Heat source unit and refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

To restrain the concentration of a leaked refrigerant from increasing in an internal space of a sound insulating member.SOLUTION: A heat source unit comprises: a casing (70); a compressor (30) arranged inside the casing (70), and compressing a refrigerant; an air impermeable sound insulating member (60) arranged inside the casing (70), and covering the compressor (30) so as to partition a first space (S1) housing the compressor (30); and a first communication passage (41) establishing communication between a lower part of the first space (S1) and a second space (S2) between the sound insulating member (60) and the casing (70).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat source unit and a refrigeration cycle device. [Background technology]

[0002] In the air conditioner of Patent Document 1, the compressor is covered with a sound-proofing member made of hard rubber, etc. The sound-proofing member suppresses noise caused by vibration of the compressor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 2-137578 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In refrigeration cycle devices such as air conditioners, a refrigerant having a higher specific gravity than air may be used. As described in Patent Document 1, in a configuration in which a compressor is covered with a sound-proofing material, if refrigerant leaks from the compressor or the connection between the compressor and a pipe, the refrigerant will flow into the space inside the sound-proofing material. The leaked refrigerant will move to the lower part of the space due to its own weight. As a result, a problem occurs in which the concentration of the refrigerant becomes high in the lower part of the internal space of the sound-proofing material.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to suppress an increase in concentration of leaked refrigerant in the internal space of a sound-insulating member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first aspect is directed to a heat source unit provided in a refrigeration cycle apparatus that uses a refrigerant having a specific gravity greater than that of air. The heat source unit includes a casing (70), a compressor (30) disposed inside the casing (70) and compressing a refrigerant, a non-air-permeable sound-insulating member (60) disposed inside the casing (70) and covering the compressor (30) so as to define a first space (S1) housing the compressor (30), and a first communication passage (41) that communicates a lower portion of the first space (S1) with a second space (S2) between the sound-insulating member (60) and the casing (70).

[0007] In the first aspect, when refrigerant leaks from the compressor (30) or from a connection between the compressor (30) and a pipe, the refrigerant moves to the lower part of the first space (S1). The lower part of the first space (S1) flows through the first communication passage (41) into the second space (S2) outside the sound insulation member (60). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing in the first space (S1).

[0008] The second aspect is the same as the first aspect, but further includes a fan (22), a heat exchanger (21) that exchanges heat between the outdoor air transported by the fan (22) and the refrigerant, a partition member (28) that divides the inside of the casing (70) into a first chamber (31) in which the compressor (30) and the sound insulation member (60) are disposed and which includes a second space (S2) and a second chamber (32) in which the fan (22) and the heat exchanger (21) are disposed, and a second communication passage (48) that communicates between a lower part of the second space (S2) of the first chamber (31) and the second chamber (32).

[0009] In the second aspect, when the refrigerant flows from the lower part of the first space (S1) through the first communication passage (41) into the first chamber (31), the refrigerant flows through the second communication passage (48) into the second chamber (32). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing in the second space (S2) as well as in the first space (S1).

[0010] In the third embodiment, in the second embodiment, a third communication passage (53) is provided which connects the lower part of the second chamber (32) to the outside of the casing (70).

[0011] In the third aspect, when the refrigerant flows from the lower part of the second space (S2) through the second communication passage (48) into the second chamber (32), the refrigerant flows out of the casing (70) through the third communication passage (53). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing in the second chamber (32) in addition to the first space (S1) and the second space (S2).

[0012] In a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, a fourth communication passage (54, 56) is provided which connects a lower part of the second space (S2) to the outside of the casing (70).

[0013] In the fourth aspect, when the refrigerant flows from the lower part of the first space (S1) through the first communication passage (41) into the second space (S2), the refrigerant flows out of the casing (70) through the fourth communication passage (54, 56). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing in the second space (S2) as well as in the first space (S1).

[0014] In a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the sound-proofing member (60) is formed hollow and open on the lower side, and the first communication passage (41) is formed between the lower end of the sound-proofing member (60) and the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70).

[0015] In the fifth aspect, a first communication passage (41) is formed between the sound-proofing member (60), which is open on the lower side, and the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). This makes it possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing near the bottom plate (72), where the refrigerant is most likely to accumulate.

[0016] In a sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, a breathable first sound absorbing material (81) is provided between the outer surface of the sound insulation member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70).

[0017] In the sixth aspect, the double sound-insulating structure of the sound-insulating member (60) and the casing (70) can prevent radiated sound and vibration sound from the compressor (30) from leaking to the outside. Furthermore, the first sound-absorbing material (81) can prevent deterioration of sound-insulating performance due to the low-frequency resonance transmission phenomenon, thereby improving the soundproofing effect. The first sound-absorbing material (81) is permeable, so that leaked refrigerant can pass through it.

[0018] In a seventh aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, a breathable second sound absorbing material (82) is provided on the inner surface of the sound insulating member (60).

