Heat source device

Abstract

This reduces the risk of damaging water cylinders with tools during water piping installation. [Solution] The heat source device (1) includes a water heat exchanger (15) included in a refrigerant circuit (11), a cylinder (71) having a discharge port (71a) at its bottom for storing and discharging flammable refrigerant, and a casing (21) that houses the water heat exchanger and the cylinder. A first water pipe (41) and a second water pipe (42) are connected to the water heat exchanger. An insertion port (IP) is formed in the rear plate (27) of the casing through which the first water pipe and the second water pipe are inserted. An access port (AP) is formed in the front plate (26) of the casing for accessing the cylinder.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat source device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat source device including a water heat exchanger included in a refrigerant circuit. The water heat exchanger is housed in a casing. A water pipe is connected to the water heat exchanger. The water pipe is inserted through an opening formed in the casing and drawn out of the casing.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The inventors of the present application have created a configuration in which a cylinder is provided inside the casing of a heat source device. The cylinder stores a refrigerant for filling the refrigerant circuit. Thereby, when installing the heat source device, the refrigerant can be filled into the refrigerant circuit from the cylinder, so that it is not necessary to separately prepare the refrigerant for filling. On the other hand, in a configuration in which a flammable refrigerant is used as the refrigerant and a cylinder is provided inside the casing, the following specific problems occur.

[0005] When installing a heat source system on-site, the work involves connecting pipes that supply water to the water heat exchanger and pipes that discharge the water heated by the water heat exchanger to the water piping connection ports. During the installation of such water piping, workers use tools such as wrenches to tighten the water piping to secure the external pipes to the water piping connection ports. If there are cylinders near the installation location of the water piping, the installation of the water piping is carried out with a portion of the sheet metal casing removed. Therefore, there is a risk that if the tool comes off the fastening point of the water piping while the worker is applying force, the tool may accidentally strike and damage the cylinder. If the cylinder is damaged, there is a possibility that the refrigerant may leak into the air.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to reduce the risk of damaging cylinders with tools during water piping installation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of this disclosure relates to a heat source device (1). The heat source device (1) includes a water heat exchanger (15) included in a refrigerant circuit (11) that performs a refrigeration cycle, a cylinder (71) that stores a flammable refrigerant for filling the refrigerant circuit (11) and has an outlet (71a) at its lower end for discharging the flammable refrigerant, and a casing (21) that houses the water heat exchanger (15) and the cylinder (71). Water pipes (41a, 42a) through which water flows are connected to the water heat exchanger (15). The casing (21) has two distinct surfaces (27) and (24, 26). A first opening (IP) is formed in the first surface (27) through which the water pipes (41a, 42a) are inserted. A second opening (AP) for accessing the cylinder (71) is formed in the second surface portion (24, 26).

[0008] In the first embodiment, a first opening (IP) through which water pipes (41a, 42a) are inserted and a second opening (AP) for accessing the cylinder (71) are formed on two different surfaces of the casing (21): a first surface (27) and a second surface (24, 26). This reduces the risk of damaging the cylinder (71) with tools during the installation of the water pipes (41, 42).

[0009] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a heat source device (1) of the first aspect, wherein the first surface portion (27) and the second surface portions (24, 26) face each other.

[0010] In the second embodiment, the first opening (IP) and the second opening (AP) are formed on opposite surfaces of the casing (21). This allows the cylinder (71) to be positioned away from the installation location of the water piping (41, 42). This effectively reduces the risk of damaging the cylinder (71) with tools during the installation of the water piping (41, 42).

[0011] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a heat source device (1) according to the first or second aspect, further comprising an air heat exchanger (13) included in the refrigerant circuit (11) and a fan (30) for transporting air that exchanges heat with the air heat exchanger (13). The first surface (27) is a rear surface (27) facing the side opposite to the air outlet side of the air transported by the fan (30). The second surface (24, 26) is a front surface (26) facing the air outlet side of the air transported by the fan (30), or a side surface (24) provided between the front surface (26) and the rear surface (27).

[0012] In the third embodiment, the first opening (IP) is formed on the rear surface (27) of the casing (21). This results in a better appearance after the heat source device (1) is installed. In particular, when the second opening (AP) is formed on the front surface (26) of the casing (21), the cylinder (71) can be positioned away from the installation location of the water piping (41, 42), thereby effectively reducing the risk of damaging the cylinder (71) with tools during the installation of the water piping (41, 42).

[0013] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a heat source device (1) in any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the water heat exchanger (15) is located between the cylinder (71) and the water piping (41a, 42a).

[0014] In the fourth embodiment, the water heat exchanger (15) is positioned between the cylinder (71) and the water piping (41a, 42a). This protects the cylinder (71) from the water heat exchanger (15) during the installation of the water piping (41, 42), reducing the risk of tools hitting the cylinder (71).

[0015] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a heat source device (1) of any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein a connecting pipe (72) connecting the cylinder (71) and the refrigerant circuit (11) is connected to the outlet (71a). An on-off valve (73) is provided on the connecting pipe (72). Below the cylinder (71), a protective member (74) is provided that surrounds the upstream pipe portion (72a), which is the portion of the connecting pipe (72) closer to the outlet (71a) than the on-off valve (73), and the on-off valve (73). A third opening (76a) is formed in the protective member (74) for accessing the on-off valve (73). The third opening (76a) opens toward the second surface portion (24,26).

