Portable Air Conditioning Unit

Abstract

A portable air conditioning unit is disclosed herein. The portable air conditioning unit includes a housing; a cold air outlet disposed at a first end of the housing; a hot air outlet disposed at a second end of the housing; a supply air fan disposed inside the housing; and a plurality of refrigeration cycle components disposed inside the housing, the plurality of refrigeration cycle components configured to cool an intake air stream entering the housing, and the supply air fan configured to discharge a cooled air stream through the cold air outlet, and the plurality of refrigeration cycle components further configured to dissipate heat to a condenser air stream entering the housing, and expel a heated condenser air stream through the hot air outlet. In one or more embodiments, the portable air conditioning unit may include a battery pack for powering the portable air conditioning unit.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL IN APPENDIX

A copy of parts lists and assembly instructions for the portable air conditioning unit and the portable battery pack for powering the portable air conditioning unit described herein are attached as Appendices A and B to this specification. The contents of these parts lists and assembly instructions are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to a portable air conditioning unit. More particularly, the invention relates to a portable air conditioning unit that may be used to provide cooling for a plurality of different applications, such as in a tent, camper, trailer, or small multipurpose building disposed in a backyard of a home.

2. Background

Conventional air conditioning units used to cool building spaces or vehicles are known. When these conventional air conditioning units are used to cool building spaces, they are typically permanently installed in the building, and thus are not portable for use in other structures. Similarly, when these conventional air conditioning units are used to cool vehicles, they are often permanently installed in the vehicles, and thus are not portable for use in other applications. As such, once installed, conventional air conditioning units are limited to use in a single application.

Therefore, what is needed is an air conditioning unit that is readily portable so that it may be used to provide cooling for a plurality of different applications. In addition, a portable air conditioning unit is needed that is able to be powered using a variety of different power sources.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a portable air conditioning unit that substantially obviates one or more problems resulting from the limitations and deficiencies of the related art.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a portable air conditioning unit that includes a housing having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, the first side of the housing being oppositely disposed relative to the second side of the housing, and the first end of the housing being oppositely disposed relative to the second end of the housing; a cold air outlet disposed at the first end of the housing; a hot air outlet disposed at the second end of the housing; a supply air fan disposed inside the housing; and a plurality of refrigeration cycle components disposed inside the housing, the plurality of refrigeration cycle components configured to cool an intake air stream entering the first side and/or the second side of the housing, and the supply air fan configured to discharge a cooled air stream through the cold air outlet at the first end of the housing, and the plurality of refrigeration cycle components further configured to dissipate heat to a condenser air stream entering the first side and/or the second side of the housing, and expel a heated condenser air stream through the hot air outlet at the second end of the housing.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of refrigeration cycle components comprises an evaporator coil configured to transfer heat from the intake air stream entering the first side and/or the second side of the housing to a refrigerant circulated through the evaporator coil so as to cool the intake air stream; a compressor fluidly coupled to the evaporator coil, the compressor configured to increase a pressure of the refrigerant entering the compressor from the evaporator coil; a condenser coil fluidly coupled to the compressor, the condenser coil configured to transfer heat from the refrigerant entering the condenser coil to the condenser air stream entering the first side and/or the second side of the housing so as to heat the condenser air stream; and an expansion device fluidly coupled to the condenser coil, the expansion device configured to allow the refrigerant entering the expansion device to decrease in pressure prior to the refrigerant entering the evaporator coil.

In yet a further embodiment, the compressor comprises a double-cylinder compressor.

In still a further embodiment, the plurality of refrigeration cycle components further comprises a condenser fan, the condenser fan configured to expel the heated condenser air stream through the hot air outlet at the second end of the housing after the condenser air stream has been heated by the refrigerant in the condenser coil.

In yet a further embodiment, the supply air fan is in a form of a centrifugal blower, the cooled air stream configured to enter an axial air inlet of the centrifugal blower, and the centrifugal blower configured to radially discharge the cooled air stream through the cold air outlet of the housing.

In still a further embodiment, the portable air conditioning unit further comprises a rechargeable battery pack for powering the portable air conditioning unit, the rechargeable battery pack configured to be electrically coupled to an electrical port on the housing of the portable air conditioning unit.

In yet a further embodiment, the rechargeable battery pack is configured to be removably attached to a bottom of the housing so as to form a base for the portable air conditioning unit.

In still a further embodiment, the rechargeable battery pack comprises a release button disposed on a housing of the rechargeable battery pack for detaching the rechargeable battery pack from the portable air conditioning unit.