[0019] In the seventh aspect, the second sound-absorbing material (82) absorbs the radiated sound and vibration sound from the compressor (30), thereby improving the soundproofing effect. The second sound-absorbing material (82) is permeable, and therefore allows the leaked refrigerant to pass through.

[0020] The eighth aspect is the same as the seventh aspect, except that a breathable first sound absorbing material (81) is provided between the outer surface of the sound insulation member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70).

[0021] In the eighth aspect, it is possible to obtain both the soundproofing effect provided by the first sound-absorbing material (81) and the soundproofing effect provided by the second sound-absorbing material (82). The second sound-absorbing material (82) is permeable, and therefore allows the leaked refrigerant to pass through.

[0022] A ninth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, and further includes a first vibration-isolating member (33) that supports the compressor (30), a first support member (34) that supports the first vibration-isolating member (33), a second vibration-isolating member (35) that supports the first support member (34), and a second support member (36) that supports the second vibration-isolating member (35).

[0023] In the ninth aspect, the compressor (30) is supported by a two-layer vibration-proof structure in which the first vibration-proof member (33) and the second vibration-proof member (35) are stacked, thereby making it possible to attenuate vibrations of the compressor (30).

[0024] A tenth aspect is a refrigeration cycle apparatus including the heat source unit (20) according to any one of the first to ninth aspects. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the refrigeration cycle device of the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the heat source unit as viewed from the front side. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the heat source unit as viewed from above. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the first communication passage and its vicinity. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged left view of the vicinity of the first communication passage. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the partition member as viewed from the left side. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the heat source unit of the first modification seen from above. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the heat source unit of the second modification seen from the front side. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the heat source unit of the third modified example seen from above. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the heat source unit of the fourth modification seen from the front side. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the heat source unit of the fifth modified example seen from the front side. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the heat source unit of the sixth modification seen from the front side. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the heat source unit of the seventh modification seen from the front side. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the heat source unit of the seventh modification seen from above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure. Since each drawing is intended to conceptually explain the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for easy understanding.

[0027] (1) Basic configuration As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) is a hot water supply refrigeration cycle apparatus having an outdoor unit (20) as a heat source unit. The outdoor unit (20) has a refrigerant circuit (2). The refrigerant circuit (2) is filled with, for example, a flammable natural refrigerant. The flammable natural refrigerant is, for example, propane. Propane is a refrigerant that has a higher specific gravity than air. The refrigerant circuit (2) performs a refrigeration cycle by circulating the refrigerant.

[0028] (1-1) Fluid circuit The refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) has a fluid circuit (12). Water flows through the fluid circuit (12) as a heat medium. A water heat exchanger (15) and a fluid pump (16) are connected to the fluid circuit (12). The fluid pump (16) circulates the water in the fluid circuit (12). The fluid heated in the water heat exchanger (15) is supplied to a hot water tank (not shown) that is a supply destination. The water in the hot water tank returns to the fluid circuit (12) and is heated again in the water heat exchanger (15).

[0029] (1-2) Basic configuration of outdoor unit The outdoor unit (20) includes a refrigerant cylinder (5), a water heat exchanger (15), an outdoor heat exchanger (21), an outdoor fan (22), an outdoor expansion valve (23), a four-way switching valve (24), an accumulator (25), and a compressor (30). The outdoor heat exchanger (21), the outdoor expansion valve (23), the four-way switching valve (24), and the compressor (30) are connected by pipes (26).

[0030] The refrigerant cylinder (5) is filled with refrigerant. The refrigerant cylinder (5) is connected, for example, to a pipe branching off from a pipe (26) connecting the four-way switching valve (24) and the accumulator (25). After the outdoor unit (20) is transported to the installation site, the refrigerant cylinder (5) opens the on-off valve (6) of the refrigerant cylinder (5) to fill the refrigerant circuit (2) with refrigerant. This makes it possible to prevent flammable refrigerant from leaking from the refrigerant circuit (2) during transportation of the outdoor unit (20).

[0031] A pipe (26) of the refrigerant circuit (2) is connected to the water heat exchanger (15). The water heat exchanger (15) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the pipe (26) and the water flowing through a fluid pipe (17) of the fluid circuit (12).

[0032] The outdoor heat exchanger (21) is, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger. Specifically, the outdoor heat exchanger (21) is a so-called plug-in fin type microchannel heat exchanger. In the outdoor heat exchanger (21), heat is exchanged between the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger (21) and the air blown by the outdoor fan (22). The outdoor expansion valve (23) is, for example, an electronic expansion valve. The outdoor heat exchanger (21) is an example of a heat source side heat exchanger.

[0033] The four-way switching valve (24) has a first port (P1), a second port (P2), a third port (P3), and a fourth port (P4). The four-way switching valve (24) is in a state in which the first port (P1) communicates with the third port (P3) and the second port (P2) communicates with the fourth port (P4) (the state shown by the solid lines in FIG. 1).