[0016] In the fifth embodiment, the upstream section (72a) of the connecting pipe (72) and the on-off valve (73) are enclosed by a protective member (74). This protects the upstream section (72a) and the on-off valve (73) from vibrations during transport of the heat source device (1) and impacts when the heat source device (1) is dropped. Furthermore, the protective member (74) has a third opening (76a) facing the second surface (24,26) for accessing the on-off valve (73), so that the on-off valve (73) can be accessed through the second opening (76a) and the third opening (76a) even after the heat source device (1) has been installed.

[0017] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a heat source device (1) comprising a compressor (12) included in the refrigerant circuit (11) in any one of the first to fifth aspects. The second opening (AP) also serves as an opening for accessing the compressor (12).

[0018] In the sixth embodiment, the second opening (AP) also serves as an opening for accessing the compressor (12). Therefore, maintenance of the compressor (12) can be performed through the second opening (AP).

[0019] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a heat source device (1) of the sixth aspect, wherein the cylinder (71) and the compressor (12) are arranged to be horizontally offset from each other in a front view of the second opening (AP). The distance between the compressor (12) and the second surface (24) is longer than the distance between the cylinder (71) and the second surface (24).

[0020] In the seventh embodiment, the compressor (12) is positioned horizontally offset from the cylinder (71) in a front view of the second opening (76a), and is located further away from the second surface (24) than the cylinder (71), so that a space (WS) can be provided between the compressor (12) and the second surface (24). This space (WS) can be used as a workspace to perform work when accessing the cylinder (71).

[0021] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a heat source device (1) according to the seventh aspect, wherein a connecting pipe (72) connecting the cylinder (71) and the refrigerant circuit (11) is connected to the outlet (71a). An on-off valve (73) is provided on the connecting pipe (72). Below the cylinder (71), a protective member (74) is provided that surrounds the upstream pipe portion (72a), which is the portion of the connecting pipe (72) closer to the outlet (71a) than the on-off valve (73), and the on-off valve (73). A third opening (76a) is formed in the protective member (74) for accessing the on-off valve (73). The third opening (76a) opens toward the space between the compressor (12) and the second surface portion (24).

[0022] In the eighth aspect, the third opening (76a) of the protection member (74) opens facing the space (WS) between the compressor (12) and the second surface portion (24). By doing so, the space (WS) between the compressor (12) and the second surface portion (24) is used as a work space, making it easier to perform work when accessing the cylinder (71) and the on-off valve (73). Also, by pulling out the connection pipe (72) from the third opening (76a) through the space (WS), the length of the connection pipe (72) can be shortened.

[0023] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a heat source device (1) according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the water pipes (41a, 42a) have connection ports (41c, 42c) to which external pipes (41b, 42b) are connected. The outer diameter of the connection ports (41c, 42c) is 15 mm or more.

[0024] In the ninth aspect, the outer diameter of the connection ports (41c, 42c) of the water pipes (41a, 42a) is relatively large, being 15 mm or more. In this case, when installing the water pipes (41, 42), an operator needs to apply force to a tool to tighten them. If the tool slips off the fastening portion of the water pipes (41, 42) while the operator is applying force to the tool, there is a possibility that the tool may accidentally collide with and damage objects around the installation position of the water pipes (41, 42). Thus, the technology of the present disclosure is particularly effective when the connection ports (41c, 42c) of the water pipes (41a, 42a) are thick.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic piping system diagram of a refrigerant circuit of a heat source device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an outdoor unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the outdoor unit with the access opening at the front of the machine room open. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing the interior of the outdoor unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the interior of the outdoor unit as seen from the right side with the side plate removed. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the filling unit. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic plan view showing the interior of the outdoor unit with the front access opening of the machine room open. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view showing the interior of the modified outdoor unit. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic plan view showing the interior of an outdoor unit in another embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic plan view showing the interior of an outdoor unit in another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] The following describes exemplary embodiments in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings are intended to conceptually illustrate the technology of this disclosure. Therefore, dimensions, ratios, or numbers in the drawings may be exaggerated or simplified to facilitate understanding of the technology of this disclosure.

[0027] (1) Basic configuration of the heat source system The heat source device (1) of this embodiment constitutes a refrigeration cycle device that performs a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle device is applied to a hot water supply device. The heat source device (1) heats water and supplies the heated water to the target. The heat source device (1) has an outdoor unit (20) installed outside. The outdoor unit (20) has a casing (21).

[0028] The casing (21) houses the entire closed-circuit refrigerant circuit (11). That is, the casing (21) houses the equipment that makes up the refrigerant circuit (11), such as the compressor (12), water heat exchanger (15), and cylinder (71). The refrigerant circuit (11) performs the refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant circuit (11) is filled with refrigerant. The refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (11) is a flammable refrigerant.

[0029] Specifically, the refrigerant in this embodiment is propane (R290). Propane is a highly flammable natural refrigerant. Natural refrigerants have a zero ozone depletion potential, a low global warming potential, and therefore have a low environmental impact. Propane ignites at temperatures below 500°C. Flammable refrigerants may also be methane (R50), ethane (R170), butane (R600), isobutane (R600a), etc. The natural refrigerant may also be a corrosive refrigerant, such as ammonia (R717).

[0030] (1-1) Refrigerant circuit As shown in Figure 1, the refrigerant circuit (11) has as its main components a compressor (12), an air heat exchanger (13), an expansion valve (14), a water heat exchanger (15), and a cylinder (71). The refrigerant circuit (11) further has a four-way switching valve (16) and an accumulator (17).

