NOISE REDUCTION DEVICE FOR AN OUTDOOR HEAT PUMP UNIT, AND RELATED HEAT PUMP ASSEMBLY

Abstract

- Device for reducing the noise of an outdoor unit of a heat pump, and related heat pump assembly. - The invention relates to a device for reducing the noise of an outdoor unit of a heat pump, which comprises an air inlet for supplying air to said unit, said device comprising: a casing designed to accommodate said outdoor unit therein, and a first means for communicating the interior of the casing with the exterior to supply said air inlet with outside air, said first means for communicating comprising at least a first electric intake fan arranged inside the casing to supply said air inlet with a forced flow of outside air. - Noise reduction of an outdoor unit of a heat pump, heat pump assembly with reduced noise. - Figure for abstract: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR REDUCING THE NOISE OF AN OUTDOOR HEAT PUMP UNIT, AND RELATED HEAT PUMP ASSEMBLY

[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field of accessories and equipment intended to be associated with heat pumps, more precisely to reduce the noise generated by the latter, in particular the noise generated by external heat pump units.

[0002] The present invention relates more particularly to a noise reduction device for an outdoor heat pump unit, which comprises an air inlet for supplying air to said unit, said noise reduction device comprising at least: - an envelope designed to accommodate said external heat pump unit, and - a first means of connecting the interior of the envelope with the exterior to supply said air inlet with exterior air.

[0003] The present invention relates more particularly to a heat pump assembly, comprising an outdoor heat pump unit and a noise reduction device as mentioned above.

[0004] Air conditioning systems using a heat pump are well known. In particular, so-called "split" air conditioning systems are known, which include an internal unit, placed inside a building, and an external unit, placed outside the building. The heat pump essentially makes it possible to take heat from inside the building and release it outside, thereby cooling the building. To this end, the heat pump uses a working fluid which conventionally undergoes successive cycles of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation.

[0005] Heat pumps thus usually include a compressor and internal ventilation elements which can generate significant noise, particularly at the level of the outdoor unit. The outdoor units thus contribute significantly to the surrounding noise pollution, and often constitute a source of significant nuisance for the immediate neighborhood. Their noise level can even be considered intolerable by some people, and generate neighborhood conflicts, particularly in dense residential areas (buildings, condominiums, terraced or neighboring houses, etc.), or near industrial sites (data centers, factories, laundries, clean rooms, etc.), public establishments (schools, cultural centers, swimming pools, etc.), commercial (bakeries, supermarkets, restaurants, etc.) or tertiary (hotels, hospitals, retirement homes, offices, etc.).

[0006] Furthermore, the outdoor units generally have an unattractive appearance, which is particularly evident in the visible nature of certain technical elements (air outlet and inlet grilles in particular).

[0007] It is already known to use noise reduction devices for outdoor units of heat pumps, in particular box-type noise reduction devices. Such a box generally includes a plurality of acoustic plates and / or grilles attached to and around the outdoor unit. The enclosure thus formed contains the outdoor unit of the heat pump, and generally allows an effective reduction in the perceived noise generated by said outdoor unit.

[0008] These known noise reduction devices nevertheless have serious drawbacks.

[0009] Indeed, the conventional configuration of known enclosures does not generally allow a satisfactory reduction in the noise generated by the outdoor unit, in particular at low frequencies, without generating unacceptable high air pressure losses, which would cause on the one hand higher electricity consumption and on the other hand a reduction in the efficiency of the outdoor unit of the heat pump.

[0010] Furthermore, known enclosures generally have a significant bulkiness, an unattractive external appearance, and require the implementation of complex and generally expensive installation operations requiring the intervention of a professional. Finally, known enclosures have a manufacturing cost which may seem significant when compared with the observed reduction in noise which remains relatively modest.

[0011] The objects assigned to the present invention therefore aim to remedy the various drawbacks listed above and to propose a new device for reducing the noise of an external heat pump unit whose design, while being simple and robust, makes it possible to significantly reduce the acoustic nuisance produced by the external heat pump unit, without however altering the aeraulic and thermodynamic performance of the heat pump.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for reducing the noise of an outdoor unit of a heat pump which is easy and quick to manufacture industrially.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to propose a novel noise reduction device for reducing the noise generated by an outdoor heat pump unit over a wide spectrum of sound frequencies, including high, medium and low frequencies.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for reducing the noise of an external heat pump unit, the design of which does not lead to a significant increase in the electrical consumption of the external heat pump unit, nor does it harm the proper aeraulic operation of the latter.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for reducing the noise of an outdoor heat pump unit of particularly compact construction.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for reducing the noise of an external heat pump unit, the installation of which can be carried out in a particularly simple, rapid and economical manner.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for reducing the noise of an external heat pump unit which requires only minimal maintenance.

[0018] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new device for reducing the noise of an external heat pump unit which has an aesthetic appearance which is easily enhanced and integrated.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for reducing the noise of an outdoor unit of a heat pump, the design of which allows it to be easily adapted to outdoor units of different types and sizes.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for reducing the noise of an outdoor unit of a heat pump, the design of which allows excellent thermal protection of the outdoor unit, by minimizing icing and reducing the defrosting time thereof.

[0021] Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for reducing the noise of an external heat pump unit, the design of which allows it to optimize the supply of air necessary for the external unit according to the latter's needs.

[0022] Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for reducing the noise of an external heat pump unit, the design of which allows it to avoid undesirable aeraulic phenomena.

[0023] Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for reducing the noise of an external heat pump unit, the design of which allows it to obtain optimized airflow performance depending on the operating conditions of the external unit, while generating only a minimum of noise and requiring only minimal electrical consumption.

[0024] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new heat pump assembly having optimized electrical consumption while generating only a minimum of noise.

[0025] The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a noise reduction device for an outdoor heat pump unit, which comprises an air inlet for supplying air to said outdoor heat pump unit, said noise reduction device comprising at least: - an envelope designed to accommodate said external heat pump unit, and - a first means for connecting the interior of the envelope with the exterior to supply said air inlet with exterior air, said noise reduction device being characterized in that said first means for connecting comprises at least one first electric intake fan arranged inside the envelope to supply said air inlet with a forced flow of exterior air.

[0026] The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by means of a heat pump assembly comprising an outdoor heat pump unit and a noise reduction device in accordance with the above.

[0027] Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear and emerge in more detail on reading the description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, given purely for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, among which:

[0028] [Fig-1] illustrates, according to a schematic perspective view from below, a embodiment of a noise reduction device according to the invention.

[0029] [Fig.2] illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, an embodiment of an external heat pump unit according to the invention.

[0030] [Fig.3] illustrates, in a schematic front view, the noise reduction device of [Fig.l] accommodating the outdoor heat pump unit of [Fig.2], thus forming an embodiment of a heat pump assembly according to the invention, where a part of the noise reduction device has been made transparent in order to observe the interior thereof, so that the air inlet of the outdoor heat pump unit is visible.

[0031] [Fig.4] illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, the pump assembly heat of [Fig.3], where part of the first intake silencer has been made transparent in order to observe its interior.

[0032] [Fig.5] illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, the reduction device of the noise of [Fig.l], from a substantially opposite point of view.

[0033] [Fig.6] illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, the reduction device of the noise of [Fig.5] accommodating the outdoor heat pump unit of [Fig.2], thus forming the same heat pump assembly as that of [Fig.4] seen from a different point of view, part of the noise reduction device having been made transparent in order to observe the interior, so that the air outlet of the unit ex- The exterior of the heat pump is visible.

[0034] [Fig.7] illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, another mode of rea lisation of a heat pump assembly according to the invention, which differs from that of [Fig.3] only in that the air inlet of the outdoor unit has double discharge fans, a different part of the noise reduction device having been made transparent in order to observe the interior.

