Outdoor unit of heat pump device

Abstract

To provide an outdoor unit of a heat pump device capable of improving removal performance for foreign matter adhering to pipes and the like of a heat exchanger.SOLUTION: An outdoor unit 100 comprises: a housing 110 having an opening, and an air passage formed therein that leads to the opening; a heat exchanger 120 provided in the air passage; a fan 130 provided in the air passage; and an opening area change device 200 that can change an opening area at the opening in which the air passage leads to the outside of the housing. The opening area change device 200 can be set to a first state in which the opening area is a first area, a second state in which the opening area is a second area that is smaller than the first area and is not zero, and a third state in which the opening area is zero. The second state is a state in which a central portion of the opening is blocked.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an outdoor unit of a heat pump device.

Background Art

[0002] In an outdoor unit that houses a heat exchanger and a fan for air-cooling the heat exchanger, there is known a device including a timer that measures a predetermined time and outputs a time signal representing the measured time, a fan motor that rotationally drives the fan, and a fan motor control device that rotates the fan motor forward and reversely, and that reverses the fan every predetermined time based on the time signal from the timer (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described above, the outdoor unit of the heat pump device as shown in Patent Document 1 aims to peel off and remove foreign matter or the like adhering to the outer surface of the heat exchanger by reversing the fan every predetermined time. However, even when the fan is reversed, there may be a case where an airflow with sufficient strength to peel off foreign matter or the like adhering to the outer surface of the heat exchanger cannot be obtained.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems. An object thereof is to provide an outdoor unit of a heat pump device capable of improving the performance of removing foreign matter or the like adhering to pipes or the like of a heat exchanger.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The outdoor unit of the heat pump device according to the present disclosure includes a housing in which an opening is formed and an air passage communicating with the opening is formed inside, a heat exchanger provided in the air passage, a fan provided in the air passage, and an opening area changing means capable of changing an opening area through which the air passage communicates with the outside of the housing at the opening, and the opening area changing means can be in a first state in which the opening area is a first area, a second state in which the opening area is smaller than the first area and is a second area that is not zero, and a third state in which the opening area is zero, and in the second state, the central portion of the opening is shielded.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the outdoor unit of the heat pump device according to the present disclosure, there is an effect that the performance of removing foreign matters or the like attached to the pipes or the like of the heat exchanger can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

[0009] A mode for implementing the outdoor unit of the heat pump apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are appropriately simplified or omitted. In the following description, for convenience, the positional relationship of each structure may be expressed based on the illustrated state. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and within a range not departing from the gist of the present disclosure, a free combination of each embodiment, a modification of any component of each embodiment, or an omission of any component of each embodiment is possible.

[0010] Embodiment 1. Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the outdoor unit of the heat pump apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the opening area changing part of the outdoor unit. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the outdoor unit of the heat pump apparatus. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the time of maintenance operation of the outdoor unit. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the time of maintenance operation of the outdoor unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a variation of the configuration of the opening area changing part of the outdoor unit. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the first modification of the outdoor unit. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the second modification of the outdoor unit. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system in the third modification of the outdoor unit of the heat pump apparatus. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for realizing the functions of the control device of the outdoor unit of the heat pump apparatus.

[0011] The heat pump device according to this disclosure can be applied to, for example, air conditioners including room air conditioners and commercial package air conditioners, water heaters, showcases, refrigerators, chiller systems, and the like. The outdoor unit 100 of the heat pump device according to this embodiment is assumed to be installed outdoors. As shown in FIG. 1, the outdoor unit 100 includes a housing 110, a heat exchanger 120, and a fan 130. The housing 110 is a member that forms the outer shell of the outdoor unit 100. Inside the housing 110, the heat exchanger 120 and the fan 130 are accommodated.

[0012] The housing 110 is formed with a suction port 111 and a blowout port 112. The suction port 111 and the blowout port 112 are openings formed in the housing 110. In the present disclosure, the suction port 111 and the blowout port 112 are collectively referred to as the openings formed in the housing 110, or simply as openings.

[0013] An air passage is formed inside the housing 110. The air passage inside the housing 110 communicates with each of the suction port 111 and the blowout port 112, which are openings formed in the housing 110. Inside the air passage formed inside the housing 110, the heat exchanger 120 and the fan 130 are arranged.

