CA2054308C - Air conditioner modular unit with dual cross flow blowers - Google Patents
Air conditioner modular unit with dual cross flow blowersInfo
- Publication number
- CA2054308C CA2054308C CA002054308A CA2054308A CA2054308C CA 2054308 C CA2054308 C CA 2054308C CA 002054308 A CA002054308 A CA 002054308A CA 2054308 A CA2054308 A CA 2054308A CA 2054308 C CA2054308 C CA 2054308C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- air
- air conditioner
- blowers
- tangential
- sidewalls
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 title description 6
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005485 electric heating Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004378 air conditioning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003750 conditioning effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Air Filters, Heat-Exchange Apparatuses, And Housings Of Air-Conditioning Units (AREA)
- Other Air-Conditioning Systems (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention is an air conditioner with tangential blowers having a removable air handling module. The air conditioner housing includes indoor and outdoor heat exchangers between which the air handling module is disposed. The module is easily inserted or removed from the air conditioner housing because the module is self contained and the air conditioner housing has ample access space. The module includes two tangential blowers disposed between opposite sidewalls which are arranged to draw air through the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers. On one sidewall, a motor is mounted which is drivingly connected to the tangential blowers. The other sidewall includes an opening covered by a removable panel which provides access to the blowers in the interior of the module.
Description
- 1- 205430~
AIR CQNDITIONER MODULAR UNIT WITH DUAL
CROSS FLOW BLOWERS
The present invention relates to air conditioners with cross flow blowers. More specifically, the field of the invention is that of modular air handling units for air conditioners.
Conventional packaged air conditioners and heat pumps generally include both a conventional centrifugal blower for the indoor heat exchanger and an axial blower for the outdoor heat exchanger. All conventional packaged terminal air conditioners also include some type of dividing wall which divides the indoor portion of the unit from the outdoor portion of the unit. Air is conventionally drawn into the unit through the sides, the rear, the outside, or the bottom of the unit and is blown out of the unit after passing over the heat exchangers.
Air conditioners which have tangential fans for moving air are much more quiet than conventional units because of the lower air velocity through the blowers and optimum spacing between the blower and the cut-off of the air conditioner.
Furthermore, the induced air flow through the heat exchanger coils is much more uniform than in conventional units thereby causing substantially full utilization of the indoor and outdoor heat exchanger coils and providing greater efficiency of the appliance.
Further details of a packaged terminal air conditioner are disclosed in copending Canadian patent applications entitled AIR INTAKE ARRANGEMENT FOR AIR CONDITIONER WITH DUAL CROSS FLOW
BLOWERS, Serial No. 2,031,426, DRIVING SYSTEM FOR DUAL
TANGENTIAL BLOWERS IN AN AIR CONDITIONER, Serial No. 2,031,415, both filed on December 4, 1990, and METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
COOLING MOTORS OF CROSS FLOW BLOWERS, Serial No. 2,040,223 filed on April 11, 1991, all assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
A
AIR CQNDITIONER MODULAR UNIT WITH DUAL
CROSS FLOW BLOWERS
The present invention relates to air conditioners with cross flow blowers. More specifically, the field of the invention is that of modular air handling units for air conditioners.
Conventional packaged air conditioners and heat pumps generally include both a conventional centrifugal blower for the indoor heat exchanger and an axial blower for the outdoor heat exchanger. All conventional packaged terminal air conditioners also include some type of dividing wall which divides the indoor portion of the unit from the outdoor portion of the unit. Air is conventionally drawn into the unit through the sides, the rear, the outside, or the bottom of the unit and is blown out of the unit after passing over the heat exchangers.
Air conditioners which have tangential fans for moving air are much more quiet than conventional units because of the lower air velocity through the blowers and optimum spacing between the blower and the cut-off of the air conditioner.
Furthermore, the induced air flow through the heat exchanger coils is much more uniform than in conventional units thereby causing substantially full utilization of the indoor and outdoor heat exchanger coils and providing greater efficiency of the appliance.
