JP7684592B2 - Heat source unit and refrigeration cycle device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a heat source unit and a refrigeration cycle device.

In the air conditioner of Patent Document 1, the compressor is covered with a soundproofing material made of hard rubber or the like. The soundproofing material suppresses noise caused by vibration of the compressor.

Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 2-137578

Refrigeration cycle devices such as air conditioners sometimes use refrigerants with a higher specific gravity than air. As described in Patent Document 1, in a configuration in which a compressor is covered with a soundproofing material, if refrigerant leaks from the compressor or the connection between the compressor and piping, the refrigerant will flow into the space inside the soundproofing material. The leaked refrigerant will move to the bottom of the space due to its own weight. As a result, the concentration of the refrigerant will increase in the lower part of the internal space of the soundproofing material, which is a problem.

The purpose of this disclosure is to prevent the concentration of leaked refrigerant from increasing in the internal space of the sound-proofing material.

The first aspect is directed to a heat source unit provided in a refrigeration cycle device that uses a refrigerant with a higher specific gravity than air. The heat source unit includes a casing (70), a compressor (30) that is disposed inside the casing (70) and compresses the refrigerant, a non-permeable sound insulation member (60) that is disposed inside the casing (70) and covers the compressor (30) so as to define a first space (S1) that houses the compressor (30), and a first communication passage (41) that communicates the lower part of the first space (S1) with a second space (S2) between the sound insulation member (60) and the casing (70).

In the first aspect, when refrigerant leaks from the compressor (30) or from the connection between the compressor (30) and the piping, the refrigerant moves to the lower part of the first space (S1). The lower part of the first space (S1) flows out through the first communication passage (41) into the second space (S2) outside the sound insulation member (60). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing in the first space (S1).

The second aspect is the first aspect, but includes a fan (22), a heat exchanger (21) that exchanges heat between the outdoor air transported by the fan (22) and the refrigerant, a partition member (28) that partitions the inside of the casing (70) into a first chamber (31) in which the compressor (30) and the sound insulation member (60) are disposed and which includes a second space (S2), and a second chamber (32) in which the fan (22) and the heat exchanger (21) are disposed, and a second communication passage (48) that communicates between the lower part of the second space (S2) of the first chamber (31) and the second chamber (32).

In the second embodiment, when the refrigerant flows from the lower part of the first space (S1) through the first communication passage (41) into the first chamber (31), the refrigerant flows through the second communication passage (48) into the second chamber (32). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing in the second space (S2) in addition to the first space (S1).

The third embodiment is the second embodiment, but further includes a third communication passage (53) that connects the lower part of the second chamber (32) to the outside of the casing (70).

In the third aspect, when the refrigerant flows from the lower part of the second space (S2) through the second communication passage (48) into the second chamber (32), the refrigerant flows out of the casing (70) through the third communication passage (53). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing in the second chamber (32) in addition to the first space (S1) and the second space (S2).

The fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a fourth communication passage (54, 56) that connects the lower part of the second space (S2) to the outside of the casing (70).

In the fourth aspect, when the refrigerant flows from the lower part of the first space (S1) through the first communication passage (41) into the second space (S2), the refrigerant flows out of the casing (70) through the fourth communication passage (54, 56). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing in the second space (S2) in addition to the first space (S1).

The fifth aspect is any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which the sound insulation member (60) is formed hollow and open on the lower side, and the first communication passage (41) is formed between the lower end of the sound insulation member (60) and the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70).

In the fifth aspect, a first communication passage (41) is formed between the sound insulation member (60) that is open on the lower side and the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70), so that the concentration of the refrigerant can be prevented from increasing near the bottom plate (72), where the refrigerant is most likely to accumulate.

The sixth aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising a breathable first sound absorbing material (81) provided between the outer surface of the sound insulation member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70).

In the sixth aspect, the double sound insulation structure of the sound insulation member (60) and the casing (70) can prevent radiated sound and vibration sound from the compressor (30) from leaking to the outside. Furthermore, the first sound absorbing material (81) can prevent a decrease in sound insulation performance due to the low-frequency resonance transmission phenomenon, thereby improving the soundproofing effect. The first sound absorbing material (81) is breathable, so that leaked refrigerant can pass through it.

The seventh aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising a breathable second sound absorbing material (82) provided on the inner surface of the sound insulation member (60).

In the seventh aspect, the second sound-absorbing material (82) absorbs radiated sound and vibration sound from the compressor (30), thereby improving the soundproofing effect. The second sound-absorbing material (82) is breathable, so that leaked refrigerant can pass through it.

The eighth aspect is the seventh aspect, which includes a breathable first sound absorbing material (81) provided between the outer surface of the sound insulation member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70).

