HVAC Zone Controller

• US 20080161977A1
• Filed: 12/29/2006
• Published: 07/03/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ademco Inc. (Resideo Technologies, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Inventors: Trifilio, Christian Richard, Schwendinger, Paul G., Takach, Eugene J., Carreon, Ronaldo Fernandez, Clements, Daniel Vincent, Mulhouse, David P.
• Granted Patent: US 7,957,839 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/277
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/30 for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/46 Improving electric energy efficiency or saving
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/52 Indication arrangements, e.g. displays
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/63 Electronic processing
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/76 by means responsive to temperature, e.g. bimetal springs
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/88 Electrical aspects, e.g. circuits
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 13/20 Casings or covers
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2110/10 Temperature

Abstract

A zone controller having an electronic board with a plurality of electronic components attached thereto. The electronic components are constructed and arranged to receive a plurality of signals from a plurality of thermostats and to transmit a plurality of signals to a plurality of air control devices for controlling airflow in ducts. The electronic components include a first grouping of electronic components that are not accessed to perform either installation or operation functions, a second grouping of electronic components that are accessed to perform installation functions, and a third grouping of electronic components that are only accessed to perform operation functions. A first cover is provided that covers and prevents access to the first grouping of electronic components. A second cover is provided that selectively covers and prevents access to the second grouping of electrical components but not the third grouping of electrical components.

Claims

1. An HVAC zoning control panel comprising:

(i) a board;

(ii) a plurality of electronic components attached to the board, the electronic components being constructed and arranged to receive a plurality of signals from a plurality of thermostats and to transmit a plurality of signals to a plurality of air control devices for controlling airflow in ducts;

(iii) the electronic components including a first grouping of electronic components that includes components that are not accessed to perform either installation or operation functions, a second grouping of electronic components that includes components that are accessed to perform installation functions, and a third grouping of electronic components that includes components that are accessed to perform operation functions;

(iv) a first board cover configured to prevent access to the first grouping of electronic components; and

(v) a second board cover configured to selectively prevent access to the second grouping of electronic components but not the third grouping of electronic components.

2. The zoning control panel of claim 1, wherein access to the first, second, and third groupings of electronic components comprises manual manipulation.

3. The zoning control panel of claim 1, wherein access to the first, second, and third groupings of electronic components comprises visual perception.

4. The zoning control panel of claim 1, further comprising a base, where the first board cover is configured to attach to the base.

5. The zoning control panel of claim 1, further comprising a base, where the second board cover is configured to attach to the base.

6. The zoning control panel of claim 1, wherein the second board cover does not prevent access to at least a portion of the first board cover.

7. The zoning control panel of claim 6, wherein the third grouping of electronic components are accessible through the first board cover.

8. The zoning control panel of claim 1, wherein the first board cover and second board cover together cover the entire board.

9. The zoning control panel of claim 1, wherein the first board cover is not readily removable.

10. An HVAC zoning control panel comprising:

(i) a board;

(ii) a plurality of electronic components attached to the board, the electronic components comprising

(a) electrical components configured to receive a plurality of signals from a plurality of thermostats;

(b) electrical components configured to transmit a plurality of signals to a plurality of dampers within air ducts;

(c) electrical components configured to transmit signals to a conditioning unit for modifying the temperature of air within air ducts;

(d) electrical components configured to provide an interface for selecting operating parameters;

(e) electrical components configured to provide an indication of a condition; and

(f) a microprocessor configured to control the transmission of signals to the dampers and conditioning unit in response to the signals received from the thermostats and parameters selected through the interface;

(iii) the electronic components including a first grouping of electronic components that includes components that are not accessed to perform either installation or operation functions, a second grouping of electronic components that includes components that are accessed to perform installation functions, and a third grouping of electronic components that includes components that are accessed to perform operation functions;

(iv) a first board cover configured to prevent access to the first grouping of electronic components; and

(v) a second board cover configured to selectively prevent access to the second grouping of electronic components but not the third grouping of electronic components.

11. The zoning control panel of claim 10, wherein access to the first, second, and third groupings of electronic components comprises manual manipulation.

12. The zoning control panel of claim 10, wherein access to the first, second, and third groupings of electronic components comprises visual perception.

13. The zoning control panel of claim 10, further comprising a base, where the first board cover is configured to attach to the base.

14. The zoning control panel of claim 10, further comprising a base, where the second board cover is configured to attach to the base.

15. The zoning control panel of claim 10, wherein the second board cover does not prevent access to the first board cover.

16. The zoning control panel of claim 10, wherein the first board cover is not readily removable.

17. The zoning control panel of claim 10, wherein the plurality of electrical components further includes a damper driver, and wherein the first grouping of electronic components comprises a damper driver.

18. The zoning control panel of claim 10, wherein the first grouping of electrical components comprises electrical components configured to receive a plurality of signals from a plurality of thermostats, electrical components configured to transmit a plurality of signals to a plurality of dampers within air ducts, electrical components configured to transmit control signals to a conditioning unit for modifying the temperature of air within air ducts, and a microprocessor.

19. The zoning control panel of claim 10, wherein the second grouping of electrical components comprises electrical components configured to provide an interface for selecting operating parameters.

20. The zoning control panel of claim 10, wherein the third grouping of electrical components comprises electrical components configured to provide an indication of a condition.