for covering at least a portion of the vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit, particularly, the cover 90 covers at least one of a portion of the first housing 10, the drive/motor 12 and the electrical connections between the

drive / motor 12 and the suction fan and any other electrical connections, electrical wirings to enhance safety as the auxiliary air conditioning unit 200 disposed below the driver seat or the co-driver seat. The protective cover 90 further eliminates noise and vibration emanating from the vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200. FIGURE 4 illustrates an isometric exploded view of the vehicle heat exchanger unit, particularly, the vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 configured with the protective cover 90. In accordance with another embodiment, the cover 90 includes a noise and vibration absorbing material 90a, such as foam configured on the inner side of the cover 90 so that the noise and vibration absorbing material 90a is disposed between the protective cover 90 and at least a portion of the vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 for absorbing and reducing the noise and vibrations emanating from the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200. _FIGURE_5 illustrates an isometric-view-of-the vehiele-Heating-Ventilation—-and Air Conditioning unit 200 in an assembled configuration. Referring to FIGURE 4, the protective cover is integrally extending from at least a portion of the protective grid 130. Otherwise the protective cover 90 can be separate from the protective grid 130 and can be assembled over the auxiliary air conditioning unit 200 to cover at least one of the portion of the first housing 10, the drive/motor 12 and the electrical connections between the drive / motor 12 and the suction fan and any other electrical connections to ensure safety of the vehicle occupants. The protective cover 90 also enhances the aesthetic look of the auxiliary air conditioning unit 200 and provides a systematic look thereto by hiding the electrical connections and wirings.
Still further is disclosed a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the vehicle is configured with at least one auxiliary Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 as disclosed above that is disposed underneath at least one of driver and

co-driver seat of the vehicle. The floor of the vehicle is configured with a drain aperture that receives the drain plug 128 of the at least one auxiliary Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 for facilitating draining of the condensate outside the vehicle.
The heat exchanger unit 100 is similar to the auxiliary Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200. Specifically, the heat exchanger unit 100 includes counter parts such as for example, a first scroll portion 10a, a second scroll portion 10b, a first latching elements 16a, a second latching elements 16b, a first outlet vent 18a, a second outlet vent 18b, a top portion 20a, a bottom portion 20b, first and second latching elements 21a and 21b respectively, a first auxiliary housing 24a receiving the resistor 23, a protective grid 30 and mounting brackets 42a, 42b, 42c corresponding to the first scroll portion 110a, the second scroll portion _1.1.0b,,the-first-latching-elements-1-16a7-the-second-latching-elements-1-16br the first outlet vent 118a, the second outlet vent 118b, the top portion 120a, the bottom portion 120b, first and second latching elements 121a and 121b respectively, the first auxiliary housing 124a receiving the resistor 123, the protective grid 130, the mounting brackets 142a, 142b, 142c of the auxiliary Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200. However, in case of the auxiliary Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200, there is the evaporator 122 instead of the heat exchanger 22. The further difference between the auxiliary Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 and the vehicle heat exchanger unit 100 is that the auxiliary Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 includes the drain plug 128 configured on the tapered portion of the bottom portion 120b of the second housing 120, whereas the vehicle heat exchanger unit 100 does not include any such corresponding counterpart for the drain plug 128. Further, the auxiliary Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 includes the additional auxiliary housing 124b for receiving therein the expansion valve 125, however, the vehicle heat exchanger unit

100 either does not include any corresponding counterpart to the second auxiliary housing 124b or includes a corresponding counterpart to the second auxiliary housing 124b that receives therein any auxiliary element other than the expansion valve 125 received in the second auxiliary housing 124b of the auxiliary Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200. For sake of brevity of present document, enlarged view depicting the details of only the auxiliary Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit 200 is illustrated in the Figures and described in the above description.
The vehicle heat exchanger unit 100 is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle heat exchanger unit 100 includes a first housing 10 and a second housing 20, also referred to as heat exchanger housing. The first housing 10 receives at least a portion of least one drive 12 and at least one suction fan driven by the at least one drive 12. The second housing 20 receives at least one heat exchanger 22. The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are laterally offset with respect to each other but still inter connected such that the at least one suction fan is disposed downstream of the at least one heat exchanger 22 in air flow circulation direction and configures air flow across the at least one heat exchanger 22 without causing obstruction to the air flow. The interconnection between the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 facilitates reducing the number of mounting points required for mounting the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 on a vehicle frame. The at least one heat exchanger 22 is at least one of radiator core, condenser core, evaporator core, electric heater core, Positive Temperature Coefficient heater and a tube type heater core and any combination of these heat exchangers.
Several modifications and improvement might be applied by the person skilled in the art to the vehicle heat exchanger unit as defined above, as long as it comprises a first housing and a second housing. The

first housing receives at least a portion of least a portion of a suction fan. The second housing receives at least one heat exchanger. The first housing and the second housing are laterally offset with respect to each other such that the suction fan is disposed downstream of the at least one heat exchanger in an air flow circulation direction.
Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.
In any case, the invention cannot and should not be limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, as other embodiments might exist. The invention shall spread to any equivalent means and any technically operating combination of means.

