WO2014205795A1

WO2014205795A1 - Housing for vehicle hvac system

Info

Publication number: WO2014205795A1
Application number: PCT/CN2013/078406
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wei Zhu; Jian Lu; Jun OUYANG; Runhu HAN
Original assignee: Ingersoll Rand (China) Industrial Technologies; Thermo King Corporation
Priority date: 2013-06-28
Filing date: 2013-06-28
Publication date: 2014-12-31

Abstract

A housing (110, 210) to protect a transport HVAC system (220) of a vehicle (100) is provided. The housing (110, 210) can be positioned on a rooftop (120) of a vehicle (100). The housing (110, 210) can generally include an electronic component compartment (212a) that is generally configured to house electronic components, such as a power pack(225) of the HVAC system (220). The electronic component compartment (212a) can be configured to reduce/prevent water from entering the compartment and also be electrically insulated. The housing (110, 210) can also include a refrigeration circuit compartment (212b) configured to house some components of the refrigerant circuit. The refrigeration circuit compartment (212b) can be positioned next to the electronic component compartment (212a). The housing (110, 210) can also include an internal positioned ventilation fan (222) between the refrigeration circuit compartment (212b) and the electronic component compartment (212a) to move air across an interior space of the housing (110, 210). The housing (110, 210) can be suitable for protecting a transport HVAC system, particularly an electronically powered transport HVAC system.

Description

HOUSING FOR VEHICLE HVAC SYSTEM

Field

The disclosure herein relates to a transport heating, ventilation, and

air-conditioning ("HVAC") system, such as a bus air conditioning system. More specifically, the disclosure herein relates to a housing of an external vehicle HVAC system. Generally, methods, systems, and apparatuses are described that are directed to protect components of the vehicle HVAC system, such as electronic components of a power pack of the vehicle HVAC system.

Background

A transport HVAC system, such as a vehicle air conditioning system, may be generally carried by the vehicle, such as a bus, to condition air of an interior space of the vehicle. In some vehicles, the transport HVAC system can be installed externally, such as for example on a rooftop of the vehicle.

Summary

Embodiments as disclosed herein are generally related to methods, systems and apparatuses that may help protect electronic components of a vehicle HVAC system from being damaged by, for example, environment elements such as water or snow, and/or a vehicle wash procedure. The embodiments as disclosed herein may also be useful for protecting the vehicle HVAC system from other hazards, such as other liquids, moistures, contaminates, leaves, tree trunks, or other types of debris. The electronic components of the vehicle HVAC system may include, for example, components of an electrical power pack that is configured to power the vehicle HVAC system.

In some embodiments, the HVAC system may include a housing that includes an electronic component compartment and a refrigeration circuit compartment. The electronic component compartment may be generally configured to house the electronic components of the HVAC system (such as the components of the electrical power pack), and configured to generally reduce/prevent water (and/or other types of debris) from entering the electronic component compartment. The electronic component compartment may also be configured to be electrically insulated.

The refrigeration circuit compartment may be configured to house

components of the refrigeration circuit, such as a compressor and/or a fan.

In some embodiments, the electronic component compartment and the refrigeration circuit compartment may be arranged in a longitudinal direction defined by a length of the housing. In some embodiment, the fan may be positioned internally in the housing between the electronic component compartment and the refrigeration circuit compartment. In some embodiments, the fan may be configured to blow air in a direction from the electronic component compartment toward the refrigeration circuit compartment.

In some embodiments, the electronic component compartment and/or the refrigeration circuit compartment may be defined by a plurality of panels. The electronic component compartment may include a first compartment end panel and a second compartment end panel relative to the longitudinal direction, both of which may have ventilation apertures. In some embodiments, the ventilation apertures may be positioned toward a top side of the housing to help reduce/prevent water (and/or other types of debris) from entering the electronic component compartment through the ventilation apertures.