[0035] [Fig.8] illustrates in a schematic perspective view, the pump assembly heat of [Fig.7], from another point of view, where a different part of the noise reduction device has been made transparent in order to observe its interior, so that the air inlet of the heat pump outdoor unit is visible.

[0036] [Fig.9] illustrates in a schematic perspective view, the pump assembly heat of [Fig.7], from another point of view, where a different part of the noise reduction device has been made transparent in order to observe its interior.

[0037] [Fig. 10] illustrates in a schematic perspective view, the heat pump assembly of [Fig.9], from another point of view.

[0038] As illustrated in the figures, the invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a noise reduction device 1 for an outdoor unit 2 of a heat pump. Said noise reduction device 1 is therefore advantageously designed to equip said outdoor unit 2 of a heat pump, but preferably constitutes as such a piece of equipment separate from said outdoor unit 2. Said noise reduction device 1 is more particularly designed to be fitted around (and against) said outdoor unit 2 of a heat pump. Preferably, the noise reduction device 1 is designed to reduce the noise generated by said outdoor unit 2, and more precisely to reduce the perceived sound level when said outdoor unit 2 operates in association with the noise reduction device 1, in comparison with the perceived sound level when said outdoor unit 2 operates without being associated with the noise reduction device 1.

[0039] Said external heat pump unit 2 advantageously forms an external unit of a heat pump, which is preferably part of an air conditioning, refrigeration and / or heating system. Said heat pump is preferably aerothermal, and may for example be of the air / air or air / water type. Said system is preferably intended to modify the internal temperature of at least one room, hall and / or confined space, generally located within a building. Thus, said external heat pump unit 2 is, according to a first variant, designed to cool and / or heat a fluid and send it to an internal heat pump unit advantageously placed inside the building and / or the room, hall and / or confined space. According to a second variant, the external unit 2 constitutes as such the heat pump, and forms, for example, a monobloc group of production of cold and / or hot fluid (iced water or hot water for example). The heat pump may also be part of a thermo-refrigeration pump group producing heat and cold simultaneously, or be a so-called hybrid heat pump, or even have a variable refrigerant flow rate(s), other variants and combinations of the above and the following being of course possible. Said outdoor unit 2 is in any case advantageously intended to be placed outside, in particular outside the building, the room, hall and / or confined space where said internal unit is advantageously located (when there is one). The outdoor unit 2 is typically placed at the level of an outdoor space, which may be either in the open air or covered by a canopy, but preferably not in a confined space, in particular surrounded by four walls and a roof.According to the most common variants, said internal and external units 2 form said heat pump, or said external unit 2 alone forms said heat pump. Which heat pump is therefore advantageously part of said air conditioning, refrigeration and / or heating system. Said system can be reversible (also called invertible), that is to say designed to heat or cool a fluid as needed, or simultaneous, that is to say designed for the production of heat and cold simultaneously (cooling one fluid and heating another for example), or adapted to operate according to one or more of the different modes mentioned above depending on the need (production of heat, cold, invertible mode, simultaneous mode, etc.). For example, said system constitutes a reversible air conditioning system, capable of cooling or heating the interior of the room, hall and / or confined space, as needed.To do this, said heat pump may be designed to be able, according to this last embodiment, to operate in a reversible manner, that is to say that it is designed to be able to alternate between a heating mode, where said heat pump takes a quantity of heat from the outside and supplies it inside the room, room and / or space, or an air conditioning (and / or refrigeration) mode, where said heat pump takes a quantity of heat from inside the room, room and / or confined space and supplies it outside (more particularly outside the building). Said heat pump advantageously comprises a working fluid, which it uses during successive cycles of compression, condensation, expansion, evaporation.More specifically, said external unit 2 preferably comprises a working fluid, and it is advantageously designed to implement the latter during compression, condensation, evaporation, and / or expansion steps.

[0040] According to a particular embodiment, the noise reduction device 1 is specifically adapted to a type of outdoor unit 2 of a heat pump, for example to a type of outdoor unit 2 of a heat pump having specific dimensions, and / or a particular power range. According to another embodiment by In particular, the noise reduction device 1 is adaptable to different types of outdoor heat pump unit 2, for example to heat pump units 2 having different dimensions from each other, different powers from each other, different architectures from each other, etc.

[0041] Preferably, and in a conventional manner, said outdoor heat pump unit 2 comprises several pieces of equipment essential to the operation of said heat pump. For example, said outdoor unit 2 comprises a compressor, at least one heat exchanger (for example a condenser and / or an evaporator), and / or its own ventilation means, for example one or more suction / discharge fans internal to said outdoor unit 2. Said ventilation means are therefore advantageously placed inside the outdoor unit 2 (and form part of it), and make it possible, for example, to improve the efficiency of said heat exchanger. It is these various pieces of equipment of the outdoor unit 2 which generally generate unwanted noise, and this at a sound level which is often significant and difficult to ignore.

[0042] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a heat pump assembly comprising an outdoor heat pump unit 2 and a noise reduction device 1 as described above and below, said noise reduction device 1 obviously being advantageously designed to be associated with said outdoor unit 2. The preceding and following description concerning the noise reduction device 1 (and the outdoor unit 2) therefore also advantageously applies to the heat pump assembly, and vice versa.

[0043] According to a particular embodiment, the external heat pump unit 2 has a general parallelepiped shape, preferably a general straight block or cube shape. In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, and in particular in [Fig.2], the external unit 2 has a general straight block shape, which is known as such and common among external heat pump units. Said casing 4 is thus designed, according to a particular variant of the invention compatible with the above, to accommodate an external heat pump unit 2 having a general parallelepiped shape, preferably a general straight block or cube shape.

[0044] Said outdoor unit 2 comprises an air inlet 3 for supplying air to said outdoor heat pump unit 2. Such a configuration is known as such. Indeed, said outdoor unit 2 typically needs air (preferably from outside) to operate correctly, for example to cool or heat said heat exchanger. [Fig. 2] thus illustrates the outdoor unit 2 according to a particular embodiment of the invention, said outdoor unit 2 being shown alone in this latter figure, that is to say not equipped with the noise reduction device 1 unlike in Figures 3, 4, and 6 to 8. Said outdoor unit 2 is illustrated in [Fig.2] from the side of said air inlet 3, the latter therefore being visible in the form of a grille forming part of said outdoor unit 2, and behind which there is possibly one or more of the ventilation means specific to said outdoor unit 2. In any event, said air inlet 3 is preferably designed to receive air from outside said outdoor unit 2, and more precisely air from the outside environment. Said outdoor unit 2 thus advantageously comprises at least one orifice designed to pass air from outside, said orifice being for example located behind said grille.

[0045] According to the invention, said noise reduction device 1 comprises at least: - an envelope 4 designed to accommodate said external heat pump unit 2 within it, and - a first means of connecting the interior of the envelope 4 with the exterior to supply said air inlet 3 with exterior air.

[0046] Thus, advantageously, said noise reduction device 1 comprises at least the casing 4 which therefore makes it possible to house the outdoor unit 2, and the first communication means which makes it possible to connect the interior of the casing 4, where said outdoor unit 2 is located, with the exterior of said casing 4, so as to allow the air surrounding the exterior of said casing 4 to penetrate inside the latter and to be used by said outdoor unit 2, for example to cool a heat exchanger thereof. Preferably, the outside air which enters said casing 4 then also enters the interior of said outdoor unit 2 through said air inlet 3.

