Cover, outdoor unit, and heat pump system

Abstract

This invention provides a cover that allows gas separated from a gas separator to be released in a desired direction with a simple configuration. [Solution] The cover 44 is used in a gas separator equipped with a nozzle that separates the refrigerant from water and ejects the refrigerant. The cover 44 is equipped with an upper cylindrical portion 45b that surrounds the nozzle that ejects the refrigerant, and the upper cylindrical portion 45b has an opening 48 formed therein that releases the ejected refrigerant in one direction. The upper cylindrical portion 45b of the cover 44 is provided with a shoulder portion 50 that locks against the gas separator, and the shoulder portion 50 creates a gap between the upper cylindrical portion 45b and the nozzle that surrounds it.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cover used for a gas separator, an outdoor unit, and a heat pump device.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a heat pump device provided with a water heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and water (heat medium) in an outdoor unit (see Patent Document 1). The water heat-exchanged in the water heat exchanger is sent to a heat utilization destination via a water circuit. A gas separator (gas-liquid separation device) for separating and discharging refrigerant and air mixed in the water is provided in the water circuit This prevents the refrigerant mixed in the water from being led to a heat utilization destination (for example, an indoor unit) via the water circuit.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a flow path pipe is connected to a gas vent valve that discharges gas separated by a gas-liquid separation device, and the separated gas is guided to the air suction surface of a heat source side heat exchanger using the flow path pipe.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Providing a flow path pipe as in Patent Document 1 increases the number of parts and complicates the installation work.

[0006] On the other hand, if a configuration without using a flow path pipe as in Patent Document 1 is adopted, the refrigerant ejected from the gas separator will be released inside the outdoor unit. When a flammable refrigerant is used, functional components such as a control box, which are potential ignition sources, are installed inside the outdoor unit. Therefore, there is a risk of ignition depending on the direction of the refrigerant released inside the outdoor unit.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a configuration that can determine the direction of the gas released into the outdoor unit, even in a configuration that does not use a flow channel pipe, as in Patent Document 1.

[0008] This disclosure has been made in view of these circumstances and aims to provide a cover, an outdoor unit, and a heat pump device that can release gas separated from a gas separator in a desired direction with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A cover according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a cover used in a gas separator equipped with a nozzle for separating gas from a liquid heat transfer medium and ejecting the gas, comprising a main body that surrounds the nozzle, and the main body having an opening for releasing the ejected gas in one direction.

[0010] An outdoor unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a refrigerant circuit through which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor circulates, a heat exchanger provided in the refrigerant circuit for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and a liquid heat transfer medium, a heat transfer medium circuit for sending the heat transfer medium, which has undergone heat exchange in the heat exchanger, to a heat utilization destination, a gas separator for separating gas from the heat transfer medium led from the heat exchanger, and the cover described above.

[0011] A heat pump system according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises the above-mentioned outdoor unit and a heat utilization unit connected to the outdoor unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] With a simple configuration, the gas separated from the gas separator can be released in the desired direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an outdoor unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the outdoor unit. [Figure 3] It is a longitudinal sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2 and showing the state where the cover is removed. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing a gas separator. [Figure 5] It is a side view of the gas separator of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing a cover. [Figure 7] It is a longitudinal sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2 and showing the state where the sound-absorbing material is attached.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 1, an outdoor unit 1 used in a heat pump device is shown. The outdoor unit 1 in FIG. 1 is shown in a state where the panel of the machine room 7 is removed.

[0015] The outdoor unit 1 is connected to an indoor unit (heat utilization unit) via a water circuit using a water pipe (heat medium pipe) not shown. Water circulates between the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit through the water pipe. Thereby, the warm heat or cold heat generated in the outdoor unit 1 is sent to the indoor unit through the water pipe to provide warm heat or cold heat indoors.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the outdoor unit 1 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 3. The bottom of the housing 3 is a sheet metal base 4. The base 4 includes base legs 4a provided on both sides along the longitudinal direction, and a substantially flat plate portion 4b provided between the upper ends of the base legs 4a on both sides. The flat plate portion 4b extends substantially horizontally, and various devices are installed above it. The flat plate portion 4b has concavities and convexities formed by press working.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, inside the housing 3, above the base 4, there are provided a fan chamber 5 and a machine room 7 partitioned left and right by a partition wall 9.