In yet a further embodiment, the rechargeable battery pack comprises a direct current (DC) power output port disposed on a housing of the rechargeable battery pack for powering an external electronic device requiring DC power.

In still a further embodiment, the rechargeable battery pack comprises one or more Universal Serial Bus (USB) output ports disposed on a housing of the rechargeable battery pack for powering one or more external electronic devices.

In yet a further embodiment, the rechargeable battery pack comprises a direct current (DC) power charging port disposed on a housing of the rechargeable battery pack for enabling the rechargeable battery pack to be recharged using a DC power source.

In still a further embodiment, the rechargeable battery pack comprises a combination charging and power supply port disposed on a housing of the rechargeable battery pack for enabling the rechargeable battery pack to be recharged using an alternating current (AC) power adapter connected to a building power supply, or for enabling the rechargeable battery pack to be electrically coupled to the electrical port on the housing of the portable air conditioning unit for powering the portable air conditioning unit.

In yet a further embodiment, the portable air conditioning unit further comprises an alternating current (AC) power adapter for powering the portable air conditioning unit from a building power supply, the AC power adapter configured to be electrically coupled to an electrical receptacle on the housing of the portable air conditioning unit.

In still a further embodiment, the portable air conditioning unit further comprises a direct current (DC) power adapter for powering the portable air conditioning unit from a vehicle or other DC power source, the DC power adapter configured to be electrically coupled to an electrical receptacle on the housing of the portable air conditioning unit.

In yet a further embodiment, the portable air conditioning unit further comprises a solar panel for powering the portable air conditioning unit, the solar panel configured to be electrically coupled to an electrical receptacle on the housing of the portable air conditioning unit by means of an electrical power cord.

In still a further embodiment, the portable air conditioning unit further comprises an exhaust duct collar extending from the housing and surrounding the hot air outlet, the exhaust duct collar comprising one or more grooves formed in one or more sides of the exhaust duct collar to accommodate one or more corresponding protrusions on an attachment end portion of a flexible exhaust duct so as to removably attach the flexible exhaust duct to the portable air conditioning unit.

In yet a further embodiment, the portable air conditioning unit further comprises a supply duct collar extending from the housing and surrounding the cold air outlet, the supply duct collar comprising one or more grooves formed in one or more sides of the supply duct collar to accommodate one or more corresponding protrusions on an attachment end portion of a flexible supply duct so as to removably attach the flexible supply duct to the portable air conditioning unit.

In still a further embodiment, the portable air conditioning unit further comprises a control panel disposed on the housing, the control panel including one or more of the following control buttons, visual status indicators, and/or visual displays: (i) a power button, (ii) a first fan speed button for increasing a speed of the supply air fan, (iii) a second fan speed button for decreasing the speed of the supply air fan, (iv) a fan mode button for activating a fan mode of the portable air conditioning unit, (v) a cooling mode status indicator for indicating that the portable air conditioning unit is in a cooling mode, (vi) an outlet air temperature display, (vii) an ambient air temperature display, and (viii) high and low fan speed indicator lights for the supply air fan.

In yet a further embodiment, the portable air conditioning unit further comprises a light disposed on the housing; and the control panel further comprises a light button for activating and deactivating the light on the housing of the portable air conditioning unit.

In still a further embodiment, at least one of the first side and second side of the housing comprises an air filter side panel through which the intake air stream enters the housing, the air filter side panel being removable from the housing so that dirt and/or debris is able to be cleaned from the air filter side panel by a user.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are merely exemplary and explanatory in nature. As such, the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the invention should not be construed to limit the scope of the appended claims in any sense.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side-top perspective view of a portable air conditioning unit, according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a first side elevational view of the portable air conditioning unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a second side elevational view of the portable air conditioning unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the portable air conditioning unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the portable air conditioning unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the portable air conditioning unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the portable air conditioning unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a bottom-side perspective view of the portable air conditioning unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a side-top perspective view of a portable battery pack for powering the portable air conditioning unit, according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the portable battery pack for powering the portable air conditioning unit shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a rear elevational view of the portable battery pack for powering the portable air conditioning unit shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a first side elevational view of the portable battery pack for powering the portable air conditioning unit shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a second side elevational view of the portable battery pack for powering the portable air conditioning unit shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the portable battery pack for powering the portable air conditioning unit shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the portable battery pack for powering the portable air conditioning unit shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 16 is a bottom-side perspective view of the portable battery pack for powering the portable air conditioning unit shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the portable air conditioning unit of FIG. 1 depicted with accessories of the portable air conditioning unit exploded therefrom;

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the portable air conditioning unit and accessories shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view of the portable air conditioning unit shown in FIG. 1, wherein the section is generally cut along the cutting-plane line 19-19 in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 20 is a transverse sectional view of the portable air conditioning unit shown in FIG. 1, wherein the section is generally cut along the cutting-plane line 20-20 in FIG. 6.