[0034] The compressor (30) compresses the refrigerant. The compressor (30) is, for example, a rotary compressor such as a scroll compressor. A four-way switching valve (24) is connected to a pipe (26) on the discharge side of the compressor (30). An accumulator (25) is connected to a pipe (26) on the suction side of the compressor (30).

[0035] (1-3) Internal structure of the outdoor unit In the following description, arrows are used to indicate up / down, front / back, left / right directions in each drawing. Unless otherwise specified, the up / down directions will be described according to the directions indicated by these arrows.

[0036] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the outdoor unit (20) has a casing (70). The casing (70) is formed in a box shape. The casing (70) is made of, for example, a metal plate. The casing (70) has an upper panel (71), a bottom panel (72), a front panel (73), a rear panel (74), a left panel (75), and a right panel (76).

[0037] A partition member (28) is disposed upright inside the casing (70). The partition member (28) is made of, for example, a metal plate. The partition member (28) divides the interior of the casing (70) into a machine chamber (31) which is a first chamber, and a fan chamber (32) which is a second chamber.

[0038] The blower chamber (32) is a space inside the casing (70) to the left of the partition member (28). The blower chamber (32) accommodates the outdoor fan (22) and the outdoor heat exchanger (21).

[0039] The casing (70) is formed with an inlet (70a) and an outlet (70b). The inlet (70a) is formed in a portion of the rear panel (74) facing the fan chamber (32) and in the left panel (75). The outlet (70b) is formed in a portion of the front panel (73) facing the fan chamber (32). In the fan chamber (32), an air passage through which outside air flows is formed extending from the inlet (70a) to the outlet (70b).

[0040] The outdoor heat exchanger (21) has a plurality of flat tubes and a plurality of fins inserted into the flat tubes. The flat tubes are arranged in a vertical direction. When viewed from above, the flat tubes are formed in an L-shape that is bent so as to fit along the rear panel (74) and the left panel (75).

[0041] The outdoor fan (22) is a propeller fan having a fan motor (22a). When the outdoor fan (22) is rotated, air drawn into the blower chamber (32) through the suction port (70a) exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger (21). The air after heat exchange is blown out of the outdoor unit (20) through the outlet port (70b). In FIG. 3, the air flow is indicated by white arrows.

[0042] The machine room (31) is a space inside the casing (70) to the right of the partition member (28). The machine room (31) accommodates a refrigerant cylinder (5), a pipe group (8), a water heat exchanger (15), an accumulator (25), a compressor (30), and a sound insulation member (60).

[0043] The compressor (30) has support legs (30a). The support legs (30a) are supported by a plurality of first vibration-isolating members (33). The first vibration-isolating members (33) are made of, for example, rubber or urethane. The first vibration-isolating members (33) are supported by a bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). Thus, even if the compressor (30) vibrates during operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus (1), the vibration is damped by the first vibration-isolating members (33) before being transmitted to the bottom plate (72).

[0044] The refrigerant cylinder (5) and the water heat exchanger (15) are supported on a bottom plate of the casing (70). The accumulator (25) is supported by a stay (not shown) at a position separated from the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70).

[0045] The sound insulation member (60) is hollow and open downward, more specifically, in the shape of a box that is open downward. Specifically, the sound insulation member (60) has an upper wall (61), a front wall (63), a rear wall (64), a left wall (65), and a right wall (66). The upper wall (61) faces the upper panel (71) and constitutes the upper surface of the sound insulation member (60). The front wall (63) faces the front panel (73) and constitutes the front surface of the sound insulation member (60). The rear wall (64) faces the rear panel (74) and constitutes the rear surface of the sound insulation member (60). The left wall (65) faces the left panel (75) and constitutes the left surface of the sound insulation member (60). The right wall (66) faces the right panel (76) and constitutes the right surface of the sound insulation member (60).

[0046] The sound insulation member (60) is supported by the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). The sound insulation member (60) is made of a non-breathable material. The sound insulation member (60) is made of, for example, a metal plate or a rubber sheet.

[0047] The sound-insulating member (60) defines a first space (S1) that houses the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25). Strictly speaking, in this embodiment, the first space (S1) is defined by the sound-insulating member (60) and the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). The sound-insulating member (60) covers the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25). In addition to the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25), the first space (S1) in the sound-insulating member (60) also houses the refrigerant cylinder (5), the pipe group (8), and the water heat exchanger (15). The sound-insulating member (60) covers the refrigerant cylinder (5), the pipe group (8), and the water heat exchanger (15).

[0048] The piping group (8) includes a valve element (9) and a pipe (26). The valve element (9) includes an outdoor expansion valve (23), a four-way switching valve (24), and a solenoid valve (29). The piping group (8) may include an internal heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerants, a muffler, a filter, etc. The valve element (9) may include a motor-operated valve, a check valve, a three-way valve, etc.