[0018] The fan chamber 5 is located on the left side in FIG. 1. Inside the fan chamber 5, an outdoor fan (not shown) and an outdoor heat exchanger 30 (see FIG. 2) are provided. The outdoor heat exchanger 30 is formed in an L-shaped bent configuration so as to constitute the side and back surfaces of the fan chamber 5. The outside air taken in by the outdoor fan exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 30. The outside air after heat exchange with the refrigerant is discharged to the outside through the fan opening 11.

[0019] The machine room 7 is located on the right side in FIG. 1. On the base 4 (specifically, the flat plate portion 4b), a sub-base 13 in the form of a plate-like body is provided in the machine room 7. The sub-base 13 is rectangular in plan view and is sized to cover substantially the entire area below the machine room 7. However, a predetermined gap is formed between the side walls and partition walls 9 of the opposing housing 3 around the four sides of the sub-base 13.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of sub-base support members 15 provided with vibration isolation rubber are provided between the base 4 and the sub-base 13. The sub-base 13 is supported by the base 4 by each sub-base support member 15.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, in the machine room 7, above the sub-base 13, a compressor 17, a water heat exchanger 19, a gas separator 21, a control box (potential ignition source) 23, etc. are provided.

[0022] The compressor 17 is, for example, a scroll compressor and compresses a flammable refrigerant such as R290. As shown in FIG. 2, at the lower part of the compressor 17, compressor legs 17a provided with vibration isolation rubber are provided. The compressor legs 17a are attached onto the sub-base 13. The vibration of the compressor 17 transmitted to the sub-base 13 is mitigated by the compressor legs 17a provided with vibration isolation rubber. The sub-base 13 is not provided with unnecessary through-holes except for holes for attaching devices such as the sub-base support members 15 and the compressor legs 17a. Therefore, basically, there are no through-holes in the sub-base 13 after the devices are attached.

[0023] The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 17 is sent to the water heat exchanger 19 or the outdoor heat exchanger 30 via a four-way valve (not shown). The compressor 17, the four-way valve (not shown), the water heat exchanger 19, the outdoor heat exchanger 30, the expansion valve (not shown), and the refrigerant piping connecting them form a refrigerant circuit through which the refrigerant circulates.

[0024] The water heat exchanger 19 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water (heat transfer medium). After the water has exchanged heat with the refrigerant, it is separated from the gas (air, refrigerant, etc.) by the gas separator 21 and then guided to the indoor unit through the water supply pipe 25. After the water has exchanged heat with the indoor air in the indoor unit, it is returned to the water heat exchanger 19 through the water return pipe 26. In this way, the water circulates between the water heat exchanger 19 and the indoor unit via the water circuit.

[0025] The control box 23 has a sealed structure that houses electrical equipment such as capacitors and coils inside. Furthermore, the control box 23 is equipped with a terminal block that has electrical terminals (electrical equipment) that receive power from the outside. Thus, the control box 23 is considered a potential source of ignition in which electrical energy is present.

[0026] Figure 2 also shows the same compressor 17, water heat exchanger 19, and gas separator 21 as in Figure 1. An accumulator 28 is shown to the side of the compressor 17. An outdoor heat exchanger 30 is also shown on the right side of Figure 2. The outdoor heat exchanger 30 is installed in the fan room 5 (see Figure 1) as described above.

[0027] Although not shown in the diagram, the base 4 is provided with a drain hole in a position corresponding to the fan chamber 5. The drain hole is, for example, circular in shape, with a diameter of, for example, 20 mm. The drain hole is located on the lower surface, which is the lowest position on the flat plate portion 4b of the base 4. The lower surface extends continuously across the machine chamber 7. The lower surface is inclined so that the drain hole faces downwards. This allows condensed water to adhere to equipment such as the outdoor heat exchanger 30 inside the housing 3 and flow downwards, so that the drain water can be discharged to the outside through the drain hole via the lower surface.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the base 4 is provided with a refrigerant discharge port 34 at a position corresponding to the machine room 7. Through the refrigerant discharge port 34, the refrigerant released into the machine room 7 is discharged to the outside (atmosphere).