In the eighth embodiment, it is possible to obtain both the soundproofing effect of the first sound-absorbing material (81) and the soundproofing effect of the second sound-absorbing material (82). The second sound-absorbing material (82) is breathable, so that the leaked refrigerant can pass through.

The ninth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, and further includes a first vibration-isolating member (33) that supports the compressor (30), a first support member (34) that supports the first vibration-isolating member (33), a second vibration-isolating member (35) that supports the first support member (34), and a second support member (36) that supports the second vibration-isolating member (35).

In the ninth aspect, the compressor (30) is supported by a two-layer vibration-proof structure in which a first vibration-proof member (33) and a second vibration-proof member (35) are stacked, thereby damping the vibration of the compressor (30).

The tenth aspect is a refrigeration cycle device equipped with a heat source unit (20) according to any one of the first to ninth aspects.

FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a refrigeration cycle device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the heat source unit as viewed from the front side. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the heat source unit as viewed from above. FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the first communication passage and its vicinity. FIG. 5 is an enlarged left view of the first communication passage and its vicinity. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the partition member as viewed from the left side. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the heat source unit of the first modified example seen from above. FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the heat source unit of the second modified example as viewed from the front side. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the heat source unit of the third modified example seen from above. FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the heat source unit of the fourth modified example, as viewed from the front side. FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the heat source unit of the fifth modified example, as viewed from the front side. FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the heat source unit of the sixth modified example as viewed from the front side. FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the heat source unit of the seventh modification example as viewed from the front side. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the heat source unit of the seventh modification seen from above.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure. The drawings are intended to conceptually explain the present disclosure, and therefore may exaggerate or simplify dimensions, ratios, or numbers as necessary to facilitate understanding.

(1) Basic Configuration As shown in Fig. 1, a refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) is a refrigeration cycle apparatus for hot water supply having an outdoor unit (20) as a heat source unit. The outdoor unit (20) has a refrigerant circuit (2). The refrigerant circuit (2) is filled with, for example, a flammable natural refrigerant. The flammable natural refrigerant is, for example, propane. Propane is a refrigerant that has a higher specific gravity than air. The refrigerant circuit (2) performs a refrigeration cycle by circulating the refrigerant.

(1-1) Fluid Circuit The refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) has a fluid circuit (12). Water flows through the fluid circuit (12) as a heat medium. A water heat exchanger (15) and a fluid pump (16) are connected to the fluid circuit (12). The fluid pump (16) circulates the water in the fluid circuit (12). The fluid heated in the water heat exchanger (15) is supplied to a hot water tank (not shown) that is the supply destination. The water in the hot water tank returns to the fluid circuit (12) and is heated again in the water heat exchanger (15).

(1-2) Basic Configuration of the Outdoor Unit The outdoor unit (20) includes a refrigerant cylinder (5), a water heat exchanger (15), an outdoor heat exchanger (21), an outdoor fan (22), an outdoor expansion valve (23), a four-way switching valve (24), an accumulator (25), and a compressor (30). The outdoor heat exchanger (21), the outdoor expansion valve (23), the four-way switching valve (24), and the compressor (30) are connected by piping (26).

The refrigerant cylinder (5) is filled with refrigerant. The refrigerant cylinder (5) is connected, for example, to a pipe branching off from the pipe (26) connecting the four-way switching valve (24) and the accumulator (25). After the outdoor unit (20) is transported to the installation site, the refrigerant cylinder (5) fills the refrigerant circuit (2) with refrigerant by opening the opening/closing valve (6) of the refrigerant cylinder (5). In this way, it is possible to prevent flammable refrigerant from leaking from the refrigerant circuit (2) during transport of the outdoor unit (20).

The water heat exchanger (15) is connected to the pipe (26) of the refrigerant circuit (2). The water heat exchanger (15) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the pipe (26) and the water flowing through the fluid pipe (17) of the fluid circuit (12).

The outdoor heat exchanger (21) is, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger. Specifically, the outdoor heat exchanger (21) is a so-called plug-in fin type microchannel heat exchanger. In the outdoor heat exchanger (21), heat is exchanged between the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger (21) and the air blown by the outdoor fan (22). The outdoor expansion valve (23) is, for example, an electronic expansion valve. The outdoor heat exchanger (21) is an example of a heat source side heat exchanger.

The four-way switching valve (24) has a first port (P1), a second port (P2), a third port (P3), and a fourth port (P4). The four-way switching valve (24) is in a state in which the first port (P1) and the third port (P3) are in communication with each other and the second port (P2) and the fourth port (P4) are in communication with each other (the state shown by the solid lines in FIG. 1).

The compressor (30) compresses the refrigerant. The compressor (30) is, for example, a rotary compressor such as a scroll compressor. A four-way switching valve (24) is connected to the piping (26) on the discharge side of the compressor (30). An accumulator (25) is connected to the piping (26) on the suction side of the compressor (30).

