WO2021186414A1 - Système de chauffage, ventilation et climatisation à éclairage - Google Patents

Système de chauffage, ventilation et climatisation à éclairage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021186414A1
WO2021186414A1 PCT/IB2021/052330 IB2021052330W WO2021186414A1 WO 2021186414 A1 WO2021186414 A1 WO 2021186414A1 IB 2021052330 W IB2021052330 W IB 2021052330W WO 2021186414 A1 WO2021186414 A1 WO 2021186414A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing
luminaire
pocket
light
air conditioner
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2021/052330
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Todd Jason JUREK
Original Assignee
Dometic Sweden Ab
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US17/205,719 external-priority patent/US20210207882A1/en
Application filed by Dometic Sweden Ab filed Critical Dometic Sweden Ab
Priority to AU2021239071A priority Critical patent/AU2021239071A1/en
Priority to DE112021000525.1T priority patent/DE112021000525T5/de
Publication of WO2021186414A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021186414A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
    • B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
    • B60H1/00357—Air-conditioning arrangements specially adapted for particular vehicles
    • B60H1/00364—Air-conditioning arrangements specially adapted for particular vehicles for caravans or trailers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/20—Casings or covers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F5/00—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
    • B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
    • B60H1/00007—Combined heating, ventilating, or cooling devices
    • B60H1/00207—Combined heating, ventilating, or cooling devices characterised by the position of the HVAC devices with respect to the passenger compartment
    • B60H2001/00235—Devices in the roof area of the passenger compartment
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2221/00—Details or features not otherwise provided for
    • F24F2221/02—Details or features not otherwise provided for combined with lighting fixtures
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2221/00—Details or features not otherwise provided for
    • F24F2221/36—Modules, e.g. for an easy mounting or transport
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2221/00—Details or features not otherwise provided for
    • F24F2221/42—Mobile autonomous air conditioner, e.g. robots
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2221/00—Details or features not otherwise provided for
    • F24F2221/52—Weather protecting means, e.g. against wind, rain or snow

Definitions

  • HVAC heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
  • HVAC systems are typically provided on motorized vehicles such as trucks, busses, motor homes, etc. and vessels such as boats, ships, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as “mobile units”). These devices may also be used on fixed structures as well.
  • the HVAC devices provide conditioned air to the interior of the mobile or fixed structure to which the HVAC is mounted.
  • the HVAC system is powered by the energy produced by the mobile unit's engine(s), a 12v DC source, or electricity provided for example at a camping site, often referred to as shore power.
  • the HVAC is one of, if not the, highest installed part of the vehicle, and would provide for a good location to provide a light source. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide a light of desired color or other functionality which is aesthetically pleasing.
  • Present embodiments relate to a HVAC system which is used in both fixed and mobile structures, and which has a luminaire disposed in the HVAC to provide illumination therefrom.
  • the luminaire may be a single continuously on light or it may be a flashing light with one or more patterns.
  • the light may emit a single color or multiple colors.
  • the light may also have a flashing sequence which corresponds to audio.
  • the light may be wired to a switch and/or may be controlled by a smart device in wireless communication with the HVAC system.
  • a mobile air conditioner with illumination may comprise a housing formed by a base pan and an air shroud, a plurality of cooling mechanicals disposed in the housing, a pocket formed in an interior of the housing, a luminaire disposed in the pocket, and wherein light from the luminaire emanates from the pocket and is visible from an exterior of the housing.
  • the pocket may comprise a first pocket and a second pocket.
  • the fi rst pocket may be located along one side of the housing and the second pocket located along a second side.
  • the first pocket may be located along a front side of the housing and the second pocket may be located along a rear side.
  • the luminaire may be a first luminaire and a second luminaire.
  • the luminaire may be a strip of light emitting di odes.
  • the luminaire may have a first segment and a second segment.
  • the mobile air conditioner may further comprise a connecting segment.
  • the luminaire may be color adjustable.
  • the housing may have a seam which extends between the base pan and the shroud. The light may emanate from the seam.
  • a mobile air conditioner may comprise a housing having a plurality of air conditioner components disposed therein, a luminaire disposed within the housing and emanating outwardly from the housing, a pocket disposed within the housing wherein the luminaire is disposed, the luminaire providing a light stripe from the housing.
  • the housing may have a seam defined between a base pan and an air shroud.
  • the light stripe may be along the seam between the base pan and the air shroud.
