Composite housing of supply-recirculation unit

Abstract

FIELD: ventilation systems.SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to indoor supply-recirculation units, namely to a composite housing of a supply-recirculation unit, providing ease of maintenance and repair while increasing the efficiency of thermal regulation. The composite housing of the supply-recirculation unit includes: an outer housing made of moulded polymer, an inner housing made of foamed polymer, made in the form of a set of individual parts which are interconnected and connected to the outer housing by means of a system of grooves and protrusions, wherein the inner housing includes inner regions configured to accommodate functional elements of the supply-recirculation unit; a system of air-conducting openings made in the form of openings in the outer and inner housing, wherein the composite housing is configured to be partially disassembled to provide isolated access to the inner regions.EFFECT: enabling partial disassembly of the housing with isolation of the region and improving the thermal insulation of the housing while maintaining structural strength.9 cl, 4 dwg

Description

[0001] Technical field

[0002] The present invention relates to room supply and recirculation units capable of providing both an influx of fresh air into a room and recirculation of air in the room, namely to a composite body of the supply and recirculation unit.

[0003] Technology Level

[0004] To purify the air in enclosed office and residential spaces, various ventilation equipment, such as air purifiers, air valves, and air conditioners, are often installed. Each of these devices has its own set of functions. For example, air conditioners circulate air within the room and cool or heat it, air purifiers clean recirculated air, and air valves supply fresh air from outside to the room. Room supply and recirculation units can supply fresh air from outside to the room, cleaning and heating it, and also clean recirculated air within the room.

[0005] An important factor in the durability of the units is the housing material, since when heating and cooling, as well as when a significant volume of air passes through, erosion and wear of the unit housing occurs, which can lead to frequent breakdowns or to the complete failure of the unit, for example, when cracks form in places where air passes.

[0006] Air handling units typically have at least one outdoor air intake, at least one indoor air intake, and at least one indoor air exhaust. Fans are installed in the housing to move air from the intake to the exhaust through the filter unit and heater. Air filtration units typically consist of at least one coarse filter and at least one fine filter.

[0007] Air handling units require periodic maintenance to ensure long-term proper operation. Maintenance may include cleaning filters, fans, heating elements, valves, and other components. In some cases, repairs to air handling unit components, including replacement of fasteners or functional parts, may be necessary. Any such maintenance or repair work requires partial disassembly of the air handling unit. Therefore, it is important to design the unit so it can be easily disassembled without disassembling it from its mounting location, ensuring quick and easy maintenance.Another factor that influences the duration and complexity of unit repairs is the structure of the unit's housing. The easier it is to disassemble and the more durable it is, the more efficiently and quickly the air handling unit can be repaired.

[0008] A known casing of an indoor unit of an air conditioner is described in Utility Model Patent No. CN218936629U (published on April 28, 2023; IPC F24F13 / 20). The utility model discloses a compact casing of an indoor unit of an air conditioner, including a streamlined EPP front cover, a streamlined EPP rear cover, a shock-absorbing sealing gasket, and an air filter. An air intake hole is installed at the upper part of the streamlined EPP front cover, and side vents are installed on both sides of the front cover. A first installation connecting element is fixed to the inner side parts of the streamlined EPP front cover. The utility model improves the tightness of the internal structure by adding a streamlined EPP front cover and a streamlined EPP rear cover, which, while maintaining the original power, enhances the cooling effect, reduces most of the fan noise and improves comfort during use.The use of the first installation connector and screw holes on the front and rear covers ensures easy and convenient installation, lightweight construction for easy transportation, and the possibility of fully recycling materials, which minimizes environmental pollution.

[0009] The main drawback of the described solution is the enclosure structure, which does not allow for partial disassembly. This significantly complicates repair work, as it is impossible to replace or repair a specific functional area of ​​the unit separately. Consequently, if one element of the unit needs to be repaired, all elements must be accessed simultaneously, which increases the risk of damage or contamination of otherwise functioning components during repair or maintenance. Furthermore, the enclosure's construction entirely of expanded polypropylene (EPP) significantly reduces its strength.

[0010] An air conditioning device is known, described in application No. US2008314072A1 (published on 25.12.2008; IPC B60H1 / 32, F25B1 / 00, F25D17 / 06). The air conditioning device includes a refrigeration cycle containing components such as, for example, a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a condenser and an evaporator. At least some components of the refrigeration cycle are held in their functional position by fastening in the form of housing shells that separate them. The housing shells consist of a foam material, such as, for example, expanded polypropylene (EPP). An additional metal plate or plastic housing is not used.

