INNER SPACE OF A RAIL VEHICLE

Field of the invention The present invention relates to air conditioning system, and more particularly; to the air conditioning system for heating, cooling and/or ventilating an inner space of a passenger carriage, for example, a rail vehicle.

Background of the invention

Air conditioning systems to be used in inner space of a passenger carriage, for example, a rail vehicle are known in the art. A German patent application DE 10 2008 050 344 A1 describes a ventilation/air conditioning apparatus for motor vehicles, with a fan which is arranged in a main intake duct and which is preceded by an adjustable air intake mixing device. The adjustable air intake mixing device can cut in or cut out different secondary intake ducts and thereby suck in air from different regions. Example of such a secondary intake duct includes a fresh-air duct, via which fresh air from the atmosphere is supplied to the main intake duct, and a circulating-air duct, via which circulating air from an inner space of the vehicle is supplied to the main intake duct.

In modem passenger carriages of rail vehicles which are equipped with the air conditioning system, there is usually no possibility of opening a window in order to ventilate or de-aerate the inner space. In such passenger carriages, there is the problem, in the event of a fire, of conveying smoke occurring in the inner space of the passenger carriage to out of the inner space into the atmosphere, in order to avoid poisoning or suffocating the persons located in the inner space of the passenger carriage.

Figure 1 illustrates a diagrammatic cross section and a diagrammatic top view of a passenger carriage of the prior art, equipped with an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system shown in figure 1 as an HVAC unit (2) (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) is designed as a roof air conditioning system, and in particular, the

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(Rule 26) RO/AU known HVAC units have an air stream mixing device for setting a main air stream (8) routed in a main air stream duct (6), as the ratio of a fresh-air stream (12) sucked in from the atmosphere via a fresh-air stream duct (10) and of a circulating-air stream (18) sucked in from the inner space of the passenger carriage via at least one circulating-air stream duct (16).

Furthermore, HVAC unit (2) has a main air stream blower following the air stream mixing device for setting the size of the main air stream (8) routed in the main air stream duct (6). Inflow ports (20) are connected to the main air stream duct (6) and to the inner space for the inflow of the main air stream (8) out of the main air stream duct (6) into the inner space and also outflow ports (22) are connected to the inner space and to the circulating-air stream duct (16), the outflow ports (22) are provided for the outflow of the circulating-air stream (18) out of the inner space into the circulating-air stream duct (16).

According to standard operating conditions of the HVAC unit (2), the main air stream (8) flows from the main air stream duct (6) through the inflow ports (20) into the inner space of the passenger carriage (1) and the circulating-air stream (18) flows from there through the outflow ports (22) into the circulating-air stream duct (16). The circulating-air stream (18), which is therefore circulated in the air conditioning system (HVAC unit (2)), is then mixed with the fresh-air stream (12) additionally supplied, as required, to form the main air stream (8) which is then, cooled or heated as required, is blown via the inflow ports (20) into the inner space by means of the main air stream blower. The passenger carriage is connected at both ends to further carriages, in particular likewise passenger carriages, and can exchange air with their inner spaces. However, if a fire breaks out (as shown in figure 2) in the inner space of the passenger carriage, smoke arises and the air mixed with smoke first being sucked out of the inner space via the outflow ports (22) into the circulating-air stream duct (16) in order to pass from there into the main air stream duct (6), with the result that the main air stream (8) is mixed with smoke before it is blown by means of the main air stream blower into the inner space again via the inflow ports (20) as shown in figure 3. The passengers located in the inner space are then left only with the

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(Rule 26) RO/AU possibility of escaping into adjoining passenger carriages to avoid being harmed by smoke poisoning or suffocation.

Accordingly, there exist a need to provide air conditioning system (HVAC unit) for the passenger carriage, for example, the rail vehicle which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.

Objects of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for operating air conditioning system (heating ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC)) in such a way that smoke can be removed as quickly as possible from the inner space of a passenger carriage, for example, a rail vehicle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for operating air conditioning system (heating ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC)) which circulates air flow from other passenger carriages into the passenger carriage having smoke therein because of negative pressure gradient as the smoke-contaminated air is sucked away.