Further details of a packaged terminal air conditioner are disclosed in copending Canadian patent applications entitled AIR INTAKE ARRANGEMENT FOR AIR CONDITIONER WITH DUAL CROSS FLOW
BLOWERS, Serial No. 2,031,426, DRIVING SYSTEM FOR DUAL
TANGENTIAL BLOWERS IN AN AIR CONDITIONER, Serial No. 2,031,415, both filed on December 4, 1990, and METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
COOLING MOTORS OF CROSS FLOW BLOWERS, Serial No. 2,040,223 filed on April 11, 1991, all assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
A
2 2054308 However, one problem with using tangential cross flow blowers involves accessing the air handling section of the air conditioner for repair and servicing. As a result of the separation of the indoor and outdoor sections, the indoor and outdoor blowers are separate and must be individually serviced.
Further, the refrigerant coils often block direct access to the blower or its motor, requiring a great deal of time and care to disconnect, move, or otherwise avoid damaging the refrigerant coils.
What is needed is a packaged air conditioner which is easier to service.
Also needed is a packaged air conditioner providing access to blowers which are not blocked by refrigerant coils.
The present invention is an air conditioner with dual tangential blowers having a removable air handling module.
With the air conditioner of the present invention, the module with the dual tangential blowers can be easily removed from the air conditioner housing for repair or replacement.
The air conditioner of the present invention is easier to service because the modular air handler is removably disposed in the housing. The motor which drives the tangential blowers lS
205~308 mounted on a sidewall of the air handler so that it only needs to be electrically connected to render the module fully operative. The tangential blowers are disposed horizontally and are separated by a dividing wall which includes curved scroll portions which guide air into and out of the tangential blowers. Also, the tangential blowers have axes which are disposed in the same general vertical plane so that the width of the air handler as well as that of the air conditioner are minimized.
Opposite the sidewall on which the motor is - mounted, that other sidewall includes an opening covered by a removable panel. When uncovered, the opening allows access to the interior of the air handler as well as allowing removal of either tangential blower. The access panel rotatably supports the tangential blowers when covering the opening, and includes insulation at its abutting surfaces to seal that portion of the sidewall.
The present invention, in one form, is an air conditioner comprising a housing and a modular air handler. The housing includes two spaced-apart heat exchangers. The modular air handler circulates air through the heat exchangers and is disposed in the housing between the heat - exchangers. The modular air handler also includes two tangential blowers which are located adjacent to the heat exchangers.
One object of the present invention is to provide a packaged air conditioner which is easier to service.
Another object is to provide a packaged air conditioner having access to blowers which is not blocked by refrigerant coils.
20~4308 -3a-According to one broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air condition comprising a housing including spaced-apart first and second heat exchangers; a modular air handling means for circulating air through said first and second heat exchangers, said modular air handling means disposed in said housing between said first and second heat exchangers and including first and second tangential blowers located adjacent to said first and second heat exchangers, respectively, and two sidewalls disposed transversely to said first and second heat exchangers with said tangential blowers disposed between said sidewalls, one of said sidewalls including an opening covered by a removable panel, said opening providing access to said tangential blowers and the interior of said housing, said tangential blowers being rotatably mounted in said removable panel.
According to another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioner comprising a generally U-shaped basepan including a heat exchanger portion and an auxiliary portion; a compressor disposed in said auxiliary portion of said basepan; first and second heat exchangers respectively located on the opposite sides of said basepan; a space defined by said basepan and said indoor and outdoor heat exchangers, said space having an upwardly facing opening; and a modular air handler removably located in said space, including a dividing wall for dividing said modular air handler into first and second air handling compartments, said modular air handler further including first and second tangential blowers disposed on opposite sides of said dividing wall and adjacent to respective said first and second heat exchangers so that when said modular air handler is disposed within said space said modular air handler is adapted to circulate air through said first and second heat exchangers, said modular air handler having a shape generally matching the shape of said opening of said space whereby said modular air handler may be directly inserted into and removed from said space.
-3b-According to yet another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air handling module comprising;
a housing including a first and second side wall one of said first and second sidewalls including an opening covered by a removable panel, said opening providing access to an interior of said housing; a first and second tangential blower mounted between said first and second sidewalls of said housing, said tangential blowers being rotatably supported by said removable panel, said opening providing access to said tangential blowers; and a motor attached to one of said first and second sidewalls for driving at least one of said first and second tangential blowers, said motor externally located in relation to said housing.