  • the luminaire may be color adjustable. The luminaire positioned in the pocket, and the light reflecting from a surface about the pocket and out through the seam.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative, non-limiting recreational vehicle which may utili ze a HVAC according to various embodiments,
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a number of components defining an HVAC
  • FIG. 3 is an exemplary perspective view of an illustrative HVAC with illumination
  • FIG. 4 is an exemplary perspective view of an alternate HVAC with illumination
  • FIG. 5 is an exemplary ' perspective view of an alternative HVAC with illumination
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an HVAC of FIG. 3 with the air shroud removed to reveal the interior of the HVAC and the luminaires;
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate HVAC system
  • FIG. 8 is an illustrative selection screen from a remote or app of a smart device with various user selections for operation of the device;
  • FIG. 9 is an exemplary perspective view of an alternate HVAC system with illumination
  • FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the HVAC system with illumination of FIG. 9;
  • FIG. 10A is a side section view of an example of an arrangement for illumination
  • FIG. 11 is a side view of the HVAC system with illumination of FIG. 9;
  • FIG. 12 is an exemplary perspective view of an alternate HVAC system with illumination
  • FIG. 13 is a side view of the HVAC system with illumination of FIG. 12.
  • the HVAC system with illumination is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.
  • the embodiments are capable of other variations and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.
  • the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
  • the use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
  • the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings.
  • the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
  • FIGS. 1 - 13 various embodiments of a mobile air conditioner (“A/C”) with illumination which may provide illumination from vent holes in the A/C housing.
  • A/C mobile air conditioner
  • an HVAC system is adapted for use on mobile or fixed structures.
  • the term “mobile unit” as used herein includes vehicles having engines such as trucks, busses, motor homes, motorized or non-motorized recreational vehicles etc. and vessels having engines such as boats, ships, etc., but should also be understood to be inclusive of uses on fixed structures.
  • HVAC system refers generally to an environmental -control unit for controlling an environment, which includes heating, cooling, ventilating, air handling, humidifying, dehumidifying, etc. in a controlled environmental space within the mobile unit.
  • the controlled environmental space may include an operating portion, where an operator resides when the mobile unit is operational, and a sleeping portion where the operator rests when the mobile unit is not operational.
  • the HVAC system is also suitable for use in a fixed structure, such as for non-limiting example, a small building.
  • FIG. 1 a perspective view of a mobile unit, such as for nonlimiting example a recreational vehicle 10 is depicted.
  • the term “recreational vehicle” refers to mobile homes, motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, recreational vans and the like.
  • a recreational vehicle may be one type of mobile unit.
  • the instant embodiment may be utilized with stationary structures having roof-mounted air conditioning units and air conditioning ducts extending through the ceiling area of the structure.
  • the embodiments of the instant disclosure are also suitable for use in various water crafts having exterior air conditioning units and duct work passing through cavities or spaces between the roof and ceiling.
  • the depicted RV 10 includes a drive and transmission, not shown, as well as a sidewall 12 and a roof 14.
  • the RV may be in the form of a non-powered, pull-behind camper, non-mobile structures, and watercraft.
  • FIG. 14 of the RV 10 On the roof 14 of the RV 10, a portion of the air conditioning system 20 is depicted.
  • An air conditioning unit 50 is positioned along the roof line in at least one position. According to the instant embodiment, two air conditioning units 50 are utilized in two separate locations to provide conditioned air to the interior of the RV
  • the interior may be a single zone or may be broken up into various zones.
  • An air conditioning system 20 includes an air conditioning unit 50 disposed on the roof 14 and may, or may not, include ducting below the roof 14 but above the ceiling below to provide conditioned air to the interior of the vehicle 10. In embodiments where ducting is not utilized, the system may also include an air distribution box (not shown) beneath the A/C unit 50 within the interior of the RV.
  • the air conditioning unit 50 may be mounted in a vari ety of fashions, including but not limited to, fasteners passing through the roof 14, for example to or through structural members or through a template therein or combinations, for non-limiting example.
  • the air conditioning units 50 will be known to one skilled in the art and may include various models including, but not limited to, any of the Dometic Brisk, Brisk
  • Air conditioning units 50 are shown, it is well within the scope of the present disclosure that a single air conditioning unit may be utilized or more than two units be utilized. Such number will be a design characteristic based on the load capability of the air conditioning unit and the volume of the vehicle 10 being cooled.
