U.S. patent application number 15/000356 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-21 for systems and methods for a heating and cooling unit and components thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to ALLIED AIR ENTERPRISES LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is ALLIED AIR ENTERPRISES LLC. Invention is credited to Joseph Nathaniel Faulk, Jeffery Paul Gedcke, Colin Mullins, Randy Brian Palm, Joseph Ephraim Whisenhunt.
Application Number | 20160209055 15/000356 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56407561 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160209055 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gedcke; Jeffery Paul ; et
al. |
July 21, 2016 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A HEATING AND COOLING UNIT AND COMPONENTS
THEREOF
Abstract
A heating and cooling unit (as well as individual components of
the heating and cooling unit) is disclosed herein. Methods of
installing and using the heating and cooling unit are also
disclosed. The heating and cooling unit may include, among other
things, a base member, a tube chase, a convertible drain, a system
for mounting a burner box in a sideways orientation to a vestibule
panel, a system for removably attaching a control panel to a
collector box, a compressor supply plug, or a combination
thereof.
Inventors: |
Gedcke; Jeffery Paul;
(Gilbert, SC) ; Whisenhunt; Joseph Ephraim;
(Lugolff, SC) ; Mullins; Colin; (West Columbia,
SC) ; Palm; Randy Brian; (Barnwell, SC) ;
Faulk; Joseph Nathaniel; (Lexington, SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ALLIED AIR ENTERPRISES LLC |
West Columbia |
SC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ALLIED AIR ENTERPRISES LLC
West Columbia
SC
|
Family ID: |
56407561 |
Appl. No.: |
15/000356 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62105258 |
Jan 20, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 13/20 20130101;
F24H 9/06 20130101; F24H 9/02 20130101; F24F 13/22 20130101; F24H
9/148 20130101; F24F 1/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 1/02 20060101
F24F001/02; F24F 13/32 20060101 F24F013/32; F24H 9/06 20060101
F24H009/06; F24F 13/22 20060101 F24F013/22 |
Claims
1. A base member for a heating and cooling unit, the base member
comprising: a substantially horizontal main body configured to
support one or more components of the heating and cooling unit
thereon, wherein the main body comprises a conditioned space
portion about a first side of the main body and a non-conditioned
space portion about a second side of the main body; a substantially
vertical separation wall extending up from the main body, wherein
the separation wall separates the conditioned space portion from
the non-conditioned space portion; a lip formed at least partially
about the non-conditioned space portion; at least one drainage hole
extending through the non-conditioned space portion, wherein a
surface of the non-conditioned space portion is sloped towards the
at least one drainage hole; a drain pan disposed about the
conditioned space portion; at least on drainage tube in fluid
communication with the drain pan, wherein a surface of the drain
pan is sloped towards the at least one drainage tube;
2. The base member of claim 1, further comprising a substantially
vertical sealing rib within the drain pan configured to make
contact with and deform one or more fins on a coil of an evaporator
to create a seal between the coil and the sealing rib to force
liquid forward into the drain pan towards the at least one drainage
tube and to prevent airflow therebetween.
3. The base member of claim 1, wherein the at least one molded
handle is disposed beneath the drain pan.
4. The base member of claim 1, wherein the separation wall and the
drain pan at least partially form an evaporator compartment
therebetween.
5. The base member of claim 1, further comprising one or more
integrated holes disposed about the drain pan for mounting a filter
catch.
6. The base member of claim 1, further comprising a ridge disposed
on a bottom of the main body opposite the separation wall for
forming a seal under the main body between the conditioned space
portion and the non-condition spaced portion.
7. A tube chase for a heating and cooling unit, the tube chase
comprising: a tube chase main body comprising at least one tube
slot and at least one wire slot; a removable tube chase cover
configured to mate with the tube chase main body; and a grommet
positionable within the tube chase main body, wherein the grommet
comprising at least one tube passage and at least one wire
passage.
8. The tube chase of claim 7, wherein the tube chase main body
comprises an attachment groove for attaching the tube chase main
body to a panel of the heating and cooling unit.
