Heat source unit and refrigeration cycle device
By utilizing a partition structure with a heat exchanger header and non-metal fasteners in heat source units, the noise leakage from the machine room is effectively reduced, addressing the challenge of stricter noise regulations.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023170681
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-09-29
AI Technical Summary
Noise leakage from the machine room of heat source units, such as outdoor units, into the outside environment due to radiated and vibrational sounds from the compressor and accumulator, poses a challenge as noise regulation standards become stricter.
The heat source unit is designed with a partition structure that includes a header from the heat exchanger, with non-metal fasteners attached to prevent electric contact and sealing materials to ensure soundproofing, effectively isolating the machine room from the outside.
This configuration significantly reduces noise leakage from the machine room, enhancing the soundproofing effect and compliance with stricter noise regulation standards.
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Figure 2025060136000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat source unit and a refrigeration cycle device. [Background technology]
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an outdoor unit constituting a refrigeration cycle device. This outdoor unit includes a housing, a compressor, a blower fan, and a heat exchanger. A partition member is provided inside the housing to divide the inside of the housing into a fan chamber and a machine chamber. The machine chamber houses the compressor. The fan chamber houses the blower fan and the heat exchanger. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2023 / 007603 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] In a heat source unit such as an outdoor unit, the compressor generates noise. In addition to the noise generated by the compressor, for example, radiation noise and vibration noise are generated from an accumulator installed in the machine room together with the compressor. If the machine room is partially open to the outside, such as the back side of the housing, as in the outdoor unit of Patent Document 1, the noise generated in the machine room leaks out to the outside.
[0005] Here, since noise regulation standards have become stricter in recent years, the inventors of the present application have earnestly studied new structures for improving the soundproofing effect of heat source units.
[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to suppress noise generated in a machine room of a heat source unit from leaking to the outside. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a heat source unit (20). The heat source unit (20) of the first aspect includes a casing (40), a partition structure (70) that divides the inside of the casing (40) into a machine chamber (S1) and a blower chamber (S2), a compressor (30) arranged in the machine chamber (S1), and a blower (22) and a heat exchanger (21) arranged in the blower chamber (S2). The heat exchanger (21) passes air transported by the blower (22) and exchanges heat between the passing air and an internal refrigerant. The heat exchanger (21) includes a plurality of flat tubes (52) having refrigerant flow paths (54) formed therein, fins (55) dividing adjacent flat tubes (52) into a plurality of ventilation passages (56) through which air flows, and a header (60) to which ends of the flat tubes (52) are connected. The partition structure (70) includes the header (60), a first partition (71) that partitions the windward side of the header (60), and a second partition (100) that partitions the leeward side of the header (60).
[0008] In the first aspect, the interior of the casing (40) is divided into a machine room (S1) and a blower room (S2) by a partition structure (70). The partition structure (70) includes a header (60) that is a part of the heat exchanger (21). The windward side of the header (60) is divided by a first partition (71). The leeward side of the header (60) is divided by a second partition (100). By using the header (60) as the partition structure (70) in this manner and dividing both sides of the header (60), the machine room (S1) can be closed and isolated from the outside. This makes it possible to prevent noise generated in the machine room (S1) from leaking to the outside.
[0009] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a heat source unit (20) according to the first aspect, further comprising at least one non-metallic fastener (80) attached to the header (60). The first partition portion (71) includes a plate member (90) fixed to the fastener (80) without contacting the header (60), and a first sealant (96) that seals a second gap (g2) between the plate member (90) and the header (60).
[0010] In the second embodiment, a nonmetallic fixture (80) is attached to the header (60). The plate member (90) forming the first partition (71) is fixed to the fixture (80) without contacting the header (60). If the header (60) and the plate member (90) are made of different metal materials, direct contact between them may cause electrical corrosion, accelerating deterioration. In contrast, the header (60) and the plate member (90) are kept out of contact via the fixture (80), so that electrical corrosion between the header (60) and the plate member (90) can be prevented. The first gap (g1) between the plate member (90) and the header (60) is sealed by the first sealant (96). This ensures soundproofing of the first partition (71).
[0011] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a heat source unit (20) according to the first or second aspect, further comprising at least one non-metallic fastener (80) attached to the header (60). The second partition (100) includes a partition plate (101) fixed to the fastener (80) without contacting the header (60), and a second sealant (106) that seals a second gap (g2) between the partition plate (101) and the header (60).