[0049] The sound insulation member (60) and the casing (70) are disposed with a predetermined gap therebetween. A second space (S2) is formed between the outer surface of the sound insulation member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70). The second space (S2) forms a part of the machine chamber (31).

[0050] (2) Features of refrigerant leakage prevention measures As described above, the sound insulation member (60) houses the compressor (30), the accumulator (25), the water heat exchanger (15), the pipe group (8), and the like. There is a risk of refrigerant leakage from these devices. The leaking refrigerant flows into the first space (S1) inside the sound insulation member (60). Here, a refrigerant such as propane, for example, has a higher specific gravity than air and moves to the lower part of the first space (S1). As a result, the concentration of the refrigerant increases in the lower part of the first space (S1), and there is a risk of it reaching an ignition concentration. Therefore, in this embodiment, a structure is adopted to suppress the increase in the concentration of the refrigerant.

[0051] (2-1) 1st communication passage The outdoor unit (20) has a first communication passage (41). The first communication passage (41) is a flow path for allowing refrigerant in a first space (S1) in the sound insulation member (60) to flow out of the sound insulation member (60). The first communication passage (41) connects a lower part of the first space (S1) to a second space (S2) outside the sound insulation member (60).

[0052] 2, 4, and 5, the first communication passage (41) of this embodiment is formed between the lower end of the sound insulation member (60) and the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). The first communication passage (41) is formed, for example, between the lower end of the left side wall (65) of the sound insulation member (60) and the bottom plate (72). The first communication passage (41) is formed in a horizontally intermediate portion of the lower end of the left side wall (65). The first communication passage (41) is formed in a horizontally elongated shape extending in the front-rear direction.

[0053] The first communication passage (41) is formed by providing a folded portion (42) at the lower end of the left side wall (65). The folded portion (42) is provided between a pair of cutout portions (43, 43) extending upward from the lower end of the left side wall (65). One of the pair of cutout portions (43, 43) is located toward the front end of the left side wall (65), and the other is located toward the rear end of the left side wall (65). In the folded portion (42), a folding line (44) is formed that extends horizontally across the upper ends of both sides of the pair of cutout portions (43, 43). The folded portion (42) is formed by folding back a portion of the left side wall (65) between the pair of cutout portions (43, 43) upward with respect to the folding line (44). As a result, the first communication passage (41) extending horizontally is formed between the folding line (44) and the bottom plate (72). In this example, the folded portion (42) is folded back to the outside of the sound insulation member (60), but may be folded back to the inside of the sound insulation member (60). The angle (θ1 in FIG. 4) between the wall surface of the main body of the sound insulation member (60) and the wall surface of the folded portion (42) is preferably 90 degrees or more and 150 degrees or less. This allows the refrigerant in the second space (S2) to smoothly flow out into the fan chamber (32) while maintaining the lateral soundproofing effect of the sound insulation member (60). In this example, θ1 is 135 degrees.

[0054] Support portions (45) that come into contact with the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70) are formed in the left wall (65) at portions located on both ends in the horizontal direction (front-rear direction) of the pair of cutout portions (43, 43).

[0055] The first communication passage (41) is located near the bottom plate (72). At least a portion of the first communication passage (41) is preferably located lower than the lower end of the compressor (30), and more preferably the entire first communication passage (41) is located lower than the lower end of the compressor (30).

[0056] The first communication passage (41) may be provided corresponding to a side wall other than the left wall (65). The first communication passage (41) may be provided corresponding to, for example, at least one or all of the front wall (63), the rear wall (64), the right wall (66), and the left wall (65).

[0057] (2-2)Second communication passage The outdoor unit (20) has a second communication passage (48). The second communication passage (48) is a flow path for allowing refrigerant in the second space (S2) of the machine chamber (31) to flow into the fan chamber (32). The second communication passage (48) connects a lower part of the second space (S2) to the fan chamber (32).

[0058] As shown in Figs. 2 and 6, the second communication passage (48) in this embodiment is formed between the lower end of the partition member (28) and the bottom of the casing (70). Specifically, a plurality of (three in this example) ribs (49) extending in the left-right direction are formed on the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). The cross section of the ribs (49) when viewed from the left-right direction is formed to be convex, more precisely, trapezoidal. Grooves (50) corresponding to each of the ribs (49) are formed on the lower end of the partition member (28). The ribs (49) are located inside each of the grooves (50). The cross section of the grooves (50) when viewed from the left-right direction is similar in shape to the ribs (49) but slightly larger. Therefore, a gap that constitutes the second communication passage (48) is formed between the ribs (49) and the inner edge of the groove (50). Strictly speaking, the second communication passage (48) is configured by a front gap (48a) formed in front of the rib (49), a middle gap (48b) formed above the rib (49), and a rear gap (48c) formed behind the rib (49) being continuous with each other.