9. The tube chase of claim 7, wherein the at least one tube passage
is alignable with the at least one tube slot, and the at least one
wire passage is alignable with the at least one wire slot when the
removable tube chase cover is attached to the tube chase main
body.
10. The tube chase of claim 7, wherein the tube chase main body
comprises at least one attachment protrusion.
11. The tube chase of claim 10, wherein the removable tube chase
cover comprises at least one attachment hole configured to mate
with the at least one attachment protrusion.
12. The tube chase of claim 7, wherein the tube chase main body
comprises at least one attachment bore configured to receive an
attachment mechanism therein.
13. The tube chase of claim 12, wherein the removable tube chase
cover comprises at least one arm having an attachment hole
therethrough configured to receive an attachment mechanism therein
when the at least one attachment bore is aligned with the
attachment hole.
14. The tube chase of claim 7, wherein the tube chase cover
comprises an exterior surface configured to form a seal with a side
panel of the heating and cooling unit.
15. A convertible drain for a heating and cooling unit, the
convertible drain comprising: a hose; a drain adapter comprising a
first end having an inlet and a second end having an outlet,
wherein the hose is attachable to the inlet, wherein the drain
adapter comprises an attachment bracket; and a key hole disposed in
a division panel of the heating and cooling unit, wherein the
attachment bracket is configured to mate with the key hole in a
first configuration with the outlet facing a side of the heating
and cooling unit and a second configuration with the outlet facing
a front of the heating and cooling unit.
16. The convertible drain of claim 15, wherein the hose is
flexible.
17. The convertible drain of claim 15, wherein the hose comprises a
fixed bend along its length.
18. The convertible drain of claim 15, wherein the drain adapter
comprises: a bottom platform comprising an attachment hole
therethrough; a flange extending from the bottom platform and
disposed about the outlet, wherein the flange is configured to form
a seal about an opening in a side panel of the heating and cooling
unit when in the first configuration or form a seal about an
opening in a removable front panel of the heating and cooling unit
when in the second configuration; and a front surface extending out
from the flange to from a lip therebetween and configured to mate
with the opening in the side panel of the heating and cooling unit
when in the first configuration or mate with the opening in the
removable front panel of the heating and cooling unit when in the
second configuration.
19. The convertible drain of claim 15, wherein the inlet is angled
relative to the outlet.
20. A system for mounting a burner box in a sideways orientation to
a vestibule panel in a heating and cooling unit, the system
comprising: a first mounting bracket attachable to the vestibule
panel and an inner wall on a first side of the burner box; and a
second mounting bracket attachable to the vestibule panel and an
outer wall on a second side of the burner box, wherein the first
mounting bracket is spaced apart from the second mounting bracket
such that the burner box is slidable between the first mounting
bracket and the second mounting bracket.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the first and second mounting
brackets comprise: an alignment protrusion configured to mate with
a corresponding alignment hole in the vestibule panel; at least one
vestibule attachment hole; and at least one burner box attachment
hole.
22. A system for removably attaching a control panel to a collector
box in a heating and cooling unit, the system comprising: at least
one channel disposed about the collector box; at least one slot
disposed about the control panel, wherein the at least one slot is
configured to slidably mate with the at least one channel; and a
tab that removably secures the at least one slot within the at
least one channel.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the control board comprises an
L-shaped base.
24. A compressor supply plug for a compressor having an electric
feedthrough and capture stud, the compressor supply plug
comprising: a main body attachable to an electric feedthrough of
the compressor for forming an electrical connection therewith; a
flange extending from the main body; and an aperture extending
through the flange, wherein the aperture is configured to receive a
stud for securing the main body to the compressor.
25. The compressor supply plug of claim 24, wherein the aperture
and stud collectively ensure that the main body is properly aligned
with the electric feedthrough.
26. The compressor supply plug of claim 24, wherein the main body
and flange are single molded piece.
