Installation method for railway vehicle air conditioning system, frame setup, and program

Abstract

This enables the design and manufacture of air conditioning systems for railway vehicles with short lead times. [Solution] A set of frames is provided, which includes multiple frames 3a, 3b, 3c,... having different specifications from each other, and which can be installed on multiple railway vehicles, and which can accommodate air conditioners having the required air conditioning capacity for those railway vehicles, and which have multiple seats for mounting optional equipment in a manner that allows them to perform their functions. Depending on the specifications of the railway vehicle to which the air conditioning device is to be installed, a frame is selected from the set of frames, the air conditioner is installed in the selected frame, and among the multiple seats of the selected frame, the optional equipment that is required to be installed according to the required specifications is installed in the corresponding seat, leaving the seats corresponding to optional equipment that is not required to be installed empty.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for installing an air conditioner for a railway vehicle, setting of a frame body, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Some air conditioners for railway vehicles are attached to railway vehicles by housing an air conditioner in a casing and installing the casing on the roof of the railway vehicle.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner for a railway vehicle including a casing composed of a frame body and a cover member. In this document, an air conditioner is housed in the frame body. Mounting legs are provided on both sides of the frame body, and the casing is attached to the railway vehicle by fixing the mounting legs to pedestals provided on the roof of the railway vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Railway vehicles have various specifications such as size, height, shape, etc., depending on railway companies, lines, etc. Also, the air conditioning capacity required for each railway is different. For this reason, conventionally, for each order received, the specifications of the railway vehicle to be installed, the required air conditioning capacity, etc. are considered, and the design of the casing and the air conditioner installed in the casing is carried out. In that case, various performance tests required for the air conditioner for each design, for example, a vibration resistance test, etc. must be cleared. For this reason, the lead time from the order reception to the delivery of the air conditioner becomes long.

[0006] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to enable the design and manufacture of air conditioning systems for railway vehicles with a short lead time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the method for installing an air conditioning system for railway vehicles according to this disclosure comprises the steps of: preparing a set of frames including multiple frames having different specifications, which can be installed on a railway vehicle of a predetermined specification, can install an air conditioner having the required air conditioning capacity for that railway vehicle, and has multiple seats for installing optional equipment in a manner that allows it to perform its function; and selecting a frame from the set of frames according to the specifications of the railway vehicle to which the air conditioning system is to be installed, installing an air conditioner on the selected frame, installing optional equipment that is required to be installed according to the required specifications on the corresponding seats of the multiple seats on the selected frame, and leaving the seats corresponding to optional equipment that is not required to be installed empty. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the configuration of this disclosure, one of several pre-designed frame sets is selected according to the specifications of the railway vehicle to which the air conditioner is to be installed. Therefore, the lead time can be shortened compared to starting from scratch with a new design. In addition, since seats for attaching optional equipment are pre-installed in the frame, there is no need to design new seats to accommodate the optional equipment. As a result, air conditioning systems for railway vehicles with various specifications can be designed and manufactured with a short lead time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] (A) Plan view of an air conditioning system for a railway vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, (B) Front view of the same air conditioning system [Figure 2] Perspective view of the frame of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 3] Perspective view of a cover member of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Enlarged view of a mounting foot attached to the frame of an air conditioning unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Front view of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment of this disclosure when installed in a railway vehicle. [Figure 6] (A) to (D) are top views of a railway vehicle in which an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed. [Figure 7] (A) and (B) are side views showing examples of the number of air conditioning units installed in a single railway vehicle. [Figure 8] (A) to (D) are top views showing examples of the planar dimensions of an air conditioning system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] (A) to (C) are perspective views showing examples of frames for air conditioning systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] (A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating the positional relationship between the mounting feet of the air conditioning unit according to the embodiment of the present disclosure and the base of the railway vehicle. [Figure 11] (A) is a perspective view of the cover member and fixing member of the air conditioning device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and (B) and (C) are explanatory diagrams of the fixing member shown in (A). [Figure 12] (A) and (B) are front views illustrating a method for attaching a cover member to an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] Front view of an example of a cover member equipped with an electrical insulating plate in an air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] (A) is a perspective view showing a first seat for mounting a heater in a frame of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and (B) is an enlarged view of the XIVB region shown in Figure 14(A). [Figure 15] (A) is a perspective view of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure with a heater attached to the first seat, and (B) is an enlarged view of the XVB region shown in Figure 15(A). [Figure 16] A perspective view showing a second seat for mounting a speaker in the frame of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17]Cross-sectional view showing a state in which a filter and a damper are attached to the third seat and the fourth seat of the frame included in the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 18] Block diagram of a design system for designing an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 19] Diagram illustrating a table stored in the DB of the design system shown in FIG. 18 [Figure 20] (A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating a table stored in the DB of the design system shown in FIG. 18 [Figure 21] (A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating a table stored in the DB of the design system shown in FIG. 18 [Figure 22] Flowchart of the air conditioner design process executed by the design system shown in FIG. 18 [Figure 23] Diagram showing an example of a parts list report output in the air conditioner design process shown in FIG. 22

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, a method for installing an air conditioner for a railway vehicle (hereinafter referred to as an air conditioner), a set of frames, and a program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in the orthogonal coordinate system XYZ shown in the figure, the front-rear direction of the railway vehicle is the X direction, the width direction of the railway vehicle is the Y direction, and the direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction is the Z direction. Hereinafter, this coordinate system will be appropriately cited for the description.

[0011] In the present embodiment, the air conditioner includes a casing designed in advance. Each casing is composed of a frame and a cover member. The parts constituting the air conditioner (hereinafter referred to as air-conditioning parts) are installed on the frame, and the cover member covers and protects them. A plurality of casings are designed in advance according to various specifications of the railway vehicle.

[0012] For the designed casings, various tests for railway vehicles, such as vibration resistance tests, are conducted with the air conditioner assembled with the air conditioning components housed inside, and it is confirmed in advance that these tests will be passed. When an order for an air conditioning system for a railway vehicle is received, i) a casing that matches the specifications of the railway vehicle and the required air conditioning capacity is selected from a set of pre-designed casings, ii) the necessary air conditioning components of the air conditioner that have passed the above tests are installed in the frame of the selected casing and installed in the railway vehicle, and iii) cover members corresponding to the frame are attached to complete the installation of the air conditioning system. This eliminates the need to design a casing for each order and to conduct various tests with the air conditioner housed inside that casing, i.e., with the air conditioning system assembled. As a result, it is possible to reduce the lead time and manufacturing costs of the air conditioning system.

