AIR TEMPERATURE REGULATING DEVICE

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an air temperature regulating device for use in a cargo box to be transported in a vehicle, the cargo box including a wall with a receiving opening, the air temperature regulating device including a portable housing configured to be received in the receiving opening of the cargo box and to be attached to the wall of the cargo box, wherein in the housing are arranged a heat pump, inlets and outlets, wherein the housing includes a head part and neck part adjoining one another, wherein the cross-sectional area of the neck part is smaller than that of the head part to the extent that in attached position the neck part fits within the receiving opening in the wall of the cargo box and the head part covers the circumferential edge of the receiving opening.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure concerns an air temperature regulating device for use in a cargo box, the cargo box comprising a wall with a receiving opening for receiving the air temperature regulating device. The disclosure also relates to a cargo box including an air temperature regulating device, an assembly for transporting cargo in a vehicle and to a method of installing an air temperature regulating device in a cargo box.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In order to store and transport temperature sensitive products, such as medicines, infusion solutions, blood, foodstuffs, cargo boxes have been developed in the past in order to be able to keep these products within a certain range of temperatures during storage and transport for an extensive range of (varying) outside temperatures. For instance, for storing and transporting edibles, a temperature of between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius may be recommended, while for many types of medication and other goods "room temperature", conventionally taken to be about 15-25 degrees Celsius, may be considered the desired temperature.

[0003] The known cargo boxes may be placed in the cargo space of a vehicle, such as a lorry or a van, and are provided with an air temperature regulating device (for instance a heater and/or cooler) for heating and/or cooling the air in the interior of the cargo box to maintain the temperature inside the cargo box within the desired temperature range. The air temperature regulating device of a cargo box can be powered by the electrical power source already present in the vehicle, for instance the battery and/or the generator of the engine.

[0004] Typically the air temperature regulating device of a cargo box consists of an air-conditioning unit that is integrated in the cargo box. The air-conditioning unit needs to be serviced periodically to guarantee a proper and reliable operation. This means in practice that the cargo box is to be transported to a service center. In the service center (parts of) the air-conditioning unit should be removed from the cargo box and replaced by another air-conditioning unit. This typically takes a considerable amount of time (more than one hour per air-conditioning unit) and therefore increases the downtime of the vehicle, is a complex procedure and/or requires specialized personnel. Furthermore, the air-conditioning unit is relatively heavy (typically 40-50 kg and as a result is difficult to handle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present disclosure relates to an air temperature regulating device for use in a cargo box to be transported in a vehicle, the cargo box comprising a wall with a receiving opening, the air temperature regulating device comprising a portable housing configured to be received in the receiving opening of the cargo box and to be attached to the wall of the cargo box, wherein in the housing are arranged:

[0006] a heat pump comprising an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor configured to be connectable to an electrical power source of the vehicle and of being powered thereby;

[0007] a first inlet connected to the heat pump and configured to supply ambient air from the surroundings of the cargo box to the heat pump;

[0008] a first outlet connected to the heat pump and configured to discharge air from the heat pump to the surroundings;

[0009] a second inlet for the supply of air from the interior of the cargo box to the heat pump;

[0010] a second outlet for the discharge of air from the heat pump to the interior of the cargo space;

[0011] wherein the inlets and outlets are arranged in the housing at positions so that when the housing is received in the opening of the cargo box, the first inlet and first outlet are positioned outside the cargo box and the second inlet and second outlet extend are positioned inside the cargo box.

[0012] The present disclosure also relates to an air temperature regulating device for use in a cargo box to be transported in a vehicle, the cargo box comprising a wall with a receiving opening, the air temperature regulating device comprising a portable housing configured to be received in the receiving opening of the cargo box and to be attached to the wall of the cargo box, wherein in the housing are arranged:

[0013] a heat pump comprising an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor configured to be connectable to an electrical power source of the vehicle and of being powered thereby;

[0014] a first inlet connected to the heat pump and configured to supply ambient air from the surroundings of the cargo box to the heat pump;

[0015] a first outlet connected to the heat pump and configured to discharge air from the heat pump to the surroundings;

[0016] a second inlet for the supply of air from the interior of the cargo box to the heat pump;

[0017] a second outlet for the discharge of air from the heat pump to the interior of the cargo space; wherein the housing comprises a head part and neck part adjoining one another, wherein the cross-sectional area of said neck part is smaller than that of said head part to the extent that in attached position the neck part fits within said receiving opening in the wall of the cargo box and the head part covers the circumferential edge of said receiving opening.

