Heat source device

Abstract

A heat source apparatus includes: a cylinder (71) of which a lower portion is provided with a discharge port (71a); a fan (30) configured to transport air that exchanges heat with the air heat exchanger (13); and a casing (21) having a bottom plate (23) on which the compressor (12), the air heat exchanger (13), and the cylinder (71) are installed. The heat source apparatus further includes a partition (45) that partitions an inside of the casing (21) into a first chamber (S1) that houses the air heat exchanger (13) and the fan (30) and a second chamber (S2) that houses the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71). The cylinder (71) is closer to the first chamber (S1) than the compressor (12) is.

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 flammable 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. If the compressor collides with the cylinder due to the impact when the casing is dropped, the cylinder may be damaged, and the flammable refrigerant may leak into the air.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce damage to a cylinder when a casing is dropped.SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0007] A first aspect is directed to a heat source apparatus. The heat source apparatus includes: a compressor (12) and an air heat exchanger (13) 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; a fan (30) configured to transport air that exchanges heat with the air heat exchanger (13); a casing (21) having a bottom plate (23) on which the compressor (12), the air heat exchanger (13), and the cylinder (71) are installed; and a partition (45) that partitions an inside of the casing (21) into a first chamber (S1) that houses the air heat exchanger (13) and the fan (30) and a second chamber (S2) that houses the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71). The cylinder (71) is closer to the first chamber (S1) than the compressor (12) is.

[0008] In the first aspect, the cylinder (71) disposed in the second chamber (S2) is closer to the first chamber (S1) than the compressor (12) is. In the condition in which the casing (21) is dropped with the first chamber (S1) ahead toward the ground, the cylinder (71) is in a lower position than the compressor (12). Thus, the compressor (12) may collide with the cylinder (71). However, in this condition, part of the bottom plate (23) of the casing (21) that is positioned in the fan chamber (S1) crashes into the ground before the cylinder (71) does. When the bottom plate (23) crashes into the ground, the bottom plate (23) is deformed. As a result, the kinetic energy of the compressor (12) can be absorbed by the deformation of the bottom plate (23), and thus the impact can be reduced when the compressor (12) collides with the cylinder (71).

[0009] A second aspect is an embodiment of the first aspect. In the second aspect, in top view of the bottom plate (23), a first straight line (L1) passing through a center of gravity of the compressor (12) and a center of gravity of the cylinder (71) crosses the first chamber (S1).

[0010] In the second aspect, when the casing (21) is dropped with the first chamber (S1) ahead toward the ground in a state in which the first straight line (L1) is oriented in the gravity direction, the distance of the bottom plate (23) from the ground (G) to the cylinder (71) becomes longer. Thus, it is possible to increase the amount of deformation of the bottom plate (23) when the bottom plate (23) crashes into the ground, and thus it is possible to reduce the impact when the compressor (12) collides with the cylinder (71).

[0011] A third aspect is an embodiment of the first or second aspect. In the third aspect, in the top view of the bottom plate (23), the first straight line (L1) passing through the center of gravity of the compressor (12) and the center of gravity of the cylinder (71) crosses the air heat exchanger (13).

[0012] In the third aspect, when the casing (21) is dropped with the first chamber (S1) ahead toward the ground in a state in which the first straight line is oriented in the gravity direction, the cylinder (71) collides with the air heat exchanger (13). Thus, the air heat exchanger (13) can soften the impact when the cylinder (71) crashes into the ground. As a result, it is possible to reduce damage to the cylinder (71).

[0013] A fourth aspect is an embodiment of any one of the first to third aspects. In the fourth aspect, in the top view of the bottom plate (23), the first straight line (L1) passing through the center of gravity of the compressor (12) and the center of gravity of the cylinder (71) crosses the partition (45).

[0014] In the fourth aspect, when the casing (21) is dropped with the first chamber (S1) ahead toward the ground in a state in which the first straight line (L1) is oriented in the gravity direction, the cylinder (71) collides with the partition (45). Thus, the partition (45) can soften the impact when the cylinder (71) crashes into the ground. As a result, it is possible to reduce damage to the cylinder (71).