27. A heating and cooling unit, comprising: a conditioned space
portion and a non-conditioned space portion; a condensing heat
exchanger disposed at least partially within the non-conditioned
space portion; and a condensate drain in fluid communication with
the condensing heat exchanger, wherein the condensate drain is at
least partially disposed within the non-conditioned space portion
and routed to an interior space.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The disclosure claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
provisional patent application No. 62/105,258, filed Jan. 20, 2015,
which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The disclosure generally relates to heating, ventilating,
and air conditioning units and/or components thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Heating and cooling units combine heating and cooling
applications for apartments, condominiums, and/or other types of
multiple occupancy buildings. In some instances, due to space
constraints, particularly in older buildings, certain heating and
cooling units may not be suitable. Similarly, in newer building,
architectural constraints may limit the amount of space available
for heating and cooling units. Accordingly, there is a need for an
efficient and compact heating and cooling unit that is capable of
meeting the heating and cooling requirements in a variety of
applications and settings.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to an embodiment, a heating and cooling unit (as
well as individual components of the heating and cooling unit) is
disclosed herein. Methods of installing and using the heating and
cooling unit are also disclosed herein. The heating and cooling
unit may include, among other things, a base member, a tube chase,
a convertible drain, a system for mounting a burner box in a
sideways orientation to a vestibule panel, a system for removably
attaching a control panel to a collector box, a compressor supply
plug, or a combination thereof.
[0005] Other features and aspects of the heating and cooling unit
will be apparent or will become apparent to one with skill in the
art upon examination of the following figures and the detailed
description. All other features and aspects, as well as other
system, method, and assembly embodiments, are intended to be
included within the description and are intended to be within the
scope of the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the
accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may
indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may
utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated in
the drawings, and some elements and/or components may not be
present in various embodiments. Elements and/or components in the
figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this
disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural
terminology may be used interchangeably.
[0007] FIG. 1 schematically depicts an example heating and cooling
unit in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 2 schematically depicts a partial view of an example
heating and cooling unit in accordance with one or more embodiments
of the disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 3 schematically depicts a partial view of an example
heating and cooling unit in accordance with one or more embodiments
of the disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 4 schematically depicts an example drain adapter in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 5 schematically depicts a back view of an example drain
adapter in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 6 schematically depicts a side view of an example drain
adapter in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 7 schematically depicts an example drainage system in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 8 schematically depicts an example drainage system in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 9 schematically depicts an example drainage system in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 10 schematically depicts an example burner box mounting
system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 11 schematically depicts an example burner box mounting
system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 12 schematically depicts an example burner box mounting
system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 13 schematically depicts an example mounting bracket in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 14 schematically depicts an example mounting bracket in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 15 schematically depicts a side view of an example
mounting bracket in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 16 schematically depicts a side view of an example
mounting bracket in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 17 schematically depicts an example collector box in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 18 schematically depicts an example collector box in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 19 schematically depicts an example control panel in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 20 schematically depicts an example control panel in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 21 schematically depicts an example control panel
attachment system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 22 schematically depicts an example control panel
attachment system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 23 schematically depicts an example heating system in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 24 schematically depicts an example base member in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 25 schematically depicts a top view of an example base
member in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 26 schematically depicts a bottom view of an example
base member in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 27 schematically depicts an example base member in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 28 schematically depicts an example base member in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 29 schematically depicts an example tube chase in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 30 schematically depicts an example tube chase in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 31 schematically depicts an example tube chase in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 32 schematically depicts an example tube chase in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 33 schematically depicts an example tube chase in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 34 schematically depicts an example compressor power
supply plug in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 35 schematically depicts an example compressor power
supply plug in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 36 schematically depicts an example compressor power
supply plug in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 37 schematically depicts a top view of an example
compressor power supply plug in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 38 schematically depicts a cross-section of an example
compressor power supply plug in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] Described below are embodiments of a heating and cooling
unit 100 (as well as individual components of the heating and
cooling unit 100). Methods of installing and using the heating and
cooling unit 100 are also disclosed. FIG.1 generally depicts the
heating and cooling unit 100 as a whole. In certain embodiments,
the heating and cooling unit 100 may be a single package vertical
(SPV) heating and cooling unit. The heating and cooling unit 100
may be any type of heating and cooling unit. The heating and
cooling unit 100, or aspects thereof, may be used in residential or
commercial settings. For example, the heating and cooling unit 100
may be used to heat and/or cool an interior space, such as a room,
an apartment, a house, a building, etc. In some instances, the
heating and cooling unit 100 may be installed into an opening that
is made into an outside wall. Additionally, the heating and cooling
unit 100 may be installed adjacent to an outside wall with a wall
sleeve connecting the unit to the outdoors. That is, a portion of
the heating and cooling unit 100 may be in communication with the
interior space, while another portion of the heating and cooling
unit 100 may be in communication with the surrounding ambient
environment. For example, the heating and cooling unit 100 may be
located about an exterior wall, with part of the heating and
cooling unit 100 positioned within the interior space and part of
the heating and cooling unit 100 positioned outside.