[0012] In the third embodiment, a non-metallic fixture (80) is attached to the header (60). The partition plate (101) forming the second partition portion (100) is fixed to the fixture (80) without contacting the header (60). If the header (60) and the partition plate (101) are made of different metal materials, direct contact between them may cause electrical corrosion, accelerating deterioration. In contrast, the header (60) and the partition plate (101) are kept out of contact via the fixture (80), so that electrical corrosion between the header (60) and the partition plate (101) can be prevented. The second gap (g2) between the partition plate (101) and the header (60) is sealed by the second seal material (106). This ensures soundproofing of the second partition portion (100).
[0013] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a refrigeration cycle apparatus (1). The refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) of the fourth aspect includes the heat source unit (20) of any one of the first to third aspects.
[0014] In the fourth aspect, the heat source unit (20) according to any one of the first to third aspects is provided. The heat source unit (20) has a high soundproofing effect against noise generated in the machine room (S1). Therefore, it is possible to provide a refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) in which the heat source unit (20) is made quieter. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a refrigeration cycle device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the outdoor unit as viewed from the front side. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the outdoor unit as viewed from above. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outdoor heat exchanger. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a heat exchange portion of the outdoor heat exchanger. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of part of the fin of the outdoor heat exchanger. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of the outdoor unit surrounded by VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the outdoor unit taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the outdoor unit of the first modified example as viewed from the front side. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the outdoor unit of the second modification seen from the front side. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the outdoor unit of the third modified example, as viewed from the front side. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the outdoor unit of the third modified example seen from above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings are intended to conceptually explain the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, in the drawings, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified in order to facilitate understanding of the technology of the present disclosure.
[0017] <<Embodiment>> 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.
[0018] <Fluid circuit> The refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) has a fluid circuit (12). Water flows in 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, which 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).
[0019] <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 expansion valve (23), a four-way switching valve (24), an accumulator (25), and a compressor (30). The outdoor heat exchanger (21), the expansion valve (23), the four-way switching valve (24), and the compressor (30) are connected by piping (26).
[0020] 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).
[0021] 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 the fluid pipe (17) of the fluid circuit (12). The outdoor fan (22) is, for example, a propeller fan. The outdoor fan (22) generates an air flow and transports the air to be passed through the outdoor heat exchanger (21). The outdoor fan (22) is an example of a blower.
[0022] The outdoor heat exchanger (21) is a microchannel heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger (21) passes air transported by the outdoor fan (22) and exchanges heat between the passing air and the refrigerant flowing inside. The outdoor heat exchanger (21) is an example of a heat exchanger. The expansion valve (23) reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion valve (23) is, for example, an electronic expansion valve.
[0023] 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) and the third port (P3) communicate with each other and the second port (P2) and the fourth port (P4) communicate with each other (the state shown by the solid lines in FIG. 1).
[0024] 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 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).
[0025] In the present embodiment, the refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) is described as an apparatus having a refrigerant circuit (2) and a fluid circuit (12), but is not limited to this. For example, the refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) may be an air conditioner having a single refrigerant circuit (2).
[0026] <Internal structure of outdoor unit> In the following description, the up / down, front / back, left / right directions are indicated by arrows in each drawing. Unless otherwise specified, the up / down and other directions will be described according to the directions indicated by the arrows in each drawing.
[0027] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the outdoor unit (20) includes a casing (40). The casing (40) is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped box having six sides. The casing (40) is formed, for example, by combining metal plates. The casing (40) has a top panel (43), a bottom panel (44), a front panel (45), a rear panel (46), a left panel (47), and a right panel (48).
[0028] The outdoor unit (20) includes a partition structure (70). The partition structure (70) divides the inside of the casing (40) into a machine chamber (S1) and a blower chamber (S2). The partition structure (70) is formed by utilizing a part of the outdoor heat exchanger (21) and is provided so as to extend the entire length of the inside of the casing (40) in the front-rear direction from the front panel (45) to the rear panel (46). The detailed configuration of the partition structure (70) will be described later.
[0029] The casing (40) is formed with an inlet (41) and an outlet (42). The inlet (41) includes a first inlet (41A) and a second inlet (41B). The first inlet (41A) is formed in a left portion of the rear panel (46) corresponding to the blower chamber (S2). The second inlet (41B) is formed in the left panel (47). The outlet (42) is formed in a left portion of the front panel (45) corresponding to the blower chamber (S2).
[0030] The machine room (S1) is a space inside the casing (40) and located to the right of the partition structure (70) in Fig. 2. The machine room (S1) accommodates a refrigerant cylinder (5), a pipe group (8), a water heat exchanger (15), an accumulator (25), and a compressor (30).