[0031] The compressor (12) compresses the refrigerant. A discharge pipe (18) is connected to the discharge side of the compressor (12). A suction pipe (19) is connected to the suction side of the compressor (12). The accumulator (17) collects the liquid in the refrigerant that is drawn into the compressor (12). The air heat exchanger (13) exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outside air. The expansion valve (14) reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. The water heat exchanger (15) exchanges heat between the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (11) and the water in the water circuit (40).

[0032] The four-way diverter valve (16) switches the direction of refrigerant circulation. The four-way diverter valve (16) switches between a first state and a second state. The first state is when the first port (16a) and the third port (16c) are connected, and the second port (16b) and the fourth port (16d) are connected (shown by the solid line in Figure 1). The second state is when the first port (16a) and the second port (16b) are connected, and the third port (16c) and the fourth port (16d) are connected (shown by the dashed line in Figure 1).

[0033] The cylinder (71) is connected to the refrigerant circuit (11) via a connecting pipe (72). In this embodiment, the connecting pipe (72) is connected to the suction pipe (19). A control valve (73) is provided on the connecting pipe (72). The cylinder (71) is filled with refrigerant before the heat source device (1) is shipped. After transporting the heat source device (1) to the site, the worker depressurizes the refrigerant circuit (11). Then, when the worker opens the control valve (73), the refrigerant from the cylinder (71) fills the refrigerant circuit (11).

[0034] The refrigerant circuit (11) performs a first refrigeration cycle and a second refrigeration cycle. In Figure 1, the refrigerant flow in the first refrigeration cycle is shown by solid arrows, and the refrigerant flow in the second refrigeration cycle is shown by dashed arrows. In the first refrigeration cycle, the four-way switching valve (16) is in the first state, the water heat exchanger (15) functions as a heat radiator (condenser), and the air heat exchanger (13) functions as an evaporator. In the second refrigeration cycle, the four-way switching valve (16) is in the second state, the air heat exchanger (13) functions as a heat radiator (condenser), and the water heat exchanger (15) functions as an evaporator.

[0035] (1-2) Water circuit The water circuit (40) is connected to the water heat exchanger (15). The water circuit (40) includes a first water pipe (41) and a second water pipe (42). The first water pipe (41) and the second water pipe (42) are water pipes through which water flows, and are connected to the water heat exchanger (15). The first water pipe (41) constitutes the upstream piping of the water heat exchanger (15). The second water pipe (42) constitutes the downstream piping of the water heat exchanger (15).

[0036] The first water piping (41) includes a first heat source side piping (41a) and a first connecting piping (41b). The first heat source side piping (41a) is included in the outdoor unit (20). The first heat source side piping (41a) is connected to the water heat exchanger (15). The first connecting piping (41b) is an external pipe of the outdoor unit (20) and is connected to a first connection port (41c) located in the portion of the first heat source side piping (41a) that extends outside the outdoor unit (20).

[0037] The second water piping (42) includes a second heat source side piping (42a) and a second connecting piping (42b). The second heat source side piping (42a) is included in the outdoor unit (20). The second heat source side piping (42a) is connected to the water heat exchanger (15). The second connecting piping (42b) is an external pipe of the outdoor unit (20) and is connected to a second connection port (42c) located in the portion of the second heat source side piping (42a) that extends outside the outdoor unit (20).

[0038] A pump (43) is connected to the water circuit (40). The pump (43) transports water from the water circuit (40). The water from the water circuit (40) is supplied to targets such as the hot water tank, air conditioning unit, and floor heating unit. A gas-liquid separator (44) is connected to the water circuit (40). The gas-liquid separator (44) releases refrigerant that has leaked from the refrigerant circuit (11) into the water circuit (40) via the water heat exchanger (15) into the atmosphere.

[0039] (2) Outdoor unit The configuration of the outdoor unit (20) will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In the following explanation, terms such as "up," "down," "right," "left," "front," and "rear" refer to the directions indicated by the arrows in Figure 2. The outdoor unit (20) has a casing (21), equipment for the refrigerant circuit (11), and equipment for the water circuit (40).

[0040] The equipment of the refrigerant circuit (11) includes, in addition to the elements described above, refrigerant piping, solenoid valves, internal heat exchangers, filters, and piping insulation. The equipment of the water circuit (11) includes, as described above, the water heat exchanger (15), the first heat source side piping (41a), and the second heat source side piping (42a). The outdoor unit (20) further includes a partition member (45) that partitions the inside of the casing (21) and a fan (30) that transports outdoor air.

[0041] (2-1) Casing and partition members The casing (21) is installed outdoors. The casing (21) is formed in the shape of a hollow box. More precisely, the casing (21) is formed in the shape of a box with part of the left side and rear side open. The casing (21) is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with the left-right direction being the longitudinal direction and the front-back direction being the short direction. The casing (21) is made of metal plates.

[0042] The casing (21) has a top plate (22), a bottom plate (23), a right plate (24), a left plate (25), a front plate (26), and a rear plate (27). The top plate (22), bottom plate (23), right plate (24), left plate (25), front plate (26), and rear plate (27) constitute different surfaces of the casing (21). The top plate (22) and the bottom plate (23) face each other. The right plate (24) and the left plate (25) face each other. The front plate (26) and the rear plate (27) face each other.

[0043] The top plate (22) forms the upper surface of the casing (21). The bottom plate (23) forms the lower surface of the casing (21). The right plate (24) forms the right side of the casing (21). The left plate (25) forms the left side of the casing (21). The left plate (25) is located towards the front of the casing (21) and is continuous with the front plate (26). The right plate (24) and the left plate (25) are examples of side plates provided between the front plate (26) and the rear plate (27), respectively.