[0046] As depicted in FIG. 2, the heating and cooling unit 100 may
include a heating system 102 and a cooling system 104. The heating
system 102 may be generally disposed above the cooling system 104
or vice versa. In some instances, the heating system 102 may
include a condensing heat exchanger. Any type of heating system may
be used herein. The cooling system 104 may include a refrigeration
cycle air conditioner or the like. Any type of cooling system may
be used herein. Likewise, any type of heating or refrigeration
circuit may be used herein.
[0047] The heating and cooling unit 100 may include an exterior
casing 106. The exterior casing 106 may be a single panel or a
number of panels formed together. A horizontal division panel 108
may be disposed within the casing 106. The division panel 108
generally may separate a heating system compartment 110 from a
cooling system compartment 112. The exterior casing 106 of the
heating system compartment 110 may include a removable front panel
114 (as depicted in FIG. 1) for accessing one or more components of
the heating and cooling unit 100. For example, the removable front
panel 114 may provide access to a combustion compartment 116. The
exterior casing 106 and the panels thereof may be made out of sheet
metal and similar types of substantially rigid substrates.
[0048] As depicted in FIG. 3, the combustion compartment 116 may
include, among other things, a burner box 118, an inducer blower
120, and an exhaust flue 122. Other components of the heating
system 102 may be disposed within the combustion compartment 116.
The combustion compartment 116 also may include a drainage system
including a collector box (cold side) 124, a trap 126, and a
convertible drain 128. One or more drainage tubes 130 may connect
the exhaust flue 122 with the collector box 124, the collector box
124 with the trap 126, and the trap 126 with the convertible drain
128. As depicted in FIG. 1, the convertible drain 128 may be in
communication with an opening 132 in a side of the exterior casing
106 or in communication with an opening 134 in the removable front
panel 114 depending on the arrangement of the convertible drain 128
and external space limitations.
[0049] For example, as depicted in FIGS. 4-9, the convertible drain
128 may include a hose 136. In some instances, the hose 136 may be
flexible. In other instances, the hose 136 may include a fixed bend
along its length. The convertible drain 128 also may include a
drain adapter 138 having a first end with an inlet 140 (which the
hose 136 is attachable to) and a second end with an outlet 142. In
some instances, the inlet 140 may be angled relative to the outlet
142.
[0050] The drain adapter 138 also may include an attachment bracket
144. A corresponding key hole 146 may be disposed in the division
panel 108. The key hole 146 may include two configurations. In some
instances, the key hole 146 may resemble the outline of Mickey
Mouse's head, i.e., a main circle with two semi-circles or mouse
ears extending therefrom. In this manner, as depicted in FIG. 9,
the attachment bracket 144 may be configured to mate with the key
hole 146 to secure the drain adapter 138 against the division panel
108 in a first configuration with the outlet 142 facing a side of
the heating and cooling unit 100. In some instances, however, a
clearance on the side of the heating and cooling 100 may not allow
for drainage thereabout. In such instances, as depicted in FIG. 7,
the attachment bracket 144 may be configured to mate with the key
hole 146 to secure the drain adapter 138 against the division panel
108 in a second configuration with the outlet 142 facing a front of
the heating and cooling unit 100. In some instances, the hose 136
may be rotated to accommodate the second positioned from the first
potion and vice versa. Other configurations may be used herein.