[0031] The compressor (30) has support legs (31). The support legs (31) are supported by a plurality of first vibration-isolating members (32). The first vibration-isolating members (32) are made of, for example, rubber or urethane. The first vibration-isolating members (32) are supported by the bottom plate (44) of the casing (40). 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 (32) before being transmitted to the bottom plate (44).
[0032] The refrigerant cylinder (5) and the water heat exchanger (15) are supported on the bottom plate (44) of the casing (40). The accumulator (25) is supported by a stay (not shown) at a position separated from the bottom plate (44) of the casing (40).
[0033] The piping group (8) includes a valve element (9) and piping (26). The valve element (9) includes an 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.
[0034] The fan chamber (S2) is a space inside the casing (40) to the left of the partition structure (70) in Fig. 2. The fan chamber (S2) includes an air passage (AP) through which air flows from the inlet (41) to the outlet (42). An outdoor fan (22) and an outdoor heat exchanger (21) are disposed in the fan chamber (S2).
[0035] The outdoor fan (22) is disposed near the front of the blower chamber (S2). The outdoor fan (22) has a fan motor (22a). The fan motor (22a) is disposed rearward of the outdoor fan (22). The outdoor heat exchanger (21) is disposed so as to extend continuously rearward and to the leftward of the outdoor fan (22), and is disposed upstream of the outdoor fan (22) in the air passage (AP).
[0036] When the outdoor fan (22) is rotated, air sucked into the blower chamber (S2) through the suction port (41) passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (21). During this process, heat is exchanged between the air passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (21) and the refrigerant flowing inside the outdoor heat exchanger (21). The air after heat exchange is blown out of the outdoor unit (20) through the air outlet (42). In FIG. 3, the air flow is indicated by white arrows.
[0037] <Outdoor heat exchanger> 3 and 4, the outdoor heat exchanger (21) has an L-shaped outer shape in a plan view. The outdoor heat exchanger (21) includes a heat exchange section (50), a first header (60), and a second header (65). The heat exchange section (50) is a section that exchanges heat with the air refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger (21). The heat exchange section (50) includes a first heat exchange section (50A) and a second heat exchange section (50B).
[0038] The first heat exchange section (50A) is a main heat exchange section located behind the outdoor fan (22). The first heat exchange section (50A) has a first ventilation surface (51a). The first ventilation surface (51a) is formed along the rear panel (46) or the first suction port (41A). The second heat exchange section (50B) is an auxiliary heat exchange section located to the side of the outdoor fan (22). The second heat exchange section (50B) has a second ventilation surface (51b). The second ventilation surface (51b) is formed along the left panel (47) or the second suction port (41B). The area of the second ventilation surface (51b) is smaller than the area of the first ventilation surface (51a).
[0039] The heat exchange section (50) includes a plurality of flat tubes (52) and a plurality of fins (55).
[0040] Each of the flat tubes (52) extends between the first header (60) and the second header (65). In this example, the flat tubes (52) are formed in an L-shape in a plan view. The flat tubes (52) are made of a metal material having high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
[0041] As shown in Fig. 5, the flat tubes (52) are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the air flow, specifically, in the vertical direction. The width direction of the flat tubes (52) corresponds to the air flow direction. A wide first surface (53a) is formed at one end in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the flat tubes (52). A wide second surface (53b) is formed at the other end in the thickness direction of the flat tubes (52). In adjacent flat tubes (52), the first surface (53a) of one flat tube (52) and the second surface (53b) of the other flat tube (52) face each other.
[0042] As shown in Fig. 6, the cross section of the flat tube (52) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is elliptical, oval, or substantially rectangular extending in the air flow direction. A plurality of refrigerant flow paths (54) are formed inside the flat tube (52). The plurality of flow paths (54) are arranged in the air flow direction. In this manner, the flat tube (52) constitutes a flat porous tube. This increases the refrigerant flow path area in the flat tube (52), thereby improving the efficiency of heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger (21).
[0043] The fins (55) are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the flat tubes (52). The fins (55) are made of a metal material having high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The fins (55) are formed in a plate shape. The thickness direction of each fin (55) corresponds to the arrangement direction of the fins (55). The fins (55) divide adjacent flat tubes (52) into a plurality of ventilation passages (56) through which air flows.
[0044] The fins (55) are formed in a rectangular shape extending in the arrangement direction of the flat tubes (52). A plurality of notches (57) are formed in one side of the fins (55) in the width direction (air flow direction). The plurality of notches (57) are formed at equal intervals in the vertical direction. In this example, the notches (57) are open on the upstream side of the fins (55). One flat tube (52) is inserted and held in each notch (57).