Throughout the figures, the same parts are always denoted using the same reference characters so that, as a general rule, they will only be described once.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

An illustrative embodiment of a portable air conditioning unit is seen generally at 100 in FIGS. 1-8 and 17-20. Initially, referring collectively to the perspective view of FIG. 1, the exploded perspective view of FIG. 18, and the longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 19, it can be seen that the portable air conditioning unit 100 generally comprises a housing 102 having a first side 102c, a second side 102d, a first end 102a, and a second end 102b, the first side 102c of the housing 102 being oppositely disposed relative to the second side 102d of the housing 102, and the first end 102a of the housing 102 being oppositely disposed relative to the second end 102b of the housing 102; a cold air outlet 112 disposed at the first end 102a of the housing 102; a hot air outlet 114 disposed at the second end 102b of the housing 102; a supply air fan 150 disposed inside the housing 102 (refer to FIG. 19); and a plurality of refrigeration cycle components 148, 158, 162, 164 disposed inside the housing 102 (see FIGS. 18 and 19), the plurality of refrigeration cycle components 148, 158, 162, 164 configured to cool an intake air stream entering the first side 102c and/or the second side 102d of the housing 102, and the supply air fan 150 configured to discharge a cooled air stream through the cold air outlet 112 at the first end 102a of the housing 102, and the plurality of refrigeration cycle components 148, 158, 162, 164 further configured to dissipate heat to a condenser air stream entering the first side 102c and/or the second side 102d of the housing 102, and expel a heated condenser air stream through the hot air outlet 114 at the second end 102b of the housing.

In the illustrative embodiment, the portable air conditioning unit 100 may be used to provide cooling for a plurality of different applications, such as cooling for a tent, camper, van, trailer, or a small multipurpose building (e.g., a home office or home gym) disposed in a backyard of a home. The portable air conditioning unit 100 also may be used to provide cooling for any other space containing a pet so as to keep the pet comfortable.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 8, and 18, it can be seen that, in the illustrative embodiment, the housing 102 of the portable air conditioning unit 100 includes a top 102e with a handle 106 for carrying the portable air conditioning unit 100, and a bottom 102f with a plurality of support feet 126 (e.g., four (4) support feet 126—see FIG. 16) for resting on a support surface (e.g., a floor).

Now, with combined reference to FIGS. 18-20, the refrigeration cycle components 148, 158, 162, 164 of the portable air conditioning unit 100 will be described in detail. In the illustrative embodiment, the plurality of refrigeration cycle components 148, 158, 162, 164 includes: (i) an evaporator coil 148 configured to transfer heat from the intake air stream entering the first side 102c and/or the second side 102d of the housing 102 to a refrigerant circulated through the evaporator coil 148 so as to cool the intake air stream; (ii) a compressor 158 fluidly coupled to the evaporator coil 148, the compressor 158 configured to increase a pressure of the refrigerant entering the compressor 158 from the evaporator coil 148; a condenser coil 164 fluidly coupled to the compressor 158, the condenser coil 148 configured to transfer heat from the refrigerant entering the condenser coil 148 to the condenser air stream entering the first side 102c and/or the second side 102d of the housing 102 so as to heat the condenser air stream; and an expansion device (e.g., an expansion valve) fluidly coupled to the condenser coil 164, the expansion device configured to allow the refrigerant entering the expansion device to decrease in pressure prior to the refrigerant entering the evaporator coil 148.

In the illustrative embodiment, with reference to the longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 19, the compressor 158 comprises a double-cylinder compressor. The components 148, 158, 164 of the refrigeration cycle of the portable air conditioning unit 100 are fluidly connected to one another by refrigerant piping 156.

Referring again to FIGS. 18 and 19, in the illustrative embodiment, the plurality of refrigeration cycle components 148, 158, 162, 164 further comprises an axial condenser fan 162. The condenser fan 162 is configured to expel the heated condenser air stream through the hot air outlet 114 at the second end 102b of the housing 102 after the condenser air stream has been heated by the refrigerant in the condenser coil 164. In the illustrative embodiment, as shown in the exploded view of FIG. 18, the condenser section 160 of the portable air conditioning unit 100 may include a pair of condenser coils 164 disposed on opposite sides of the portable air conditioning unit 100.