Summary of the invention

In one aspect, the present invention provides air conditioning system for heating, cooling and/or ventilating an inner space of a passenger carriage, the air conditioning system comprising: at least one fresh-air blower for sucking in fresh air from atmosphere; at least one fresh-air stream duct for carrying sucked fresh-air; at least one circulating-air stream duct for sucking circulating-air from inner space of the passenger carriage; at least one main air stream duct capable of receiving a main air stream formed by the fresh-air stream and the circulating-air stream;

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(Rule 26) RO/AU an air stream mixing device for setting a main air stream routed in at least one main air stream duct; a main air stream blower for setting size and direction of flow of the main air stream routed in the at least one main air stream duct; at least one flow connection port configured between the main air stream duct and the atmosphere, the at least one flow connection port capable of being opened or closed; at least one actuation device for actuating at least one actuation element to open or close at least one flow connection port; a plurality of inflow ports connecting the main air stream duct and the inner space of the passenger carriage for the inflow of the main air stream into the inner space of the passenger carriage; a plurality of outflow ports connecting the inner space of the passenger carriage and the circulating-air stream duct for the outflow of the circulating-air stream out of the inner space into the circulating-air stream duct; a smoke alarm for detecting smoke in the inner space of the passenger carriage; and a control device for control of the main air stream blower, air stream mixing device, the actuation device and the smoke alarm, wherein the smoke alarm is signal- connected to the control device, wherein under normal operating condition, the main air stream flows through the inflow ports into the inner space and the circulating-air stream flows through the outflow ports into the at least one circulating-air stream duct and the flow connection port between the main air stream duct and the atmosphere is closed, further under smoke condition in the inner space, the control device reverse the direction of flow of the main air stream in order to suck smoke-laden air via the inflow ports out of the inner space into the main air stream duct, and the flow connection port between the main air stream

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(Rule 26) RO/AU duct and the atmosphere is opened, in order to conduct the smoke-laden air sucked into the atmosphere.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for operating an air conditioning system for heating, cooling and/or ventilating an inner space of a passenger carriage, the method comprising: monitoring of the inner space of the passenger carriage to determine whether smoke indicating a fire is present in the inner space or not by means of a smoke alarm; operating the air conditioning system under standard operating condition in the event that no smoke indicating a fire is detected, in which a main air stream is formed as a ratio of a fresh-air stream sucked in from the atmosphere and of a circulating-air stream sucked in from the inner space and is cooled or heated, as required, is routed into the inner space; and operating the air conditioning system in the event that smoke indicating a fire is detected in the inner space of the passenger carriage by reversing the direction of flow of the main air stream with respect to the standard operating conditions, in order to mix or suck smoke-laden air from the inner space into the main air stream having a reversed direction of flow, and discharge of at least part of the main air stream into the atmosphere.

Brief description of the drawings Figure 1 and 2 shows schematic drawing of air conditioning system of the prior art used in passenger carriages;

Figure 3 shows a diagrammatic top view of an heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit for a passenger carriage being operated under standard operating conditions, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the HVAC unit of figure 3 under standard operating conditions;

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(Rule 26) RO/AU Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic cross section and a top view of a passenger carriage equipped with the HVAC unit according to figure 3 and figure 4 operated under fire operating conditions;

Figure 6 shows a diagrammatic top view of the HVAC unit under fire operating conditions;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the HVAC unit under fire operating conditions;

Figure 8 shows a schematic drawing of the HVAC unit under standard operating conditions; and

Figure 9 shows a schematic drawing of the HVAC unit under fire operating conditions. Detailed description of the embodiments

The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiment.

The present invention provides an air conditioning system for heating, cooling and/or ventilating an inner space of a passenger carriage, for example, a rail vehicle in which smoke can be removed as quickly as possible therefrom. Further, the air conditioning system circulates air flow from other passenger carriages into the passenger carriage having smoke therein because of negative pressure gradient as the smoke-contaminated air is sucked away in the atmosphere. The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throug out which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in bracket in the following description.

Referring now to figure 3-9, there are shown various views of air conditioning system for heating, cooling and/or ventilating an inner space of a passenger carriage, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Specifically, figure 3-9 illustrates the air conditioning system (200) (also referred as heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (200) and hereinafter refereed 'the HVAC unit (200)'). The HVAC

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(Rule 26) RO/AU unit (200) comprises at least two fresh-air blowers (105), at least one fresh-air stream duct (110), at least one circulating-air stream duct (115), at least one main air stream duct (120), an air stream mixing device (125), a main air stream blower (130), at least one flow connection port (135), at least one actuation device (140), a plurality of inflow ports (145), a plurality of outflow ports (150), a smoke alarm (not shown) , and a control device (not shown).

The HVAC unit (200) is arranged on roof (160) of a passenger carriage (100), for example, a rail vehicle. The HVAC unit (200) in this case can be placed as a mounting unit onto the roof (160) of the passenger carriage (100). In an embodiment, the HVAC unit (200) may be integrated into a roof aperture. The passenger carriage (100) is connected, for example at both ends, to further carriages, in particular further passenger carriages, and can exchange air with their inner spaces.