[0045] The fin (55) has a continuous portion (58) and a plurality of intermediate portions (59). The continuous portion (58) extends in the longitudinal direction (up-down direction) of the fin (55). The intermediate portions (59) each extend from the continuous portion (58) in the width direction of the fin (55) and are disposed adjacent to one another in the longitudinal direction of the fin (55) via a notch. In this example, the intermediate portions (59) are located upstream of the fin (55), and the continuous portion (58) is located downstream of the fin (55). The ventilation passages (56) are formed between adjacent flat tubes (52) and adjacent intermediate portions (59).
[0046] The heat exchange section (50) is not limited to the above-described heat exchange section (50) that employs plug-in fins as the fins (55), and may be a heat exchange section that employs corrugated fins as the fins.
[0047] As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the first header (60) is located at one side end of the outdoor heat exchanger (21). Specifically, the first header (60) is disposed to correspond to the right side of the heat exchange section (50) and constitutes the right end of the outdoor heat exchanger (21). The first header (60) is a member extending in the vertical direction. The first header (60) is made of a metal material having high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. One end (the right end in this example) of each of the flat tubes (52) is connected to the first header (60).
[0048] The first header (60) is configured in a shape roughly like a semicylinder combined with one side of a flat rectangular parallelepiped. The first header (60) is provided so that its cylindrical portion faces the side (right side) of the outdoor heat exchanger (21). The first header (60) has a front side (61) and a rear side (62). The front side (61) is a flat surface facing the front side of the rectangular parallelepiped portion of the first header (60). The rear side (62) is a flat surface facing the rear side of the rectangular parallelepiped portion of the first header (60).
[0049] A refrigerant flow path is formed inside the first header (60). A gas refrigerant pipe (63) is connected to the vertical middle of the first header (60). A liquid refrigerant pipe (64) is connected to the lower part of the first header (60). The first header (60) connects the gas refrigerant pipe (63) and the liquid refrigerant pipe (64) to different flat tubes (52) and allows the refrigerant to flow between the gas refrigerant pipe (63) and the flat tubes (52) and between the liquid refrigerant pipe (64) and the flat tubes (52). The first header (60) is disposed closer to the machine room (S1) (to the right in this example) than a portion of the blower room (S2) that corresponds to the front side of the first suction port (41A). The first header (60) constitutes a part of the partition structure (70).
[0050] The second header (65) is located at the other side end of the outdoor heat exchanger (21). Specifically, the second header (65) is disposed at a left front side end of the heat exchange section (50) so as to correspond to the side end, and constitutes the left front end of the outdoor heat exchanger (21). The second header (65) is a member extending in the vertical direction. The second header (65) is made of a metal material having high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
[0051] The second header (65) is connected to the other end (the left front end in this example) of each of the flat tubes (52). A refrigerant flow path is formed inside the second header (65). The flow path includes a communication path that connects the ends of certain flat tubes (52) to each other. The second header (65) enables the refrigerant to flow between the flat tubes (52) whose right end is connected to the gas refrigerant pipe (63) via the first header (60) and the flat tubes (52) whose right end is connected to the liquid refrigerant pipe (64) via the first header (60).
[0052] <Partition structure> As shown in Fig. 3, the partition structure (70) is formed by utilizing the first header (60) of the outdoor heat exchanger (21). Specifically, the partition structure (70) includes a first header (60), a first partition (71), and a second partition (100). At least one fastener (80) is attached to the first header (60). The fastener (80) is a non-metallic member attached to the first header (60).
[0053] As shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the outdoor unit (20) of this example includes a first fixing device (80A) and a second fixing device (80B) as the fixing device (80). The first fixing device (80A) is attached to the upper end of the first header (60). The first fixing device (80A) is also shown by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 3. The second fixing device (80B) is attached to the lower end of the first header (60) (see Fig. 8). The first fixing device (80A) and the second fixing device (80B) are formed of, for example, synthetic resin.
[0054] The first fixing device (80A) has a cover portion (81), a first leg portion (83), and a second leg portion (86). The cover portion (81), the first leg portion (83), and the second leg portion (86) are integrally formed. The cover portion (81) covers an upper end portion of the first header (60) of the first fixing device (80A). A recess (82) into which the upper end portion of the first header (60) fits is formed on the lower surface of the cover portion (81). The recess (82) is formed in a shape corresponding to the upper end portion of the first header (60).