[0014] In the illustrated example, the fan 130 is an axial flow fan (propeller fan). However, the fan 130 is not limited to an axial flow fan, and may be, for example, a sirocco fan, a turbo fan, a cross flow fan, or the like. When the fan 130 operates, an air flow is generated in the air passage from the suction port 111 side toward the blowout port 112 side.

[0015] In the illustrated example, the heat exchanger 120 is arranged on the suction port 111 side in the air passage. In other words, the heat exchanger 120 is arranged on the upstream side of the fan 130 in the air passage. Also, the fan 130 is arranged on the blowout port 112 side in the air passage. In other words, the fan 130 is arranged on the downstream side of the heat exchanger 120 in the air passage.

[0016] When the fan 130 operates, the air outside the housing 110 flows into the housing 110 through the suction port 111. Then, the air flowing into the housing 110 from the suction port 111 passes through the heat exchanger 120 in the air duct. When passing through the heat exchanger 120, heat exchange occurs between the air and the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 120, and the air is heated or cooled. The air heated or cooled by the heat exchanger 120 is discharged from the air outlet 112 to the outside of the housing 110 after passing through the fan 130 in the air duct.

[0017] In the configuration example described here, the heat exchanger 120 is of the fin-tube type. That is, the heat exchanger 120 includes a plurality of fins 121, a pair of header pipes 122, and a plurality of flat pipes 123. The pair of header pipes 122 are arranged in parallel with each other at a preset distance. The plurality of flat pipes 123 are arranged between the pair of header pipes 122. The plurality of flat pipes 123 are arranged in parallel. Each flat pipe 123 is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the pair of header pipes 122. One end of each flat pipe 123 is connected to one of the pair of header pipes 122. The other end of each flat pipe 123 is connected to the other of the pair of header pipes 122. And a plurality of fins are provided so as to contact each flat pipe 123.

[0018] The flat pipe 123 is a heat transfer pipe having a flat cross-sectional outer shape. Inside the flat pipe 123, for example, a plurality of refrigerant flow paths partitioned by partition walls are formed. Also, the inside of each header pipe 122 is hollow, and the refrigerant flows through the pipe. The refrigerant flow paths of each flat pipe 123 communicate with the inside of the pair of header pipes 122.

[0019] The refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger 120 is distributed to each flat pipe 123 in one of the header pipes 122. Then, the refrigerant passing through each flat pipe 123 converges in the other header pipe 122 and flows out of the heat exchanger 120.

[0020] One or both of the header pipe 122 and the flat pipe 123 of the heat exchanger 120 are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy as the base material. In the present disclosure, one or both of the header pipe 122 and the flat pipe 123 may be simply referred to as pipes. The heat exchanger 120 configured as described above has pipes made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy as the base material and through which a refrigerant flows inside.

[0021] The pipes of the heat exchanger 120 may have a sacrificial anti-corrosion layer. The sacrificial anti-corrosion layer is formed on the outer surface of the pipes. The sacrificial anti-corrosion layer is a layer made of a metal that acts as a sacrificial anode with respect to passivated aluminum, that is, aluminum oxide. Specifically, for example, the metal constituting the sacrificial anti-corrosion layer is an alloy containing zinc and aluminum or zinc. Further, the outer surface of the pipes of the heat exchanger 120 may be coated with an anti-corrosion coating.

[0022] The outdoor unit 100 according to this embodiment includes an opening area changing device 200. The opening area changing device 200 is provided at the opening of the housing 110. In the configuration example described here, a first opening area changing device 200a is provided at the suction port 111 of the housing 110, and a second opening area changing device 200b is provided at the blowout port 112 of the housing 110. In the present disclosure, these first opening area changing device 200a and second opening area changing device 200b are not distinguished and are collectively referred to as the opening area changing device 200.

[0023] The opening area changing device 200 includes an opening area changing portion 210, a winding portion 220, and a rail 230. The opening area changing portion 210 is, for example, a member in the shape of a shutter curtain or a screen. The opening area changing portion 210 is configured, for example, by arranging and connecting a plurality of rectangular plate-shaped members or a sheet-like member. The winding portion 220 has a winding shaft and a motor for rotating the winding shaft. The winding portion 220 is provided at both edges of the opening of the housing 110. In the illustrated example, the winding portion 220 is provided at the upper edge portion and the lower edge portion of the opening of the housing 110, respectively.