[0015] A fifth aspect is an embodiment of any one of the first to fourth aspects. In the fifth aspect, in the top view of the bottom plate (23), the first straight line (L1) passing through the center of gravity of the compressor (12) and the center of gravity of the cylinder (71) crosses the fan (30).

[0016] In the fifth aspect, when the casing (21) is dropped with the first chamber (S1) ahead toward the ground in a state in which the first straight line (L1) is oriented in the gravity direction, the cylinder (71) collides with the fan (30). Thus, the fan (30) can soften the impact when the cylinder (71) crashes into the ground. As a result, it is possible to reduce damage to the cylinder (71).

[0017] A sixth aspect is an embodiment of any one of the first to fifth aspects. In the sixth aspect, the bottom plate (23) has a first side (23c) and a second side (23d) extending along the first chamber (S1) and the second chamber (S2), and a third side (23b) close to the first chamber (S1) and continuous with the first side (23c) and the second side (23d). In the top view of the bottom plate (23), the first straight line (L1) passing through the center of gravity of the compressor (12) and the center of gravity of the cylinder (71) crosses the third side (23b).

[0018] In the sixth aspect, when the casing (21) is dropped with the first chamber (S1) ahead toward the ground in a state in which the first straight line (L1) is oriented in the gravity direction, the third side (23b) distant from the cylinder (71) crashes into the ground (G). Thus, it is possible to increase the amount of deformation of the bottom plate (23) when the bottom plate (23) crashes into the ground, and thus it is possible to reduce the impact when the compressor (12) collides with the cylinder (71).

[0019] A seventh aspect is an embodiment of the sixth aspect. In the seventh aspect, in the top view, an intersection of the first straight line (L1) and the third side (23b) is opposite to the center of gravity of the cylinder (71) with respect to a center line (M) orthogonal to the third side (23b).

[0020] In the seventh aspect, when the casing (21) is dropped with the first chamber (S1) ahead toward the ground in a state in which the first straight line (L1) is oriented in the gravity direction, part of the third side (23b) that comes into contact with the ground is opposite to the center of gravity of the cylinder (71) with respect to the center line (M). Thus, the distance of the bottom plate (23) from the ground (G) to the cylinder (71) becomes longer, and thus it is possible to increase the amount of deformation of the bottom plate (23) when the bottom plate (23) crashes into the ground.

[0021] An eighth aspect is an embodiment of the sixth or seventh aspect. In the eighth aspect, a first position (P1) is defined as a position of the intersection of the first straight line (L1) and the third side (23b) in the top view of the bottom plate (23). A second position (P2) is defined as a midpoint of the third side (23b). A third position (P3) is defined as a position of an end (E1, E2) of the third side (23b) in the top view of the bottom plate (23). 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).

[0022] In the eighth aspect, when the casing (21) is dropped with the first chamber (S1) ahead toward the ground in a state in which the first straight line (L1) is oriented in the gravity direction, a part close to the end (E1, E2) of the third side (23b) crashes into the ground. Thus, the distance of the bottom plate (23) from the ground (G) to the cylinder (71) becomes longer, and thus it is possible to increase the amount of deformation of the bottom plate (23) when the bottom plate (23) crashes into the ground.

[0023] A ninth aspect is an embodiment of any one of the sixth to eighth aspects. In the ninth aspect, a length of the bottom plate (23) in a longitudinal direction in the first chamber (S1) is greater than a length of the bottom plate (23) in the longitudinal direction in the second chamber (S2).

[0024] In the ninth aspect, when the casing (21) is dropped with the first chamber (S1) ahead toward the ground, the distance of the bottom plate (23) from the ground (G) to the cylinder (71) becomes longer. This is because the length of the first chamber (S1) in the longitudinal direction, in other words, the length in the direction in which the first chamber (S1) and the second chamber (S2) are arranged is greater than the length of the second chamber (S2) in the longitudinal direction. As a result, it is possible to increase the amount of deformation of the bottom plate (23) when the bottom plate (23) crashes into the ground.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] [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 corresponds to FIG. 6 and shows a heat source apparatus of a first variation. [FIG. 11] FIG. 11 corresponds to FIG. 6 and shows a heat source apparatus of a second variation. [FIG. 12] FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 6 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. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0026] 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

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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

[0030] 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).