[0047] Said casing 4 is advantageously designed to envelop said outdoor unit 2, preferably totally or almost totally, while allowing the necessary flows (electricity, working fluid, air, etc.) to pass through for the operation of said outdoor unit 2. Said casing 4 is therefore advantageously substantially closed (with the obvious exception of the passages left for said flows), and as will be seen, preferably (at least in part) airtight. In other words, said casing 4 is advantageously designed to surround said outdoor unit 2 on all sides thereof. For example, when said outdoor unit 2 has the shape of a straight block (therefore with six faces), said casing 4 is designed to surround the six faces of said straight block.Such a configuration is obviously advantageous from an acoustic point of view, since it makes it possible to better insulate the outdoor unit 2 to effectively reduce the noise it emits when it is operating. Said casing 4 is advantageously designed to mask from outside view at least 80% of the outdoor unit 2, preferably at least 90%, more preferably almost all or all, of the outdoor unit 2. The casing 4 therefore advantageously has an internal space intended to accommodate the outdoor unit 2.

[0048] Advantageously, said casing 4 constitutes excellent thermal protection for the outdoor unit 2, said casing preferably being substantially sealed (with the exception of flow passages made in the casing 4 for the proper operation of the outdoor unit 2). The casing 4 thus provides the outdoor unit 2 with a certain thermal inertia relative to the outside ambient temperature (outside the outdoor unit 2, but also outside the casing 4). Said outdoor unit 2 is advantageously designed to operate in a defrosting mode, in particular to ensure the defrosting of internal elements of the outdoor unit 2, in particular the evaporator of the latter, which is likely to be covered with ice and therefore have reduced efficiency and a high operating noise level.Thanks to the noise reduction device 1, and in particular thanks to the casing 4, equipping and surrounding the outdoor unit 2, the “defrosting” operating mode of the latter is particularly effective and its duration is reduced, since the hot air remains longer and with less heat loss within the outdoor unit 2 and directly around it. In addition, once again thanks to the noise reduction device 1 and its casing 4, the outdoor unit 2, and more particularly the evaporator 2 of the latter, will take longer to frost.This allows for better operation of the outdoor unit 2, reduced overall electrical consumption of the latter (frosting taking longer to occur, and the necessary "defrosting" mode being shorter), and finally a reduced operating noise level of the outdoor unit 2 (the internal elements of the outdoor unit 2, and in particular the evaporator, being less noisy since they are frosted less quickly and / or defrosted more quickly).

[0049] Said envelope is advantageously made, at more than 50% by weight, more preferably at more than 90% by weight, of polymer(s), preferably of polyethylene, more preferably of high density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0050] Said envelope is advantageously made, at more than 50% by weight, more preferably at more than 90% by weight, from one (or more) recyclable and / or recycled material(s). Said recyclable and / or recycled material preferably comprises a polymer, which is preferably polyethylene, more preferably high density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0051] According to a variant of the invention, illustrated in the figures, said casing 4 has a general parallelepiped shape, preferably a general straight block or cube shape. This configuration is one of the simplest, in particular when the external unit 2 itself has a general parallelepiped, straight block or cube shape. In the examples illustrated in the figures, the casing 4 has a straight block shape.

[0052] Preferably, said envelope 4 comprises at least one lower wall 5 in interposed between the ground and the outdoor unit 2. Said lower wall 5 is therefore advantageously designed to receive the outdoor unit 2. Thus, the casing 4 is preferably designed so that said outdoor unit 2 is arranged on said lower wall 5. The latter is for example formed by a substantially flat plate, preferably made of plastic, but alternatively in another material, for example wood or metal. In other words, said outdoor unit 2 rests on said lower wall 5, as illustrated in the particular examples of figures 3, 4, and 6 to 8, said lower wall 5 is preferably intended to be positioned facing the ground. Said lower wall 5 is advantageously intended to be arranged substantially horizontally.

[0053] Advantageously, said casing 4 comprises at least one upper wall 6 intended to be arranged above the outdoor unit 2. Said upper wall 6 is therefore advantageously designed to overhang the outdoor unit 2. Thus, the casing 4 is preferably designed so that said outdoor unit 2 is arranged under said upper wall 6. The latter is for example formed by a substantially flat plate, preferably made of plastic, but alternatively of another material, for example wood or metal. Said upper wall 6 is preferably intended to be arranged substantially horizontally. Said lower wall 5 and upper wall 6 are advantageously arranged substantially parallel (and at a distance) to each other.Said upper wall 6 is advantageously arranged substantially above said lower wall 5, the external unit 2 being intended to be placed between said lower 5 and upper 6 walls.

[0054] Said casing 4 advantageously comprises a plurality of side walls 7, 8, 9, 10 surrounding the outdoor unit 2 and preferably extending vertically. According to a particular embodiment, the casing 4 comprises a first, a second, a third and a fourth side wall 7, 8, 9, 10, said four side walls 7, 8, 9, 10 being designed to laterally surround said outdoor unit 2. Each side wall 7, 8, 9, 10 is preferably intended to extend substantially vertically. Said first and third side walls 7, 9 are preferably substantially parallel to each other, while said second and fourth side walls 8, 10 are preferably substantially parallel to each other. Said first and second side walls 7, 8 are advantageously perpendicular and connected to each other.Said second and third side walls 8, 9 are advantageously perpendicular and connected to each other. Said third and fourth side walls 9, 10 are preferably perpendicular and connected to each other. Said fourth and first side walls 10, 7 are preferably perpendicular and connected to each other. Preferably, the four side walls 7, 8, 9, 10 do not have an orifice allowing air to circulate between the inside and the outside of . the envelope 4. In Figures 3, 4 and 8, the side wall 7 has been made transparent, and in Figures 6 and 7, the side wall 9 has been made transparent.

[0055] The lower 5 and upper 6 walls and the four side walls 7, 8, 9, 10 thus form, according to a variant, the envelope 4, which then preferably has the shape of a straight block.

[0056] According to the invention, said first communication means comprises at least one first electric intake fan 11 arranged inside the casing 4 to supply said air inlet 3 with a forced flow of outside air E. Said first electric intake fan 11 is thus advantageously designed to force the suction, within the casing 4, of outside air coming from outside the casing 4. Said electric intake fan 11 is thus advantageously designed to drive said forced flow of outside air E into the casing 4, independently or in combination with the action of any ventilation means specific to the outdoor unit 2.Such a configuration makes it possible to facilitate the entry of outside air into the casing 4, and by extension to facilitate the entry of air into said outdoor unit 2, and this for very low electrical consumption, the first electric intake fan 11 preferably being a simple and low-energy element. Moreover, this configuration makes it possible to avoid overconsumption of the outdoor unit 2 and / or inefficient operation of the latter, since it is abundantly supplied with outside air necessary for heating or cooling its working fluid thanks to the supply within the casing 4 (and then within the outdoor unit 2) of said forced flow of outside air E.The outdoor unit 2, if it were simply enclosed in said casing 4 without the first electric intake fan 11, could indeed lack air to function properly, or would have to expend more energy to achieve the same result. The combination of the casing 4 on the one hand and the first electric intake fan 11 on the other hand to provide the forced flow of outside air E to the air inlet 3 makes it possible to obtain very good results both from the acoustic point of view with excellent noise reduction and from the point of view of the electrical consumption of the outdoor unit 2, which is optimized or even reduced. Said first electric intake fan 11 largely compensates for the pressure losses induced by the casing 4 with regard to the air supply of said outdoor unit 2, and therefore allows the latter not to overconsume to compensate for its “encapsulation” by said casing 4.Said forced flow of external air E can possibly be considered as a flow of air entering within said envelope 4 induced by the first electric intake fan 11.