  • FIG. 1 Also shown in the FIG. 1 , is a person who may be using the illumination feature of the A/C units 50.
  • the A/C units 50 desirably emit light of one or more colors from apertures in the units 50.
  • the emission of lights may provide a desirable aesthetic appearance.
  • the person is shown with a smart device, which may take various forms including but not limited to smart phone, smart pad, smart watch, mobile computer or other device capable of running an application (or “app”) which may store control logic for operation of the A/C unit and/or lights.
  • FIG. 2 a schematic view of HVAC components is depicted.
  • a compressor 30 is depicted.
  • the compressor 30 may be connected to a motor 32 which drives the rotation or movement of the compressor 30 in order to compress a refrigerant.
  • the compressor 30 may be a single speed, multi-speed, or variable speed compressor.
  • the compressor 30 forces the compressed refrigerant upward along the schematic view toward a condenser 34.
  • the condenser 34 may also comprise a cooling fan 36 which blows ambient air across a plurality of fins and/or coils which are in fluid communication with the refrigerant.
  • the cooling fan 36 moves air across these fins and/or coils of the condenser 34 in order to reduce the temperature of the refrigerant which then moves to the left in the illustrative schematic view.
  • the refrigerant continues toward an expansion valve 38 which reduces the pressure of the refrigerant and then further on to an evaporator 40.
  • a fan 42 may also blow air from an interior of the RV or other enclosed volume across the fins and/or coils of the evaporator 40.
  • the refrigerant is of a lower pressure and temperature such that the air blowing across it is cooled and returns into the enclosed space of the R V as a conditioned, cooled air which is comforting to the users and of decreased humidity.
  • the refrigerant After moving through the evaporator 40, the refrigerant returns to the compressor 30. At some position along the flow path of the refrigerant, a tank or other volume may provide a reservoir for the refrigerant, according to some embodiments. This option merely is illustrative and very general of the operation of an air conditioner which may be utilized in any of the embodiments described.
  • FIG. 3 a perspective view of an illustrative HVAC unit 50 with illumination is depicted.
  • the depicted mobile air conditioner (“AC”) 50 may be defined by an air shroud 52 and a base pan 54 that collectively form a housing 51.
  • the air shroud 52 and the base pan 54 may be formed as a single part or may be formed as two parts which may be disconnected from one another.
  • the removability of the air shroud 52 of the base pan 54 may allow for access of the interior of the air conditioner 50 wherein a plurality of mechanical components such as those described in FIG. 2 may be located.
  • the mobile A/C unit 50 may also comprise a plurality of vent holes 56 in the air shroud 52 and/or vent holes 58 in the base pan 54,
  • the vent holes 56, 58 may be utilized for air flow to or from the condenser 34 (FIG. 2) and also may allow illumination outwardly from inside the mobile A/C unit 50.
  • the mobile A/C unit 50 may be mounted on a roof top of a mobile structure such as an RV, truck, trailer, mobile home, or alternatively may be mounted on a fixed structure for use in cooling such.
  • the mobile A/C units may be mounted on other surfaces such as a front or rear surface of the mobile unit or RV, which may be a horizontal, vertical, or in between these surface orientations.
  • the mobile A/C unit 50 may be utilized with ducted or non-ducted cooling configurations within the mobile or fixed structure to which the mobile A/C unit 50 is connected.
  • FIG. 4 a perspective view of an alternative HVAC with illumination is depicted.
  • the mobile A/C unit 150 is of a differing shape, primarily differing in that the embodiment of FIG. 3 was a low-profile design which has improved aerodynamic efficiencies.
  • the embodiment of FIG. 4 may provide a larger system which provides similar characteristics in a larger size where aerodynamics may not be as important to an installer or user.
  • the mobile A/C unit 150 compri ses an air shroud 152 and a base pan 154.
  • the air shroud 152 and base pan 154 may be formed separately of two structures, however in some embodiments, may be formed as a single structure.
  • the air shroud 152 may include a plurality of vent holes 156 and the base pan 154 may include a plurality of vent holes 158.
  • the vent holes 156, 158 may be utilized to allow air flow to or from the condenser 34 (FIG. 2) and also illumination outwardly from inside the mobile A/C unit 150.
  • FIG. 5 a further embodiment of a mobile A/C unit 250 is provided.
  • the mobile A/C unit 250 provides still further that various shapes and designs may be utilized.