The HVAC unit (200) comprises at least two fresh-air blowers (105). For purpose of explanation two air blowers (105) are shown. The air blowers (105) are, for example, rotary fans. The air blowers (105) suck fresh air (112) into at least one fresh-air stream ducts ( 0). The HVAC unit (200) further comprises at least two slides (126). For purpose of explanation two slides (126) are shown. The slides (126) can be actuated linearly by an actuation device (140) and which, as a function of their actuation travel by means of the actuation device (140), in each case close a plurality of flow connection ports (135) in a main air stream duct (120) or release the flow connection ports (135) to a specific degree. Specifically, figure 4 and figure 9 show the slides (126) in a closing position which closes the flow connection ports (135) and corresponds to standard operating conditions of the HVAC unit (200). The standard operating conditions in this case embrace customary or normal operating conditions, such as, for example, the control of the temperature of an inner space (114) of the passenger carriage (100) to a desired temperature or control of the ventilation of the inner space (114) of the passenger carriage (100).

Under these normal conditions, the HVAC unit (200) operates in the same way as the air conditioning system described above with regard to the prior art and shown in figure 1 and figure 2. Specifically, the HVAC unit (200) comprises an air stream mixing device (125) for setting a main air stream (122), routed in, for example, two

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(Rule 26) RO/AU main air stream ducts (120), as the ratio of a fresh-air stream (112) sucked in from the atmosphere via the fresh-air stream ducts (110) and of a circulating-air stream (118) sucked in from the inner space (114), via, for example, two circulating-air stream ducts (115). Furthermore, the main air stream blower (130) following the air stream mixing device (125), for setting the size of the main air stream (122) is routed in the main air stream ducts (120). In contrast to the prior art, this main air stream blower (130) is reversible, that is to say it has a type of operation in which the direction of flow, prevailing under standard operating conditions, of the main air stream (122) from the main air stream ducts (120) through the plurality of inflow ports (145) into the inner space (114) can be reversed. Specifically, the air is then sucked out of the inner space (114) via the plurality of inflow ports (145) into the main air stream ducts (120).

In an embodiment, the main air stream blower (130) is formed by two drum-type blowers which are arranged in the main air stream ducts (120) in the region of the flow connection ports (135) and the axes of rotation of which are in each case arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal extent of the respective main air stream duct (120) as shown in figure 6 and figure 7.

The plurality inflow ports (145) connects the main air stream ducts (120) and to the inner space (114). Specifically, the plurality of inflow ports (145) allows the inflow of the main air stream (122) into the inner space (114). Further, the plurality of outflow ports (150) connects the inner space (114) and the circulating-air stream ducts (1 5). Specifically, the plurality of outflow ports (150) are provided for the outflow of the circulating-air stream (118) from the inner space ( 4) into the circulating-air stream ducts (115). According to the standard operating conditions of the HVAC unit (200), the main air stream (122) flows from the main air stream ducts (120) through the plurality inflow ports (145) into the inner space (114) and the circulating-air stream (118) flows through the plurality of outflow ports (150) into the circulating-air stream ducts (115). The circulating-air stream (118) is then mixed with the fresh-air stream (112) additionally supplied, as required, to form the main air stream (122) which is then,

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(Rule 26) RO/AU cooled or heated as required by means of a combined heating/cooling device (not shown) and thereafter blown via the plurality of inflow ports (145) into the inner space (114). The HVAC unit (200) under normal standard operating conditions is illustrated in figure 3, figure 4 and figure 8. Furthermore, the HVAC unit (200) comprises a control device (not shown) for control of the main air stream blower (130), the air stream mixing device (125), the actuation device (140) and the smoke alarm (not shown).

In an embodiment, the control device is an electronic control device for controlling the air stream mixing device (125) for setting the main air stream (122) routed in the main air stream ducts (120) as the ratio of the fresh-air stream (112) sucked in from the atmosphere via the fresh-air stream ducts (110) and of the circulating-air stream (118) sucked in from the inner space (114) via the circulating-air stream ducts (115). Furthermore, the electronic control device controls the main air stream blower (130), following the air stream mixing device (125) for setting the size and direction of flow of the main air stream (122) routed in the main air stream ducts (120) and also the actuation device ( 40) for the slides (126) in order to open or close the flow connection ports (135) in the main air stream ducts (120).

Furthermore, at least one smoke alarm, (not shown) for detecting smoke in the inner space (114) is provided in the inner space (114) or on its lining. The smoke alarm being signal-connected to the control device in such a way that the occurrence of smoke in the inner space (114) of the passenger carriage (100) such as the rail vehicle can be signalled to the control device by the smoke alarm.

The control device is designed, particularly by virtue of stored control routines, such that, when smoke is signalled in the inner space (114) by the smoke alarm, the control device controls the main air stream blower (130) and the actuation device (140) in such a way that the direction of flow of the main air stream (122) is reversed, in order to suck smoke-laden air via the plurality of inflow ports (145) out of the inner space (114) into the main.air stream ducts (120).