In the illustrative embodiment, with reference again to FIGS. 18 and 19, it can be seen that the supply air fan 150 is in a form of a centrifugal blower. The cooled air stream is configured to enter an axial air inlet of the centrifugal blower housing 152, and the centrifugal blower 150 with blower wheel 154 is configured to radially discharge the cooled air stream through the cold air outlet 112 of the housing 102. As shown in FIG. 18, a fan shroud 166 with a circular aperture may be disposed between the evaporator coil 148 and an inlet of the supply air fan 150 so as to guide the air leaving the evaporator coil 148 into the axial air inlet of the supply air fan 150.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 9-16 of the illustrative embodiment, the portable air conditioning unit 100 may further include a rechargeable battery pack 200 for powering the portable air conditioning unit 100. The rechargeable battery pack 200 is configured to be electrically coupled to an electrical port 124 on the housing 102 of the portable air conditioning unit 100 (see FIG. 1). With particular reference to the perspective view of FIG. 9, it can be seen that the rechargeable battery pack 200 comprises a housing 202 having a first side 202c, a second side 202d, a first end 202a, and a second end 202b, the first side 202c of the housing 202 being oppositely disposed relative to the second side 202d of the housing 202, and the first end 202a of the housing 202 being oppositely disposed relative to the second end 202b of the housing 202. In addition, the housing 202 of the rechargeable battery pack 200 includes a top 202e with a plurality of battery fixing feet 204 (e.g., four (4) feet 204—refer to FIG. 9), and a bottom 202f with a plurality of support feet 228 (e.g., four (4) feet 228—see FIG. 16).

In the illustrative embodiment, the rechargeable battery pack 200 is configured to be removably attached to a bottom of the housing 102 of the portable air conditioning unit 100 so as to form a base for the portable air conditioning unit 100. For example, refer to FIG. 13 of co-pending U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 18/401,559, filed by the Applicant on Dec. 31, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein. FIG. 13 of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 18/401,559 depicts the rechargeable battery pack disposed underneath the portable air conditioning unit and forming a base for the portable air conditioning unit on a floor of an outdoor shelter. In such a configuration, the support feet 228 of the rechargeable battery pack 200 rest on the floor.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, it can be seen that the battery fixing feet 204 on the top 202e of the battery housing 202 are configured to removably engage with corresponding U-shaped recesses disposed adjacent to the support feet 126 on the bottom 102f of the housing 102 of the portable air conditioning unit 100. In the illustrative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the rechargeable battery pack further comprises a release button 208 disposed on the second end 202b of the housing 202 of the rechargeable battery pack 200 for detaching the rechargeable battery pack 200 from the portable air conditioning unit 100. For example, when the release button 208 is pushed downward by a user, the engagement protrusion 230 on the top 202e of the battery housing 202 is retracted into the housing 202 so as to allow a user to slide the portable air conditioning unit 100 longitudinally in a direction of the cold air outlet 112. This allows the rechargeable battery pack 200 to be removed from the bottom 102f of the portable air conditioning unit 100. Conversely, to attach the rechargeable battery pack 200 to the bottom 102f of the portable air conditioning unit 100, the battery fixing feet 204 on the top 202e of the battery housing 202 are approximately aligned with the corresponding U-shaped recesses on the bottom 102f of the housing 102 of the portable air conditioning unit 100. Then, the portable air conditioning unit 100 is longitudinally slid by a user in the direction of the hot air outlet 114 so that the battery fixing feet 204 on the battery housing 202 are received within their corresponding U-shaped recesses on the housing 102 of the portable air conditioning unit 100. After which, the engagement protrusion 230 on the top 202e of the battery housing 202, which may be spring-biased in an upward position, snaps into place within a corresponding elongate notch disposed on the bottom 102f of the portable air conditioning unit 100 (see FIG. 8) between the support feet 126 and the second end 102b of the housing 102.

In the illustrative embodiment, referring to FIGS. 11 and 16, additional features of the rechargeable battery pack 200 will be explained. As shown in these figures, the rechargeable battery pack 200 further comprises a direct current (DC) power output port 214 disposed on the first end 202a of the housing 202 for powering an external electronic device requiring DC power. Also, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 16, the rechargeable battery pack 200 comprises a plurality of Universal Serial Bus (USB) output ports 216, 218, 220 disposed on the first end 202a of the housing 202 for powering one or more external electronic devices (e.g., a smartphone). In particular, in the illustrative embodiment, the first end 202a of the housing 202 of the rechargeable battery pack 200 may comprise one (1) USB Type-C output port 216 and two (2) USB Type-A output ports 218, 220. In addition, in FIGS. 11 and 16, it can be seen that the rechargeable battery pack 200 further comprises a power switch 222 disposed on the first end 202a of the housing 202 for activating and deactivating the rechargeable battery pack 200 (i.e., turning “on” and turning “off” the battery pack 200).

