Heat pump device

Abstract

To provide a heat pump device that can store a refrigerant leaking from a joint within a relay housing while ensuring a certain degree of freedom in the installation location of the joints of refrigerant piping.SOLUTION: A heat pump device comprises a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and air, a second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water, refrigerant piping that connects the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and in which the refrigerant is enclosed, water piping that is connected to the second heat exchanger and in which water is enclosed, and a relay housing that houses the second heat exchanger inside. Joints for connecting the refrigerant piping with each other are provided in the middle of the refrigerant piping. The device further comprises a container that houses the joints therein and has an opening formed in the bottom surface. The opening of the container is disposed vertically above the top surface of the relay housing and inside the top surface of the relay housing in a horizontal projection plane. A through hole is formed in the top surface of the relay housing, which provides communication between the inside and the outside of the relay housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat pump device. [Background technology]

[0002] In a heat pump apparatus having a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a load-side heat exchanger, a pressure reducing device, and a heat source-side heat exchanger are connected via refrigerant piping, and which circulates a refrigerant, and a load unit that houses at least the load-side heat exchanger, the load-side heat exchanger exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the heat medium, and the load unit includes a heat medium circuit chamber that houses at least a part of the heat medium circuit through which the heat medium circulates, a blower, an intake port that draws in air from inside the room, an outlet port that blows the air drawn in from the intake port into the room, and an air passage formed between the intake port and the outlet and isolated from the heat medium circuit chamber, and a joint part that connects the load-side heat exchanger and the load-side heat exchanger to the refrigerant piping is provided in the air passage of the load unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-065674 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the heat pump device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the joints of the refrigerant piping are arranged in an air passage inside the housing of the load unit. In this way, since the joints of the refrigerant piping are housed inside the housing of the load unit, the installation locations of the joints of the refrigerant piping are limited, which may lead to a decrease in workability during installation, maintainability, etc., regarding the joints of the refrigerant piping.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve these problems, and its purpose is to provide a heat pump device that, when refrigerant leaks from a joint, can store the leaked refrigerant within the relay unit housing and prevent the leaked refrigerant from leaking out, while ensuring a certain degree of freedom in the installation location of the joint of the refrigerant pipe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The heat pump device according to the present disclosure comprises a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and air, a second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water, a refrigerant pipe that connects the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and in which the refrigerant is sealed, a water pipe that is connected to the second heat exchanger and in which water is sealed, and a repeater housing that houses the second heat exchanger, wherein a joint portion that connects the pipes is provided in the middle of the refrigerant pipe, and the heat pump device further comprises a container that houses the joint portion inside and has an opening on its bottom surface, the opening of the container being positioned vertically above the top surface of the repeater housing and inside the top surface of the repeater housing in a horizontal projection plane, and a through hole that connects the inside and outside of the repeater housing is formed in the top surface of the repeater housing.

[0007] Alternatively, a heat pump device according to the present disclosure includes a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and air, a second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water, a refrigerant pipe that connects the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and in which the refrigerant is sealed, a water pipe that is connected to the second heat exchanger and in which water is sealed, and a relay housing that houses the second heat exchanger inside, wherein a joint portion that connects the pipes is provided in a middle portion of the refrigerant pipe, and the relay housing includes a main body portion with an open top surface and a slide portion that is open bottom surface, covers the top side of the main body portion, and is movable by sliding up and down relative to the main body portion, and the slide portion is movable between a first position in which the joint portion is exposed to the outside of the relay housing and a second position in which the joint portion is housed inside the relay housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The heat pump device disclosed herein has the advantage of being able to ensure a certain degree of freedom in the installation location of the joint part of the refrigerant piping, while in the event of refrigerant leakage from the joint part, storing the leaked refrigerant within the relay unit housing and preventing the leaked refrigerant from leaking out. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a heat pump device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a main part of a heat pump device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a projection view of a main part of a heat pump device according to a first embodiment onto a horizontal projection plane. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of a heat pump device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of another example of the main part of the heat pump device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a modified example of the heat pump device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a modified example of the heat pump device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration for realizing the functions of a control device for a heat pump device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a relay unit included in a heat pump device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a relay unit included in a heat pump device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Embodiments of a heat pump apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be appropriately simplified or omitted. For convenience, the following description may express the positional relationship of each structure based on the illustrated state. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and any combination of the embodiments, any modification of any component of each embodiment, or any omission of any component of each embodiment are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] Embodiment 1 A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a heat pump device. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main part of a heat pump device. Fig. 3 is a projection of the main part of a heat pump device onto a horizontal projection plane. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of a heat pump device. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another example of the main part of a heat pump device. Figs. 6 and 7 are each a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a modified example of a heat pump device. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for realizing the functions of a control device of a heat pump device.

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a configuration example in which a heat pump device according to this embodiment is applied to an air conditioner. In the example shown in the figure, the heat pump device includes an outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit 20, and a relay unit 30. The outdoor unit 10 is installed outdoors in a building (not shown). The indoor unit 20 and the relay unit 30 are installed indoors in the building. The relay unit 30 is used to exchange heat between a refrigerant and a heat medium such as water. Water heated or cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant is distributed from the relay unit 30 to a load at the usage destination. The indoor unit 20 is an example of such a load. The indoor unit 20 is installed indoors in a room that is to be air-conditioned. The relay unit 30 is installed indoors in, for example, a room that is not to be air-conditioned. Specific examples of where the relay unit 30 may be installed include a kitchen, a bathroom, a storage space (such as a closet), a laundry room, etc.

[0013] The outdoor unit 10 and the relay unit 30 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 40. The outdoor unit 10 is equipped with an outdoor heat exchanger 14. The relay unit 30 is equipped with a water heat exchanger 32. The refrigerant pipe 40 is provided in a circulating manner between the outdoor heat exchanger 14 of the outdoor unit 10 and the water heat exchanger 32 of the relay unit 30. A refrigerant is sealed in the refrigerant pipe 40. From the perspective of protecting the global environment, it is desirable to use a refrigerant with a low global warming potential (GWP) as the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant pipe 40. This refrigerant is heavier than air. In other words, this refrigerant has a larger average molecular weight than air (it has a higher density than air), and has the property of sinking downward in the direction of gravity (vertical direction) in the air.