2~4308 The above mentioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the air conditioner of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the air conditioner without the cabinet.
Figure 3 is a sectional, schematic view of the air conditioner.
Figure 4 is an exploded view of the air conditioner of Figure 2.
Figure 5 is side view of the air handling module on the motor side.
Figure 6 is a front view of the air handling module of Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a top view, in partial cross-section, of the access plate.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
The exemplification set out herein illustrates one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one - form, and such exemplifications are not to be - ~ construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
The present invention is packaged terminal air conditioner 8 shown in Figs. 1-3. Air conditioner 8 includes housing 10, indoor cut-off 12, outdoor cut-off 14, divider wall 16, and basepan 18. Housing 10 includes a top wall 20 and side walls 22. Indoor cut-off 12 partitions the front or indoor compartment 24 into an indoor inlet section 26 and an indoor outlet section 28.
- 2QS~30~
outdoor cut-off 14 partitions the rear or outdoor compartment 30 into an outdoor inlet section 32 and an outdoor outlet section 34. Divider wall 16 separates indoor compartment 24 and outdoor compartment 30, with insulation 122 disposed on the outdoor side of wall 16 and foam gasket 124 disposed at the bottom of wall 16 to isolate compartments 24 and 30. To provide a vent or fan only mode, divider wall 16 also includes vent door 128 (see Figure 6) which may be selectively opened and closed by a suitable mechanism (not shown).
Indoor compartment 24 has a heat exchange coil 36 located within inlet 26, and has a tangential or cross flow blower 38 located upwardly therefrom between indoor cut-off 12 and divider wall 16 near outlet 28. Filter 40 is placed in front of indoor heat exchanger 36 for filtering the recirculated air. Electric heating wires 44 extend within indoor compartment 24 between side walls 22 intermediate indoor heat exchanger 36 and blower 38; heating wires 44 provide additional heat when the heat pump alone cannot provide enough heat. Blower 38 induces a lower air flow (see arrows 46 in Figure 3) which passes over heat exchanger 36, heating wires 44, and is then exhausted upwardly through discharge grille 126 disposed in outlet 28 (see arrows 48 in Figure 3).
outdoor compartment 30 also has a heat exchange coil 50 located within inlet 32, and has tangential or cross flow blower 52 located downwardly between outdoor cut-off 14 and divider wall 16 near outlet 34. Blower 52 induces an upper air flow (see arrows 54 in Figure 3) which passes over heat exchanger 50 and is then downwardly exhausted through outlet 34 (see arrows 2~5 ~308 56 in Figure 3). Outdoor cut-off 14 can be positioned to capture condensate and route the condensate to a pump, draining valve, or other means of condensate disposal.
The refrigeration components 62 are positioned on one side of housing 10. Compressor 64, accumulator 66, valve 68, and refrigerant lines 70 of components 62 operate in a known manner to appropriately heat or cool heat exchanger 36 for conditioning indoor air 42.
- Electric motor 72 is also located in the samegeneral area of components 62, and drives both indoor blower 38 and outdoor blower 52.
Motor 72 is connected to axis or shaft 74 of driving blower 52, preferably by a resilient hub (not shown). On the opposite side, pulleys 76 and 78 are connected to axes 74 and 80 of driving and driven blowers 52 and 38, respectively. Belt 82 couples pulleys 76 and 78 so that the rotational movement imparted to driving blower 52 is transmitted to driven blower 38. Preferably, driving pulley 76 has a smaller circumference than driven pulley 78 to provide a slower and more comfortable exhaust air flow for the indoor occupants.
Components 62 and motor 72 are electrically coupled to control unit 84. Control unit 84 is located on the same side of air conditioning housing 10 as components 62 and has a control panel 86 facing upwardly under control cover 88.
Control cover 88, as well as the other parts of the top surface of indoor panel 90, has a sloping, curved upper surface which helps to prevent damage from the occupants placing heavy objects upon it.
In one embodiment, control panel 86 has a rotary switch 92 for variably selecting the temperature 2Q5~308 intensity, a fan speed switch 94 for selecting between two different fan speeds, and four mutually exclusive mode setting switches 96:
cooling mode 98, heating mode 100, fan only mode 102 and off 104. Also included within unit 84, although not shown, is a temperature limiting device which can be set by the owner to prevent the air conditioner from operating outside a -- predetermined range of temperature settings.