[0013] The casings included in the set have a common basic configuration. Therefore, first, the basic configuration of the casing of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1-5.

[0014] Note that Figures 1-5 omit illustrations of components such as piping and electrical wires. Also, Figures 1(A), (B), and 5 omit illustrations of cover member 4.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1(A), the air conditioning system 1 includes a compressor 11 for compressing a refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger 12 for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the outside air of the railway vehicle, an outdoor fan 13 that sends outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger 12 and returns the outside air that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 12 to the outside of the railway vehicle, an indoor heat exchanger 14 for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the inside air of the railway vehicle, and an indoor fan 15 that sends indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 14 and returns the indoor air that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 14 to the inside of the vehicle. Although not shown, the air conditioning system 1 further includes an expansion valve for expanding the refrigerant and a controller that controls the operation of the compressor 11, the outdoor fan 13, the indoor heat exchanger 14 and the expansion valve.

[0016] The air conditioning system 1 comprises two compressors 11, two outdoor heat exchangers 12, two expansion valves, and two indoor heat exchangers 14. The compressors 11, outdoor heat exchangers 12, expansion valves, and indoor heat exchangers 14 are connected by a refrigerant path to form two refrigerant circuits that realize a refrigeration cycle. These air conditioning components are controlled by a controller to harmonize the indoor air of the railway vehicle.

[0017] The air conditioning unit 1 includes a casing 2, as shown in Figures 1(A) and 1(B), for housing the air conditioning components. The casing 2 comprises a box-shaped frame 3 with an open top, as shown in Figure 2, and a cover member 4, as shown in Figure 3, for covering and sealing the frame 3 from above.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the frame 3 is formed in an approximately rectangular frame shape. The internal space of the frame 3 is divided into three sections in the X direction by the partition plates 31 and 32, forming a compression chamber 33, an indoor chamber 34, and an outdoor chamber 35. The compression chamber 33 houses the compressor 11, the indoor chamber 34 houses the indoor heat exchanger 14 and indoor fan 15, and the outdoor chamber 35 houses the outdoor heat exchanger 12 and outdoor fan 13. In this way, the frame 3 houses the air conditioning components of the air conditioning system 1. As shown in Figures 1(B) and 2, the frame 3 and the partition plates 31 and 32 have an outer shape that is convex in the +Z direction.

[0019] The cover member 4 has a main cover portion 41 that is curved in an arc shape in the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 3, in order to cover the frame 3 which is convex in the +Z direction; a left side cover portion 42 provided at the -Y end of the main cover portion 41 to cover the left wall, i.e., the -Y wall, of the frame 3; and a right side cover portion 43 provided at the +Y end of the main cover portion 41 to cover the right wall, i.e., the +Y wall, of the frame 3. By being attached to the frame 3, the cover member 4 covers the top and side portions of the frame 3 and protects the air conditioning components housed in the frame 3.

[0020] Returning to Figure 1(A), the frame 3 has multiple pairs of mounting feet 5 attached to it for attachment to the roof of a railway vehicle. Each mounting foot 5 is formed in the shape of a long, narrow plate bent with its surface facing up and down, as shown in Figure 4. A pair of mounting feet 5 is positioned on the left and right walls of the frame 3, i.e., on the ±Y sides, and protrudes in the ±Y direction. Multiple pairs of mounting feet 5 are arranged in the X direction. In Figures 1 and 3, three pairs of mounting feet 5 are arranged in the X direction.

[0021] As shown in Figure 5, the ceiling 8 of the railway vehicle 7 is provided with multiple pairs of left and right pedestals 81 to support the casing 2. Typically, the number of pairs of pedestals 81 is the same as the number of pairs of mounting feet 5.

[0022] The distance between the pair of mounting feet 5 in the Y direction is approximately the same as the distance between the pair of bases 81 in the Y direction. The mounting feet 5 are fixed to the bases 81 by fastening members, welding, or other joining means while mounted on the bases 81. This allows the casing 2 to be attached to the ceiling 8 of the railway vehicle 7.

[0023] (Set of 3 frames) The specifications of the railway vehicle 7 on which the air conditioning system 1 is installed vary depending on various conditions such as the railway company and the type of vehicle. Figures 6(A) to (D) are plan views illustrating the variety of specifications for the railway vehicle 7. To distinguish between different railway vehicle 7s, subscripts a to d are added to the reference numeral 7. When distinction is not necessary, they are collectively referred to as railway vehicle 7. Specifications comprehensively include size, shape, presence and number of components, etc.

[0024] The railway vehicle 7a shown in Figure 6(A) has a standard plan shape and size, with bases 81 positioned on both sides of the railway vehicle 7. Using railway vehicle 7a as a reference, railway vehicle 7b shown in Figure 6(B) has a specification difference in that its length is almost the same as railway vehicle 7a, but its width is wider. Railway vehicle 7c shown in Figure 6(C) has a width in the Y direction that is almost the same as railway vehicle 7a, but its length in the X direction is longer. In addition, some railway vehicles 7, such as railway vehicle 7d shown in Figure 6(D), have a specification that includes a strip-shaped scaffolding, so-called catwalk C1, C2, on the ceiling 8 for work. Thus, railway vehicles 7 have a variety of specifications. Furthermore, the air conditioning capacity required for railway vehicles 7 also varies.

[0025] Furthermore, depending on the railway vehicle 7, there may be a specification in which one air conditioning unit 1 is installed in one railway vehicle 7, as shown in Figure 7(A), or a specification in which multiple air conditioning units 1a, 1b, ... are installed in one railway vehicle 7, as shown in Figure 7(B).

[0026] To accommodate the various specifications of the railway vehicles 7, different air conditioning units 1a to 1d, as illustrated in Figures 8(A) to (D), are installed. Note that in Figure 8, the cover member 4 is excluded. Therefore, if the air conditioning unit 1 were to be individually designed, tested, and manufactured to match the specifications of the railway vehicle 7 each time an order is received, the workload would be heavy, the lead time would be long, and manufacturing costs would increase. In this embodiment, therefore, multiple sets of casings 2 with different specifications are designed to match a predetermined range of specifications for the railway vehicle 7, and at least major evaluation tests are completed in advance. When an order for an air conditioning unit 1 is received, a casing 2 that matches the required specifications is selected from the set of casings 2, the air conditioning unit 1 is manufactured, and it is installed in the railway vehicle 7.