[0031] 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).

[0032] 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).

[0033] 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

[0034] 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

[0035] 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 partition (45) that partitions the casing (21), and a fan (30) that transports the outdoor air.(2-1) Casing and Partition

[0036] 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).

[0037] The partition (45) is provided in the casing (21). The partition (45) extends from the bottom plate (23) to the top plate (22). The partition (45) extends in the front-back direction in top view. The partition (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).

[0038] 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

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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).

[0042] 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 partition (45). The first heat exchange portion (13a) extends in the right direction to pass through a space behind a rear end portion of the partition (45). A right end portion of the first heat exchange portion (13a) is located in the machine chamber (S2).(3) Configuration of Machine Chamber

[0043] 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

[0044] The compressor (12) is disposed in the front side and in the right 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

[0045] 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

[0046] 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

[0047] 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 formed in a vertically-long hollow cylindrical shape of which the height is greater than the outer diameter.(3-5) Vibration Reduction Mechanism

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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).

[0050] The vibration reduction mechanism (50) of this embodiment has three elastic support portions (52). The elastic support portions (52) are disposed on or around 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).

[0051] 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

[0052] 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 partition (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).

[0053] 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.

[0054] The sound insulation member (60) forms an internal space (66) in which the compressor (12) is housed. 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.

[0055] 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

[0056] The filling unit (70) is disposed in the left 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).

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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). The weight of the cylinder (71) is smaller than the weight of the compressor (12).

[0059] 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 induce a refrigerant to discharge. 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).

[0060] 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).

[0061] 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).

[0062] 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

[0063] 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

[0064] 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

[0065] 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 side (23c) forms a first side as a long side, and the rear side (23d) forms a second side as a long side. The left side (23b) forms a third side as a short side, and the right side (23a) forms a fourth side as a short side.

[0066] The left side (23b) 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 left side (23b). The second end (E2) is the rear end of the left side (23b). In this embodiment, the first end (E1) forms a first corner portion at which the left side (23b) and the front side (23c) are continuous with each other. The second end (E2) forms a second corner portion at which the left side (23b) and the rear side (23d) are continuous with each other.(4-2) Positional Relation

[0067] As shown in FIG. 6, the cylinder (71) is closer to the fan chamber (S1) than the compressor (12) is. In other words, the distance from the cylinder (71) to the fan chamber (S1) is shorter than the distance from the compressor (12) to the fan chamber (S1). In the casing (21), the compressor (12), the cylinder (71), and the fan chamber (S1) are disposed in sequence in the first direction. In this embodiment, the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) overlap in the first direction with each other.

[0068] In FIG. 6, the first center of gravity (C1) is the center of gravity of the compressor (12) in top view of the bottom plate (23). The second center of gravity (C2) is the center of gravity of the cylinder (71) in top view of the bottom plate (23). 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 of the bottom plate (23) or the center of mass in the horizontal direction. The "center of gravity" is not the center of mass in the vertical direction. In FIG. 6, the first straight line (L1) is the straight line which passes 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 of the bottom plate (23). The center line (M) is the straight line which is orthogonal to the left side (23b) in top view. More precisely, the center line (M) is the straight line which passes through the midpoint of the left side (23b) and which is orthogonal to the left side (23b). In FIG. 6, the first position (P1) is the intersection of the first straight line (L1) and the left side (23b) in top view. The second position (P2) is the midpoint of the left side (23b) in top view. The third position (P3) is the position of the end of the left side (23b). More precisely, the third position (P3) is one of the two ends of the left side that is closer to the first position (P1). In this example, the third position (P3) is the first end (E1) of the left side (23b).