[0014] Specific examples of such refrigerants that can be used include (mixed) refrigerants made of one or more refrigerants selected from tetrafluoropropene (CFCF=CH:HFO-1234yf), difluoromethane (CHF:R32), propane (R290), propylene (R1270), ethane (R170), butane (R600), isobutane (R600a), and 1.3.3.3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CF-CH=CHF:HFO-1234ze). Specific examples of refrigerant mixtures include R516A, R445A, R444A, R454C, R444B, R454A, R455A, R457A, R459B, R452B, R454B, R447B, R447A, R446A, R459A, R474A, R479A, etc. These refrigerants include those that are flammable (slightly flammable or highly flammable).

[0015] The outdoor unit 10 further includes, in addition to the outdoor heat exchanger 14 described above, an expansion valve 11, a compressor 12, a four-way valve 13, and an outdoor fan 15. The refrigerant piping 40 connects the compressor 12, the outdoor heat exchanger 14, the expansion valve 11, and the water heat exchanger 32 in a ring shape. This forms a refrigerant circuit in which the refrigerant circulates between the outdoor heat exchanger 14 and the water heat exchanger 32.

[0016] The compressor 12 is a device that compresses the supplied refrigerant to increase the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant. The compressor 12 may be, for example, a rotary compressor or a scroll compressor.

[0017] The expansion valve 11 expands the refrigerant that has flowed in, thereby reducing the pressure of the refrigerant. In other words, the expansion valve 11 is a pressure reducing device that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. In the configuration example described here, the expansion valve 11 is a linear electric expansion valve (LEV). Therefore, by closing the expansion valve 11, the flow of the refrigerant can be prevented.

[0018] The outdoor heat exchanger 14 is a heat source-side air heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the air and the refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 14. The outdoor fan 15 generates an airflow in an air path inside the outdoor unit housing, which will be described later, and blows the outside air so that it passes around the outdoor heat exchanger 14. The outdoor heat exchanger 14 evaporates or condenses the refrigerant that has flowed into it, thereby exchanging heat with the outdoor air sent from the outdoor fan 15 and cooling or heating the air.

[0019] The four-way valve 13 is a valve that switches whether the discharge side of the compressor 12 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 14 or the water heat exchanger 32. The four-way valve 13 is a valve that switches whether the discharge side of the compressor 12 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 14 or the water heat exchanger 32. By switching the four-way valve 13, the circulation direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit can be reversed.

[0020] The relay unit 30 and the indoor unit 20 are connected by a water pipe 35. The indoor unit 20 is equipped with an indoor heat exchanger 21. The water pipe 35 is provided in a circulating manner between the water heat exchanger 32 of the relay unit 30 and the indoor heat exchanger 21 of the indoor unit 20. Water, which is a liquid heat medium, is sealed inside the water pipe 35. In other words, the water pipe 35 is a heat medium pipe that contains water, which is a liquid heat medium. Water is one example of a liquid heat medium. Other liquid heat mediums that can be used include brine.

[0021] The water heat exchanger 32 is a liquid heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant that has flowed into the water heat exchanger 32 and water (liquid heat medium). The water heat exchanger 32 may be, for example, a plate heat exchanger or a double-pipe heat exchanger, which have high heat exchange efficiency.

[0022] The indoor heat exchanger 21 is a user-side heat exchanger that exchanges heat between water (liquid heat medium) that flows into the indoor heat exchanger 21 and an object to be heated or cooled using the heat. The object to be heated or cooled using the heat varies depending on whether the heat pump device is applied to an air conditioner, water heater, showcase, refrigerator, etc. For example, when the heat pump device is applied to an air conditioner, showcase, or refrigerator, the object to be heated or cooled using the heat is air. When the heat pump device is applied to a water heater, the object to be heated, etc. using the heat is water. The indoor heat exchanger 21 heats or cools the target air, water, etc. by exchanging heat between the high-temperature or low-temperature water that flows into the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the target air, water, etc.

[0023] As mentioned above, here we will explain a configuration example in which a heat pump device is applied to an air conditioner. The indoor unit 20 further includes an indoor fan 22 in addition to the indoor heat exchanger 21 described above. The indoor fan 22 generates an airflow in an air path within the indoor unit housing, which will be described later, and blows the indoor air so that it passes around the indoor heat exchanger 21. The indoor heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat between the high-temperature or low-temperature water that has flowed in and the indoor air sent from the indoor fan 22, thereby heating or cooling the indoor air.

[0024] The outdoor heat exchanger 14 in this embodiment is an example of a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and air. The water heat exchanger 32 in this embodiment is an example of a second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and water. The indoor heat exchanger 21 in this embodiment is an example of a third heat exchanger that exchanges heat between water and air. The outdoor heat exchanger 14, which is the first heat exchanger, is located outdoors of the building. The water heat exchanger 32, which is the second heat exchanger, and the indoor heat exchanger 21, which is the third heat exchanger, are located indoors of the building. The refrigerant piping 40 connects the outdoor heat exchanger 14, which is the first heat exchanger, and the water heat exchanger 32, which is the second heat exchanger, in a circular configuration.

[0025] Furthermore, the water piping 35 connects the water heat exchanger 32, which is the second heat exchanger, and the indoor heat exchanger 21, which is the third heat exchanger, in a ring shape. That is, the water piping 35 has an outward water piping and a return water piping. The outward water piping is a piping through which water flows from the water heat exchanger 32 to the indoor heat exchanger 21. The return water piping is a piping through which water flows from the indoor heat exchanger 21 to the water heat exchanger 32.