[0044] The front plate (26) constitutes the front surface of the casing (21). The front plate (26) faces the side where the air conveyed by the fan (30) is blown out. The front plate (26) is an example of the second surface. The rear plate (27) constitutes the rear surface of the casing (21). The rear plate (27) faces the side opposite to the side where the air conveyed by the fan (30) is blown out. The rear plate (27) is an example of the first surface.

[0045] An access port (AP) is formed in the front plate (26) for accessing the cylinder (71). The access port (AP) also serves as an opening for accessing the compressor (12). The access port (AP) is an example of a second opening. The rear plate (27) is located to the right of the casing (21) and is continuous with the right plate (24). An insertion port (IP) is formed in the rear plate (27) through which the first heat source side piping (41a) and the second heat source side piping (42a) are inserted. The insertion port (IP) is an example of a first opening.

[0046] A partition member (45) is provided inside the casing (21). The partition member (45) extends from the bottom plate (23) to the top plate (22). When viewed from above, the partition member (45) extends in the front-to-back direction. When viewed from above, the partition member (45) may have a curved or bent shape, or may be formed in a curved shape. The partition member (45) divides the inside of the casing (21) into a fan room (S1) and a machine room (S2). The fan room (S1) is formed on the left side of the casing (21). The machine room (S2) is formed on the right side of the casing (21).

[0047] The casing (21) has an intake port (28) and an outlet port (29). The intake port (28) is formed in the casing (21) from the rear surface to the left surface of the fan chamber (S1). The outlet port (29) is formed in the front part of the front plate (26) of the casing (21) that is in front of the fan chamber (S1). In the fan chamber (S1), a flow path is formed through which outside air flows from the intake port (28) to the outlet port (29).

[0048] (2-2) Configuration of the fan room The fan chamber (S1) is composed of a roughly rectangular parallelepiped space. The length of the fan chamber (S1) in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the fan chamber (S1) in the front-back direction. The fan chamber (S1) is equipped with an air heat exchanger (13), a fan (30), and a bell mouth (31).

[0049] The air heat exchanger (13) is formed in an L-shape when viewed from above. The air heat exchanger (13) has a first heat exchange section (13a) along the rear surface of the fan chamber (S1) and a second heat exchange section (13b) along the left surface of the fan chamber (S1). The air heat exchanger (13) is a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger. The heat transfer tubes of the air heat exchanger (13) are made up of flat multi-hole tubes, but straight tubes may also be used.

[0050] The fan (30) transports air to exchange heat with the air heat exchanger (13). The fan (30) is a propeller fan and has a motor (30a) and an impeller (30b). The motor (30a) is located behind the impeller (30b). The motor (30a) is supported by a support base (32) installed on the bottom plate (23). The motor (30a) rotates the impeller (30b). The bell mouth (31) is formed in a cylindrical shape and is located around the impeller (30b). The bell mouth (31) is continuous with the outlet (29).

[0051] (3) Configuration of the machine room The machine room (S2) is composed of a roughly rectangular parallelepiped space. The length of the machine room (S2) in the left-right direction is approximately equal to the length of the machine room (S2) in the front-rear direction. The length of the machine room (S2) in the up-down direction is longer than the length of the machine room (S2) in the left-right direction and the length of the machine room (S2) in the front-rear direction. The length of the machine room (S2) in the left-right direction is shorter than the length of the fan room (S1).

[0052] The machine room (S2) houses a compressor (12), a water heat exchanger (15), a gas-liquid separator (44), and an accumulator (17). These components are included in the refrigerant circuit (11). The outdoor unit (20) further includes a vibration isolation mechanism (50), sound insulation members (60), and a charging unit (70).

[0053] (3-1) Compressor The compressor (12) is positioned towards the front and left side of the machine room (S2). The compressor (12) has a compressor casing (12a). The compressor casing (12a) is formed in the shape of a vertically elongated hollow cylinder. The height of the compressor casing (12a) is greater than the outer diameter of the compressor casing (12a). The compressor casing (12a) constitutes a sealed pressure vessel. An intake pipe (19) is connected to the top of the compressor (12). A discharge pipe (18) is connected to the body of the compressor (12). The compressor (12) is, for example, a scroll compressor.

[0054] (3-2) Water heat exchanger The water heat exchanger (15) is located towards the right side of the machine room (S2). The water heat exchanger (15) is closer to the right plate (24) than the compressor (12). The water heat exchanger (15) is closer to the rear plate (27) than the compressor (12). The water heat exchanger (15) is a plate-type heat exchanger. The water heat exchanger (15) is connected to the first heat source side piping (41a), the second heat source side piping (42a), and refrigerant piping (not shown).

[0055] The first heat source side piping (41a) extends inside the casing (21) and extends outwards from the rear surface of the casing (21). The first heat source side piping (41a) has a first connection port (41c). The second heat source side piping (42a) extends inside the casing (21) and extends outwards from the rear surface of the casing (21). The second heat source side piping (42a) has a second connection port (42c). The first connection port (41c) and the second connection port (42c) are located outside the casing (21).

[0056] The outer diameter of the first connection port (41c) and the outer diameter of the second connection port (42c) are both 15 mm or more. The first connecting pipe (41b) is connected to the first connection port (41c). The first connecting pipe (42b) is connected to the second connection port (42c). The connection work of the first connecting pipe (41b) and the second connecting pipe (42b) is carried out as part of the water piping construction, using tools such as wrenches, after the heat source device (1) has been installed on site.