[0024] One end side of the opening area changing part 210 is wound by the winding shaft of one winding part 220. The other end side of the opening area changing part 210 is wound by the winding shaft of the other winding part 220. By rotating the winding shaft of the winding part 220 with a motor, the opening area changing part 210 can be wound onto the winding part 220 or paid out from the winding part 220. Further, rails 230 are respectively provided on both edges in the width direction of the opening of the housing 110. When the opening area changing part 210 is moved up and down by the winding part 220, both ends in the width direction of the opening area changing part 210 are guided by these rails 230.

[0025] Note that the winding part 220 may be arranged at both left and right edge parts of the opening of the housing 110 so that the opening area changing part 210 is moved in the left - right direction. Also, when the heat exchanger 120 is L - shaped, by making the opening area changing part 210 movable left and right and arranging the rails 230 in an arcuate shape, it can be moved without a gap.

[0026] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the configuration of the opening area changing part 210 will be described. As shown in the figure, the opening area changing part 210 has an opening part 211 and a shielding part 212. The opening part 211 is a part where an opening penetrating the opening area changing part 210 is formed. The shielding part 212 is a part of the opening area changing part 210 other than the opening part 211. The opening area changing part 210 has at least three regions: a first region, a second region, and a third region. Each of these first region, second region, and third region is larger than the opening of the housing 110.

[0027] In the first region, an opening part 211 having substantially the same shape as the opening of the housing 110 is formed. The third region is a region having no opening part 211 and only the shielding part 212. The second region is a region having both the opening part 211 and the shielding part 212. In the second region, the shielding part 212 is provided at least in the central part of the region. And the opening part 211 is provided around this central shielding part 212. In other words, the central part of the opening part 211 in the second region is shielded by the shielding part 212.

[0028] In the opening 211 of the second region, for example, support members such as wires, meshes, nets, etc. are provided. The shielding portion 212 of the second region is connected to other portions of the opening area changing portion 210 by this support member. As a result, the shielding portion 212 of the second region is supported at the center of the opening 211 without being separated or detached from other portions of the opening area changing portion 210.

[0029] The opening area of the opening 211 in the first region is the first area. The opening area of the opening 211 in the second region is the second area. The second area is smaller than the first area and is a non-zero area. As described above, since there is no opening 211 in the third region and only the shielding portion 212, the opening area of the third region is 0.

[0030] In the opening area changing device 200 configured as described above, by rotating the winding shafts of the winding portions 220 at both ends in conjunction, the area of the opening area changing portion 210 disposed at the opening of the housing 110 can be changed. The opening area changing device 200 is an example of an opening area changing means capable of changing the opening area at the opening of the housing 110. Here, the opening area at the opening of the housing 110 is the opening area through which the air passage in the housing 110 communicates with the outside of the housing 110 at the opening of the housing 110.

[0031] In the outdoor unit 100 according to this embodiment, the opening area changing device 200 can change the state of the opening of the housing 110 to a first state, a second state, and a third state by changing the area of the opening area changing portion 210 disposed at the opening of the housing 110 by the winding portion 220.

[0032] The first state is a state in which the first region of the opening area changing portion 210 is disposed at the opening of the housing 110. In this first state, the opening 211 of the first region is disposed at the opening of the housing 110. Therefore, in the first state, the opening area at the opening of the housing 110 becomes the first area described above. The first state is a state in which the opening of the housing 110 is fully opened.

[0033] The second state is a state in which the second region of the opening area changing unit 210 is arranged at the opening of the housing 110. In this second state, the opening 211 and the shielding portion 212 of the second region are arranged at the opening of the housing 110. Therefore, in the second state, the opening area at the opening of the housing 110 becomes the second area described above. The second state is a state in which the central portion of the opening of the housing 110 is shielded and the portion near the outer periphery is opened.

