OUTDOOR UNIT AND REFRIGERATION CIRCUIT WITH THE OUTDOOR UNIT

Abstract

An outdoor unit comprises: a heat exchanger with a plurality of heat transfer tubes extending in a top-bottom direction, a communication part that allows the lower ends of adjacent heat transfer tubes under the plurality of heat transfer tubes to communicate with each other, and a fin provided in an area above a first position spaced above the lower ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes; and a lower cover with a body section, at least two connecting sections projecting downwards from a lower end of the body section, and an opening provided between the at least two connecting sections.The lower cover is positioned facing an area between the communication part and the first position, and the opening is positioned facing a space located below the communication part.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an outdoor unit and a refrigeration circuit device comprising the outdoor unit. State of the art

[0002] A refrigeration circuit device equipped with a finned-tube heat exchanger having a manifold is known. The finned-tube heat exchanger with the manifold has a plurality of heat transfer tubes connected to the manifold and also has a plurality of fins in contact with the plurality of heat transfer tubes. Patent literature 1 discloses, as an example of such a heat exchanger, a heat exchanger serving as a condenser, which has a pair of manifolds arranged parallel to and spaced apart from each other, a large number of heat transfer tubes arranged parallel to each other and whose two ends are connected to the manifolds in a communicating manner, and fins arranged in airflow gaps formed between adjacent tubes. Citation list for patent literature

[0003] Patent literature 1: Japanese patent publication no. 02-045945 Summary of the invention: Technical problem

[0004] In general heat exchangers, including the heat exchanger known from patent literature 1, finless areas are formed between adjacent heat transfer tubes at both end sections of the heat exchanger. For example, in the heat exchanger described in patent literature 1, the distributors are spaced apart from the fins, and finless areas are formed between adjacent heat transfer tubes. In a case where the end sections of straight heat transfer tubes are connected by means of U-shaped conduits, finless areas may be formed on the U-shaped conduits. Such finless areas at the end sections of the heat transfer tubes can form air channels through which air, serving as the heat transfer medium, flows.However, if air flows through the air channels formed by the finless areas at the end sections of the heat transfer tubes, the amount of air flowing around the fins of the heat exchanger decreases, thus reducing the heat transfer performance or heat transfer efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0005] There may be cases where, due to heat exchange between a refrigerant and a heat transfer medium, drainwater is produced in heat exchangers and flows downwards. Therefore, a structure is needed in which the lower end of the heat exchanger allows the drainwater to be discharged.

[0006] The present disclosure was made to solve the aforementioned problems, and it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an outdoor unit and a refrigeration circuit device comprising the outdoor unit, which is designed to reduce the amount of air flowing through a finless area at the bottom of the heat exchanger and to drain wastewater from the bottom of the heat exchanger. Solution to the problem

[0007] An outdoor unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a heat exchanger with a plurality of heat transfer tubes extending in a top-bottom direction, a communication part enabling the lower ends of adjacent heat transfer tubes under the plurality of heat transfer tubes to communicate with each other, and a fin provided in a region above a first position spaced above the lower ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes; and a lower cover with a body section, at least two connecting sections projecting downwards from a lower end of the body section, and an opening provided between the at least two connecting sections.The lower cover is positioned facing an area between the communication part and the first position, and the opening is positioned facing a space located below the communication part.