[0069] The first straight line (L1) crosses the fan chamber (S1) in top view of the bottom plate (23). When viewed in the direction in which the first straight line (L1) extends, the compressor (12), the cylinder (71), and the fan chamber (S1) overlap with each other.

[0070] The first straight line (L1) crosses the partition (45) in top view of the bottom plate (23). When viewed in the direction in which the first straight line (L1) extends, the compressor (12), the cylinder (71), and the partition (45) overlap with each other.

[0071] The first straight line (L1) crosses the fan (30) in top view of the bottom plate (23). When viewed in the direction in which the first straight line (L1) extends, the compressor (12), the cylinder (71), and the fan (30) overlap with each other.

[0072] The first straight line (L1) crosses the left side (23b) as the third side in top view of the bottom plate (23). When viewed in the direction in which the first straight line (L1) extends, the compressor (12), the cylinder (71), and the left side (23b) overlap with each other.

[0073] The first position (P1) is closer to the third position (P3) than the second position (P2). In other words, the first position (P1) is located on part of the left side (23b) that is close to the first end (E1).

[0074] The first length (a) of the bottom plate (23) in the longitudinal direction (the first direction) in the fan chamber (S1) is greater than the second length (b) of the bottom plate (23) in the longitudinal direction (the first direction) in the machine chamber (S2).(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 compressor (12) is closer to the machine chamber (S2) than the cylinder (71) is. In this configuration, when the casing (21) is dropped with the machine chamber (S2) ahead toward the ground (G), the compressor (12) is in a higher position than the cylinder (71). Thus, when the casing (21) crashes into the ground (G), the compressor (12) moves in the gravity direction and thus collides with the cylinder (71), which may cause damage to the cylinder (71). In particular, the compressor (12) has a higher rigidity and a larger weight than the cylinder (71). This induces damage to the cylinder (71).(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(A), the first condition is the condition in which the casing (21) is dropped with the machine chamber (S2) ahead toward the ground (G). In this embodiment, the cylinder (71) is closer to the fan chamber (S1) than the compressor (12) is. Thus, in the first condition, the cylinder (71) is in a higher position than the compressor (12). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 8(B), even when the casing (21) crashes into the ground (G) and then the compressor (12) moves downward, the compressor (12) hardly collides with the cylinder (71). Accordingly, it is possible to reduce damage to the cylinder (71) due to the compressor (12) colliding with the cylinder (71).

[0079] As shown in FIG. 9(A), the second condition is the condition in which the casing (21) is dropped with the fan chamber (S1) ahead toward the ground (G). In the second condition, the cylinder (71) is in a lower position than the compressor (12). Thus, the compressor (12) may collide with the cylinder (71). However, in this condition, as shown in FIG. 9(B), part of the bottom plate (23) of the casing (21) that is positioned in the fan chamber (S1) crashes into the ground before the cylinder (71) does. When the bottom plate (23) crashes into the ground, the bottom plate (23) is deformed. As a result, the kinetic energy of the compressor (12) can be absorbed by the deformation of the bottom plate (23), and thus the impact can be reduced when the compressor (12) collides with the cylinder (71).(5) Advantages of Embodiment

[0080] (5-1) In this embodiment, the cylinder (71) is closer to the fan chamber (S1) than the compressor (12) is. In the second condition in which the casing (21) is dropped with the fan chamber (S1) ahead toward the ground, the cylinder (71) is in a lower position than the compressor (12). Thus, the compressor (12) may collide with the cylinder (71). However, in this condition, part of the bottom plate (23) of the casing (21) that is positioned in the fan chamber (S1) crashes into the ground before the cylinder (71) does. When the bottom plate (23) crashes into the ground, the bottom plate (23) is deformed. As a result, the kinetic energy of the compressor (12) can be absorbed by the deformation of the bottom plate (23), and thus the impact can be reduced when the compressor (12) collides with the cylinder (71). Accordingly, in the second condition, it is possible to reduce damage to the cylinder (71).