In some embodiments, the housing may include a first block zone positioned next to the first compartment end panel. The first block zone may be defined by (or configured between) the first compartment end panel and an end panel of the housing. In some embodiments, the end panel of the housing may have ventilation ports that may be covered by awnings. The awnings can help reduce/prevent water (or other types of debris) from entering the first block zone, while allowing air to flow through the ventilation ports.

In some embodiments, the first block zone may include a baffle situated between the first compartment end panel and the end panel of the housing. The baffle may extend from the top side toward a bottom side of the housing, and define a first flow passage with the first compartment end panel and a second flow passage with the end panel of the housing. In some embodiments, the first and second flow passages may be in a vertical direction. When air flows through the first flow passage and/or the second flow pass, water can be directed toward the bottom of the first block zone due to, for example, gravity. In some embodiments, the first block zone may include at least one drainage port on the bottom to allow water to flow out of the first block zone.

In some embodiments, a bottom panel of the electronic component compartment may be made of a non-conductive material.

In some embodiments, a second block zone may be positioned between the fan and the electronic component compartment and the second block zone may include at least one drainage port. The second block zone can help prevent/reduce water (and/or other types of debris) from entering the electronic component compartment from the second compartment end panel.

In some embodiments, the electronic components of the HVAC system may be attached to an installation panel by one or more anchoring devices in the electronic component compartment. In some embodiments, the anchoring devices may be recessed in the installation panel so as to allow the installation panel to be attached to the bottom panel that may be made of a nonconductive material. This can help make the electronic component compartment electronically insulated.

Other features and aspects of the embodiments will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Reference is now made to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout.

Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle including a rooftop HVAC system.

Figs. 2A to 2D illustrate various aspects of a rooftop HVAC system housed in a housing, according to one embodiment. Fig. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the housing configured to house the rooftop HVAC system. Fig. 2B illustrates an exploded view of the HVAC system and the housing. Fig. 2C illustrates the housing with a top and front panels removed and the HVAC system housed in the housing. Fig. 2D illustrates a longitudinal end of the housing.

Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-section view of an electronic component that is installed on an installation panel.

Detailed Description

A transport HVAC system, such as a transport air conditioning system, may be generally configured to condition an interior space of a vehicle, such as a bus. In some cases, the transport HVAC system may be installed on an exterior structure of the vehicle, such as a rooftop of the bus. The vehicle may be exposed to

environment elements, such as a rain and snow, during operation. The vehicle may also need to go through vehicle wash procedures. The environment elements and/or the wash procedures may cause water to contact the electronic components of the transport HVAC system, resulting in water-induced shortcuts that may damage the electronic components. In some cases, the vehicle HVAC system may be driven by an electrical power pack, which may be particularly prone to electrical shortcuts. It may be necessary to protect the transport HVAC system, particularly the electronic components of the transport HVAC system, from the environment elements and/or vehicle wash procedures. Improvements can be made to help protect the transport HVAC system from environmental elements and/or vehicle wash procedures.

The embodiments as disclosed herein are generally directed to a housing that is configured to protect a transport HVAC system of a vehicle, particularly electronic components of the transport HVAC system. The housing may be positioned, for example, on a rooftop of a vehicle. The housing may generally include an electronic component compartment, which may be generally configured to house electronic components, such inverter(s), converter(s) and/or regulator(s) of a power pack of the HVAC system. The electronic component compartment may be configured to reduce/prevent water from entering the compartment and also configured to be electrically insulated. The embodiments as disclosed herein may also be useful for protecting the vehicle HVAC system from other hazards, such as other liquids, contaminates, leaves, tree trunks, or other types of debris. In some embodiments, the housing may also include a refrigeration circuit compartment, which may be generally configured to house some components of the refrigerant circuit, such as a compressor and/or a fan. The refrigeration circuit compartment may be positioned next to the electronic component compartment. In some embodiments, the housing may also include an internally positioned ventilation fan between the refrigeration circuit compartment and the electronic component compartment to move air across an interior space of the housing. The housing may be suitable for protecting a transport HVAC system, particularly an electrically powered transport HVAC system.