[0059] (2-3) Flow of leaked refrigerant When the refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) is in operation, if refrigerant leaks from the equipment inside the sound insulation member (60), the refrigerant moves to the lower part of the first space (S1). The refrigerant in the lower part of the first space (S1) flows into the second space (S2) of the machine room (31) through the first communication passage (41). This makes it possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing in the lower part of the first space (S1) and to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from reaching an ignition concentration.

[0060] The refrigerant in the second space (S2) of the machine chamber (31) flows out into the fan chamber (32) through the second communication passage (48). When the refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) is operating, the outdoor fan (22) is in operation as a rule. Therefore, the refrigerant in the fan chamber (32) flows out of the casing (70) through the air outlet (70b) together with the outdoor air blown by the outdoor fan (22). As a result, the concentration of the refrigerant in the second space (S2) can be prevented from increasing and the refrigerant can be prevented from reaching an ignition concentration.

[0061] (3) Effects of the embodiment (3-1) The outdoor unit (20) is disposed inside the casing (70). The outdoor unit (20) includes a non-breathable sound-proof member (60) that covers the compressor (30) so as to define a first space (S1) that houses the compressor (30). The air-tight sound-proof member (60) also covers the compressor (30) so as to define a first space (S1) that houses the compressor (30). The air-tight member (60) also covers ...

[0062] With this configuration, the refrigerant that has moved to the lower part of the first space (S1) can flow into the second space (S2) through the first communication passage (41). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from becoming high in the first space (S1).

[0063] Furthermore, the double soundproofing structure of the soundproofing member (60) and the casing (70) can reduce noise generated by the compressor (30) and the like.

[0064] (3-2) The outdoor unit (20) includes a partition member (28) that divides the inside of the casing (70) into a machine chamber (31) in which the compressor (30) and the sound-proofing member (60) are disposed and which includes a second space (S2), and a blower chamber (32) in which the outdoor fan (22) and the outdoor heat exchanger (21) are disposed, and a second communication passage (48) that communicates between a lower part of the second space (S2) of the machine chamber (31) and the blower chamber (32).

[0065] With this configuration, the refrigerant that has moved to the lower part of the second space (S2) of the machine chamber (31) can flow through the second communication passage (48) into the fan chamber (32). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing in the second space (S2).

[0066] When the refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) is operating, the outdoor fan (22) is in operation. As a result, the refrigerant in the blower chamber (32) flows out of the casing (70) through the air outlet (70b) together with the outdoor air transported by the outdoor fan (22). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant in the blower chamber (32) from becoming high.

[0067] (3-3) The sound insulation member (60) is hollow and open at the bottom. The first communication passage (41) is formed between the bottom end of the sound insulation member (60) and the bottom plate of the casing (70).

[0068] If refrigerant leaks into the first space (S1), the concentration of the refrigerant is likely to increase particularly near the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). This is because the refrigerant moves downward due to its own weight, and the concentration of the refrigerant increases as it approaches the bottom plate (72). In this embodiment, the first communication passage (41) is formed along the bottom plate (72), and therefore, the concentration of the refrigerant can be prevented from increasing near the bottom plate (72).

[0069] If the first communication passage (41) is formed by drilling a through hole in the sound insulation member (60), the soundproofing effect on the side of the casing (70) may be reduced. In this embodiment, the first communication passage (41) is formed between the lower end of the sound insulation member (60) and the bottom plate of the casing (70), and therefore the soundproofing effect on the side of the sound insulation member (60) can be improved compared to drilling a through hole. As described above, the first communication passage (41) of this embodiment can improve both the effect of suppressing an increase in the concentration of the refrigerant and the effect of suppressing noise. Furthermore, the first communication passage (41) can be easily processed compared to drilling a through hole or the like.

[0070] (3-4) The first communication passage (41) is formed by forming a folded portion (42) at part of the lower end of the sound-proofing member (60). This makes it easier to process the first communication passage (41). The folded portion (42) also contributes to reducing noise.

[0071] (4) Variations The above embodiment may be modified as follows. Differences from the above embodiment will be described below. The same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts as in the embodiment.

[0072] (4-1) Variation 1 As shown in FIG. 7, a drain pan (51) is formed in the blower chamber (32) of the first modification. The drain pan (51) is disposed below the outdoor heat exchanger (21). The drain pan (51) is a tray that receives water condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (21). A drain outlet (52) is formed in the bottom of the drain pan (51). The drain outlet (52) constitutes an inlet end of a drain drainage channel (53). The outlet end of the drain drainage channel (53) opens to the outside of the casing (70). The drain drainage channel (53) includes a flow path such as a drain hose. The drain drainage channel (53) constitutes a third communication passage that connects a lower portion of the blower chamber (32) to the outside of the casing (70).