[0081] In the first condition in which the casing (21) is dropped with the machine chamber (S2) ahead toward the ground, the cylinder (71) is in a higher position than the compressor (12). Thus, when the compressor (12) moves downward in response to the impact from the casing (21), it is possible to reduce the compressor (12) colliding with the cylinder (71). Accordingly, in the first condition, it is possible to reduce damage to the cylinder (71).

[0082] (5-2) The first straight line (L1) crosses the first chamber (S1) in top view. Thus, as shown in FIG. 9, in the second condition, particularly when the casing (21) is dropped in a state in which the first straight line (L1) matches the gravity direction, the distance of the bottom plate (23) from the ground (G) to the cylinder (71) becomes longer. Thus, it is possible to increase the amount of deformation of the bottom plate (23) when the bottom plate (23) crashes into the ground, and thus it is possible to reduce the impact when the compressor (12) collides with the cylinder (71). If the first straight line (L1) matches the gravity direction as described above, a larger collision load acts on the cylinder (71) from the compressor (12), but this collision load can be reduced by the deformation of the bottom plate (23). (5-3) The first straight line (L1) crosses the partition (45) in top view. Thus, in the second condition, particularly when the casing (21) is dropped in a state in which the first straight line (L1) matches the gravity direction, the cylinder (71) collides with the partition (45). Thus, the partition (45) can soften the impact when the cylinder (71) crashes into the ground. As a result, it is possible to reduce damage to the cylinder (71). (5-4) The first straight line (L1) crosses the fan (30) in top view. Thus, in the second condition, particularly when the casing (21) is dropped in a state in which the first straight line (L1) matches the gravity direction, the cylinder (71) collides with the fan (30). Thus, the fan (30) can soften the impact when the cylinder (71) crashes into the ground. As a result, it is possible to reduce damage to the cylinder (71). (5-5) The first straight line (L1) crosses the left side (23b) in top view. Thus, in the second condition, particularly when the casing (21) is dropped in a state in which the first straight line (L1) matches the gravity direction, the left side (23b), which is most distant from the cylinder (71) among the sides (23a, 23b, 23c, 23d) of the bottom plate (23), crashes into the ground (G). Thus, it is possible to increase the amount of deformation of the bottom plate (23) when the bottom plate (23) crashes into the ground, and thus it is possible to reduce the impact when the compressor (12) collides with the cylinder (71). (5-6) The first position (P1) is defined as the position of the intersection of the first straight line (L1) and the left side (23b) in top view. The second position (P2) is defined as the midpoint of the left side (23b). The third position (P3) is defined as the position of the first end (E1) of the left side (23b) in top view. The first position (P1) is closer to the third position (P3) than the second position (P2).

[0083] In the second condition, particularly when the casing (21) is dropped in a state in which the first straight line (L1) matches the gravity direction, part of the third side (23b) that is close to the first end (E1) crashes into the ground. Thus, the distance of the bottom plate (23) from the ground (G) to the cylinder (71) becomes longer, and thus it is possible to increase the amount of deformation of the bottom plate (23) when the bottom plate (23) crashes into the ground.

[0084] (5-7) The first length (a) of the bottom plate (23) in the longitudinal direction in the first chamber (S1) is greater than the second length (b) of the bottom plate (23) in the longitudinal direction in the second chamber (S2). Thus, in the second condition, when the casing (21) is dropped, the distance of the bottom plate (23) from the ground (G) to the cylinder (71) becomes longer. As a result, it is possible to increase the amount of deformation of the bottom plate (23) when the bottom plate (23) crashes into the ground.(6) Variations

[0085] 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

[0086] In the first variation shown in FIG. 10, similarly to the embodiment, the cylinder (71) is closer to the fan chamber (S1) than the compressor (12) is. In the first variation, the compressor (12) is disposed closer to the front than the cylinder (71) is.