References are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration of the embodiments in which the embodiments may be practiced. It is to be understood that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the figures and embodiments and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the present application.

Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle 100 that is equipped with a HVAC system housing 1 10, according to one embodiment. The HVAC system housing 1 10 is installed on a rooftop 120 of the vehicle 100, and is generally configured to house at least some components of a HVAC system (e.g. the HVAC system 220 in Fig. 2A) so as to protect the components from, for example, environment elements. The HVAC system can be generally configured to, for example, condition air in an interior space 130 of the vehicle 100.

Figs. 2A to 2D illustrate different aspects of a HVAC system 220 that is housed in a housing 210. The HVAC system 220 generally includes a refrigeration circuit that may generally include a compressor 221 , a fan 222, heat exchangers (not shown) and other components, and a power pack 225 that is configured to provide power to, for example, the refrigeration circuit of the HVAC system 220. As illustrated in Figs. 2A and 2B, the housing 210 generally defines an enclosed space 212 that may house at least some components of the HVAC system 220, such as the compressor 221 , fan 222, and/or the power pack 225. The housing 210 can be positioned on a rooftop of a vehicle (i.e. the rooftop 120 of the vehicle 100) through a rack 250. It is noted that some components of the HVAC system 220, such as heat exchangers can be positioned outside of the housing 210.

Referring to Fig. 2B, the enclosed space 212 is generally defined by a top panel 214, a bottom panel 216, side panels 217, and a first end panel 219a of and a second end panel 219b of the housing 210. The side panels 217 generally extend in a longitudinal direction that is defined by a length L2 of the housing 210. The first and second end panels 219a and 219b are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction defined by the length L2. The bottom panel 216 may be configured not to extend the full length L2. (See below for more discussion.)

In some embodiments, the HVAC system 220 may be configured to be operated electrically. The power pack 225 may be configured to provide electricity to, for example, the compressor 221 , the fan 222 and other electronically operated components of the HVAC system 220. The components of the power pack 225 may include, for example, a voltage converter, a current inverter, and/or a voltage regulator. These components may be prone to damage caused, for example, by water-induced electrical shortcuts. Reducing/preventing these components from contacting water (and/or other types of debris) may help improve the operation of the power pack 225.

The enclosed space 212 generally includes an electronic component compartment 212a that is generally configured to house components that may be relatively prone to electrical shortcuts, such as the voltage converter, the current inverter, and/or the voltage regulator of the power pack 225. The electronic component compartment 212a is generally configured to prevent/reduce water from entering the electronic component compartment 212a, and may also be configured to be electronically insulated.

The electronic component compartment 212a is generally enclosed by a plurality of panels including the top panel 214, the bottom panel 216, the side panels 217 of the housing 210, and a first compartment end panel 218a and a second compartment end panel 218b. The compartment end panels 218a and 218b are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction defined by the length L2, and are generally positioned internally inside the housing 210. The bottom panel 216 is configured to cover the electronic component compartment 212a. The end panels 218a and 218b are configured to have a plurality of ventilation apertures 230, so that air can move across the electronic component compartment 212a in the longitudinal direction to, for example, help cool down the components of the power pack 225 and/or the refrigeration circuit. Generally, the plurality of panels, except for the ventilation apertures 230 end panels 218a and 218b, are configured to form a generally water sealed electronic component compartment 212a. To help reduce/prevent water from entering the electronic component compartment 212a from the ventilation apertures 230 of the end panels 218a and 218b of the housing 210, a first block zone 261 and a second block zone 262 are positioned next to the first compartment end panel 218a and the second compartment end panel 218b respectively in the longitudinal direction defined by the length L2.

Referring to Figs. 2C and 2D, details of the first block zone 261 are further illustrated. The first block zone 261 is generally configured to create one or more flow passages 241 , 242 (also illustrated by arrows in Fig. 2D) between the first compartment end panel 218a and the first end panel 219a of the housing 210 in the longitudinal direction. The flow passage 241 , 242 can allow the water to drop toward the bottom panel 216 due to, for example, gravity.