[0027] The following will provide a detailed explanation of the casing 2, that is, the set of the frame 3 and the cover member 4. Note that "set" refers to a collection of multiple items, and has the same meaning as "combination," "a complete set," or "group." As shown in Figure 9, sets of n frames 3a, 3b, 3c, ... (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) are prepared, each designed according to various specifications of the railway vehicle 7. Hereafter, to distinguish between the frames 3, the subscripts a-c, ... will be added to the designation 3. When distinction is not necessary, they will be collectively referred to as frame 3. Assume that frame 3a is a configuration for a railway vehicle 7 with standard length and width specifications. Frame 3b is formed to be shorter in the X direction than frame 3a, in order to be installed on a relatively shorter railway vehicle 7 based on frame 3a. Similarly, frame 3c is formed to be narrower and shorter than frame 3a, in order to be installed on a relatively shorter and narrower railway vehicle 7 based on frame 3a.

[0028] From a set of pre-designed frames 3a, 3b, 3c, ... each having multiple specifications, a frame 3 that matches the specifications of the railway vehicle 7 to be installed is selected.

[0029] (Air conditioning parts set) As described above, the selected frame 3 is fitted with air conditioning components that constitute an air conditioner having specifications that match the specifications required for air conditioning of the railway vehicle 7, i.e., air conditioning capacity. Here, the required specifications are, for example, the number of air conditioners and the air conditioning capacity per unit. Specifically, the compression chamber 33 of the selected frame 3 houses a compressor 11 corresponding to the air conditioning capacity required for air conditioning of the railway vehicle 7, the indoor chamber 34 houses an indoor heat exchanger 14 and indoor fan 15 corresponding to the required air conditioning capacity, and the outdoor chamber 35 houses an outdoor heat exchanger 12 and outdoor fan 13 corresponding to the required air conditioning capacity. In addition, air conditioning components such as expansion valves and controllers are further arranged. Each frame 3 is associated with an air conditioner composed of a combination of air conditioning components that can be installed in that frame 3, and the air conditioning capacity of that air conditioner. The number of air conditioners that can be installed in one frame 3 is not limited to one type, but may be multiple types. Furthermore, an air conditioner refers to the part of the air conditioning system 1 that has an air conditioning function, excluding the frame 3 and cover member 4.

[0030] (Set of 5 mounting feet) The spacing in the Y direction of the base 81 of the railway vehicle 7 varies depending on the specifications of the railway vehicle 7. For example, in the examples of Figures 6(A) and (D), the width of the railway vehicle 7 is the same, but in Figure 6(D), catwalks C1 and C2 are installed, so the spacing of the bases 81 in the Y direction is narrower than in the example shown in Figure 6(A). Therefore, as shown in Figures 10(A) and (B), even though the width of the railway vehicle 7 is the same at W1 and the width of the frame 3 is the same at W2, the spacing of the bases 81 differs at W3 and W4 due to the catwalks C1 and C2. Consequently, the specifications of the mounting feet 5 necessary to support the frame 3, i.e., the length in the Y direction, are different, and the example shown in Figure 10(B) is longer than the example shown in Figure 10(A). Here, the length in the Y direction of the mounting foot 5 refers to the length of the part of the mounting foot 5 that faces the base 81 and is fixed to the base 81, i.e., the length to the fixing part at the tip.

[0031] For this purpose, mounting feet 5 of different lengths in the Y direction are pre-designed and provided as a set. Once the spacing of the bases 81 of the railway vehicle 7 and the width of the frame 3 are determined, mounting feet 5 with specifications suitable for fixing the frame 3 to the bases 81 are selected from the set and fixed to both sides of the frame 3.

[0032] The position of the base 81 of the railway vehicle 7 in the X direction also differs depending on the specifications of the railway vehicle 7. This can be addressed by adjusting the fixing position of the mounting foot 5 to the frame 3 in the X direction, etc.

[0033] (Set of cover components 4) The cover member 4 is basically designed for each frame 3, and multiple cover members 4 with different specifications are included in a set. As shown in Figure 3, ventilation slits are formed in the portion of the cover member 4 facing the outdoor fan 13. In addition, an opening is formed in one end to allow sound from an optional speaker to pass through. Each cover member 4 comprises a main cover portion 41 that covers the top surface of the frame 3, a left side cover portion 42 that covers the left side, and a right side cover portion 43 that covers the right side.

[0034] The main cover section 41 covers the top surface of the frame 3, protecting the frame 3 and the various parts and equipment installed on it.

[0035] The left side cover portion 42 and the right side cover portion 43 are positioned on the left and right sides of the main cover portion 41, respectively, and cover the sides of the frame 3. Furthermore, as shown in an enlarged view in Figure 11(A), the left side cover portion 42 and the right side cover portion 43 are configured to allow their inclination angle relative to the horizontal direction to be changed. The configuration for changing the inclination angle is arbitrary, but for example, the left side cover portion 42 and the right side cover portion 43 may be connected to the main cover portion 41 so as to be swingable by hinges, latching members, etc. Alternatively, the main cover portion 41 and the left side cover portion 42 and the right side cover portion 43 may be connected with a flexible metal material that can be bent or folded, or the connection portions between the main cover portion 41 and the left side cover portion 42 and the right side cover portion 43 may be made thinner than other parts so that they can be folded at the connection portions. Alternatively, at least both sides of the cover member 4 may be made of an elastic metal so that they can be deformed by elasticity.

[0036] Since the inclination angles of the left side cover portion 42 and the right side cover portion 43 are made adjustable, one cover member 4 can accommodate various specifications of railway vehicles 7. For example, as shown in Figure 12(A), it can accommodate both a specification in which the catwalks C1 and C2 are exposed on the ceiling 8 of the railway vehicle 7, and a specification in which the entire ceiling 8 is covered by the cover member 4, as shown in Figure 12(B). That is, in Figure 12(A), the inclination angles of the left side cover portion 42 and the right side cover portion 43 are increased to bring them closer to the base 81, exposing the catwalks C1 and C2. On the other hand, in Figure 12(B), the inclination angles are decreased to move the left side cover portion 42 and the right side cover portion 43 away from the base 81, and the entire ceiling 8 of the railway vehicle 7 is covered by the cover member 4.