  • the air shroud 252, again may provide a plurality of vent holes 256 while the base pan 254 may be provided with a plurality of vent holes 258. These vent holes 256, 258 may allow ' for air flow to or from the condenser 34 (FIG. 2) and also may allow for illumination to be emitted from the mobile A/C unit 250.
  • FIG. 6 a perspective view ' of the illustrative A/C unit 50 with the air shroud 52 removed.
  • the A/C unit 50 includes a base pan 54 having a plurality of vent holes 58, located around the lower perimeter thereof.
  • the base pan vent holes 58 allow for air movement either tow'ard and/or away from the condenser 34. As previously described, this air flow ' brings in ambient air and cools the compressed refrigerant passing through the condenser 34, as part of the cooling process.
  • the fan 42 and the evaporator 40 are hidden by foam structures which reduce sound related noise and vibration associated with operation of those components.
  • the compressor 30 may be seen, including coils which extend toward the condenser 34 and from the evaporator 40 to the compressor 30.
  • a fan housing for cooling fan 36 is also shown, wherein the fan 36 may pull air either into the system through the vent holes 58 or blow ' air from the system out across the condenser 34, through the vent holes 58.
  • a luminaire 70 which may be embodied in some forms as at least one LED light strip 72,
  • the LED light strip 72 may be located in various positions of the A/C unit 50, or any of the units described herein.
  • the luminaire 70 is defined by three LED light strips 72 which are positioned along the boundaries of the base pan 54.
  • the light strips 72 are located along the two lateral edges and the rear edge of the base pan 54, within the base pan 54 and adjacent to vent holes 58.
  • the luminaries 70 emit light from the base pan 54 through the vent holes 58 due to their location.
  • the luminaires 70 may also reflect light from the fins and/or coils defining the condenser 34 so that a wall of soft light is defined which will also emit through the vent holes 58 of the base pan 54 and any holes in this area which are disposed on the air shroud 52 (FIG. 2).
  • the air shroud 52 comprises vent holes 56 which would also emit light as the luminaires 70 would reflect from the condenser 34 through the vent holes 56.
  • the luminaires 70 may all be located in the same plane or may vary ' in different heights, relative to the base pan 54 depending from where vent holes 58 are located and/or vent holes 56 of the air shroud 52. Additionally, the instant embodiment depicts LED light strips 72 which are all horizontally positioned, How'ever, other configurations are used, for example, where the light strips 72 are arranged in a vertical fashion.
  • the LED light strips 72 may be disposed in or on the base pan 54 in a variety of manners.
  • Various structures or features may be utilized to affix the light strips 72 including, but not limited to, glue, cement, tape, fixatives, fasteners, or snap fit structures, all of which are non-limiting examples. It may be desirable to use a locking structure, such as a snap fit, according to some embodiments, since it would be highly undesirable for the light strips 72 to come loose during operation of the fan 42 or during movement of the mobile unit.
  • FIG. 7 an alternate embodiment is depicted which shows a base pan 154 of the mobile A/C unit 150.
  • the air shroud is removed for viewing of the internal structures.
  • a foam structure is disposed over the evaporator 40 and portion of the fan 42 associated therewith.
  • Toward the rear of the mobile A/C unit 150 a plurality of coils are shown associated with the condenser 34.
  • the base pan 154 also includes a plurality of vent holes 158 through which air may be pulled to either pass to the condenser 34 or exit from the condenser and out of the interior of the A/C unit 150,
  • a plurality of luminaires 70 are provided and again defi ned by LED light ships 72.
  • At least one of the LED light strips 72 is oriented in a vertical fashion along the side of an internal component of the A/C unit 150. This may be desirable where an air shroud 152 (FIG. 4) is tall and light is desired along the height of the structure.
  • the LED light strip 72 is also located along an upper edge of a component for shining through either apertures in the top surface of the air shroud or holes which may extend from side surfaces to an upper surface thereof.
  • the LED light strips 72 should be understood as capable of being mounted in a variety of locations and in a variety of configurations within the A/C units.
  • the LEDs are powered by 12V which allows operation from the 12V RV system or alternatively may be operated by alternating current (AC) shore power which may be converted to DC, likewise, generators or power inverters may be utilized to power the A/C unit 50, 150, 250 and thereby power the luminaires 70.
  • AC alternating current
  • the controller associated with the LED lighting may be onboard a controller 45 for the AC mechanical components or may be within the mobile A/C unit 50 but in a separate housing therein (not shown).