Referring again to FIGS. 11 and 16, in the illustrative embodiment, it can be seen that the rechargeable battery pack 200 further comprises a plurality of battery level indicator lights 212 disposed on the first end 202a of the housing 202 for indicating a battery life of the rechargeable battery pack 200 (e.g., a larger quantity of battery level indicator lights 212 illuminated indicates a greater battery life).

Next, turning to FIGS. 9 and 10, in the illustrative embodiment, it can be seen that the rechargeable battery pack 200 further comprises a direct current (DC) power charging port 206 disposed on the second end 202b of the housing 202 for enabling the rechargeable battery pack 200 to be recharged using a DC power source (e.g., a vehicle power source or solar panel). In FIG. 10, it can be seen that the direct current (DC) power charging port 206 may be provided with a flexible cover member 224 for protecting the charging port 206 when it is not in use. Also, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in the illustrative embodiment, the rechargeable battery pack 200 comprises a combination charging and power supply port 210 disposed on the second end 202b of the housing 202 for enabling the rechargeable battery pack 200 to be recharged using an alternating current (AC) power adapter connected to a building power supply, or for enabling the rechargeable battery pack 200 to be electrically coupled to the electrical port 124 on the housing 102 of the portable air conditioning unit 100 for powering the portable air conditioning unit 100. In FIG. 10, it can be seen that the combination charging and power supply port 210 may be provided with a flexible cover member 226 for protecting the combination charging and power supply port 210 when it is not in use.

In the illustrative embodiment, the rechargeable battery pack 200 includes one or more of the following specifications/features: (i) lithium-ion polymer batteries, (ii) a battery capacity of 24V 40 Ah/864 Wh, (iii) a DC input of 25.5V, (iv) charging time of 4-6 hours for using standard power adapter and 8-10 hours for using solar panels, (v) DC output of 12V/5 A MAX, (vi) USB Type-C ports: PD (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V/60 W MAX), (vii) USB Type-A ports: QC3.0 (5V, 9V, 12V/18 W MAX), (viii) a overall weight of 15.87 lbs., (ix) an overall size of: 22.05″×8.46″×3.54″, and (x) a working temperature from 32° F. to 140° F.

Referring now to the perspective view of FIG. 17, in the illustrative embodiment, it can be seen that the portable air conditioning unit 100 may further comprise an alternating current (AC) power adapter 136 for powering the portable air conditioning unit 100 from a building power supply (e.g., a building electrical receptacle). The AC power adapter 136 is configured to be electrically coupled to an electrical receptacle 120 on the second end 102b of the housing 102 of the portable air conditioning unit 100 (see FIGS. 1 and 17). As shown in FIG. 17, the AC power adapter 136 comprises a unit connector 138 at a first end thereof that is configured to be connected to the electrical receptacle 120 on the portable air conditioning unit 100, and a wall plug 140 at a second end thereof that is configured to be connected to a 120V electrical receptacle of a building.

Also, as shown in FIG. 17, in the illustrative embodiment, it can be seen that the portable air conditioning unit 100 may further comprise a condensate pipe accessory 142 for discharging condensate collected in the interior of the unit 100 to a remote condensate drainage location (e.g., a floor drain). As shown in FIG. 17, the condensate pipe accessory 142 comprises a flexible condensate pipe 144 that is connected to a pipe connector 146 at its proximal end. The pipe connector 146 is configured to be connected to a condensate discharge pipe 122 on the second end 102b of the housing 102 of the portable air conditioning unit 100 (refer to FIGS. 1 and 17).

In the illustrative embodiment, the portable air conditioning unit 100 may further comprise a direct current (DC) power adapter for powering the portable air conditioning unit 100 from a vehicle or other DC power source. The DC power adapter is configured to be electrically coupled to the electrical receptacle 120 on the second end 102b of the housing 102 of the portable air conditioning unit 100. Alternatively, the direct current (DC) power adapter may be configured to be electrically coupled to the direct current (DC) power charging port 206 disposed on the second end 202b of the battery housing 202, and then the rechargeable battery pack 200 is electrically coupled to the portable air conditioning unit 100 by means of an electrical cable connected between the combination charging and power supply port 210 on the battery pack 200 and the electrical port 124 on the housing 102 of the portable air conditioning unit 100.