The flow passages 241 and 242 in the first block zone 261 are defined by a baffle 264 positioned between the first compartment end panel 218a and the first end panel 219a of the housing 210. The baffle 264 can extend in the vertical direction from the top panel 214 toward the bottom panel 216, but generally does not extend all the way toward the bottom panel 216. A space 265 can be between the baffle 264 and the bottom panel 216. The flow passages 241 and 242 are in fluid

communication through the space 265.

The first end panel 219s is configured to have one or more ventilation ports 213 that are configured to allow air to pass. The ventilation ports 213 can be configured to have awnings 215 to cover the ventilation ports 213 so as to

reduce/prevent water from entering the first block zone 261 from outside of the housing 210.

The ventilation apertures 230 of the first compartment end panel 218a are generally configured to be positioned close to the top panel 214 (or a top side of the housing 210). The ventilation ports 213 are also generally configured to be

positioned closed to the top panel 214 (or a top side of the housing 210). Positioning the ventilation apertures 230 and/or the ventilation ports 213 close to the top panel 214 (or a top side of the housing 210) can help reduce/prevent water from entering the ventilation apertures 230 and/or the ventilation ports 213.

Generally, the baffle 264 can help create a turn between the flow passages 241 and 242 so that the airflow is generally forced to make a turn when flowing between the ventilation ports 213 and the ventilation apertures 230. This can help allow water in the airflow to drop to the bottom panel 216. The illustrated

embodiment shows the turn between the flow passages 241 and 242 are generally in the vertical direction, which is preferred. However, it is appreciated that the baffle 264 can be configured so that the turn may be in other directions, such as in the horizontal direction.

In operation, air can pass through the ventilation ports 213 of the first end panel 219a, and move downwardly in the second flow passage 242. The airflow can make a turn from the second flow passage 242 to the first flow passage 241 at the space 265 between the baffle 264 and the bottom panel 216. The airflow can move upwardly in the first flow passage 241. In the flow passages 241 and 242, water can flow downwardly toward the bottom panel 216 due to, for example, gravity.

Accordingly, the first water blocking zone can help reduce/prevent water from entering the electronic component compartment 212a, while allowing the airflow to flow from the electronic component compartment 212a out of the housing 210 through the ventilation ports 213.

Referring to Figs. 2B and 2C, the housing 210 is configured to include a refrigeration circuit compartment 212b, which is generally configured to house at least some components of the refrigeration circuit of the HVAC system, such as the compressor 221 and the fan 222. The refrigeration circuit compartment 212b is generally positioned next to the electronic component compartment 212a in the longitudinal direction defined by the length L2. The fan 222 is positioned internally in the housing 210 between the refrigeration circuit compartment 212b and the second compartment end panel 218b. The fan 222 generally configured to move air in a direction from the refrigeration circuit compartment 212b to the electronic component compartment 212a, with the notion that the fan 222 can be configured to move air in other directions. The internally installed fan 222 can help move air inside the housing 210 during operation. Positioning the fan internally in the housing 210 between the electronic component compartment 212a and the refrigeration component compartment 212b can help reduce an amount of water that may enter the refrigeration component compartment 212b.

The refrigeration circuit compartment 212b generally may not necessarily be water sealed and therefore can be structured to allow some water to enter the refrigeration circuit compartment 212b, because the components of the refrigeration circuit such as the compressor 221 and the fan 222 are relatively resistant to water-induced damages. Generally, water can enter the refrigeration circuit compartment 212b from, for example, ventilation ports 252, 253, as well as from an open bottom 255. The relatively open configuration of the refrigerant circuit compartment 212b may help cool down components of the refrigeration circuit during operation.