[0055] The first leg portion (83) is formed in a plate shape extending downward from the front edge portion of the cover portion (81). A first hook piece (84) is provided on the outer surface of the first leg portion (83). The first hook piece (84) extends from the right end portion of the first leg portion (83) to the left side. A concave first holding portion (85) is formed between the first hook piece (84) and the first leg portion (83). The first holding portion (85) is open on both the top and bottom sides and on the left side. A first claw (84a) is provided on the tip portion of the first hook piece (84). The first claw (84a) protrudes into the first holding portion (85).
[0056] The second leg portion (86) is formed in a plate shape extending downward from the rear edge portion of the cover portion (81). A second hook piece (87) is provided on the outer surface of the first leg portion (83). The second hook piece (87) extends to the right side from a portion near the left end of the first leg portion (83). A concave second retaining portion (88) is formed between the second hook piece (87) and the second leg portion (86). The second retaining portion (88) is open on both the top and bottom sides and to the right side. A second claw (87a) is provided on the tip portion of the second hook piece (87). The second claw (87a) protrudes into the second retaining portion (88).
[0057] The second fixing device (80B) has a configuration corresponding to the first fixing device (80A). Detailed description of the configuration of the second fixing device (80B) is omitted, and the configuration corresponding to the first fixing device (80A) is described with the same reference numerals. The second fixing device (80B) has a cover portion (81), a first leg portion (83), and a second leg portion (86). The cover portion (81) covers the lower end portion of the first header (60) of the second fixing device (80B). The first leg portion (83) is provided with a first hook piece (84) having a first claw (84a). The second leg portion (86) is provided with a second hook piece (87) having a second claw (87a).
[0058] The first partition portion (71) is a portion of the partition structure portion (70) that separates the windward side of the first header (60). Here, "the windward side of the first header (60)" means a portion of the heat exchange portion (50) adjacent to the first header (60), which in this example means the upstream side in the direction in which air passing through the first heat exchange portion (50) flows toward the air outlet (42). As shown in Fig. 7, the first partition portion (71) includes a frame member (90) and a first sealant (96).
[0059] The frame member (90) is an example of a plate member. The frame member (90) is composed of a long, narrow metal plate. The frame member (90) is formed, for example, from steel. The frame member (90) has a main plate portion (91) and a fixing piece (92). The main plate portion (91) has a shallow concave shape. The fixing piece (92) extends from one end of the main plate portion (91) toward the side where the concave opening faces, and then protrudes laterally. The frame member (90) is installed in an upright position so that the longitudinal direction corresponds to the up-down direction.
[0060] The frame member (90) is fixed to the bottom plate (44) of the casing (40) with the concave opening of the main plate portion (91) facing rearward. The rear panel (46) of the casing (40) is fixed to the fixing pieces (92) of the frame member (90) at multiple locations spaced apart in the longitudinal direction using fasteners (95) such as bolts. In this way, the frame member (90) supports the rear panel (46). First latched portions (93) are provided at the upper and lower ends of the main plate portion (91) of the frame member (90). A first latch hole (94) is formed in each of the first latched portions (93).
[0061] The upper first latched portion (93) is fitted into the second holding portion (88) of the first fixing device (80A). The second claw (87a) of the second latch piece (87) of the first fixing device (80A) is inserted into and hooked onto the first latch hole (94) of the upper first latched portion (93). The lower first latched portion (93) is fitted into the second holding portion (88) of the second fixing device (80B). The second claw (87a) of the second latch piece (87) of the second fixing device (80B) is inserted into and hooked onto the first latch hole (94) of the lower first latched portion (93).
[0062] In this manner, the frame member (90) is fixed to the first fixing device (80A) and the second fixing device (80B) without contacting the first header (60). A first gap (g1) is provided between the frame member (90) and the first header (60). The main plate portion (91) of the frame member (90) and the rear side surface of the first header (60) face each other via the first gap (g1).
[0063] The first sealant (96) is provided in the first gap (g1) between the frame member (90) and the first header (60), and is sandwiched between the main plate portion (91) of the frame member (90) and the rear side surface (62) of the first header (60). As a result, the first gap (g1) between the frame member (90) and the first header (60) is sealed by the first sealant (96). The first sealant (96) is made of a non-breathable material. The first sealant (96) is made of, for example, closed-cell urethane.
[0064] The second partition portion (100) is a portion of the partition structure portion (70) that partitions the leeward side of the first header (60). Here, the "leeward side of the first header (60)" means a portion of the heat exchange portion (50) adjacent to the first header (60), which in this example means the downstream side in the direction in which air passing through the first heat exchange portion (50) flows toward the air outlet (42). The second partition portion (100) includes a partition plate (101) and a second sealant (106).
