DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to an air conditioning unit for a vehicle. The disclosure discloses the air conditioning unit having an adjustable condenser unit for the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE
Vehicle manufacturers have many design constraints to be considered while manufacturing the vehicles. In vehicles such as but not limiting to commercial vehicles, the design of the vehicles has to be such that the maximum total permissible height of the vehicle has to be with in a predetermined limit. Generally, the maximum total permissible height of the commercial vehicle is about 2.8 meters to about 3 meters. For transportation of such vehicles, the vehicle are to be loaded into transport vehicles such as but not limiting to trains, air craft, ships and trucks for quick transportation or deployment in the desired locations. Generally, the transport vehicles are designed to accommodate the vehicles having a predetermined total height. For example the total height of the vehicles may be 3 meters.
Many of the commercial vehicles are equipped with HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) to improve the user/driver comfort. Commercial vehicles with front cooling modules have very less space for packaging. Due to packaging constraint, the AC condenser is omitted from front cooling module and needs to be packaged at some other place.
In conventional vehicles, the AC condenser is packaged at a different place in the vehicle. This leads to design modifications and changes efficiency of the condenser. Ram air which has to be directed into the condenser becomes scarce as the condenser is packaged at a different place. Packaging on the sides also becomes cumbersome due to other parameters of design; hence AC condenser packaging ends up as a challenge. Generally, in such situations, compromise of heavy or big size condenser is carried out or the condenser unit is placed in an odd location which reduces the efficiency of the air conditioning system.
To get benefit of ram air and better heat rejection, it is better to package AC condenser on the top of the vehicle, i.e. on the roof of the vehicle. However, the commercial vehicles are already designed at a height of close to the predetermined limit. For example say about 2.8 meters to 3 meters. This leads to height constraints and transportation of the commercial vehicles becomes a tedious tasks. Sometimes, underpasses and low bridges might cause an obstacle for such commercial vehicles which can cause damage to the condenser, and loss of time.

