Outdoor unit for a heat pump, heat pump and method for manufacturing a cover for an outdoor unit of a heat pump

Abstract

The invention relates to an outdoor unit (1) for cooling and / or heating a medium for a heat pump (2), wherein the outdoor unit (1) comprises a housing (3), at least one fan (4) and at least one heat exchanger (5) through which the medium flows, wherein the housing (3) has at least one inlet opening (6) and one outlet opening (7), wherein the fan (4) is configured to convey an airflow (8) from the inlet opening (6) through the heat exchanger (5) to the outlet opening (7), wherein the outlet opening (7) of the housing (3) is covered by a cover (10), wherein the cover (10) has at least a first region (11) and a second region (12), wherein the first region (11) extends radially outwards from a central region (25) of the cover (10) and has an airflow-guiding projection (13).wherein the second region (12) is arranged radially adjacent to the first region (11) and has openings (14) for the exit of the airflow (8), wherein the cover (10) is formed in one piece and of a single material. Furthermore, the invention relates to a heat pump (2) and a method for manufacturing a cover (10) for an outdoor unit (1) of a heat pump (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an outdoor unit of a heat pump, a heat pump, and a method for manufacturing a cover for an outdoor unit of a heat pump. State of the art

[0002] Outdoor units for heat pumps and heat pumps are known from the state of the art.

[0003] There are ongoing efforts to improve the performance of outdoor units of heat pumps, particularly in building technology. Higher efficiency of these units is especially desirable, as it can reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, and facilitate the integration of renewable energies, contributing to more sustainable and environmentally friendly climate control. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved outdoor unit for a heat pump and an improved heat pump itself. In particular, a compact, easier-to-manufacture, and more efficient outdoor unit for a heat pump is to be provided. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved method for manufacturing a cover for an outdoor unit of a heat pump.

[0005] The problem is solved using the features of the main claims.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, an outdoor unit is provided for cooling and / or heating a medium for a heat pump. The outdoor unit comprises a housing, at least one fan, and at least one heat exchanger through which the medium flows. The housing has at least one inlet opening and one outlet opening. The fan is designed to convey an airflow from the inlet opening through the heat exchanger to the outlet opening. The outlet opening of the housing is covered by a cover. The cover has at least a first region and a second region. The first region extends radially outward from a central region of the cover and has an airflow-guiding projection. The second region is arranged radially adjacent to the first region and has openings for the outlet of the airflow. The cover is a single piece and made of a single material.

[0007] This allows, for example, the technical advantage of providing an improved outdoor unit for cooling and / or heating a medium for a heat pump. This is achieved in particular by the cover having at least a first and a second section, and by the cover extending radially outwards from a central section and incorporating an airflow-guiding protrusion. This protrusion serves, for example, to compress and accelerate the airflow and direct it into the second section, which is located adjacent to the first. The first section can thus also be described as a diffusion element for the cover. A further advantage is that the cover is manufactured as a single piece and from a single material; that is, the first and second sections of the cover are formed from a single unit.This allows a single component to serve as both an increased efficiency cover and a protective cover for the fan, as well as an outlet for airflow. Furthermore, this design enables a compact, easy-to-install, and maintenance-friendly outdoor unit. Thus, an improved outdoor unit for a heat pump can be provided.

[0008] In another embodiment, the raised section of the cover has a rotationally symmetrical shape and the shape is semi-spherical or elliptical.

[0009] This allows, for example, the technical advantage of further improving the efficiency of the outdoor unit. The rotationally symmetrical, semi-spherical or elliptical shape enables improved airflow through the raised section in the first area. This advantageously allows for a particularly efficient outdoor unit that operates with a lower fan speed while maintaining a nearly constant efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0010] In another embodiment, the raised section of the cover has stiffening ribs on an inner surface of the first area.

[0011] This allows, for example, the technical advantage of a cover that is particularly robust for the outdoor unit. The reinforcing ribs provide additional mechanical strength and can reinforce the cover's height.

[0012] In another embodiment, the outdoor unit has a cap. The cap is arranged and mountable on an outer surface of the cover. The cap covers an inner surface of the first area of ​​the cover.