[0065] The partition plate (101) is made of a metal plate material. The partition plate (101) is made of, for example, steel. The partition plate (101) is provided in an upright position and fixed to the bottom plate (44) of the casing (40). The partition plate (101) extends rearward from the rear surface of the front panel (45), and its rear portion is curved to the right. A second latched portion (102) is provided at each of the rear end of the partition plate (101), i.e., the upper end and the lower end of the curved right end. A second latch hole (103) is formed in each of the second latched portions (102).
[0066] The upper second latched portion (102) is fitted into the first holding portion (85) of the first fixing device (80A). The first claw (84a) of the first latch piece (84) of the first fixing device (80A) is inserted into and hooked onto the second hook hole (103) of the upper second latched portion (102). The lower second latched portion (102) is fitted into the first holding portion (85) of the second fixing device (80B). The first claw (84a) of the first latch piece (84) of the second fixing device (80B) is inserted into and hooked onto the second hook hole (103) of the lower second latched portion (102).
[0067] In this manner, the partition plate (101) is fixed to the first fixing device (80A) and the second fixing device (80B) without contacting the first header (60). A second gap (g2) is provided between the partition plate (101) and the first header (60). The curved portion of the partition plate (101) and the front side surface (61) of the first header (60) face each other via the second gap (g2).
[0068] The second sealant (106) is provided in the second gap (g2) between the partition plate (101) and the first header (60), and is sandwiched between the curved portion of the partition plate (101) and the front side surface (61) of the first header (60). As a result, the second gap (g2) between the partition plate (101) and the first header (60) is sealed by the second sealant (106). The second sealant (106) is made of a non-breathable material. The second sealant (106) is made of, for example, closed-cell urethane.
[0069] -Features of the embodiment- In the outdoor unit (20) of this embodiment, the inside of the casing (40) is divided into a machine room (S1) and a blower room (S2) by a partition structure (70). The partition structure (70) includes a first header (60) that is a part of the heat exchanger (21). The windward side of the first header (60) is divided by a first partition (71). The leeward side of the first header (60) is divided by a second partition (100). By using the first header (60) as the partition structure (70) in this manner to divide both sides of the first header (60), the machine room (S1) can be closed and isolated from the outside. This makes it possible to prevent noise generated in the machine room (S1) from leaking to the outside.
[0070] In the outdoor unit (20) of this embodiment, a non-metallic first fixing member (80A) and a second fixing member (80B) are attached to the first header (60). The frame member (90) forming the first partition portion (71) is fixed to the first fixing member (80A) and the second fixing member (80B) without contacting the first header (60). This makes it possible to prevent electrical contact between the first header (60) and the frame member (90). The first gap (g1) between the frame member (90) and the first header (60) is sealed by the first sealant (96). This ensures soundproofing of the first partition portion (71).
[0071] In the outdoor unit (20) of this embodiment, a first fixing member (80A) and a second fixing member (80B) made of non-metallic material are attached to the first header (60). The partition plate (101) constituting the second partition portion (100) is fixed to the first fixing member (80A) and the second fixing member (80B) without contacting the first header (60). This makes it possible to prevent electrical corrosion between the first header (60) and the partition plate (101). The second gap (g2) between the partition plate (101) and the first header (60) is sealed by the second seal material (106). This ensures soundproofing of the second partition portion (100).
[0072] The refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) of this embodiment includes an outdoor unit (20). The outdoor unit (20) has a high soundproofing effect against noise generated in the machine room (S1). Therefore, it is possible to provide a refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) with a quieter outdoor unit (20).
[0073] Variation 1 As shown in FIG. 9, the outdoor unit (20) of the first modified example includes a sound-insulating member (110) and a first sound-absorbing material (120). The sound-insulating member (110) is disposed in a machine room (S1) inside the casing (40). The sound-insulating member (110) is formed in a box shape with an opening at the bottom. The sound-insulating member (110) is supported by the bottom plate (44) of the casing (40). The sound-insulating member (110) is made of a non-breathable member. The sound-insulating member (110) is made of, for example, a metal plate or a rubber sheet.
[0074] The sound-insulating member (110) defines an accommodation space (115) that accommodates the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25). The sound-insulating member (110) covers the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25). In addition to the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25), the accommodation space (115) of the sound-insulating member (110) accommodates the refrigerant cylinder (5), the pipe group (8), and the water heat exchanger (15). The sound-insulating member (110) covers the refrigerant cylinder (5), the pipe group (8), and the water heat exchanger (15).