(1-3) Internal Configuration of the Outdoor Unit In the following description, the up/down, front/back, left/right directions are indicated by arrows in each drawing. Unless otherwise specified, the up/down and other directions will be described according to the directions indicated by these arrows.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the outdoor unit (20) has a casing (70). The casing (70) is formed in a box shape. The casing (70) is made of, for example, a metal plate material. The casing (70) has an upper panel (71), a bottom panel (72), a front panel (73), a rear panel (74), a left panel (75), and a right panel (76).

A partition member (28) is disposed upright inside the casing (70). The partition member (28) is made of, for example, a metal plate. The partition member (28) divides the interior of the casing (70) into a machine chamber (31) which is a first chamber, and a blower chamber (32) which is a second chamber.

The blower chamber (32) is a space inside the casing (70) to the left of the partition member (28). The blower chamber (32) contains an outdoor fan (22) and an outdoor heat exchanger (21).

The casing (70) is formed with an intake port (70a) and an exhaust port (70b). The intake port (70a) is formed in a portion of the rear panel (74) facing the blower chamber (32) and in the left panel (75). The exhaust port (70b) is formed in a portion of the front panel (73) facing the blower chamber (32). In the blower chamber (32), an air passage through which outdoor air flows is formed from the intake port (70a) to the exhaust port (70b).

The outdoor heat exchanger (21) has a number of flat tubes and a number of fins that are inserted into these flat tubes. The flat tubes are arranged in the vertical direction. When viewed from above, the flat tubes are formed in an L-shape that is bent so as to fit along the rear panel (74) and the left panel (75).

The outdoor fan (22) is a propeller fan having a fan motor (22a). When the outdoor fan (22) is rotated, air drawn into the blower chamber (32) through the suction port (70a) is heat exchanged with the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger (21). The air after heat exchange is blown out of the outdoor unit (20) through the outlet port (70b). In FIG. 3, the air flow is indicated by white arrows.

The machine room (31) is a space inside the casing (70) to the right of the partition member (28). The machine room (31) contains a refrigerant cylinder (5), a pipe group (8), a water heat exchanger (15), an accumulator (25), a compressor (30), and a sound insulation member (60).

The compressor (30) has support legs (30a). The support legs (30a) are supported by a plurality of first vibration-proof members (33). The first vibration-proof members (33) are made of, for example, rubber or urethane. The first vibration-proof members (33) are supported by the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). As a result, even if the compressor (30) vibrates during operation of the refrigeration cycle device (1), the vibration is damped by the first vibration-proof members (33) before being transmitted to the bottom plate (72).

The refrigerant cylinder (5) and the water heat exchanger (15) are supported on the bottom plate of the casing (70). The accumulator (25) is supported by a stay (not shown) at a position away from the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70).

The sound insulation member (60) is hollow and open downward, more precisely, in the shape of a box that is open downward. Specifically, the sound insulation member (60) has an upper wall (61), a front wall (63), a rear wall (64), a left wall (65), and a right wall (66). The upper wall (61) faces the upper panel (71) and constitutes the upper surface of the sound insulation member (60). The front wall (63) faces the front panel (73) and constitutes the front surface of the sound insulation member (60). The rear wall (64) faces the rear panel (74) and constitutes the rear surface of the sound insulation member (60). The left wall (65) faces the left panel (75) and constitutes the left surface of the sound insulation member (60). The right wall (66) faces the right panel (76) and constitutes the right surface of the sound insulation member (60).

The sound insulation member (60) is supported on the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). The sound insulation member (60) is made of a non-breathable material. The sound insulation member (60) is made of, for example, a metal plate or a rubber sheet.

The sound-insulating member (60) defines a first space (S1) that houses the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25). Strictly speaking, in this embodiment, the first space (S1) is defined by the sound-insulating member (60) and the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). The sound-insulating member (60) covers the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25). In addition to the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25), the first space (S1) in the sound-insulating member (60) also houses the refrigerant cylinder (5), the piping group (8), and the water heat exchanger (15). The sound-insulating member (60) covers the refrigerant cylinder (5), the piping group (8), and the water heat exchanger (15).

The piping group (8) includes a valve body (9) and piping (26). The valve body (9) includes an outdoor expansion valve (23), a four-way switching valve (24), and a solenoid valve (29). The piping group (8) may include an internal heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerants, a muffler, a filter, and the like. The valve body (9) may include a motor-operated valve, a check valve, a three-way valve, and the like.

The sound insulation member (60) and the casing (70) are disposed with a predetermined distance between them. A second space (S2) is formed between the outer surface of the sound insulation member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70). The second space (S2) constitutes a part of the machine room (31).