[0037] The left side cover portion 42 and the right side cover portion 43 are fixed to both sides of the frame 3 by fixing members 44, as shown in Figure 11(A). The fixing members 44 have an approximately rectangular prism shape with the column axis oriented in the Y direction, as shown by fixing members 44a, 44b, ... in Figures 11(B), (C), and are fixed to the sides of the frame 3. The fixing members 44 have specifications suitable for fixing the left side cover portion 42 and the right side cover portion 43 at a desired inclination angle θ, such as length and inclined end faces. The left side cover portion 42 and the right side cover portion 43 are fixed to the inclined end faces of the fixing members 44. The fixing members 44 are selected from a set to match the specifications of the railway vehicle 7 and used. It is desirable that the fixing members 44 be made of an electrically insulating material or have been treated to provide insulation. The fixing members 44 are also designed and made into sets for multiple lengths and inclination angles θ according to the specifications of the railway vehicle 7 and the casing 2.

[0038] In railway vehicles 7, electrical insulation is often required between the cover member 4 and the frame 3. As shown in Figure 12(B), when the distance between the left side cover portion 42 and the right side cover portion 43 and the frame 3 and mounting feet 5 is large, electrical insulation between the cover member 4 and the frame 3 can be ensured if the fixing member 44 has electrical insulation. However, as shown in Figure 12(A), when the distance between the left side cover portion 42 and the right side cover portion 43 and the frame 3 is small, it is difficult to ensure electrical insulation. Therefore, as shown in Figure 13, when the distance between the left side cover portion 42 and the right side cover portion 43 and the frame 3 is small, it is advisable to provide an electrical insulating plate 46 on the inner walls of the left side cover portion 42 and the right side cover portion 43. The electrical insulating plate 46 is formed in a plate shape from, for example, an insulating resin material. The electrical insulating plate 46 is fixed to, for example, the inner surfaces of the left side cover portion 42 and the right side cover portion 43 with an insulating fixing member such as an adhesive. The electrical insulating plate 46 may have substantially the same size and shape as the left side cover portion 42 and the right side cover portion 43, or it may be partially arranged.

[0039] (Installation of optional equipment) Various optional equipment may be attached to the air conditioning unit 1. Designing and manufacturing the casing 2 according to the presence and type of optional equipment would increase lead time and manufacturing costs. Therefore, the casing 2 is pre-equipped with seats for installing optional equipment in a manner that does not interfere with other functions, so as to allow the optional equipment to function as intended. Optional equipment is not limited to, but examples include heaters, speakers, filters, dampers, etc. The seats for mounting these will be explained with reference to Figures 14-17.

[0040] The heater 61 is used, for example, when the air conditioning unit 1 is in dehumidification operation and it is necessary to heat the cooled air back to the set temperature. As shown in Figure 14(A), the frame 3 has a rectangular frame-shaped first seat 21 for mounting the heater 61. As shown in Figures 15(A) and (B), the heater 61 is provided with a spring catch 611. As shown in Figure 15(B), the first seat 21 has a receiving portion 211 that receives the spring catch 611 and engages with it. This allows the optional heater 61 to be easily attached to the frame 3. Furthermore, if the heater is not required, the frame 3 can be used as is with the first seat 21 left open. The first seat 21 is positioned, for example, between the indoor heat exchanger 14 and the exhaust port to the vehicle interior so that the air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 14 can be heated by the heater 61.

[0041] Furthermore, the optional speaker is installed to emit sound to the outside. As shown in Figure 16, the frame 3 is provided with a second seat 22 for mounting the speaker. The second seat 22 is beam-shaped, extending from the X-direction end of the frame 3. The speaker is installed on the second seat 22 with its sound emission direction facing outward in the X-direction. At the X-direction end of the frame 3 is a flat end cover portion 48 of the cover member 4, and the end cover portion 48 has sound emission holes such as slits formed therein to allow sound from the speaker to be emitted to the outside. The frame 3 is also provided with a pin-shaped wiring holder 23 for holding the speaker wiring. Therefore, when a speaker is required by the specifications, the speaker can be easily attached to the second seat 22. This allows the speaker to perform its function and emit sound to the outside. On the other hand, when a speaker is not required, the frame 3 and cover member 4 can be used as is, with the second seat 22 left empty.

[0042] Furthermore, an optional filter 62 is installed to remove foreign matter from the air. As shown in Figure 17, the casing 2 has a frame-shaped third seat 24 for mounting the filter 62. The third seat 24 is provided, for example, near the exhaust port to the passenger compartment of the frame 3 and has the shape of a rectangular frame into which the filter 62 can be fitted. The third seat 24 holds the filter 62 when it is fitted into it. The filter 62 is blown into the railway vehicle 7 to remove foreign matter from the air. By having such a third seat 24, the filter 62 can be easily installed near the exhaust port when the optional filter is required. If the filter is not required, the frame 3 can be used as is with the third seat 24 left empty.

[0043] Furthermore, the frame 3 is provided with a fourth seat 26 adjacent to the third seat 25 for mounting a damper 63. The fourth seat 26 is located in the air passage of the indoor heat exchanger 14, and the damper 63 can be installed on the fourth seat 26. The damper 63 controls the airflow rate of the air flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 14. This allows the damper to be easily installed on the frame 3 if it is required as an optional feature. Also, if the damper is not required, the frame 3 with the fourth seat 26 can be used as is, with the fourth seat 26 left empty.

[0044] In addition, the cover member 4 may be provided with a seat for arranging optional equipment. For example, a fifth seat for attaching a handle member, which is an example of an optional device, may be provided on the cover member 4. For example, steps may be provided between the main cover portion 41 and the left side cover portion 42, and between the main cover portion 41 and the right side cover portion 43, and the fifth seat may be placed on these steps. Furthermore, a seat for attaching a handle member may be provided on the frame 3.

[0045] The first seats 21 to the fifth seats mentioned above are examples of seats as used in this disclosure. While heaters, speakers, filters, dampers, and handle members have been given as examples of optional equipment, the optional equipment is not limited to these and is arbitrary. For example, seats may be provided for arranging options such as an air conditioning status monitoring device or various measuring devices. Furthermore, the position of the seats is not limited to the above examples, as long as the optional equipment can perform its function. In addition, other optional equipment may be attached by reusing empty seats.

[0046] (Evaluation test) Each frame 3 and cover member 4 is assembled with a corresponding air conditioner and specific optional equipment, and then subjected to evaluation tests required for railway vehicle air conditioners, such as vibration tests. After confirming that it passes these evaluation tests, it is added to the set. However, conducting evaluation tests for all combinations of air conditioners and optional equipment that can be installed on each frame 3 and cover member 4 would result in an enormous number of tests, a heavy workload, and increased lead time. Therefore, an air conditioner with the most stringent evaluation conditions is assumed, and the combination of the basic structure corresponding to that assumed air conditioner and the specific optional equipment it possesses—that is, the combination of the basic structure (frame 3, cover member 4, and air conditioner) and the specific optional equipment—is actually tested using a test device, while other combinations are tested by simulation. For example, if the basic structure is the same but the optional equipment differs from the specific optional equipment mentioned above, actual testing is not performed; instead, the test is conducted by simulation. The status of the tests and the test results are recorded for each combination.