[0087] In the first variation, the first straight line (L1) crosses the air heat exchanger (13) in top view of the bottom plate (23). Specifically, the first straight line (L1) crosses a bent portion of the air heat exchanger (13) that connects the first heat exchange portion (13a) and the second heat exchange portion (13b). According to this configuration, in the second condition, particularly when the casing (21) is dropped in a state in which the first straight line (L1) matches the gravity direction, the cylinder (71) collides with the air heat exchanger (13). Thus, the air heat exchanger (13) can soften the impact when the cylinder (71) crashes into the ground. As a result, it is possible to reduce damage to the cylinder (71).

[0088] In the first 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). Here, the first position (P1) is the position of the intersection of the first straight line (L1) and the left side (23b) in top view. The second position (P2) is the midpoint of the left side (23b). The third position (P3) is the position of the second end (E2) of the left side (23b) in top view. According to this configuration, in the second condition, particularly when the casing (21) is dropped in a state in which the first straight line (L1) matches the gravity direction, part of the third side (23b) that is close to the second end (E2) crashes into the ground. Thus, the distance of the bottom plate (23) from the ground (G) to the cylinder (71) becomes longer, and thus it is possible to increase the amount of deformation of the bottom plate (23) when the bottom plate (23) crashes into the ground.

[0089] In the first variation, the intersection of the first straight line (L1) and the third side (23b) (the first position (P1)) is opposite to the second center of gravity (C2) of the cylinder (71) with respect to the center line (M) orthogonal to the left side (23b) in top view. In other words, the first position (P1) and the second center of gravity (C2) sandwich the center line (M) in the direction of the left side (23b). According to this configuration, in the second condition, particularly when the casing (21) is dropped in a state in which the first straight line (L1) matches the gravity direction, the distance of the bottom plate (23) from the ground (G) to the cylinder (71) becomes longer. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the amount of deformation of the bottom plate (23) when the bottom plate (23) crashes into the ground.(6-2) Second Variation

[0090] As shown in FIG. 11, the first straight line (L1) of the second variation crosses not the left side (23b) but the rear side (23d) in top view of the bottom plate (23). In this case, the first straight line (L1) crosses the first heat exchange portion (13a) of the air heat exchanger (13). According to this configuration as well, when the casing (21) is dropped with the fan chamber (S1) ahead, the kinetic energy of the compressor (12) can be absorbed by the deformation of the bottom plate (23). In addition, the air heat exchanger (13) functions as a buffer member.(6-3) Third Variation

[0091] As shown in FIG. 12, the first straight line (L1) of the third variation does not cross the fan chamber (S1) in top view of the bottom plate (23). However, the first straight line (L1) crosses part of the air heat exchanger (13) that protrudes to the machine chamber (S2) in top view of the bottom plate (23). According to this configuration as well, when the casing (21) is dropped with the fan chamber (S1) ahead, the kinetic energy of the compressor (12) can be absorbed by the deformation of the bottom plate (23). In addition, the air heat exchanger (13) functions as a buffer member.(6-4) Fourth Variation

[0092] As shown in FIG. 13, in the fourth variation, an end portion of the partition (45) is curved in top view of the bottom plate (23). Specifically, the partition (45) has a curved portion (45a) that is curved so as to come close to the right side as it extends to the rear side. An enlarged portion (95), part of the fan chamber (S1), is formed behind the machine chamber (S2). The cylinder (71) is disposed closer to the fan chamber (S1) than the compressor (12) is in top view of the bottom plate (23). In this configuration, when the casing (21) is dropped with the enlarged portion (95) ahead, the kinetic energy of the compressor (12) can be absorbed by the deformation of part of the bottom plate (23) that corresponds to the enlarged portion (95).(7) Other Embodiments

[0093] 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.

[0094] The first straight line (L1) may pass through the front side (23c) of the bottom plate (23) in top view.

[0095] In the embodiment, the end of the third side (the left side (23b)) forms a corner portion. However, the end of the third side (23b) may be continuous with an arc portion in top view. In this case, the end of the third side (23b) is defined as a continuous position at which the third side (23b) and the arc portion are continuous with each other.

[0096] The support plate (51) may be configured to support both the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) from below. In this case, the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) are not fixed on the bottom plate (23).