[0034] The third state is a state in which the third region of the opening area changing unit 210 is arranged at the opening of the housing 110. In this third state, the shielding portion 212 of the third region is arranged at the opening of the housing 110. Therefore, in the third state, the opening area at the opening of the housing 110 becomes zero. That is, the opening of the housing 110 is completely shielded by the shielding portion 212 of the opening area changing unit 210. The third state is a state in which the opening of the housing 110 is fully closed.

[0035] Next, the control system of the outdoor unit 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The outdoor unit 100 includes a control device 300. The control device 300 controls the overall operation of the heat pump device including the outdoor unit 100. The control device 300 controls the operation of the heat pump device, for example, by controlling the operation of the fan 130 of the outdoor unit 100, a compressor (not shown), the fan of the indoor unit, etc. In the example described here, the control device 300 can cause the heat pump device to perform normal operation and maintenance operation, and can switch or stop these operations. Note that the maintenance operation is an operation performed when performing maintenance such as inspection, repair, maintenance, and cleaning of the heat pump device.

[0036] The control device 300 also controls the operation of the winding unit 220 of the opening area changing device 200. The control device 300 changes the state of the opening area changing device 200 according to the operating state of the heat pump device. Specifically, when the heat pump device is operating normally, as shown in FIG. 1, the control device 300 controls the operation of the opening area changing device 200 so that the first region of the opening area changing unit 210 is arranged at the opening of the housing 110. That is, the opening area changing device 200 sets the opening of the housing 110 to the aforementioned first state during the normal operation of the heat pump device. In this first state, both of the two openings, the suction port 111 and the blowout port 112 of the housing 110, are fully open. Therefore, external air can be efficiently taken into the air passage in the housing 110 and passed through the heat exchanger 120.

[0037] When the control device 300 is performing maintenance operation on the heat pump device, as shown in FIG. 4, the control device 300 controls the operation of the opening area changing device 200 so that the second region of the opening area changing unit 210 is arranged at the opening of the housing 110. That is, the opening area changing device 200 sets the opening of the housing 110 to the aforementioned second state during the maintenance operation of the heat pump device. Then, the control device 300 operates the fan 130. At this time, the rotation speed of the fan 130 is preferably maximized.

[0038] When a heat exchanger 120 having pipes made of a base material such as aluminum is used in the outdoor unit 100, if metal powder such as copper and iron and moisture adhere to the pipes, dissimilar metal contact corrosion occurs. If this corrosion progresses, it may cause refrigerant leakage from the pipes. In particular, in factories, near railway lines, etc., a large amount of metal powder such as copper and iron and water vapor are generated. When the outdoor unit 100 is installed in such an environment, even if measures such as a sacrificial anticorrosion layer and anticorrosion coating are taken on the pipes of the heat exchanger 120, the sacrificial anticorrosion layer and the like may deteriorate quickly and there is a risk that the anticorrosion effect cannot be maintained.

[0039] In the outdoor unit 100 according to this embodiment, during the maintenance operation of the heat pump device, the opening of the housing 110 is set to the aforementioned second state and the fan 130 is operated. That is, during the maintenance operation, the fan 130 is operated with the opening of the housing 110 narrowed compared to the normal operation. By narrowing the opening of the housing 110, the wind speed of the airflow flowing into the air passage of the housing 110 can be increased. Therefore, foreign matters and the like adhering to the pipes and the like of the heat exchanger 120 that could not be blown off when the opening of the housing 110 was fully open can be blown off and removed by a stronger airflow. Thus, it is possible to improve the removal performance of metal powder, moisture, dust and dirt that easily adsorb moisture, and corrosive substances such as chlorine and sulfur contained in the outside air, which adhere to the pipes and the like of the heat exchanger 120. In particular, even in an environment where corrosion easily progresses, such as in the aforementioned factory or near a railway line, the anticorrosive effect by painting and sacrificial layers can be maintained, and the safety and reliability of the outdoor unit 100 can be improved.

[0040] Also, in the second state, the central portion of the opening of the housing 110 is shielded, and the portion closer to the outer periphery than the shielded portion is open. Here, the header pipes 122 at both ends of the heat exchanger 120 are particularly vulnerable to corrosion. The open portions of the opening of the housing 110 that are not shielded generally correspond to the positions of the header pipes 122 at both ends of the heat exchanger 120. Therefore, a strong airflow can be applied to the header pipes 122 of the heat exchanger 120, and thereby, it is possible to intensively remove metal powder, moisture, and the like adhering between the most corrosion-prone header pipes 122 and the fins 121.