In the illustrative embodiment, the portable air conditioning unit 100 may further comprise a solar panel for powering the portable air conditioning unit 100. The solar panel is configured to be electrically coupled to the electrical receptacle 120 on the second end 102b of the housing 102 of the portable air conditioning unit 100 by means of an electrical power cord. Alternatively, the solar panel may be configured to be electrically coupled to the direct current (DC) power charging port 206 disposed on the second end 202b of the battery housing 202, and then the rechargeable battery pack 200 is electrically coupled to the portable air conditioning unit 100 by means of an electrical cable connected between the combination charging and power supply port 210 on the battery pack 200 and the electrical port 124 on the housing 102 of the portable air conditioning unit 100.

In the illustrative embodiment, the solar panel may comprise a 226 W portable solar panel with a compact design. The solar panel may be lightweight and portable, and may fold for compact carry. Also, the folding solar panel may be provided with a magnetic closure and an ergonomic carry handle. In the illustrative embodiment, the solar panel may be multi-compatible, and may be provided with a 4-in-1 cable for powering smartphones, tablets, cameras and other USB-chargeable devices off the grid. In addition, in the illustrative embodiment, the solar panel may be provided with a plurality of adjustable kickstands for optimal sun exposure. Further, in the illustrative embodiment, the solar panel may be provided with a cord management pocket to keep electrical cords organized.

In the illustrative embodiment, the solar panel includes one or more of the following specifications/features: (i) a Maximum Wattage (Pmax) of 226 W, (ii) an Optimal Working Voltage (Vmp) of 25V, (iii) an Optimal Operating Current (IMP) of 9.04 A, (iv) Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) of 30V, (v) Short Circuit Current (Isc) of 9.58 A, (vi) an Operating Temperature from −40° F. to 185° F., (vii) a Power Tolerance of ±3%, (viii) a folded size of 22.83 in.×21.65 in.×1.97 in., (ix) an expanded size of 95.67 in.×21.65 in., (x) an overall weight of 17.31 lbs., (xi) a solar panel quantity of four pieces, (xii) a monocrystalline battery type, and (xiii) a battery efficiency of approximately 22%.

In the illustrative embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 17, and 18, the portable air conditioning unit 100 may further comprise an exhaust duct collar extending from the housing 102 and surrounding the hot air outlet 114. The exhaust duct collar includes elongate grooves 118 formed in opposite sides of the exhaust duct collar to accommodate corresponding protrusions on an attachment end portion of a flexible exhaust duct so as to removably attach the flexible exhaust duct to the portable air conditioning unit 100.

In the illustrative embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 8, 17, and 18, the portable air conditioning unit 100 may further comprise a supply duct collar extending from the housing 102 and surrounding the cold air outlet 112. The supply duct collar includes elongate grooves 116 formed in opposite sides of the supply duct collar to accommodate corresponding protrusions on an attachment end portion 134 of an air duct accessory 130 (see FIG. 17) so as to removably attach a flexible supply duct 132 of the air duct accessory 130 to the portable air conditioning unit 100. As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 18, the flexible supply duct 132 of the air duct accessory 130 may comprise a first duct section 132a and a second duct section 132b.

In the illustrative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 6, 17, and 18, the portable air conditioning unit 100 may further comprise a control panel 104 disposed on the top 102e of the housing 102. In the illustrative embodiment, the control panel may include the following control buttons, visual status indicators, and/or visual displays: (i) a power button, (ii) a first fan speed button for increasing a speed of the supply air fan, (iii) a second fan speed button for decreasing the speed of the supply air fan, (iv) a fan mode button for activating a fan mode of the portable air conditioning unit, (v) a cooling mode status indicator for indicating that the portable air conditioning unit is in a cooling mode (automatically activated by a control board of the unit), (vi) an outlet air temperature display, (vii) an ambient air temperature display, and (viii) high and low fan speed indicator lights for the supply air fan. As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 18, the control panel 104 may include a button assembly 105 disposed within the housing 102.

In the illustrative embodiment, referring to FIGS. 4 and 8, the portable air conditioning unit 100 may further comprise a light 128 disposed on the first end 102a of the housing 102. Also, the control panel 104 may further comprise a light button for activating and deactivating the light 128 of the portable air conditioning unit 100. In the illustrative embodiment, the light 128 may comprise a light-emitting diode (LED) light.

