Heat pump unit comprising an electrical box

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat pump unit comprising an electrical box. The invention further relates to an electrical box for a heat pump unit. The electrical box comprising an electrical terminal block comprises one or more internal access points / apertures and one or more external access points / apertures. Either the internal and external access points may be used for one or more electrical cables to run through either access points to reach at least one connection point outside the product thereby offering alternative arrangements by which the heat pump unit may be connected up to external electrical supply or connections. This offers two modes of electrical connection on the same product which provides advantages at installation.

Description

[0001] Heat pump unit comprising an electrical box

[0002] The invention relates to a heat pump unit comprising an electrical box. The invention further relates to an electrical box for a heat pump unit. The electrical box comprising an electrical terminal block, connected or connectable to one or more electrical cables, one or more internal access points, or internal access apertures, and one or more external access points, or external access apertures. Both the internal and external access points, or apertures, may be used for one or more electrical cables to run through either access points to reach at least one electrical connection point outside the heat pump unit. This offers two modes of electrical connection on the same heat pump unit for the installation of the heat pump unit.

[0003] Heat pump units require a power supply to operate. They may also require a wired connection between the indoor unit and the outdoor heat pump unit for control and monitoring purposes, i.e. to transmit control signal or sensor signals.

[0004] These connections are usually made by one or more electrical cables connected from the building serviced by the heat pump unit to an electrical box comprised by the outdoor or indoor heat pump unit.

[0005] To make the heat pump unit connections, including electrical connections as described above and fluid connections, the connections are preferably well covered and preferably inaccessible to reduce safety risks or risks of damaging these connections, as users or by-passer can’t easily or accidentally reach the connections, with all associated risks like hot spots, chemical risks, electrical risks.

[0006] Different solutions are known to provide such electrical connections in a reliable manner.

[0007] For instance, an enclosure may be provided on an external surface of the heat pump unit. The enclosure may comprise a box and a cover to close / open the box. When electrical connections are to be made, the cover is removed. This provides access to the electrical terminal block positioned inside the box. The electrical connections are made and the cover is then replaced to cover the enclosure and the electrical connections.

[0008] According to an alternative solution, openings are provided in a side panel of the heat pump unit through which cables can be inserted into the inside of the heat pump unit. These openings can be fitted with flexible material to ensure a seal between the cable and the panel. Once the cables are inserted into the product, they are connected to an electrical terminal block inside the heat pump unit.

[0009] These solutions aim to prevent access to the electrical terminal block by users, fingers, particles, animals etc. These solutions also aim to prevent water from reaching the electrical terminal block.

[0010] Preferably, the connections should not be passed through the side of the heat pump unit for safety reasons. A solution would be to pass the connections via the inside of the heat pump unit, for example through the bottom of the heat pump unit. However, not all installation locations permit the pass-through at the bottom. In such cases, a connection through the side may be necessary.

[0011] The object is therefore to provide a heat pump unit which can be connected to at least one connection point outside of the product while offering the flexibility of passing the connections through either, at least a part of, the inside or via the outside of the heat pump unit, such as via a bottom or a side of the heat pump unit.

[0012] The object is solved by a heat pump unit comprising a heat pump housing defining an inner space and heat pump components positioned in the inner space, wherein the heat pump housing comprises a ground opening situated in a bottom panel, and wherein the heat pump unit comprises an electrical box comprising a cover, the electrical box further comprising an electrical terminal block, comprising a first group of at least one terminal block connection points for electrical connection to the heat pump components, and a second group of at least one terminal block connection points for electrical connection to at least one connection point located outside the heat pump unit, wherein the cover of the electrical box is arranged so that a part of the cover is situated in the inner space of the heat pump housing and a part of the cover is situated outside the heat pump housing, and wherein the cover comprises one or more internal access apertures positioned on the part of the cover situated in the inner space, and arranged to allow electrical connection to the second group of at least one terminal block connection points, which electrical connection is arranged to proceed via the ground opening from the at least one electrical connection point located outside of the heat pump unit, and the cover comprises one or more external access apertures positioned on the part of the cover situated outside the heat pump housing and arranged to allow electrical connection to the second group of at least one terminal block connection points from the at least one electrical connection point located outside of the heat pump unit, so that electrical connection from the external electrical connection point to the electrical terminal block can be either through the ground opening and internal access apertures, or, through the external access apertures.