In accordance with the present invention as depicted in Figures 4-6, air handling module 106 - is removably positioned onto the basepan assembly - to form air conditioner 8. Preferably, screws orother attaching methods are used to attach module 106 to the basepan assembly.
Indoor compartment 24 and outdoor compartment 30 are at least partially defined by module 106.
Divider wall 16 is disposed within module 106, and the lateral sides of module 106 at least partially define sidewalls 22. Blowers 38 and 52 each have one end rotatably mounted in module 106, with electric motor 72 attached to one of sidewalls 22.
The other sidewall 22 includes access panel 108 which rotatably supports the other ends of blowers ~- 25 38 and 52 including pulleys 76 and 78. Facing outdoor heat exchanger 50, module 106 includes a coil protection portion 120 which extends over the top and sides of heat exchanger 50 and provides additional protection from incidental damage.
Divider wall 16 includes curved scroll portions 60 which forms the shape of an "S" to guide air into the tangential blowers. Divider wall 16 is a unitary panel which serves as a scroll for both blowers 38 and 52, and additionally partitions module 106 into indoor and outdoor halves. Portions 60 have an arcuate 20~43Q8 surface generally corresponding to the shape of blowers 38 and 52, and are connected by a flat portion generally tangential to portions 60.
Also disposed within module 106 are electric heating wires 44. The only connections between housing 10 and air handling module 106 required to make air conditioner 8 fully operational are the electrical connections to motor 72 and heating wires 44. Suitable electric plugs or other known electrical connectors (not shown) may be used to - provide power to motor 72 and heating wires 44.
In ordinary operation, air conditioner 8 is mounted through the wall cabinet with only indoor - panel 90 visible from the building interior. To access air handling module 106, air conditioner 8 must be withdrawn from the cabinet. The electrical connections and any attachments between module 106 and housing 10 are removed and module 106 may then be lifted directly upwards and removed from between heat exchangers 36 and 50, see Figure 4. Similarly, to install module 106, insert module 106 between heat exchangers 36 and 50 and make the appropriate attachments and electrical connections.
In accordance with the present invention, access panel 108 is removably attached to module 106 to provide easy access to blowers 38 and 52.
As shown in Figure 7, access panel 108 includes rotatable hub 110 with bearing insulator 112.
Indented portion 114 supports hub 110 and merges with planar edge surfaces 116 which includes insulation strips 118. When access panel 108 is attached to module 106, strips 118 are trapped between edges 116 and a portion of module 106 defining sidewall 22 to seal the connection and prevent penetration of air or moisture into the 205~30~
interior of module 106. Preferably, access panel 108 is attached to module 106 by a plurality of screws, although other known methods of attachment could be used.
S While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is --- therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended - to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.
Further, the refrigerant coils often block direct access to the blower or its motor, requiring a great deal of time and care to disconnect, move, or otherwise avoid damaging the refrigerant coils.
What is needed is a packaged air conditioner which is easier to service.
Also needed is a packaged air conditioner providing access to blowers which are not blocked by refrigerant coils.
The present invention is an air conditioner with dual tangential blowers having a removable air handling module.
With the air conditioner of the present invention, the module with the dual tangential blowers can be easily removed from the air conditioner housing for repair or replacement.
The air conditioner of the present invention is easier to service because the modular air handler is removably disposed in the housing. The motor which drives the tangential blowers lS
205~308 mounted on a sidewall of the air handler so that it only needs to be electrically connected to render the module fully operative. The tangential blowers are disposed horizontally and are separated by a dividing wall which includes curved scroll portions which guide air into and out of the tangential blowers. Also, the tangential blowers have axes which are disposed in the same general vertical plane so that the width of the air handler as well as that of the air conditioner are minimized.
Opposite the sidewall on which the motor is - mounted, that other sidewall includes an opening covered by a removable panel. When uncovered, the opening allows access to the interior of the air handler as well as allowing removal of either tangential blower. The access panel rotatably supports the tangential blowers when covering the opening, and includes insulation at its abutting surfaces to seal that portion of the sidewall.