[0051] The drain adapter 138 may include a bottom platform 148
having an attachment hole 150 therethrough. The attachment hole 150
may be used to attach the platform 148 to the division panel 108 by
way of a fastener, such as a screw, a bolt, or the like, after the
attachment bracket 144 is positioned within the key hole 146. The
attachment bracket 144 may extend down from the bottom platform
148.
[0052] The drain adapter 138 also may include a flange 152
extending upward from the bottom platform 148. The flange 152 may
be disposed about the outlet 142. The flange 152 may be configured
to form a seal about the opening 132 in the side panel of the
heating and cooling unit 100 when in the first configuration.
Similarly, the flange 152 may be configured to form a seal about
the opening 134 in the removable front panel 114 when in the second
configuration.
[0053] A front surface 154 of the drain adapter 138 may extend out
from the flange 152 to form a lip 156 therebetween. The front
surface 154 may be configured to mate with the opening 132 in the
side panel when in the first configuration or mate with the opening
134 in the removable front panel 114 when in the second
configuration. In some instances, there may be a slight clearance
between the opening 134 in the removable front panel 114 and the
lip 156 in order to facilitate the removal of the removable front
panel 114. As depicted in FIG. 1, a removable cover 158 may be used
to cover the unoccupied opening 132 in the side panel or the
unoccupied opening 134 in the removable front panel 114 depending
on the orientation of the drain adapter 138. Other components and
other configurations may be used herein.
[0054] Due to space constraints, and in order to fit the various
components within the size of the existing combustion compartment
116, the burner box 118 may be mounted to a substantially vertical
vestibule panel 160 within the combustion compartment 116 in a
sideways orientation. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 10-12, a
first mounting bracket 162 may be attachable to the vestibule panel
160. The first mounting bracket 162 also may be attachable to an
inner wall 163 on a first side 164 of the burner box 118. Likewise,
a second mounting bracket 166 may be attachable to the vestibule
panel 160. The second mounting bracket 166 may be attachable to an
outer wall 167 on a second side 168 of the burner box 118. The
first mounting bracket 162 may be spaced apart from the second
mounting bracket 166 such that the burner box 118 is slidable
between the first mounting bracket 162 and the second mounting
bracket 166. In this manner, the burner box 118 may be inserted
next to the first and second mounting brackets 162, 166 and slid
into engagement with the first mounting bracket 162 and the second
mounting bracket 166.
[0055] As depicted in FIGS. 13-16, the first and second mounting
brackets 162, 166 may include an alignment and support protrusion
170 configured to mate with a corresponding alignment hole 172 in
the vestibule panel 160. In addition, in order to secure the first
and second mounting brackets 162, 166 to the vestibule panel 160
and the burner box 118, the first and second mounting brackets 162,
166 may include a vestibule attachment hole 174 and a burner box
attachment hole 176. Any number of alignment and support
protrusions 170, vestibule attachment holes 174, and/or burner box
attachment holes 176 may be used. A fastener, such as a screw, a
bolt, or the like may be inserted into the vestibule attachment
hole 174 and a corresponding attachment hole 178 in the vestibule
panel 160 for securing the first and second mounting brackets 162,
166 to the vestibule panel 160. Likewise, a fastener, such as a
screw, bolt, or the like may be inserted into the burner box
attachment hole 176 and a corresponding attachment hole 180 in the
burner box 118 for securing the first and second mounting brackets
162, 166 to the burner box 118. In some instances, the second
mounting bracket 166 may not include a fastener for attaching the
burner box 118. In addition, the first and second mounting brackets
162, 166 may include a burner box alignment protrusion 182
configured to mate with a corresponding alignment hole 184 in the
burner box. Any number of burner box alignment protrusions 182 may
be used. Other components and other configurations may be used
herein.
[0056] Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, a control panel 186 may be
disposed within the combustion compartment 116. Also due to space
constraints, and in order to fit the various components within the
combustion compartment 116, the control panel 186 may be removably
attached to the collector box 124. For example, as depicted in
FIGS. 17-22, the collector box 124 may include a channel 188, and
the control panel 186 may include a corresponding slot 190. Any
number of channels 188 and slots 190 may be used. The slot 190 may
be configured to slidably mate with the channel 188. In some
instances, the control panel 186 may include an L-shaped base 192
with the slot 190 formed therein.