[0013] This offers two modes of electrical connection on the same product: with the wire(s) directly from the outside of the heat pump unit or by running the wire(s), at least partially, through the inside of the heat pump unit. Two modes of installation of the heat pump unit are provided without the need to change components and without bringing any inconvenience to either installation.

[0014] The installer may therefore choose at installation the most appropriate arrangement for installment and electrical connection of the heat pump unit. This is particularly advantageous if it is not known in advance what existing arrangement the heat pump is to be connected to. In particular the arrangement of the invention allows a single heat pump unit to be connected up to an external electrical connection via the ground, for protection for the cabling from animals and / or weather, or through the air when such protection is not necessary. Further it allows direct ground connection to a second ground source heat pump arrangement, while also allowing direct connection to a second air-positioned heat pump arrangement, situated for example on a wall of a building.

[0015] For both modes the problems of permeability of solid and liquid particles (progression index) can be dealt with. The definition of positions, geometries and distances, as explained in more detail below, makes it possible to prevent the projection of particles and solids and in particular to expect an IP44 type of ingress protection according to the I EC 60529 standard which is a known standard that determines the degree of protection provided by the enclosure of electrical equipment.

[0016] The electrical box is preferably positioned in a panel opening in a side panel of the heat pump housing, such as a back side panel, the panel opening being configured to accommodate the electrical box. The electrical box is preferably positioned in the panel opening in a watertight manner. Positioning and sealing may be achieved by pressing the electrical box partially through the panel opening. The panel opening and the electrical box form a tight fit, to secure the electrical box in position and prevent water or dirt from entering the heat pump housing. This can be achieved by a fixed material, a flexible area, such as a seal. The electrical box may have a circumferential notch in which the inner edge of the opening in the side panel is captured. The notch may be provided in the housing part, the cover part or on the interface of these parts. The housing and cover part are explained in more detail below. This way the electrical box can be fixed by pressing the electrical box through the opening until the notch captures the inner edge, locking the electrical box in position. The notch may be made from a flexible material to allow capturing the edge of the opening when inserted inside the notch.

[0017] The heat pump components may be, amongst others, a compressor, a fan, a condenser, an expansion valve and / or an evaporator.

[0018] According to an embodiment the electrical box comprises a housing, or cover, part comprising the one or more internal access points, or apertures, and a cover part comprising the one or more external access points, or apertures.

[0019] The housing, or internal cover, part is (mainly) positioned inside the heat pump housing and the external cover part is (mainly) positioned outside the heat pump housing. The housing part and the cover part are preferably matching and configured to connect to each other to form the electrical box. The housing part may be fixed to the heat pump housing and the cover part may be removable from the housing part to provide access to the electrical terminal block.

[0020] The external cover part is positioned on the outside of the heat pump housing, thereby advantageously providing access to the inside of the electrical box and the electrical terminal block from the outside of the heat pump unit.

[0021] According to an embodiment the external cover part is configured to be locked to and unlocked from the housing part and / or the heat pump housing with a tool. The external cover part may be locked and unlocked using a reversible locking means such as screws. As such, the locking and unlocking tool may be a screwdriver.

[0022] Opening the cover part preferably requires special, non-conventional tooling or a key. This ensures only authorized people may gain access to the inside of the electrical box, such as qualified maintenance staff.

[0023] An additional layer may be added over the cover as to further protect or hide the electrical box and, at least partially the one or electrical cables. The additional layer may be shaped in such a manner to guide water such as rain water off of the electrical box and away from the heat pump unit.