[0026] The relay unit 30 further includes a pump 31 in addition to the water heat exchanger 32 described above. The pump 31 is used to cause water, which is a liquid heat medium, to flow through the water heat exchanger 32 and the indoor heat exchanger 21. The pump 31 is provided on the return water pipe of the water pipe 35. The water pipe 35 connects the water heat exchanger 32, the indoor heat exchanger 21, and the pump 31 in a ring shape. Therefore, a water circuit is formed in which water is circulated between the water heat exchanger 32 and the indoor heat exchanger 21 by the pump 31.

[0027] The pump 31 causes water (liquid heat medium) to flow in a predetermined circulation direction through the water piping 35 (heat medium piping) formed in a ring shape in this way. This circulation direction is the direction in which water, which is a liquid heat medium, passes through the pump 31, the water heat exchanger 32, which is a liquid heat exchanger, and the indoor heat exchanger 21 in this order.

[0028] A pressure valve 33 is provided on the outbound water pipe of the water pipe 35. The pressure valve 33 is a control valve that opens the water pipe 35 when the internal pressure of the water pipe 35 reaches or exceeds a preset value, thereby maintaining a constant internal pressure in the water pipe 35. For example, a spring-type pressure valve is used as the pressure valve 33. A spring-type pressure valve normally closes by pressing the valve disc against the valve seat using the elastic force of the spring. When the pressure inside the pipe reaches a set value, pressure acting on the valve disc from the inside pushes it up against the elastic force of the spring, and the valve opens.

[0029] An air vent valve 34 is further provided on the outward water pipe of the water pipe 35. The air vent valve 34 is a valve that can discharge gases such as air inside the water pipe 35 to the outside. For example, a float-type automatic air vent valve is used as the air vent valve 34. A float-type automatic air vent valve has a sealing function that prevents backflow of air using a float, and can discharge only gases in the water. More specifically, under normal circumstances, the inside of the air vent valve 34 is filled with water, and is sealed by the opening and the float coming into close contact. When air accumulates inside the air vent valve 34, the water level inside the air vent valve 34 drops, causing the float to drop and creating a gap between the opening and the float, allowing only gas to be discharged to the outside.

[0030] If air is present in the water piping 35 of the water circuit, the smooth flow of water is hindered. Furthermore, if air gets into the pump 31, it may run idle (so-called "air entrapment"), preventing water from circulating. For example, gases such as air may get mixed into the water circuit during installation of the heat pump device. Furthermore, gases such as air may separate from the water in the water circuit during test operation of the heat pump device. If gas gets into the water circuit in this way, the gas circulates through the water circuit along with the water, which serves as the heat medium. When the gas circulating through the water circuit passes through the air vent valve 34 installed on the outward water piping, it is expelled from the water circuit through the air vent valve 34. This prevents air from getting into the pump 31 and prevents the pump 31 from running idle.

[0031] The outdoor unit 10 includes an outdoor unit housing. The outdoor unit housing accommodates an expansion valve 11, a compressor 12, a four-way valve 13, an outdoor heat exchanger 14, an outdoor fan 15, and part of the refrigerant piping 40. The indoor unit 20 includes an indoor unit housing. The indoor unit housing accommodates an indoor heat exchanger 21, an indoor fan 22, and part of the water piping 35. As shown in FIG. 2, the relay unit 30 includes a relay unit housing 50. The relay unit housing 50 is a component that forms the outer shell of the relay unit 30. The relay unit housing 50 accommodates a pump 31, a water heat exchanger 32, a pressure valve 33, an air vent valve 34, part of the refrigerant piping 40, and part of the water piping 35.

[0032] The outdoor unit housing has an air inlet and an air outlet that connect the inside and outside of the outdoor unit housing. Inside the outdoor unit housing, an air path is formed that runs from the air inlet through the outdoor heat exchanger 14 and the outdoor fan 15 to the air outlet. This air path is for air taken in from outside the outdoor unit housing to be heat exchanged in the outdoor heat exchanger 14 and then released to the outside of the outdoor unit housing.

[0033] Similarly, the indoor unit housing is also formed with an air inlet and an air outlet that connect the inside and outside of the indoor unit housing. Inside the indoor unit housing, an air path is formed that runs from the air inlet through the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the indoor fan 22 to the air outlet. This air path is for releasing air taken in from outside the indoor unit housing to the outside of the indoor unit housing after heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 21.

[0034] The refrigerant circuit and water circuit configured in this manner exchange heat between the refrigerant and air in the outdoor heat exchanger 14, between the refrigerant and water in the water heat exchanger 32, and between water and air in the indoor heat exchanger 21, thereby functioning as a heat pump that transfers heat between the outdoor unit 10, which is the heat source side, and the indoor heat exchanger 21, which is the user side. In other words, this is an indirect type heat pump device that uses a primary circuit (refrigerant circuit) in which a flammable refrigerant circulates and a secondary circuit in which a non-flammable heat medium (water in this case) circulates.

[0035] By switching the four-way valve 13, the direction of refrigerant circulation in the refrigerant circuit can be reversed to switch between cooling operation and heating operation. In cooling operation, the four-way valve 13 connects the discharge side of the compressor 12 to the outdoor heat exchanger 14. In the present disclosure, connecting the discharge side of the compressor 12 to the outdoor heat exchanger 14 with the four-way valve 13 is also referred to as "setting the four-way valve 13 for cooling." On the other hand, in heating operation, the four-way valve 13 connects the discharge side of the compressor 12 to the water heat exchanger 32 with the four-way valve 13. In the present disclosure, connecting the discharge side of the compressor 12 to the water heat exchanger 32 with the four-way valve 13 is also referred to as "setting the four-way valve 13 for heating."

[0036] During cooling operation, in the primary refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant is heated to a high temperature and pressure by the compressor 12, passes through the four-way valve 13, and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 14. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger 14 functions as a condenser and condenses the refrigerant that has flowed in. That is, the high-temperature refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 14 exchanges heat with the low-temperature outside air, condenses, and becomes liquid refrigerant.