[0041] Furthermore, when the fan 130 is an axial flow fan, the wind pressure generated by the fan 130 is low at the central portion close to the rotation axis of the fan 130 and high in the region close to the outer peripheral end of the blades. In the second state, the open portions of the opening of the housing 110 that are not shielded generally correspond to the region close to the outer peripheral end of the fan 130 where such high wind pressure is present. Therefore, the wind speed of the airflow flowing into the air passage of the housing 110 can be increased more efficiently, and it is possible to further improve the removal performance of foreign matters and the like adhering to the pipes and the like of the heat exchanger 120.

[0042] When the control device 300 stops the operation of the heat pump device, as shown in FIG. 5, it controls the operation of the opening area changing device 200 so that the third area of the opening area changing part 210 is arranged at the opening of the housing 110. That is, the opening area changing device 200 changes the opening of the housing 110 to the aforementioned third state when the operation of the heat pump device stops. In this third state, both of the two openings, the suction port 111 and the blowout port 112 of the housing 110, are fully closed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent metal powder and moisture from entering the housing 110 from the suction port 111 and the blowout port 112 of the housing 110 while the heat pump device is stopped. In particular, even when the unused state continues for a long period of time, or when the heat pump device is not supplied with power, it is possible to maintain the anticorrosion performance of the piping of the heat exchanger 120, and the safety and reliability of the outdoor unit 100 can be improved.

[0043] At least any one of water repellent processing, waterproof processing, and electrification processing may be performed on the opening area changing part 210 of the opening area changing device 200 in particular. By performing water repellent processing and waterproof processing, it is possible to more effectively suppress the entry of moisture into the housing 110 due to the adhesion and penetration of moisture to the opening area changing part 210. In addition, metal powders such as copper powder and iron powder are often cations due to oxidation. Therefore, by processing the opening area changing part 210 to be positively charged, it is possible to more effectively suppress the entry of metal powder into the housing 110 due to the adhesion of metal powder to the opening area changing part 210. It is possible to more effectively prevent the adhesion and entry of metal powder.

[0044] FIG. 6 shows variations in the shapes of the opening 211 and the shielding part 212 in particular in the second area of the opening area changing part 210. In what is shown in FIG. 2, the shielding part 212 in the second area of the opening area changing part 210 is circular, elliptical, oval, or rounded rectangular, and the opening 211 also has a shape similar to that of the shielding part 212. Note that the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the shielding part 212 may be described as the shape of the inner peripheral edge of the opening 211.

[0045] In contrast, in Fig. 6(a), the outer peripheral edge of the shielding portion 212, that is, the inner peripheral edge of the opening 211 is rectangular, and the outer peripheral edge of the opening 211 is a rectangular shape similar to this. The rectangular shape of the opening 211 may be determined, for example, according to the shape of the heat exchanger 120. Further, in Fig. 6(b), the outer peripheral edge of the shielding portion 212, that is, the inner peripheral edge of the opening 211 is circular, elliptical, oval, or rounded rectangular, and the outer peripheral edge of the opening 211 is rectangular. The rectangular shape of the outer peripheral edge of the opening 211 may be determined according to the shape of the heat exchanger 120 in the same manner as in Fig. 6(a). In this way, by making the shape of the opening in the second state described above of the opening area changing device 200 conform to the shape of the heat exchanger 120, the air flow can be efficiently blown onto the heat exchanger 120.

[0046] Next, several modification examples of the outdoor unit 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 shows a first modification example of the outdoor unit 100 according to this embodiment. In this first modification example, a third opening area changing device 200c is further provided between the heat exchanger 120 and the fan 130 in the air passage in the housing 110. The configuration of the third opening area changing device 200c is the same as that of the opening area changing device 200 described so far. However, while the first opening area changing device 200a and the second opening area changing device 200b change the opening areas of the suction port 111 and the blowout port 112 respectively, the third opening area changing device 200c changes the ventilation area of the air passage in the housing 110. That is, the third opening area changing device 200c is an example of a ventilation area changing means capable of changing the ventilation area of the air passage in the housing 110.