[0057] Said first electric intake fan 11 is preferably a propeller fan (sometimes also called an axial fan). Said first fan The first electric intake fan 11 thus advantageously comprises an electrically actuated ventilation wheel, preferably designed to rotate about an axis of rotation. Said first electric intake fan 11 further advantageously comprises an electric motor for actuating said ventilation wheel. Said ventilation wheel is advantageously rotatably mounted relative to the casing 4 so as to rotate about said axis of rotation when said electric motor is actuated. Said ventilation wheel is preferably formed by a propeller. Preferably, when said ventilation wheel is electrically actuated, said forced flow of outside air E is sucked into the casing 4 by passing through the first intake opening 12.Then said forced flow of outside air E advantageously passes through said air inlet 3 to be used within said outdoor unit 2, before being discharged therefrom as will be seen later. The use of the forced flow of outside air E by said outdoor unit 2 advantageously involves heating or cooling of the latter. In other words, the forced flow of outside air E is preferentially heated or cooled by said outdoor unit 2, and therefore said outgoing air flow S is preferably respectively colder or hotter than the forced flow of outside air E.

[0058] According to a preferred variant, said first communication means further comprises at least one first intake opening 12 arranged through the casing 4 to allow the forced flow of outside air E to pass through the casing 4. The forced flow of outside air E thus advantageously passes from the outside of the casing 4 to the inside thereof by passing through said first intake opening 12 thanks to the suction caused by said first electric intake fan 11 itself positioned within the casing 4, the forced flow of outside air E therefore then being sucked by and into said outdoor unit 2 through said air inlet 3.

[0059] According to a particular variant, illustrated in particular in figures 1 and 4, said first intake opening 12 is arranged through said lower wall 5. This configuration is quite advantageous from an acoustic and practical point of view. In particular, this makes it possible on the one hand to further mask the noise of the air sucked in to operate the outdoor unit 2, and on the other hand to prevent undesirable external elements from falling into the first intake opening 12 (and being sucked through the latter, or even interfering with the first electric intake fan 11). Finally, this configuration does not generate (or very little) back pressure or particular pressure drop at the first intake opening 12, the first electric intake fan 11 and / or the air inlet 3.

[0060] Advantageously, the noise reduction device 1 further comprises a raising means (not shown) arranged under the casing 4 to raise the latter relative to the ground on which it is placed. In this way, said lower wall 5 is advantageously located at a distance from the ground, above the latter. Such a configuration makes it easier to carry out maintenance of the heat pump assembly, and also makes it possible to leave the first intake opening 12 free when it is provided at the level of the lower wall 5, so that the forced flow of outside air E can pass through said first intake opening 12.

[0061] Advantageously, said heat pump unit 2 is designed to draw air through said air inlet 3 in a first direction P, as illustrated in [Fig.2]. Said first direction P is advantageously orthogonal to a cross-section of said air inlet 3. Said first direction P is preferably parallel to the axis (of rotation) of any ventilation means specific to the outdoor unit 2. Said first direction P is preferably substantially horizontal. The first electric intake fan 11 is preferably designed to blow the forced flow of outdoor air E into the casing 4 in a direction (not illustrated, but advantageously horizontal) substantially intersecting, and preferably substantially perpendicular, with said first direction P.

[0062] Advantageously, said first communication means is designed to suck in said forced flow of external air E (from outside the envelope 4) in a second direction D. Said second direction D is advantageously orthogonal to a cross-section of said first intake opening 12. Said second direction D is preferably substantially vertical. In particular, said first communication means is preferably designed to suck in said forced flow of external air E from the bottom of the envelope 4 (therefore upwards), more preferably through said first intake opening 12 formed through said lower wall 5.

[0063] According to a preferred variant, carried out alone or in combination with the above, said first and second directions P, D are intersecting, and preferably substantially perpendicular to one another. Said first and second directions P, D are therefore advantageously neither coincident nor parallel to one another. Thus, the noise reduction device 1 is advantageously designed so that the forced flow of outside air E successively enters the casing 4 along the second direction D then into the outdoor unit 2 along the first direction P, so that said first and second directions P, D are intersecting, that is to say that the air enters the casing 4 then into the outdoor unit 2 along different, distinct and non-parallel directions (and substantially intersecting and advantageously perpendicular).Thus, the noise reduction device 1 is advantageously designed to force the forced flow of outside air E to enter the envelope 4 through the first opening. admission 12 in a direction intersecting, and preferably perpendicular, with that which the outside air takes to enter the outside unit 2 through the air inlet 3.

[0064] Advantageously, said outdoor heat pump unit 2 comprises an air outlet 13 for discharging an outgoing air flow S out of said outdoor unit 2. Said heat pump unit 2 is preferably designed to discharge air through said air outlet 13 in a third direction T, as illustrated in [Fig.2]. Said third direction T is preferably substantially horizontal.

[0065] The outgoing air flow S corresponds in practice advantageously to the forced flow of outside air E after it has passed through the outdoor unit 2 and been used by the latter. Generally, the outgoing air flow S has gained or lost heat compared to the forced flow of outside air E under the action of the outdoor unit 2.

[0066] Said outdoor unit 2 of the heat pump preferably comprises a first lateral face 15, said air inlet 3 being arranged at the latter. Said first lateral face 15 advantageously extends substantially vertically. Said first direction P is advantageously orthogonal to said first lateral face 15. Advantageously, said outdoor unit 2 comprises a second lateral face 16, said air outlet 13 being arranged at said second lateral face 16. According to an advantageous configuration, said second lateral face 16 is arranged opposite said first lateral face 15. Said second lateral face 16 advantageously extends substantially vertically. Said third direction T is advantageously orthogonal to said second lateral face 16. Said first and second lateral faces 15, 16 are preferably substantially parallel to each other, as illustrated in particular in [Fig.2].

[0067] Said third direction T is preferably coincident or parallel with said first direction P. Expressed differently, the outdoor unit 2 is preferably designed to suck in “unused” outdoor air through said air inlet 3, and discharge “used” air through said air outlet 13, the suction and discharge being substantially carried out in the same direction (first direction P coincident with the third direction T) as illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0068] Said noise reduction device 1 therefore preferably comprises at least one second means for establishing communication between the interior of the casing 4 and the exterior to allow said outgoing air flow S to be evacuated from said casing 4. Said second means for establishing communication advantageously comprises at least one first discharge opening 14 provided through the casing 4 to allow said outgoing air flow S to exit from said casing 4.

[0069] According to a preferred variant, said first discharge opening 14 is provided through said upper wall 6. This configuration is also advantageous from an acoustic and practical point of view. Indeed, this configuration does not generate any particular back pressure or pressure drop at the air outlet 14, which makes it possible to avoid overconsumption or a loss of efficiency of the outdoor unit. In addition, this configuration is generally preferable from an acoustic and practical point of view, since the noise generated by the discharge of air from the outdoor unit 4 and then from the casing 4 is directed and dispersed upwards and not towards a possible obstacle (back pressure, pressure drop), or a person, located next to the outdoor unit 2.Finally, this latter configuration, in combination with that where the first intake opening 12 is provided at the level of the lower wall 5, is particularly advantageous because it avoids the phenomenon of recirculation or recycling of the air, also called aeraulic recycling, in which the air leaving the casing 4 (through the first discharge opening 14), after leaving the outdoor unit 2 (through the air outlet 13), re-enters the casing 4 by being sucked into it (through the first intake opening 12), then re-enters the outdoor unit 2 (through the air inlet 3). During the air recycling phenomenon (or recirculation, or aeraulic recycling), the outdoor unit 2 sucks through the air inlet 3 only a little “unused” air coming from the outside, but a lot of “already used” air coming from the air outlet 13.Unused air is, for example, fresh air compared to used (warmer) air in the case where outdoor unit 2 is part of an air conditioning or refrigeration system. The phenomenon of recirculation or recycling of air is therefore undesirable because it significantly reduces the efficiency of outdoor unit 2, and increases its electricity consumption.

[0070] According to an advantageous configuration, said second communication means is designed to discharge said outgoing air flow S in a fourth direction Q. Said fourth direction O is advantageously orthogonal to a cross-section of said first discharge opening 14. Said fourth direction O is preferably substantially vertical. In particular, said second communication means is preferably designed to discharge said outgoing air flow S upwards, through said first discharge opening 14 formed through said upper wall 6. Said second and fourth directions D, O are advantageously parallel and not coincident. Indeed, the first intake opening 12 is very preferably distinct and distant from the first discharge opening 14.