  • the luminaire controller 47 (FIG. 2) for the LED light strips 72 may be a Bluetooth controller or may be Wi-Fi connected, or have other wireless connection technology. The wireless communication will allow for the use of a remote control or smart device to control the lighting operation and desired effect, in addition to, or alternatively from, a wired light switch that may also be used.
  • the luminaire controller 47 (FIG. 2) may control some number of LED strips 72.
  • the luminaire controller may also be used to control other LEDs on the RV, such as for non-limiting example, LEDs on an awning assembly.
  • the luminaire 70 may be have any or all or combinations of the following functions.
  • the luminaire 70 may be controlled in order to provide one or more colors.
  • the luminaire 70 may also be a continuously on light or may be flashing in any of a plurality of sequences, with one color or multiple colors during the sequence.
  • the sequences may be preprogrammed, may be random, or may be based upon other factors, for example an audio signal. For example, when music plays in the background, it may be desirable to use a microphone on the remote control or a smart device in order to capture an audio signal and provide light flashing in approximately synchronized manner to the music signal captured by the microphone. This may be done by “listening” for a specific frequency range, for example a lower, bassline frequency range, to which the flashing lights may be synchronized.
  • the luminaire controller may also have a motion sensor.
  • flashing lights on a vehicle may not be allowed, or may be limited in color, due the use of flashing lights of first responder vehicles. Thus flashing lights may only be used, in some embodiments, when the vehicle is not moving.
  • a motion sensor may be provided, for non-limiting example, in the luminaire controller which inhibits use of the flashing lights when the vehicle is in motion.
  • the remote or a smart device may be used to provide the motion sensing and in communication with the luminaire controller, may provide the motion sensing, then communicate to the luminaire controller. Accordingly, the usable colors may be limited if a flashing sequence is selected and/or if the vehicle is moving.
  • the remote or smart device may provide an app wherein the color or colors may be selected by a user.
  • the instant embodiments may provide that the app provides a color palette, for example on a touch screen.
  • a screenshot 300 is provided for a remote or smart device having an application (“app ”) allowing the user to make selections for use of the illumination portion of the HVAC functionality.
  • the smart device has a touchscreen with a color palette 310 so that various colors of a color spectrum including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet are provided, for example.
  • a slider or other control structure 312 for increasing or decreasing the brightness of the one or more luminaires 70. Other controls may be provided alternatively or additionally.
  • buttons 314 provide for flashing lights.
  • Another control button 316 may provide for effect like fade.
  • Yet another control 318 may start the microphone function, as previously described to synchronize lighting to music which may be playing.
  • Other functions may also be provided by the remote or app of the smart device in order to provide additional functionality such as a tinier or in order to group specific lights together.
  • ADB air distribution box
  • the base pan may have apertures that allow light to shine through the base pan and downward to provide interior illumination around the ADB.
  • the luminaire may provide illumination about the interface of the ceiling and the ADB, or may provide light through a window provided in the ADB.
  • FIG. 9 a perspective view of a mobile air conditioning unit, or HVAC unit, is shown in perspective view and removed from a recreational vehicle (RV)10 (FIG. 1).
  • the mobile AC or HVAC unit 350 comprises a housing 351 which may be mounted on the exteri or of the RV 10. As with previous embodiments, the housing 351 may be located, for non-limiting example, on the roof 14 (FIG. 1) or a rear wall 18 of the RV 10 (FIG. 1).
  • the housing 351 may comprise a forward end 336, toward the left side of the depicted figure, and a rearward end 338 toward the right side of the depicted figure, and sides extending between the forward and rearward ends.
  • the forward and rear ends 336, 338 may be defined, for example, by the forward and rearward directions of the RV 10.
  • the housing 351 may be formed of various shapes and in some embodimen ts, may have a curved or aerodynamic characteristics desirable to improve fuel mileage and approve aesthetic appearance.
  • the housing 351 may be formed of a one-piece enclosure or may be formed of multiple structures to define the enclosure.
  • the present housing may be form ed of a base pan 354 and an air shroud 352 positioned over the top of the base pan 354.
  • the parts of the housing 351 may be entirely separable or may be hinged, for example in a clam shell-like arrangement.
  • Each of the air shroud 352 and the base pan 354 may include sidewalls which meet to form a seam 359.