[0057] (3-3) Gas-liquid separation device The water heat exchanger (15) is positioned above the water heat exchanger (15). The gas-liquid separator (44) is supported from below by the water heat exchanger (15). The gas-liquid separator (44) is provided with a discharge passage for releasing the gaseous refrigerant separated inside it, and a gas vent valve for opening and closing the discharge passage (not shown).

[0058] (3-4) Accumulator The accumulator (17) is connected to the suction pipe (19). The accumulator (17) is located towards the rear of the machine room (S2). The accumulator (17) is closer to the rear plate (27) than the compressor (12) and the water heat exchanger (15). The accumulator (17) is formed in the shape of a vertically elongated hollow cylinder. The height of the accumulator (17) is greater than the outer diameter of the accumulator (17).

[0059] (3-5) Vibration isolation mechanism The vibration isolation mechanism (50) suppresses vibrations of the compressor (12) and accumulator (17). The vibration isolation mechanism (50) of this embodiment has a support plate (51) and a first elastic support part (52). The support plate (51) supports the compressor (12) from below. The first elastic support part (52) is fixed on the bottom plate (23) and supports the support plate (51) from below. The compressor (12) is fixed on the support plate (51). The support plate (51) is a plate member that is approximately triangular in shape when viewed from above. A circular hole is formed in the center of the support plate (51) into which the bottom of the compressor (12) fits.

[0060] The vibration isolation mechanism (50) of this embodiment has three first elastic support parts (52). Each first elastic support part (52) is positioned near the three tops of the support plate (51). The first elastic support parts (52) are interposed between the support plate (51) and the bottom plate (23). The first elastic support parts (52) directly support the support plate (51) from below. The first elastic support parts (52) are made of an elastic material such as rubber or urethane. The vibrations of the compressor (12) are damped by the first elastic support parts (52) before they are transmitted to the bottom plate (23).

[0061] (3-6) Sound insulation materials The sound-insulating member (60) suppresses the propagation of noise from the operation of the compressor (12) to the outside of the casing (21). The sound-insulating member (60) is formed in the shape of a hollow box with an open bottom. The sound-insulating member (60) has an upper wall (61), a right wall (62), a left wall (63), a front wall (64), and a rear wall (65).

[0062] The upper wall (61) faces the top plate (22) and constitutes the upper surface of the sound-insulating member (60). The right wall (62) faces the right plate (24) and constitutes the right side of the sound-insulating member (60). The left wall (63) faces the partition member (45) and constitutes the left side of the sound-insulating member (60). The front wall (64) faces the front plate (26) and constitutes the front surface of the sound-insulating member (60). The rear wall (65) faces the rear plate (27) and constitutes the rear surface of the sound-insulating member (60). The front wall (64) is configured to be detachable from the main body of the sound-insulating member (60).

[0063] The sound-insulating member (60) is supported by the bottom plate (23) of the casing (21). The sound-insulating member (60) is made of a non-permeable material. The sound-insulating member (60) is made of, for example, a metal material or a rubber sheet. The sound-insulating member (60) forms an internal space (66) surrounding the compressor (12). In this embodiment, equipment such as the compressor (12), accumulator (17), water heat exchanger (15), and filling unit (70) are arranged in the internal space (66).

[0064] The sound-insulating member (60) and the casing (21) are arranged with a predetermined distance between them. In other words, a gap (67) is formed between the outer surface of the sound-insulating member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (21). This gap (67) suppresses the propagation of noise from the operation of the compressor (12) to the outside of the casing (21).

[0065] (3-7) Filling Unit The filling unit (70) is positioned towards the right and front of the machine room (S2). As shown in Figure 6, the filling unit (70) includes a cylinder (71), a connecting pipe (72), a control valve (73), and a protective member (74).

[0066] The cylinder (71) stores flammable refrigerant for filling the refrigerant circuit (11). The cylinder (71) is pre-filled with refrigerant when the heat source device (1) is shipped. Therefore, when the heat source device (1) is stored or transported, the cylinder (71) is filled with refrigerant. After the heat source device (1) is installed on-site, and before the heat source device (1) is put into operation, refrigerant is filled from the cylinder (71) into the refrigerant circuit (11). Therefore, when the heat source device (1) is in use, the cylinder (71) is empty.

[0067] The cylinder (71) is formed in the shape of a vertically elongated hollow cylinder. The height of the cylinder (71) is greater than the outer diameter of the cylinder (71). The cylinder (71) constitutes a sealed pressure vessel. The rigidity of the cylinder (71) is lower than that of the compressor casing (12a).

[0068] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the cylinder (71) has an outlet (71a) at its bottom. More precisely, the outlet (71a) is formed at the bottom of the cylinder (71). The outlet (71a) discharges the flammable refrigerant from inside the cylinder (71). The density of the flammable refrigerant is relatively high. Therefore, by providing an outlet (71a) at the bottom of the cylinder (71), the discharge of the refrigerant can be promoted. In addition, when filling the refrigerant circuit (11) with refrigerant, it is possible to suppress the amount of refrigerant remaining in the cylinder (71).

[0069] The connecting pipe (72) is a pipe for injecting refrigerant from the cylinder (71) into the refrigerant circuit (11). The connecting pipe (72) connects the cylinder (71) and the refrigerant circuit (11). One end of the connecting pipe (72) is connected to the outlet (71a) of the cylinder (71) and communicates with the inside of the cylinder (71). The other end of the connecting pipe (72) is connected to the suction pipe (19). The connecting pipe (72) is located below the cylinder (71).