[0037] The liquid refrigerant expands through the expansion valve 11, becoming a two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant at low temperature and low pressure, where the gas and liquid phases are mixed. This low-temperature two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flows into the water heat exchanger 32, where it exchanges heat with the water circulating through the water circuit and evaporates to become gas refrigerant. This heat exchange cools the water in the water circuit. That is, the water heat exchanger 32 acts as a heat absorber that absorbs heat from the water in the water circuit, cooling the water. The gas refrigerant passes through the four-way valve 13 and flows back into the compressor 12, becoming a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant.

[0038] In the water circuit, water is circulated by the pressure generated by the pump. The water cooled in the water heat exchanger 32 and cooled to a low temperature flows through the water piping 35 while remaining at a low temperature, and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 21. The water that flows into the indoor heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat with the indoor air and is heated. During this process, the indoor air is cooled. The heated water continues to the water piping 35, passes through the pump 31, and flows into the water heat exchanger 32 again, where it is cooled and becomes low-temperature water.

[0039] During heating operation, in the primary refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant is heated to a high temperature and pressure by the compressor 12 and flows through the four-way valve 13 into the water heat exchanger 32. The refrigerant that flows into the water heat exchanger 32 exchanges heat with the water circulating in the water circuit, condensing and becoming liquid refrigerant. At this time, the water circulating in the water circuit is heated. That is, the water heat exchanger 32 functions as a radiator and heats the water flowing in the water circuit.

[0040] The liquid refrigerant passes through the expansion valve 11 and expands to become a low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant. The two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 14. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger 14 functions as an evaporator and evaporates the refrigerant that has flowed in. That is, the two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 14 exchanges heat with outside air and evaporates to become a gas refrigerant. The gas refrigerant flows back into the compressor 12 through the four-way valve 13 and becomes a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant.

[0041] In the water circuit, water is circulated by the pressure generated by the pump 31. First, high-temperature water heated in the water heat exchanger 32 flows through the water piping 35 while still at a high temperature, and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 21. The water that flows into the indoor heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat with the indoor air and is cooled. During this process, the indoor air is heated. The cooled water continues to the water piping 35, passes through the pump 31, and flows into the water heat exchanger 32 again, where it is heated and becomes high-temperature water.

[0042] In the heat pump device according to this embodiment, a joint 41 is provided in the middle of the refrigerant pipes 40. The joint 41 connects the refrigerant pipes 40 together. The joint 41 connects the refrigerant pipes 40 on the relay unit 30 side to the refrigerant pipes 40 on the outdoor unit 10 side. The joint 41 is not housed in any of the indoor unit housing, the outdoor unit housing, and the relay unit housing 50. In other words, the joint 41 of the refrigerant pipes 40 is located outside the outdoor unit housing and outside the relay unit housing 50.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the heat pump apparatus according to this embodiment further includes a container 60. The container 60 accommodates the joint portion 41 of the refrigerant pipe 40 therein. As shown in the figure, an opening 61 is formed in the bottom surface of the container 60. The refrigerant pipe 40 is passed through this opening 61, and the joint portion 41 is disposed inside the container 60. That is, the refrigerant pipe 40 is passed through the opening 61 of the container 60 from the outside of the container 60, turns back inside the container 60, and passes through the opening 61 of the container 60 again to the outside of the container 60. The container 60 can prevent gas inside the container 60 from leaking outside the container 60, i.e., into the indoor space, except for the opening 61 on the bottom surface. That is, the container 60 is configured to be airtight except for the opening 61.

[0044] In the heat pump device according to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, a through-hole 51 is formed in the relay unit housing 50. This through-hole 51 allows communication between the inside and outside of the relay unit housing 30. The through-hole 51 is disposed on the top surface of the relay unit housing 50. The number of through-holes 51 formed in the relay unit housing 50 is not limited to one. A plurality of through-holes 51 may be formed on the top surface of the relay unit housing 50.

[0045] In the heat pump device according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the container 60 is disposed above the relay housing 50. In particular, the opening 61 of the container 60 is disposed vertically above the top surface of the relay housing 50. FIG. 3 shows the relative positional relationship between the opening 61 of the container 60 and the top surface of the relay housing 50 projected onto a horizontal projection plane. As shown in FIG. 3, the opening 61 of the container 60 is disposed inside the top surface of the relay housing 50 on the horizontal projection plane. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, it is preferable that the opening 61 of the container 60 and the through-hole 51 on the top surface of the relay housing 50 are disposed so as to at least partially overlap on the horizontal projection plane. In this case, one of the opening 61 and the through-hole 51 may be included in the other on the horizontal projection plane, or they may completely overlap.

[0046] In the heat pump device configured as described above, if a refrigerant leak occurs at the joint 41 of the refrigerant pipe 40, the leaking refrigerant from the joint 41 flows into the container 60. The refrigerant in the container 60 then flows out of the container 60 from the opening 61 on the bottom surface of the container 60. Because the refrigerant is heavier than air, the refrigerant that flows out from the opening 61 of the container 60 sinks vertically downward from the opening 61.

[0047] As described above, in a horizontal projection plane, the opening 61 of the container 60 is located inside the top surface of the repeater housing 50. Therefore, the refrigerant that settles vertically downward from the opening 61 reaches the top surface of the repeater housing 50. The refrigerant then flows along the top surface of the repeater housing 50 and enters the inside of the repeater housing 50 through the through-hole 51, and is stored inside the repeater housing 50.

[0048] In this way, in the heat pump device according to this embodiment, if a refrigerant leak occurs at the joint 41 of the refrigerant pipe 40, the leaked refrigerant is guided into the relay housing 50 and stored therein, preventing the refrigerant from rapidly flowing out directly from the leak point into the indoor space. This prevents a high refrigerant concentration from forming indoors in a short period of time. Furthermore, the location of the joint 41 of the refrigerant pipe 40 can be freely selected within the range as long as the opening 61 of the container 60 accommodating the joint 41 is positioned vertically above the top surface of the relay housing 50 and inside the top surface of the relay housing 50 in a horizontal projection. Therefore, while ensuring a certain degree of freedom in the location of the joint 41 of the refrigerant pipe 40, if a refrigerant leak occurs from the joint 41, the leaked refrigerant can be guided into the relay housing 50 and stored therein, preventing the leaked refrigerant from flowing out into the indoor space. This makes it possible to improve the workability and maintainability of the joint portion 41 of the refrigerant pipe 40 during installation, while also suppressing the outflow of refrigerant that has leaked from the joint portion 41.