[0029] The refrigerant discharge hole 34 is, for example, circular in shape, with a diameter of 30 mm or more, preferably about 60 mm. In other words, the area of ​​the refrigerant discharge hole 34 is larger than the area of ​​the drain hole.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the refrigerant discharge hole 34 is provided with a mesh 40, such as a wire mesh, to prevent small animals such as insects from entering the inside of the housing 3 from the outside.

[0031] A refrigerant detection sensor 42 is installed below the machine room 7. The refrigerant detection sensor 42 detects refrigerant leaking into the machine room 7. The detection output of the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is transmitted to a control unit (not shown). The control unit determines that a refrigerant leak has occurred when the concentration of refrigerant detected by the refrigerant detection sensor 42 exceeds a predetermined value. The refrigerant detection sensor 42 is installed below the gas separator 21.

[0032] The control unit consists of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and a computer-readable storage medium. A series of processes for realizing various functions are stored in the storage medium in the form of a program, for example. The CPU reads this program into the RAM and performs information processing and calculations to realize the various functions. The program may be pre-installed in ROM or other storage media, provided stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or distributed via wired or wireless communication. Computer-readable storage media include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and semiconductor memory.

[0033] The top of the gas separator 21 is covered by a cover 44. The cover 44 is made of an elastomer such as rubber for ease of attachment and removal.

[0034] Figure 3 shows the gas separator body 21a with the cover 44 removed, illustrating the entire structure. A water connection pipe 46, which guides water from the water heat exchanger 19, is connected to the side of the gas separator body 21a.

[0035] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the gas separator body 21a is cylindrical and comprises a lower section 22a, a middle section 22b, and an upper section 22c, arranged from bottom to top. The diameter decreases in the order of lower section 22a, middle section 22b, and upper section 22c. The lower surface of the lower section 22a is provided with a water outlet section 22a1 (see Figure 5) to which the water supply pipe 25 is connected.

[0036] A water inlet 22b1 is provided on the side of the middle section 22b, to which a water connection pipe 46 (see Figure 3) is connected. Water flowing in from the water inlet 22b1 is separated into gas and liquid within the gas separator body 21a, and the treated water is discharged from the water outlet 22a1.

[0037] An ejection nozzle 22c2 is provided on the upper surface 22c1 of the upper section 22c so as to protrude upward, ejecting the separated gas (refrigerant and air, etc.). The ejection nozzle 22c2 is equipped with a check valve, and when the separated gas exceeds a predetermined pressure, the check valve opens and the gas is ejected to the outside. The direction of gas ejection is horizontal, as indicated by arrow A1. However, the direction of ejection changes depending on the fixed position of the screw portion 22c3 of the ejection nozzle 22c2 in the rotational direction. That is, the angular position of the ejection nozzle 22c2 when viewed from above changes depending on the fixed state of the screw portion 22c3.

[0038] On the side of the upper section 22c, there is a water relief outlet 22c4 equipped with a pressure relief valve that opens when the pressure of the water flowing in from the water inlet section 22b1 exceeds a predetermined value. Although not shown, a water discharge pipe that leads water to the outside of the outdoor unit 1 is connected to the water relief outlet 22c4.

[0039] Figure 6 shows the cover 44. The cover 44 is formed to cover the upper portion 22c (see Figures 4 and 5) of the gas separator body 21a. The cover 44 is substantially cylindrical, with its lower end 44a open and its upper end 44b closed. The cover 44 comprises a lower cylindrical portion 45a and an upper cylindrical portion (body portion) 45b which has a smaller diameter than the lower cylindrical portion 45a.

[0040] An opening 48 is formed on the side of the cover 44, extending from the upper cylindrical portion 45b to the lower cylindrical portion 45a. The opening 48 is formed continuously in the vertical direction from an intermediate position on the side of the upper cylindrical portion 45b to the lower end of the lower cylindrical portion 45a. No other openings are formed at any other location on the cover 44.