[0047] The third opening area changing device 200c can change the state of the air passage in the housing 110 to a fourth state, a fifth state, and a sixth state.

[0048] The fourth state is a state in which the first region of the opening area changing unit 210 is arranged in the air passage in the housing 110. In this fourth state, the opening 211 of the first region is arranged in the air passage in the housing 110. Therefore, in the fourth state, the ventilation area in the air passage in the housing 110 becomes the first area described above.

[0049] The fifth state is a state in which the second region of the opening area changing unit 210 is arranged in the air passage in the housing 110. In this fifth state, the opening 211 and the shielding portion 212 of the second region are arranged in the air passage in the housing 110. Therefore, in the fifth state, the ventilation area in the air passage in the housing 110 becomes the second area described above. The fifth state is a state in which the central portion of the air passage in the housing 110 is shielded and the portion near the outer periphery is opened.

[0050] The sixth state is a state in which the third region of the opening area changing unit 210 is arranged in the air passage in the housing 110. In this sixth state, the shielding portion 212 of the third region is arranged in the air passage in the housing 110. Therefore, in the sixth state, the ventilation area in the air passage in the housing 110 becomes zero. That is, the air passage in the housing 110 is completely shielded by the shielding portion 212 of the opening area changing unit 210.

[0051] In this first modification, the control device 300 changes the state of the third opening area changing device 200c according to the operating state of the heat pump device. Specifically, when the heat pump device is operating normally, the control device 300 controls the operation of the third opening area changing device 200c so that the first region of the opening area changing unit 210 is arranged in the air passage in the housing 110. That is, the third opening area changing device 200c makes the air passage in the housing 110 into the aforementioned fourth state during normal operation of the heat pump device.

[0052] When the control device 300 is performing maintenance operation on the heat pump device, as shown in FIG. 7, it controls the operation of the third opening area changing device 200c so that the second area of the opening area changing part 210 is arranged in the air duct in the housing 110. That is, the third opening area changing device 200c changes the air duct in the housing 110 to the aforementioned fifth state during the maintenance operation of the heat pump device. Then, the control device 300 operates the fan 130. At this time, the rotation speed of the fan 130 may be maximized. By doing so, the path of the air flow in the air duct can more reliably pass between the header pipe 122 and the fins 121 of the heat exchanger 120, and the attached metal powder, moisture, etc. can be removed more effectively.

[0053] When the control device 300 stops the operation of the heat pump device, it controls the operation of the third opening area changing device 200c so that the third area of the opening area changing part 210 is arranged in the air duct in the housing 110. That is, the third opening area changing device 200c changes the air duct in the housing 110 to the aforementioned sixth state when the operation of the heat pump device stops. Note that at least any one of water repellent processing, waterproof processing, and electrification processing may be performed on the opening area changing part 210 of the third opening area changing device 200c in particular. Further, in this first modification, as shown in FIG. 7, the second opening area changing device 200b provided at the air outlet 112 may be set to the first state during the maintenance operation of the heat pump device.

[0054] FIG. 8 shows a second modification of the outdoor unit 100 according to this embodiment. In this second modification, a guide 240 is provided in the opening area changing part 210. The guide 240 is provided along the periphery of the opening 211 of the opening area changing part 210. By providing such a guide 240, the air flow can be induced to the opening 211 of the opening area changing part 210, and the air flow during the maintenance operation in particular can be made smooth. Note that the guide 240 may be made foldable so as not to interfere with the winding of the opening area changing part 210 by the winding part 220. In this case, for example, a spring or the like may be provided so that the guide 240 can stand on its own.

[0055] Also, when the fan 130 is an axial flow fan, as shown in FIG. 8, the control device 300 may rotate the fan 130 in the reverse direction to the normal operation during maintenance operation. By doing so, the direction of the airflow during maintenance operation can be made opposite to that of the normal operation. Thereby, foreign matters such as metal powder and moisture adhering to the support members such as the net and wire provided at the opening 211 of the opening area changing portion 210 can be efficiently removed.