The present invention, in one form, is an air conditioner comprising a housing and a modular air handler. The housing includes two spaced-apart heat exchangers. The modular air handler circulates air through the heat exchangers and is disposed in the housing between the heat - exchangers. The modular air handler also includes two tangential blowers which are located adjacent to the heat exchangers.
One object of the present invention is to provide a packaged air conditioner which is easier to service.
Another object is to provide a packaged air conditioner having access to blowers which is not blocked by refrigerant coils.
20~4308 -3a-According to one broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air condition comprising a housing including spaced-apart first and second heat exchangers; a modular air handling means for circulating air through said first and second heat exchangers, said modular air handling means disposed in said housing between said first and second heat exchangers and including first and second tangential blowers located adjacent to said first and second heat exchangers, respectively, and two sidewalls disposed transversely to said first and second heat exchangers with said tangential blowers disposed between said sidewalls, one of said sidewalls including an opening covered by a removable panel, said opening providing access to said tangential blowers and the interior of said housing, said tangential blowers being rotatably mounted in said removable panel.
According to another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioner comprising a generally U-shaped basepan including a heat exchanger portion and an auxiliary portion; a compressor disposed in said auxiliary portion of said basepan; first and second heat exchangers respectively located on the opposite sides of said basepan; a space defined by said basepan and said indoor and outdoor heat exchangers, said space having an upwardly facing opening; and a modular air handler removably located in said space, including a dividing wall for dividing said modular air handler into first and second air handling compartments, said modular air handler further including first and second tangential blowers disposed on opposite sides of said dividing wall and adjacent to respective said first and second heat exchangers so that when said modular air handler is disposed within said space said modular air handler is adapted to circulate air through said first and second heat exchangers, said modular air handler having a shape generally matching the shape of said opening of said space whereby said modular air handler may be directly inserted into and removed from said space.
-3b-According to yet another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air handling module comprising;
a housing including a first and second side wall one of said first and second sidewalls including an opening covered by a removable panel, said opening providing access to an interior of said housing; a first and second tangential blower mounted between said first and second sidewalls of said housing, said tangential blowers being rotatably supported by said removable panel, said opening providing access to said tangential blowers; and a motor attached to one of said first and second sidewalls for driving at least one of said first and second tangential blowers, said motor externally located in relation to said housing.
2~4308 The above mentioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the air conditioner of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the air conditioner without the cabinet.
Figure 3 is a sectional, schematic view of the air conditioner.
Figure 4 is an exploded view of the air conditioner of Figure 2.
Figure 5 is side view of the air handling module on the motor side.
Figure 6 is a front view of the air handling module of Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a top view, in partial cross-section, of the access plate.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
The exemplification set out herein illustrates one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one - form, and such exemplifications are not to be - ~ construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
The present invention is packaged terminal air conditioner 8 shown in Figs. 1-3. Air conditioner 8 includes housing 10, indoor cut-off 12, outdoor cut-off 14, divider wall 16, and basepan 18. Housing 10 includes a top wall 20 and side walls 22. Indoor cut-off 12 partitions the front or indoor compartment 24 into an indoor inlet section 26 and an indoor outlet section 28.
- 2QS~30~
outdoor cut-off 14 partitions the rear or outdoor compartment 30 into an outdoor inlet section 32 and an outdoor outlet section 34. Divider wall 16 separates indoor compartment 24 and outdoor compartment 30, with insulation 122 disposed on the outdoor side of wall 16 and foam gasket 124 disposed at the bottom of wall 16 to isolate compartments 24 and 30. To provide a vent or fan only mode, divider wall 16 also includes vent door 128 (see Figure 6) which may be selectively opened and closed by a suitable mechanism (not shown).