[0071] According to a preferred variant, carried out alone or in combination with the above, said third and fourth directions T, O are intersecting, and preferably substantially perpendicular to one another. Said third and fourth directions T, O are therefore advantageously neither coincident nor parallel to one another. Thus, the noise reduction device 1 is advantageously designed so that the outgoing air flow S successively exits the unit in the third direction T then exits the casing 4 in the fourth direction Q, so that said third and fourth directions T, O are intersecting, that is to say that the air exits the outdoor unit 2 then the casing 4 in different, distinct and non-parallel directions. Thus, the noise reduction device 1 is advantageously designed to force the outgoing air flow S to exit the casing 4 in a direction intersecting, and preferably perpendicular, with that which the outgoing air flow S takes to exit the outdoor unit 2.

[0072] According to an advantageous variant of the invention, said second means of communication comprises at least a first discharge fan 17 arranged inside the casing 4 to promote the evacuation, outside of said casing 4, of said outgoing air flow S. Said first discharge fan 17 is thus advantageously designed to assist the discharge, outside of the casing 4, of air evacuated by said external unit 2 (inside the casing 4). Said first discharge fan 17 therefore promotes the exit of the outgoing air flow S outside the casing 4, independently or in combination with the action of any ventilation means specific to the external unit 2.Such a configuration makes it possible to facilitate the exit of the air used by the outdoor unit 2, firstly out of the latter, then out of said casing 4, and this for a very low electrical consumption, the first discharge fan 17 preferably being a simple and low-energy element, or even not consuming electrical energy as will be seen below. Moreover, this configuration makes it possible to avoid overconsumption of the outdoor unit 2 and / or inefficient operation of the latter, since the air that it has used to heat or cool its working fluid is efficiently evacuated to the outside out of said casing 4 instead of stagnating within the latter and generating pressure losses or backpressure, for example at the air outlet 13 of the outdoor unit 2.

[0073] Said first discharge fan 17 is preferably a propeller fan (sometimes also called an axial fan). Said first discharge fan 17 thus advantageously comprises a ventilation wheel, which is, according to a first embodiment, mounted to rotate freely relative to the casing 4. Obviously, said ventilation wheel is preferably designed to rotate around an axis of rotation. According to a second embodiment, said first discharge fan 17 is electric. The latter then advantageously comprises an electric motor for actuating said ventilation wheel. The latter is then preferably mounted to rotate relative to the casing 4 so as to rotate around said axis of rotation when said electric motor is actuated. When said ventilation wheel is rotated, electrically or not, the discharge of the outgoing air flow S out of the casing 4 through said air outlet 13 is favored. When the ventilation wheel is mounted to rotate freely relative to the casing 4, the outgoing air flow S, when it leaves said outdoor unit 2, is sufficient in itself to rotate said ventilation wheel, without electrical actuation. Said ventilation wheel is preferably formed by a propeller. When said ventilation wheel is actuated, electrically or not, said outgoing air flow S is discharged from the outdoor unit 2 through said air outlet 13, within the casing 4, then it reaches said first discharge fan 17 before being ejected out of said casing 4 through said first discharge opening 14.The ejection of the outgoing air flow S through said first discharge opening 14 is therefore preferentially favored by the action of said first discharge fan 17.

[0074] Advantageously, said casing 4 comprises at least a first interior space, intended to receive the forced flow of external air E, and a second interior space, intended to receive the outgoing air flow S and distinct from said first interior space. Said first and second interior spaces preferably do not communicate directly fluidically with each other (or else have a negligible fluid connection in terms of air flow). Advantageously, the first electric intake fan 11 (and / or the first intake silencer, defined below) is arranged within said first interior space, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 8 for example. Said first interior space is preferably delimited at least in part by walls of the casing 4, as well as by the external unit 2 and / or the air inlet 3 of the latter.Advantageously, the first discharge fan 26 (and / or the first discharge silencer, defined below) is arranged within said second interior space, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 for example. Said second interior space is preferably delimited at least in part by walls of the casing 4, as well as by the external unit 2 and in particular the air outlet 13 of the latter.

[0075] According to an advantageous embodiment, the noise reduction device 1 is advantageously designed so that within the envelope 4, the forced flow of external air E and the outgoing air flow S are not mixed. Preferably, within the envelope 4, the forced flow of external air E and the outgoing air flow S are therefore respectively located in the first interior space and the second interior space, which first and second interior spaces are both located in the envelope 4 but physically separated from each other.

[0076] Preferably, said first interior space and second interior space are separated from each other within said envelope 4 at least by said exterior unit 2. Such a configuration therefore aims to avoid or at least significantly reduce the phenomenon of air recycling already mentioned.

[0077] Particularly advantageously, in combination or not with the above, said noise reduction device 1 further comprises at least one separation means 31 intended to be arranged within the casing 4 to separate said first and second interior spaces from each other and thus limit or prevent the circulation of air between said first and second interior spaces. Said separation means 31 is advantageously distinct from said outdoor unit 2. Preferably, said separation means 31 is designed to be associated with said outdoor unit 2, for example by attaching said separation means 31 to both the latter and the casing 4, so as to separate said first and second interior spaces from each other. Said separation means 31 is preferably substantially airtight, and / or made of a substantially airtight material.According to a variant, as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, said separation means 31 comprises at least one flexible element 31 (flexible, unrollable and / or unfoldable for example), for example a canvas. The flexible element 31 is advantageously formed by a glass fabric coated with at least one polymer, the latter being for example polyurethane. Said flexible element 31 is advantageously designed to be attached on the one hand to the external unit 2 and on the other hand to the casing 4 so as to be interposed between the first and second interior spaces.Indeed, when the casing 4 accommodates the outdoor unit 2 within it, the latter is generally interposed between said first and second interior spaces, but there are gaps left free between the casing 4 and the outdoor unit 2 through which the air could pass from the second interior space to the first interior space (and possibly vice versa), thus generating an undesirable air recycling phenomenon, as explained previously and below, inside the casing 4 itself. The flexible element 31 is therefore advantageously designed to form a barrier between said first and second interior spaces, preferably at the level of said gaps. In other words, the separation means 31 is designed to be associated with said outdoor unit 2 in order to form an at least partly airtight barrier between said first and second interior spaces.The separation means 31 may advantageously comprise attachment elements designed to attach, preferably reversibly, the flexible element 31 to the casing 4 and / or to the external unit 2. Said attachment elements comprise, for example, self-gripping attachment elements (in particular of the complementary loop and hook type, Velcro® for example), magnetic elements, screw-nut systems, etc. Said separation means 31 is therefore advantageously removable, i.e. detachable from the casing 4 and / or from the external unit 2, which makes it possible in particular to carry out maintenance on the external unit 2, to repair the casing 4 or to check its tightness, etc.

[0078] The flexible element 31 may comprise several parts, for example, such as illustrated in figures 9 and 10, it may comprise at least two distinct parts arranged on either side of said external unit 2, at each of the sides thereof. Each of said distinct parts is preferably designed to “plug” a respective gap located between one side of said external unit 2 and the casing 4 (more precisely a vertical surface of the latter).