[0070] The control valve (73) is installed in the connecting pipe (72). The control valve (73) adjusts the opening degree of the connecting pipe (72). The control valve (73) is an example of an on-off valve that opens and closes the connecting pipe (72). The control valve (73) is a manual valve that is opened and closed manually. The control valve (73) is located below the cylinder (71).

[0071] As shown in Figure 6, the connecting pipe (72) has an upstream section (72a) and a downstream section (72b). The upstream section (72a) is the part of the connecting pipe (72) that is on the outlet (71a) side of the control valve (73). The downstream section (72b) is the part of the connecting pipe (72) that is on the refrigerant circuit (11) side (suction pipe (19) side) of the control valve (73). Even when the control valve (73) is closed, refrigerant from the cylinder (71) flows into the upstream section (72a).

[0072] The protective member (74) is provided on the underside of the cylinder (71). The protective member (74) has the function of protecting the upstream pipe section (72a) and the control valve (73). The protective member (74) further has the function of supporting the cylinder (71) from below. The protective member (74) has a base (75) and a partition wall (76). The base (75) is the mounting part for the protective member (74) and is fixed to the bottom plate (23). The partition wall (76) is provided on the base (75) and surrounds the upstream pipe section (72a) and the control valve (73).

[0073] A work opening (76a) is formed in the bulkhead (76) to expose the control valve (73) located inside it to the outside of the bulkhead (76). The work opening (76a) is an example of a third opening. The work opening (76a) is an opening used to access the control valve (73) when filling the refrigerant circuit (11) from the cylinder (71). The work opening (76a) faces toward the front plate (26). More specifically, the work opening (76a) faces toward the space (WS) between the compressor (12) and the front plate (26). In this embodiment, the work opening (76a) faces diagonally to the left and forward. The connecting pipe (72) is drawn out from the inside of the protective member (74) through the working opening (76a) into the space (WS) between the compressor (12) and the front plate (26), and is connected to the suction pipe (19) via the said space (WS).

[0074] (3-8) Interrelationship of compressor, water heat exchanger, accumulator, and cylinder As shown in Figure 4, the water heat exchanger (15) is positioned behind the cylinder (71). The first heat source side piping (41a) and the second heat source side piping (42a) are drawn out from the rear surface of the water heat exchanger (15), pass through the sound insulation member (60), and are inserted into the insertion opening (IP) of the rear plate (27). In other words, the water heat exchanger (15) is located between the first heat source side piping (41a) and the second heat source side piping (42a) and the cylinder (71). The accumulator (17) is positioned behind the compressor (12) and closer to the water heat exchanger (15).

[0075] As shown in Figure 3, the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) are positioned horizontally offset from each other in a front view of the access port (AP). The compressor (12) is located further from the front plate (26) than the cylinder (71). The distance L1 between the compressor (12) and the front plate (26) is longer than the distance L2 between the cylinder (71) and the front plate (26) (see Figure 4). Between the compressor (12) and the front plate (26), a usable workspace (WS) is formed with the access port (AP) exposed to the outside of the casing (21) and the front wall (64) removed from the sound insulation member (60) (see Figure 7).

[0076] Thus, the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) are positioned adjacent to each other in an oblique direction relative to the depth direction of the casing (21), i.e., the front-to-back direction, when viewed from the front of the access port (AP). The compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) are in close proximity to each other. Here, "in close proximity" means that the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) are in a positional relationship such that piping such as connecting pipes (72) can be placed between them, but other major components such as the water heat exchanger (15) and accumulator (17) cannot be placed between them.

[0077] (3-9) Access point As shown in Figures 3 and 4, an access opening (AP) is formed on the front side of the casing (21). The front plate (26) is provided with a front panel (26a) that is detachable from the main body. As shown in Figure 7, by removing the front panel (26a), the access opening (AP) is exposed to the outside of the casing (21). Then, by removing the front wall (64) from the sound insulation member (60), the equipment inside the casing (21) is exposed to the outside of the casing (21).

[0078] The compressor (12) and cylinder (71) correspond to access ports (AP) in the front-to-back direction. A worker at the front of the casing (21) can access the compressor (12) and cylinder (71) through the access ports (AP). Therefore, the worker can perform maintenance on the compressor (12). In addition, the worker can use the space (WS) between the compressor (12) and the front plate (26) as a workspace and operate the control valve (73) through the work opening (76a).

[0079] (4) Features of the Embodiment In the heat source device (1), the insertion ports (IP) through which the first water pipe (41) and the second water pipe (42) are inserted, and the access port (AP) for accessing the cylinder (71) are formed on different surfaces of the casing (21). This reduces the risk of damaging the cylinder (71) with tools during the installation of the first water pipe (41) and the second water pipe (42).

[0080] In the heat source device (1), the insertion port (IP) and the access port (AP) are formed separately on opposite surfaces of the casing (21). This allows the cylinder (71) to be positioned away from the installation locations of the first water piping (41) and the second water piping (42). This effectively reduces the risk of damaging the cylinder (71) with tools during the installation of the first water piping (41) and the second water piping (42).

[0081] In the heat source device (1), an insertion port (IP) is formed in the rear plate (27) of the casing (21). This results in a good appearance after the heat source device (1) is installed. Additionally, an access port (AP) is formed in the front plate (26) of the casing (21). This makes it easy to access the cylinder (71) even after the heat source device (1) is installed. Moreover, the cylinder (71) can be positioned away from the installation locations of the first water piping (41) and the second water piping (42), which effectively reduces the risk of damaging the cylinder (71) with tools during the installation of the first water piping (41) and the second water piping (42).