Indoor compartment 24 has a heat exchange coil 36 located within inlet 26, and has a tangential or cross flow blower 38 located upwardly therefrom between indoor cut-off 12 and divider wall 16 near outlet 28. Filter 40 is placed in front of indoor heat exchanger 36 for filtering the recirculated air. Electric heating wires 44 extend within indoor compartment 24 between side walls 22 intermediate indoor heat exchanger 36 and blower 38; heating wires 44 provide additional heat when the heat pump alone cannot provide enough heat. Blower 38 induces a lower air flow (see arrows 46 in Figure 3) which passes over heat exchanger 36, heating wires 44, and is then exhausted upwardly through discharge grille 126 disposed in outlet 28 (see arrows 48 in Figure 3).
outdoor compartment 30 also has a heat exchange coil 50 located within inlet 32, and has tangential or cross flow blower 52 located downwardly between outdoor cut-off 14 and divider wall 16 near outlet 34. Blower 52 induces an upper air flow (see arrows 54 in Figure 3) which passes over heat exchanger 50 and is then downwardly exhausted through outlet 34 (see arrows 2~5 ~308 56 in Figure 3). Outdoor cut-off 14 can be positioned to capture condensate and route the condensate to a pump, draining valve, or other means of condensate disposal.
The refrigeration components 62 are positioned on one side of housing 10. Compressor 64, accumulator 66, valve 68, and refrigerant lines 70 of components 62 operate in a known manner to appropriately heat or cool heat exchanger 36 for conditioning indoor air 42.
- Electric motor 72 is also located in the samegeneral area of components 62, and drives both indoor blower 38 and outdoor blower 52.
Motor 72 is connected to axis or shaft 74 of driving blower 52, preferably by a resilient hub (not shown). On the opposite side, pulleys 76 and 78 are connected to axes 74 and 80 of driving and driven blowers 52 and 38, respectively. Belt 82 couples pulleys 76 and 78 so that the rotational movement imparted to driving blower 52 is transmitted to driven blower 38. Preferably, driving pulley 76 has a smaller circumference than driven pulley 78 to provide a slower and more comfortable exhaust air flow for the indoor occupants.
Components 62 and motor 72 are electrically coupled to control unit 84. Control unit 84 is located on the same side of air conditioning housing 10 as components 62 and has a control panel 86 facing upwardly under control cover 88.
Control cover 88, as well as the other parts of the top surface of indoor panel 90, has a sloping, curved upper surface which helps to prevent damage from the occupants placing heavy objects upon it.
In one embodiment, control panel 86 has a rotary switch 92 for variably selecting the temperature 2Q5~308 intensity, a fan speed switch 94 for selecting between two different fan speeds, and four mutually exclusive mode setting switches 96:
cooling mode 98, heating mode 100, fan only mode 102 and off 104. Also included within unit 84, although not shown, is a temperature limiting device which can be set by the owner to prevent the air conditioner from operating outside a -- predetermined range of temperature settings.
In accordance with the present invention as depicted in Figures 4-6, air handling module 106 - is removably positioned onto the basepan assembly - to form air conditioner 8. Preferably, screws orother attaching methods are used to attach module 106 to the basepan assembly.
Indoor compartment 24 and outdoor compartment 30 are at least partially defined by module 106.
Divider wall 16 is disposed within module 106, and the lateral sides of module 106 at least partially define sidewalls 22. Blowers 38 and 52 each have one end rotatably mounted in module 106, with electric motor 72 attached to one of sidewalls 22.
The other sidewall 22 includes access panel 108 which rotatably supports the other ends of blowers ~- 25 38 and 52 including pulleys 76 and 78. Facing outdoor heat exchanger 50, module 106 includes a coil protection portion 120 which extends over the top and sides of heat exchanger 50 and provides additional protection from incidental damage.
Divider wall 16 includes curved scroll portions 60 which forms the shape of an "S" to guide air into the tangential blowers. Divider wall 16 is a unitary panel which serves as a scroll for both blowers 38 and 52, and additionally partitions module 106 into indoor and outdoor halves. Portions 60 have an arcuate 20~43Q8 surface generally corresponding to the shape of blowers 38 and 52, and are connected by a flat portion generally tangential to portions 60.
Also disposed within module 106 are electric heating wires 44. The only connections between housing 10 and air handling module 106 required to make air conditioner 8 fully operational are the electrical connections to motor 72 and heating wires 44. Suitable electric plugs or other known electrical connectors (not shown) may be used to - provide power to motor 72 and heating wires 44.