[0079] According to a particular variant embodiment, illustrated in particular in Figures 9 and 10, the separation means 31 comprises a flexible element 31, preferably as described above, which flexible element 31 comprises a first part (on the left in [Fig. 10]) intended to be hooked to and extended between a first (vertical) side wall of the outdoor unit 2 and a (vertical) side wall of the casing 4 (for example, the second side wall 8), and a second part (on the right in [Fig. 10]) intended to be hooked to and extended between a second (vertical) side wall of the outdoor unit 2 and another (vertical) side wall of the casing 4 (for example, the fourth side wall 10).The separation means 31 illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 is thus associated (i.e. attached) on the one hand with a portion of said casing 4 (more precisely, according to a variant, with a half-portion of box carrying said first means of communication, as described below), and on the other hand with the outdoor unit 2, on either side of said air outlet 13. In the variant illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the first flexible element 31 comprises two parts extending on either side of the outdoor unit 2, more precisely on either side of the second lateral face 16 of the outdoor unit 2, but it could also comprise parts extending at the top and bottom of the outdoor unit 2 as far as the casing 4.In Figures 9 and 10, the other half-portion of the box (more precisely, according to a variant, the one which carries the second means of communication, as will be described below) of the envelope 4 is not shown in order to make the separation means 31 visible, the lower wall 5 also not being shown.

[0080] Such a configuration, with the separation means 31 (and the outdoor unit 2) separating the first and second interior spaces, makes it possible in particular to avoid the phenomenon of air recirculation or air recycling already mentioned above. This latter configuration advantageously makes it possible to prevent the outgoing air flow S from the outdoor unit 2 (via said air outlet 13), or a part of it, from re-entering the outdoor unit 2 (via said air inlet 12), the outgoing air flow S from the outdoor unit 2 replacing in some way the forced flow of outside air E. As mentioned previously, the phenomenon of air recycling is particularly undesirable since this amounts to reusing air already used by the outdoor unit 2 (heating air that has already been heated, or cooling air that has already been cooled, for example), which considerably reduces the efficiency of the latter and increases therefore its electricity consumption.

[0081] According to a variant, said flexible element 31 is designed to pass from a rolled up and / or folded position, when the casing 4 is not associated with the external unit 2, to an unrolled and / or unfolded position, when the casing 4 accommodates the external unit 2 and is associated with it, where said flexible element 31 extends between and is attached to the external unit 2 and the casing 4 to form a screen (preferably at least partly airtight) between said first and second interior spaces.

[0082] According to an advantageous embodiment, said first communication means comprises a first intake silencer which is arranged upstream of said first electric intake fan 11, so that said forced flow of outside air E passes into said first intake silencer before reaching said first electric intake fan 11. Said first intake silencer is preferably separate from said casing 4. Particularly advantageously, said first intake silencer is arranged inside said casing 4. Said first intake silencer thus makes it possible to reduce the noise generated outside the casing 4 by the first electric intake fan 11, by the outdoor unit 2 (on the side of its air intake, at said air inlet 3 in particular), and by the forced flow of outside air E itself in particular when it passes into the casing 4.

[0083] Said first intake silencer advantageously comprises a first intake duct 18, 19, 20 which comprises at least two duct portions 18, 19 having respective cross-sections different from one another. According to an advantageous configuration, said two duct portions 18, 19 are connected to one another by a connecting portion 20 forming an abrupt modification of the cross-section of the first intake duct 18, 19, 20. Such a configuration makes it possible to effectively reduce the noise generated upstream of said outdoor unit 2, that is to say upstream of its air inlet 3. Said connecting portion 20 forms for example a shoulder (here of a generally square shape, but other shapes are possible) between said two duct portions 18, 19.Said connecting portion 20 advantageously extends over less than 3 cm, more advantageously over less than 1 cm, along the first intake pipe 18, 19, 20. Said connecting portion 20 is obviously advantageously part of said first intake pipe 18, 19, 20. According to a particular variant, one 18 of said two pipe portions 18, 19 has a substantially rounded cross-section, for example circular, oval or elliptical, while the other 19 of said two pipe portions 18, 19 has a substantially polygonal cross-section, for example triangular, square, or rectangular. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in the figures, one 18. of said two pipe portions 18, 19 has a circular section, and the other 19 of said two pipe portions 18, 19 has a square section.

[0084] According to the embodiment variants illustrated in the figures, said first intake duct 18, 19, 20 extends between said first intake opening 12 and said first electric intake fan 11.

[0085] The portion of pipe with polygonal cross-section 19 is preferably located upstream of the portion of pipe with rounded cross-section 18. The portion of pipe with rounded cross-section 18 preferably has a cross-section of smaller area than that of the portion of pipe with polygonal cross-section 19. The portion of pipe with rounded cross-section 18 advantageously forms an elbow connecting said connection portion 20 and said first electric intake fan 11.

[0086] The first intake silencer advantageously further comprises at least one noise attenuation element 21 made of a porous material, said noise attenuation element being arranged within said first intake pipe 18, 19, 20, preferably within said portion of pipe with polygonal cross-section 19. Said porous material is for example a mineral wool. The noise attenuation element 21 has, for example, a straight block or plate shape, arranged substantially in the middle of the portion of pipe with polygonal cross-section 19 to allow the forced flow of outside air E to pass along said noise attenuation element 21. The noise attenuation element 21 makes it possible to significantly improve the reduction of the noise produced by the outdoor unit 2. The noise attenuating element 21 is illustrated in particular in [Fig. 4], in which a part of the polygonal cross-sectional pipe portion 19 has been made transparent.

[0087] Advantageously, said first intake opening 12 opens onto said first intake pipe 18, 19, 20, and has an inlet cross-section which is smaller than that of the pipe portion 19, for example the pipe portion with polygonal cross-section 19, onto which said first intake opening 12 opens. In the examples illustrated in the figures, said first intake opening 12 has a round inlet cross-section, significantly smaller than the cross-section of the pipe portion with square cross-section 19. This makes it possible to further optimize the noise reduction.

[0088] According to an advantageous embodiment, in combination with the above or carried out alone, said second communication means comprises a first discharge silencer, which is arranged downstream of said first discharge fan 17, so that said outgoing air flow S passes into said first discharge silencer after having passed said first discharge fan 17. Said first discharge silencer is preferably separate from said casing 4. Particularly advantageously, said first discharge silencer is arranged inside said casing 4. Said first discharge silencer thus makes it possible to reduce the noise generated outside the casing 4 by the first discharge fan 17, by the outdoor unit 2 (on the side of its air exhaust, at said air outlet 13 in particular), and by the outgoing air flow S itself, in particular when it passes into the casing 4. Said first discharge silencer is advantageously as such substantially similar to the first intake silencer.

[0089] Said first discharge silencer advantageously comprises a first discharge pipe 22, 23, 24, which comprises at least two pipe portions 22, 23 having respective cross-sections different from one another. According to an advantageous configuration, said two pipe portions 22, 23 are connected to one another by a connecting portion 24 forming an abrupt modification of the cross-section of the first discharge pipe 22, 23, 24. Such a configuration makes it possible to effectively reduce the noise generated downstream of said outdoor unit 2, that is to say downstream of its air outlet 13. Said connecting portion 24 forms for example a shoulder (here of a generally square shape, but other shapes are possible) between said two pipe portions 22, 23.Said connecting portion 24 advantageously extends over less than 3 cm, more advantageously over less than 1 cm, along the first delivery pipe 22, 23, 24. Said connecting portion 24 obviously advantageously forms part of said first delivery pipe 22, 23, 24. According to a particular variant, one 22 of said two pipe portions 22, 23 has a substantially rounded cross-section, for example circular, oval or elliptical, while the other 23 of said two pipe portions 22, 23 has a substantially polygonal cross-section, for example triangular, square, or rectangular. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in the figures, one 22 of said two pipe portions 22, 23 has a circular cross-section, and the other 23 of said two pipe portions 22, 23 has a square cross-section.According to the embodiment variant illustrated in the figures, said first discharge pipe 22, 23, 24 extends between said first discharge opening 14 and said first electric discharge fan 17. The pipe portion with polygonal cross-section 23 is preferably located upstream of the pipe portion with rounded cross-section 22. The pipe portion with rounded cross-section 22 preferably has a cross-section of area smaller than that of the pipe portion with polygonal cross-section 23. The pipe portion with rounded cross-section 22 advantageously forms an elbow connecting said connection portion 24. and said first discharge fan 17. The first discharge silencer advantageously further comprises at least one noise attenuation element (not visible in the figures, but preferably similar to the noise attenuation element already mentioned above), made of a porous material, said noise attenuation element being arranged within said first discharge pipe 22, 23, 24, preferably within said pipe portion with polygonal cross-section 23. Said porous material is for example a mineral wool. The noise attenuation element has for example a shape of a straight block or plate, arranged substantially in the middle of the pipe portion with polygonal cross-section 23 to allow the outgoing air flow S to pass along said noise attenuation element. This latter configuration also makes it possible to significantly improve the reduction of the noise produced by the outdoor unit 2.Advantageously, said first discharge opening 14 opens onto said first discharge pipe 22, 23, 24, and has an inlet cross-section which is smaller than that of the pipe portion 23, for example the pipe portion with polygonal cross-section 23, onto which said first discharge opening 14 opens. In the example illustrated in the figures, said first discharge opening 14 has a round inlet cross-section, significantly smaller than the cross-section of the pipe portion with square cross-section 23. This makes it possible to further optimize the noise reduction.