[0047] (Design process) Next, we will explain the process of designing the casing 2 using the pre-prepared set described above when an order for the air conditioning system 1 is received. First, the design system 100 used for the design will be explained with reference to Figure 18.

[0048] As shown in Figure 18, the design system 100 comprises an input device 101, a processor 102, a storage unit 103, an interface 104, and an output device 105. The interface 104 connects the processor 102 and the storage unit 103 to the input device 101 and the output device 105.

[0049] The input device 101 includes a keyboard, touch panel, etc., and inputs the required specifications for the air conditioning system of the railway vehicle 7. The input device 101 also includes a device that inputs data through communication with an external device. The processor 102 executes the frame selection processing program stored in the memory unit 103 to generate and output a list of sets of frame 3, cover members 4, air conditioning equipment, and options that meet the requirements specifications of the railway vehicle 7. Further details will be described later.

[0050] The storage unit 103 includes volatile memory and non-volatile memory, stores an operation program that causes the processor 102 to execute air conditioning system design processing, and also functions as a work area for the processor 102. Furthermore, the storage unit 103 stores a database (DB) 103a in which the frame 3 and attribute information of the parts to be selected corresponding to the frame 3 are stored in association. Details of DB 103a will be described later. All or part of the storage unit 103 may be located on an external device connected via communication. For example, DB 103a may be located on a cloud server, and a copy of a part of it may be deployed in the work memory.

[0051] Interface 104 transmits data between the processor 102 and the input device 101 and output device 105.

[0052] The output device 105 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display and outputs a list generated by the processor 102. This allows the user to know which frame 3 to select from a set of frame 3a, 3b, 3c, ... according to the requirements of the railway vehicle 7, as well as the candidate cover members 4 to be installed on the frame 3, the mounting feet 5 to be selected, the fixing members 44, air conditioning components, and optional equipment. The output device 105 also includes a device that transmits data to an external device via communication.

[0053] Next, we will explain the details of DB103a. DB103a stores multiple tables, as shown in Figures 19 to 21(B). The frame information table T1 shown in Figure 19 contains information about the specifications of each frame 3, such as attribute information, mountable equipment, and test information. Specifically, for each frame 3, the table contains information such as the size in each XYZ direction, mountable mounting legs 5, the spacing of the base 81 that can be mounted when the mounting legs 5 are attached, the air conditioners that can be installed (i.e., air conditioners), mountable optional equipment, mountable fixing members 44, mountable cover members 4, and the status and results of the tests. For distinction, reference numerals for the members are indicated in the figure.

[0054] For example, in the example shown in Figure 19, the X, Y, and Z dimensions of the frame 3a are registered as 10,000 mm, 20,000 mm, and 450 mm, respectively. Furthermore, it is registered that mounting legs 5a, 5b, ... can be attached to the frame 3a. In addition, it is registered that the spacing between the mounting parts of the mounting legs 5a when they are attached to the frame 3a is 2,100 mm or 2,500 mm. Therefore, it is possible to attach the frame 3a to a railway vehicle 7 with a base spacing of 2,100 mm or 2,500 mm. Furthermore, it is registered that air conditioners G1, G2, ... can be installed on the frame 3a, and that the air conditioning capacities of the air conditioners G1, G2, G3, ... are 50 kW, 70 kW, 100 kW, ... Furthermore, it is registered that the frame 3a can be fitted with optional equipment combinations of filters F4, F6, speakers SP1, SP3, heaters H1, H5, and dampers D2, D6. Alternatively, it is registered that the frame 3a can be fitted with optional equipment combinations of filters F1, F2, speakers SP1, SP2, heaters H1, H3, and dampers D1, D3. In addition, it is registered that the frame 3a can be fitted with cover member 4a, and that fixing members 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, ... can be fitted. Furthermore, it is registered that practical tests were conducted on air conditioning system No. 1, which has the basic structure combination of frame 3a, air conditioners G1, G2, and cover member 4a, and air conditioning system No. n, which has the basic structure combination of frame 3b, air conditioner G3, and cover member 4b, and that the tests passed. Regarding the air conditioning units No. 2 to No. 4, which differ from air conditioning unit No. 1 in terms of equipment and structure other than the basic structure of frame 3a, air conditioners G1 and G2, and cover member 4a, in detail, for air conditioning units No. 2 to No. 4, which differ in base spacing, optional equipment, and fixing members, actual tests were not conducted. Instead, simulation tests were conducted, and it is registered that these simulation tests were passed.

[0055] Furthermore, the mounting foot information table T2 shown in Figure 20(A) registers information such as the mounting foot 5, the frame 3 to which the mounting foot 5 can be attached, the size of the mounting foot 5, inventory information, and order information. For example, the information registered in the first row of the mounting foot information table T2 indicates that the mounting foot 5a can be attached to the frame 3a, 3b,..., that the length of the mounting foot 5a in the Y direction is 100 mm, and that the inventory quantity of mounting foot 5a and order information are registered. The inventory quantity is the number of mounting feet 5a in stock. The order information includes information about the supplier, unit price, delivery date, etc., when the mounting foot 5a is ordered from an external supplier.

[0056] Furthermore, the air conditioner information table T3 shown in Figure 20(B) registers information such as the air conditioner, its air conditioning capacity, the air conditioning components that make up the air conditioner, the applicable frame 3, inventory information, and order information. For example, the air conditioner G1 registered in the first row of the air conditioner information table T3 can be installed in frames 3a, 3b, etc., and has an air conditioning capacity of 50kWh. The inventory number is the number of air conditioners in stock. The order information includes information about the supplier, unit price, delivery date, etc., when ordering components of the air conditioner from an external supplier.

[0057] Furthermore, the option information table T4 shown in Figure 21(A) registers optional equipment, its category, size, specifications, applicable frame 3, inventory information, order information, etc. For example, the option equipment SP1 registered in the first row of option information table T4 is registered as a speaker, with a size of 300 x 200 x 400, a maximum output of 3W, and the ability to be installed on frame 3a, 3e, etc. The inventory number is the number of each speaker in stock. The order information includes information on the supplier, unit price, delivery date, etc., when ordering speakers from an external supplier.