This reversal in the direction of flow of the main air stream (122) is achieved here, for example, by reversed or inverted operation of the main air blower (130) which is

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(Rule 26) RO/AU activated correspondingly by the electronic control device. Furthermore, the actuation device (140) is activated by the electronic control device in order to push the slides (126) away from the flow connection ports (135) so as to open the flow connections between the main air stream ducts (120) and the atmosphere, so that the smoke- laden air sucked into the main air stream ducts ( 20) can be conducted into the atmosphere.

Furthermore, in the event that smoke indicating a fire is detected in the inner space (114) of the passenger carriage (100), the ratio of the sucked-in fresh-air stream (110) and of the circulating-air stream (115) sucked in from the inner space (114) is set in the main air stream (122) such that the sucked-in fresh-air stream (112) is essentially equal to zero. The HVAC unit (200) in the event of a fire is illustrated in figure 5, figure 7 and figure 9. The two horizontal arrows in figure 5 indicate in each case at the end of the passenger carriage (100), if further rail vehicles or passenger carriages are coupled to the passenger carriage (100) having the HVAC unit (200) described herein, circulating air can flow on from these passenger carriages into the passenger carriage (100), because a negative pressure gradient occurs in the passenger carriage (100) as the smoke-contaminated air is sucked away.

In a preferred embodiment, the air stream mixing device (125), the main air stream blower (130), the control device, the main air stream ducts (120), at least part of the circulating-air stream ducts (115), the fresh-air stream ducts (110) and also the fresh- air blower (105) and/or the combined heating/cooling device are combined in the HVAC unit (200). The HVAC unit (200) then communicates with the smoke alarm in the inner space (114) of the passenger carriage (100) so that the smoke alarm can send signals dependent on the occurrence of smoke to the electronic control device integrated in the HVAC unit (200).

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for operating an air conditioning system intended for heating, cooling and/or ventilating an inner space of a rail vehicle. The method is described in conjunction with the system (200). The method comprises monitoring the inner space of the passenger carriage to determine whether smoke indicating a fire is present in the inner space or not by means of a smoke alarm.

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(Rule 26) RO/AU Further, the method includes operating the air conditioning system under standard operating condition in the event that no smoke indicating a fire is detected, in which a main air stream is formed as a ratio of a fresh-air stream sucked in from the atmosphere and of a circulating-air stream sucked in from the inner space and is cooled or heated, as required, is routed into the inner space.

Furthermore, the method includes operating the air conditioning system under in the event that smoke indicating a fire is detected in the inner space of the passenger carriage by reversing the direction of flow of the main air stream with respect to the standard operating conditions, in order to mix or suck smoke-laden air from the inner space into the main air stream having a reversed direction of flow, and discharge at least part of the main air stream into the atmosphere.

Specifically, in the event when smoke indicating a fire is detected in the inner space of the passenger carriage such as rail vehicle, the ratio of the sucked-in fresh-air stream and of the circulating-air stream sucked in from the inner space is set in the main air stream such that the sucked-in fresh-air stream is essentially equal to zero.

With the aid of the method according to the present invention, the situation is avoided where, in the event of a fire in the inner space (114) of the passenger carriage (100), air sucked in with the circulating-air stream (118) and contaminated with smoke is blown back into the inner space (114) again within the main air stream (122). Instead, the smoke-contaminated air is discharged into the atmosphere. The method according to the invention consequently contributes decisively for increase in safety.

Preferably, in the event that smoke indicating a fire is detected in the inner space ( 14) of the passenger carriage (100), the ratio of the sucked-in fresh-air stream (110) and of the circulating-air stream (115) sucked in from the inner space ( 14) is set in the main air stream such that the sucked-in fresh-air stream is essentially equal to zero. Consequently, a counter flow of the fresh-air stream contrary to the then reversed main air stream is prevented. Further, the situation is prevented where the development of the fire is accelerated as a result of the further supply of fresh-air oxygen.

In addition, in the event that smoke indicating a fire is detected in the inner space (114) of the passenger carriage (100), the ratio of the sucked-in fresh-air stream (112) and of

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(Rule 26) RO/AU the circulating-air stream (118) sucked in from the inner space (114) is set in the main air stream (122) such that the sucked-in fresh-air stream (112) is essentially equal to zero.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the air stream mixing device (125), the main air stream blower (130), the control device, the main air stream duct (120), at least part of the at least one circulating-air stream duct (115), the fresh-air stream duct (110) and the fresh-air blower (105) and/or the combined heating/cooling device are combined into one structural unit (200) which is arranged on or in the roof (160) of the passenger carriage (100), for example , the rail vehicle. The foregoing objects of the invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with prior art techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention described in the present embodiment. Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein; however, it is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details °disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure, or matter. The embodiments of the invention as described above and the methods disclosed herein will suggest further modification and alterations to those skilled in the art. Such further modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

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