[0057] A tab 194 may be disposed on the collector box 124 adjacent
to the channel 188. The tab 194 may be configured to removably
secure the slot 190 within the channel 188. For example, the tab
194 may be elastic such that it may slide forward when the slot 190
is slid into the channel 188. The tab 194 may rest in a notch 196
adjacent to the slot 190 to prevent the slot 190 from sliding out
of the channel 188. To remove the control panel 186, the tab 194
may be pressed out of the notch 196 to allow the slot 190 to slide
out of the channel 188. In this manner, the control panel 186 may
no longer be attached to the removable front panel 114 as is
typically done. The disclosed configuration enables the control
panel 186 to be readily removed from the combustion compartment 116
to access the other components, such as the burner box 118 and/or
the inducer blow 120. Other components and other configurations may
be used herein.
[0058] Referring back to FIG. 2, the exterior casing 106 about the
combustion compartment 116 may include an air inlet 198 (louvers)
in communication with the outside ambient environment. For example,
the combustion compartment 116 may be generally on a
non-conditioned space side of the heating and cooling unit 100.
That is, the combustion compartment 116 may be generally in
communication with the outside ambient environment and
substantially sealed off from the interior space.
[0059] As noted above, the heating system 102 may include a
condensing heat exchanger. A drainage system for the condensing
heat exchanger may be disposed within the combustion compartment
116, which may be on the non-conditioned space side of the heating
and cooling unit 100 because it is exposed to the outside ambient
environment. Typically, drainage from a condensing heat exchanger
is routed to the outside environment, with, for example, the
drainage line being buried underground. Here, however, the drainage
line may be routed through the combustion compartment 116 and into
the interior space via the drain adapter 138.
[0060] FIG. 23 depicts a heat exchanger assembly 200, which may be
disposed adjacent to the combustion compartment 116. The heat
exchanger assembly 200 and the combustion compartment 116 may be
separated by the vestibule panel 160. The heat exchanger assembly
200 may include, among other things, an air inlet 202, an air
outlet 204 (depicted in FIG. 2), a primary heat exchanger 206, a
secondary heat exchanger 208, and a transition box 210 between the
primary heat exchanger 206 and the secondary heat exchanger 208.
The primary heat exchanger 206 may be in communication with the
burner box 118 by way of one or more openings in the vestibule
panel 160.
[0061] The heat exchanger assembly 200 may be generally on a
conditioned space side of the heating and cooling unit 100. That
is, the heat exchanger assembly 200 may be generally in
communication with the interior space and substantially sealed off
from the outside environment. For example, the air inlet 202 may
receive air from the interior space, and the air outlet 204 my
provide heat air to the interior space. Other components and other
configurations may be used herein.
[0062] Referring back to FIG. 2, the cooling system 104 may be
generally disposed within the cooling system compartment 112
located beneath the division panel 108. The cooling system
compartment 112 may include, among other things, a separator panel
212 that separates a conditioned space side from a non-conditioned
space of the cooling system compartment 112. An evaporator 214 may
be located on the conditioned space side of separator panel 212,
and a compressor 216 and condenser 215 may be located on a
non-conditioned space side of the separator panel.
[0063] A base member 218 may be disposed about a bottom of the
cooling system compartment 112. The base member 218 may be slid in
and out of the cooling system compartment 112. As depicted in FIGS.
24-28, the base member 218 may include a substantially horizontal
main body 220 configured to support one or more components of the
cooling system 104 thereon, such as the evaporator 214 and/or the
compressor 216, among others. The main body 220 may include a
conditioned space portion 222 about a front of the main body 220
and a non-conditioned space 224 portion about a rear of the main
body 220. A substantially vertical separation wall 226 may extend
up from the main body 220. In some instances, as depicted in FIGS.
29 and 30, the separator panel 212 may be disposed on top of the
separation wall 226. In this manner, the separation wall 226 and
the separator panel 212 may separate the conditioned space portion
222 from the non-conditioned space portion 224.