[0075] A gap is provided between the outer surface of the sound insulation member (110) and the inner surface of the casing (40). The inner surface of the casing (40) includes the surface of the partition structure (70) facing the machine room (S1). A first sound absorbing material (120) is provided in the gap between the outer surface of the sound insulation member (110) and the inner surface of the casing (40). The first sound absorbing material (120) is made of, for example, urethane. The first sound absorbing material (120) is disposed on the outer surface sides of the upper wall, front wall, rear wall, and right wall of the sound insulation member (110).
[0076] The outdoor unit (20) of the first modification has a double sound-insulating structure of the sound-insulating member (110) and the casing (40), which 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 (120) can prevent a decrease in sound-insulating performance due to the low-frequency resonance transmission phenomenon, thereby improving the soundproofing effect.
[0077] 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.
[0078] In contrast, in the present embodiment, the first sound-absorbing material (120) is provided in the gap between the outer surface of the sound-insulating member (110) and the inner surface of the casing (40), thereby making it possible to suppress the occurrence of the resonance phenomenon in which the air in the gap between the sound-insulating member (110) and the casing (40) acts as a spring and vibrates.
[0079] In the outdoor unit (20) of the first modified example, the sound insulation member (110) can prevent sound generated in the water heat exchanger (15) from leaking out of the machine room (S1).
[0080] In the outdoor unit (20) of the first modified example, the sound-proofing member (110) can prevent the refrigerant passing sound generated when the refrigerant passes through the valve body (9) from leaking out to the outside of the machine room (S1).
[0081] Variation 2 As shown in Fig. 10, the outdoor unit (20) of the second modification includes a second sound absorbing material (130) in addition to the sound insulation member (110) and the first sound absorbing material (120) as in the first modification. The second sound absorbing material (130) is provided on the inner surface of the sound insulation member (110). The second sound absorbing material (130) is made of, for example, urethane. The second sound absorbing material (130) is provided on the inner surfaces of the upper wall, front wall, rear wall, left wall, and right wall of the sound insulation member (110).
[0082] In the outdoor unit (20) of the second modified example, the second sound-absorbing material (130) absorbs the radiated sound and vibration sound from the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25), thereby improving the soundproofing effect.
[0083] Specifically, when the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25), which are sound sources, are enclosed in a sound-proofing member (110), which is a box-shaped member, the sound is reflected by the sound-proofing member (110), 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 (110) is not present.
[0084] As a result, the sound pressure level outside the sound insulation member (110) is equal to the sound pressure level without the sound insulation member (110) minus the transmission loss and build-up of the sound insulation member (110). Therefore, the amount of sound reduction achieved by providing the sound insulation member (110) is smaller than the value expected based on the transmission loss.
[0085] Therefore, in this embodiment, the second sound absorbing material (130) is provided on the inner surface of the sound insulation member (110) to attenuate the sound pressure level inside the sound insulation member (110), thereby making it possible to suppress build-up.
[0086] Variation 3 As shown in FIG. 11, the outdoor unit (20) of the third modified example has a double vibration-proof structure for supporting the compressor (30). The compressor (30) has support legs (31). The support legs (31) are supported by a plurality of first vibration-proof members (32). The first vibration-proof members (32) are supported by a first support member (34). The first support member (34) is supported by a plurality of second vibration-proof members (33). The second vibration-proof members (33) are supported by a second support member (35). In the example shown in FIG. 11, the second support member (35) is a bottom plate (44) of the casing (40).
[0087] The first vibration-isolating member (32) and the second vibration-isolating member (33) are made of rubber or urethane. The material and spring constant of the first vibration-isolating member (32) and the material and spring constant of the second vibration-isolating member (33) may be the same as or different from each other.
[0088] The compressor (30) is disposed on a double vibration-isolating structure including a first vibration-isolating member (32), a first support member (34), and a second vibration-isolating member (33). 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.
[0089] 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 (44) of the casing (40).
[0090] The outdoor unit (20) of the third modification includes, like the second modification, a sound insulating member (110), a first sound absorbing material (120), and a second sound absorbing material (130).
[0091] The sound insulation member (110) is supported by the bottom plate (44) of the casing (40). As shown in Fig. 12, the sound insulation member (110) accommodates in its accommodation space (115) the compressor (30), the accumulator (25), the refrigerant cylinder (5), the pipe group (8), and the water heat exchanger (15). The sound insulation member (110) covers the compressor (30), the accumulator (25), the refrigerant cylinder (5), the pipe group (8), and the water heat exchanger (15).