[0024] According to an embodiment the one or more internal access points, or apertures, and / or the one or more external access points, or apertures, are formed as openings or openable members.

[0025] Openable members may be formed as removable pre-cut members. This embodiment has the advantage that openings which are not used can remain closed. This is particularly advantageous for the one or more external access points, as if these can be kept closed, the ingress of water via the external access points can be prevented.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the one or more internal access points and / or the one or more external access points are positioned below the electrical terminal block. This protects the electrical terminal block from rainwater damage, in particular via any openings or access points not in use.

[0027] According to an embodiment the one or more internal access points and / or the one or more external access points are positioned at least 40mm lower than the electrical terminal block.

[0028] The access points are positioned at least 40mm, preferably at least 70mm, lower than the lowest connection point of the electrical terminal block. The access points are preferably made at the bottom of the electrical box.

[0029] This distance prevents water from splashing in and reaching the electrical terminal block, thus enabling compliance with the IP44 rating according to the I EC 60529 standard.

[0030] The terms lower and vertical are used with reference to the normal operating orientation of the heat pump unit. The heat pump housing may for instance comprise one or more supports or legs on which the heat pump unit stands, thereby defining the up and downward direction.

[0031] According to an embodiment the heat pump unit comprises one or more electrical cables connected to the electrical terminal block, the electrical cables being power supply cables and / or signal cables. Power cables are used to provide the heat pump unit and in particular the heat pump components of the heat pump unit with electricity. Signal cables are used to convey control signals and / or sensor readings to or from the heat pump unit.

[0032] According to an embodiment the electrical cables have a first diameter, and the internal and external access points have a second diameter or a minimal cross-sectional width in the range of 1 to 3 times the first diameter.

[0033] According to an embodiment the electrical box comprises outlet openings positioned above the electrical terminal block for electrical cables to run between the electrical terminal block and one or more of the heat pump components.

[0034] According to an embodiment the heat pump unit is an outdoor heat pump unit.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the heat pump housing comprises a bottom panel having at least one hole or opening.

[0036] According to an embodiment the electrical cables running from the electrical terminal block to at least one connection point located outside of the heat pump unit while passing at least partially in the inner space of the heat pump housing pass through the at least one hole in the bottom panel. In particular this may be used to allow for electrical connection to the terminal block from cabling originating from the ground. In this case the cabling coming out of the ground can be fed straight through the opening into the heat pump housing for eventual connection through the internal access apertures.

[0037] According to a further aspect there is provided an electrical box for a heat pump unit comprising a heat pump housing and heat pump components, the electrical box comprising a cover and an electrical terminal block comprising a first group of at least one terminal block connection points for electrical connection to the heat pump components, and further comprising a second group of at least one terminal block connection points for electrical connection to at least one electrical connection point located outside of the heat pump unit (1), and wherein the electrical box comprises one or more internal access apertures arranged to be situated in an inner space of a heat pump unit (1) and arranged to allow electrical connection to the second group of at least one terminal block connection points from the at least one electrical connection point located outside the heat pump unit, and one or more external access apertures arranged to be situated outside the heat pump unit (1) and arranged to allow electrical connection to the second group of at least one terminal block connection points from the at least one electrical connection point located outside the heat pump unit.

[0038] According to an embodiment the electrical box is configured to be positioned in an opening of the heat pump housing with the internal access points, or apertures, positioned inside the heat pump housing and the external access points, or apertures, positioned outside the heat pump housing.

[0039] The electrical box may have a circumferential notch that is configured to receive an edge of an opening in the heat pump housing, i.e. in a side panel, to secure position the electrical box in the opening of the heat pump housing. The notch may be provided in the housing part, the cover part or on the interface of these parts. On the side of the notch of the external access points the dimensions of the electrical box may be larger than on the side of the notch of the internal access points. This allows the electrical box to be positioned in the opening in the heat pump housing from the outside, while preventing the electrical box from being inserted too far. On the side of the notch of the internal access points the dimensions may be slightly larger than the opening of the heat pump housing, creating a tight fit when installed. The notch may be made from a flexible material to allow capturing the edge of the opening when inserted inside the notch.