[0041] The upper part 48a of the opening 48 is a discharge section that releases the gas ejected from the ejection section 22c2 (see Figures 4 and 5) to the outside of the cover 44. The lower part 48b of the opening 48 is a section that allows the gas to pass through the water relief outlet 22c4 (see Figures 4 and 5) of the gas separator body 21a when the cover 44 is installed.

[0042] A shoulder portion 50 is formed at the stepped position connecting the lower cylindrical portion 45a and the upper cylindrical portion 45b. The shoulder portion 50 is an annular shape that is continuous in the circumferential direction and forms a horizontal surface. However, a portion of the shoulder portion 50 is cut out by an opening 48.

[0043] When the cover 44 is attached to the gas separator body 21a, the shoulder portion 50 is secured to the upper surface 22c1 (see Figures 4 and 5) of the upper portion 22c of the gas separator body 21a. As a result, the upper cylindrical portion 45b of the cover 44 surrounds the upper surface 22c1 of the upper portion 22c of the gas separator body 21a.

[0044] The distance L1 from the shoulder 50 to the upper end 44b (see FIG. 6) is made larger than the distance L2 from the upper surface 22c1 of the upper part 22c of the gas separator body 21a to the upper end 22c5 of the ejection part 22c2 (see FIG. 5) (L1 > L2). Thereby, when the cover 44 is attached to the gas separator body 21a and the shoulder 50 is brought into contact with the upper surface 22c1 and used as a locking part, a gap is secured without the upper end 22c5 of the ejection part 22c2 and the upper end 44b of the cover 44 coming into contact with each other.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 7, in the state where the cover 44 is attached to the gas separator body 21a, the opening 48 formed in the cover 44 faces the side wall constituting the housing 3. More specifically, the position of the opening 48 is determined so as to face the sound absorbing material 52 attached to the side wall of the machine room 7. Thereby, the gas ejected from the gas separator body 21a is discharged in a direction away from the control box 23 as shown by the arrow A1. As can be seen from FIG. 7, the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is located below the position where the gas jets out from the cover 44 and collides with the sound absorbing material 52.

[0046] The cover 44 is fixed to the gas separator body 21a by winding a belt 54 around the outer periphery of the cover 44.

[0047] According to the outdoor unit 1 having the above configuration, the gas separator 21 operates as follows. The gas separator 21 separates gases such as refrigerant and air contained in the water introduced from the water heat exchanger 19. If a large amount of gas is mixed into the water due to some malfunction, the pressure of the gas separated by the gas separator 21 increases and the gas is ejected from the ejection port 22c2. The ejected gas is released into the interior of the cover 44 and then discharged to the outside of the cover 44 through an opening 48 formed in the cover 44. As shown by arrow A1 in Figure 7, the discharged gas collides with the sound-absorbing material 52 attached to the side wall of the housing 3. The refrigerant contained in the gas has a higher specific gravity than air, so it flows downward due to its own weight, passes the side of the sub-base 13 to the base 4, and is discharged to the outside through the refrigerant discharge hole 34 formed in the base 4.

[0048] The effects and advantages of this embodiment, as described above, are as follows. An opening 48 is formed in the upper cylindrical portion 45b of the cover 44 to release the gas ejected from the gas separator body 21a in one direction. This makes it possible to uniquely determine the direction of the gas released from the cover 44, even if the gas is ejected in any direction from the ejection portion 22c2.

[0049] A shoulder portion 50 is provided on the upper cylindrical portion 45b of the cover 44, which engages with the upper surface 22c1 of the upper stage portion 22c of the gas separator body 21a. The shoulder portion 50 creates a gap between the cover 44 and the ejection portion 22c2 surrounded by the upper cylindrical portion 45b. This prevents the cover 44 from coming into contact with the ejection portion 22c2 and obstructing the ejection of gas from the ejection portion 22c2.

[0050] There is a risk of fire if flammable refrigerant comes into contact with the control box 23, which is a potential ignition source. Therefore, the opening 48 of the cover 44 is oriented away from the control box 23. This prevents flammable refrigerant from approaching the control box 23 even if the refrigerant separated by the gas separator 21 is ejected into the outdoor unit 1.