(2) Features Related to Measures to Prevent Refrigerant Leakage As described above, the soundproofing member (60) houses the compressor (30), the accumulator (25), the water heat exchanger (15), the piping group (8), and the like. There is a risk of refrigerant leakage from these devices. The leaked refrigerant flows into the first space (S1) inside the soundproofing member (60). Here, a refrigerant such as propane, for example, has a higher specific gravity than air and moves to the lower part of the first space (S1). As a result, the concentration of the refrigerant increases in the lower part of the first space (S1), and there is a risk of it reaching a concentration that can cause an ignition. Therefore, in this embodiment, a structure is adopted to suppress the increase in the concentration of the refrigerant.

(2-1) First Communication Passage The outdoor unit (20) has a first communication passage (41). The first communication passage (41) is a flow path for allowing refrigerant in the first space (S1) in the sound insulation member (60) to flow out of the sound insulation member (60). The first communication passage (41) communicates between a lower part of the first space (S1) and a second space (S2) outside the sound insulation member (60).

As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the first communication passage (41) of this embodiment is formed between the lower end of the sound insulation member (60) and the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). The first communication passage (41) is formed, for example, between the lower end of the left side wall (65) of the sound insulation member (60) and the bottom plate (72). The first communication passage (41) is formed in the horizontal middle part of the lower end of the left side wall (65). The first communication passage (41) is formed in a horizontally elongated shape extending in the front-rear direction.

The first communication passage (41) is formed by providing a folded portion (42) at the lower end of the left side wall (65). The folded portion (42) is provided between a pair of cutout portions (43, 43) extending upward from the lower end of the left side wall (65). One of the pair of cutout portions (43, 43) is located toward the front end of the left side wall (65), and the other is located toward the rear end of the left side wall (65). In the folded portion (42), a folding line (44) is formed that extends horizontally across the upper ends of both sides of the pair of cutout portions (43, 43). The folded portion (42) is formed by folding back the portion between the pair of cutout portions (43, 43) of the left side wall (65) upward with respect to the folding line (44). As a result, the first communication passage (41) extending horizontally is formed between the folding line (44) and the bottom plate (72). In this example, the folded portion (42) is folded back to the outside of the sound insulation member (60), but it may be folded back to the inside of the sound insulation member (60). The angle (θ1 in FIG. 4) between the wall surface of the main body of the sound insulation member (60) and the wall surface of the folded portion (42) is preferably 90 degrees or more and 150 degrees or less. This allows the refrigerant in the second space (S2) to smoothly flow out into the blower chamber (32) while maintaining the lateral soundproofing effect of the sound insulation member (60). In this example, θ1 is 135 degrees.

Support portions (45) that come into contact with the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70) are formed on the left side wall (65) at both ends in the horizontal direction (front-rear direction) of the pair of cutout portions (43, 43).

The first communication passage (41) is located near the bottom plate (72). It is preferable that at least a portion of the first communication passage (41) is located lower than the lower end of the compressor (30), and it is more preferable that the entire first communication passage (41) is located lower than the lower end of the compressor (30).

The first communication passage (41) may be provided corresponding to a side wall other than the left side wall (65). For example, the first communication passage (41) may be provided corresponding to at least one or all of the front side wall (63), the rear side wall (64), the right side wall (66), and the left side wall (65).

(2-2) Second Communication Passage The outdoor unit (20) has a second communication passage (48). The second communication passage (48) is a flow path for allowing refrigerant in the second space (S2) of the machine chamber (31) to flow into the fan chamber (32). The second communication passage (48) communicates between a lower part of the second space (S2) and the fan chamber (32).

As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the second communication passage (48) in this embodiment is formed between the lower end of the partition member (28) and the bottom of the casing (70). Specifically, a plurality of (three in this example) ribs (49) extending in the left-right direction are formed on the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). The cross section of the ribs (49) when viewed from the left-right direction is formed to be convex, more precisely, trapezoidal. Grooves (50) corresponding to each rib (49) are formed on the lower end of the partition member (28). The ribs (49) are located inside each groove (50). The cross section of the grooves (50) when viewed from the left-right direction is similar in shape to the ribs (49) but slightly larger. Therefore, a gap that constitutes the second communication passage (48) is formed between the ribs (49) and the inner edge of the grooves (50). Strictly speaking, the second communication passage (48) is configured by a front gap (48a) formed in front of the rib (49), a middle gap (48b) formed above the rib (49), and a rear gap (48c) formed behind the rib (49) continuing together.