[0090] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, illustrated in the figures, said first means of communication further comprises at least one second electric intake fan 25 arranged inside the casing 4 to supply said air inlet 3 with said forced flow of outside air E. Said second electric intake fan 25 is preferably substantially similar, in its function and structure, to the first electric intake fan 11, so that what has been mentioned for the latter is preferably also valid for the second electric intake fan 25. Said forced flow of outside air E is then formed by the air sucked in by said first and second electric intake fans 11, 25, without this modifying the general principle of the invention.Said first and second electric intake fans 11, 25 are preferably separate, and arranged within the casing 4 opposite each other (they preferably blow air towards each other within the casing 4, the air inlet 3 being substantially between them). According to a preferred variant, said first communication means further comprises at least one second intake opening 29 arranged through the casing 4 to allow the forced flow of external air E to pass through the casing 4. The forced flow of external air E (or rather a part of it) thus advantageously passes from the outside of the casing 4 to the inside thereof. by passing through said second intake opening 29 (in addition to passing through the first intake opening 12 as described above) thanks to the suction caused by said second electric intake fan 25 itself positioned within the casing 4.

[0091] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, illustrated in the figures, said second communication means further comprises at least one second discharge fan 26 arranged inside the casing 4 to promote the evacuation, outside said casing 4, of said outgoing air flow S. Said second discharge fan 26 is preferably substantially similar, in its function and structure, to the first discharge fan 17, so that what has been mentioned for the latter is preferably also valid for the second discharge fan 26. Said outgoing air flow S is then formed by the air discharged by said first and second discharge fans 17, 26, without this modifying the general principle of the invention.Said first and second discharge fans 17, 26 are preferably arranged within the casing 4 opposite each other (within the casing 4, they preferably suck air away from each other, the air outlet 13 being substantially between them). Said second communication means advantageously further comprises at least one second discharge opening 30 provided through the casing 4 to allow said outgoing air flow S to exit from said casing 4. The ejection of the outgoing air flow S through said second discharge opening 30 is therefore preferentially favored by the action of said second discharge fan 26.

[0092] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, illustrated in the figures, said first communication means further comprises a second intake silencer which is arranged upstream of said second electric intake fan 25, so that said forced flow of outside air E passes into said second intake silencer before reaching said second electric intake fan 25. Said second intake silencer is preferably substantially similar, in its function and structure, to the first intake silencer, so that what has been mentioned for the latter is preferably also valid for the second intake silencer. Said second intake silencer therefore advantageously comprises a second intake duct 27, the latter preferably extending between said second intake opening 29 and said second electric intake fan 25.Said second intake duct 27 is preferably substantially similar, in its function and structure, to the first intake duct 18, 19, 20.

[0093] According to an advantageous embodiment, in combination with the above or carried out alone, said second means of communication further comprises at at least one second discharge silencer, which is arranged downstream of said second discharge fan 26, so that said outgoing air flow S passes into said second discharge silencer after passing said second discharge fan 26. Said second discharge silencer is preferably substantially similar, in function and structure, to the first discharge silencer, so that what has been mentioned for the latter is preferably also valid for the second discharge silencer. Said second discharge silencer therefore advantageously comprises a first discharge pipe 28, the latter preferably extending between said second discharge opening 30 and said second discharge fan 26. Said second discharge pipe 30 is preferably substantially similar, in function and structure, to the first discharge pipe 22, 23, 24.

[0094] According to a particular embodiment, said casing 4 comprises at least two separate pre-assembled box portions designed to be attached to each other around said outdoor unit 2 in order to enclose the latter, each box portion comprising at least four box walls, preferably comprising five box walls, each box wall each forming a respective face of a straight block. Advantageously, one of said box portions embodies said first communication means. According to a particular variant, produced alone or in combination, another of said box portions embodies said second communication means.For example, each box portion forms a half-box portion, and one of said half-box portions carries said first communication means while the other of said half-box portions carries said second communication means. Such a configuration makes it easier and faster to associate the noise reduction device 1 with the outdoor unit 2, while facilitating the maintenance of the latter and said noise reduction device 1, or even its total or partial replacement. According to a variant, one of the box portions, preferably the half-portion which carries said first communication means, comprises at least the first side wall 7, a portion of the second and fourth lower side walls 8, 10, a portion of the upper wall 6, and possibly at least a portion of the lower wall 5.The other of said box portions, preferably the half-portion which carries said second communication means, comprises at least the third side wall 9, a part of the second and fourth lower side walls 8, 10, a part of the upper wall 6, and possibly at least a part of the lower wall 5. As indicated above and illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, one of the box portions, preferably the half-portion which carries said first communication means, carries said means. of separation 31.

[0095] Advantageously, said casing 4 is, with the exception of said (first and second) inlet opening(s) 12, 29 and / or discharge opening 14, 30, substantially airtight. Such a configuration makes it possible to reduce in a particularly effective manner the perceived noise generated by the outdoor unit 2. Of course, the noise reduction device 1 may further comprise seals to ensure the sealing of said casing 4, for example elastomer / rubber seals making it possible to ensure the sealing of passages for electrical cables, refrigerant pipes, outdoor probes, etc. connecting the outdoor unit 2, inside the casing 4, with the outside of the casing 4, and in particular with the internal heat pump unit.

[0096] According to an advantageous variant, the noise reduction device 1 further comprises an electrical connection means (not illustrated) designed to connect said first electric intake fan 11 to said outdoor unit 2 of the heat pump, to adapt the forced flow of outdoor air E to the needs of said outdoor unit 2. Thus, said electrical connection means preferentially connects said first electric intake fan 11 to said outdoor unit 2 to control the first electric intake fan 11 to said outdoor unit 2, and more precisely to control the operating speed of the first electric intake fan 11 to the operation of the outdoor unit 2.In other words, said electrical connection means advantageously electrically connects said electric intake fan 11 and outdoor unit 2 so that when the latter increases or decreases its outdoor air requirements, the operating speed of the electric intake fan 11 is adapted accordingly. The electric intake fan 11 therefore advantageously has an operating speed which depends, thanks to said electrical connection means, on the outdoor air requirements of said outdoor unit 2. Said electrical connection means is preferably designed to transmit a signal from said outdoor unit 2 to said first electric intake fan 11, said signal comprising, for example, information relating to the outdoor air requirements of said outdoor unit 2.Said information includes for example an operating speed and / or an electrical consumption of said outdoor unit 2, or a set temperature (in particular a given set temperature for a room to be cooled or heated by the heat pump of which the outdoor unit 2 is part). For example, when said outdoor unit 2 is stopped, the electrical connection means communicates this information to the electric intake fan 11, which is then preferably also stopped. When said outdoor unit 2 increases its outdoor air requirements, the electrical connection means communicates this information to the ven . electric intake fan 11, which then advantageously increases its operating speed, which preferably also increases the flow rate of the forced flow of outside air E. The electrical connection means advantageously makes it possible to monitor and adjust in real time the operation of the electric intake fan 11 according to a parameter of the heat pump outdoor unit 2, such as the energy consumption and / or the outside air requirements of the outdoor unit 2. Said outdoor unit 2 thus advantageously comprises an electronic card (not illustrated) designed to electronically control an operating parameter of said outdoor unit 2, for example its operating speed, its flow rate (for example of air or working fluid), its electrical consumption, etc.Said electrical connection means is therefore advantageously designed to connect said first electric intake fan 11 to said electronic card in order to control the first electric intake fan 11 to said outdoor unit 2, and more precisely to control the operating speed of the first electric intake fan 11 to said operating parameter of the outdoor unit 2.