Hence there is a need to develop a mechanism to overcome the problems stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided an air conditioning unit for a vehicle. The air conditioning unit comprises at least one condenser unit adjustably mounted at a predetermined location of the vehicle. The at least one condenser unit is configured to be operated between a first position and a second position. The actuator unit coupled to the at least one condenser unit for operating the at least one condenser unit between the first position and the second position wherein, actuation of the at least one condenser unit between the first position and second position varies the height of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuator unit is at least one of motor and linear actuator.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuator unit is at least one of a pivot mechanism which actuates the at least one condenser unit from 0º to 270º with respect to the horizontal plane.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at the first position, ram air flows into the at least one condenser unit, and at the second position, the at least one condenser unit is away from the ram air path.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuator unit is coupled to the at least one condenser unit through at least one frame. The frame houses at least one end of the at least one condenser unit. Further, the frame comprises plurality of guide members for guiding the movement of the condenser unit between the first position and the second position. In addition, a plurality of stopper members are provided on the frame for confining the at least one condenser unit in the first position.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one condenser unit is placed on top of the vehicle cabin or behind the cabin of the vehicle.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the invention described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the invention.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a side view of vehicle equipped with one embodiment of an adjustable condenser unit, having an actuator unit to operate the condenser unit between a first position and a second position.
Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a side view of vehicle equipped with another embodiment of adjustable condenser unit having an actuator unit to operate the condenser unit between a first position and a second position.
DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSURE
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.
Air conditioning units in commercial vehicles are having space constraints for packaging within the vehicle. The air conditioning units in the vehicles have a large volume of the vehicle cabin to cool under different environmental conditions. Hence, in order to cool such large volume cabins, the air conditioning unit and the condenser units in the commercial vehicles have to packed at places where there is enough ram air coming into the condenser units for efficient cooling. Some commercial vehicles find their application uses in harsh conditions such as deserts, high mountain passes etc., wherein the cabin temperature have to be in a controlled environment suitable to the occupants. Also, such commercial vehicles are built to an already maximum legal permissible height. Air conditioning units for such commercial vehicles are generally placed on the top of the vehicle cabin which further increases the height of the vehicle. The condenser unit is prone to damages when the vehicle is passing under a low bride or in tunnels or during transportation in carrier vehicles. Hence, in order to overcome the problems there is a need to develop a retractable condenser unit which is placed in the ram air path which allows ample air for efficient cooling. Also, the adjustable condenser unit should be such that, it can be retracted which reduces the height of the vehicle when the vehicle needs to traverse underneath bridges or when loading the vehicle into a carrier vehicle.
Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates an embodiment of a vehicle (1) having an actuator unit (3) of one non-limiting embodiment to operate the condenser unit (2) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP) when required. The vehicle (1) is equipped with the air condition unit (100) to cool/heat the occupants of the vehicle (1) in unbearable weather conditions. The air conditioning unit (100) comprises a compressor unit (not shown), evaporator unit (not shown), and at least one condenser unit (2). The condenser unit (2) is mounted at predetermined location so as to receive the ram air. In an embodiment, the predetermined location is such as but not limiting to top of the vehicle (1) cabin or behind the vehicle (1) cabin. Further, the condenser unit (2) is configured as adjustable condenser unit (2) for operating between a first position (FP) and second position (SP) to subject the condenser unit (2) to ram air path and retract the condenser unit (2) away which results in reduced ram air when required. To operate the condenser unit (2) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP), an actuator unit (3) is coupled with the condenser unit (2). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the condenser unit (2) may be housed within a frame (4). The frame (4) includes a housing which is dimensioned such that it can accommodate the condenser unit (2). The frame (4) is a rigid member which carries the weight of the condenser unit (2). The frame (4) is fixed to the actuator unit (3) through plurality of guide members (5). The actuator unit (3) is selected from at least one of a motor and linear actuator.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the linear actuator is selected from at least one of but not limiting to pneumatic actuator, hydraulic actuator and a motorized actuator. As shown in Figure 1 the linear actuator unit (3) may be coupled to the condenser unit (2) through a frame (4). The linear actuator unit (3) is configured to raise the condenser unit (2) by means of plurality of guide members (5) up to the first position (FP) so as to bring the condenser unit (2) into the ram air path for air to enter into the condenser unit (2). The actuator unit (3) may be operated to retract the at least one condenser unit (2) to the second position (SP) i.e. away from the ram air path when the air conditioning unit is not in use, or when the height of the vehicle (1) has to be reduced at situations when the vehicle (1) has to be loaded onto a carrier or when the vehicle (1) has to be maneuvered under bridges and tunnels. The actuator unit (3) may be a manual operated push pull mechanism or an electronic retraction actuator system. When the user senses that the height of the vehicle (1) has to be reduced, the user may operate the actuation switch provided within the convenient reach of the user to retract the condenser unit (2) by the actuator unit (3) to a safe height or desired height. Initializing the actuator unit (3) activates one or more retraction motors which lifts up the condenser unit (2) as explained in figure 1.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the condenser unit (2) is placed behind the cabin (8) of the vehicle (1) [best shown in FIG. 1]. When the air conditioning unit (100) of the vehicle (1) is switched ON, the condenser unit (2) is moved to the first position (FP) by the actuator unit (3) through the plurality of guide members (5). The plurality of guide members (5) guides the at least one condenser unit (2) from second position (SP) to the first position (FP). The frame (4) has plurality of stopper members (6) provided to firmly fix the condenser unit (2) in the frame (4) to prevent it from wobbling during movement from first position (FP) to second position (SP) and also to provide stability to the condenser unit (2) when the vehicle (1) is moving at high speeds. The condenser unit (2) is fixed with plurality of hoses (7) which transport the fluid from the air conditioning condenser (not shown in figure) to the at least one condenser unit (2). The condenser unit (2) is retracted from second position (SP) to first position (FP) wherein, the first position (FP) of the condenser unit (2) is in a direct path of the ram air. Bringing the condenser unit (2) in the ram air path helps improve the cooling/heating efficiency of the air conditioning unit of the vehicle (1). The condenser unit (2) cannot always be placed at the first position (FP) due to the height constraints of the vehicle (1) also, when the vehicle (1) has to travel in a low height tunnel or underpass, the condenser unit (2) has to be retracted to second position (SP). The actuator unit (3) fixed to the condenser unit (2) through the frame (4) is actuated to retract the condenser unit (2) between the first position (FP) to the second position (SP). The at least one condenser unit (2) in the first position (FP) receives more ram air compared to the at least one condenser unit (2) in the second position (SP).
The placement of the condenser unit (2) need not be always behind the cabin or on top of the cabin. The condenser unit (2) may be equipped / installed at any desired location, such that it can be positioned to receive direct ram air. Further, in one embodiment the condenser unit (2) may not be limited only to receive ram air; it can receive air from any other source for its working.
Figures 2 and 3 are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating a vehicle (1) equipped with an adjustable condenser unit (2) coupled to an actuator unit (3) of second embodiment. The actuator unit (3) is configured to operate the condenser unit (2) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP). As shown in Figure 2, the actuator unit (3) is a motor actuator. The actuator unit (3) fixed to the frame (4) which houses the condenser unit (2), by a mechanism such as but not limiting to pivot mechanism. The motorised actuator (3) is configured to operate the condenser unit (2) between the first position (FP) and second position (SP). For moving to the first position (FP) the actuator (3) is configured to lift/rotate the condenser to 90º with respect to the vertical axis. The motorised actuator (3) may be configured to rotate/lift the condenser unit (2) at an angle ranging from about 0º to about 90º with respect to the vertical axis for exposing the condenser unit (2) to ram air path. The condenser unit (2) in the first position (FP) receives more ram air compared to the at least one condenser unit (2) in the second position (SP).