[0018] In an exemplifying embodiment the air temperature regulating device the cross-sectional area of said neck part is at least 2%, preferably at least 5% or at least 10%, smaller than that of said head part.

[0019] In an exemplifying embodiment the air temperature regulating device the neck part is sized to snugly fit inside the receiving opening.

[0020] In an exemplifying embodiment the air temperature regulating device the head part of the housing is sized to overlap the wall edge around the receiving opening in order to close the receiving opening in an air tight manner.

[0021] In an exemplifying embodiment the air temperature regulating device the shape and/or size of the cross-section of the neck part substantially corresponds to the cross-section of the head part.

[0022] In an exemplifying embodiment the air temperature regulating device the neck part is shaped to have a polygonal shape, for instance a rectangular shape, in cross-section.

[0023] In an exemplifying embodiment the air temperature regulating device the neck part is tapering.

[0024] In an exemplifying embodiment the air temperature regulating device the head part comprises a circumferential edge configured to abut the circumferential edge of the wall around the receiving opening in the cargo box when the housing is in attached position.

[0025] In an exemplifying embodiment the air temperature regulating device the housing is configured so that in attached position the first inlet and first outlet connect to the surroundings of the cargo box and the second inlet and second outlet connect to the interior of the cargo box.

[0026] In an exemplifying embodiment the air temperature regulating device comprises a circumferential seal arranged between the circumferential edge of the wall around the receiving opening and the head part of the housing.

[0027] In an exemplifying embodiment the circumferential seal includes a circumferential strip mounted to or formed at the circumferential wall part extending around the receiving opening.

[0028] In an exemplifying embodiment the air temperature regulating device comprises an attachment member for attaching the portable housing to the wall of the cargo box. The attachment member may be configured to only attach the upper portion of the housing to the wall. The attachment member may comprise a bracket arranged at the upper side of the portable housing, the bracket configured to allow the upper part of the housing to be attached to the cargo box.

[0029] In an exemplifying embodiment the air temperature regulating device comprises a support element arranged below the bottom edge part around the receiving opening of the cargo box, wherein the support element is configured to pivotably support a bottom part of the housing when the housing is placed on the support element. The support element may be a horizontal strip attached below the receiving opening in the cargo wall. The support element may comprise an abutment surface configured to receive the bottom portion of the housing and a flange extending along the abutment surface and configured to keep the bottom portion of the housing in place.

[0030] In an exemplifying embodiment the air temperature regulating device comprises connecting members for connecting the portable housing to the wall of the cargo box.

[0031] According to another aspect the present disclosure relates to an assembly for transporting cargo in a vehicle, the assembly comprising:

[0032] a cargo box configured to be arranged in a cargo space of the vehicle, the cargo box comprising at least a wall with a receiving opening;

[0033] an air temperature regulating device, comprising a housing configured to be arranged in the receiving opening, wherein the walls of the cargo box are made of thermal insulation material, and wherein the air temperature regulating device is connected to the electrical power supply of the vehicle through one or more electric cables, and is provided with power through these one or more electrical cables.

[0034] According to another aspect the present disclosure relates to a method of installing an air temperature regulating device, for instance an air temperature regulating device as defined herein, in a cargo box, the cargo box comprising a wall with a receiving opening for receiving a housing of the air temperature regulating device and a support element arranged below the receiving opening, the method comprising:

[0035] placing the bottom portion of the housing on the support element;

[0036] pivoting the upper portion of the housing towards the wall to a position wherein the receiving opening is closed by the housing, the first inlet and first outlet are arranged outside the cargo box and the second inlet and second outlet are arranged in the interior of the cargo box;

[0037] attaching the housing to the wall of the cargo box.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Further details and characteristics of the invention will be further illustrated in the following description of several exemplifying embodiments thereof. In the description reference is made to the annexed figures, in which:

[0039] FIG. 1 is a partially taken away side view of a vehicle wherein the cargo space is equipped with an embodiment of a cargo box including an air temperature regulating device;

[0040] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the cargo box and an embodiment of the air temperature regulating device;

[0041] FIG. 3 is a side view in perspective of the cargo box and an air temperature regulating device, in a position before installment;