(2-3) Flow of leaked refrigerant When refrigerant leaks from a device inside the sound insulation member (60) during operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus (1), the refrigerant moves to the lower part of the first space (S1). The refrigerant in the lower part of the first space (S1) flows into the second space (S2) of the machine chamber (31) through the first communication passage (41). This makes it possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing in the lower part of the first space (S1) and to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from reaching an ignition concentration.

The refrigerant in the second space (S2) of the machine room (31) flows out into the blower room (32) through the second communication passage (48). When the refrigeration cycle device (1) is operating, the outdoor fan (22) is in operation as a rule. Therefore, the refrigerant in the blower room (32) flows out of the casing (70) from the outlet (70b) together with the outdoor air blown by the outdoor fan (22). As a result, the concentration of the refrigerant in the second space (S2) can be prevented from increasing, and the refrigerant can be prevented from reaching an ignition concentration.

(3) Effects of the embodiment (3-1)
The outdoor unit (20) is disposed inside the casing (70) and includes a non-breathable sound-proof member (60) that covers the compressor (30) so as to define a first space (S1) that houses the compressor (30), and a first communication passage (41) that communicates between a lower part of the first space (S1) and a second space (S2) between the sound-proof member (60) and the casing (70).

This configuration allows the refrigerant that has moved to the bottom of the first space (S1) to flow through the first communication passage (41) into the second space (S2). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing in the first space (S1).

Furthermore, the double sound insulation structure of the sound insulation member (60) and the casing (70) can reduce noise emitted from the compressor (30) etc.

(3-2)
The outdoor unit (20) includes a partition member (28) that divides the inside of the casing (70) into a machine chamber (31) in which the compressor (30) and the sound insulation member (60) are arranged and which includes a second space (S2), and a blower chamber (32) in which the outdoor fan (22) and the outdoor heat exchanger (21) are arranged, and a second communication passage (48) that connects a lower part of the second space (S2) of the machine chamber (31) to the blower chamber (32).

This configuration allows the refrigerant that has moved to the bottom of the second space (S2) of the machine chamber (31) to flow through the second communication passage (48) into the blower chamber (32). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing in the second space (S2).

When the refrigeration cycle device (1) is operating, the outdoor fan (22) is in operation. As a result, the refrigerant in the blower chamber (32) flows out of the casing (70) from the air outlet (70b) together with the outdoor air transported by the outdoor fan (22). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing in the blower chamber (32).

(3-3)
The sound insulation member (60) is hollow and open at the bottom. The first communication passage (41) is formed between the bottom end of the sound insulation member (60) and the bottom plate of the casing (70).

When refrigerant leaks into the first space (S1), the concentration of the refrigerant is likely to increase, particularly near the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). This is because the refrigerant moves downward due to its own weight, and the concentration of the refrigerant increases as it gets closer to the bottom plate (72). In this embodiment, the first communication passage (41) is formed along the bottom plate (72), so that the concentration of the refrigerant can be prevented from increasing near the bottom plate (72).

If the first communication passage (41) is formed by drilling a through hole in the sound insulation member (60), the soundproofing effect on the side of the casing (70) may be reduced. In this embodiment, the first communication passage (41) is formed between the lower end of the sound insulation member (60) and the bottom plate of the casing (70), and therefore the soundproofing effect on the side of the sound insulation member (60) can be improved compared to drilling a through hole. As described above, the first communication passage (41) of this embodiment can improve both the effect of suppressing an increase in the concentration of the refrigerant and the effect of suppressing noise. Furthermore, the first communication passage (41) can be easily processed compared to drilling a through hole or the like.

(3-4)
The first communication passage (41) is formed by forming a folded portion (42) at a part of the lower end of the sound insulation member (60). This makes it easier to process the first communication passage (41). The folded portion (42) also contributes to reducing noise.

(4) Modifications The above embodiment may be modified as follows. Differences from the above embodiment will be described below. Note that the same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts as in the embodiment.

(4-1) Modification 1
As shown in FIG. 7, a drain pan (51) is formed in the blower chamber (32) of the first modified example. The drain pan (51) is disposed below the outdoor heat exchanger (21). The drain pan (51) is a tray that receives water condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (21). A drain outlet (52) is formed in the bottom of the drain pan (51). The drain outlet (52) constitutes an inlet end of a drain drain channel (53). The outlet end of the drain drain channel (53) opens to the outside of the casing (70). The drain drain channel (53) includes a flow path such as a drain hose. The drain drain channel (53) constitutes a third communication passage that communicates the lower part of the blower chamber (32) with the outside of the casing (70).

In the first modification, the refrigerant that has moved to the bottom of the blower chamber (32) flows out of the casing (70) through the drainage channel (53). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing near the bottom of the blower chamber (32). Even when the outdoor fan (22) is stopped, the refrigerant in the blower chamber (32) can be discharged to the outside of the casing (70). The drainage channel (53) serves both as a flow path for discharging drain water and a flow path for discharging the refrigerant, thereby reducing the number of parts.