[0011] The main drawback of the described solution is the enclosure structure, which does not allow for partial disassembly and isolation of a specific area. While the described solution allows partial removal of the enclosure cover to access the refrigeration circuit, this partial opening does not protect the remaining components. This significantly complicates repair work, as it is impossible to replace or repair a specific functional area of ​​the unit separately. Consequently, if one element of the unit needs to be repaired, all elements must be accessed simultaneously, which increases the risk of damage or contamination of otherwise functioning components during repair or maintenance. Furthermore, the enclosure's construction entirely of expanded polypropylene (EPP) significantly reduces its strength.

[0012] A compact supply ventilation system is disclosed in invention patent No. RU2708105C1 (published December 4, 2019; IPC F24F7 / 00, F24F13 / 00). The invention relates to the field of ventilation, primarily the ventilation of residential premises.A supply ventilation system consists of an inlet grille consisting of a housing in the form of a hollow cylinder, inclined slats located inside the housing at the outer edge, wherein at least two inclined slats in the lower part of the housing are made with an extension; an air duct inside which a filter is installed; a forced air supply device consisting of a housing made of a decorative panel and a supporting panel with a seat, a snail containing a main housing adjacent to the housing seat and a cover, a radial fan fixed inside the snail, a damper, an electronic unit, wherein inside the main housing and the snail cover there is a channel with a channel depth and a channel cross-section width gradually increasing in the direction of air movement, forming an asymmetric diffuser. The technical result consists in efficient air supply due to a reduction in aerodynamic drag.

[0013] The main drawback of the described solution is the housing structure, which does not allow for partial disassembly and isolation of a specific area. While the described solution allows partial removal of the housing cover to access the refrigeration circuit, this partial opening does not protect the remaining components. This significantly complicates repair work, as it is impossible to replace or repair a specific functional area of ​​the unit separately. Consequently, if one component needs to be repaired, all components must be accessed simultaneously, which increases the risk of damage or contamination of otherwise functioning components during repair or maintenance.The body is made of a decorative panel and a supporting panel, but does not use a system of grooves and protrusions to connect the panels, which does not allow for easy separation of the parts from each other. Furthermore, foamed polypropylene is not used, which leads to reduced efficiency in heating or cooling the air in the room.

[0014] Essence of the invention

[0015] The objective of the present invention is to develop a housing for a supply and recirculation unit that ensures ease of maintenance and repair while increasing the efficiency of temperature control.

[0016] This problem is solved by the claimed invention through the achievement of technical results such as partial disassembly of the housing, isolating the area, and improving the housing's thermal insulation while maintaining structural strength. The claimed technical results are achieved, among other things, through:

[0017] • using a composite housing consisting of an outer housing made of cast polymer and an inner housing made of foamed polymer parts, wherein the outer housing is connected to the parts of the inner housing by means of a system of grooves and protrusions;

[0018] • the use of an internal casing made of foamed polymer, consisting of a set of parts connected to each other by means of a system of grooves and protrusions;

[0019] • configurations of a composite housing with the possibility of partial disassembly of the composite housing with the isolation of internal areas.

[0020] More fully, the technical result is achieved by a composite housing of a supply and recirculation unit, including: an outer housing made of cast polymer; an inner housing made of foamed polymer, made in the form of a set of individual parts that are connected to each other and to the outer housing by means of a system of grooves and projections, wherein the inner housing includes internal regions configured with the possibility of arranging the functional elements of the supply and recirculation unit; a system of air-conducting openings made in the form of openings in the outer and inner housings, wherein the composite housing is configured with the possibility of partial disassembly (removal of individual parts) with the provision of isolated access to the internal regions.

[0021] The outer casing is made of molded polymer and consists of a front panel and a main body. The inner casing is made of foamed polymer and consists of a set of parts that can be interconnected using a system of grooves and protrusions. The inner casing is connected to the outer casing via grooves and protrusions. The composite casing, consisting of an outer casing made of molded polymer and an inner casing made of foamed polymer, creates a casing that is durable and thermally insulating.

[0022] The inner casing includes interior sections configured to accommodate the functional elements of the air handling unit. These interior sections can be configured with specialized fasteners suitable for specific functional elements.

[0023] Additionally, the internal areas may include a fan area, a filter area, a heater area, a power supply area, and a control electronics area. This division allows for a more convenient repair or maintenance process. This design also allows for the internal areas to be equipped with specialized fasteners for each functional element.