[0042] FIGS. 4A-B are side views in cross-section of the cargo box with an air temperature regulating device, in intermediate position during installment when the air temperature regulating device is placed on the support member of the cargo box and in installed position, respectively;

[0043] FIG. 4C is a detail view of FIG. 4B;

[0044] FIG. 5 is a side view in perspective of an embodiment of the cargo box and two air temperature regulating devices, wherein a first air temperature regulating device is in the intermediate position of FIG. 4A and a second air temperature regulating device is in the end (attached) position of FIG. 4B;

[0045] FIG. 6 is a cross-section along A-A of FIG. 5 of an embodiment of the air temperature regulating device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0046] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. Exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the figures.

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 1 with a cargo space. The cargo space may be small, just a few cubic meters. It may also be bigger, up to about 15 cubic meters. Inside the cargo space a cargo box 2 has been placed. In the shown embodiment the cargo box 2 is generally block-shaped and comprises a top wall 5, bottom wall 6, back wall 7 and side walls 9 (cf. FIG. 3). The cargo box can be closed and opened by a front door 4.

[0048] The air temperature in the interior of the cargo box 2 can be controlled (i.e. regulated) by one or more air temperature regulating devices 11. An air temperature regulating device may function as a standalone device or may be placed in series with one or more further air temperature regulating devices to cooperatively regulate the air temperature inside the cargo box. The air temperature regulating device comprises a housing 12 in which all elements needed for the regulating of the temperature of the air inside the cargo box may be accommodated, as will be explained later.

[0049] With reference to FIG. 3, the back wall 7 of the cargo box 2 is provided with one or more receiving openings (for instance, a first opening 8 and a second opening 8') shaped to receive the housings of one or more portable air temperature regulating devices 11,11'. In the embodiments shown in the figures the openings 8,8' have a generally polygonal shape, more specifically a rectangular shape in cross-section. However, the openings can take a different shape as long as they are able to properly receive an air temperature regulating device.

[0050] Each of walls of the cargo box 2 and the door 4 are made to be thermally insulated, for instance by providing them with at least one layer of insulation. The thickness of the insulation layer will depend on factors such as the volume of the cargo box, the intended purpose and attendant desired temperatures of the cargo box, the efficiency of the air temperature regulating device 11, the expected outside temperatures, etc.

[0051] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the air temperature regulating device 11 for the cargo box 2, in operative condition. The air temperature device comprises a housing 12 in which a heat exchanger or heat pump 13 is arranged. The heat pump 13 is powered by a power source arranged inside the vehicle, for instance the battery 15 of the vehicle. The vehicle may be driven by a conventional fuel engine 16 equipped with a generator charging the battery 15. The vehicle may also be driven by alternative means, for instance by a couple of electromotors. The battery 15 in turn is connected to the heat pump 13 of the air temperature regulating device 11 using a power cable 14. There are many possible ways to enable this connection. For example, a simple cable may be routed through the cabin or the sides of the vehicle, as is schematically shown in FIG. 1. In some cases, it may be possible to plug the heat pump 13 into an outlet in the cargo space which is connected to the battery of the vehicle.

[0052] Referring to the schematic diagram of FIG. 2, the heat pump 13 may further comprise a first and second heat exchanging element, for example the evaporator 28 and condenser 20, respectively, in case the heat pump is configured to cool the air in the cargo box. The heat pump 13 further comprises compressor (pump) 29, an expansion valve 24, a first fan 31 for inducing an air flow from the inlet 22 to the outlet 23 and a second fan 32 for inducing an air flow from inlet 25 to outlet 26.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing 12 of the air temperature regulating device 11 is made of a relatively wide external housing portion or head part 17 (wherein the head part 17 extends outside the cargo box 2 when the housing is in the installed position (also referred to as the end position or received position), cf. FIGS. 1 and 5) and an adjoining relatively narrow external housing portion or neck part 18 (which is arranged inside the cargo box 2 when the housing is in installed position).

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 2-5, the housing 12 further comprises a first inlet 22 connected to the heat pump 13 and configured to supply ambient air from the surroundings of the cargo box to the heat pump, a first outlet 23 connected to the heat pump and configured to discharge air from the heat pump to the surroundings, a second inlet 25 for the supply of air from the interior of the cargo box to the heat pump and a second outlet 26 for the discharge of air from the heat pump to the interior of the cargo space.