In the illustrative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, 8, and 18, the first side 102c of the housing 102 of the portable air conditioning unit 100 may comprise a first air filter side panel 108 through which the intake air stream enters the housing 102. Similarly, the second side 102d of the housing 102 of the portable air conditioning unit 100 may comprise a second air filter side panel 110 through which the intake air stream enters the housing 102. Each of the first and second air filter side panels 108, 110 may be removable from the housing 102 so that dirt and/or debris is able to be cleaned from the air filter side panels 108, 110 by a user.

In the illustrative embodiment, the portable air conditioning unit 100 includes one or more of the following features: (i) a 2500 BTUH cooling capacity, (ii) a fast-cooling effect of 10-15 minutes, (iii) a minimum generated noise, (iv) a 4-6 hour run time for a fully charged battery pack 200, (v) a LED light 128 with three (3) light levels, and (vi) use of an environmentally friendly refrigerant, such as an R290 refrigerant.

In the illustrative embodiment, the portable air conditioning unit 100 includes one or more of the following specifications/features: (i) input Voltage of AC 100-240V 50/60 Hz, (ii) Power Adaptor Output of DC 25.5V/11 A, (iii) Wattage of 195 W (Dry Ball/Wet Ball 80° F./66° F.) and 250 W (Dry Ball/Wet Ball 95° F./75° F.), (iv) Battery Pack Capacity: 24V 40 Ah, (v) Refrigerant and Filling Level: R290/65 g, (vi) Dimension: 23.62″×9.25″×14.29″ (height includes battery), (vii) Work time of full battery: 4-6 H, (viii) Cooling Power: 2500 BTUH, (ix) Circulating Air Volume from 150 m3/h to 170 m3/h, (x) an Operating Temperature Range of 60° F.-100° F., (xi) a noise level of <58 dB(A), (xii) Lithium Battery Life: cycle 1000 times, (xiii) Climate Type: T1, and (xiv) an overall weight of approximately 18.74 lbs.

It is readily apparent that the aforedescribed portable air conditioning unit 100 offers numerous advantages. For example, as described above, the portable air conditioning unit 100 is readily portable so that it may be used to provide cooling for a plurality of different applications (e.g., cooling for a tent, camper, trailer, or small multipurpose building disposed in a backyard of a home). As another example, the portable air conditioning unit 100 is able to be powered using a variety of different power sources (e.g., using the rechargeable battery pack 200 described above, an AC power source, a solar panel, a vehicle, or other DC power source).

Any of the features or attributes of the above described embodiments and variations can be used in combination with any of the other features and attributes of the above described embodiments and variations as desired. As described herein, when an illustrative embodiment is said to include one or more listed features, the embodiment may include one such feature, any plurality of the listed features, or all of the listed features.

Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain embodiment or embodiments, it is apparent that this invention can be embodied in many different forms and that many other modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

Moreover, while exemplary embodiments have been described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the exemplary embodiments set forth above are merely illustrative in nature and should not be construed as to limit the claims in any manner. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents, and not, by the preceding description.

Claims

1. A portable air conditioning unit, comprising: a housing having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, the first side of the housing being oppositely disposed relative to the second side of the housing, and the first end of the housing being oppositely disposed relative to the second end of the housing;a cold air outlet disposed at the first end of the housing;a hot air outlet disposed at the second end of the housing;a supply air fan disposed inside the housing; anda plurality of refrigeration cycle components disposed inside the housing, the plurality of refrigeration cycle components configured to cool an intake air stream entering the first side and/or the second side of the housing, and the supply air fan configured to discharge a cooled air stream through the cold air outlet at the first end of the housing, and the plurality of refrigeration cycle components further configured to dissipate heat to a condenser air stream entering the first side and/or the second side of the housing, and expel a heated condenser air stream through the hot air outlet at the second end of the housing.

2. The portable air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of refrigeration cycle components comprises: an evaporator coil configured to transfer heat from the intake air stream entering the first side and/or the second side of the housing to a refrigerant circulated through the evaporator coil so as to cool the intake air stream;a compressor fluidly coupled to the evaporator coil, the compressor configured to increase a pressure of the refrigerant entering the compressor from the evaporator coil;a condenser coil fluidly coupled to the compressor, the condenser coil configured to transfer heat from the refrigerant entering the condenser coil to the condenser air stream entering the first side and/or the second side of the housing so as to heat the condenser air stream; andan expansion device fluidly coupled to the condenser coil, the expansion device configured to allow the refrigerant entering the expansion device to decrease in pressure prior to the refrigerant entering the evaporator coil.

3. The portable air conditioning unit according to claim 2, wherein the compressor comprises a double-cylinder compressor.