[0024] The composite design of the housing is also determined by the properties of the foamed polymer, namely its low density. Therefore, the inner housing, composed of a set of parts, does not add excess weight to the housing. The foamed polymer also has thermal insulation properties. The composite housing also includes a system of air inlets that ensure the supply, exhaust, and circulation of air within the housing during operation of the air handling unit. Additionally, the air inlet system may include at least one opening for outdoor air intake, at least one opening for indoor air intake, and at least one opening for air exhaust. The air inlet system may also include dampers.

[0025] At the same time, the inner casing provides thermal insulation properties due to the properties of foamed polymer, which has a positive effect on the operation of the supply and recirculation unit.

[0026] The molded polymer outer casing provides increased strength and an additional layer of protection, protecting the foamed polymer inner casing from damage from external impacts. The inner casing is connected to the outer casing via grooves and protrusions, allowing the inner casing to be secured to the outer casing while allowing the inner casing to be disassembled and its components to be separated from the outer casing without any additional effort (no special tools required).

[0027] The use of a combination of an outer casing made of cast polymer and an inner casing made of foamed polymer, connected by means of grooves and protrusions, makes it possible to produce a composite casing of a supply and recirculation unit with improved thermal insulation properties while maintaining the strength of the structure.

[0028] The inner casing consists of a set of parts interconnected by a system of grooves and protrusions. This set of parts is configured in such a way as to allow partial disassembly of the inner casing, providing isolated access to the internal areas. This configuration, in particular, allows for repair or maintenance of individual subsystems of the air handling unit located in specific internal areas. Partial disassembly of the entire casing is accomplished by first removing the front panel of the outer casing and then partially disassembling the inner casing.

[0029] The use of an internal casing made of foamed polymer, consisting of a set of parts connected to each other by a system of grooves and protrusions, allows for the possibility of partial disassembly of the supply and recirculation unit, providing isolated access to the internal areas and, thus, increasing the convenience and safety of the unit’s maintenance and repair.

[0030] Optionally, the inner casing can be made of expanded polypropylene. Foamed polypropylene has increased strength and density compared to other foamed polymers, such as expanded polystyrene, allowing for more precise production of inner casing components and further enhancing the strength of the inner casing (for example, by increasing the wear resistance of the groove and protrusion system of the inner casing components).

[0031] Description of drawings

[0032]

[001] The subject matter of the present application is described point by point and clearly stated in the claims. The above mentioned objectives, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which show:

[0033]

[002] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a composite housing of a supply and recirculation unit, according to the present invention.

[0034]

[003] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of a composite housing of a supply and recirculation unit according to the present invention.

[0035]

[004] Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a supply and recirculation unit including a composite body according to the present invention.

[0036]

[005] Fig. 4 is a schematic view of the inner casing parts according to the present invention.

[0037]

[006] These figures are explained by the following positions:

[0038] Position 1 – Composite body of the supply and recirculation unit;

[0039] Position 2 – Outer casing made of cast polymer;

[0040] Position 21 – front panel of the outer casing;

[0041] Position 22 – main part of the outer casing;

[0042] Position 3 – inner casing made of foamed polymer;

[0043] Position 31 – set of inner casing parts;

[0044] Position 32 – internal areas;

[0045] Position 321 – Fan area;

[0046] Position 322 – filter area;

[0047] Position 323 – heater area;

[0048] Position 324 – power supply area;

[0049] Position 325 – control electronics area;

[0050] Position 33 – specialized fasteners;

[0051] Position 4 – groove and protrusion system;

[0052] Position 5 – air duct system;

[0053] Position 51 – dampers.

[0054] Detailed description of the invention

[0055]

[007] In the following detailed description of the embodiment of the invention, numerous implementation details are provided to provide a clear understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art how the present invention can be used with or without these implementation details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the features of the present invention.

[0056]

[008] Furthermore, it is clear from the above disclosure that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described. Numerous possible modifications, changes, variations, and substitutions of non-essential features of the invention, while preserving the essence and form of the present invention, are obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0057]

[009] The “supply” operating mode of the supply and recirculation unit corresponds to the ventilation of the room, when air is directed into the room from the outside (from the street); the “recirculation” operating mode corresponds to the circulation of air in the room in order to avoid air stagnation.

[0058] Maintenance of a supply and recirculation unit refers to a set of measures to correct the unit's operation, such as cleaning the composite casing1, internal areas32, fan cleaning, filter cleaning, and other measures that do not involve component replacement. Repair or maintenance work, however, refers to any other adjustments to the unit's operation, such as replacing functional components.