(4-2) Modification 2
As shown in Fig. 8, the casing (70) of the second modification is formed with a fourth communication passage (54). The fourth communication passage (54) is a flow path for allowing the refrigerant in the second space (S2) to flow directly out of the casing (70). The first communication passage (41) of the second modification is formed in, for example, the right side wall (66). The fourth communication passage (54) is formed in, for example, the lower part of the right panel (76). The fourth communication passage (54) is defined by a hole penetrating the right panel (76) in the thickness direction.

The fourth communication passage (54) is located near the bottom plate (72). It is preferable that at least a portion of the fourth communication passage (54) is located lower than the lower end of the compressor (30), and it is more preferable that the entire fourth communication passage (54) is located lower than the lower end of the compressor (30).

The fourth communication passage (54) may be provided corresponding to a side panel other than the right panel (76). The fourth communication passage (54) may be provided corresponding to at least one or all of the front panel (73), rear panel (74), right panel (76), and left panel (75), for example.

In the second modification, the refrigerant in the first space (S1) also flows out through the first communication passage (41) into the second space (S2). The refrigerant in the second space (S2) flows out through the fourth communication passage (54) to the outside of the casing (70). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing in the second space (S2).

(4-3) Modification 3
In the third modification shown in Fig. 9, a drain hole (55) is formed in a portion of the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70) facing the second space (S2). The drain hole (55) constitutes an inlet end of a drainage channel (56). The outlet end of the drainage channel (56) opens to the outside of the casing (70). The drainage channel (56) includes a flow path such as a hose. The drainage channel (56) constitutes a fourth communication passage that connects a lower portion of the second space (S2) of the machine room (31) to the outside of the casing (70).

In the fourth modification, the refrigerant that has migrated to the bottom of the second space (S2) of the machine chamber (31) flows out of the casing (70) through the drainage channel (56). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing near the bottom of the machine chamber (31). The drainage channel (56) serves both as a flow path for draining water accumulated in the machine chamber (31) and as a flow path for draining the refrigerant, thereby reducing the number of parts.

(4-4) Modification 4
In the fourth modification shown in Fig. 10, a first sound absorbing material (81) is provided in a second space (S2) between the outer surface of the sound insulation member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70). The inner surface of the casing (70) includes the surface of the partition member (28) facing the machine room (31). The first sound absorbing material (81) is air permeable. The first sound absorbing material (81) is a resin material having open cells, such as urethane. The first sound absorbing material (81) is disposed on the outer surface sides of the upper wall (61), the front wall (63), the rear wall (64), the left wall (65), and the right wall (66) of the sound insulation member (60).

Even in the fourth modification, the double sound insulation structure of the sound insulation member (60) and the casing (70) can prevent radiated sound and vibration sound from the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25) from leaking to the outside. In addition, the first sound absorbing material (81) can prevent a decrease in sound insulation performance due to the low-frequency resonance transmission phenomenon, thereby improving the soundproofing effect.

Specifically, when two plates form a double structure with a hollow space between them, the two plates become two masses, and the air in the hollow space acts as a spring connecting them, causing them to vibrate, resulting in a resonance phenomenon. In this case, the transmission loss is lower than the mass law, and sound insulation performance is reduced. This phenomenon generally occurs in the low-frequency range, so it is called the low-frequency resonance transmission phenomenon.

In contrast, in the fourth modification, a first sound-absorbing material (81) is provided between the outer surface of the sound-insulating member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70), which makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of a resonance phenomenon in which the air in the gap between the sound-insulating member (60) and the casing (70) acts as a spring and vibrates.

The refrigerant that leaks into the first space (S1) passes through the first communication passage (41) and flows out into the second space (S2). Because the first sound-absorbing material (81) is breathable, the refrigerant in the second space (S2) passes through the first sound-absorbing material (81) and flows out, for example, through the second communication passage (48) into the blower chamber (32). In this way, in the third modification, the leaked refrigerant can be discharged to the outside of the second space (S2) without forming a communication passage in the first sound-absorbing material (81).

In addition, a communication passage for passing the refrigerant may be provided between the lower end of the first sound-absorbing material (81) and the bottom plate (72) or below the first sound-absorbing material (81).

(4-5) Modification 5
In the fifth modification shown in Fig. 11, in addition to the configuration of the fourth modification, a second sound absorbing material (82) is provided on the inner surface of the sound insulation member (60). The second sound absorbing material (82) is breathable. The second sound absorbing material (82) is a resin material having open cells, such as urethane. The second sound absorbing material (82) is disposed on the inner surfaces of the upper wall (61), the front wall (63), the rear wall (64), the left wall (65), and the right wall (66) of the sound insulation member (60).