[0097] As indicated above, the noise reduction device 1 can easily be adapted and / or designed for different types of heat pump outdoor unit 2. Thus, Figures 1 to 6 relate to a heat pump assembly, a noise reduction device 1 and / or an outdoor unit 2 where the latter comprises a single exhaust ventilation means, i.e. a single ventilation means for discharging the outgoing air flow S out of said outdoor unit 2 through said air outlet 13. Figures 7 and 8, on the other hand, relate to a heat pump assembly with an outdoor unit 2 with two exhaust ventilation means, also called double exhaust fans, i.e. the outdoor unit 2 comprises, in the variant illustrated by these Figures 7 and 8, two ventilation means (one above the other) for discharging the outgoing air flow S out of said outdoor unit through said air outlet 13.Such an air outlet 13 with double discharge fans is thus illustrated in [Fig.7], while an air inlet 3 adapted to such a variant is illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0098] Furthermore, the heat pump assembly of the invention is advantageously easier to exploit outside of its technical use (i.e. its function linked to that of a heat pump), in particular because the intake 12, 29 and discharge 14, 30 openings are preferably either hidden (for example the intake 12, 29 openings when they are made in the lower wall 5), or not very visible and limited in terms of size relative to the heat pump assembly, in particular due to their position and / or their size (for example the discharge openings 14, 30 when they are made in the upper wall 6, preferably at small portions of the latter). This is in particular made possible by controlling the direction of entry or exit of the air flows within the heat pump assembly. heat pump (forced flow of outside air E and outgoing air flow S).

Claims

Claims

1. Noise reduction device (1) of an outdoor unit (2) of a heat pump, which comprises an air inlet (3) for supplying air to said outdoor unit (2) of a heat pump, said noise reduction device (1) comprising at least: - a casing (4) designed to accommodate therein said outdoor unit (2) of a heat pump, and - a first means for establishing communication between the interior of the casing (4) and the exterior for supplying said air inlet (3) with outside air, said noise reduction device being characterized in that said first means for establishing communication comprises at least a first electric intake fan (11) arranged inside the casing (4) for supplying said air inlet (3) with a forced flow of outside air (E).

2. Noise reduction device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said outdoor unit (2) of the heat pump forms an outdoor unit (2) of a heat pump forming part of an air conditioning, refrigeration and / or heating system.

3. Noise reduction device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said casing (4) is substantially closed.

4. Noise reduction device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said casing (4) comprises at least two separate pre-assembled box portions designed to be attached to each other around said outdoor unit (2) in order to enclose the latter, each box portion comprising at least four box walls, preferably comprising five box walls, each box wall each forming a respective face of a straight block, one of said box portions carrying said first communication means.

5. Noise reduction device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said casing (4) comprises at least one lower wall (5) interposed between the ground and the external unit (2), and in that said first means for com- communication further comprises at least one first intake opening (12) provided through the casing (4) to allow the forced flow of outside air (E) to pass through the casing (4), said first intake opening (12) being provided through said lower wall (5).

6. Noise reduction device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first communication means comprises a first intake silencer, which is arranged upstream of said first electric intake fan (11), so that said forced flow of outside air (E) passes into said first intake silencer before reaching said first electric intake fan (11).

7. Noise reduction device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said first intake silencer comprises a first intake duct (18, 19, 20), which comprises at least two duct portions (18, 19) having respective cross-sections different from each other.

8. Noise reduction device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said two pipe portions (18, 19) are connected to each other by a connecting portion (20) forming a sudden modification of the cross-section of the first intake pipe (18, 19, 20).

9. A noise reduction device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that one (18) of said two pipe portions (18, 19) has a substantially rounded cross-section, for example circular, oval or elliptical, while the other (19) of said two pipe portions (18, 19) has a substantially polygonal cross-section, for example triangular, square or rectangular.

10. Noise reduction device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that said first communication means further comprises at least one first intake opening (12) provided through the casing (4) to allow the forced flow of outside air (E) to pass through the casing (4), said first intake duct (18, 19, 20) extending between said first intake opening (12) and said first electric intake fan (11).

11. Noise reduction device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said outdoor unit (2) of heat pump comprises an air outlet (13) for discharging an outgoing air flow (S) out of said outdoor unit (2), and in that said noise reduction device (1) comprises at least a second means for connecting the interior of the casing (4) with the exterior to allow said outgoing air flow (S) to be evacuated from said casing (4).

12. Noise reduction device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said second communication means comprises at least a first discharge fan (17) arranged inside the casing (4) to promote the evacuation, outside said casing (4), of said outgoing air flow (S).

13. Noise reduction device (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that said second communication means comprises at least one first discharge opening (14) provided through the casing (4) to allow said outgoing air flow (S) to escape from said casing (4), and in that said casing (4) comprises at least one upper wall (6) intended to be arranged above the outdoor unit (2), said first discharge opening (14) being provided through said upper wall (6).

14. Noise reduction device (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that said second communication means comprises a first discharge silencer, which is arranged downstream of said first discharge fan (17), so that said outgoing air flow (S) passes into said first discharge silencer after having passed said first discharge fan (17).

15. Noise reduction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that said casing (4) comprises at least a first interior space, intended to receive the forced flow of external air (E), and a second interior space, intended to receive the outgoing air flow (S) and distinct from said first interior space, said noise reduction device (1) further comprising at least one separation means (31) intended to be arranged within the casing (4) to separate said first and second interior spaces from each other and thus limit or prevent the circulation of air between said first and second interior spaces.

16. Noise reduction device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said outdoor unit (2) is designed to draw air through said air inlet (3) in a first direction (P), and in that said first communication means is designed to draw said forced flow of external air (E) in a second direction (D), said first and second directions (P, D) being intersecting, and preferably substantially perpendicular to each other.

17. Noise reduction device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said casing (4) is, with the exception of said inlet (12, 29) and / or outlet (14, 30) opening(s), substantially airtight.

18. Noise reduction device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises electrical connection means adapted to connect said first electric intake fan (11) to said outdoor unit (2) of the heat pump, to adapt the forced flow of outdoor air (E) to the needs of said outdoor unit (2).

19. A heat pump assembly, comprising an outdoor heat pump unit (2) and a noise reduction device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

20. Heat pump assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said external heat pump unit (2) has a general parallelepiped shape, preferably a respective general shape of a right block or cube.

21. Heat pump assembly according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that said outdoor heat pump unit (2) comprises a first lateral face (15), said air inlet (3) being arranged at the latter.

22. Heat pump assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said outdoor heat pump unit (2) comprises an air outlet (13) for discharging an outgoing air flow (S) from said outdoor unit (2), and in that said outdoor unit comprises a second lateral face (16), arranged opposite said first lateral face (15), said air outlet (13) being arranged at said second lateral face (16).

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