[0064] The base member 218 may include a lip 228 formed at least
partially about the non-conditioned space portion 224. In some
instances, the lip 228 may extend along the sides of the
non-conditioned space portion 224 and/or along a perimeter of the
non-conditioned space portion 224. A drainage hole 230 may extend
through the non-conditioned space portion 224. The drainage hole
230 may be in communication with the outside ambient environment.
In some instances, the drainage hole 230 may include two drainage
holes 230 disposed at the back corners of the non-conditioned space
portion 224. Any number of drainage holes 230 may be used. To
facilitate drainage, a surface 232 of the non-conditioned space
portion 224 may sloped towards the drainage hole 230.
[0065] The conditioned space portion 222 of the base member 218 may
include a drain pan 234. The drain pan 234 may receive condensate
from the evaporator 214. In some instances, the separation wall 226
and the drain pan 234 may at least partially form an evaporator
compartment 236 therebetween. A drainage tube 238 may be in fluid
communication with the drain pan 234. In this manner, a surface 240
of the drain pan 234 may be sloped towards the drainage tube 238.
In some instances, a substantially vertical sealing rib 242 may be
disposed within the drain pan 234. The sealing rib 242 may be
configured to make contact with and deform one or more fins on a
coil of the evaporator 214 to create a seal between the coil and
the sealing rib 242 to force liquid forward into the drain pan 234
towards the drainage tube 238 and to prevent airflow therebetween.
As depicted in FIGS. 27 and 28, the drain pan 234 also may include
one or more integrated holes 244 disposed for mounting a filter
catch 246.
[0066] The drainage tube 238 may be disposed beneath the drain pan
234. To ensure that the drainage tube 238 does not break off during
installation or maintenance, a protective box 248 may be disposed
about the drainage tube 238. In addition, to slide the base member
218 in and out of the cooling system compartment, a molded handled
250 may be formed about the conditioned space portion 222. For
example, the molded handle may 250 be disposed beneath the drain
pan 234. In some instances, two handles 250 may be molded beneath
the drain pan 234. In some instances, one or more additional
handles 251 may be positioned adjacent to the handles 250. The
additional handles 251 may be used transport the base member 218
after it has been removed.
[0067] In certain embodiments, the base member 218 may include a
ridge 252 disposed on a bottom of the main body 220 opposite the
separation wall 226. The ridge 252 may form a seal under the main
body 220 between the conditioned space portion 222 and the
non-condition spaced portion 224. For example, the ridge 252 may
abut an interior wall (or ridge) of the exterior casing 106 to form
a seal therebetween. In some instances, the base member 218 may be
a single integrated member. That is, the base member 218 (and its
various components) may be molded as a single piece of plastic or
the like. Other components and other configurations may be used
herein.
[0068] As depicted in FIGS. 29 and 30, a tube chase 254 may be
attached to the separator panel 212 in order to pass tubing,
wiring, and/or other components between the conditioned space
portion 222 and the non-condition spaced portion 224 of the cooling
system compartment 112. For example, the tube chase 254 may provide
a sealed passage through the separator panel 212 for a suction
line, a liquid line, and one or more wires of the cooling system
104.
[0069] As depicted in FIGS. 31-33, the tube chase 254 may include a
tube chase main body 256. The tube chase main body 256 may include
a tube slot 258 and/or a wire slot 260. Any number of tube slots
258 and wire slots 260 may be used. The tube chase 254 also may
include a removable tube chase cover 262 configured to mate with
the tube chase main body 256. A grommet 264 may be positioned
within the tube chase main body 256. The grommet 264 may include a
tube passage 266 and/or a wire passage 268. Any number of tube
passages 266 and wire passages 268 may be used. The tube passage
266 may be aligned with the tube slot 258, and the wire passage 260
may be aligned with the wire slot 268 when the grommet 264 is
disposed within the tube chase main body 256.
[0070] The tube chase main body 256 may include an attachment
groove 270 for attaching the tube chase main body 256 to separator
panel 212. The attachment groove 270 may extend at least partially
about a perimeter of the tube chase main body 256. In some
instances, the tube chase cover 262 may include an exterior surface
272 configured to form a seal with the side panel of the heating
and cooling unit 100.