The second block zone 262 can be positioned between the fan 222 of the refrigeration circuit compartment 212b and the second compartment end panel 218b to help reduce/prevent water from entering the electronic component compartment 212b from the refrigeration circuit compartment 212b. The second block zone 262 is generally a space between the fan 222 and the second compartment end panel 218b. The amount of water that may enter the refrigeration circuit compartment 212b is relatively small. Therefore, a size of the space of the second block zone 262 may be configured to be smaller than the first block zone 261 , and the second block zone 262 may not need to have a baffle that may extend in a vertical direction (such as the baffle 264) to create a flow passage with a turn. Further, the fan 222 can be configured to move air in a direction from the electronic component compartment 212a to the refrigerant circuit component compartment 212b. The air direction may also help prevent/reduce water from entering the electronic component compartment 212a through the second compartment end panel 218b.

Referring to Figs. 2C and 2D, the bottom panel 216 extends in the

longitudinal direction and generally covers both of the electronic component compartment 212a, the first block zone 261 and the second block zone 262. The portion of the bottom panel 216 covering the electronic components compartment 212a is generally water sealed. The portion of the bottom panel 216 covering the first block zone 261 and the second block zone 262 are configured to have one or more drainage ports 21 1 that allow, for example water, to flow out of the first and second block zones 261 and 262.

The electronic component compartment 212a may also be configured to be electronically insulated. As illustrated in Fig. 2B, the electronic components of the power pack 225 are attached to an installation panel 270. The installation panel 270 is then separated from the rack 250 by the bottom panel 216. The bottom panel 216 can be made of a non-conductive material so that the electronic component compartment 212a is electronically insulated from the rack 250.

Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-section of an electronic component 225a, such as a voltage converter, that is installed on the installation panel 270. Anchors 226a of the electronic component 225a can be attached to the installation panel 270. The anchor 226a can be attached to the installation panel 270 by an anchoring device 272, for example, a screw. The anchoring device 272 is generally recessed in a cavity 273 of the installation panel 270 so that the bottom panel 216 can be attached to the installation panel 270 from the same side as the anchoring device 272. The bottom panel 216 can generally cover the cavity 273. When the bottom panel 216 is made of a non-conductive material, the bottom panel 216 can help electronically insulate the electronic component compartment 212a.

The housing as disclosed herein can generally reduce/prevent water from entering the electronic component compartment, while allowing air to flow across the interior of the electronic component compartment to, for example, cool the interior of the electronic component compartment. The housing can also help electronically insulate the electronic component compartment. Electronic

components installed in the housing can generally be prevented from being damaged by environment elements, such as rain or snow, as well as a vehicle wash procedure. The housing can also be configured to house the refrigeration circuit of the HVAC system. The housing can also help prevent the components of the HVAC system from being damaged by other types of debris.

Although the embodiments as disclosed herein are generally directed to a vehicle HVAC system, similar methods, systems and apparatuses can be applied to protect electronic components from, for example, environment elements or a wash procedure in other systems. It is also to be appreciated that even though the housing as disclosed in figures are made of a plurality of panels, it is to be

appreciated that the housing can be entirely or partially made by other methods, such as molding.

It is noted that any aspects 1 -5 can be combined with any aspects 6-13. 1. A housing of a transport HVAC system, comprising:

an end panel of the housing, the end panel of the housing having ventilation ports;

an electronic component compartment defined by a plurality of compartment panels;

the plurality of compartment panels including a first compartment end panel that has at least one ventilation aperture;

a first block zone defined by the first compartment end panel and the end panel of the housing, the first block zone including at least one drainage port; and

a baffle situated between the first compartment end panel and the end panel;

wherein the at least one ventilation aperture is positioned toward a top side of the housing,

the first block zone is positioned next to the first compartment end panel, and the baffle extends from the top side of the housing and defines a first flow passage with the first compartment end panel and a second flow passage with the end panel.

2. The housing of aspect 1 , wherein each of the ventilation ports of the end panel is covered by an awning.

3. The housing of aspect 1 , wherein the first and second flow passages are in a vertical direction.

4. The housing of aspect 1 , where the plurality of panels include a bottom panel that is made of a non-conductive material.