[0055] The general working principle of a heat pump 13 is known to the skilled person, and will be sketched here only in broad details. A heat pump generally comprises a compressor (pump) 29, a first heat exchanging element 20 (for instance a first coil), a second heat exchanging element 28 (for instance a second coil) and a number of conduits in which a refrigerant or working fluid 27 circulates. The working fluid is used as an intermediate fluid to absorb heat where it vaporizes, in the evaporator, and then to release heat where the refrigerant condenses, in the condenser.

[0056] As mentioned above the heat pump may be configured to cool the air inside the cargo box when needed. In some embodiments the air temperature regulating device may be configured to operate in one mode only, i.e. either in the heating mode or in the cooling mode. In situations wherein the air inside the cargo box needs to be heated instead, the air temperature regulating device may switch off the heat pump 13 and generate heat by a separate heat generating element 10 arranged in the housing 12. This heat generating element 10 may comprise one or more electrical heating coils connected to the power supply of the air temperature generating device and placed inside the housing so that air that is guided along the heating coils (using one or more of the fans 31) can be suitably heated. Alternatively or additionally, in further embodiments of the present disclosure, the heating of the temperature inside the cargo box can be realized by reversing the operation of the heat pump 13. To this end the heat pump may comprise a reversing valve (for instance a separate steering valve or a valve combined with expansion valve 24) to reverse the flow of working fluid from the compressor through the condenser and evaporation so as to switch the heat pump between a heating mode and a cooling mode.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2, the air temperature regulating device 11 may have been provided with one or more (optional) temperature sensors, for instance temperature sensor 60 for measuring the temperature in the air flow between the inlet 25 and outlet 26 and/or temperature sensor 61 for measuring the temperature in the air flow between the inlet 22 and outlet 23. The temperature sensors 60,61 are integrated with the air temperature regulating device 11 and the usual separate installment thereof inside and/or outside the cargo box 2 can be dispensed with.

[0058] The air temperature regulating device 11 may further comprise one or more further (optional) sensors, for instance a sensor for determining the geographical position (for instance a GPS device), a tamper evidence sensor for detecting events such as the unwanted removal of the housing, from the cargo box in between maintenance events, opening of the housing, power surges etc. Alternatively or additionally the air temperature regulating device 11 may comprise a wireless communication device 64 connected to the controller 33 and configured to communicate wirelessly with communication devices outside the cargo box 2. The communication device 64 may be configured to transmit signals representative of the measurements of the one or more sensors to a remote computer and/or to control the controller 33 to regulate the air temperature inside the cargo box 2.

[0059] Furthermore the air temperature regulating device 11 may comprise a voltage converter 63 for converting the voltage from the external power supply (for instance battery 15) into a higher or lower voltage (for instance 12V, 230/110 V, etc.). In embodiments of the present disclosure the air temperature regulating device 11 may be connected to different power sources simply by connecting the power source to the air temperature regulating device. The voltage converted then automatically converts the power voltage into a suitable voltage for operating the electrical elements inside the housing (plug-and-play functionality),In heating mode wherein the air temperature in the interior of the cargo box needs to be heated, the first heat exchanging element 20 placed outside the cargo box 2 is the evaporator, while the heat exchanging element 28 placed inside the cargo box 2 is the condenser. The working fluid flowing from the evaporator carries the thermal energy from outside air (sucked in through an inlet using a first fan 31) to the interior of the cargo box. Vapor temperature is augmented within the compressor pump 29 by compressing it. The interior heat exchanging element 28 then transfers thermal energy (including energy from the compression) to the air inside the cargo box by means of fan 32. In cooling mode wherein the air temperature in the interior of the cargo box needs to be cooled, the cycle is similar, but the first heat exchanging element 20 outside the cargo box 2 is now the condenser and the second heat exchanging element 28 inside the cargo box is the evaporator of the heat pump.