[0013] This offers the technical advantage, for example, of concealing potential manufacturing defects that may occur on the inner surface of the first section of the cover. This, in turn, reduces the scrap rate in the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the cap can minimize turbulence behind the fan. This results, for instance, in improved airflow from the outdoor unit of the heat exchanger.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the cover has at least one through-opening in the first region, wherein the cap has at least one screw boss arranged corresponding to the through-opening. The cap and the cover are positively connected by means of a screw element via the through-opening and the screw boss.

[0015] This can, for example, achieve the technical advantage of a particularly strong and secure connection between the cover and the cap.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the cover has at least one locking element radially adjacent to the second area, wherein the housing has a counter-locking element in the area of ​​the outlet opening, wherein the cover and the housing are positively connected by means of the locking element and the counter-locking element.

[0017] This allows, for example, the technical advantage that the cover can be mounted on the housing particularly efficiently, securely, and easily. The locking element and its corresponding counter-locking element create a secure, positive-locking connection, which facilitates easy installation and improved serviceability of the outdoor unit. The cover can therefore be removed from and reinstalled on the housing without any additional tools.

[0018] In another embodiment, the cover is made of a polymer material, in particular a thermoplastic polymer material.

[0019] This allows for the particular technical advantage that the cover is weather-resistant and stable against external influences. Furthermore, the cover can be manufactured quickly and cost-effectively from a polymer material. Advantageously, the mechanical properties of the cover can also be modified and adapted by adding fillers to the polymer material.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the invention, a heat pump is provided for a heating and / or cooling circuit of a building, which has an outdoor unit according to one of the preceding embodiments.

[0021] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing a cover for an outdoor unit of a heat pump is proposed, wherein a mold, in particular an injection mold, is provided, wherein the mold is designed corresponding to a geometric configuration of the cover, wherein a liquid material is introduced into the mold, wherein the material is cured to form the cover.

[0022] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures and exemplary embodiments. These show: - Fig. 1 a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of an outdoor unit for a heat pump, - Fig. 2 a frontal view of an exemplary embodiment of the cover for the outdoor unit of a heat pump, - Fig. 3 a perspective view of the cover and a cap for the outdoor unit of a heat pump in a further embodiment, - Fig. 4 Two sectional views of two further exemplary embodiments of the cover for the outdoor unit of a heat pump, - Fig. 5 an exemplary partial representation of the cover for an outdoor unit of a heat pump, - Fig. 6 A side sectional view of the cover with cap for the outdoor unit of a heat pump.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 shows a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of an outdoor unit 1 for a heat pump 2.

[0024] The outdoor unit 1 has a housing 3. The housing 3 has at least one inlet opening 6 and one outlet opening 7. The housing 3 of the outdoor unit 1 contains at least one fan 4 and one heat exchanger 5. The fan 4 is designed to convey an airflow 8 from the inlet opening 6 through the heat exchanger 5 to the outlet opening 7.

[0025] The fan 4 is located in the housing 3 and has, for example, a rotation axis 23. The outlet opening 7 of the housing 3 is covered with a cover 10.

[0026] The cover 10 is designed as an exemplary rotationally symmetrical component.

[0027] The cover 10 is arranged by way of example in a central area 25 on the rotation axis 23 of the fan 4.

[0028] The cover 10 has at least a first region 11 and a second region 12. The first region 11 extends radially outwards from the central region 25 of the cover 10 and has an airflow-guiding projection 13. The second region 12 is arranged radially adjacent to the first region 11 and has openings 14 for the outlet of an airflow 8. The cover 10 is a single piece and made of a single material.

[0029] The projection 13 of the housing 3 can, for example, be rotationally symmetrical about an axis, in particular about the axis of rotation 23, and have a semi-spherical or semi-elliptical shape. In this embodiment, the projection 13 is semi-spherical. The cover 10 can, for example, be made of a polymer material, and in particular of a thermoplastic polymer material. The cover 10 directs an airflow 8 over the projection 13 to the openings 14. This allows for a particularly efficient outdoor unit 1 for a heat pump 2. With the aid of the projection 13, the airflow 8 is accelerated for exiting the housing 3, and the fan 4 requires less power to move the airflow 8.

[0030] On an inner surface 15 of the cover 10, stiffening ribs 17 can be provided in the first area 11. The stiffening ribs 17 can serve to mechanically reinforce the protrusion 13 and thereby provide a particularly robust cover 10 for the outdoor unit 1.