[0058] Furthermore, the cover information table T5 shown in Figure 21(B) contains information on the cover member 4, its specifications such as size, applicable frame 3, inventory information, order information, etc.

[0059] Next, the process of identifying the casing 2 to be manufactured using the design system 100 with the above configuration will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 22. First, the user inputs the specifications of the railway vehicle 7 on which the air conditioning unit 1 will be installed, such as the length of the railway vehicle 7 in the X and Y directions, the height of the base 81, height restrictions, the number of units to be installed per vehicle (n), the required air conditioning capacity, the presence or absence of a catwalk, and any optional equipment to be installed, via the input device 101 (step S11).

[0060] The processor 102 refers to the frame information table T1 and, taking into account the mounting feet 5, narrows down the combinations of frame 3 and mounting feet 5 that can correspond to the input spacing of the base 81 (step S12). For example, if the input spacing of the base 81 is 2100 mm, the combination of frame 3a and mounting feet 5a is selected as a candidate, and the combination of frame 3a and mounting feet 5b is not selected. This is an example of selecting a frame 3 from a set of frame 3 according to the specifications of the railway vehicle 7 to be mounted.

[0061] The processor 102 refers to the frame information table T1 and narrows down the available frame 3s based on the length of the railway vehicle 7 and the number of frame units n installed per vehicle (step S13). Whether or not installation is possible can be determined, for example, by checking whether LA-k≧n·LB>j·LA is satisfied. Here, LA is the length of one vehicle in the X direction, LB is the length of the frame 3 in the X direction, k is a positive number set in advance considering space margins, etc., and n is the number of air conditioning units 1 installed per vehicle. j is a positive real number less than or equal to 1 and represents the minimum percentage of the ceiling 8 of the railway vehicle 7 that the air conditioning unit 1 covers. This corresponds to selecting a frame 3 from a set of frame units 3 according to the specifications of the railway vehicle 7 to be installed. This is an example of selecting a frame 3 from a set of frame units 3 according to the specifications of the railway vehicle 7 to be installed.

[0062] Next, the processor 102 narrows down the combinations of frame 3 and cover member 4 that are less than or equal to the height limit of the railway vehicle 7, based on the specifications of the railway vehicle 7, frame 3, and cover member 4 (step S14). This is equivalent to selecting a frame 3 from a set of frame 3 and a cover member 4 from a set of cover member 4, according to the specifications of the railway vehicle 7 to be installed.

[0063] Next, the processor 102 narrows down the options to combinations of frame 3 and air conditioner capable of installing an air conditioner with the required air conditioning capacity (step S15). This corresponds to an example of selecting a frame 3 from a set of frame 3 and an air conditioner from a set of air conditioners, according to the specifications of the railway vehicle 7 to be fitted. Next, the processor 102 narrows down the requested optional equipment to the frame 3 on which it can be installed (step S16). This is an example of selecting a frame 3 from a set of frame 3 according to the required specifications.

[0064] Next, the processor 102 selects a fixing member 44 from the set of fixing members 44 depending on whether or not there is a catwalk. If there is a catwalk, it also selects whether or not an electrical insulating plate 46 is necessary, and if so, selects the electrical insulating plate 46 (step S17). This is an example of selecting a fixing member 44 from the set of fixing members 44 according to the specifications of the railway vehicle 7 to which it is to be installed.

[0065] Next, the processor 102 determines the combinations of the frame 3, mounting feet 5, cover member 4, air conditioner, optional equipment, fixing member 44, and electrical insulating plate 46 that have been narrowed down and selected in this way as design candidates. If there are multiple combinations, all combinations are determined (step S18).

[0066] Next, the processor 102 obtains the inventory status and order information for each component of the combination narrowed down in this way (step S19). Next, the processor 102 outputs a list of each component, inventory and order information, and test information for each of the narrowed-down combinations, treating them as design target candidates (step S20). If there are many candidates, the processor may output only a certain number of candidates according to a pre-set priority, such as price order or delivery date order. Figure 23 shows an example of a list output for a single candidate.

[0067] The user then uses the outputted list of candidates and test information to finalize the configuration they will adopt.

[0068] The user determines the configuration to be adopted, and then secures each component using existing stock or by placing a new order. Finally, these components are installed in the selected frame 3. Next, the frame 3 is installed on the railway vehicle 7 via the mounting feet 5 by fixing the mounting feet 5 to the base 81 of the railway vehicle 7. Meanwhile, the cover member 4 is installed on top of the frame 3. In this way, the casing 2, i.e., the air conditioning unit, is completed and can be installed on the railway vehicle 7.

[0069] As described above, according to this embodiment, sets of multiple frame bodies 3 with different specifications, sets of multiple mounting feet 5 with different specifications, sets of multiple cover members 4 with different specifications, sets of air conditioners, and sets of multiple fixing members 44 with different specifications are prepared in advance. Therefore, when an air conditioning system is ordered, the frame bodies 3, cover members 4, mounting feet 5, air conditioners, and fixing members 44 that match the required specifications can be selected from these sets. As a result, design can be carried out quickly, and lead time and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0070] The frame 3 and cover member 4 included in the set have undergone major evaluation tests while the air conditioner, which is the basic structure, is incorporated into the unit—that is, while assembled into an air conditioning system. Therefore, if changes other than the basic structure are made after the design is complete, for example, if optional equipment is added or modified, there is less risk of requiring lengthy evaluation tests or design changes. Consequently, lead time and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0071] Each frame 3 is pre-equipped with a seat for installing optional equipment. There is no need to redesign the seat for optional equipment, which may vary depending on the required specifications. Furthermore, even if no optional equipment is installed, the frame 3 can be used as is, leaving the seat empty. Therefore, lead time and manufacturing costs can be reduced. In addition, any equipment other than those specified may be placed in the empty seat.

[0072] A single cover member 4 can accommodate both cases with and without a catwalk. This allows for rapid design and reduced lead time. Furthermore, if it is difficult to ensure insulation between the frame 3 and the railway vehicle 7 and the cover member 4, electrical insulation can be easily ensured using a common electrical insulation plate. Consequently, lead time and manufacturing costs can be reduced. Since multiple mounting feet 5 are provided, one frame 3 can be applied to multiple railway vehicles 7 of different widths, which is efficient.