[0060] The energy of the battery 15 of the vehicle 1 is used as power source for all electrical elements inside the housing of the air temperature regulating device. For instance, the energy is used to power the compressor 29 as well as the first and second fans 31,32. Other elements which also need electric power, such as a controller 33, the heat generating element 10, sensors like a temperature sensor, a tamper evidence sensor, a GPS module, wireless communication devices, etc. are also be powered by the battery 15 of the vehicle.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 3-6, the housing of the air temperature regulating device 11,11' is shaped so as to allow easy installment of the device into a corresponding receiving opening 8,8' formed in the back wall 7 of the cargo box 2. The housing's head part 17 and neck part 18 are shaped in such a manner that the (largest) cross-sectional area of the neck part 18 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of said head part 17 so that in attached position (i.e. the installed position) the neck part 18 fits within the receiving opening 8 in the wall 7 of the cargo box and the head part 17 covers the circumferential edge 35 of the receiving opening.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 6, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the width (b1) of the head part 17 is larger than the largest width (b2) of the neck part 18 (wherein different portions of the neck part may have different widths, for instance (as shown in the figures) the part carrying the fans may have a smaller width than the part neighboring the head part 17). For instance, the width (b1) of the head part 17 may be at least 1 cm larger than the width (b2) of the neck part 18.

[0063] In some embodiments the head part 17 may stay clear from the circumferential edge 35 while still being able to provide protection for the circumferential edge 35. In other embodiments the head part 17 touches the circumferential edge 35 and may seal off the opening 8 to some extent. In this manner the head part 17 in installed position closes off the cargo box 2 from its surroundings preventing air to flow along the housing into and out of the cargo box. A further advantage is that once the housing is installed in the receiving opening, the inlets and outlets of the heat pump may automatically arranged at the right positions (i.e. the first inlet/outlet outside the cargo box and the second inlet/outlet inside the cargo box) when the first inlet/outlet (and preferably also the associated first heat exchanging element 20 and/or first fan 31) is positioned in the head part 17 and the second first inlet/outlet (and preferably also the associated second heat exchanging element 28 and/or second fan 32) is positioned in the neck part 18.

[0064] In order to allow for an improved sealing off of the cargo box from its surroundings the shape and/or size of the cross-section of the neck part 18 may be selected to substantially correspond to the cross-section of the head part 17. In a further embodiment the neck part 18 is sized to snugly fit inside the associated receiving opening 8. The head part 17 may be sized to overlap the wall edge 35 around the receiving opening 8. In these embodiments the receiving opening may be closed in an air tight manner. In order to more easily arrange the housing into the opening the neck part may be tapering (from the proximal position closest to the head part towards a distal position). However, in other embodiments the side surface 51 of the neck part 18 is parallel to the side surface of the head part 17.

[0065] As mentioned above the head part may overlap the edge of the wall when the housing is in attached position. The head part 17 comprises a contact surface 52 generally extending perpendicular to the side surface 51 of the neck part 18. The contact surface 52 therefore may contact (directly or indirectly through a circumferential seal for instance one or more sealing strips 36) the wall edge around the receiving opening 8. The sealing strip 36 may be attached to the wall 7.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 6, the sealing strip may be formed by an annular profiled element made of flexible material (for instance rubber) which is mounted at the circumferential edge around the opening 8. The profile comprise a flange 53 that, in the attached position of the air temperature regulating device 11, is urged against neck part 18, more specifically against contact surface 53 of the neck part 18 in order to essentially completely seal off the opening 8. In other embodiments the sealing of the opening can be realized by arranging a sealing strip in such a manner that it urges against at least one of the contact surface 52 of the head part 17 and the side surface 51 of the neck part 18.

[0067] When the housing 12 is in installed position the head part and/or the neck part may apply a pressure on the sealing strip 36 so as to seal off the opening in an airtight manner.

[0068] As discussed above the air temperature regulating device 11 may be easily mounted by placing the housing 12 into the receiving opening 8. After securing the housing to the wall of the cargo box and after plugging the power cable 14 into an associated socket 30 provided in one of the side surfaces of the housing head part 17. The air temperature regulating device 11 is now ready for use (plug-and-play functionality). Similarly, the air temperature regulating device 11 may easily be demounted by removing the power cable and simply picking op the housing and removing it from the receiving opening (of course after having unplugged the power cable 14). The whole operation of replacing an air temperature regulating device may be accomplished in a relatively short time, typically 2-3 minutes which means a very short downtime of the vehicle.