5. The housing of aspect 1 , further comprising:

a refrigeration circuit compartment that is positioned next to the electronic component compartment in a longitudinal direction;

the housing configured to receive a fan installed between the refrigeration circuit compartment and the electronic component compartment inside the housing; and

a second block zone positioned between the fan and the electronic component compartment; wherein the second block zone includes at least one drainage port.

6. A HVAC system, comprising:

a refrigeration circuit;

an electronic power pack configured to provide power to the refrigeration circuit; and

a housing including an electronic component compartment and a refrigeration circuit compartment, the electronic component compartment and the refrigeration circuit compartment are arranged along a longitudinal direction of the housing;

wherein the electronic component compartment is configured to house the electronic power pack , the refrigeration circuit compartment is configured to house a component of the refrigeration circuit, and a fan is positioned between the electronic component compartment and the refrigeration circuit compartment.

7. The HVAC system of aspect 6, wherein the fan is configured to blow air in a direction from the electronic component compartment toward the refrigeration circuit compartment.

8. The HVAC system of aspect 6, wherein the electronic component

compartment defined by a plurality of panels;

the plurality of panels include a first compartment end panel having ventilation apertures, the ventilation apertures are positioned toward a top side of the housing; a first block zone positioned next to the first compartment end panel, the first block zone is defined by the first compartment end panel and an end panel of the housing, the end panel has ventilation ports;

the first block zone includes a baffle situated between the first compartment end panel and the end panel, the baffle extends from the top side of the housing and defines a first flow passage with the first compartment end panel and a second flow passage with the end panel; and

the first block zone includes at least one drainage port.

9. The HVAC system of aspects 6-8, wherein each of the ventilation ports of the end panel is covered by an awning.

10. The HVAC system of aspects 6-8, wherein the first and second flow passages are in a vertical direction.

1 1. The HVAC system of aspects 6-8, where the plurality of panels include a bottom panel that is made of a non-conductive material.

12. The HVAC system of aspects 6-8, further comprising:

a second block zone positioned between the fan and the electronic component compartment; wherein the second block zone includes at least one drainage port. 13. The HVAC system of aspect 6, wherein the electronic power pack of the HVAC system is attached to an installation panel by one or more anchoring devices in the electronic components compartment, the anchoring devices are recessed in the installation panel and the installation panel is attached to a bottom panel that is made of a nonconductive material.

With regard to the foregoing description, it is to be understood that changes may be made in detail, without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is intended that the specification and depicted embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the broad meaning of the claims.

Claims

1. A housing of a transport HVAC system, comprising:

a baffle situated between the first compartment end panel and the end panel; wherein the at least one ventilation aperture is positioned toward a top side of the housing,

2. The housing of claim 1 , wherein each of the ventilation ports of the end panel is covered by an awning.

3. The housing of claim 1 , wherein the first and second flow passages are in a vertical direction.

4. The housing of claim 1 , where the plurality of panels include a bottom panel that is made of a non-conductive material.

5. The housing of claim 1 , further comprising:

the housing configured to receive a fan installed between the refrigeration circuit compartment and the electronic component compartment inside the housing; and a second block zone positioned between the fan and the electronic component compartment; wherein the second block zone includes at least one drainage port.

6. A HVAC system, comprising:

a refrigeration circuit;

7. The HVAC system of claim 6, wherein the fan is configured to blow air in a direction from the electronic component compartment toward the refrigeration circuit compartment.

8. The HVAC system of claim 6, wherein the electronic component compartment defined by a plurality of panels;

the first block zone includes at least one drainage port.

9. The HVAC system of claim 8, wherein each of the ventilation ports of the end panel is covered by an awning.

10. The HVAC system of claim 8, wherein the first and second flow passages are in a vertical direction.

1 1. The HVAC system of claim 8, where the plurality of panels include a bottom panel that is made of a non-conductive material.

12. The HVAC system of claim 8, further comprising:

13. The HVAC system of claim 6, wherein the electronic power pack of the

HVAC system is attached to an installation panel by one or more anchoring devices in the electronic components compartment, the anchoring devices are recessed in the installation panel and the installation panel is attached to a bottom panel that is made of a nonconductive material.