[0073] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. For example, in this embodiment, three sets of mounting feet 5 are provided for the frame 3. However, the number of mounting feet 5 is arbitrary. Also, the mounting feet 5 do not need to be in pairs.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the air conditioning system 1 is equipped with two compressors 11, two outdoor heat exchangers 12, two expansion valves, and two indoor heat exchangers 14. However, the air conditioning system 1 is not limited to this. The air conditioning system 1 may be equipped with an air conditioner having a compressor 11, an outdoor heat exchanger 12, an expansion valve, and an indoor heat exchanger 14, and for example, it may be equipped with one compressor 11, one outdoor heat exchanger 12, one expansion valve, and one indoor heat exchanger 14.

[0075] As described above, the frame 3 set, the method for installing the air conditioner on the railway vehicle 7, and the air conditioning system 1 are not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified and substituted in various ways. Various forms of this disclosure are described below as appendices.

[0076] (Note 1) A process of preparing a set of frames including multiple frames having different specifications from each other, which can be installed on a railway vehicle of a predetermined specification, can accommodate an air conditioner having the required air conditioning capacity for that railway vehicle, and has multiple seats for mounting optional equipment in a manner that allows it to perform its function, The process involves selecting a frame from the set of frames according to the specifications of the railway vehicle to which the air conditioning system is to be installed, installing the air conditioner in the selected frame, installing optional equipment required by the specifications in the corresponding seats of the selected frame, and leaving the seats corresponding to optional equipment that is not required to be installed empty. A method for installing an air conditioning system for railway vehicles, which includes the following features. (Note 2) A step of selecting a mounting foot from a set of pre-set mounting feet based on the specifications of the selected frame and the specifications of the target railway vehicle, The steps include fixing the selected mounting feet to the selected frame, The steps include installing the selected frame onto the railway vehicle via the fixed mounting feet, A method for installing an air conditioning system for railway vehicles as described in Appendix 1, further comprising the features described above. (Note 3) A step of selecting a cover member corresponding to the selected frame from a set of multiple cover members, The process of placing the selected cover member onto the selected frame, A method for installing an air conditioning system for railway vehicles as described in Appendix 1 or 2, further comprising: (Note 4) At least one of the cover members included in the set of cover members comprises a main cover portion that covers the upper part of the corresponding frame and a side cover portion that is connected to the main cover portion so as to be able to change the angle of inclination and covers the side of the frame, The process involves selecting a fixing member from a set of fixing members, each with different specifications, that corresponds to the specifications of the target railway vehicle, and each set of fixing members that supports the side cover portion. The process involves using a selected fixing member to tilt and fix the side cover portion to an angle that matches the specifications of the target railway vehicle, A method for installing an air conditioning system for railway vehicles as described in Appendix 3, comprising the features described herein. (Note 5) The aforementioned railway vehicle has scaffolding on its ceiling, The step of selecting the fixing member involves selecting a fixing member from the set of fixing members that adjusts the angle of the side cover to expose the scaffolding. Installation method for railway vehicle air conditioning systems as described in Appendix 4. (Note 6) A step of placing an electrical insulating plate between the selected frame and the side cover portion, A method for installing an air conditioning system for railway vehicles as described in Appendix 4, comprising the features described herein. (Note 7) The process involves preparing multiple sets of air conditioners in advance, A step of selecting an air conditioner from a pre-prepared set of air conditioners according to the specifications of the target railway vehicle, The process of installing the selected air conditioner into the selected frame, A method for installing an air conditioning system for railway vehicles as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 6, comprising the above. (Note 8) The process includes designing a frame, conducting predetermined tests on the designed frame with the air conditioner installed, and adding the frame that has passed the tests to the set. A method for installing an air conditioning system for railway vehicles as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 7, comprising the above. (Note 9) A set of multiple frames for mounting an air conditioning system on a railway vehicle, Each of the multiple frames belonging to the set is formed to be attachable to one of several pre-selected specifications of a railway vehicle, and has different specifications from one another. Each of the multiple frames belonging to the aforementioned set is equipped with multiple seats on which an air conditioner can be installed and on which multiple optional equipment can be attached in a manner that allows them to perform their functions, and has passed a pre-set evaluation test with the air conditioner installed. The set includes a frame that can be selected from among multiple frame types belonging to the set in accordance with the specifications of the railway vehicle to which the air conditioning system is to be installed, and in which an air conditioner can be installed in the selected frame type, and in which optional equipment according to the required specifications can be installed in the multiple seats. A set of frame components. (Note 10) It also comes with sets of mounting feet with different specifications. Based on the specifications of the selected frame and the specifications of the target railway vehicle, a mounting foot is selected from the set of mounting feet, and the selected mounting foot is fixed to the selected frame. The selected frame is installed on the target railway vehicle via the fixed mounting feet. The frame set described in Appendix 9. (Note 11) It further includes sets of multiple cover components, A cover member corresponding to the selected frame is selected from the set of cover members. The selected cover member is placed on the selected frame. A set of frame bodies as described in Appendix 9 or 10. (Note 12) At least one of the cover members included in the set of cover members comprises a main cover portion that covers the upper part of the corresponding frame and a side cover portion connected to the main cover portion that covers the side of the corresponding frame, They have different specifications and further include a set of fixing members that support the side cover portion. A fixing member is selected from the set of fixing members according to the specifications of the target railway vehicle, and the side cover portion is fixed at an angle that matches the specifications of the target railway vehicle by the selected fixing member. The frame set described in Appendix 11. (Note 13) If the aforementioned railway vehicle has scaffolding on its roof, a fixing member is selected from the set of fixing members to adjust the angle of the side cover to expose the scaffolding. If the aforementioned railway vehicle does not have scaffolding on its roof, a fixing member is selected from the set of fixing members to adjust the side cover to a second inclination that covers the roof. The frame set described in Appendix 12. (Note 14) Depending on the specifications of the target railway vehicle, an air conditioner is selected from a given set of air conditioners, and the selected air conditioner is installed in the selected frame according to the specifications of each of the target railway vehicles, including a frame that allows the selected air conditioner to be installed. A set of frame bodies as described in any one of the appendices 9 through 13. (Note 15) Computers, A storage means for storing data relating to a set of multiple frame bodies, each having different specifications, each of which is attachable to a railway vehicle, capable of accommodating an air conditioner, and equipped with multiple seats for attaching optional equipment. A means of receiving the specifications of the railway vehicle to which the air conditioning system will be installed and the required specifications of the air conditioning system. An output means that selects and outputs a frame from a set of frame frames stored in the storage means according to the specifications of the railway vehicle and the required specifications of the air conditioning system received. A program that makes it function as such. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 Railway vehicle air conditioning system, 2 Casing, 3, 3a, 3b, 3c,..., Frame, 4, 4a, 4b, 4c,..., Cover member, 5 Mounting foot, 7 Railway vehicle, 8 Ceiling, 11 Compressor, 12 Outdoor heat exchanger, 13 Outdoor fan, 14 Indoor heat exchanger, 15 Indoor fan, 21 First seat, 22 Second seat, 23 Wiring holder, 24 Third seat, 25 Fourth seat, 31, 32 Partition plate, 33 Compression chamber, 34 Indoor chamber, 35 Outdoor chamber, 41 Main cover section, 42 Left side cover section, 43 Right side cover section, 44, 44a, 44b,..., 46 Electrical insulation plate, 48 End cover section, 61 Heater, 62 Filter, 63 Damper, 81 Base, 100 Design system, 101 Input device, 102 processor, 103 memory unit, 104 interface, 105 output device, 211 receiving unit, 611 spring catch, C1, C2 catwalk.