[0049] 1 and 2, the heat pump device according to this embodiment may further include a stirring fan 37. As shown in FIG. 2, the stirring fan 37 is provided inside the relay housing 50. The stirring fan 37 generates an airflow inside the relay housing 50 and stirs the air inside the relay housing 50. By providing such a stirring fan 37, the air inside the relay housing 50 is stirred and ventilation inside the relay housing 50 via the through-holes 51 is promoted, making it possible to suppress local temperature increases and the occurrence of condensation inside the relay housing 50.

[0050] The stirring fan 37 may blow air continuously. "Continuously" here means that the stirring fan 37 always operates as long as power is supplied to operate it. In other words, if the heat pump apparatus is connected to a commercial power source, for example, the stirring fan 37 operates regardless of the operating state of the heat pump apparatus itself. The stirring fan 37 may also be provided with an emergency battery, uninterruptible power supply, or the like to operate it. This allows the stirring fan 37 to operate continuously even when the heat pump apparatus is not operating, thereby stirring the air inside the relay unit housing 50. Instead of operating the stirring fan 37 continuously, for example, a temperature sensor may be installed inside the relay unit housing 50, and the stirring fan 37 may operate when the temperature sensor detects a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined reference temperature.

[0051] In this case, the orientation and installation location of the stirring fan 37 may be determined so that, when the stirring fan 37 is operating, suction air is generated from the outside of the relay housing 50 to the inside of the relay housing 50 through the through-hole 51. In this way, the refrigerant that leaks from the joint 41, flows out from the opening 61 of the container 60, and flows along the top surface of the relay housing 50 can be sucked into the inside of the relay housing 50 through the through-hole 51.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the heat pump apparatus according to this embodiment may further include a refrigerant sensor 36. The refrigerant sensor 36 is a sensor that detects the refrigerant inside the relay housing 50. As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigerant sensor 36 is installed inside the relay housing 50. The refrigerant sensor 36 is capable of detecting at least the same type of refrigerant as that sealed in the refrigerant pipe 40. The refrigerant sensor 36 may be a catalytic combustion type, semiconductor type, heat conduction type, low potential electrolysis type, or infrared type sensor, for example. The refrigerant sensor 36 converts the refrigerant concentration inside the relay housing 50 into an electrical signal and outputs the signal.

[0053] An oxygen sensor can also be used as the refrigerant sensor 36. When an oxygen sensor is used, the oxygen concentration is determined based on the sensor output, and the concentration of the inflowing gas is calculated assuming that the decrease in oxygen concentration is due to the inflowing gas, thereby indirectly detecting the concentration of the inflowing gas, i.e., the refrigerant. Oxygen sensors that can be used include, for example, galvanic cell, polaro, and zirconia types.

[0054] The configuration of the control system of the heat pump apparatus according to this embodiment is shown in Fig. 4. As shown in the figure, the heat pump apparatus according to this embodiment includes a control device 100. The control device 100 includes a leak detection unit 111, a memory unit 112, a notification unit 113, and a control unit 114.

[0055] The leak detection unit 111 detects the occurrence of a refrigerant leak inside the relay housing 50 based on the detection result of the refrigerant sensor 36. As described above, the refrigerant sensor 36 can detect the refrigerant directly or indirectly. The refrigerant sensor 36 then outputs a detection signal corresponding to the concentration of the detected refrigerant.

[0056] The detection signal output from refrigerant sensor 36 is input to leak detection unit 111. Leak detection unit 111 determines whether the refrigerant concentration indicated by the detection signal from refrigerant sensor 36 is equal to or greater than a refrigerant leak determination reference value. The refrigerant leak determination reference value is a preset value. The preset refrigerant leak determination reference value is stored in memory unit 112. Leak detection unit 111 makes a determination by comparing the refrigerant leak determination reference value acquired from memory unit 112 with the refrigerant concentration indicated by the detection signal from refrigerant sensor 36.

[0057] When the refrigerant concentration indicated by the detection signal from the refrigerant sensor 36 is equal to or greater than the refrigerant leak judgment reference value, the leak detection unit 111 outputs a refrigerant leak detection signal to the control unit 114. The refrigerant leak detection signal is a signal indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected in the relay housing 50. Note that in the present disclosure, when the refrigerant concentration indicated by the detection signal from the refrigerant sensor 36 is equal to or greater than the refrigerant leak judgment reference value, it is also said that the refrigerant sensor 36 has detected a refrigerant.

[0058] When the heat pump device is equipped with the refrigerant sensor 36, the leakage detection unit 111 detects refrigerant leakage from at least one of the inside of the container 60 that houses the joint 41 of the refrigerant pipe 40 and the inside of the relay housing 50. By providing the refrigerant sensor 36 for detecting refrigerant leakage in the relay housing 50, when refrigerant leakage occurs from the joint 41 of the refrigerant pipe 40, the water heat exchanger 32, the pressure valve, the air vent valve 34, etc., the leaked refrigerant can be contained within the relay housing 50, and the occurrence of refrigerant leakage can be quickly detected while suppressing the diffusion of the leaked refrigerant.

[0059] The control unit 114 controls the overall operation of the heat pump device by controlling the actuators provided in the heat pump device. The control targets of the control unit 114 include the compressor 12, the four-way valve 13, the outdoor fan 15, the expansion valve 11, the indoor fan 22, the pump 31, the stirring fan 37, etc.

[0060] When a refrigerant leakage detection signal is input from the leak detection unit 111, the control unit 114 may stop the compressor 12 if the compressor 12 is operating. In this way, it is possible to reduce the amount of refrigerant leakage thereafter. When a refrigerant leakage detection signal is input from the leak detection unit 111 and the control unit 114 has stopped the compressor 12, it may also close the expansion valve 11. In this way, it is possible to further reduce the amount of refrigerant leakage thereafter.