[0051] The opening 48 of the cover 44 is formed so as to collide with the sound-absorbing material 52 provided on the inner surface of the side wall portion constituting the housing 3. By causing the gas to collide with the sound-absorbing material 52, the gas flow velocity is reduced and the gas can flow along the sound-absorbing material 52. This prevents the flammable refrigerant from approaching the control box 23.

[0052] Since flammable refrigerants have a higher specific gravity than air, they flow downwards due to their own weight. Therefore, the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is positioned below the point where the gas collides with the sound-absorbing material 52 to ensure reliable detection of the refrigerant.

[0053] The base 4, which forms the bottom of the housing 3, is provided with a drain hole for discharging condensate water. In addition, a refrigerant discharge hole 34 is provided for discharging the refrigerant separated by the gas separator 21. This allows the refrigerant to be discharged preferentially over the condensate water.

[0054] The cover, outdoor unit, and heat pump device described in each of the embodiments above can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0055] A cover (44) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a cover used in a gas separator (21) equipped with a discharge section (22c2) for separating gas from a liquid heat transfer medium and ejecting the gas, comprising a main body (45b) surrounding the discharge section, the main body having an opening (48) for releasing the ejected gas in one direction.

[0056] An opening is formed in the main body of the cover to release the gas ejected from the gas separator in one direction. This makes it possible to uniquely determine the direction of the gas released from the cover, even if the gas is ejected in any direction from the ejection port. For the cover material, it is preferable to use an elastomer such as rubber, considering ease of attachment and removal. Water is typically used as the heat transfer medium. Examples of gases include refrigerants and air.

[0057] In the cover according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect described above, the main body is provided with a locking portion (50) that locks with respect to the gas separator, and the locking portion creates a gap between the main body and the ejection portion that surrounds it.

[0058] The main body of the cover is provided with a locking portion that engages with the gas separator, creating a gap between the locking portion and the surrounding ejection portion. This prevents the cover from coming into contact with the ejection portion and obstructing the gas ejection from the ejection portion.

[0059] An outdoor unit according to the first aspect of this disclosure includes a compressor (17) for compressing a refrigerant, a refrigerant circuit through which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor circulates, a heat exchanger (19) provided in the refrigerant circuit for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and a liquid heat transfer medium, a heat transfer medium circuit for sending the heat transfer medium that has been heat-exchanged in the heat exchanger to a heat utilization destination, a gas separator (21) for separating gas from the heat transfer medium led from the heat exchanger, and a cover (44) as described in the first or second aspect.

[0060] Gases mixed in the heat transfer medium introduced from the heat exchanger are separated by a gas separator. As a result, the heat transfer medium from which the gases have been separated is supplied to the heat utilization site.

[0061] An outdoor unit according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect described above, is equipped with a potential ignition source (23), the refrigerant is a flammable refrigerant, and the opening of the cover is oriented in a direction that the gas ejected from the gas separator is released away from the potential ignition source.

[0062] There is a risk of ignition if a flammable refrigerant comes into contact with a potential ignition source. Therefore, the opening of the cover is oriented away from the potential ignition source. This prevents the flammable refrigerant from approaching the potential ignition source even if the refrigerant separated by the gas separator is ejected. Potential ignition sources include, for example, functional components that contain electrical energy, such as control boxes. Flammable refrigerants include mildly flammable refrigerants, weakly flammable refrigerants, and highly flammable refrigerants. This method is particularly effective when using highly flammable refrigerants such as R290, which uses propane.

[0063] An outdoor unit according to a third aspect of the present disclosure comprises, in the first or second aspect described above, a wall portion constituting a housing and a sound-absorbing material (52) provided on the inner surface of the wall portion, wherein the opening of the cover is oriented in a direction in which the gas ejected from the gas separator collides with the sound-absorbing material.

[0064] The opening in the cover is formed so as to collide with the sound-absorbing material provided on the inner surface of the wall portion that constitutes the enclosure. By causing the gas to collide with the sound-absorbing material, the gas flow velocity is reduced, and the gas can flow along the sound-absorbing material or the wall portion. This prevents the flammable refrigerant from approaching potential ignition sources.