[0056] FIG. 9 shows a third modification of the outdoor unit 100 according to this embodiment. In this third modification, the outdoor unit 100 further includes a humidity sensor 310. The humidity sensor 310 is provided inside the housing 110. The humidity sensor 310 is a sensor that detects the humidity inside the housing 110. When the humidity inside the housing 110 detected by the humidity sensor 310 becomes equal to or higher than a preset reference value when the heat pump device is stopped, the control device 300 sets the opening area changing device 200 to the above-described first state or second state. Then, the control device 300 operates the fan 130. By doing so, when the heat pump device is stopped and the opening area changing device 200 is in the above-described third state to close the opening of the housing 110, if the humidity inside the housing 110 rises, the opening of the housing 110 is opened and the fan 130 is operated, so that ventilation inside the housing 110 and drying of the heat exchanger 120 can be efficiently performed. Note that the control device 300 may periodically set the opening area changing device 200 to the above-described first state or second state and operate the fan 130 when the heat pump device is stopped.

[0057] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for realizing the functions of the control device 300 in this embodiment. The functions of the control device 300 are realized, for example, by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may include a processor 301 and a memory 302. The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware 303. A part of the processing circuit may be formed as dedicated hardware 303, and the processing circuit may further include a processor 301 and a memory 302. In the example shown in the figure, a part of the processing circuit is formed as dedicated hardware 303. Also, in the example shown in the figure, the processing circuit further includes a processor 301 and a memory 302.

[0058] Examples of the processing circuit, a part of which is at least one piece of dedicated hardware 303, include a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel-programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 301 and at least one memory 302, the functions of the control device 300 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

[0059] Software and firmware are described as programs and stored in the memory 302. The processor 301 realizes the functions of each part by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory 302. The processor 301 is also referred to as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a central processing unit, a processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP. Examples of the memory 302 include non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memories such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM, or magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, mini-disks, and DVDs.

[0060] In this way, the processing circuit of the control device 300 can implement each function of the control device 300 by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. When the processing circuit of the control device 300 includes at least the processor 301 and the memory 302, the processor 301 executes the program stored in the memory 302 in the control device 300, and the hardware and software of the control device 300 cooperate with each other, whereby the functions of each part included in the control device 300 are realized. Note that the heat pump device is not limited to a configuration in which the operation is controlled by a single control device 300. The operation of the heat pump device may be controlled by cooperation of a plurality of devices.

[0061] Note that in the present disclosure, various embodiments and modifications thereof may be arbitrarily combined without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Examples of aspects of the present disclosure are collectively described below as appendices. (Appendix 1) A housing in which an opening is formed and an air passage communicating with the opening is formed inside, A heat exchanger provided in the air passage, A fan provided in the air passage, Opening area changing means capable of changing an opening area of the air passage communicating with the outside of the housing at the opening, The opening area changing means, A first state in which the opening area is a first area, A second state in which the opening area is smaller than the first area and is a second area that is not zero, A third state in which the opening area is zero, and it is possible to set to these states, The second state is an outdoor unit of a heat pump device in a state where a central portion of the opening is shielded. (Appendix 2) The opening area changing means is an outdoor unit of the heat pump device according to Appendix 1 that is set to the second state during maintenance operation of the heat pump device. (Appendix 3) The opening area changing means is an outdoor unit of the heat pump device according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2 that is set to the first state during normal operation of the heat pump device. (Appendix 4) The opening area changing means is the outdoor unit of the heat pump apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, which is set to the third state when the heat pump apparatus stops. (Appendix 5) The housing further includes a sensor for detecting the humidity inside the housing. When the humidity inside the housing becomes equal to or higher than a preset reference value when the heat pump apparatus stops, the opening area changing means is set to the first state or the second state, and the fan operates. The outdoor unit of the heat pump apparatus according to Appendix 4. (Appendix 6) An air inlet and an air outlet are formed in the housing as the openings. The opening area changing means includes a first opening area changing means provided at the air inlet, and a second opening area changing means provided at the air outlet. The outdoor unit of the heat pump apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5. (Appendix 7) The opening area changing means is the outdoor unit of the heat pump apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6, on which at least one of water repellent treatment, waterproof treatment, and anti-static treatment is performed. (Appendix 8) The outdoor unit of the heat pump apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7 further includes a ventilation area changing means provided between the heat exchanger and the fan in the air passage, which can change the ventilation area of the air passage. The ventilation area changing means can be set to a fourth state in which the ventilation area is the first area, a fifth state in which the ventilation area is the second area, and a sixth state in which the ventilation area is 0. The fifth state is a state in which the central portion of the air passage is shielded. The outdoor unit of the heat pump apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7. (Appendix 9) The ventilation area changing means is the outdoor unit of the heat pump apparatus according to Appendix 8, which is set to the fifth state during the maintenance operation of the heat pump apparatus. (Appendix 10) The ventilation area changing means is the outdoor unit of the heat pump device described in Supplementary Note 8 or Supplementary Note 9 that is in the fourth state during normal operation of the heat pump device. (Supplementary Note 11) The ventilation area changing means is the outdoor unit of the heat pump device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 8 to 10 that is in the sixth state when the heat pump device is stopped. (Supplementary Note 12) The ventilation area changing means is the outdoor unit of the heat pump device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 8 to 11 to which at least one of water repellent treatment, waterproof treatment, and electrification treatment is applied.