[0061] When a refrigerant leak detection signal is output from the leak detection unit 111, the notification unit 113 notifies a user or worker, etc., of the detection and urges them to carry out repairs, etc. The heat pump device is equipped with a speaker for providing an audible notification or an LED for providing an optical notification that a refrigerant leak has been detected inside the relay unit casing 50. The speaker, LED, etc. are provided, for example, on the casing of the indoor unit 20, the remote control of the heat pump device, etc. When a refrigerant leak detection signal is output from the leak detection unit 111, the notification unit 113 uses the speaker, LED, etc. to notify that a refrigerant leak has been detected.

[0062] As mentioned above, the refrigerant used is heavier than air. Therefore, the refrigerant sensor 36 is preferably positioned vertically below the water heat exchanger 32 inside the relay unit housing 50. In this case, the refrigerant sensor 36 may or may not be directly below the water heat exchanger 32. It is even more preferable to position the refrigerant sensor 36 near the bottom inside the relay unit housing 50. More preferably, the refrigerant sensor 36 is preferably positioned vertically below not only the water heat exchanger 32, but also the refrigerant piping 40, the pressure valve 33, and the air vent valve 34.

[0063] If the heat pump device is equipped with a refrigerant sensor 36, the stirring fan 37 may be operated in response to the detection result of the refrigerant sensor 36, rather than being operated constantly. For example, the stirring fan 37 may be operated when a refrigerant leak is not detected, and may be stopped when a refrigerant leak is detected. In this case, the control unit 114 operates the stirring fan 37 while a refrigerant leak detection signal is not input from the leak detection unit 111. Then, the control unit 114 stops the stirring fan 37 when a refrigerant leak detection signal is input from the leak detection unit 111. In other words, the stirring fan 37 operates when the refrigerant sensor 36 does not detect a refrigerant leak, and stops when the refrigerant sensor 36 detects a refrigerant leak.

[0064] In this manner, under normal circumstances when no refrigerant leakage is detected, the stirring fan 37 stirs the air inside the relay housing 50, promoting ventilation inside the relay housing 50 through the through-holes 51 and suppressing a rise in temperature and the occurrence of condensation inside the relay housing 50. On the other hand, when a refrigerant leakage is detected, the stirring fan 37 is stopped, which prevents the airflow from the stirring fan 37 from stirring the refrigerant inside the relay housing 50 and causing it to leak out of the relay housing 50 through the through-holes 51, and allows the leaked refrigerant to be stored inside the relay housing 50.

[0065] As another example of controlling the operation of the stirring fan 37 when the heat pump device includes the refrigerant sensor 36, the stirring fan 37 may be stopped when a refrigerant leak is not detected and operated when a refrigerant leak is detected, inversely to the above example. In this case, the control unit 114 stops the stirring fan 37 while a refrigerant leak detection signal is not input from the leak detection unit 111. Then, the control unit 114 operates the stirring fan 37 when a refrigerant leak detection signal is input from the leak detection unit 111. That is, the stirring fan 37 stops when the refrigerant sensor 36 does not detect a refrigerant leak and operates when the refrigerant sensor 36 detects a refrigerant leak. By operating the stirring fan 37 in this manner when a refrigerant leak is detected, particularly when the stirring fan 37 generates suction air through the through-hole 51, the suction air can efficiently suck the refrigerant leaking from the joint 41 into the relay housing 50 through the through-hole 51.

[0066] The repeater housing 50 is preferably configured to prevent gas from leaking from the repeater housing 50 to the outside, i.e., into the indoor space, except for the through-hole 51 on the top surface. In this case, the repeater housing 50 is configured to be airtight except for the through-hole 51. The repeater housing 50 is generally configured by combining multiple steel plates processed through sheet metal processing. In such cases, the joints between the steel plates are airtightly sealed with a sealing material such as silicone resin or caulking material. The sealing material may be made of a material with low thermal conductivity, such as urethane, foam, or rubber, in other words, a material with high thermal insulation properties. This improves the insulating performance of the repeater housing 50 and stabilizes the temperature inside the repeater housing 50.

[0067] Furthermore, as long as the opening 61 of the container 60 is positioned vertically above the top surface of the repeater housing 50 and is positioned inside the top surface of the repeater housing 50 in a horizontal projection plane, the portion of the container 60 other than the opening 61 may be located outside the top surface of the repeater housing 50 in the horizontal projection plane. An example of such a case is shown in FIG. 5.

[0068] Furthermore, the top surface of the relay housing 50 may be inclined so that the portion where the through hole 51 is formed is lower. In this way, the refrigerant that leaks from the joint portion 41, flows out from the opening 61 of the container 60, and reaches the top surface of the relay housing 50 can be guided to the through hole 51 and flow from the through hole 51 into the inside of the relay housing 50.

[0069] Next, modifications of the heat pump device of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 shows a first modification of the heat pump device of this embodiment. In this first modification, the heat pump device further includes an induction unit 62. The induction unit 62 is a hollow tubular member. The induction unit 62 is provided so as to penetrate the top surface of the relay housing 50, for example, by being passed through the through-hole 51. One end of the induction unit 62 is connected to the opening 61 of the container 60. The other end of the induction unit 62 is located in the relay housing 50 and above the refrigerant sensor 36.

[0070] According to the first modified example provided with such a guide unit 62, refrigerant that has leaked into the container 60 at the joint unit 41 can be reliably stored within the relay housing 50. Furthermore, by using the guide unit 62 to guide the refrigerant that has leaked into the container 60 at the joint unit 41 to the refrigerant sensor 36 in the relay housing 50, refrigerant leakage at the joint unit 41 can be more reliably detected.