[0092] A gap is provided between the outer surface of the sound insulation member (110) and the inner surface of the casing (40). A first sound absorbing material (120) is provided in the gap between the outer surface of the sound insulation member (110) and the inner surface of the casing (40). A second sound absorbing material (130) is provided on the inner surface of the sound insulation member (110). The first sound absorbing material (120) and the second sound absorbing material (130) are made of, for example, urethane.
[0093] According to the outdoor unit (20) of the third modified example, the compressor (30) is supported by a double vibration-isolating structure in which the first vibration-isolating member (32) and the second vibration-isolating member (33) are stacked, thereby damping the vibration of the compressor (30). This reduces the vibration transmitted from the compressor (30) to the first support member (34) and the second support member (35) and the vibration transmitted from the compressor (30) to the piping (26), thereby suppressing the generation of vibration noise caused by the vibration of the first support member (34) and the second support member (35) and the piping (26).
[0094] Other Embodiments In the above embodiment and each of the modified examples, the following configurations may be adopted.
[0095] The first partition (71) may be configured to include a plate member other than the frame member (90). For example, the first partition (71) may include a partition plate as a plate member instead of or in addition to the frame member (90).
[0096] A third fastener made of a non-metallic material (e.g., synthetic resin) may be provided as the fastener (80) in the middle of the first header (60) in the longitudinal direction. The third fastener fixes one or both of the frame member (90) and the partition plate (101) without contacting the first header (60). The third fastener may be provided in addition to the first fastener (80A) and the second fastener (80B), or may be provided in place of one or both of the first fastener (80A) and the second fastener (80B).
[0097] Each of the fasteners (80), such as the first fastener (80A), the second fastener (80B), and the third fastener, may be formed from a non-metallic material other than synthetic resin, such as an elastomer or rubber.
[0098] 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.
[0099] The heat source unit (20) of the refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) may not have a water heat exchanger, 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.
[0100] 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.
[0101] The sound insulation member (110) may cover only the compressor (30), or may cover only the compressor (30), the accumulator (25), and the piping connecting the two.
[0102] The water heat exchanger (15) and the refrigerant cylinder (5) may be supported by a first vibration isolating member (32) or a second vibration isolating member (33), respectively.
[0103] Although the embodiment and the modified examples have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications of the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. In addition, the elements of the above embodiment, modified examples, and other embodiments may be appropriately combined or substituted.
[0104] 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]
[0105] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the present disclosure is useful for a heat source unit and a refrigeration cycle apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]
[0106] S1 Machine room S2 Blower room 1 Refrigeration cycle equipment 20 Outdoor unit (heat source unit) 21 Outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 22 Outdoor fan (blower) 30 Compressor 40 Casing 52 Flat tube 54 Coolant flow path 55 Finn 60 First Header (Header) 70 Partition structure 71 First Partition 80 Fixtures 90 Frame members (plate members) 96 First sealing material 100 Second partition 101 Partition 106 Second sealing material
Claims
1. A casing (40); a partition structure (70) that divides the inside of the casing (40) into a machine chamber (S1) and a blower chamber (S2); a compressor (30) disposed in the machine room (S1); a blower (22) and a heat exchanger (21) disposed in the blower chamber (S2), The heat exchanger (21) is a heat source unit that passes air transported by the blower (22) and exchanges heat between the passing air and a refrigerant therein, The heat exchanger (21) includes a plurality of flat tubes (52) having a refrigerant flow path (54) formed therein, fins (55) dividing adjacent flat tubes (52) into a plurality of ventilation passages (56) through which air flows, and a header (60) to which ends of the plurality of flat tubes (52) are connected, The partition structure (70) of the heat source unit includes the header (60), a first partition (71) that separates the windward side of the header (60), and a second partition (100) that separates the leeward side of the header (60).
2. The heat source unit according to claim 1, at least one non-metallic fastener (80) attached to the header (60); the first partition portion (71) is a heat source unit comprising: a plate member (90) fixed to the fixing device (80) without contacting the header (60); and a first sealant (96) that seals a first gap (g1) between the plate member (90) and the header (60).
3. The heat source unit according to claim 1, at least one non-metallic fastener (80) attached to the header (60); The second partition portion (100) is a heat source unit including a partition plate (101) fixed to the fixing device (80) without contacting the header (60), and a second sealant (106) that seals a second gap (g2) between the partition plate (101) and the header (60).
4. A refrigeration cycle apparatus comprising the heat source unit (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Outdoor unit and refrigeration cycle device
WO2023007603A1