[0040] In the figures, the subject-matter of the invention is schematically shown, wherein identical or similarly acting elements are usually provided with the same reference signs.

[0041] Figures 1a-b schematically show a view of a heat pump unit according to an embodiment,

[0042] Figures 2a-d schematically show different views of an electrical box according to an embodiment,

[0043] Figure 3 schematically shows a view of an electrical box according to an embodiment,

[0044] Figure 4 schematically shows another view of a heat pump unit according to an embodiment

[0045] Figures 1a and 1 b schematically show a heat pump unit 1 comprising a heat pump housing 10 defining an inner space having heat pump components, not shown, positioned within the inner space. The heat pump unit 1 comprises an electrical box 2, attached to a back panel 11 , having an electrical terminal block 5 connected to one or more electrical cables 6 which terminate at a connection point anywhere outside the heat pump unit. The electrical box 2 comprises one or more internal access points, or apertures, 8 positioned inside the heat pump housing 10. The electrical box 2 further comprises one or more external access points, or apertures, 7 positioned outside the heat pump housing 10. A group of terminal block connection points 5a allow connection between the heat pump and an external electrical connection point. Furthermore, the electrical box 2 comprises outlet openings 9 positioned above the electrical terminal block 5 for electrical cables to run, via a group of terminal block connection points 5b, between the electrical terminal block 5 and one or more of the heat pump components, not shown.

[0046] In Figure 1a, the one or more electrical cables 6 are connect to the electrical terminal block 5, via the terminal block connection points 5a while running through the one or more external access points 7 positioned outside the heat pump housing 10. In Figure 1 b, the one or more electrical cables 6 are connect to the electrical terminal block 5, via the terminal block connection points 5a, while running through the one or more internal access points 8 positioned inside the heat pump housing 10, to terminate at a connection point anywhere outside the heat pump unit.

[0047] Electrical box 2 has a cover, or housing, 3, 4 comprising a part 3 situated inside the heat pump housing 10, and a part 4 situated outside the heat pump housing. Externally situated part 4 is sometimes referred to as the cover, while internally situated part 3 is sometimes referred to as the housing.

[0048] Figures 2a to 2d show different views of an electrical box 2 for a heat pump unit 1 , not shown in these figures, comprising a housing part 3, a cover part 4, multiple external access points 7, multiple internal access points 8, and an outlet opening 9. Within said electrical box 2, an electrical terminal block 5 is present but not shown between the housing part 3 and the cover part 4. In Figure 2d, the electrical box 2 is shown from the bottom side wherein the electrical box 2 is attached to a back panel 11 of a heat pump unit 1 , not shown.

[0049] Figure 3 shows another view of the electrical box 2 as shown in Figures 2a to 2d. In this Figure, housing part 3 is omitted and an electrical terminal block 5 can be clearly seen. Also, two electrical cables 6 are shown and connected to the electrical terminal block 5. Figure 4 schematically shows a part of a heat pump unit 1 wherein the bottom panel 12 of the heat pump housing 10 comprises multiple holes or openings (13) sized to enable the pass-through of electrical cables 6 while the electrical box 2 is attached to the back panel 11. Openings 14 are typically larger sized openings intended for hydraulic connection.