[0082] In the heat source device (1), the water heat exchanger (15) is located between the first water piping and the second water piping (42) and the cylinder (71). This protects the cylinder (71) from the water heat exchanger (15) during the installation of the first water piping (41) and the second water piping (42), reducing the risk of tools hitting the cylinder (71).

[0083] In the heat source device (1), the upstream section (72a) of the connecting pipe (72) and the control valve (73) are enclosed by a protective member (74). This protects the upstream section (72a) and the control valve (73) from vibrations during transport of the heat source device (1) and impacts when the heat source device (1) is dropped. Furthermore, the protective member (74) has a work opening (76a) facing the access port (AP) side, so that the control valve (73) can be accessed through the access port (AP) and the work opening (76a) even after the heat source device (1) has been installed.

[0084] In the heat source device (1), the access port (AP) also serves as an opening for accessing the compressor (12). Therefore, maintenance of the compressor (12) can be performed through the access port (AP). Maintenance of the compressor (12) often does not require the use of tools. Therefore, even though the access port (AP) serves as an opening for accessing both the cylinder (71) and the compressor (12), the risk of damaging the cylinder (71) during maintenance work on the compressor (12) is low.

[0085] In the heat source device (1), the compressor (12) is positioned horizontally offset from the cylinder (71) when viewed from the front of the access port (AP), and is located further away from the front plate (26) than the cylinder (71), so that a space (WS) can be created between the compressor (12) and the front plate (26). This space (WS) can be used as a workspace to perform work when accessing the cylinder (71).

[0086] In the heat source device (1), the working opening (76a) of the protective member (74) faces the space (WS) between the compressor (12) and the front plate (26). This makes it easier to access the cylinder (71) and the control valve (73) by using the space (WS) between the compressor (12) and the front plate (26) as a working space. In addition, by routing the connecting pipe (72) through the working opening (76a) of the protective member (74) via the space (WS), the length of the connecting pipe (72) can be shortened. This is advantageous in reducing pressure loss when filling the refrigerant circuit (11) with refrigerant from the cylinder (71).

[0087] In the heat source device (1), the outer diameter of the connection port (41c) of the first heat source side piping (41a) and the outer diameter of the connection port (42c) of the second heat source side piping (42a) are relatively large, at 15 mm or more. In this case, when installing the first water piping (41) and the second water piping (42), the worker needs to apply force to a tool to tighten them. If the tool comes off the fastening point of the water piping (41, 42) while the worker is applying force to the tool, there is a possibility that the tool may accidentally collide with and damage an object in the vicinity of the installation location of the water piping (41, 42). The technology of this disclosure is particularly effective when the connection ports (41c, 42c) of the first heat source side piping (41a) and the second heat source side piping (42a) are large.

[0088] (5) Variant As shown in Figure 8, the casing (21) of this modified example differs in configuration from the casing (21) of the above embodiment. In the casing of this modified example, an access port (AP) is formed in the right plate (24). The access port (AP) is located towards the front of the casing (21) and is continuous with the front plate (26). The access port (AP) may also serve as an opening for accessing the compressor (12). An opening for accessing the compressor (12) may be formed in the casing (21) separately from the access port (AP).

[0089] The working opening (76a) of the protective member (74) opens facing the right plate (24). More specifically, the working opening (76a) opens facing the space between the water heat exchanger (15) and the right plate (24). In this modified example, the working opening (76a) faces diagonally to the rear right. The connecting pipe (72) is drawn out from the inside of the protective member (74) through the working opening (76a) into the space between the compressor (12) and the right plate (24), and is connected to the suction pipe (19) via this space (not shown).

[0090] (6) Other embodiments The vibration isolation mechanism (50) may have a double vibration isolation structure. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the vibration isolation mechanism (50) further includes an intermediate plate (53) and a second elastic support part (54) in addition to the support plate (51) and first elastic support part (52) described above. The intermediate plate (53) supports the support plate (51), the water heat exchanger (15), the accumulator (17), and the filling unit (70) from below. The second elastic support part (54) is fixed on the bottom plate (23) and supports the intermediate plate (53) from below.

[0091] The support plate (51) is fixed on the intermediate plate (53) via the first elastic support portion (52). The first elastic support portion (52) is interposed between the support plate (51) and the intermediate plate (53). The compressor (12) is fixed on the support plate (51). The water heat exchanger (15), accumulator (17), and filling unit (70) are supported on the intermediate plate (53). The intermediate plate (53) is a substantially rectangular plate member in top view. The vibration isolation mechanism (50) has four second elastic support portions (54).

[0092] Each second elastic support (54) is positioned near the four tops of the intermediate plate (53). The second elastic support (54) is interposed between the intermediate plate (53) and the bottom plate (23). The second elastic support (54) directly supports the intermediate plate (53) from below. The second elastic support (54) is made of an elastic material such as rubber or urethane. With such a double vibration isolation structure, the vibrations of the compressor (12) are damped by the first elastic support (52) and then by the second elastic support (54) before they are transmitted to the bottom plate (23).

[0093] As shown in Figure 10, a sound-absorbing material (90) may be provided on the inside of the sound-insulating member (60). The sound-absorbing material (90) is a resin material having open cells, and is made of, for example, urethane. The sound-absorbing material (90) is formed on the inside of the top wall (61), right wall (62), left wall (63), front wall (64), and rear wall (65) of the sound-insulating member (60). By using the sound-absorbing material (90), the noise reduction effect in the machine room (S2) is improved. The sound-absorbing material (90) may be provided on the outside of the sound-insulating member (60) instead of the inside, or it may be provided on both the inside and outside of the sound-insulating member (60).