[0071] FIG. 7 shows a second modified example of the heat pump device of this embodiment. In this second modified example, the heat pump device further includes a second refrigerant sensor 63. The second refrigerant sensor 63 is, for example, the same type of sensor as the above-mentioned refrigerant sensor 36. The second refrigerant sensor 63 is provided in the container 60 and is a second sensor capable of detecting the refrigerant. In this second modified example, the refrigerant sensor 36 is provided in the relay housing 50 and is a first sensor capable of detecting the refrigerant.

[0072] In this second modified example, the detection signal output from the second refrigerant sensor 63 is input to the leak detection unit 111. The leak detection unit 111 distinguishes between a refrigerant leak in the relay housing 50 and a refrigerant leak in the container 60 based on the detection results of the refrigerant sensor 36, which is the first sensor, and the second sensor, the second refrigerant sensor 63. That is, for example, if the refrigerant sensor 36 detects a refrigerant but the second refrigerant sensor 63 does not detect a refrigerant, the leak detection unit 111 detects a refrigerant leak in the relay housing 50. On the other hand, if the second refrigerant sensor 63 detects a refrigerant but the refrigerant sensor 36 does not detect a refrigerant, the leak detection unit 111 detects a refrigerant leak in the container 60. This second modified example makes it possible to determine whether the refrigerant leak is occurring in the relay housing 50 or the container 60.

[0073] In this second modified example, the leak detection unit 111 may detect a refrigerant leak in the container 60 when the refrigerant sensor 36 detects refrigerant after a preset reference time has elapsed since the second refrigerant sensor 63 detected the refrigerant. In this manner, it is possible to determine that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the container 60 when the second refrigerant sensor 63 detects refrigerant that has leaked into the container 60 from the joint 41 and then the refrigerant sensor 36 detects refrigerant that has flowed out of the opening 61 of the container 60 and into the interior of the relay housing 50 through the through-hole 51 in the top surface of the relay housing 50. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether a refrigerant leak has occurred using the detection results of the two sensors, the refrigerant sensor 36 and the second refrigerant sensor 63, and it is possible to prevent erroneous determination of a refrigerant leak due to an abnormality or erroneous detection of the second refrigerant sensor 63.

[0074] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for realizing the functions of the control device 100 in this embodiment. The functions of the control device 100 are realized by, for example, a processing circuit. The processing circuit may include a processor 101 and a memory 102. The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware 103. A part of the processing circuit may be formed as dedicated hardware 103, and the processing circuit may further include a processor 101 and a memory 102. In the example shown in the figure, a part of the processing circuit is formed as dedicated hardware 103. Furthermore, in the example shown in the figure, the processing circuit further includes a processor 101 and a memory 102.

[0075] The processing circuitry, part of which is at least one dedicated hardware 103, may be, for example, a single circuit, a multiple circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. If the processing circuitry comprises at least one processor 101 and at least one memory 102, the functionality of the control device 100 may be realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

[0076] The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in memory 102. Processor 101 realizes the functions of each unit by reading and executing the programs stored in memory 102. Processor 101 is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. Memory 102 may include, for example, non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM, or a magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, minidisk, DVD, etc.

[0077] In this way, the processing circuit of the control device 100 can realize each function of the control device 100 by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these. When the processing circuit of the control device 100 includes at least the processor 101 and the memory 102, the processor 101 executes a program stored in the memory 102 in the control device 100, and the hardware and software of the control device 100 work together to realize the functions of each unit of the control device 100. Note that the heat pump device is not limited to a configuration in which the operation is controlled by a single control device 100. The operation of the heat pump device may be controlled by cooperation between multiple devices.

[0078] Embodiment 2 A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figures 9 and 10 each schematically show a configuration of a relay unit included in a heat pump device.

[0079] In the second embodiment described here, instead of providing a container 60 in the configuration of the first embodiment described above, the relay unit housing 50 is made expandable upward. The heat pump device according to the second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Configurations for which explanations are omitted are basically the same as those of the first embodiment. In the following description, configurations that are the same as or correspond to those of the first embodiment will be generally described using the same reference numerals as those used in the description of the first embodiment.

[0080] In the heat pump device according to this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the relay unit housing 50 includes a main body 52 and a sliding portion 53. The main body 52 is box-shaped with a bottom and an open top. The sliding portion 53 is a lid-like member having side walls and an open bottom. The sliding portion 53 is combined with the main body 52 so as to cover the top side of the main body 52. ​​The internal space of the sliding portion 53 communicates with the internal space of the main body 52, forming a single space, i.e., the internal space of the relay unit housing 50.

[0081] The slide portion 53 is movable by sliding up and down relative to the main body portion 52. By sliding the slide portion 53 up and down relative to the main body portion 52, the slide portion 53 can be moved between a first position and a second position. FIG. 9 shows the slide portion 53 in the first position. When the slide portion 53 is in the first position, the joint portion 41 of the refrigerant pipe 40 is exposed to the outside of the relay unit housing 50. FIG. 10 shows the slide portion 53 in the second position. When the slide portion 53 is in the second position, the joint portion 41 of the refrigerant pipe 40 is housed inside the relay unit housing 50.

[0082] For example, a through-hole 51 is formed on the upper surface of the slide portion 53. The refrigerant pipe 40 passes through the through-hole 51 of the slide portion 53. When installing or maintaining the heat pump device, the slide portion 53 can be slid to a first position shown in FIG. 9 to expose the joint 41 of the refrigerant pipe 40 to the outside of the relay housing 50. This facilitates the connection of the joint 41 of the refrigerant pipe 40. The slide portion 53 can be slid to a second position shown in FIG. 10 to accommodate the joint 41 of the refrigerant pipe 40 within the relay housing 50. This allows the leaked refrigerant to be stored inside the relay housing 50 in the event of a refrigerant leak from the joint 41 of the refrigerant pipe 40. When the slide portion 53 is in the second position, the gap between the inner edge of the through-hole 51 and the refrigerant pipe 40 may be filled with, for example, putty.