[0059] The composite housing of the supply and recirculation unit1 includes: an outer housing made of cast polymer2; an inner housing made of foamed polymer3, made in the form of a set of individual parts31, which are connected to each other and to the outer housing by means of a system of grooves and protrusions4, wherein the inner housing3 includes internal regions32 configured with the possibility of arranging the functional elements of the supply and recirculation unit; a system of air-conducting openings5, made in the form of openings in the outer2 and inner3 housings, wherein the composite housing1 is configured with the possibility of partial disassembly (removal of individual parts) with the provision of isolated access to the internal regions32.

[0060] The outer casing2 is made of molded polymer and consists of a front panel21 and a main body22. The inner casing3 is made of foamed polymer and consists of a set of parts31 that can be interconnected via a system of grooves and protrusions4. The inner casing3 is also connected to the outer casing2 via grooves and protrusions4. The creation of a composite casing1, including an outer casing made of molded polymer2 and an inner casing made of foamed polymer3, allows for the creation of a casing with strength and thermal insulation properties.

[0061] The inner casing 3 includes internal regions 32 configured to accommodate the functional elements of the air handling unit. The internal regions 32 may not be physically separated, but when the casing 1 is partially disassembled, each region is configured to open independently of the others. The internal regions 32 may be an empty space divided into subspaces for installing individual functional elements of the air handling unit. However, an implementation is also possible in which the internal regions 32 are provided with specialized fasteners 33 suitable for specific functional elements. Dedicated fasteners 33 refer to any fasteners suitable for each individual functional element of the air handling unit (since different functional elements may use different fasteners).Additionally, specialized mounts33 can include screw fasteners, tabs, and grooves for attaching functional elements. Screw fasteners, in particular, allow for the secure attachment of relatively heavy components to the case, such as a fan or heating element.

[0062] Additionally, the internal areas 32 may include a fan area 321, a filter area 322, a heater area 323, a power supply area 324, and a control electronics area 325. This separation allows for a more convenient repair or maintenance process, as all electronic components responsible for different functions are separated from each other. This allows for the isolation of faulty electronics and prevents damage to healthy electronics during repair. Furthermore, the presence of a separate area 322 for filter placement allows for the absence of contact with electronic components when cleaning or replacing filters. This design also allows for the internal areas 32 to be further equipped with specialized fasteners 33 for each functional element. For example, an area with screw fastening for mounting a fan, or an area with grooves for accommodating filters, etc.

[0063] The composite housing 1 also includes a system of air inlets 5, which provides air supply, exhaust, and circulation within the housing during operation of the air handling unit. The system of air inlets 5 is formed by openings in the outer 2 and inner 3 housings. Additionally, the system of air inlets 5 may include at least one opening for air intake from outside, at least one opening for air intake from inside the room, and at least one opening for air exhaust. Additionally, the system of air inlets 51 may include dampers 51. This design further increases the efficiency of the housing, as the dampers help protect the housing from heat exchange with the external environment through the system of openings 5.

[0064] The inner casing3 provides thermal insulation properties due to the properties of foamed polymer, which has a positive effect on the operation of the air handling unit: in the air heating mode, less heat is spent on heating the casing and the air heating efficiency increases. Also, in the off mode, the thermal insulation properties of the casing protect the interior from temperature changes associated with contact with outside air. Moreover, in the air recirculation mode, the thermal insulation properties help maintain the temperature in the room due to protection from heat exchange with the external environment (including with outside air), etc.

[0065] The cast polymer outer casing2 provides increased strength and an additional layer of protection for the casing1, protecting the foamed polymer inner casing3 from damage due to external impact. Without a cast polymer outer casing2, the foamed polymer used to make the inner casing3 is susceptible to wear and tear due to impact, friction, and other physical factors. Foamed polymer alone does not have sufficient resistance to such factors, and the use of a cast polymer outer casing2 ensures the casing1's strength. The inner casing3 is connected to the outer casing2 via grooves and protrusions4, which allows the inner casing3 to be fixed to the outer casing2 on one side, and allows the inner casing3 to be disassembled and its components to be separated from the outer casing2 without additional effort (without the use of special tools).

[0066] The use of a combination of an outer casing made of cast polymer2 and an inner casing made of foamed polymer3, connected by means of grooves and protrusions4, makes it possible to produce a composite casing of a supply and recirculation unit1 with improved thermal insulation properties while maintaining the strength of the structure.