[0094] The support plate (51) may support not only the compressor (12) but also the cylinder (71) from below. The support plate (51) is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular plate. The support plate (51) is supported from below by a plurality of first elastic support parts (52). One first elastic support part (52) is placed at each of the four corners of the support plate (51) and is fixed to the bottom plate (23). The cylinder (71) is installed on the support plate (51) via a protective member (74). In this way, both the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) may be fixed on the support plate (51).

[0095] The filling unit (70) may have an on / off valve instead of the control valve (73). An on / off valve is an example of an on / off valve. The valve provided in the connecting pipe (72) only needs to have the function of opening and closing the connecting pipe (72).

[0096] The heat source device (1) may constitute a part of the refrigeration cycle device. Specifically, the refrigeration cycle device may be a separate type in which the heat source unit, which is the heat source device (1), and the utilization unit are connected via connecting piping. The refrigeration cycle device may also be an air conditioning system, a transport-type refrigeration system, a stationary-type refrigeration system, etc.

[0097] The sound-insulating member (60) may cover only the compressor (12).

[0098] While embodiments and variations have been described above, it will be understood that a variety of modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, these embodiments and variations may be combined or substituted as appropriate, as long as they do not impair the functions covered by this disclosure.

[0099] Furthermore, the designations "First," "Second," "Third," etc., in the specification and claims are used to distinguish between the terms to which these designations are attached, and do not limit the number or order of such terms. [Industrial applicability]

[0100] As explained above, this disclosure is useful for heat source devices. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] AP access port (second opening) IP insertion port (first opening) 1 Heat source device 11 Refrigerant Circuit 12 Compressor 13. Air heat exchanger 15 Water heat exchanger 21 Casing 24 Right plate (second side) 26 Front plate (second side) 27 Rear plate (first side) 30 Fans 41a Piping on the first heat source side (water piping) 41c First connection port (connection port) 42a Piping on the second heat source side (water piping) 42c Second connection port (connection port) 71a Outlet 71 cylinders 72 connecting pipes 72a Upstream pipe section 74 Protective components 76a Working opening (third opening)

Claims

1. A water heat exchanger (15) is included in the refrigerant circuit (11) that performs the refrigeration cycle, A cylinder (71) that stores flammable refrigerant for filling the refrigerant circuit (11) and has an outlet (71a) at its bottom for discharging the flammable refrigerant, The system comprises a casing (21) that houses the water heat exchanger (15) and the cylinder (71), The aforementioned water heat exchanger (15) is connected to water pipes (41a, 42a) through which water flows. The casing (21) has two distinct first surfaces (27) and second surfaces (24, 26). A first opening (IP) is formed in the first surface portion (27) through which the water pipes (41a, 42a) are inserted. A second opening (AP) for accessing the cylinder (71) is formed in the second surface portion (24, 26). Heat source device.

2. In the heat source device according to claim 1, The first surface portion (27) and the second surface portion (26) are opposite to each other, Heat source device.

3. In the heat source device according to claim 1, The air heat exchanger (13) included in the refrigerant circuit (11), The system further comprises an air heat exchanger (13) and a fan (30) that transports the air to be heat-exchanged. The first surface portion (27) is a rear plate (27) facing the side opposite to the side from which the air conveyed by the fan (30) is blown out. The second surface portion (24, 26) is a front plate (26) facing the side where the air conveyed by the fan (30) is blown out, or a side plate (24) provided between the front plate (26) and the rear plate (27). Heat source device.

4. In the heat source device according to claim 1, The water heat exchanger (15) is located between the cylinder (71) and the water piping (41a, 42a). Heat source device.

5. In the heat source device according to claim 1, A connecting pipe (72) is connected to the discharge port (71a) to the cylinder (71) and the refrigerant circuit (11). The connecting pipe (72) is provided with an on / off valve (73). Below the cylinder (71), a protective member (74) is provided that surrounds the upstream pipe portion (72a), which is the portion of the connecting pipe (72) that is closer to the outlet (71a) than the on-off valve (73), and the on-off valve (73). The protective member (74) has a third opening (76a) for accessing the on / off valve (73). The third opening (76a) opens toward the second surface portion (24,26), Heat source device.

6. In the heat source device according to claim 1, The refrigerant circuit (11) is further comprising a compressor (12), The second opening (AP) also serves as an opening for accessing the compressor (12). Heat source device.

7. In the heat source device according to claim 6, The compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) are arranged so as to be offset from each other horizontally when viewed from the front of the second opening (AP). The distance between the compressor (12) and the second surface (24) is longer than the distance between the cylinder (71) and the second surface (24). Heat source device.

8. In the heat source device according to claim 7, A connecting pipe (72) is connected to the discharge port (71a) to the cylinder (71) and the refrigerant circuit (11). The connecting pipe (72) is provided with an on / off valve (73). Below the cylinder (71), a protective member (74) is provided that surrounds the upstream pipe portion (72a), which is the portion of the connecting pipe (72) that is closer to the outlet (71a) than the on-off valve (73), and the on-off valve (73). The protective member (74) has a third opening (76a) for accessing the on / off valve (73). The third opening (76a) opens toward the space between the compressor (12) and the second surface portion (24). Heat source device.

9. In the heat source device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The water pipes (41a, 42a) have connection ports (41c, 42c) to which external pipes (41b, 42b) are connected. The outer diameter of the aforementioned connection ports (41c, 42c) is 15 mm or more. Heat source device.

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