[0073] In the first modification, the refrigerant that has moved to the bottom of the blower chamber (32) flows out of the casing (70) through the drainage channel (53). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing near the bottom of the blower chamber (32). Even when the outdoor fan (22) is stopped, the refrigerant in the blower chamber (32) can be discharged to the outside of the casing (70). The drainage channel (53) serves both as a flow path for discharging drain water and as a flow path for discharging the refrigerant, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0074] (4-2) Variation 2 As shown in Fig. 8, the casing (70) of the second modification is formed with a fourth communication passage (54). The fourth communication passage (54) is a flow path for allowing the refrigerant in the second space (S2) to flow directly out of the casing (70). The first communication passage (41) of the second modification is formed in, for example, the right side wall (66). The fourth communication passage (54) is formed in, for example, the lower part of the right panel (76). The fourth communication passage (54) is defined by a hole penetrating the right panel (76) in the thickness direction.

[0075] The fourth communication passage (54) is located near the bottom plate (72). At least a portion of the fourth communication passage (54) is preferably located lower than the lower end of the compressor (30), and more preferably the entire fourth communication passage (54) is located lower than the lower end of the compressor (30).

[0076] The fourth communication passage (54) may be provided corresponding to a side panel other than the right panel (76). The fourth communication passage (54) may be provided corresponding to, for example, at least one or all of the front panel (73), the rear panel (74), the right panel (76), and the left panel (75).

[0077] In the second modification, the refrigerant in the first space (S1) also flows out through the first communication passage (41) to the second space (S2). The refrigerant in the second space (S2) flows out through the fourth communication passage (54) to the outside of the casing (70). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant in the second space (S2) from becoming high.

[0078] (4-3) Variation 3 In the third modification shown in Fig. 9, a drain hole (55) is formed in a portion of the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70) facing the second space (S2). The drain hole (55) constitutes an inlet end of a drainage channel (56). An outlet end of the drainage channel (56) opens to the outside of the casing (70). The drainage channel (56) includes a flow path such as a hose. The drainage channel (56) constitutes a fourth communication passage that connects a lower portion of the second space (S2) of the machine room (31) to the outside of the casing (70).

[0079] In the fourth modification, the refrigerant that has moved to the bottom of the second space (S2) of the machine room (31) flows out of the casing (70) through the drainage channel (56). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing near the bottom of the machine room (31). The drainage channel (56) serves both as a flow path for draining water accumulated in the machine room (31) and as a flow path for draining the refrigerant, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0080] (4-4) Variation 4 In the fourth modification shown in FIG. 10, a first sound absorbing material (81) is provided in a second space (S2) between the outer surface of the sound insulation member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70). The inner surface of the casing (70) includes the surface of the partition member (28) facing the machine room (31). The first sound absorbing material (81) is breathable. The first sound absorbing material (81) is a resin material having open cells, such as urethane. The first sound absorbing material (81) is disposed on the outer surface sides of the upper wall (61), front wall (63), rear wall (64), left wall (65), and right wall (66) of the sound insulation member (60).

[0081] In the fourth modification, too, the double sound-insulating structure of the sound-insulating member (60) and the casing (70) can prevent radiated sound and vibration sound from the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25) from leaking to the outside. In addition, the first sound-absorbing material (81) can prevent deterioration of sound-insulating performance due to the low-frequency resonance transmission phenomenon, thereby improving the soundproofing effect.

[0082] Specifically, when two plates form a double structure with a hollow space between them, the two plates become two masses, and the air in the hollow space acts as a spring connecting them, causing them to vibrate, resulting in a resonance phenomenon. In this case, the transmission loss is lower than the mass law, and sound insulation performance is reduced. This phenomenon generally occurs in the low frequency range, so it is called the low frequency resonance transmission phenomenon.

[0083] In contrast, in the fourth modification, the first sound-absorbing material (81) is provided between the outer surface of the sound-proofing member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70), thereby making it possible to suppress the occurrence of the resonance phenomenon in which the air in the gap between the sound-proofing member (60) and the casing (70) acts as a spring and vibrates.

[0084] The refrigerant leaking into the first space (S1) passes through the first communication passage (41) and flows out into the second space (S2). Because the first sound-absorbing material (81) is breathable, the refrigerant in the second space (S2) passes through the first sound-absorbing material (81) and flows out to the fan chamber (32) through, for example, the second communication passage (48). In this way, in the third modification, the leaked refrigerant can be discharged to the outside of the second space (S2) without forming a communication passage in the first sound-absorbing material (81).

[0085] Note that a communication passage for passing the refrigerant may be provided between the lower end of the first sound-absorbing material (81) and the bottom plate (72) or below the first sound-absorbing material (81).

[0086] (4-5) Variation 5 In the fifth modification shown in Fig. 11, in addition to the configuration of the fourth modification, a second sound absorbing material (82) is provided on the inner surface of the sound insulation member (60). The second sound absorbing material (82) is breathable. The second sound absorbing material (82) is a resin material having open cells, such as urethane. The second sound absorbing materials (82) are respectively arranged on the inner surfaces of the upper wall (61), front wall (63), rear wall (64), left wall (65), and right wall (66) of the sound insulation member (60).