  • the seam 359 may be a constant elevation about the periphery of the housing 351 or may vary in elevation with the changing shape of the housing 351.
  • Either or both of the base pan 354 and air shroud 352 may comprise a plurality of ventilation holes 356, 358 which allow for communication with ambient air within the housing 351 to exchange heat with the condenser 334 (FIG. 10). Additionally, the vent holes 356, 358 may allow illumination to emanate from the interior of the housing 351 to the exterior, if desirable as described in previous embodiments.
  • light is depicted emanating from the seam 359 along the sides of the housing.
  • the seam 359 may be formed in a variety of manners to allow the light to pass through this area.
  • When operating the light may appear, in some embodiments, as a light stripe such as a continuous stripe or beam of light, or in some embodiments may appear as one or more distinct lights, for example light dots.
  • the housing 351 is again shown wherein the air shroud 352 is exploded from the base pan 354.
  • a plurality of cooling mechanicals, or cooling components which may also include one or more heating structures, for example a heating element.
  • other heating components may be located within the housing 351 for example a furnace arrangement may be utilized to provide heat throughout the RV 10 (FIG. 1).
  • the depicted base pan 354 shows a condenser 334 at the rear end 338 of the base pan 354 and a foam insulation 335 at the forward end 336 of the base pan 354.
  • Beneath the foam insulation 335 at the forward end 336 of the base pan 354 may be an evaporator 340 and fan 342 to push air from the interior space of the RV 10 through the evaporator 340 for heat exchange and force the air back into the RV 10.
  • the condenser 334 also functions as a heat exchanger pulling air across a plurality of coils to exchange heat with the ambient air pulled into and blown out of the housing 351.
  • the fan 342 for the cooling mechanicals may comprise one or more fans which are utilized with the evaporator 340 and the condenser 334 for the heat exchange described. In the instant embodiment for example, there may be two fans 342, 343, one for the evaporator 340 and one for the condenser.
  • the luminaire 370 may be embodied by various types of lights including but not limited to an LED light strip 372 which may be located in various positions of the HVAC unit 350.
  • the instant example may provide one luminaire 370 along each side of the housing 351.
  • the luminaire 370 in this embodiment or any of the embodiments may be formed by a single strip or multiple strips with light emitting diodes (LEDs), The LEDs may be continuous within the strip or may be in groups of one or more LEDs that are spaced apart within the single strip.
  • portions of the strip not containing LEDs may also be painted or colored in a dark opaque color to separate the group of lights and present separated illuminated segments with a single strip, for example.
  • the light strips 372 in this embodiment or any of the embodiments may also be flexible to provide the bends or segments shown, and described further herein.
  • the base pan 354 or the air shroud 352, or both, may include at least one pocket 357 wherein the luminaire 370 is located.
  • the pocket 357 may be formed along an interior edge of the base pan 354 and located near a seam 359 defined between the base pan 354 and the shroud 352.
  • the pocket 357 may be formed by a structure that is connected to the interior of either the base pan 354 or the shroud 352 or may be integrally molded therein.
  • a wall 344 (see also FIG. 10 A) may extend about one of the base pan 354 or the air shroud 352 toward the other of the base pan 354 or the air shroud 352 and inhibit contaminants from entering the housing 351.
  • the wall 344 may extend near edges of the housing 351 but may deviate away from the periphery in order to create a space defining the pocket 357.
  • the pocket 357 in some non-limiting embodiments, may be formed between the outer surface of the housing 351 and the wall 344.
  • the pocket 357 may be located in an area where the wall 344 moves away from the outer surface of the housing 351.
  • the wall 344 may be U-shaped generally.
  • the pocket 357 may be formed of a size corresponding to the size of the luminaire 370.
  • the pocket 357 may be a single pocket or may be segmented into multiple smaller pockets.
  • the luminaire 370 may be weather- resistant to inhibit damage from rain, snow, dirt, and the like along the opening of the pocket 357.
  • the opening formed by the seam 359 may therefore allow light to emanate from the housing 351.
  • the housing 351 may not have an opening along the seam, but instead may include a transparent, translucent, or semi -translucent portion to allow light to emanate from the pocket 357.
  • the transparent, translucent, or semi-translucent portion may be disposed over the seam 359 to protect the luminaire 370 but allow light to emanate.
  • the luminaire 370 may be, for example, a light strip 372 having a plurality of LEDs positioned there along and one or more lenses about the LEDs.