WE CLAIM:
1. A vehicle heat exchanger unit (100, 200) comprising:
• a first housing (10, 110) that receives at least a portion of a suction fan;
• a second housing (20, 120) that receives at least one heat exchanger (22, 122),
characterized in that said first housing (10, 110) and said at least one second housing (20, 120) are laterally offset with respect to each other such that said suction fan is disposed downstream of said at least one heat exchanger (22, 122) in an air flow circulation direction.
2. The vehicle heat exchanger unit (100, 200) as claimed in the previous claim, wherein said first housing (10, 110) is a scroll housing configured by assembling together a first scroll portion (10a, 110a) and a second scroll portion (10b, 110b), said first scroll portion (10a, 110a) comprises first latching elements (16a, 116a) that engage with complimentary second latching elements (16b, 116b) configured on said second scroll portion (10b, 110a) to define an enclosure for receiving at least one drive (12, 112) and said at least one suction fan therein.
3. The vehicle heat exchanger unit (100, 200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said second housing (20, 120) is configured by assembling together a top portion (20a, 120a) and a bottom portion (20b, 120b), said top portion (20a, 120a) comprises first latching elements (21a, 121a) that engage with complimentary second latching elements (21b, 121b) configured on said bottom portion (20b, 120b) to define an enclosure for receiving said at least one heat exchanger (22, 122).

4. The vehicle heat exchanger unit (100, 200) as claimed in claim 3 further comprising at least one first auxiliary housing (24a, 124a) integrally formed thereon and adapted to receive therein a resistor (23, 123) for regulating speed of said at least one suction fan.
5. The vehicle heat exchanger unit (100, 200) as claimed in claim 3 , wherein said second scroll portion (10b, 110b) comprises at least one connecting aperture (11b, 111b) with engagement elements configured along a periphery thereof that engage with complimentary engagement elements configured along a periphery of at least one corresponding connecting aperture (27, 127) formed on at least one of said top portion (20a, 120a) and said bottom portion (20b, 120b) of said second housing (20, 120) to configure an intermediate connection portion (40, 140) that is air tight and facilitates fluid communication between said first housing (10, 110) and said second housing (20, 120).
6. The vehicle heat exchanger unit (100, 200) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein longitudinal axes of said respective first housing (10, 110) and said second housing (20, 120) are at an angle with respect to each other.
7. The vehicle heat exchanger unit (100, 200) as claimed in any of the claims 3 to 5, wherein at least one first mounting bracket (42a, 142a) is integrally configured on at least one of said first scroll portion (10a, 110a) and said second scroll portion (10b, 110b) of said first housing (10, 110) and at least one second mounting bracket (42b, 142b) is integrally configured on at least one of said top portion (20a, 120a) and said bottom portion (20b, 120b) of said second housing (20, 120), preferably at an extreme free end thereof, and at least one third mounting bracket (42c, 142c) is disposed between said at least one first mounting bracket (42a, 142a) and said at least one second mounting bracket (42b, 142b).

8. The vehicle Heat exchanger unit (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims 3 to 7 is a vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit (200), whereas said at least one heat exchanger (22) is at least one evaporator (122).
9. The vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit (200) as claimed in the previous claim further comprises at least one second auxiliary housing (124b) integrally formed thereon and adapted to receive therein an expansion valve (125) disposed upstream of said at least one evaporator (122) in a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning circuit of said Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit (200).

10. The vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit (200) as claimed in claims 8 or 9, wherein said bottom portion (20b) of said second housing (20) is tapered downwards to form a tapered portion, and further comprises a drain plug (128) integrally formed at a narrowest portion of said tapered portion of said bottom portion (20b) to facilitate condensate draining, the evaporator being fitted in the broadest portion of said tapered portion.
11. The vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit (200) as claimed in claim 8 and subsequent claims, further comprising a protective cover adapted to cover at least a portion of said vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit (200), said protective cover further includes a noise and vibration absorbing material disposed on an inner side thereof and adapted to eliminate noise and vibration emanating from said vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit (200).

12. A vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning system comprising at least one vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit (200) as claimed in any of the claim 8 and subsequent claims, the vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit (200) is at least one of an auxiliary air conditioning unit and a main air conditioning unit of said vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning system
13. A vehicle configured with at least one vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit (200) as claimed in claim 8 and subsequent claims that is adapted to be disposed underneath at least one of driver and co-driver seat of said vehicle, wherein floor of said vehicle is configured with a drain aperture adapted to receive said drain plug (128) of said at least one vehicle Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit (200) for facilitating draining'ofthexondensate outside th"e"vehicle. ,tj^