4. The portable air conditioning unit according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of refrigeration cycle components further comprises a condenser fan, the condenser fan configured to expel the heated condenser air stream through the hot air outlet at the second end of the housing after the condenser air stream has been heated by the refrigerant in the condenser coil.

5. The portable air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein the supply air fan is in a form of a centrifugal blower, the cooled air stream configured to enter an axial air inlet of the centrifugal blower, and the centrifugal blower configured to radially discharge the cooled air stream through the cold air outlet of the housing.

6. The portable air conditioning unit according to claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable battery pack for powering the portable air conditioning unit, the rechargeable battery pack configured to be electrically coupled to an electrical port on the housing of the portable air conditioning unit.

7. The portable air conditioning unit according to claim 6, wherein the rechargeable battery pack is configured to be removably attached to a bottom of the housing so as to form a base for the portable air conditioning unit.

8. The portable air conditioning unit according to claim 7, wherein the rechargeable battery pack comprises a release button disposed on a housing of the rechargeable battery pack for detaching the rechargeable battery pack from the portable air conditioning unit.

9. The portable air conditioning unit according to claim 6, wherein the rechargeable battery pack comprises a direct current (DC) power output port disposed on a housing of the rechargeable battery pack for powering an external electronic device requiring DC power.

10. The portable air conditioning unit according to claim 6, wherein the rechargeable battery pack comprises one or more Universal Serial Bus (USB) output ports disposed on a housing of the rechargeable battery pack for powering one or more external electronic devices.

11. The portable air conditioning unit according to claim 6, wherein the rechargeable battery pack comprises a direct current (DC) power charging port disposed on a housing of the rechargeable battery pack for enabling the rechargeable battery pack to be recharged using a DC power source.

12. The portable air conditioning unit according to claim 6, wherein the rechargeable battery pack comprises a combination charging and power supply port disposed on a housing of the rechargeable battery pack for enabling the rechargeable battery pack to be recharged using an alternating current (AC) power adapter connected to a building power supply, or for enabling the rechargeable battery pack to be electrically coupled to the electrical port on the housing of the portable air conditioning unit for powering the portable air conditioning unit.

13. The portable air conditioning unit according to claim 1, further comprising an alternating current (AC) power adapter for powering the portable air conditioning unit from a building power supply, the AC power adapter configured to be electrically coupled to an electrical receptacle on the housing of the portable air conditioning unit.

14. The portable air conditioning unit according to claim 1, further comprising a direct current (DC) power adapter for powering the portable air conditioning unit from a vehicle or other DC power source, the DC power adapter configured to be electrically coupled to an electrical receptacle on the housing of the portable air conditioning unit.

15. The portable air conditioning unit according to claim 1, further comprising a solar panel for powering the portable air conditioning unit, the solar panel configured to be electrically coupled to an electrical receptacle on the housing of the portable air conditioning unit by means of an electrical power cord.

16. The portable air conditioning unit according to claim 1, further comprising an exhaust duct collar extending from the housing and surrounding the hot air outlet, the exhaust duct collar comprising one or more grooves formed in one or more sides of the exhaust duct collar to accommodate one or more corresponding protrusions on an attachment end portion of a flexible exhaust duct so as to removably attach the flexible exhaust duct to the portable air conditioning unit.

17. The portable air conditioning unit according to claim 1, further comprising a supply duct collar extending from the housing and surrounding the cold air outlet, the supply duct collar comprising one or more grooves formed in one or more sides of the supply duct collar to accommodate one or more corresponding protrusions on an attachment end portion of a flexible supply duct so as to removably attach the flexible supply duct to the portable air conditioning unit.

18. The portable air conditioning unit according to claim 1, further comprising a control panel disposed on the housing, the control panel including one or more of the following control buttons, visual status indicators, and/or visual displays: (i) a power button, (ii) a first fan speed button for increasing a speed of the supply air fan, (iii) a second fan speed button for decreasing the speed of the supply air fan, (iv) a fan mode button for activating a fan mode of the portable air conditioning unit, (v) a cooling mode status indicator for indicating that the portable air conditioning unit is in a cooling mode, (vi) an outlet air temperature display, (vii) an ambient air temperature display, and (viii) high and low fan speed indicator lights for the supply air fan.

19. The portable air conditioning unit according to claim 1, further comprising a light disposed on the housing; and wherein the control panel further comprises a light button for activating and deactivating the light on the housing of the portable air conditioning unit.

20. The portable air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first side and second side of the housing comprises an air filter side panel through which the intake air stream enters the housing, the air filter side panel being removable from the housing so that dirt and/or debris is able to be cleaned from the air filter side panel by a user.