[0008] A refrigeration circuit device according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure comprises the aforementioned outdoor unit; a compressor provided in a housing of the outdoor unit; an expansion element; and a load-side heat exchanger. The heat exchanger of the outdoor unit, the compressor, the expansion element, and the load-side heat exchanger are connected via a refrigerant line. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0009] In an outdoor unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lower cover is positioned facing the area formed between the first position and the lower ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes of the heat exchanger. Therefore, air supplied to the heat exchanger as a heat transfer medium is blocked by the lower cover, preventing it from easily flowing through the area below the first position. Furthermore, the lower cover has an opening. Therefore, wastewater can be discharged through this opening. Thus, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the amount of air flowing through the unribbed area at the lower end of the heat exchanger and also to discharge wastewater from the lower end of the heat exchanger. Brief description of the drawings [ Fig. 1] Fig. Figure 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a refrigeration circuit device according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 2] Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of an outdoor unit according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 3] Fig. Figure 3 is a front view of a heat source-side heat exchanger according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 4] Fig. Figure 4 is a front view of the heat source-side heat exchanger and the covers according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 5] Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the heat source-side heat exchanger and the covers according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 6] Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a lower cover according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 7] Fig. Figure 7 is a front view of a heat source-side heat exchanger and covers according to embodiment 2. [ Fig. 8] Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a lower cover according to embodiment 2. [ Fig. 9] Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic view of the lower cover according to embodiment 2. [ Fig. 10] Fig. Figure 10 is a front view of a heat source-side heat exchanger according to embodiment 3. Description of embodiments

[0010] Embodiments of an outdoor unit 101 and a refrigeration circuit device 100 of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. In the respective drawings, components with the same reference numerals are identical or corresponding components, and the same applies to the entire DESCRIPTION. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, the size relationship of the respective components in the following drawings, including Fig. 1, from which the actual components differ. In the description below, terms indicating directions are used to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure. Examples of terms indicating directions are "top", "bottom", "right", "left", "front", and "back". Design 1.

[0011] Fig. Figure 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the refrigeration circuit device 100 according to embodiment 1. The refrigeration circuit device 100 is, for example, an air conditioning system that adjusts or regulates the air in a room to be air-conditioned. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the refrigeration circuit device 100 comprises an outdoor unit 101 and an indoor unit 102. The outdoor unit 101 is equipped with a compressor 1, a heat source-side heat exchanger 2, an expansion element 3 serving as a pressure reducing device, and a heat source-side fan 6. The indoor unit 102 is equipped with a load-side heat exchanger 4 and a load-side fan 7. The compressor 1, the heat source-side heat exchanger 2, the expansion element 3, and the load-side heat exchanger 4 are connected via refrigerant lines 5, and refrigerant flows through the refrigerant lines 5. In the present embodiment, the case in which the expansion element 3 is provided in the outdoor unit 101 is described by way of example. However, the expansion element 3 can also be provided in the indoor unit 102. The refrigeration circuit device 100 can have a configuration that includes a plurality of indoor units, which are provided in parallel.are switched, has.

[0012] Compressor 1 draws in low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant, compresses it to a high-temperature, high-pressure state, and discharges it. Compressor 1 is, for example, an inverter compressor whose capacity can be controlled or regulated. The heat exchanger 2 on the heat source side exchanges heat between, for example, the outside air and the refrigerant. During cooling operation, the heat exchanger 2 on the heat source side acts as a condenser. The fan 6 on the heat source side is a device that directs outside air to the heat exchanger 2 on the heat source side. The expansion element 3 is a pressure-reducing valve or an expansion valve that causes the refrigerant to expand by reducing its pressure. The expansion element 3 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree is set or adjusted.

[0013] The load-side heat exchanger 4 exchanges heat, for example, between the interior air and the refrigerant. During a cooling process, the load-side heat exchanger 4 acts as an evaporator. The load-side fan 7 is a device that supplies interior air to the load-side heat exchanger 4. (Cooling operation)

[0014] The operation of the refrigeration circuit device 100 is described next. In cooling mode, refrigerant drawn in by compressor 1 is compressed by compressor 1 and delivered in a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state. The refrigerant delivered by compressor 1, in a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state, flows into the heat exchanger 2 on the heat source side, which serves as a condenser. In the heat exchanger 2, it exchanges heat with the outside air supplied by the heat source-side fan 6, causing it to condense and liquefy. The refrigerant, now condensed into a liquid state, flows into the expansion section 3, where it is expanded and its pressure reduced to become a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant in a two-phase gas-liquid state. The refrigerant in this two-phase gas-liquid state then flows into the expansion section 3.The refrigerant flows into the load-side heat exchanger 4, which serves as an evaporator, and exchanges heat with the indoor air supplied by the load-side fan 7, causing it to evaporate and become gaseous. At this point in the operation, the indoor air is cooled, thus providing cooling in the room. The refrigerant, now evaporated into a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous state, is drawn into the compressor 1.