In ordinary operation, air conditioner 8 is mounted through the wall cabinet with only indoor - panel 90 visible from the building interior. To access air handling module 106, air conditioner 8 must be withdrawn from the cabinet. The electrical connections and any attachments between module 106 and housing 10 are removed and module 106 may then be lifted directly upwards and removed from between heat exchangers 36 and 50, see Figure 4. Similarly, to install module 106, insert module 106 between heat exchangers 36 and 50 and make the appropriate attachments and electrical connections.
In accordance with the present invention, access panel 108 is removably attached to module 106 to provide easy access to blowers 38 and 52.
As shown in Figure 7, access panel 108 includes rotatable hub 110 with bearing insulator 112.
Indented portion 114 supports hub 110 and merges with planar edge surfaces 116 which includes insulation strips 118. When access panel 108 is attached to module 106, strips 118 are trapped between edges 116 and a portion of module 106 defining sidewall 22 to seal the connection and prevent penetration of air or moisture into the 205~30~
interior of module 106. Preferably, access panel 108 is attached to module 106 by a plurality of screws, although other known methods of attachment could be used.
S While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is --- therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended - to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.
Claims (29)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An air conditioner comprising:
a housing including spaced-apart first and second heat exchangers;
a modular air handling means for circulating air through said first and second heat exchangers, said modular air handling means disposed in said housing between said first and second heat exchangers and including first and second tangential blowers located adjacent to said first and second heat exchangers, respectively, and two sidewalls disposed transversely to said first and second heat exchangers with said tangential blowers disposed between said sidewalls, one of said sidewalls including an opening covered by a removable panel, said opening providing access to said tangential blowers and the interior of said housing, said tangential blowers being rotatably mounted in said removable panel.
a housing including spaced-apart first and second heat exchangers;
a modular air handling means for circulating air through said first and second heat exchangers, said modular air handling means disposed in said housing between said first and second heat exchangers and including first and second tangential blowers located adjacent to said first and second heat exchangers, respectively, and two sidewalls disposed transversely to said first and second heat exchangers with said tangential blowers disposed between said sidewalls, one of said sidewalls including an opening covered by a removable panel, said opening providing access to said tangential blowers and the interior of said housing, said tangential blowers being rotatably mounted in said removable panel.
2. The air conditioner of Claim 1 wherein said modular air handling means is removably disposed in said housing.
3. The air conditioner of Claim 1 wherein said modular air handling means further includes a motor drivingly connected to said tangential blowers.
4. The air conditioner of Claim 1 wherein said modular air handling means includes a dividing wall separating said modular air handling means into first and second compartments.
5. The air conditioner of Claim 4 wherein said dividing wall includes first and second curved scroll portions to guide air into said first and second tangential blowers.
6. The air conditioner of Claim 1 wherein said tangential blowers are arranged substantially horizontally and face said respective heat exchangers.
7. The air conditioner of Claim 1 wherein said modular air handling means includes an electric heater.
8. The air conditioner of Claim 1 wherein said tangential blowers have axes which are arranged in a common, generally vertical plane.
9. The air conditioner of Claim 1 wherein said modular air handling means includes a motor mounted on one of said sidewalls and drivingly connected to said tangential blowers.
10. The air conditioner of Claim 1 wherein said removable panel includes insulation abutting the one of said sidewalls.
11. An air conditioner comprising:
a generally U-shaped basepan including a heat exchanger portion and an auxiliary portion;
a compressor disposed in said auxiliary portion of said basepan;
first and second heat exchangers respectively located on the opposite sides of said basepan;
a space defined by said basepan and said indoor and outdoor heat exchangers, said space having an upwardly facing opening; and a modular air handler removably located in said space, including a dividing wall for dividing said modular air handler into first and second air handling compartments, said modular air handler further including first and second tangential blowers disposed on opposite sides of said dividing wall and adjacent to respective said first and second heat exchangers so that when said modular air handler is disposed within said space said modular air handler is adapted to circulate air through said first and second heat exchangers, said modular air handler having a shape generally matching the shape of said opening of said space whereby said modular air handler may be directly inserted into and removed from said space.
a generally U-shaped basepan including a heat exchanger portion and an auxiliary portion;
a compressor disposed in said auxiliary portion of said basepan;
first and second heat exchangers respectively located on the opposite sides of said basepan;
a space defined by said basepan and said indoor and outdoor heat exchangers, said space having an upwardly facing opening; and a modular air handler removably located in said space, including a dividing wall for dividing said modular air handler into first and second air handling compartments, said modular air handler further including first and second tangential blowers disposed on opposite sides of said dividing wall and adjacent to respective said first and second heat exchangers so that when said modular air handler is disposed within said space said modular air handler is adapted to circulate air through said first and second heat exchangers, said modular air handler having a shape generally matching the shape of said opening of said space whereby said modular air handler may be directly inserted into and removed from said space.