[0083] In the heat pump device configured as described above, the relay housing 50 can be expanded upward by sliding the slide portion 53 relative to the main body portion 52 depending on the installation location of the joint portion 41 of the refrigerant pipe 40, thereby allowing the joint portion 41 to be accommodated inside the relay housing 50. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, a certain degree of freedom is ensured in the installation location of the joint portion 41 of the refrigerant pipe 40, and when refrigerant leaks from the joint portion 41, the leaked refrigerant can be stored inside the relay housing 50 and prevented from flowing into the indoor space.

[0084] In the present disclosure, the embodiments, configuration examples of each part, modified examples, etc. may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Examples of various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices. (Appendix 1) a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and air; a second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water; a refrigerant pipe connecting the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and containing the refrigerant; a water pipe connected to the second heat exchanger and filled with water; a relay housing that houses the second heat exchanger therein, A joint portion for connecting the refrigerant pipes is provided in the middle of the refrigerant pipes, The joint portion is accommodated in a container having an opening formed on a bottom surface thereof. the opening of the container is disposed vertically above an upper surface of the repeater housing and inside the upper surface of the repeater housing in a horizontal projection plane; The heat pump device has a through hole formed on the top surface of the relay unit housing, the through hole communicating the inside and outside of the relay unit housing. (Appendix 2) a fan provided in the repeater housing; a sensor provided in the relay unit housing and capable of detecting the refrigerant, 2. The heat pump device according to claim 1, wherein the fan operates in response to the refrigerant detected by the sensor. (Appendix 3) The heat pump device according to claim 2, wherein the fan generates suction airflow from the outside of the relay unit housing to the inside of the relay unit housing through the through-hole. (Appendix 4) the sensor as a first sensor; a second sensor provided in the container and capable of detecting the refrigerant; and a leakage detection unit that detects the occurrence of a refrigerant leakage inside the relay housing and the occurrence of a refrigerant leakage inside the container based on the detection results of the first sensor and the detection results of the second sensor. (Appendix 5) The heat pump device according to claim 4, wherein the leakage detection unit detects the occurrence of a refrigerant leak in the container when the first sensor detects a refrigerant after a predetermined reference time has elapsed since the second sensor detected the refrigerant. (Appendix 6) 6. The heat pump device according to any one of Supplementary Note 2 to Supplementary Note 5, further comprising a guide portion connected to the opening of the container and guiding the refrigerant in the container to the sensor. (Appendix 7) a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and air; a second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water; a refrigerant pipe connecting the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and containing the refrigerant; a water pipe connected to the second heat exchanger and filled with water; a relay housing that houses the second heat exchanger therein, A joint portion for connecting the refrigerant pipes is provided in the middle of the refrigerant pipes, The repeater housing includes: a main body portion having an open top surface; a slide part whose bottom surface is open, which covers the top surface side of the main body part, and which is slidable up and down relative to the main body part, The slide portion is a first position where the joint portion is exposed to the outside of the relay unit housing; The heat pump device is movable between a first position where the joint portion is housed inside the relay unit housing and a second position where the joint portion is housed inside the relay unit housing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10 Outdoor unit 11 Expansion valve 12 Compressor 13 Four-way valve 14 Outdoor heat exchanger 15 Outdoor fan 20 Indoor unit 21 Indoor heat exchanger 22 Indoor fan 30 Repeater 31 Pump 32 Water heat exchanger 33 Pressure valve 34 Air vent valve 35 Water piping 36 Refrigerant sensor 37 Stirring fan 40 Refrigerant piping 41 Joint 50 Repeater housing 51 Through hole 52 Main body 53 Slide section 60 containers 61 Aperture 62 Guidance part 63 Second refrigerant sensor 100 control device 101 processors 102 memory 103 Dedicated Hardware 111 Leak detection unit 112 Storage section 113 Information Department 114 Control Unit

Claims

1. a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and air; a second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water; a refrigerant pipe connecting the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and containing the refrigerant; a water pipe connected to the second heat exchanger and filled with water; a relay housing that houses the second heat exchanger therein, A joint portion for connecting the refrigerant pipes is provided in the middle of the refrigerant pipes, The joint portion is accommodated in a container having an opening formed on a bottom surface thereof. the opening of the container is disposed vertically above an upper surface of the repeater housing and inside the upper surface of the repeater housing in a horizontal projection plane; The heat pump device has a through hole formed on the top surface of the relay unit housing, the through hole communicating the inside and outside of the relay unit housing.

2. a fan provided in the repeater housing; a sensor provided in the relay unit housing and capable of detecting the refrigerant, The heat pump device according to claim 1 , wherein the fan operates in response to the refrigerant detected by the sensor.

3. The heat pump device according to claim 2 , wherein the fan generates suction airflow from the outside of the relay unit housing to the inside of the relay unit housing through the through-hole.

4. the sensor as a first sensor; a second sensor provided in the container and capable of detecting the refrigerant; 4. The heat pump device according to claim 2, further comprising: a leakage detection unit that distinguishes between the occurrence of a refrigerant leak within the relay housing and the occurrence of a refrigerant leak within the container based on the detection results of the first sensor and the detection results of the second sensor.

5. The heat pump device according to claim 4, wherein the leakage detection unit detects the occurrence of a refrigerant leak in the container when the first sensor detects the refrigerant after a predetermined reference time has elapsed since the second sensor detected the refrigerant.

6. The heat pump device according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a guide portion connected to the opening of the container and configured to guide the refrigerant in the container to the sensor.

7. a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and air; a second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water; a refrigerant pipe connecting the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and containing the refrigerant; a water pipe connected to the second heat exchanger and filled with water; a relay housing that houses the second heat exchanger therein, A joint portion for connecting the refrigerant pipes is provided in the middle of the refrigerant pipes, The repeater housing includes: a main body portion having an open top surface; a slide part whose bottom surface is open, which covers the top surface side of the main body part, and which is slidable up and down relative to the main body part, The slide portion is a first position where the joint portion is exposed to the outside of the relay unit housing; a heat pump device that is movable between a first position where the joint portion is housed inside the relay housing and a second position where the joint portion is housed inside the relay housing;

Images