[0015] In embodiment 1, the case is described by way of example in which the refrigeration circuit device 100 is a device designed for cooling operation. However, the refrigeration circuit device 100 can also be a device designed for heating operation. The refrigeration circuit device 100 can include a flow switching device. In this case, the refrigeration circuit device 100 can switch between cooling and heating operation. The refrigeration circuit device 100 is not limited to an air conditioning system and can be a cooling device that cools a space, such as a cold storage or freezer, or it can be a water heater that heats water in a tank.

[0016] Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the outdoor unit 101 according to embodiment 1. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the outdoor unit 101 houses the heat exchanger 2 on the heat source side and the heat source-side fan 6 in a housing 11. Although not shown in the drawing, the compressor 1 and the expansion element 3 are also housed in the housing 11 of the outdoor unit 101.

[0017] In the present embodiment, a plurality of heat exchangers 2 on the heat source side can be provided. Fig. Figure 2 shows the example in which a first heat source-side heat exchanger 2a and a second heat source-side heat exchanger 2b are housed or contained in the casing 11. Fig. 2 The first heat source-side heat exchanger 2a is located or contained on one of the four side surfaces in the housing 11, and the second heat source-side heat exchanger 2b is located on another of the four side surfaces in the housing 11. In the present disclosure, the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 can be referred to as a "heat exchanger".

[0018] Fig. Figure 2 shows the example of the outdoor unit 101, which is designated as a vertical discharge type, in which the heat source-side fan 6 is located in an upper section of the housing 11. However, the position of the heat source-side fan 6 is not particularly restricted. The outdoor unit 101 can also be a horizontal discharge type, in which the heat source-side fan 6 is located on the side surface of the housing 11.

[0019] Fig. Figure 3 is a front view of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 according to embodiment 1. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 has a plurality of heat transfer tubes 20 extending in the top-bottom direction, a communication section 21a that allows the lower ends of adjacent heat transfer tubes 20 to communicate with each other below the plurality of heat transfer tubes 20, and fins 22 provided in a region above a first position 25 spaced above the lower ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 20. The fins 22 are provided in the region between the first position 25 and a second position 26 spaced below the upper ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 20. The fins 22 are, for example, a plurality of corrugated fins formed in a corrugated shape between the adjacent heat transfer tubes 20.

[0020] Communication parts 21 comprise communication part 21a, which is provided in a lower section of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2, and communication part 21b, which is provided in an upper section of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. The lower end of each of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 20 is connected to communication part 21a, and the upper end of each of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 20 is connected to communication part 21b. Communication part 21a enables the lower ends of the adjacent heat transfer tubes 20 to communicate, and communication part 21b enables the upper ends of the adjacent heat transfer tubes 20 to communicate.In the present disclosure, communication part 21a and communication part 21b are each referred to as "communication part 21" when it is not necessary to distinguish communication part 21a from communication part 21b.

[0021] In the present embodiment, the communication part 21 is a distributor that distributes a refrigerant to the plurality of heat transfer tubes 20 or collects the refrigerant from the plurality of heat transfer tubes 20. The refrigerant flowing into the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 is distributed by one distributor, flows through the respective heat transfer tubes 20, is collected by the other distributor, and then flows out of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2.

[0022] A first area AR1, which has no fins 22, is formed between the first position 25 and the communication part 21a, to which the lower ends of the heat transfer tubes 20 are connected. A second area AR2, which also has no fins 22, is formed between the second position 26 and the communication part 21b, to which the upper ends of the heat transfer tubes 20 are connected. For example, in a case where the fins 22 are corrugated fins and the communication parts 21 are manifolds, there may be instances where, during the manufacture of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2, a solder filler metal applied to connect the manifold and the heat transfer tubes 20 flows towards the corrugated fins due to a capillary action. This flow of the solder filler metal towards the corrugated fins causes a shortage of the filler metal, resulting in a soldering defect.For this reason, no ribs 22 are provided between the adjacent heat transfer tubes 20 in the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 in order to inhibit the occurrence of a capillary tube phenomenon.

[0023] Next, the covers 30 will be removed with reference to the Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 described. Fig. Figure 4 is a front view of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 and the covers 30 according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 and the covers 30 according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a lower cover 31 according to embodiment 1.

[0024] The outdoor unit 101 has covers 30 located at positions facing the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. The covers 30 comprise a lower cover 31, located at a position facing a lower section of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2, and an upper cover 32, located at a position facing an upper section of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. In this disclosure, the lower cover 31 and the upper cover 32 are each referred to as a "cover 30" unless it is necessary to specifically distinguish between them. The material of the cover 30 is not specifically restricted, and the cover 30 may be made of resin or metal. The lower cover 31 and the upper cover 32 may be made of different materials.

[0025] The lower cover 31 is arranged in a position facing the first area AR1, which is formed between the first position 25 and the communication part 21a of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. Therefore, as in Fig. Figure 4 shows that when the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 and the lower cover 31 are viewed from the front, the first position 25 of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2, the first area AR1, and the communication part 21a are covered by the lower cover 31 and therefore not visible. A body section 31a of the lower cover 31 faces the first position 25 of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2, the first area AR1, and the communication part 21a, and an opening 31c, described later, faces the space located below the communication part 21a.

[0026] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the lower cover 31 is provided on first components 41. The first components 41 are provided in the housing 11 of the outdoor unit 101 or form sections of the housing 11 and extend in the top-bottom direction. The shape of the first component 41 is not particularly restricted. For example, the first component 41 can have a column shape or a plate shape. The first components 41 are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. The heat source-side heat exchanger 2 is arranged between a pair of heat source-side heat exchangers 2. In the present disclosure, the left-right direction is indicated on the sides where Fig. 4 and Fig. The lines shown in section 5 are referred to as "latitude".

[0027] The lower cover 31 is in contact with the first surfaces 41a of the first components 41, which extend along the top-bottom direction. The first surface 41a is the surface facing the area outside the housing 11. The heat source-side heat exchanger 2 is located inside the housing 11 in a position inwards from the first surface 41a of the first component 41. Therefore, a space or gap is formed between the surface of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 facing the lower cover 31 and the surface of the lower cover 31 facing the heat source-side heat exchanger 2, so that the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 is not in contact with the lower cover 31.

[0028] As in Fig. 4 to Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the lower cover 31 comprises the body section 31a, at least two connecting sections 31b projecting downwards from the lower end of the body section 31a, and the opening 31c provided between the two connecting sections 31b. The connecting sections 31b are provided at both ends of the lower cover 31 in the width direction. The space in front of the lower cover 31 communicates with the space behind the lower cover 31 through the opening 31c provided between the connecting sections 31b. Fig. Figure 6 shows the example in which the body section 31a and the connecting sections 31b have the same thickness in the depth direction. However, the body section 31a and the connecting sections 31b can have different thicknesses in the depth direction. In the present disclosure, the direction is from the front to the back in Fig. 6 is referred to as the "deep direction".

[0029] The structure in which the lower cover 31 is provided on the first components 41 is not particularly restricted. For example, the lower cover 31 and the first components 41 can be formed integrally. Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows an example in which the two connecting sections 31b are screwed to the first surfaces 41a of the first components 41, thereby connecting the lower cover 31 to the first components 41. The lower cover 31 can be detached from the first components 41 by removing the screws. In the case where the lower cover 31 is detachable, the heat exchanger 2 on the heat source side can be easily serviced.

[0030] The upper cover 32 is arranged in a position facing the second area AR2, which is formed between the second position 26 and the communication part 21b of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4 shown when the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 and the upper cover 32 are viewed from the front, the second position 26 of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2, the second area AR2 and the communication part 21b are covered by the upper cover 32 and are therefore not visible.

[0031] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the upper cover 32 is in contact with second surfaces 41b, which extend along the top-bottom direction of the first component 41 and face the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. The second surface 41b is the surface facing the area inside the housing 11 and is the surface on the depth side of the side on which Fig. Figure 4 shows that the upper cover 32 is designed such that the surface of the upper cover 32 facing the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 is not in contact with the heat source-side heat exchanger 2.

[0032] The structure in which the upper cover 32 is provided on the first components 41 is not particularly restricted. For example, the upper cover 32 and the first components 41 can be integrally formed. Although not shown in the drawing, a structure can be assumed in which the upper cover 32 is screwed to the second surfaces 41b of the first components 41 to allow the upper cover 32 to be removable. In the case where the upper cover 32 is removable, the heat exchanger 2 on the heat source side can be easily serviced.

[0033] In the same way as the lower cover 31, the upper cover 32 can be provided on the first surfaces 41a of the first components 41. Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows the example where the upper cover 32 has a rectangular plate shape. However, it is sufficient that the upper cover 32 is able to close off the second area AR2, and the shape of the upper cover 32 is not particularly restricted.

[0034] The advantageous effects of the outdoor unit 101 according to embodiment 1 are described below. The outdoor unit 101 according to the present embodiment has the heat source-side heat exchangers 2, each of which has a plurality of heat transfer tubes 20 extending in the top-bottom direction, the communication part 21a, which allows the lower ends of the adjacent heat transfer tubes 20 under the plurality of heat transfer tubes 20 to communicate with each other, and the fins 22, which are provided in the area above the first position 25, spaced apart above the lower ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 20.The outdoor unit 101 also includes the lower cover 31 with the body section 31a, at least two connecting sections 31b projecting downwards from the lower end of the body section 31a, and the opening 31c provided between the at least two connecting sections 31b. The lower cover 31 is positioned facing the area between the communication part 21a and the first position 25, and the opening 31c is positioned facing the space located below the communication part 21a. The area between the communication part 21a and the first position 25 refers to the first area AR1.

[0035] According to the present embodiment, the fins 22 are not provided in the first region AR1 of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. Therefore, the first region AR1 can form an air duct through which the air supplied to the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 flows. The air supplied to the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 as a heat transfer medium exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tubes 20. When air flows through the first region AR1, the amount of air flowing around the fins 22 of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 decreases, thus reducing the heat transfer capacity or efficiency of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. In the present embodiment, however, the lower cover 31 is provided in a position facing the first region AR1.Therefore, the air supplied to the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 is blocked by the lower cover 31 and thus prevented from easily flowing into the first area AR1. In this way, it is possible to inhibit a reduction in the heat transfer performance of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2.

[0036] The lower cover 31 has the opening 31c, and the opening 31c is located in the position facing the space located below the communication part 21a. Therefore, even if the wastewater generated in the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 flows downwards, the wastewater can be discharged or drained through the opening 31c. In general, if the temperature of the outside air around the outdoor unit is low, and if the wastewater stagnates on a lower section of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2, there is a possibility that the wastewater will freeze and form residual ice. If a condition in which the wastewater is not discharged or drained persists, there is a possibility that the residual ice will increase in size, so that the heat transfer tubes and fins will also become covered with ice. The ice-covered heat transfer tubes and fins can not only reduce the heat exchange efficiency, but also...This can cause not only reduced heat exchange efficiency, but also defects in the heat source-side heat exchanger, such as the bursting of the heat transfer tubes due to freezing or icing. However, according to the present embodiment, drain water can be discharged or drained from the opening 31c of the lower cover 31, thereby preventing stagnation of the drain water in a lower section of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility or risk of residual ice formation in a lower section of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 and the possibility or risk of the residual ice increasing in size.

[0037] The outdoor unit 101 according to the present embodiment also includes the pair of first components 41, which extend in the top-bottom direction and are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. The heat source-side heat exchanger 2 is arranged between the pair of first components 41, and the connecting sections 31b of the lower cover 31 are connected to the first surfaces 41a of the pair of first components 41, which extend along the top-bottom direction.

[0038] In the configuration described above, the lower cover 31 is connected to the pair of first components 41, which are arranged on the side surfaces of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. Therefore, there is no possibility that the lower cover 31 obstructs the space located on a lower section of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. Thus, there is no possibility that wastewater will stagnate due to the installation of the lower cover 31 on the space located on a lower section of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. Even if any type of component is arranged on the lower sections of the first components 41, thereby closing off the space located on a lower section of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2, wastewater can still be discharged through the opening 31c.Therefore, it is possible to inhibit the stagnation of wastewater at a lower section of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. In this way, it is possible to reduce the possibility or risk of residual ice formation at a lower section of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 and the possibility or risk of residual ice growth.

[0039] The outdoor unit 101 according to the present embodiment also has the upper cover 32, which is provided in the position facing the area AR2, which has no ribs 22, which is an area arranged between the upper ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 20 and the second position 26, spaced apart below the upper ends.

[0040] In the same way as in the first area AR1, the fins 22 are not provided in the second area AR2 of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 according to the present embodiment. Therefore, the second area AR2 can form an air duct through which the air supplied to the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 flows. When air flows through the second area AR2, the amount of air flowing around the fins 22 of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 decreases, thus reducing the heat transfer performance or heat transfer efficiency of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. However, according to the present embodiment, the upper cover 32 is provided in a position facing the second area AR2. Therefore, the air supplied to the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 is blocked by the upper cover 32 and thus prevented from easily flowing into the second area AR2.This makes it possible to inhibit a reduction in the heat transfer performance of the heat exchanger 2 on the heat source side.

[0041] The refrigeration circuit device 100 according to the present embodiment also includes the outdoor unit 101 according to the present embodiment, the compressor 1 and the expansion element 3, which are provided in the housing 11 of the outdoor unit 101, as well as the load-side heat exchanger 4. The heat exchanger 2 of the outdoor unit 101, the compressor 1, the expansion element 3, and the load-side heat exchanger 4 are connected via the refrigerant lines 5. In the heat source-side heat exchanger 2, which is contained in the outdoor unit 101 of the refrigeration circuit device 100, a reduction in heat transfer performance or heat transfer efficiency can be inhibited by the cover 30, and wastewater can be discharged from the lower end. Therefore, the refrigeration circuit device 100 can prevent a reduction in performance or efficiency and inhibit the occurrence of defects. Design 2.

[0042] An outdoor unit 101 according to embodiment 2 is described below. In the present embodiment, the description will mainly focus on aspects that differ from embodiment 1. These differences are a component to which a cover 30 is connected and the shape of a lower cover 31. Other configurations are the same as those of embodiment 1, and therefore repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0043] The shape of the component to which the cover 30 is connected according to the present embodiment, and the shape of the lower cover 31 are described with reference to the Fig. 7 to Fig. 9 described. Fig. Figure 7 is a front view of a heat source-side heat exchanger 2 and the covers 30 according to embodiment 2. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the lower cover 31 according to embodiment 2. Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic view of the lower cover 31 according to embodiment 2. Although Fig. Figure 9 shows a diagram of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2, the lower cover 31 and a second component 42 in side view, the representation of the heat transfer tubes 20 of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 is omitted.

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the lower cover 31 is provided on the second component 42. The second component 42 is a component that is provided in a housing 11 of the outdoor unit 101 and extends in the horizontal direction. The shape of the second component 42 is not particularly restricted. For example, the second component 42 can have a column shape or a plate shape. More precisely, the second component 42 can be the base plate of the housing 11 (see Figure 7). Fig. 2), or it can be a support plate that supports or carries the heat exchanger 2 from below. The second component 42 is arranged below and spaced apart from a communication part 21a of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. Although not shown in the drawing, the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 can have leg sections, and the leg sections can be arranged in contact with the second component 42.

[0045] The lower cover 31 is designed such that the connecting sections 31b are in contact with a first surface 42a of the second component 42, which extends along the top-bottom direction. The first surface 42a is the surface facing the area outside the housing 11 (see Fig. 2) A space or gap is formed between the surface of the heat exchanger 2 on the side facing the lower cover 31 and the surface of the lower cover 31 on the side facing the heat exchanger 2, so that the heat exchanger 2 on the side of the heat source is not in contact with the lower cover 31.

[0046] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the body section 31a and the connecting sections 31b of the lower cover 31 have different thicknesses in the depth direction. The thickness of the connecting sections 31b is less than the thickness of the body section 31a. The connecting sections 31b of the lower cover 31 are connected to the second component 42, and the body section 31a of the lower cover 31 is not in contact with the second component 42. As shown in Figure 8, the body section 31a and the connecting sections 31b of the lower cover 31 have different thicknesses in the depth direction. Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the first surface 42a of the second component 42 is in contact with the surfaces of the connecting sections 31b, which extend in the top-bottom direction. A space or gap SP1 is formed at the position located above the connection points between the connecting sections 31b and the first surface 42a of the second component 42, and between the lower end of the body section 31a and the upper end of the second component 42. The connecting sections 31b, which have a smaller thickness than the body section 31a, are connected to the second component 42, thus forming the space or gap SP1.

[0047] In the same way as in embodiment 1, it is sufficient if an upper cover 32 is arranged at a position facing a second area AR2 formed between a second position 26 and a communication part 21b of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2, wherein a section to which the upper cover 32 is connected is not particularly restricted. For example, the upper cover 32 can be connected to and provided on a component not shown in the drawing, which extends in the horizontal direction and is arranged above and spaced apart from the communication part 21b of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2.

[0048] The advantageous effects of the outdoor unit 101 according to embodiment 2 are described below. The outdoor unit 101 according to the present embodiment has a second component 42 that extends in the horizontal direction and is arranged below and spaced apart from the communication part 21a of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. The connecting sections 31b of the lower cover 31 are connected to the first surface 42a of the second component 42, which extends along the top-bottom direction.

[0049] In the configuration described above, although the lower cover 31 is connected to the second component 42 located below the heat source-side heat exchanger 2, the opening 31c of the lower cover 31 is positioned facing the space or gap located below the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. Therefore, the drain water from a lower part of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 can be discharged or drained through the opening 31c.

[0050] In the lower cover 31 according to the present embodiment, the thickness of the connecting sections 31b is smaller than the thickness of the body section 31a in the depth direction of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. Furthermore, the space or gap SP1 is formed at the position that is arranged above the connection points between the connecting sections 31b and the first surface 42a of the second component 42, and that is arranged between the lower end of the body section 31a and the upper end of the second component 42.

[0051] In the configuration described above, the second component 42 is located below the heat source-side heat exchanger 2, and therefore there is a possibility that wastewater may stagnate at the connection point between the second component 42 and the connection section 31b. However, the space or gap SP1 is formed between the connection point and the body section 31a, and a space or gap is ensured between the connection point and the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. Therefore, even if the wastewater stagnating at the connection point between the second component 42 and the connection section 31b freezes into residual ice, the residual ice can grow in the space or gap SP1, and it is therefore possible to reduce the possibility or risk of the residual ice reaching the heat source-side heat exchanger 2.to reduce the risk of the heat transfer tubes 20 and the fins 22 being covered with ice, which leads to a reduction in heat exchange performance or causes defects in the heat source-side heat exchanger 2, such as the bursting of the heat transfer tubes 20 due to freezing.

[0052] There is a slight possibility or risk that the connection point between the lower cover 31 and the second component 42 could reduce the heat transfer efficiency of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2 or cause defects in the heat source-side heat exchanger 2. Therefore, it is possible to increase the number of connection points between the lower cover 31 and the second component 42. Increasing the number of connection points increases the force required to fix the lower cover 31 to the second component 42. For example, if the lower cover 31 has a large horizontal dimension to match the horizontal dimension of the heat source-side heat exchanger 2, it is necessary to increase the number of connection points to increase the force required to fix the lower cover 31 to the second component 42.In this case, it is possible to increase the number of connection points between the lower cover 31 and the second component 42 by providing three or more connection sections 31b on the lower cover 31. Design 3.

[0053] An outdoor unit 101 according to embodiment 3 is described below. In the present embodiment, the description will mainly focus on one point that differs from embodiment 1. The point in which the present embodiment differs from embodiment 1 is the configuration of a communication part 21. Other configurations are the same as those of embodiment 1, and therefore repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0054] The configuration of the communication part 21 according to the present embodiment is described with reference to Fig. 10 described. Fig. Figure 10 is a front view of a heat source-side heat exchanger 2 according to embodiment 3. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the communication elements 21b are a plurality of U-shaped conduits. The upper ends of two adjacent heat transfer tubes 20 are connected by a U-shaped conduit. Between the plurality of U-shaped conduits and a second position 26, a second region AR2 is formed which does not have any ribs 22. More precisely, the ribs 22 are not provided in the region located inwards of each U-shaped conduit, in the regions located between adjacent U-shaped conduits, and in the region located between the second position 26 and the connecting sections between the upper ends of the heat transfer tubes 20 and the U-shaped conduits.

[0055] In the present embodiment, it is sufficient that at least one of the communication part 21a and the communication part 21b are U-shaped lines. Fig. Figure 10 shows the example in which the communication parts 21b are U-shaped conduits. However, the communication part 21a can be a plurality of U-shaped conduits. Alternatively, a conduit can be formed into a U-shape to create two heat transfer tubes 20 and one U-shaped communication part 21.

[0056] Even if the communication part 21a is designed as U-shaped tubes that connect two adjacent heat transfer tubes 20 under the plurality of heat transfer tubes 20, the outdoor unit 101 according to the present embodiment can achieve the same advantageous effects as the outdoor unit 101 according to embodiment 1.

[0057] It is understood that embodiments 1 to 3 described above are in every respect illustrative and not limiting. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to the above description, but is defined by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the scope of the claims and the meaning corresponding to the claims. Reference symbol list

[0058] 1: Compressor, 2: Heat source-side heat exchanger, 2a: First heat source-side heat exchanger, 2b: Second heat source-side heat exchanger, 3: Expansion section, 4: Load-side heat exchanger, 5: Refrigerant line, 6: Heat source-side fan, 7: Load-side fan, 11: Housing, 20: Heat transfer tube, 21: Communication section, 21a: Communication section, 21b: Communication section, 22: Fin, 25: First position, 26: Second position, 30: Cover, 31: Lower cover, 31a: Body section, 31b: Connection section, 31c: Opening, 32: Upper cover, 41: First component, 41a: First surface, 41b: Second surface, 42: Second component, 42a: First surface, 100: Refrigeration circuit device 101: Outdoor unit, 102: Indoor unit, AR 1: First area, AR2: Second area, SP1: Room or intermediate space QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 02-045945

[0003]

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