[0065] An outdoor unit according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the third aspect described above, is equipped with a refrigerant detection sensor (42) for detecting refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant detection sensor is located below the position where the gas released from the opening of the cover collides with the sound-absorbing material.

[0066] Since flammable refrigerants have a higher specific gravity than air, they flow downwards due to their own weight. Therefore, the refrigerant detection sensor was placed below the point where the gas collides with the sensor to ensure reliable detection of the refrigerant.

[0067] An outdoor unit according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, in any of the first to fourth aspects described above, comprises a base (4) that constitutes the bottom of the housing, the base being provided with a drain hole for discharging drain water and a refrigerant discharge hole (34) for discharging refrigerant.

[0068] The base at the bottom of the enclosure is provided with a drain hole for discharging condensate water. In addition, a refrigerant discharge hole is provided for discharging the refrigerant separated by the gas separator. This allows the refrigerant to be discharged preferentially over the condensate water. For example, the area of ​​the refrigerant discharge hole is larger than that of the drain hole.

[0069] A heat pump system according to a first aspect of this disclosure comprises an outdoor unit as described above and a heat utilization unit connected to the outdoor unit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 1 Outdoor unit 3 cabinets 4 bases 4a Base Legs 4b Flat plate part 5. Fan Room 7 Machine room 9 Partition wall 11 Fan opening 13 Sub-base 15 Subbase support member 17 Compressor 17a Compressor legs 19 Water heat exchanger 21 Gas Separator 21a Gas separator body 22a Lower section 22a1 Water outlet 22b Middle part 22b1 Water inlet 22c upper section 22c1 top surface 22c2 Spout part 22c3 Screw part 22c4 Water relief outlet 22c5 top end 23. Control box (potential ignition source) 25 Water supply piping 26 Water return piping 28 Accumulator 30 Outdoor heat exchanger 34 Refrigerant discharge hole 40 mesh 42 Refrigerant detection sensor 44 Cover 44a bottom end 44b Top 45a Lower cylinder part 45b Upper cylinder part (main body part) 46 Water connection pipe 48 Aperture 48a Upper part 48b Lower part 50 Shoulder (locking part) 52 Sound-absorbing material 54 belts

Claims

1. A cover used in a gas separator equipped with a nozzle for separating gas from a liquid heat transfer medium and ejecting the gas, The system comprises a main body that surrounds the aforementioned ejection section, The main body has a cover with an opening formed therein that releases the ejected gas in one direction.

2. The main body is provided with a locking portion that engages with the gas separator, The cover according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion forms a gap between the main body portion and the ejection portion that surrounds it.

3. A compressor that compresses the refrigerant, A refrigerant circuit through which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor circulates, A heat exchanger is provided in the refrigerant circuit and exchanges heat between the refrigerant and a liquid heat transfer medium, A heat transfer circuit that sends the heat transfer medium, which has undergone heat exchange in the aforementioned heat transfer heat exchanger, to a heat utilization destination. A gas separator separates gas from the heat transfer medium introduced from the heat transfer medium heat exchanger, A cover as described in claim 1 or 2, An outdoor unit equipped with this feature.

4. Equipped with a potential source of ignition, The refrigerant is a flammable refrigerant. The outdoor unit according to claim 3, wherein the opening of the cover is directed in a direction that causes the gas ejected from the gas separator to be released away from the potential ignition source.

5. The wall portion that makes up the enclosure, Sound-absorbing material provided on the inner surface of the aforementioned wall, Equipped with, The outdoor unit according to claim 4, wherein the opening of the cover is directed in a direction in which the gas ejected from the gas separator collides with the sound-absorbing material.

6. Equipped with a refrigerant detection sensor to detect the refrigerant, The outdoor unit according to claim 5, wherein the refrigerant detection sensor is provided below the position where the gas released from the opening of the cover collides with the sound-absorbing material.

7. The housing includes a base that forms the bottom of the housing, The outdoor unit according to claim 5, wherein the base is provided with a drain hole for discharging drain water and a refrigerant discharge hole for discharging refrigerant.

8. The outdoor unit according to claim 3, A heat utilization unit connected to the aforementioned outdoor unit, A heat pump device equipped with the following features.

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