Explanation of Signs

[0062] 100 Outdoor unit 110 Housing 111 Suction port 112 Outlet 120 Heat exchanger 121 Fin 122 Header pipe 123 Flat pipe 130 Fan 200 Opening area changing device 200a First opening area changing device 200b Second opening area changing device 200c Third opening area changing device 210 Opening area changing section 211 Opening 212 Shielding section 220 Winding section 230 Rail 240 Guide 300 Control device 301 Processor 302 Memory 303 Dedicated hardware 310 Humidity sensor

Claims

1. A housing in which an opening is formed and an air passage communicating with the opening is formed inside; A heat exchanger provided in the air passage; A fan provided in the air passage; An opening area changing means capable of changing an opening area where the air passage communicates with the outside of the housing at the opening, comprising: The opening area changing means: A first state where the opening area is a first area; A second state where the opening area is smaller than the first area and is a second area that is not zero; A third state where the opening area is zero, and it is possible to set to these states; The second state is an outdoor unit of a heat pump device in a state where a central portion of the opening is shielded.

2. The outdoor unit of the heat pump device according to claim 1, wherein the opening area changing means is set to the second state during maintenance operation of the heat pump device.

3. The outdoor unit of the heat pump device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the opening area changing means is set to the first state during normal operation of the heat pump device.

4. The outdoor unit of the heat pump device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the opening area changing means is set to the third state when the heat pump device stops.

5. Further comprising a sensor for detecting humidity inside the housing, and when the humidity inside the housing becomes equal to or higher than a preset reference value when the heat pump device stops, the opening area changing means is set to the first state or the second state, and the fan operates. The outdoor unit of the heat pump device according to claim 4.

6. An intake port and an outlet are formed as the opening in the housing, and the opening area changing means: Has a first opening area changing means provided at the intake port and a second opening area changing means provided at the outlet. The outdoor unit of the heat pump device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The outdoor unit of the heat pump device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the opening area changing means is subjected to at least one of water repellent treatment, waterproof treatment, and electrostatic charging treatment.

8. Further comprising a ventilation area changing means provided between the heat exchanger and the fan in the air passage and capable of changing a ventilation area of the air passage, and the ventilation area changing means: A fourth state where the ventilation area is the first area; A fifth state where the ventilation area is the second area; A sixth state where the ventilation area is zero, and it is possible to set to these states. ​ ​ ​ ​ The outdoor unit of the heat pump device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fifth state is a state in which the central portion of the air passage is shielded.

9. The outdoor unit of the heat pump device according to claim 8, wherein the ventilation area changing means changes to the fifth state during maintenance operation of the heat pump device.

10. The outdoor unit of the heat pump device according to claim 8, wherein the ventilation area changing means changes to the fourth state during normal operation of the heat pump device.

11. The outdoor unit of the heat pump device according to claim 8, wherein the ventilation area changing means changes to the sixth state when the heat pump device is stopped.

12. The outdoor unit of the heat pump device according to claim 8, wherein the ventilation area changing means is subjected to at least one of water repellent treatment, waterproof treatment, and antistatic treatment.

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