  • the luminaire 370 may be one light strip 372 or a plurality.
  • the one or more light strips 372 may be formed of one or more segments 374, 375, 376 and may correspond to any of the edges of the housing 351.
  • the seam 359 defined between the air shroud 352 and the base pan 354 may be illuminated.
  • the side seams where the luminaire 370 is located may be defined by first and second segments and a third connecting segment extending therebetween, corresponding in size and shape to the light strip 372.
  • the luminaire 370 may have first and second segments 374, 375 and a third connecting segment 376 extending therebetween so that the profile or edge shape of the seam 359 is illuminated.
  • the light When illuminated, the light may have the appearance of a continuous light in the area of the light strips 372.
  • FIG. 10 A a section detail view of the example housing 351 is shown.
  • the view provides one example arrangement of the pocket 357 within the base pan 354, the air shroud 352, and the luminaire 370 therein. While the housing 351 is described, any of a plurality of housings may be formed in this manner in order to allow the illumination and the pocket arrangement may be utilized in a variety of locations of any housing in order to provide desired illumination, thus this example should not be considered limiting.
  • the housing 351 is shown defined by the air shroud 352 and the base pan 354. Between the air shroud 352 and the base pan 354 is the seam 359 from where light emanates.
  • the pocket 357 is shown in the base pan 354 along an edge of the base pan 354 where the base pan 354 and air shroud 352 form a gap therebetween, and where light may be emitted. The pocket however may also be located in the air shroud for example, or at other locations were lighting is desired.
  • the pocket 357 is shown formed by structural members, such as wall 344 and a floor 345 between the wall 344 and outer edge of the base pan 354. The pocket 357 may extend in any area where a luminaire may be located for light, for example along the periphery of the base pan 354.
  • the luminaire 370 is shown.
  • the luminaires 370 are disposed in the pocket 357 and emit light in an upward direction.
  • the air shroud 352 may have a flange or surface that extends over the pocket 357 and reflects light outward through the seam 359 between the air shroud 352 and the base pan 354.
  • the luminaire 370 may be an LED light strip 372 which may be sealed, in some embodiments for protection from weather and other contaminants.
  • the luminaire 370 is located within the pocket 357 and directs light upwardly. The light may reflect from a surface 347 above the pocket 357 to turn and emanate through the seam 359 between the base pan 354 and the air shroud 352.
  • the luminaire 370 and pocket may be located in the shroud 352 and directly light downward and from the seam 359.
  • FIG. 11 a side view of the HVAC housing 351 is shown.
  • the luminaire 370 is shown illuminating light from the housing 351 at a location between the base pan 354 and the air shroud 352, Accordingly, the appearance is that of a light stripe which is shown along the edge line of the housing and emanating from the seam 359.
  • the side view depicts that the light emanates from at least one side of the HVAC housing 351.
  • the luminaires 370 may also be positioned additionally or alternatively along the front and rear ends 336, 338 (FIG. 10) of the housing 351.
  • the luminaires 370 may be positioned at other locations such as along contour edges of any surface or entirely around the periphery of the HVAC housing 351 or at a specific feature of the housing 351. This may be dependent upon the position of the HVAC unit 350 relative to the RV 10.
  • an HVAC housing 451 is shown on a rear surface 18 of an RV 10.
  • the housing 451 has a top, bottom, and sides.
  • the instant embodiment provides that light may emanate at locations other than seams 359.
  • the housing 451 is shown having a depression 480 formed in a rear surface of the HVAC housing 451.
  • the depression 480 may be a surface feature or may be functional, for example having a grill 484, as shown for air flow.
  • the luminaire 470 may be placed along a surface or an edge of the depression 480 to highlight the surface change or contour.
  • a depression is shown in the upper surface of the air shroud 152, wherein a luminaire could be positioned.
  • openings may be formed along an edge of the depression 480 to allow light to exit, for example, be along an edge of the depression 480 or within the depression.
  • transparent, semi-transparent or translucent areas may be provided in the housing 451.
  • the luminaire 470 may be disposed within the surface forming the depression, rather than along an edge,
  • an opening 482 may also be formed in the rear surface for position or parking light lighting, or may alternatively be utilized for brake lights when the RV 10 is in motion.
  • the opening 482 may be a single opening or a plurality of openings.
  • the iuminaire(s) 470 may be located in this opening 482 as well.
  • the light emitted may also be utilized to meet requirements for what are sometimes referred to as clearance lights as well.