Claims

1. A process of preparing a set of frames including multiple frames having different specifications from each other, which can be installed on a railway vehicle of a predetermined specification, can accommodate an air conditioner having the required air conditioning capacity for that railway vehicle, and has multiple seats for mounting optional equipment in a manner that allows it to perform its function, The process involves selecting a frame from the set of frames according to the specifications of the railway vehicle to which the air conditioning system is to be installed, installing the air conditioner in the selected frame, installing optional equipment required by the specifications in the corresponding seats of the selected frame, and leaving the seats corresponding to optional equipment that is not required to be installed empty. A method for installing an air conditioning system for railway vehicles, which includes the following features.

2. A step of selecting a mounting foot from a set of pre-set mounting feet based on the specifications of the selected frame and the specifications of the target railway vehicle, The steps include fixing the selected mounting feet to the selected frame, The steps include installing the selected frame onto the railway vehicle via the fixed mounting feet, The method for installing an air conditioning system for a railway vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. A step of selecting a cover member corresponding to the selected frame from a set of multiple cover members, The process of placing the selected cover member onto the selected frame, A method for installing an air conditioning system for railway vehicles according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. At least one of the cover members included in the set of cover members comprises a main cover portion that covers the upper part of the corresponding frame and a side cover portion that is connected to the main cover portion so as to be able to change the angle of inclination and covers the side of the frame, The process involves selecting a fixing member from a set of fixing members, each with different specifications, that corresponds to the specifications of the target railway vehicle, and each set of fixing members that supports the side cover portion. The process involves using a selected fixing member to tilt and fix the side cover portion to an angle that matches the specifications of the target railway vehicle, A method for installing an air conditioning system for a railway vehicle according to claim 3, comprising:

5. The aforementioned railway vehicle has scaffolding on its ceiling, The step of selecting the fixing member involves selecting a fixing member from the set of fixing members that adjusts the angle of the side cover to expose the scaffolding. The method for installing an air conditioning system for a railway vehicle according to claim 4.

6. A step of placing an electrical insulating plate between the selected frame and the side cover portion, A method for installing an air conditioning system for railway vehicles according to claim 4, comprising:

7. The process involves preparing multiple sets of air conditioners in advance, A step of selecting an air conditioner from a pre-prepared set of air conditioners according to the specifications of the target railway vehicle, The process of installing the selected air conditioner into the selected frame, A method for installing an air conditioning system for railway vehicles according to claim 1, comprising:

8. The process includes designing a frame, conducting predetermined tests on the designed frame with the air conditioner installed, and adding the frame that has passed the tests to the set. A method for installing an air conditioning system for railway vehicles according to claim 1, comprising:

9. A set of multiple frames for mounting an air conditioning system on a railway vehicle, Each of the multiple frames belonging to the set is formed to be attachable to one of several pre-selected specifications of a railway vehicle, and has different specifications from one another. Each of the multiple frames belonging to the aforementioned set is equipped with multiple seats on which an air conditioner can be installed and on which multiple optional equipment can be attached in a manner that allows them to perform their functions, and has passed a pre-set evaluation test with the air conditioner installed. The set includes a frame that can be selected from among multiple frame types belonging to the set in accordance with the specifications of the railway vehicle to which the air conditioning system is to be installed, and in which an air conditioner can be installed in the selected frame type, and in which optional equipment according to the required specifications can be installed in the multiple seats. A set of frame components.

10. It also comes with sets of mounting feet with different specifications. Based on the specifications of the selected frame and the specifications of the target railway vehicle, a mounting foot is selected from the set of mounting feet, and the selected mounting foot is fixed to the selected frame. The selected frame is installed on the target railway vehicle via the fixed mounting feet. A set of frame bodies according to claim 9.

11. It further includes sets of multiple cover components, A cover member corresponding to the selected frame is selected from the set of cover members. The selected cover member is placed on the selected frame. A set of frame bodies according to claim 9 or 10.

12. At least one of the cover members included in the set of cover members comprises a main cover portion that covers the upper part of the corresponding frame and a side cover portion connected to the main cover portion that covers the side of the corresponding frame, They have different specifications and further include a set of fixing members that support the side cover portion. A fixing member is selected from the set of fixing members according to the specifications of the target railway vehicle, and the side cover portion is fixed at an angle that matches the specifications of the target railway vehicle by the selected fixing member. A set of frame bodies according to claim 11.

13. If the aforementioned railway vehicle has scaffolding on its roof, a fixing member is selected from the set of fixing members to adjust the angle of the side cover to expose the scaffolding. If the aforementioned railway vehicle does not have scaffolding on its roof, a fixing member is selected from the set of fixing members to adjust the side cover to a second inclination that covers the roof. A set of frame bodies according to claim 12.

14. Depending on the specifications of the target railway vehicle, an air conditioner is selected from a given set of air conditioners, and the selected air conditioner is installed in the selected frame according to the specifications of each of the target railway vehicles, including a frame that allows the selected air conditioner to be installed. A set of frame bodies according to claim 12.

15. Computers, A storage means for storing data relating to a set of multiple frame bodies, each having different specifications, each of which is attachable to a railway vehicle, capable of accommodating an air conditioner, and equipped with multiple seats for attaching optional equipment. A means of receiving the specifications of the railway vehicle to which the air conditioning system will be installed and the required specifications of the air conditioning system. An output means that selects and outputs a frame from a set of frame frames stored in the storage means according to the specifications of the railway vehicle and the required specifications of the air conditioning system received. A program that makes it function as such.

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