The second sound-absorbing material (82) can enhance the soundproofing effect by absorbing radiated sound and vibration sound from the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25).

Specifically, when the compressor (30) and accumulator (25) as sound sources are enclosed by a sound-proofing member (60) that is a box-shaped member, the sound is reflected by the sound-proofing member (60), causing a phenomenon known as build-up, in which the sound pressure level around the compressor (30) and accumulator (25) increases compared to when the sound-proofing member (60) is not present.

As a result, the sound pressure level outside the sound-insulating member (60) is the sound pressure level without the sound-insulating member (60) minus the transmission loss and build-up of the sound-insulating member (60). Therefore, the amount of sound reduction achieved by providing the sound-insulating member (60) is less than the value expected based on the transmission loss.

In this embodiment, the sound pressure level inside the sound insulation member (60) can be attenuated by providing a second sound absorbing material (62) on the inner surface of the sound insulation member (60). This makes it possible to suppress build-up.

Because the second sound-absorbing material (82) is breathable, the refrigerant in the first space (S1) passes through the second sound-absorbing material (82) and flows out into the second space (S2) through the first communication passage (41). In this way, in the fifth modification, the refrigerant that leaks into the first space (S1) can be discharged to the outside of the sound-proof member (60) without forming a communication passage in the second sound-absorbing material (82).

In addition, a communication passage for passing the refrigerant may be provided between the lower end of the second sound-absorbing material (82) and the bottom plate (72) or below the second sound-absorbing material (82).

(4-6) Modification 6
12 , in Modification 6, the first sound-absorbing material (81) is omitted from Modification 5. The first sound-absorbing material (81) is not provided in the second space (S2) between the sound-insulating member (60) and the casing (70), and a second sound-absorbing material (82) is provided on the inner surface of the sound-insulating member (60).

(4-7) Modification 7
As shown in Figures 13 and 14, in the seventh modification, the compressor (30) has a support leg (30a). The support leg (30a) is supported by a plurality of first vibration isolating members (33). The first vibration isolating members (33) are supported by a first support member (34). The first support member (34) is supported by a plurality of second vibration isolating members (35). The second vibration isolating members (35) are supported by a second support member (36). In this example, the second support member (36) is the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70).

The first vibration-isolating member (33) and the second vibration-isolating member (35) are made of rubber or urethane. The material and spring constant of the first vibration-isolating member (33) and the material and spring constant of the second vibration-isolating member (35) may be the same or different.

The compressor (30) is disposed on a double vibration isolation structure that includes a first vibration isolation member (33), a first support member (34), and a second vibration isolation member (35). Therefore, even if the compressor (30) vibrates during operation of the refrigeration cycle device (1), the transmission of the vibration and the generation of noise are suppressed.

The refrigerant cylinder (5) and the water heat exchanger (15) are supported by the first support member (34). The accumulator (25) is supported by a stay (not shown) at a position away from the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70).

The sound insulation member (60) is supported by the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). The first space (S1) in the sound insulation member (60) accommodates the compressor (30), the accumulator (25), the refrigerant cylinder (5), the piping group (8), and the water heat exchanger (15). The sound insulation member (60) covers the compressor (30), the accumulator (25), the refrigerant cylinder (5), the piping group (8), and the water heat exchanger (15). A second space (S2) is formed between the outer surface of the sound insulation member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70).

According to the seventh modification, the compressor (30) is supported by a two-layer vibration-proof structure in which the first vibration-proof member (33) and the second vibration-proof member (35) are stacked, thereby damping the vibration of the compressor (30).

This reduces vibrations transmitted from the compressor (30) to the first support member (34) and the second support member (36) and vibrations transmitted from the compressor (30) to the piping (26), thereby suppressing the generation of vibration noise caused by vibrations of the first support member (34) and the second support member (36) and the piping (26).

The outdoor unit (20) of the seventh modification has a first sound-absorbing material (81) and a second sound-absorbing material (82) like the fifth modification, but one or both of these may be omitted.

(5) Other Embodiments The above embodiment and each modification may have the following configuration.

The first communication passage (41) may be formed by a hole penetrating the sound-insulating member (60) in the thickness direction, or may be formed by a notch formed in the lower end or the like of the sound-insulating member (60).

The first communication passage (41) may be formed by a recess formed in the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). In this case, the recess is formed to extend between the first space (S1) and the second space (S2).

The sound-proofing member (60) may have a bottom wall without being open on the lower side. In this case, the first communication passage (41) may be formed in the bottom wall of the sound-proofing member (60).

The second communication passage (48) may be formed by a hole penetrating the partition member (28) in the thickness direction, or may be formed by a notch formed in the lower end or the like of the partition member (28).