[0067] Furthermore, the groove and protrusion system may include fastening elements. This implementation may utilize any known fastening elements for connecting the assembly of parts31to each other and to the outer housing2, including (but not limited to) latches, screw fasteners, self-tapping screws, magnetic connections, and the like. This implementation can enhance the strength of the connection between the components of the composite housing1 and improve the structural strength.

[0068] The inner casing3 consists of a set of parts31, which are interconnected by a system of grooves and protrusions4. Moreover, the set of parts31 is configured in such a way as to allow partial disassembly of the inner casing3, providing isolated access to the internal areas32. This means the ability to disconnect one or more parts31, opening one of the internal areas for access (for example, with the ability to replace parts of the air handling unit located in this area), while the other areas remain closed by other parts of the inner casing31. Such a configuration, in particular, allows for the repair or maintenance of individual subsystems of the air handling unit located in certain internal areas32. In this case, during repair or maintenance, only the required part of the unit is accessible, while the properly functioning part of the unit remains isolated.In this case, partial disassembly of the entire case1 is carried out by first removing the front panel of the outer case21, and then partial disassembly of the inner case3.

[0069] The use of an internal casing made of foamed polymer3, consisting of a set of parts31 connected to each other by a system of grooves and protrusions4, allows for the possibility of partial disassembly of the supply and recirculation unit, providing isolated access to the internal areas32 and, thus, increases the convenience and safety of maintenance of the unit and its repair.

[0070] Additionally, the inner casing can be made of expanded polypropylene. Foamed polypropylene has increased strength and density compared to other foamed polymers, such as expanded polystyrene, allowing for more precise production of inner casing parts and further enhancing the strength of the inner casing (for example, increasing the wear resistance of the groove and protrusion system of the inner casing parts).

[0071] Additionally, the inner casing can include a volute with gradually increasing depth and width as the air moves. Placing a radial fan inside the volute and creating a channel within the volute with a gradually increasing depth and width of the channel cross-section as the air moves, forming an asymmetric diffuser, ensures smooth circular airflow within the volute, which in turn ensures irrotational airflow through the volute into the room, improving air delivery efficiency. Incorporating the volute into the inner casing allows it to be made of foamed polymer, which further enhances the volute's thermal insulation properties and combines high thermal insulation with increased air delivery efficiency. The volute's thermal insulation properties are important because the volute carries the main airflow and it is important to limit heat exchange between the airflow and the casing.

[0072] During repair or maintenance, the air handling unit is partially disassembled without removing it from its mounting location (e.g., when mounting the unit to a wall, it is not removed from the wall). This involves removing the front panel of the outer casing21, followed by partial disassembly of the inner casing3. The necessary internal areas32 and the functional elements of the air handling unit located within them are then accessible for maintenance or repair. In this case, only the required portion of the functional elements of the air handling unit is accessible during repair or maintenance, while the properly functioning portion remains isolated.

[0073] It is important to note that any additional elements and functions of the composite air handling unit housing described above can be used individually, simultaneously, or in any combination. Implementing the composite air handling unit housing with any additional element or function will achieve the additional technical results described above, in addition to the primary technical result.

[0074]

[0010] These application materials present a preferred disclosure of the implementation of the claimed technical solution, which should not be used as limiting other, particular embodiments of its implementation that do not go beyond the scope of the requested scope of legal protection and are obvious to specialists in the relevant field of technology.

Claims

1. A composite housing of a supply and recirculation unit, including an outer housing made of cast polymer, consisting of a front panel and a main part, an inner housing made of foamed polymer, made in the form of a set of parts that are connected to each other and to the outer housing by means of a system of grooves and projections, wherein the inner housing includes internal regions configured with the possibility of arranging the functional elements of the supply and recirculation unit, a system of air-conducting openings made in the form of openings in the outer and inner housing, wherein the composite housing is configured with the possibility of removing individual parts with the provision of isolated access to the internal regions.

2. The housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal regions include a fan region, a filter region, a heater region, a power supply region, and a control electronics region.

3. The housing according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the system of grooves and projections additionally includes fastening elements.

4. A housing according to any one of paragraphs 1, 2, characterized in that the internal regions include specialized fastening elements.

5. The housing according to paragraph 4, characterized in that the specialized fastening elements include screw fasteners, protrusions and grooves.

6. The housing according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the inner housing additionally includes a snail containing a channel with a depth and width that gradually increase as the air moves.

7. The housing according to item 1, characterized in that the inner housing is made of foamed polypropylene.

8. The housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the system of air-conducting openings includes at least one opening for taking air from the street, at least one opening for taking air from the room, and at least one opening for releasing air.

9. The housing according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the system of air-conducting openings includes dampers.

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