[0087] The second sound-absorbing material (82) absorbs the radiated sound and vibration sound from the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25), thereby improving the soundproofing effect.

[0088] Specifically, when the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25), which are sound sources, are enclosed in a sound-proofing member (60), which is a box-shaped member, the sound is reflected by the sound-proofing member (60), causing a phenomenon known as build-up, in which the sound pressure level around the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25) increases compared to when the sound-proofing member (60) is not present.

[0089] As a result, the sound pressure level outside the sound insulation member (60) is equal to the sound pressure level without the sound insulation member (60) minus the transmission loss and build-up of the sound insulation member (60). Therefore, the amount of sound reduction achieved by providing the sound insulation member (60) is smaller than the value expected based on the transmission loss.

[0090] In this embodiment, the second sound absorbing material (62) is provided on the inner surface of the sound insulation member (60), thereby making it possible to attenuate the sound pressure level inside the sound insulation member (60), thereby making it possible to suppress build-up.

[0091] Because the second sound-absorbing material (82) is breathable, the refrigerant in the first space (S1) passes through the second sound-absorbing material (82) and flows out into the second space (S2) through the first communication passage (41). In this manner, in the fifth modification, the refrigerant that has leaked into the first space (S1) can be discharged to the outside of the sound-insulating member (60) without forming a communication passage in the second sound-absorbing material (82).

[0092] A communication passage for passing the refrigerant may be formed between the lower end of the second sound-absorbing material (82) and the bottom plate (72) or below the second sound-absorbing material (82).

[0093] (4-6) Variation 6 12, in the configuration of Variation 6, the first sound-absorbing material (81) is omitted from Variation 5. The first sound-absorbing material (81) is not provided in the second space (S2) between the sound-insulating member (60) and the casing (70), and a second sound-absorbing material (82) is provided on the inner surface of the sound-insulating member (60).

[0094] (4-7) Variation 7 As shown in Figs. 13 and 14, in the seventh modification, the compressor (30) has a support leg (30a). The support leg (30a) is supported by a plurality of first vibration-isolating members (33). The first vibration-isolating members (33) are supported by a first support member (34). The first support member (34) is supported by a plurality of second vibration-isolating members (35). The second vibration-isolating members (35) are supported by a second support member (36). In this example, the second support member (36) is the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70).

[0095] The first vibration-isolating member 33 and the second vibration-isolating member 35 are made of rubber or urethane. The material and spring constant of the first vibration-isolating member 33 and the material and spring constant of the second vibration-isolating member 35 may be the same as or different from each other.

[0096] The compressor (30) is disposed on a double vibration-isolating structure including a first vibration-isolating member (33), a first support member (34), and a second vibration-isolating member (35). Therefore, even if the compressor (30) vibrates during operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus (1), the transmission of the vibration and the generation of noise are suppressed.

[0097] The refrigerant cylinder (5) and the water heat exchanger (15) are supported by a first support member (34). The accumulator (25) is supported by a stay (not shown) at a position away from the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70).

[0098] The sound insulation member (60) is supported by a bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). The first space (S1) in the sound insulation member (60) accommodates the compressor (30), the accumulator (25), the refrigerant cylinder (5), the pipe group (8), and the water heat exchanger (15). The sound insulation member (60) covers the compressor (30), the accumulator (25), the refrigerant cylinder (5), the pipe group (8), and the water heat exchanger (15). A second space (S2) is formed between the outer surface of the sound insulation member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70).

[0099] According to the seventh modification, the compressor (30) is supported by a two-layer vibration-proof structure in which the first vibration-proof member (33) and the second vibration-proof member (35) are stacked, so that the vibration of the compressor (30) can be damped.

[0100] This reduces vibrations transmitted from the compressor (30) to the first support member (34) and the second support member (36) and vibrations transmitted from the compressor (30) to the piping (26), thereby suppressing the generation of vibration noise caused by the vibrations of the first support member (34) and the second support member (36) and the piping (26).

[0101] The outdoor unit (20) of the seventh modification has the first sound absorbing material (81) and the second sound absorbing material (82) like the fifth modification, but may be configured without one or both of them.

[0102] (5) Other embodiments The above embodiment and each of the modified examples may have the following configurations.

[0103] The first communication passage (41) may be formed by a hole passing through the sound insulation member (60) in the thickness direction, or may be formed by a notch formed in the lower end or the like of the sound insulation member (60).

[0104] The first communication passage (41) may be formed by a recess formed in the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). In this case, the recess is formed to extend between the first space (S1) and the second space (S2).

[0105] The sound insulation member (60) may have a bottom wall without being open on the lower side. In this case, the first communication passage (41) may be formed in the bottom wall of the sound insulation member (60).