[0071] To attach the tube chase main body 256 to the removable tube
chase cover 262, the tube chase main body 256 may include an
attachment protrusion 274. Likewise, the removable tube chase cover
262 may include an attachment hole 276 configured to mate with the
attachment protrusion 274. In addition, the tube chase main body
256 may include an attachment bore 278 configured to receive a
fastener therein, and the removable tube chase cover 262 may
include an arm 280 having an attachment hole 282 therethrough. The
attachment hole 282 may be configured to receive a fastener therein
when the attachment bore 278 is aligned with the attachment hole
282. In this manner, the removable tube case cover 262 may be
rotatably attached to the tube case main body 256 by positioning
the attachment hole 276 within the attachment protrusion 274 and
rotating the tube chase cover 262 about the tube chase main body
256 so that the attachment hole 282 is aligned with the attachment
bore 278. Other components and other configurations may be used
herein.
[0072] As noted above, the cooling system 104 may include a
compressor 216. As depicted in FIGS. 34 and 35, the compressor 216
may include an electric feedthrough 284. The electric feedthrough
284 may provide a passage for one or more electrical components
between the compressor can (e.g., high pressure side of the
compressor 216) and the ambient environment. Because the electric
feedthrough 284 is positioned between the high pressure side of the
compressor 216 and the ambient, it may be prone to blow offs. In
order to prevent the electric feedthrough 284 from becoming a
projectile, a compressor power supply plug 286 may be attached to
the electric feedthrough 284. The compressor supply plug 286 may
also form an electrical connection with the electric feedthrough
284.
[0073] As depicted in FIGS. 36-38, the compressor supply plug 286
may include a main body 288 attachable to the electric feedthrough
284. The main body 288 may generally form a plug having one or more
electrical terminal connections 290 therein for connecting one or
more wires 292 to the electric feedthrough 284. For example, in
some instances, the electric feedthrough 284 may include one or
more male terminals, and the main body 288 may include one or more
corresponding female terminals, or vice versa. The compressor
supply plug 286 also may include a flange 294 extending from the
main body 288. In some instances, the main body 288 and flange 294
may be single molded piece.
[0074] The flange 294 may include an aperture 296 extending
therethrough. The compressor 216 may include a corresponding stud
298 positioned adjacent to the electric feedthrough 284. The stud
298 may be securely attached to the compressor can. To secure the
main body 288 to the electric feedthrough 284, the stud 298 may be
positioned within the aperture 296. That is, the aperture 296 may
be configured to receive the stud 298 for securing the main body
288 to the compressor 216. In this manner, a fastener (such as a
nut or other attachment device) may be threaded onto the stud 298
to capture the main body 288 against the electric feedthrough 284
by way of the flange 294. In addition, the aperture 296 and stud
298 may collectively act as a key to ensure that the main body 288
is properly aligned with the electric feedthrough 284. In some
instances, a cap 300 may be positioned over the compressor supply
plug 286. In other instances, the cap 300 may be omitted.
[0075] The main body 288 and/or the flange 294 may include a
sealing surface 300 that mates to a top surface of the compressor
can 216 and the electrical feedthrough 284. The sealing surface 300
may prevent moisture from entering the compressor supply plug 286,
thereby preventing corrosion from forming between the female
terminal 290 and male terminals protruding from electrical
feedthrough 284.
[0076] The compressor supply plug 286 may be used with a compressor
in a heating and cooling unit as described herein, or the
compressor supply plug 286 may be used with compressors in other
application. The compressor supply plug 286 may be used with any
compressor. Other components and other configurations may be used
herein.
[0077] Although specific embodiments of the disclosure have been
described, numerous other modifications and alternative embodiments
are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, any of the
functionality described with respect to a particular device or
component may be performed by another device or component. Further,
while specific device characteristics have been described,
embodiments of the disclosure may relate to numerous other device
characteristics. Further, although embodiments have been described
in language specific to structural features and/or methodological
acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily
limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the
specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of
implementing the embodiments. Conditional language, such as, among
others, "can," "could," "might," or "may," unless specifically
stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as
used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments
could include, while other embodiments may not include, certain
features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language
is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or
steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.
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