The second communication passage (48) may be formed by a recess formed in the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). In this case, the recess is formed to extend between the second space (S2) and the blower chamber (32).

The third communication passage (53) may be formed by a hole extending in the thickness direction of the casing (70) in the portion facing the blower chamber (32), or by a notch formed in the side plate of the casing (70).

The sound-proofing member (60) may cover only the compressor (30), or may cover only the compressor (30), the accumulator (25), and the piping connecting the two.

The water heat exchanger (15) and the refrigerant cylinder (5) may be supported by the first vibration-isolating member (33) and the second vibration-isolating member (35).

The refrigeration cycle device (1) may supply water heated by the water heat exchanger (15) to a supply target other than a hot water tank. The supply target may include a bath, a shower, a floor heating device, an air heat exchanger, etc.

The heat source unit (20) of the refrigeration cycle device (1) may not have a water heat exchanger (15) and may be connected to a utilization unit via a refrigerant pipe to form a refrigerant circuit. The utilization unit has a utilization heat exchanger that adjusts the temperature of the air by the refrigerant. The utilization unit may be an air conditioning unit that conditions the target space. In this case, the air conditioning unit may be a ceiling-mounted type, a wall-mounted type, or a floor-standing type. The utilization unit may be a cooling unit that cools the air inside the storage. The cooling unit may cool the interior of a shipping container for sea or land use.

The heat source unit (20) does not necessarily have to be installed outdoors, but may be installed indoors. In this case, the heat source side heat exchanger is not the outdoor heat exchanger (21), but is composed of a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a heat medium such as water and a refrigerant.

Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications of form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the elements of the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate. Furthermore, the descriptions "first," "second," "third," etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish the words to which these descriptions are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the words.

As explained above, the present disclosure is useful for heat source units and refrigeration cycle devices.

1 Refrigeration cycle equipment
20 Outdoor unit (heat source unit)
21 Outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger)
22 Outdoor fan (fan)
28 Partitioning material
30 Compressor
31 Machine room (1st room)
32 Blower room (2nd room)
33 First vibration isolating member
34 First support member
35 Second vibration-isolating member
36 Second support member
41 1st communication passage
48 Second communication passage
53 Drain drainage channel (third passage)
54 4th communication passage
56 Drainage channel (4th communication channel)
60 Soundproofing materials
70 Casing
72 Bottom plate
81 First sound absorbing material
82 Second sound absorbing material
S1 1st space
S2 2nd space

Claims (10)

A heat source unit provided in a refrigeration cycle device that uses a refrigerant having a higher specific gravity than air,
A casing (70);
a compressor (30) disposed inside the casing (70) and compressing a refrigerant;
an accumulator (25) disposed inside the casing (70);
a non-air-permeable sound-proof member (60) that is disposed inside the casing (70) and covers the compressor (30 ) and the accumulator (25) so as to define a first space (S1) that houses the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25); and
a first communication passage (41) that communicates a lower portion of the first space (S1) with a second space (S2) between the sound insulation member (60) and the casing (70),
Heat source unit. With a fan (22),
a heat exchanger (21) for exchanging heat between the outdoor air transported by the fan (22) and the refrigerant;
a partition member (28) that divides the inside of the casing (70) into a first chamber (31) in which the compressor (30) and the sound insulation member (60) are disposed and which includes the second space (S2), and a second chamber (32) in which the fan (22) and the heat exchanger (21) are disposed;
The heat source unit according to claim 1 , further comprising: a second communication passage (48) that communicates between a lower portion of the second space (S2) of the first chamber (31) and the second chamber (32). The heat source unit according to claim 2 , further comprising a third communication passage (53) that connects a lower portion of the second chamber (32) to the outside of the casing (70). The heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a fourth communication passage (54, 56) that connects a lower portion of the second space (S2) to the outside of the casing (70). The sound insulation member (60) is formed in a hollow shape with an opening on the lower side,
4. The heat source unit according to claim 1, wherein the first communication passage (41) is formed between a lower end of the sound insulation member (60) and a bottom plate of the casing (70). The heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a first sound absorbing material (81) that is air-permeable and is provided between an outer surface of the sound insulation member (60) and an inner surface of the casing (70). The heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a breathable second sound absorbing material (82) provided on an inner surface of the sound insulation member (60). The heat source unit according to claim 7 , further comprising: a first sound absorbing material (81) that is air-permeable and is provided between an outer surface of the sound insulation member (60) and an inner surface of the casing (70). a first vibration-isolating member (33) supporting the compressor (30);
a first support member (34) that supports the first vibration isolation member (33);
a second vibration isolating member (35) supporting the first support member (34);
The heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a second support member (36) that supports the second vibration isolation member (35). A refrigeration cycle device equipped with the heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.