12. The air conditioner of Claim 11 wherein said modular air handler further includes a motor drivingly connected to said tangential blowers.
13. The air conditioner of Claim 11 wherein said dividing wall includes first and second curved scroll portions to guide air into said first and second tangential blowers.
14. The air conditioner of Claim 11 wherein said tangential blowers are arranged substantially horizontally and face said respective heat exchangers.
15. The air conditioner of Claim 11 wherein said modular air handler includes an electric heater.
16. The air conditioner of Claim 11 wherein said tangential blowers have axes which are arranged in a common, generally vertical plane.
17. The air conditioner of Claim 11 wherein said modular air handler includes two sidewalls disposed transversely to said first and second heat exchangers.
18. The air conditioner of Claim 17 wherein said tangential blowers are disposed between said sidewalls.
19. The air conditioner of Claim 18 wherein one of said sidewalls includes an opening covered by a removable panel, said opening provides access to said tangential blowers and the interior of said housing, and said tangential blowers are rotatably mounted in said removable panel.
20. The air conditioner of Claim 19 wherein said modular air handler includes a motor mounted on one of said sidewalls and drivingly connected to said tangential blowers.
21. The air conditioner of Claim 19 wherein said removable panel includes insulation abutting the one of said sidewalls.
22. An air handling module comprising:
a housing including a first and second sidewall, one of said first and second sidewalls including an opening covered by a removable panel, said opening providing access to an interior of said housing;
a first and second tangential blower mounted between said first and second sidewalls of said housing, said tangential blowers being rotatably supported by said removable panel, said opening providing access to said tangential blowers; and a motor attached to one of said first and second sidewalls for driving at least one of said first and second tangential blowers, said motor externally located in relation to said housing.
a housing including a first and second sidewall, one of said first and second sidewalls including an opening covered by a removable panel, said opening providing access to an interior of said housing;
a first and second tangential blower mounted between said first and second sidewalls of said housing, said tangential blowers being rotatably supported by said removable panel, said opening providing access to said tangential blowers; and a motor attached to one of said first and second sidewalls for driving at least one of said first and second tangential blowers, said motor externally located in relation to said housing.
23. The air handling module of Claim 22 further including a pulley disposed on the other of said first and second sidewalls and drivingly connecting said first and second tangential blowers.
24. The air handling module of Claim 22 wherein said housing includes a dividing wall separating said air handling module into first and second compartments.
25. The air handling module of Claim 24 wherein said dividing wall includes first and second curved scroll portions to guide air into said first and second tangential blowers.
26. The air handling module of Claim 22 wherein said tangential blowers define respective first and second axes which are substantially horizontally disposed in said housing.
27. The air handling module of Claim 22 further comprising an electric heater.
28. The air handling module of Claim 22 wherein said tangential blowers have axes which are arranged in a common, generally vertical plane.
29. The air handling module of Claim 22 wherein said removable panel includes insulation abutting the one of said sidewalls.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/654,305 | 1991-02-12 | ||
| US07/654,305 US5152336A (en) | 1990-02-12 | 1991-02-12 | Air conditioner modular unit with dual cross flow blowers |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2054308A1 CA2054308A1 (en) | 1992-08-13 |
| CA2054308C true CA2054308C (en) | 1995-12-12 |
Family
ID=24624306
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002054308A Expired - Fee Related CA2054308C (en) | 1991-02-12 | 1991-10-31 | Air conditioner modular unit with dual cross flow blowers |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2054308C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8752399B2 (en) | 2009-11-24 | 2014-06-17 | Friedrich Air Conditioning Co., Ltd. | Room air conditioner and/or heater |
-
1991
- 1991-10-31 CA CA002054308A patent/CA2054308C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2054308A1 (en) | 1992-08-13 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |