Heat source device
By orienting the compressor and cylinder at a specific angle on the bottom plate to disperse impact forces, the heat source apparatus reduces cylinder damage and refrigerant leakage during transportation drops.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-10
AI Technical Summary
When a heat source apparatus with a flammable refrigerant is transported and dropped, there is a risk of collision between the compressor and the refrigerant cylinder, leading to potential damage and refrigerant leakage due to the compressor's higher position relative to the cylinder.
The heat source apparatus is designed with a specific orientation of the compressor and cylinder on the bottom plate, forming a predetermined angle between their centers of gravity and the side of the bottom plate, allowing the bottom plate to deform upon impact, thereby absorbing kinetic energy and reducing the impact on the cylinder.
This configuration minimizes damage to the cylinder and refrigerant leakage by dispersing the impact force and absorbing kinetic energy through deformation of the bottom plate, ensuring safer transportation and installation.
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Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat source apparatus.BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat source apparatus that includes a compressor connected to a refrigerant circuit. The compressor is installed on a bottom plate in a casing of the heat source apparatus.CITATION LISTPATENT DOCUMENT
[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-155921SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONTECHNICAL PROBLEM
[0004] The inventors of the present application have invented a configuration in which a cylinder is provided in the casing of the heat source apparatus. The cylinder stores a refrigerant for filling the refrigerant circuit. Thus, when the heat source apparatus is installed, the refrigerant circuit can be filled with the refrigerant from the cylinder, and thus it is unnecessary to separately prepare a refrigerant for filling the circuit. On the other hand, when the flammable refrigerant is used as a refrigerant and the cylinder is provided in the casing, the following specific problems arise.
[0005] When the heat source apparatus is transported before being installed on a site, there is a risk that the casing is dropped. Here, the compressor and the cylinder are provided in the casing. When the casing is dropped to the ground, the compressor may be in a higher position than the cylinder. In this case, if the compressor collides with the cylinder due to the impact when the casing is dropped, the cylinder may be damaged, and the refrigerant may leak into the air.
[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the impact of collision between a compressor and a cylinder when a casing is dropped.SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM
[0007] A first aspect is directed to a heat source apparatus. A heat source apparatus includes: a compressor (12) in a refrigerant circuit (11) configured to perform a refrigeration cycle; a cylinder (71) which is configured to store a flammable refrigerant for filling the refrigerant circuit (11) and of which a lower portion is provided with a discharge port (71a) for discharging the flammable refrigerant; and a casing (21) having a bottom plate (23) on which the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) are installed. The cylinder (71) is disposed between the compressor (12) and a side (23a) of the bottom plate (23). A first straight line (L1) is defined as a straight line passing through a center of gravity of the compressor (12) and a center of gravity of the cylinder (71) in top view of the bottom plate (23); a second straight line (L2) is defined as a straight line orthogonal to the side (23a) of the bottom plate (23) and passing through the center of gravity of the compressor (12) in the top view; and the first straight line (L1) and the second straight line (L2) form a predetermined angle (θ1).
[0008] In the first aspect, when the casing (21) comes into contact with the ground in a state in which the first straight line (L1) passing through the center of gravity of the compressor (12) and the center of gravity of the cylinder (71) matches the gravity direction, the side (23a) of the bottom plate (23) is inclined with respect to the ground. As a result, it is possible to induce deformation of the bottom plate (23) when the bottom plate (23) comes into contact with the ground. Thus, the kinetic energy of the compressor (12) can be absorbed by the deformation of the bottom plate (23), and thus it is possible to reduce impact acting on the cylinder (71) from the compressor (12).
[0009] A second aspect is an embodiment of the first aspect. In the second aspect, the heat source apparatus further includes: a support plate (51) supporting the compressor (12) from below; and an elastic support portion (52) fixed on the bottom plate (23) and supporting the support plate (51) from below. The cylinder (71) is not supported by the support plate (51) and is fixed on the bottom plate (23). Here, the cylinder (71) may be directly fixed on the bottom plate (23), or may be indirectly fixed on the bottom plate (23) via another component.
[0010] In the second aspect, the compressor (12) is fixed on the bottom plate (23) via the elastic support portion (52), and the cylinder (71) is fixed on the bottom plate (23) without the elastic support portion (52). Thus, when the casing (21) is dropped, the acceleration of the compressor (12) toward the ground is smaller than the acceleration of the cylinder (71) toward the ground. As a result, it is possible to reduce the impact acting on the cylinder (71) from the compressor (12).
[0011] A third aspect is an embodiment of the first aspect. In the third aspect, the heat source apparatus further includes: a support plate (51) supporting the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) from below; and an elastic support portion (52) fixed on the bottom plate (23) and supporting the support plate (51) from below. Here, the elastic support portion (52) may be directly fixed on the bottom plate (23), or may be indirectly fixed on the bottom plate (23) via another component.
[0012] In the third aspect, both the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) are fixed on the support plate (51). Thus, when the casing (21) comes into contact with the ground, part of the support plate (51) that is between the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) is deformed. Thus, the kinetic energy of the compressor (12) can be absorbed by the deformation of the support plate (51), and thus it is possible to reduce impact acting on the cylinder (71) from the compressor (12).
[0013] A fourth aspect is an embodiment of any one of the first to third aspects. In the fourth aspect, the heat source apparatus further includes: a buffer member (80) disposed between the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71).
[0014] In the fourth aspect, when the casing (21) is dropped, the buffer member (80) reduces the impact acting on the cylinder (71) from the compressor (12).
[0015] A fifth aspect is an embodiment of the fourth aspect. In the fifth aspect, the buffer member (80) is a component of the refrigerant circuit (11).
[0016] In the fifth aspect, the component of the refrigerant circuit (11) can be used as the buffer member (80).
[0017] A sixth aspect is an embodiment of the fifth aspect. In the sixth aspect, the component includes a water heat exchanger (15) or a refrigerant pipe.
[0018] In the sixth aspect, the water heat exchanger (15) or the refrigerant pipe can be used as the buffer member (80).
[0019] A seventh aspect is an embodiment of any one of the first to sixth aspects. In the seventh aspect, the heat source apparatus further includes: a sound insulation member (60) surrounding the compressor (12).
[0020] In the seventh aspect, when the casing (21) is dropped, the sound insulation member (60) can reduce the impact acting on the cylinder (71).
[0021] An eighth aspect is an embodiment of the seventh aspect. In the eighth aspect, the cylinder (71) is disposed outside the sound insulation member (60).
[0022] In the eighth aspect, part of the sound insulation member (60) is disposed between the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71). Thus, when the casing (21) is dropped, part of the sound insulation member (60) can reduce the impact acting on the cylinder (71) from the compressor (12).
[0023] A ninth aspect is an embodiment of any one of the first to eighth aspects. In the ninth aspect, the heat source apparatus further includes: a sound absorbing material (90) disposed so as to overlap an outer surface or an inner surface of the casing (21).
[0024] In the ninth aspect, when the casing (21) is dropped, the sound absorbing material (90) can reduce the impact acting on the cylinder (71).
[0025] A tenth aspect is an embodiment of any one of the first to ninth aspects. In the tenth aspect, a first position (P1) is defined as a position of an intersection of the first straight line (L1) and the side (23a) in the top view. A second position (P2) is defined as a position of an intersection of the second straight line (L2) and the side (23a) in the top view. A third position (P3) is defined as a position of an end (E1) of the side (23a) in the top view. A distance between the first position (P1) and the third position (P3) is shorter than a distance between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2).
[0026] In the tenth aspect, the first straight line passing through the center of gravity of the compressor (12) and the center of gravity of the cylinder (71) is close to the end (E1) of the side (23a). When the casing (21) comes into contact with the ground in a state in which the first straight line (L1) passing through the center of gravity of the compressor (12) and the center of gravity of the cylinder (71) matches the gravity direction, the end (E1) of the side (23a) can more easily hit on the ground (G), and thus the amount of deformation of the bottom plate (23) becomes larger. Thus, the kinetic energy of the compressor (12) can be absorbed by the deformation of the bottom plate (23), and thus it is possible to reduce impact acting on the cylinder (71) from the compressor (12).
[0027] An eleventh aspect is an embodiment of any one of the first to tenth aspects. In the eleventh aspect, the casing (21) has a first side surface (26) having an access port (A), and a second side surface (24) corresponding to the side (23a) of the bottom plate (23). The first straight line (L1) is displaced toward the first side surface (26) with respect to the second straight line (L2) by the predetermined angle (θ1).
[0028] In the eleventh aspect, the first straight line (L1) is displaced toward the first side surface (26) with respect to the second straight line (L2) by the angle (θ1), and thus it is possible to reduce the impact acting on the cylinder (71). The cylinder (71) becomes closer to the access port (A), and thus it is easier to load a refrigerant in the cylinder (71) into the refrigerant circuit (11).
[0029] A twelfth aspect is an embodiment of any one of the first to eleventh aspects. In the twelfth aspect, the casing (21) houses an entire part of the refrigerant circuit (11).
[0030] In the twelfth aspect, the entire part of the refrigerant circuit (11), which is a closed circuit, is provided in the casing (21). Thus, for example, as compared with a separate type refrigeration cycle device, a smaller amount of refrigerant to fill the refrigerant circuit (11) is required, and thus it is possible to downsize the cylinder (71). As a result, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the cylinder (71), and thus it is possible to reduce damage to the cylinder (71).BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] [FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic piping system diagram of a refrigerant circuit of a heat source apparatus of an embodiment. [FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an outdoor unit. [FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the outdoor unit and shows that an access port on the front side of a machine chamber is opened. [FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the inside of the outdoor unit. [FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a right side view of the inside of the outdoor unit, where a side plate is removed. [FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of the inside of the outdoor unit and shows a positional relation between a compressor, a cylinder, and sides. [FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a positional relation between a compressor, a cylinder, and sides, where a casing of a heat source apparatus of a comparative example is dropped in the first condition. [FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a positional relation between a compressor, a cylinder, and sides, where a casing of the embodiment is dropped in the first condition. [FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a positional relation between a compressor, a cylinder, and sides, where the casing of the embodiment is dropped in the second condition. [FIG. 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a positional relation between a compressor, a cylinder, and sides, where a casing of a heat source apparatus of a first variation is dropped in the second condition. [FIG. 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a positional relation between a compressor, a cylinder, and sides, where a heat source apparatus of a second variation is dropped in the first condition. [FIG. 12] FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 4 and shows a heat source apparatus of a third variation. [FIG. 13] FIG. 13 corresponds to FIG. 6 and shows a heat source apparatus of a fourth variation. [FIG. 14] FIG. 14 corresponds to FIG. 6 and shows a heat source apparatus of another aspect of the fourth variation. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various changes can be made within the scope without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Since each of the drawings is intended to illustrate the present disclosure conceptually, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for the sake of ease of understanding.(1) Basic Configuration of Heat Source Apparatus
[0033] A heat source apparatus (1) of this embodiment forms a refrigeration cycle apparatus that performs a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle apparatus is applied to a hot water supply apparatus. The heat source apparatus (1) heats water and supplies the heated water to target components. The heat source apparatus (1) has an outdoor unit (20) installed outdoors. The outdoor unit (20) has a casing (21). The casing (21) houses the entire part of a refrigerant circuit (11) which is a closed circuit. The refrigerant circuit (11) is filled with a refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (11) performs a refrigeration cycle.
[0034] The refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (11) is a flammable refrigerant. Specifically, the refrigerant in this embodiment is propane (R290), a natural refrigerant that is highly flammable. The natural refrigerant is a refrigerant which has an ozone depletion potential of zero and a low global warming potential and thus which has less impact on the environment. Propane ignites at 500°C or less.
[0035] The flammable refrigerant may be methane (R50), ethane (R170), butane (R600), or isobutane (R600a). The natural refrigerant may be a corrosive refrigerant such as ammonia (R717).(1-1) Refrigerant Circuit
[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerant circuit (11) has a compressor (12), an air heat exchanger (13), an expansion valve (14), a water heat exchanger (15), and a cylinder (71) as main components. The refrigerant circuit (11) further has a four-way switching valve (16) and an accumulator (17).
[0037] The compressor (12) compresses a refrigerant. The discharge side of the compressor (12) is connected with a discharge pipe (18), and the suction side of the compressor (12) is connected with a suction pipe (19). The air heat exchanger (13) exchanges heat between a refrigerant and outdoor air. The expansion valve (14) decompresses a refrigerant. The water heat exchanger (15) exchanges heat between a refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (11) and water in a water circuit (40). The four-way switching valve (16) switches the direction in which a refrigerant circulates. The four-way switching valve (16) switches between a first state in which a first port (16a) and a third port (16c) communicate with each other and a second port (16b) and a fourth port (16d) communicate with each other (the state indicated by the solid lines in FIG. 1) and a second state in which the first port (16a) and the second port (16b) communicate with each other and the third port (16c) and the fourth port (16d) communicate with each other (the state indicated by the broken lines in FIG. 1). The accumulator (17) stores liquid contained in a refrigerant sucked into the compressor (12).
[0038] The cylinder (71) is connected to the refrigerant circuit (11) via a connection pipe (72). The connection pipe (72) of this embodiment is connected to the suction pipe (19). The connection pipe (72) is provided with a control valve (73). The cylinder (71) is filled with a refrigerant before the heat source apparatus (1) is shipped out. After the heat source apparatus (1) has been transported to a site, an operator decompresses the refrigerant circuit (11). Then, when the operator opens the control valve (73), the refrigerant in the cylinder (71) is allowed to fill the refrigerant circuit (11).
[0039] The refrigerant circuit (11) performs a first refrigeration cycle and a second refrigeration cycle. In FIG. 1, the flow of a refrigerant in the first refrigeration cycle is indicated by the solid arrow, and the flow of a refrigerant in the second refrigeration cycle is indicated by the broken arrow. In the first refrigeration cycle, the four-way switching valve (16) is in the first state, where the water heat exchanger (15) functions as a radiator (a condenser) and the air heat exchanger (13) functions as an evaporator. In the second refrigeration cycle, the four-way switching valve (16) is in the second state, where the air heat exchanger (13) functions as a radiator (a condenser) and the water heat exchanger (15) functions as an evaporator.(1-2) Water Circuit
[0040] The water circuit (40) is connected to the water heat exchanger (15). The water circuit (40) includes a first water pipe (41) upstream of the water heat exchanger (15) and a second water pipe (42) downstream of the water heat exchanger (15). The water circuit (40) is connected with a pump (43). The pump (43) transports water in the water circuit (40). The water in the water circuit (40) is supplied to target components such as a boiler tank, an air-conditioning unit, and a floor heating unit. The water circuit (40) is connected with a gas-liquid separator (44). The gas-liquid separator (44) discharges to the atmosphere the refrigerant that has leaked from the refrigerant circuit (11) to the water circuit (40) via the water heat exchanger (15).(2) Outdoor Unit
[0041] The configuration of the outdoor unit (20) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. In the following description, the terms for the directions such as "top", "bottom", "right", "left", "front", and "back" refer to the directions of the arrows in FIG. 2. The outdoor unit (20) has the casing (21), components of the refrigerant circuit (11), and components of the water circuit (40). In addition to the elements described above, the components of the refrigerant circuit (11) include a refrigerant pipe, an electromagnetic valve, an internal heat exchanger, a filter, a thermal insulator for piping, and the like. The outdoor unit (20) has a partitioning member (45) that partitions the casing (21), and a fan (30) that transports the outdoor air.(2-1) Casing and Partitioning Member
[0042] The casing (21) is installed outdoors. The casing (21) is formed in a hollow box shape. More precisely, the casing (21) is formed in a box shape of which the left surface and the rear surface are opened partially. The casing (21) is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape of which the longitudinal direction is the first direction (the left-right direction) and the lateral direction is the second direction (the front-back direction). The casing (21) is comprised of metallic plate members. The casing (21) has a top plate (22), a bottom plate (23), a right plate (24), a left plate (25), a front plate (26), and a rear plate (27). The top plate (22) forms the upper surface of the casing (21), the bottom plate (23) forms the lower surface of the casing (21), the right plate (24) forms the right surface of the casing (21), the left plate (25) forms the left surface of the casing (21), the front plate (26) forms the front surface of the casing (21), and the rear plate (27) forms the rear surface of the casing (21). The left plate (25) is located in the front side of the casing (21) and is continuous with the front plate (26). The rear plate (27) is located in the right side of the casing (21) and is continuous with the right plate (24).
[0043] The partitioning member (45) is provided in the casing (21). The partitioning member (45) extends from the bottom plate (23) to the top plate (22). The partitioning member (45) extends in the front-back direction in top view. The partitioning member (45) in top view may be formed in a curved shape or a bent shape, or may be formed in a curve line. The partitioning member (45) partitions the inside of the casing (21) into a fan chamber (S1) as a first chamber and a machine chamber (S2) as a second chamber. The fan chamber (S1) is formed on the left side of the casing (21), and the machine chamber (S2) is formed on the right side of the casing (21).
[0044] The casing (21) has an inlet port (28) and an outlet port (29). The inlet port (28) is formed in part of the casing (21) that is from the rear surface to the left surface of the fan chamber (S1). The outlet port (29) is formed in part of the front plate (26) of the casing (21) that is in a front part of the fan chamber (S1). In the fan chamber (S1), a flow path in which the outdoor air flows is formed from the inlet port (28) to the outlet port (29).(2-2) Configuration of Fan Chamber
[0045] The fan chamber (S1) is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped space. The length of the fan chamber (S1) in the first direction is greater than the length in the second direction. The fan chamber (S1) is provided with the air heat exchanger (13), the fan (30), and a bell mouth (31).
[0046] The air heat exchanger (13) is formed in an L-shape in top view. The air heat exchanger (13) has a first heat exchange portion (13a) along the rear surface of the fan chamber (S1) and a second heat exchange portion (13b) along the left surface of the fan chamber (S1). The air heat exchanger (13) is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. A heat transfer tube of the air heat exchanger (13) is a multi-bored flat tube, but may be a straight tube.
[0047] The fan (30) is a propeller fan which has a motor (30a) and an impeller (30b). The motor (30a) is located behind the impeller (30b). The motor (30a) is supported by a support base (32) installed on the bottom plate (23). The motor (30a) drives and rotates the impeller (30b). The bell mouth (31) is in a tubular shape formed around the impeller (30b). The bell mouth (31) is continuous with the outlet port (29).
[0048] Part of the air heat exchanger (13) of this embodiment extends to the machine chamber (S2). The first heat exchange portion (13a) is located behind the partitioning member (45). The first heat exchange portion (13a) extends in the right direction to pass through a space behind a rear end portion of the partitioning member (45). A right end portion of the first heat exchange portion (13a) is located in the machine chamber (S2).(3) Configuration of Machine Chamber
[0049] The machine chamber (S2) is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped space. The length of the machine chamber (S2) in the first direction is substantially equal to the length in the second direction. The length of the machine chamber (S2) in the third direction (the top-bottom direction) is greater than the lengths in the first direction and the second direction. The length of the machine chamber (S2) in the first direction is smaller than the length of the fan chamber (S1) in the first direction. The compressor (12), the water heat exchanger (15), the gas-liquid separator (44), and the accumulator (17) are disposed in the machine chamber (S2). The outdoor unit (20) further includes a vibration reduction mechanism (50), a sound insulation member (60), and a filling unit (70).(3-1) Compressor
[0050] The compressor (12) is disposed in the front side and in the left side of the machine chamber (S2). The compressor (12) has a compressor casing (12a) that is formed in a cylindrical shape. The compressor casing (12a) is formed in a vertically-long hollow cylindrical shape of which the height is greater than the outer diameter. The compressor casing (12a) forms a hermetically-closed pressure-resistant container. A top portion of the compressor (12) is connected with the suction pipe (19). A barrel portion of the compressor (12) is connected with the discharge pipe (18). The compressor (12) is, for example, a scroll compressor.(3-2) Water Heat Exchanger
[0051] The water heat exchanger (15) is disposed in the right side of the machine chamber (S2). The water heat exchanger (15) is closer to the right plate (24) than the compressor (12) is. The water heat exchanger (15) is closer to the rear plate (27) than the compressor (12) is. The water heat exchanger (15) is a plate heat exchanger. The water heat exchanger (15) is connected with the first water pipe (41), the second water pipe (42), and a refrigerant pipe (not shown).(3-3) Gas-Liquid Separator
[0052] The gas-liquid separator (44) is disposed above the water heat exchanger (15). The gas-liquid separator (44) is supported from below by the water heat exchanger (15). The gas-liquid separator (44) is provided with a release path that releases a gas refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator (44) and a gas vent valve that opens and closes the release path (not shown).(3-4) Accumulator
[0053] The accumulator (17) is connected to the suction pipe (19). The accumulator (17) is disposed in the rear side of the machine chamber (S2). The accumulator (17) is closer to the rear plate (27) than the compressor (12) and the water heat exchanger (15) are. The accumulator (17) is formed in a vertically-long hollow cylindrical shape of which the height is greater than the outer diameter.(3-5) Vibration Reduction Mechanism
[0054] The vibration reduction mechanism (50) reduces vibration of the compressor (12) and the accumulator (17). The vibration reduction mechanism (50) of this embodiment has a support plate (51) that supports the compressor (12) from below and an elastic support portion (52) that is fixed on the bottom plate (23) and supports the support plate (51) from below.
[0055] The compressor (12) is fixed on the support plate (51). The support plate (51) is a plate member which has a substantially triangular shape in top view. A circular hole into which a bottom portion of the compressor (12) is fitted is formed in the center of the support plate (51).
[0056] The vibration reduction mechanism (50) of this embodiment has three elastic support portions (52). The elastic support portion (52) is disposed on or around each of the three top portions of the support plate (51). The elastic support portion (52) is disposed between the support plate (51) and the bottom plate (23). The elastic support portion (52) directly supports the support plate (51) from below. The elastic support portion (52) is made of rubber or urethane. The vibration of the compressor (12) is reduced by the elastic support portion (52) before being transmitted to the bottom plate (23).
[0057] In this embodiment, the cylinder (71) of the filling unit (70) is not supported by the support plate (51) and is fixed on the bottom plate (23).(3-6) Sound Insulation Member
[0058] The sound insulation member (60) reduces propagation of the noise generated when the compressor (12) is operating to the outside of the casing (21). The sound insulation member (60) is formed in a hollow box shape which is opened downward. The sound insulation member (60) has an upper wall (61), a right wall (62), a left wall (63), a front wall (64), and a rear wall (65). The upper wall (61) faces the top plate (22) and forms the upper surface of the sound insulation member (60). The right wall (62) faces the right plate (24) and forms the right surface of the sound insulation member (60). The left wall (63) faces the partitioning member (45) and forms the left surface of the sound insulation member (60). The front wall (64) faces the front plate (26) and forms the front surface of the sound insulation member (60). The rear wall (65) faces the rear plate (27) and forms the rear surface of the sound insulation member (60). The front wall (64) is attachable to and detachable from the body of the sound insulation member (60).
[0059] The sound insulation member (60) is supported by the bottom plate (23) of the casing (21). The sound insulation member (60) is a non-porous member. The sound insulation member (60) is comprised of, for example, metallic plate members or rubber sheets.
[0060] The sound insulation member (60) forms an internal space (66) which surrounds the compressor (12). The components such as the compressor (12), the accumulator (17), the water heat exchanger (15), and the filling unit (70) are disposed in the internal space (66) of this embodiment.
[0061] The sound insulation member (60) and the casing (21) are spaced apart from each other with a predetermined gap. In other words, a clearance (67) is formed between the outer surface of the sound insulation member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (21). The clearance (67) reduces propagation of the noise generated when the compressor (12) is operating to the outside of the casing (21).(3-7) Filling Unit
[0062] The filling unit (70) is disposed in the right side of the machine chamber (S2) and in the front side of the machine chamber (S2). The filling unit (70) has the cylinder (71), the connection pipe (72), the control valve (73), and a protection member (74).
[0063] The cylinder (71) stores a flammable refrigerant for filling the refrigerant circuit (11). The cylinder (71) is filled with a refrigerant in advance when the heat source apparatus (1) is shipped out. Thus, when the heat source apparatus (1) is stored or transported, the cylinder (71) stores a refrigerant. After the heat source apparatus (1) has been installed on a site, the refrigerant circuit (11) is filled with a refrigerant from the cylinder (71) before the heat source apparatus (1) starts operation. Accordingly, when the heat source apparatus (1) is in use, the cylinder (71) is empty.
[0064] The cylinder (71) is formed in a vertically-long hollow cylindrical shape of which the height is greater than the outer diameter. The cylinder (71) forms a hermetically-closed pressure-resistant container. The rigidity of the cylinder (71) is smaller than the rigidity of the compressor casing (12a).
[0065] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a discharge port (71a) is formed in a lower portion of the cylinder (71). More precisely, the discharge port (71a) is formed in a bottom portion of the cylinder (71). A flammable refrigerant has a relatively high density. The discharge port (71a) disposed in a lower portion of the cylinder (71) can help discharge a refrigerant. In addition, when loading a refrigerant into the refrigerant circuit (11), it is possible to reduce the remains of the refrigerant in the cylinder (71).
[0066] The connection pipe (72) is a pipe through which a refrigerant in the cylinder (71) is injected into the refrigerant circuit (11). One end of the connection pipe (72) is connected to the discharge port (71a) of the cylinder (71) and communicates with the inside of the cylinder (71). The other end of the connection pipe (72) is connected to the suction pipe (19). The connection pipe (72) is located below the cylinder (71).
[0067] The control valve (73) is provided in the connection pipe (72). The control valve (73) controls the opening degree of the connection pipe (72). The control valve (73) is an exemplary on-off valve that opens and closes the connection pipe (72). The control valve (73) is located below the cylinder (71).
[0068] The protection member (74) has a function of protecting the connection pipe (72) and the control valve (73). The protection member (74) also has a function of supporting the cylinder (71) from below. The protection member (74) has a partition wall (74a) that surrounds the connection pipe (72) and the control valve (73). The partition wall (74a) has an opening (74b) through which the control valve (73) inside the partition wall (74a) is exposed to the outside of the partition wall (74a).(3-8) Access Port
[0069] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an access port (A) is formed in the front side of the casing (21). The front plate (26) is provided with a front panel (26a) that is attachable to and detachable from a body of the front plate (26). When the front panel (26a) is detached, the access port (A) is exposed to the outside of the casing (21). When the front wall (64) is detached from the sound insulation member (60), the components in the casing (21) are exposed to the outside of the casing (21). The compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) overlap with the access port (A) in the second direction. The operator in front of the casing (21) can access the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) through the access port (A). The operator can do maintenance on the compressor (12) and can operate the control valve (73) through the opening (74b).(4) Features of Positional Relation between Bottom Plate, Compressor, and Cylinder
[0070] The compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) are installed directly or indirectly on the bottom plate (23). The positional relation between the bottom plate (23), the compressor (12), and the cylinder (71) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of the bottom plate (23) of the casing. FIG. 6 does not show some components for the sake of convenience.(4-1) Configuration of Bottom Plate
[0071] The bottom plate (23) is formed in a substantially rectangular shape of which the longitudinal direction is the first direction. The bottom plate (23) has four sides. The four sides include a right side (23a) formed on the right, a left side (23b) formed on the left, a front side (23c) formed on the front, and a rear side (23d) formed on the rear. The front plate (26) of the casing (21) corresponds to the front side (23c) and forms a first side surface having the access port (A). The right plate (24) of the casing (21) forms a second side surface that corresponds to the right side (23a). The right side (23a), the right part of the front side (23c), and the right part of the rear side (23d) form a machine chamber side surface located on the machine chamber (S2).
[0072] The right side (23a) of the bottom plate (23) has a first end (E1) and a second end (E2). The first end (E1) is the front end of the right side (23a). The second end (E2) is the rear end of the right side (23a). In this embodiment, the first end (E1) forms a first corner portion at which the right side (23a) and the front side (23c) are continuous with each other. The second end (E2) forms a second corner portion at which the right side (23a) and the rear side (23d) are continuous with each other.(4-2) Positional Relation
[0073] In FIG. 6, the first center of gravity (C1) is the center of gravity of the compressor (12) in top view. The second center of gravity (C2) is the center of gravity of the cylinder (71) in top view. Here, the "top view of the bottom plate (23)" means that the bottom plate (23) is viewed from the top in a state in which the heat source apparatus (1) is installed. The "center of gravity" refers to the center of mass in top view or the center of mass in the horizontal direction. The "center of gravity" is not the center of mass in the vertical direction. A first straight line (L1) is a straight line passing through the first center of gravity (C1) of the compressor (12) and the second center of gravity (C2) of the cylinder (71) in top view. A second straight line (L2) is a straight line orthogonal to the right side (23a), a side of the bottom plate (23), and passing through the center of gravity of the compressor (12) in top view. In other words, the second straight line (L2) is a straight line perpendicular to the right side (23a) of the bottom plate (23) in top view.
[0074] In this embodiment, the first straight line (L1) and the second straight line (L2) form a predetermined first angle (θ1). The first angle (θ1) is a predetermined angle greater than 0°. Specifically, the second straight line (L2) is displaced toward the front side of the bottom plate (23) with respect to the first straight line (L1) by the first angle (θ1). In other words, the second straight line (L2) is displaced toward the access port (A) with respect to the first straight line (L1) by the first angle (θ1).(4-3) Problem in Casing Being Dropped
[0075] The heat source apparatus (1) houses the cylinder (71) inside the casing (21). The cylinder (71) stores propane, a natural refrigerant that is flammable. When the heat source apparatus (1) is transported, the casing (21) may be dropped.
[0076] FIG. 7 shows a heat source apparatus of a comparative example. In the heat source apparatus of the comparative example, the first straight line (L1) and the second straight line (L2) match each other. In the comparative example, the casing (21) is dropped and crashes into the ground (G) in a state in which the right side (23a) of the casing (21) is parallel to the ground (G). When the casing (21) crashes into the ground (G), the compressor (12) moves toward the ground (G) in the gravity direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7(B), the compressor (12) collides with the cylinder (71) so as to overlap with the cylinder (71) in the vertical direction. If the first straight line (L1) and the second straight line (L2) match each other, a load (more precisely, an impact load) on the cylinder (71) increases. This is because the vector of the impact load (the white arrow in FIG. 7(B)) with which the compressor (12) collides with the cylinder (71) matches the gravity direction. Here, the impact load is the force acting from the first center of gravity (C1) of the compressor (12) to the second center of gravity (C2) of the cylinder (71). As a result, the cylinder (71) is more likely to be damaged. If the cylinder (71) is damaged, the flammable refrigerant leaks.(4-4) Effects in Casing Being Dropped in This Embodiment
[0077] The effects in the casing (21) being dropped in the following first and second conditions in this embodiment will be described.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 8, the first condition is the condition in which the right side (23a) of the bottom plate (23) of the dropped casing (21) comes into contact with the ground (G) in a state in which the right side (23a) is parallel to the ground (G). In this embodiment, the first straight line (L1) and the second straight line (L2) form the first angle (θ1). Thus, as shown in FIG. 8(B), the impact load decreases when the compressor (12) collides with the cylinder (71). This is because the vector of the impact load (the white arrow in FIG. 8(B)) with which the compressor (12) collides with the cylinder (71) is displaced with respect to the gravity direction by the first angle (θ1). As a result, it is possible to reduce damage to the cylinder (71), and it is possible to reduce leakage of the flammable refrigerant.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 9, the second condition is the condition in which the casing (21) comes into contact with the ground in a state in which the first straight line (L1) connecting the first center of gravity (C1) of the compressor (12) and the second center of gravity (C2) of the cylinder (71) matches the vertical direction (the gravity direction). In this embodiment, the first straight line (L1) and the second straight line (L2) are displaced from each other by the first angle (θ1), and thus when the casing (21) crashes into the ground (G), the side (the right side (23a)) of the bottom plate (23) is inclined with respect to the ground (G). Thus, it is possible to induce deformation of the bottom plate (23) and the right plate (24) before the compressor (12) collides with the cylinder (71). As a result, the kinetic energy of the compressor (12) can be absorbed by the deformation of the casing (21), and thus it is possible to reduce impact acting on the cylinder (71) from the compressor (12).(5) Advantages of Embodiment
[0080] (5-1) In this embodiment, the first straight line (L1) is defined as the straight line passing through the center of gravity of the compressor (12) and the center of gravity of the cylinder (71) in top view where the bottom plate (23) is viewed from the top. The second straight line (L2) is defined as the straight line orthogonal to the side (the right side (23a) in this example) of the bottom plate (23) and passing through the center of gravity of the compressor (12) in top view. The first straight line (L1) is displaced with respect to the second straight line (L2) by the predetermined first angle (θ1).
[0081] As shown in FIG. 8, when the right side (23a) of the casing (21) crashes into the ground (G) in a state in which the right side (23a) is parallel to the ground (G), the impact load acting on the cylinder (71) from the compressor (12) is displaced with respect to the gravity direction by the first angle (θ1). Thus, it is possible to reduce the impact load, and thus it is possible to reduce damage to the cylinder (71).
[0082] As shown in FIG. 9, when the casing (21) crashes into the ground (G) in a state in which the first straight line (L1) matches the gravity direction, it is possible to induce deformation of the bottom plate (23) and the right plate (24). Thus, the kinetic energy of the compressor (12) can be absorbed by the deformation of the casing (21), and thus it is possible to reduce damage to the cylinder (71).
[0083] (5-2) The heat source apparatus (1) further includes a support plate (51) that supports the compressor (12) from below and an elastic support portion (52) that is fixed on the bottom plate (23) and supports the support plate (51) from below. The cylinder (71) is not supported by the support plate (51) and is fixed on the bottom plate (23).
[0084] In this configuration, the elastic support portion (52) absorbs vibration of the compressor (12), and thus it is possible to reduce the vibration when the compressor (12) is operating.
[0085] The compressor (12) is fixed on the bottom plate (23) via the elastic support portion (52), and the cylinder (71) is fixed on the bottom plate (23) without the elastic support portion (52). Thus, when the casing (21) is dropped, the acceleration of the compressor (12) in the gravity direction is smaller than the acceleration of the cylinder (71) in the gravity direction. In addition, when the compressor (12) collides with the cylinder (71), the compressor (12) moves upward together with the elastic support portion (52). As a result, it is possible to reduce the impact load when the compressor (12) collides with the cylinder (71).
[0086] (5-3) The heat source apparatus further includes a sound insulation member (60) that surrounds the compressor (12). Thus, it is possible to reduce the operating noise of the compressor (12).
[0087] When the casing (21) is dropped, the sound insulation member (60) is positioned between the cylinder (71) and the ground (G). Thus, the impact can be reduced by the sound insulation member (60) when the cylinder (71) indirectly crashes into the ground (G).
[0088] (5-4) The first straight line (L1) is displaced toward the first side surface (26) with respect to the second straight line (L2) by the angle (θ1), and thus it is possible to reduce the impact acting on the cylinder (71). The cylinder (71) becomes closer to the access port (A), and thus the operator can easily access the cylinder (71), specifically the control valve (73), through the access port (A). As a result, the operator can easily conduct a refrigerant filling process.
[0089] (5-5) The casing (21) houses the entire part of the refrigerant circuit (11). In other words, the refrigerant circuit (11) is formed as a closed circuit in the casing (21). Thus, for example, as compared with a separate type refrigeration cycle device, a smaller amount of refrigerant to fill the refrigerant circuit (11) is required, and thus it is possible to downsize the cylinder (71). As a result, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the cylinder (71), and thus it is possible to reduce damage to the cylinder (71).(6) Variations
[0090] The above embodiment may be modified into the following variations. In the following description, the differences from the above embodiment will be described.(6-1) First Variation
[0091] As schematically shown in FIG. 10, the vibration reduction mechanism (50) of the first variation and the vibration reduction mechanism (50) of the embodiment are different in configuration. In the vibration reduction mechanism (50) of the first variation, the support plate (51) supports the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) from below. The compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) are not fixed on the bottom plate (23). The plurality of elastic support portions (52) are fixed on the bottom plate (23) and support the support plate (51) from below. In this example, the support plate (51) is formed in a rectangular plate shape. One elastic support portion (52) is disposed at every corner of the support plate (51).
[0092] In this example, in the first direction, the position of the elastic support portion (52) is close to the side of the bottom plate (23) (the right side (23a)) with respect to the position of the cylinder (71). More specifically, the elastic support portion (52) is disposed between the cylinder (71) and the front corner of the bottom plate (23) in top view where the casing (21) is installed. The elastic support portion (52) is located on the second straight line (L2) in top view where the casing (21) is installed in one preferred embodiment.
[0093] In the first variation, when the casing (21) is dropped with the right side (23a) ahead, the bottom plate (23) and the support plate (51) are deformed before the cylinder (71) crashes into the ground (G). As a result, the kinetic energy of the compressor (12) can be absorbed, and thus it is possible to reduce impact on the cylinder (71).(6-2) Second Variation
[0094] As schematically shown in FIG. 11, in the second variation, the buffer member (80) is disposed between the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71). In the second variation, the sound insulation member (60) houses the compressor (12) and does not house the cylinder (71). In other words, the cylinder (71) is located outside the sound insulation member (60). The right wall (62) of the sound insulation member (60) forms the buffer member (80) between the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71).
[0095] In the second variation, when the casing (21) is dropped with the right side (23a) ahead, the buffer member (80) (the sound insulation member) reduces the impact acting on the cylinder (71) when the compressor (12) moves in the gravity direction. Thus, it is possible to reduce damage to the cylinder (71).
[0096] The buffer member (80) disposed between the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) may not be the sound insulation member (60), and may be a sound absorbing material, for example. The buffer member (80) may be a component such as the water heat exchanger (15) or the refrigerant pipe in the refrigerant circuit (11).(6-3) Third Variation
[0097] As shown in FIG. 12, in the third variation, the sound absorbing material (90) is provided inside the sound insulation member (60). The sound absorbing material (90) is a resin material having open cells and is made of, for example, urethane. The sound absorbing material (90) is formed inside each of the upper wall (61), the right wall (62), the left wall (63), the front wall (64), and the rear wall (65) of the sound insulation member (60). Using the sound absorbing material (90) improves a noise reduction effect. When the casing (21) is dropped, the sound absorbing material (90) reduces the impact when the cylinder (71) crashes into the ground (G). The sound absorbing material (90) may be provided not inside but outside the sound insulation member (60), or may be provided both inside and outside the sound insulation member (60).(6-4) Fourth Variation
[0098] The fourth variation is different from the above embodiment in the relationship between the first straight line (L1) and the second straight line (L2). In the fourth variation, the first position (P1) is closer to the third position (P3) than the second position (P2). In other words, the distance between the first position (P1) and the third position (P3) is shorter than the distance between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2).
[0099] As shown in FIG. 13, in top view where the bottom plate (23) is viewed from the top, the first position (P1) is the position of the intersection of the first straight line (L1) and the right side (23a), which is a side of the bottom plate (23). The second position (P2) is the position of the intersection of the second straight line (L2) and the right side (23a) in top view. The third position (P3) is the position of an end portion of the right side (23a) in top view. Specifically, the third position (P3) of this example corresponds to the position of the first end (E1), which is the front end of the right side (23a).
[0100] In the fourth variation, the first position (P1) is closer to the third position (P3) than the second position (P2). In other words, the first straight line (L1) is close to the end of the right side (23a) (the first end (E1)) with respect to the second straight line (L2).
[0101] In the fourth variation, when the right side (23a) of the casing (21) crashes into the ground (G) in a state in which the right side (23a) is parallel to the ground (G), the impact load acting on the cylinder (71) from the compressor (12) becomes smaller. This is because the first angle (θ1) of the vector of the impact load with respect to the gravity direction becomes larger. Thus, it is possible to reduce the impact load, and thus it is possible to reduce damage to the cylinder (71).
[0102] When the casing (21) crashes into the ground (G) in a state in which the first straight line (L1) matches the gravity direction, the amount of deformation of the bottom plate (23) becomes larger. This is because the distance from the center of gravity of the compressor (12) to the first position (P1) becomes longer. Thus, more kinetic energy of the compressor (12) can be absorbed by the deformation of the casing (21), and thus it is possible to reduce damage to the cylinder (71).
[0103] In the fourth variation, as shown in FIG. 13, a corner portion is formed at the end of the side (the right side (23a)). However, as shown in FIG. 14, the end of the side (23a) may be continuous with an arc portion in top view. In this case, the continuous portion between the side (the right side) and the arc portion forms the end portion of the side (23a) (the first position (P1)).(7) Other Embodiments
[0104] The heat source apparatus (1) may form part of the refrigeration cycle apparatus. Specifically, the refrigeration cycle apparatus may be a separate-type refrigeration cycle apparatus in which a heat source unit as the heat source apparatus (1) and a utilization unit are connected to each other via a connection pipe. The refrigeration cycle apparatus may be an air conditioner, a transport-type refrigeration apparatus, a stationary refrigeration apparatus, or the like.
[0105] The first straight line (L1) and the second straight line (L2) may be defined not with the right side (23a) of the bottom plate (23) but with the front side (23c), the rear side (23d), or the left side (23b) of the bottom plate (23). However, the side is not the side close to the fan chamber (S1) but the side close to the machine chamber (S2) in one preferred embodiment.
[0106] The third position (P3) may be defined with the second end (E2) of the side (23a), or may be defined with the end of the other side (23b, 23c, 23d).
[0107] The vibration reduction mechanism (50) may have a lower support plate that supports the elastic support portion (52) of the embodiment from below and a lower elastic support portion that is fixed on the bottom plate (23) and supports the lower support plate from below.
[0108] The sound insulation member (60) may cover only the compressor (12).
[0109] It will be understood that the embodiments and variations described above can be modified with various changes in form and details without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. The elements according to embodiments, the variations thereof, and the other embodiments may be combined and replaced with each other. In addition, the expressions of "first", "second", "third", ... , in the specification and claims are used to distinguish the terms to which these expressions are given, and do not limit the number and order of the terms.INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0110] As can be seen from the foregoing description, the present disclosure is useful for a heat source apparatus.DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0111] 1Heat Source Apparatus 11Refrigerant Circuit 12Compressor 15Water Heat Exchanger 21Casing 23Bottom Plate 23aRight Side (Side) 24Right Plate (Second Side Surface) 26Front Plate (First Side Surface) 51Support Plate 52Elastic Support Portion 60Sound Insulation Member 71Cylinder 80Buffer Member 90Sound Absorbing Material AAccess Port L1First Straight Line L2Second Straight Line P1First Position P2Second Position P3Third Position θ1First Angle
Claims
1. A heat source apparatus comprising: a compressor (12) in a refrigerant circuit (11) configured to perform a refrigeration cycle; a cylinder (71) which is configured to store a flammable refrigerant for filling the refrigerant circuit (11) and of which a lower portion is provided with a discharge port (71a) for discharging the flammable refrigerant; and a casing (21) having a bottom plate (23) on which the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) are installed, wherein the cylinder (71) is disposed between the compressor (12) and a side (23a) of the bottom plate (23), a first straight line (L1) is defined as a straight line passing through a center of gravity of the compressor (12) and a center of gravity of the cylinder (71) in top view of the bottom plate (23), a second straight line (L2) is defined as a straight line orthogonal to the side (23a) of the bottom plate (23) and passing through the center of gravity of the compressor (12) in the top view, and the first straight line (L1) and the second straight line (L2) form a predetermined angle (θ1).
2. The heat source apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a support plate (51) supporting the compressor (12) from below; and an elastic support portion (52) fixed on the bottom plate (23) and supporting the support plate (51) from below, wherein the cylinder (71) is not supported by the support plate (51) and is fixed on the bottom plate (23).
3. The heat source apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a support plate (51) supporting the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) from below; and an elastic support portion (52) fixed on the bottom plate (23) and supporting the support plate (51) from below.
4. The heat source apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a buffer member (80) disposed between the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71).
5. The heat source apparatus of claim 4, wherein the buffer member (80) is a component of the refrigerant circuit (11).
6. The heat source apparatus of claim 5, wherein the component includes a water heat exchanger (15) or a refrigerant pipe.
7. The heat source apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a sound insulation member (60) surrounding the compressor (12).
8. The heat source apparatus of claim 7, wherein the cylinder (71) is disposed outside the sound insulation member (60).
9. The heat source apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a sound absorbing material (90) disposed so as to overlap an outer surface or an inner surface of the casing (21).
10. The heat source apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a first position (P1) is defined as a position of an intersection of the first straight line (L1) and the side (23a) in the top view, a second position (P2) is defined as a position of an intersection of the second straight line (L2) and the side (23a) in the top view, a third position (P3) is defined as a position of an end (E1) of the side (23a) in the top view, and a distance between the first position (P1) and the third position (P3) is shorter than a distance between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2).
11. The heat source apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the casing (21) has a first side surface (26) having an access port (A), and a second side surface (24) corresponding to the side (23a) of the bottom plate (23), and the first straight line (L1) is displaced toward the first side surface (26) with respect to the second straight line (L2) by the predetermined angle (θ1).
12. The heat source apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the casing (21) houses an entire part of the refrigerant circuit (11).