[0097] 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.

[0098] The sound insulation member (60) may cover only the compressor (12). In other words, the cylinder (71) may be disposed outside the sound insulation member (60). In this case, the sound insulation member (60) serves as a buffer member between the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71).

[0099] A sound absorbing material may be provided inside the sound insulation member (60). The sound absorbing material is a resin material having open cells and is made of, for example, urethane. Using the sound absorbing material improves a noise reduction effect. When the casing (21) is dropped, the sound absorbing material 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).

[0100] A buffer member may be provided between the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71). The buffer member is a component of the refrigerant circuit (11) such as the water heat exchanger (15) or the refrigerant pipe in one preferred embodiment.

[0101] 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

[0102] As can be seen from the foregoing description, the present disclosure is useful for a heat source apparatus.DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0103] 1Heat Source Apparatus 11Refrigerant Circuit 12Compressor 13Air Heat Exchanger 21Casing 23Bottom Plate 23bLeft Side (Third Side) 23cFront Side (First Side) 23dRear Side (Second Side) 30Fan 45Partition 71Cylinder 71aDischarge Port E1First End E2Second End L1First Straight Line MCenter Line P1First Position P2Second Position P3Third Position S1Fan Chamber (First Chamber) S2Machine Chamber (Second Chamber)

Claims

1. A heat source apparatus comprising: a compressor (12) and an air heat exchanger (13) in a refrigerant circuit (11) configured to perform a refrigeration cycle; a cylinder (71) configured to store a flammable refrigerant for filling the refrigerant circuit (11); a fan (30) configured to transport air that exchanges heat with the air heat exchanger (13); a casing (21) having a bottom plate (23) on which the compressor (12), the air heat exchanger (13), and the cylinder (71) are installed; and a partition (45) that partitions an inside of the casing (21) into a first chamber (S1) that houses the air heat exchanger (13) and the fan (30) and a second chamber (S2) that houses the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71), wherein the cylinder (71) is closer to the first chamber (S1) than the compressor (12) is.

2. The heat source apparatus of claim 1, wherein in top view of the bottom plate (23), a first straight line (L1) passing through a center of gravity of the compressor (12) and a center of gravity of the cylinder (71) crosses the first chamber (S1).

3. The heat source apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein in the top view of the bottom plate (23), the first straight line (L1) passing through the center of gravity of the compressor (12) and the center of gravity of the cylinder (71) crosses the air heat exchanger (13).

4. The heat source apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the top view of the bottom plate (23), the first straight line (L1) passing through the center of gravity of the compressor (12) and the center of gravity of the cylinder (71) crosses the partition (45).

5. The heat source apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the top view of the bottom plate (23), a straight line passing through the center of gravity of the compressor (12) and the center of gravity of the cylinder (71) crosses the fan (30).

6. The heat source apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the bottom plate (23) has a first side (23c) and a second side (23d) extending along the first chamber (S1) and the second chamber (S2), and a third side (23b) close to the first chamber (S1) and continuous with the first side (23c) and the second side (23d), and in the top view of the bottom plate (23), the first straight line (L1) passing through the center of gravity of the compressor (12) and the center of gravity of the cylinder (71) crosses the third side (23b).

7. The heat source apparatus of claim 6, wherein in the top view, an intersection of the first straight line (L1) and the third side (23b) is opposite to the center of gravity of the cylinder (71) with respect to a center line (M) orthogonal to the third side (23b).

8. The heat source apparatus of claim 6 or 7, wherein a first position (P1) is defined as a position of the intersection of the first straight line (L1) and the third side (23b) in the top view of the bottom plate (23), a second position (P2) is defined as a midpoint of the third side (23b), a third position (P3) is defined as a position of an end (E1, E2) of the third side (23b) in the top view of the bottom plate (23), 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).

9. The heat source apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein a length of the bottom plate (23) in a longitudinal direction in the first chamber (S1) is greater than a length of the bottom plate (23) in the longitudinal direction in the second chamber (S2).

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