[0106] The second communication passage (48) may be defined by a hole penetrating the partition member (28) in the thickness direction, or may be defined by a notch formed in the lower end or the like of the partition member (28).

[0107] The second communication passage (48) may be formed by a recess formed in the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). In this case, the recess is formed to extend between the second space (S2) and the blower chamber (32).

[0108] The third communication passage (53) may be formed by a hole extending in the thickness direction of the casing (70) in a portion facing the blower chamber (32), or by a notch formed in a side plate of the casing (70).

[0109] The sound insulation member (60) may cover only the compressor (30), or may cover only the compressor (30), the accumulator (25), and the piping connecting the two.

[0110] The water heat exchanger (15) and the refrigerant cylinder (5) may be supported by a first vibration-isolating member (33) and a second vibration-isolating member (35).

[0111] The refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) may supply the water heated in the water heat exchanger (15) to a supply target other than the hot water tank, such as a bath, a shower, a floor heating system, an air heat exchanger, and the like.

[0112] The heat source unit (20) of the refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) may not have a water heat exchanger (15) and may be connected to a utilization unit via a refrigerant pipe to form a refrigerant circuit. The utilization unit has a utilization heat exchanger that adjusts the temperature of air by a refrigerant. The utilization unit may be an air conditioning unit that conditions the target space. In this case, the air conditioning unit may be a ceiling-mounted type, a wall-mounted type, or a floor-standing type. The utilization unit may be a cooling unit that cools the air inside a storage unit. The cooling unit may cool the interior of a shipping container for sea or land use.

[0113] The heat source unit (20) does not necessarily have to be installed outdoors, and may be installed indoors. In this case, the heat source side heat exchanger is not the outdoor heat exchanger (21), but is configured as a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a heat medium such as water and a refrigerant.

[0114] Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications of form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. In addition, the elements of the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be appropriately combined or substituted. In addition, the descriptions "first," "second," "third," etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish the words to which these descriptions are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the words. [Industrial Applicability]

[0115] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the present disclosure is useful for a heat source unit and a refrigeration cycle apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1 Refrigeration cycle equipment 20 Outdoor unit (heat source unit) 21 Outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 22 Outdoor fan (fan) 28 Partitioning material 30 Compressor 31 Machine room (1st room) 32 Blower room (2nd room) 33 First vibration-isolating member 34 First support member 35 Second vibration-isolating member 36 Second support member 41 1st communication passage 48 2nd communication passage 53 Drain drainage channel (third passage) 54 4th connecting passage 56 Drainage channel (4th communication channel) 60 Soundproofing materials 70 Casing 72 Bottom plate 81 First sound absorbing material 82 Second sound absorbing material S1 1st space S2 2nd space

Claims

1. A heat source unit provided in a refrigeration cycle device that uses a refrigerant having a higher specific gravity than air, A casing (70); a compressor (30) disposed inside the casing (70) and compressing a refrigerant; a non-air-permeable sound insulating member (60) that is disposed inside the casing (70) and covers the compressor (30) so as to define a first space (S1) that houses the compressor (30); and a first communication passage (41) that communicates a lower portion of the first space (S1) with a second space (S2) between the sound insulation member (60) and the casing (70); Heat source unit.

2. With a fan (22), a heat exchanger (21) for exchanging heat between the outdoor air transported by the fan (22) and the refrigerant; a partition member (28) that divides the inside of the casing (70) into a first chamber (31) in which the compressor (30) and the sound insulation member (60) are disposed and which includes the second space (S2), and a second chamber (32) in which the fan (22) and the heat exchanger (21) are disposed; a second communication passage (48) that communicates a lower portion of the second space (S2) of the first chamber (31) with the second chamber (32). The heat source unit according to claim 1 .

3. a third communication passage (53) that communicates the lower portion of the second chamber (32) with the outside of the casing (70); The heat source unit according to claim 2 .

4. a fourth communication passage (54, 56) that communicates a lower portion of the second space (S2) with the outside of the casing (70); The heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The sound insulation member (60) is formed in a hollow shape with an opening on the lower side, The first communication passage (41) is formed between the lower end of the sound insulation member (60) and the bottom plate of the casing (70). The heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. a first sound absorbing material (81) that is air permeable and is provided between the outer surface of the sound insulating member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70); The heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. A breathable second sound absorbing material (82) is provided on the inner surface of the sound insulating member (60). The heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. a first sound absorbing material (81) that is air permeable and is provided between the outer surface of the sound insulating member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70); The heat source unit according to claim 7.

9. a first vibration-isolating member (33) supporting the compressor (30); a first support member (34) that supports the first vibration isolation member (33); a second vibration isolating member (35) supporting the first support member (34); and a second support member (36) for supporting the second vibration isolating member (35). The heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. A refrigeration cycle device comprising the heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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