[0031] The openings 14 of the second area 12 are, for example, separated from each other by struts and thus ensure that possible dirt and / or stones and / or other particles can be ejected from or enter the housing 3 of the outdoor unit 1.

[0032] The cover 10 can have at least one locking element 19 radially adjacent to the second area 12. The locking element 19 can be, for example, a locking hook or a locking lug.

[0033] The housing 3 can have a locking element 22 in the area of ​​the outlet opening 7. The locking element 22 can, for example, be a corresponding opening or a corresponding groove with engagement for the locking element 19. The cover 10 can be securely and easily attached to the housing 3 by means of the locking element 19 and the locking element 22. The locking connection between the locking element 19 and the locking element 22 can, in particular, ensure easy assembly and disassembly of the cover 10 on the housing 3. This, for example, simplifies maintenance of the outdoor unit 1.

[0034] During operation, the fan 4 draws air in the form of an airflow 8 from the environment through the inlet opening 6 into the outdoor unit 1, conveys the airflow 8 through the heat exchanger 5 and blows the airflow 8 out of the outdoor unit 1 into the environment through the outlet opening 7.

[0035] The outdoor unit 1 is part of a heat pump 2, in particular an air source heat pump. The heat pump 2 can, for example, be a heat pump for the heating and / or cooling circuit of a building. The heat pump 2 can, for example, be installed in front of a house or on the roof of a house.

[0036] The heat exchanger 5 is designed, for example, as an air / refrigerant heat exchanger or evaporator of the heat pump 2. The heat exchanger 5 serves, for example, to evaporate a refrigerant circulating in a loop. The heat absorbed during the evaporation of the refrigerant can be extracted from the airflow 8.

[0037] Alternatively, the heat exchanger 5 can function as the condenser of the heat pump 2. The heat released during the condensation of refrigerant can be dissipated by means of the airflow 8.

[0038] The heat pump 2 may contain further components of a heat pump that are not shown in this embodiment. For example, the heat pump 2 may contain an additional heat exchanger, such as a refrigerant-to-heat fluid heat exchanger, a condenser, a compressor, an expansion element, control electronics and / or sensors, in particular for measuring temperatures and / or pressures.

[0039] The outdoor unit 1 for the heat pump 2 therefore represents an improved outdoor unit 1 for a heat pump 2. In particular, the one-piece cover 10, made of a single material, enables a more efficient and energy-saving outdoor unit 1 for a heat pump 2. Furthermore, the one-piece design of the cover 10, especially using an injection molding process, allows for cost-effective, quick, and straightforward manufacturing.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2 shows a frontal view of an exemplary embodiment of a cover 10 for an outdoor unit of a heat pump.

[0041] The cover 10 is shown, for example, as a rotationally symmetrical component. The cover 10 can, in particular, have a circular basic shape. The cover 10 has the first area 11 and the second area 12.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first region 11 extends radially and symmetrically outwards from a center point 24. The first region 11 has the projection 13.

[0043] The projection 13 is also designed to be rotationally symmetrical and, in this embodiment, is configured as a semicircular projection 13. The projection 13 again serves to guide the airflow.

[0044] The airflow is guided from the raised section 13 into the second area 12. The second area 12 features, for example, a multitude of openings 14. The second area 12 extends from the first area 11 and, for example, also symmetrically outwards. The multitude of openings 14 can be separated from one another, for example, by longitudinal and / or transverse struts, forming, for example, a kind of grid structure.

[0045] Radially adjacent to the second area 12, locking elements 19 are provided as an example. The locking elements 19 preferably serve to attach the cover 10 to the housing in a simple and straightforward manner.

[0046] In the first area 11, for example, a through-opening 18 can be provided. Several through-openings 18 can also be provided. In this embodiment, three through-openings 18 are provided. The through-openings 18 serve, for example, to attach a cap (not shown) to the cover 10.

[0047] How such a cap can be attached to the cover 10 is shown below by way of example. Fig. 3 shown.

[0048] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the cover 10 and a cap 20 for the outdoor unit of a heat pump.

[0049] The cover 10 for the outdoor unit of a heat pump essentially corresponds to the cover 10 from Fig. 3. The cover 10 has a first area 11 and a second area 12. The first area 11 is designed as a raised section 13. The second area 12 is arranged radially adjacent to the first area 11 and has openings 14. Following the second area 12, locking elements 19 are again arranged.