  • a logo may be desirable in some embodiments and such logo may also be illuminated as shown, for example, in the space between the grill 484 and the light opening 482 or other location according to any embodiment.
  • the logo may be formed of a diffusive material and may be located in the position shown or in other positions depending on the shape and location of the housing.
  • FIG. 13 a side view of the HVAC housing 451 is shown in which the housing 451 of FIG. 4 is formed of a base pan 454 and air shroud 452.
  • a seam 459 is formed between the base pan 454 and air shroud 452 and a luminaire 470 is positioned within a pocket (not shown) of one of the two structures and adjacent to the seam 459 so that light emanates from the seam 459 and defines a light stripe therebetween.
  • inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein.
  • any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.
  • the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements.
  • This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.
  • “at least one of A and B” can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements): etc.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Arrangements Of Lighting Devices For Vehicle Interiors, Mounting And Supporting Thereof, Circuits Therefore (AREA)
  • Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)
  • Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de climatisation (350) comprenant un boîtier (351) et un luminaire (370) disposé dans une poche (357) formée à l'intérieur du boîtier (351) pour fournir un éclairage visible depuis l'extérieur du boîtier (351).
PCT/IB2021/052330 2020-03-20 2021-03-19 Système de chauffage, ventilation et climatisation à éclairage WO2021186414A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2021239071A AU2021239071A1 (en) 2020-03-20 2021-03-19 Heating, ventilation and air conditioning system with illumination
DE112021000525.1T DE112021000525T5 (de) 2020-03-20 2021-03-19 Heizungs-, Lüftungs-, und Klimaanlagensystem mit Beleuchtung

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202062992595P 2020-03-20 2020-03-20
US62/992,595 2020-03-20
US17/205,719 US20210207882A1 (en) 2018-06-18 2021-03-18 Heating, ventilation and air conditioning system with illumination
US17/205,719 2021-03-18

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2021186414A1 true WO2021186414A1 (fr) 2021-09-23

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DE (1) DE112021000525T5 (fr)
WO (1) WO2021186414A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD1010080S1 (en) 2020-05-15 2024-01-02 Dometic Sweden Ab Housing for air conditioning apparatus
US11933285B2 (en) 2018-04-23 2024-03-19 Dometic Sweden Ab Damped mobile compressor
US11951798B2 (en) 2019-03-18 2024-04-09 Dometic Sweden Ab Mobile air conditioner
USD1027143S1 (en) 2021-07-12 2024-05-14 Dometic Sweden Ab Housing shroud for an air conditioner
US11987093B2 (en) 2019-03-18 2024-05-21 Dometic Sweden Ab Mobile air conditioner

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3193096A1 (fr) * 2016-01-15 2017-07-19 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd Climatiseur d'air
CN206493894U (zh) * 2017-03-02 2017-09-15 宁波宏都电器有限公司 房车空调面板组件及房车空调
CN110217073A (zh) * 2019-06-24 2019-09-10 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 显示模块组件及空调器
WO2019244011A1 (fr) * 2018-06-18 2019-12-26 Dometic Sweden Ab Système de chauffage, ventilation et climatisation avec éclairage

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3193096A1 (fr) * 2016-01-15 2017-07-19 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd Climatiseur d'air
CN206493894U (zh) * 2017-03-02 2017-09-15 宁波宏都电器有限公司 房车空调面板组件及房车空调
WO2019244011A1 (fr) * 2018-06-18 2019-12-26 Dometic Sweden Ab Système de chauffage, ventilation et climatisation avec éclairage
CN110217073A (zh) * 2019-06-24 2019-09-10 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 显示模块组件及空调器

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11933285B2 (en) 2018-04-23 2024-03-19 Dometic Sweden Ab Damped mobile compressor
US11951798B2 (en) 2019-03-18 2024-04-09 Dometic Sweden Ab Mobile air conditioner
US11987093B2 (en) 2019-03-18 2024-05-21 Dometic Sweden Ab Mobile air conditioner
USD1010080S1 (en) 2020-05-15 2024-01-02 Dometic Sweden Ab Housing for air conditioning apparatus
USD1027143S1 (en) 2021-07-12 2024-05-14 Dometic Sweden Ab Housing shroud for an air conditioner

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE112021000525T5 (de) 2022-12-01
AU2021239071A1 (en) 2022-07-28

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