The actuator unit (3) in the present embodiment is at least one of a pivot mechanism wherein, the at least one actuator unit (3) is retracted from 0º to 270º with respect to vertical axis.

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure wherein, the at least one condenser unit (2) is retracted from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) by an actuator unit (3). The actuator unit (3) in the present embodiment is a motor actuator. The actuator unit (3) fixed to the frame (4) which houses the condenser unit (2). The motorised actuator (3) is configured to operate the condenser unit (2) between the first position (FP) and second position (SP). For moving to the first position (FP) the actuator (3) is configured to lift/rotate the condenser to 90º with respect to the vertical axis. The motorised actuator (3) may be configured to rotate/lift the condenser unit (2) at an angle ranging from about 0º to about 270º with respect to the vertical axis for exposing the condenser unit (2) to ram air path. The condenser unit (2) in the first position (FP) receives more ram air compared to the condenser unit (2) in the second position (SP). All the angles falling within the range mentioned above to change the position of the consider falls within the scope of this disclosure.

EQUIVALENTS

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERRAL NUMERALS

100 Air conditioning unit

1 Vehicle
2 Condenser unit
3 Actuator unit
4 Frame
5 Guide members
6 Stoppers members
7 Hoses
FP First Position
SP Second Position
,CLAIMS:1. An air conditioning unit (100) for a vehicle (1) comprising:
at least one condenser unit (2) adjustably mounted at a predetermined location of the vehicle (1), wherein the at least one condenser unit (2) is configured to be operated between a first position (FP) and a second position (SP); wherein the at least one condenser unit (2) in the first position (FP) receives more ram air compared to the at least one condenser unit (2) in the second position (SP), and
an actuator unit (3) coupled to the at least one condenser unit (2) for operating the at least one condenser unit (2) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP); wherein, actuation of the at least one condenser unit (2) between the first position (FP) and second position (SP) varies height of the vehicle (1).

2. The air conditioning unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator unit (3) is at least one of motor and linear actuator.

3. The air conditioning unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator unit (3) is at least one of a pivot mechanism which actuates the at least one condenser unit (2) from 0º to 270º with respect to the horizontal plane.

4. The air conditioning unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at the first position (FP), ram air flows into the at least one condenser unit (2).

5. The air conditioning unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at the second position (SP), the at least one condenser unit (2) is away from the ram air path.

6. The air conditioning unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator unit (3) is coupled to the at least one condenser unit (2) through at least one frame (4).

7. The air conditioning unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one frame (4) houses at least one end of the at least one condenser unit (2).

8. The at least one frame (4) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one frame (4) comprises plurality of guide members (5) for guiding the movement of the condenser unit (2) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP).

9. The at least one frame (4) as claimed in claim 7, wherein a plurality of stopper members (6) are provided on the frame (4) for confining the at least one condenser unit (2) in the first position (FP).

10. The air conditioning unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one condenser unit (2) is placed on top of the vehicle (1) cabin or behind the cabin of the vehicle (1).