[0050] The cover 10 can have through-openings 18. In this embodiment, three through-openings 18 are provided.

[0051] Furthermore, a cap 20 is shown. The cap 20 is designed, for example, as a rotationally symmetrical component. The cap 20 can, for example, be mounted on an outer surface 16 of the cover 10. For mounting, the cover 10 has, for example, screw bosses 21. In this embodiment, the cap 20 has three screw bosses 21. The screw bosses 21 are arranged corresponding to the through-openings 18 of the cover 10. The cap 20 can be mounted on the outer surface 16 of the cover 10 using screw elements 9 via the through-openings 18 and the screw bosses 21.

[0052] The cap 20 can advantageously be used to conceal manufacturing defects or visual flaws. This can reduce production rejects. Furthermore, turbulence behind the cover 10 can be reduced. The cap 20 can be used to cover the inner surface of the first area 11 of the cover 10.

[0053] The cap 20, like the cover 10, can be made of a thermoplastic material and can be manufactured in particular by an injection molding process.

[0054] It is also conceivable that the cap 20 and the cover 10 are manufactured together in a single production process. For example, a single injection mold with one cavity for the cap 20 and one cavity for the cover 10 could be used for this purpose.

[0055] Fig. Figure 4 shows two sectional views of two further exemplary embodiments of the cover 10 for the outdoor unit of a heat pump.

[0056] The embodiment shown on the left half of the image essentially corresponds to the embodiment shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The cover 10 has a first region 11 and, radially adjacent to it, a second region 12. The first region is designed as an airflow-guiding projection 13. The projection 13 again serves to guide the airflow 8 from the first region 11 into the second region 12. Openings 14 are provided in the second region 12 for the outlet of the airflow 8. Furthermore, stiffening ribs 17 are again provided in the first region 11. The cover 10 is again, by way of example, rotationally symmetrical, and the projection 13 is, in this embodiment, semicircular.

[0057] The embodiment on the right half of the image shows essentially a very similar embodiment of the cover 10. In contrast to the embodiment on the right side of the image, the projection 13 in the first area 11 has a partially elliptical shape. This allows, for example, improved airflow guidance.

[0058] Fig. Figure 5 shows a partial representation of a cover 10 for an outdoor unit of a heat pump.

[0059] In the partial representation of cover 10, cover 10 is again shown as an exemplary rotationally symmetrical component. The cover has a first area 11 and a second area 12. The first area 11 extends radially outwards from the center point 24 and is rotationally symmetrical. The first area 11 is designed as a projection 13. The projection 13 is designed to guide airflow. The second area 12 has openings 14. The second area 12 is arranged radially adjacent to the first area 11. The openings 14 can again be designed as a grid-like structure in the second area 12.

[0060] In the first area 11, through-openings 18 are again provided as an example. These through-openings 18 again serve to mount a cap (not shown) onto the cover 10. This can be done, in particular, using screw elements. In this embodiment, stiffening ribs 17 are again provided on the inner surface 15 of the first area 11.

[0061] The stiffening ribs 17 can have a force-guiding pattern formed by the grids of the second region 12. Thus, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, the stiffening ribs 17 can extend directly from the grid into the first region 11. The center point 24 can be surrounded by the stiffening ribs in a ring-like radial pattern extending outwards. The stiffening ribs 17 again serve to mechanically support the projection 13.

[0062] Fig.Figure 6 shows a side sectional view of a cover 10 with a cap 20 for an outdoor unit of a heat pump.

[0063] The figure shows an example of how the cap 20 can be mounted on the cover 10. The cover 10 has a first section 11 and a second section 12. The first section 11 is designed as an airflow-guiding projection 13. Stiffening ribs 17 are arranged on the inner surface 15 of the first section 11. The stiffening ribs 17 serve to reinforce the projection 13 of the first section 11. The cap 20 is positioned on the outer surface 16 such that the inner surface 15 and the stiffening ribs 17 are covered by the cap 20. The cap 20 and the cover 10 are connected via a through-opening 19 and a screw boss 21 using a fastening element (not shown), in particular a screw element. The stiffening ribs 17 can extend from the inner surface 15 to the cover 10. This allows the cap 20 to rest on the stiffening ribs 17.

[0064] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, a person skilled in the art can also implement embodiments that have not been disclosed or have only been partially disclosed, without deviating from the core of the invention.

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