[0050] Reference Signs

[0051] 1. Heat pump unit

[0052] 2. Electrical box

[0053] 3. Housing part

[0054] 4. Cover part

[0055] 5. Electrical terminal block

[0056] 5a. Terminal block connection points

[0057] 5b. Terminal block connection points

[0058] 6. Electrical cable

[0059] 7. External access point or aperture

[0060] 8. Internal access point or aperture

[0061] 9. Outlet opening

[0062] 10. Heat pump housing

[0063] 11. Back Panel

[0064] 12. Bottom Panel

[0065] 13. Hole or opening for electrical connection

[0066] 14. Hole or opening for hydraulic connection

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS1. Heat pump unit (1) comprising a heat pump housing (10) defining an inner space and heat pump components positioned in the inner space, and wherein the heat pump housing (10) comprises a ground opening situated in a bottom panel of the heat pump housing (10) when it is orientated for use, and wherein the heat pump unit (1) comprises an electrical box (2) comprising a cover (3,4), the electrical box further comprising an electrical terminal block (5) comprising a first group of at least one terminal block connection points for electrical connection to the heat pump components, and a second group of at least one terminal block connection points for electrical connection to at least one connection point located outside of the heat pump unit (1), and further wherein- the cover (3,4) of the electrical box (2) is arranged so that a part of the cover (3) is situated in the inner space of the heat pump housing (10) and a part of the cover (4) is situated outside the heat pump housing (10), and wherein- the cover comprises one or more internal access apertures (8), positioned on the part of the cover (3) situated in the inner space, and arranged to allow electrical connection to the second group of at least one terminal block connection points, which electrical connection is arranged to proceed via the ground opening from the at least one electrical connection point located outside of the heat pump unit (1), and- the cover comprises one or more external access apertures (7) positioned on the part of the cover (4) situated outside the heat pump housing (10) and arranged to allow electrical connection to the second group of at least one terminal block connection points from the at least one electrical connection point located outside of the heat pump unit (1),- so that electrical connection from the external electrical connection point to the electrical terminal block can be either through the ground opening and internal access apertures, or, through the external access apertures.

2. Heat pump unit (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the internal access apertures and external access apertures are arranged to allow the introduction of electrical cables.

3. Heat pump unit (1) according to claim 2, wherein the cover part (4) is configured to be locked to and unlocked from the housing part (3) and / or the heat pump housing (10) with a tool.

4. Heat pump unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal access apertures (8) and / or the external access apertures (7) are positioned lower than the lowest connection point of the second group of at least one terminal block connection points when the heat pump unit (1) is orientated for use.

5. Heat pump unit (1) according to claim 4, wherein the one or more internal access apertures (8) and / or the one or more external access apertures (7) are positioned at least 40mm lower than the electrical terminal block (5).

6. Heat pump unit (1) according to claim 2, wherein the electrical cables (6) are power supply cables and / or signal cables.

7. Heat pump unit (1) according to claim 6, wherein the electrical cables have a first diameter and the internal and external access apertures (8, 7) have a second diameter or a minimal cross-sectional width in the range of 1 to 3 times the first diameter.

8. Heat pump unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (2) comprises outlet openings (9) positioned above the electrical terminal block (5), when the heat pump unit (1) is orientated for use, for electrical cables to run between the electrical terminal block (5) and the heat pump components.

9. Heat pump unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat pump unit (1) is an outdoor heat pump unit (1).

10. Electrical box (2) for a heat pump unit (1), the heat pump unit (1) comprising a heat pump housing (10) and heat pump components, the electrical box (2) comprising a cover and an electrical terminal block (5) comprising a first group of at least one terminal block connection points for electrical connection to the heat pump components, and further comprising a second group of at least one terminal block connection points for electrical connection to at least one electrical connection point located outside of the heat pump unit (1), and wherein the electrical box (2) further comprises:- one or more access apertures (8) arranged to be situated in an inner space of a heat pump unit (1) and arranged to allow electrical connection to the second group of at least one terminal block connection points from the at least one electrical connection point located outside the heat pump unit, and- one or more external access apertures (7) arranged to be situated outside the heat pump unit (1) and arranged to allow electrical connection to the second group of at leastone terminal block connection points from the at least one electrical connection point located outside the heat pump unit.

Images