[0069] In order to further simplify the installment of the air temperature regulating device 11 (and de-installment, for instance for repair or replacement of the air temperature regulating device) when the at least one opening 8 is provided in a wall of the cargo box (rather than in the top wall 5), a support element 41 may be provided to support the air temperature regulating device in the installment operation. This support element may help to reduce the load an operator (for instance a service person or repairman) would have to carry during the installment of the air temperature regulating device.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 3 the support element 41,41' may be arranged right below the bottom edge part around the receiving opening 8 of the cargo box. The support element is configured to pivotably support a bottom part of the housing when the housing is placed on the support element. The support element may be formed integrally with or attached to the wall of the cargo box 2. In the embodiment of FIG. 3 the support element is a horizontal strip attached below the receiving opening in the cargo wall. The support element 41,41' comprises an abutment surface 43 configured to receive the bottom flange portion 44 of the housing and a flange 50 extending along the abutment surface 44 and configured to keep the bottom flange portion 44 of the housing 12 in place during the pivoting movement of the housing to its final (installed) position.

[0071] The operator carries the air temperature regulating device 11 (weight typically between 25-30 kg) from the position shown in FIG. 3 and places the housing of the air temperature regulating device 11 on the support element 41. When the housing has been placed on the support element, the air temperature regulating device 11 is in the intermediate position shown in FIG. 4A and the left-hand side of FIG. 5. In this position the air temperature regulating device 11 is supported on the support element 41 and therefore the weight the operator has to carry has been considerably reduced. Then the operator pushes against the back wall of the housing and pivots the housing so that the end position has been reached. Once the housing is pivoted from the intermediate position shown in FIG. 4A and on the left-hand side of FIG. 5 to the final position shown in FIG. 4B and on the right-hand side of FIG. 5, the operator only needs to attach the upwardly pivoted upper portion of the housing 12 to the back wall 7 of the cargo box 2 and then the air temperature regulating device 11 is in its installed position. Finally, the operator connects the air temperature regulating device to the power source of the vehicle and the air temperature regulating device is ready for use.

[0072] In embodiments of the present disclosure an efficient and quick attachment can be achieved since the air temperature regulating device may comprise one or more attachment members for attaching the portable housing to the wall of the cargo box. The attachment member may comprise a bracket 45 arranged at the upper side of the portable housing, wherein the bracket is configured to allow the upper part of the housing to be attached to the cargo box using one or more connecting members 46 (screws, butterfly-nuts or similar connecting members) to be connected to openings 47,47' in the wall of the cargo box. As mentioned earlier the operation of the air temperature regulating device 11 is controlled by a controller 33. This controller can be controlled by one or more actuator buttons on the housing of the air temperature regulating device and/or may be controlled remotely using a wireless communication device. Furthermore, in case more than one air temperature regulating device is arranged in one cargo box, the controller of the first air temperature regulating device 11 may be in communication (using a wireless and/or wired connection) with the second air temperature regulating device 11'. In some embodiments the controllers operate in a master-slave configuration wherein the first controller (master) not only controls the first air temperature regulating device but also at least partially controls the (controller of) the second air temperature regulating device. For instance, the controller(s) may be configured to avoid both air temperature regulating devices to switch on simultaneously (to avoid an overload of the power source), for instance by allowing the first air temperature regulating device to switch on a predetermined time interval (for instance, 5 seconds) before the second air temperature regulating device is switched on.

[0073] It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Air temperature regulating device for use in a cargo box to be transported in a vehicle, the cargo box comprising a wall with a receiving opening, the air temperature regulating device comprising a portable housing configured to be received in the receiving opening of the cargo box and to be attached to the wall of the cargo box, wherein in the housing are arranged: a heat pump comprising an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor configured to be connectable to an electrical power source of the vehicle and of being powered thereby; a first inlet connected to the heat pump and configured to supply ambient air from the surroundings of the cargo box to the heat pump; a first outlet connected to the heat pump and configured to discharge air from the heat pump to the surroundings; a second inlet for the supply of air from the interior of the cargo box to the heat pump; a second outlet for the discharge of air from the heat pump to the interior of the cargo space; wherein the inlets and outlets are arranged in the housing at positions so that when the housing is received in the opening of the cargo box, the first inlet and first outlet are positioned outside the cargo box and the second inlet and second outlet extend are positioned inside the cargo box.

2. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a head part and neck part adjoining one another, wherein the cross-sectional area of said neck part is smaller than that of said head part to the extent that in attached position the neck part fits within said receiving opening in the wall of the cargo box and the head part covers the circumferential edge of said receiving opening.

3. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area of said neck part is at least 2% smaller than that of said head part.

4. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the neck part is sized to snugly fit inside the receiving opening.

5. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the head part of the housing is sized to overlap the wall edge around the receiving opening in order to close the receiving opening in an air tight manner.

6. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shape and/or size of the cross-section of the neck part substantially corresponds to the cross-section of the head part.

7. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the neck part is shaped to have a polygonal shape, for instance a rectangular shape, in cross-section.

8. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the neck part is tapering.

9. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the head part comprises a circumferential edge configured to abut the circumferential edge of the wall around the receiving opening in the cargo box when the housing is in attached position.

10. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing is configured so that in attached position the first inlet and first outlet connect to the surroundings of the cargo box and the second inlet and second outlet connect to the interior of the cargo box.

11. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a circumferential seal arranged between the circumferential edge of the wall around the receiving opening and the head part of the housing.

12. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the circumferential seal includes a circumferential strip mounted to or formed at the circumferential wall part extending around the receiving opening.

13. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 1, comprising an attachment member for attaching the portable housing to the wall of the cargo box.

14. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the attachment member is configured to only attach the upper portion of the housing to the wall.

15. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the attachment member comprises a bracket arranged at the upper side of the portable housing, the bracket configured to allow the upper part of the housing to be attached to the cargo box.

16. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a support element arranged below the bottom edge part around the receiving opening of the cargo box, wherein the support element is configured to pivotably support a bottom part of the housing when the housing is placed on the support element.

17. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the support element is a horizontal strip attached below the receiving opening in the cargo wall.

18. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the support element comprises an abutment surface configured to receive the bottom portion of the housing and a flange extending along the abutment surface and configured to keep the bottom portion of the housing in place.

19. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 1, comprising connecting members for connecting the portable housing to the wall of the cargo box.

20. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plurality of fans to induce respective air flows through the inlets and outlets.

21. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least one of a temperature sensor, a tamper evidence sensor, a position sensor and a wireless communication device.

22. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heat pump comprises an evaporator arranged inside the cargo box and a condenser arranged outside the cargo box.

23. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a controller for controlling at least the heat pump and compressor.

24. Air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heat pump is a reversible heat pump.

25. Assembly for transporting cargo in a vehicle, the assembly comprising: a cargo box configured to be arranged in a cargo space of the vehicle, the cargo box comprising at least a wall with a receiving opening; an air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a housing configured to be arranged in the receiving opening, wherein the air temperature regulating device is configured to be connectable to the electrical power supply of the vehicle through one or more electric cables.

26. Air temperature regulating device for use in a cargo box to be transported in a vehicle, the cargo box comprising a wall with a receiving opening, the air temperature regulating device comprising a portable housing configured to be received in the receiving opening of the cargo box and to be attached to the wall of the cargo box, wherein in the housing are arranged: a heat pump comprising an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor configured to be connectable to an electrical power source of the vehicle and of being powered thereby; a first inlet connected to the heat pump and configured to supply ambient air from the surroundings of the cargo box to the heat pump; a first outlet connected to the heat pump and configured to discharge air from the heat pump to the surroundings; a second inlet for the supply of air from the interior of the cargo box to the heat pump; a second outlet for the discharge of air from the heat pump to the interior of the cargo space; wherein the housing comprises a head part and neck part adjoining one another, wherein the cross-sectional area of said neck part is smaller than that of said head part to the extent that in attached position the neck part fits within said receiving opening in the wall of the cargo box and the head part covers the circumferential edge of said receiving opening.

27. Method of installing an air temperature regulating device, for instance an air temperature regulating device as claimed in claim 1, in a cargo box, the cargo box comprising a wall with a receiving opening for receiving a housing of the air temperature regulating device and a support element arranged below the receiving opening, the method comprising: placing the bottom portion of the housing on the support element; pivoting the upper portion of the housing towards the wall to a position wherein the receiving opening is closed by the housing, the first inlet and first outlet are arranged outside the cargo box and the second inlet and second outlet are arranged in the interior of the cargo box; attaching the (upper portion) of the housing to the wall of the cargo box.

28. Method as claimed in claim 27, wherein attaching the housing comprises fasten the housing to the wall with one or more screws.