Outdoor unit and refrigeration cycle system

Abstract

The present invention provides an outdoor unit that allows maintenance work on piping and other components located inside the mounting frame while the frame is supporting the outdoor unit. [Solution] The outdoor unit 101 comprises a plurality of outdoor units 10A, 10B and a support frame 20 capable of supporting the plurality of outdoor units. The support frame is provided with a storage space 24 capable of accommodating at least a portion of the piping connected to each of the plurality of outdoor units, and an access opening 26 that allows access to the storage space from outside the plurality of outdoor units and the support frame. The support frame has a panel 27 that can open and close the access opening.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an outdoor unit and a refrigeration cycle apparatus. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, an outdoor unit of a refrigeration cycle apparatus that includes a plurality of outdoor units and a mount that supports the plurality of outdoor units is known.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2023-139387 (Patent Document 1) describes a mount including a pair of main frames arranged in parallel with each other, and a plurality of side frames fixed to the pair of main frames. The mount is provided with a support plate for mounting pipes, electric wires, and the like (hereinafter sometimes referred to as pipes and the like). PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT DOCUMENT 1 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2023-139387 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0005] The above-described mount does not have an opening that allows access from the outside thereof to the pipes and the like arranged on the support plate in a state where the outdoor unit is supported. Therefore, in the above-described mount, it is difficult to perform maintenance work on the pipes and the like in a state where the outdoor unit is supported.

[0006] A main object of the present disclosure is to provide an outdoor unit and a refrigeration cycle apparatus that enable maintenance work on pipes and the like arranged inside the mount in a state where the mount supports the outdoor unit. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0007] The outdoor unit according to this disclosure comprises a plurality of outdoor units and a frame capable of supporting the plurality of outdoor units. The frame is provided with a housing space capable of accommodating at least a portion of the piping connected to each of the plurality of outdoor units, and an access opening that allows access to the housing space from outside the plurality of outdoor units and the frame. The frame has a panel that can open and close the access opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, maintenance work on piping and other components located inside the support frame becomes possible while the support frame is supporting the outdoor unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a refrigeration cycle device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front view showing an example of an outdoor unit according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the connection between the piping of each of the multiple outdoor units and the piping housed inside the mounting frame of the outdoor unit. [Figure 4] Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the outdoor unit. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the access opening and panel of the outdoor unit mounting base. [Figure 6] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of the piping housed inside the outdoor unit's mounting frame, with the piping removed through an access opening. [Figure 7] This is a plan view showing an example of piping arranged inside the frame of an outdoor unit according to Embodiment 2, such that it does not overlap vertically with the drainage holes provided in the drain pans of each of the multiple outdoor units. [Figure 8] This figure shows a modified example of the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] This is a side view showing an example of piping arranged inside the mounting frame of the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 10] In the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 4, this is a perspective view showing an example of a fixing member that positions and fixes each of the plurality of outdoor units to a mount. [Figure 11] This is a partially enlarged perspective view for explaining the fixing member shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] In the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 5, this is a perspective view showing an example of a protection portion that protects the accommodation space of the mount between the plurality of outdoor units arranged at intervals from each other in the first direction. [Figure 13] This is a partially enlarged perspective view of the outdoor unit shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view showing a modification of the protection portion of the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 15] This is a partially enlarged perspective view of the outdoor unit shown in FIG. 14. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or corresponding parts below, and duplicate descriptions will not be repeated.

[0011] [Configuration of Refrigeration Cycle Apparatus] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 1 includes an outdoor unit 100, an indoor unit 200, a first connection pipe 300, and a second connection pipe 400.

[0012] The outdoor unit 100 includes a plurality of outdoor units 10A, 10B and a mount 20. Each of the plurality of outdoor units 10A, 10B is connected in parallel to the mount 20, for example. Each of the plurality of outdoor units 10A, 10B is connected in parallel to the indoor unit 200 via the mount 20, for example. The mount 20 is capable of supporting the plurality of outdoor units 10A, 10B.

[0013] The plurality of outdoor units 10A, 10B have, for example, the same configuration as each other. The outdoor units 10A, 10B may be provided as the minimum unit of an outdoor device. The plurality of outdoor units 10A, 10B may have configurations different from each other.

[0014] Each of the plurality of outdoor units 10A, 10B includes, for example, a compressor 1, an outdoor heat exchanger 2, an expansion device 3, a switching device 4, a first pipe 11, and a second pipe 12. The compressor 1 is capable of compressing a refrigerant. The compressor 1 is, for example, a rotary compressor, a scroll compressor, a screw compressor, or a reciprocating compressor. The outdoor heat exchanger 2 is provided so that the refrigerant exchanges heat with outdoor air. The expansion device 3 is capable of expanding the refrigerant. The expansion device 3 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve (LEV) or a capillary tube. The switching device 4 is capable of switching the flow path of the refrigerant. The switching device 4 is, for example, a plurality of on-off valves, or a four-way valve or a six-way valve. A gas-phase refrigerant flowing out from each of the outdoor units 10A, 10B toward the indoor device 200, or a gas-phase refrigerant flowing into each of the outdoor units 10A, 10B from the indoor device 200 flows through the first pipe 11. A gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flowing out from each of the outdoor units 10A, 10B toward the indoor device 200, or a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant or a liquid-phase refrigerant flowing into each of the outdoor units 10A, 10B from the indoor device 200 flows through the second pipe 12. The first pipe 11 is connected to the first connection pipe 300 via a first branch pipe 21 of a frame 20 described later. The second pipe 12 is connected to the second connection pipe 400 via a second branch pipe 22 of the frame 20 described later.

[0015] Each of the plurality of outdoor units 10A, 10B further includes an outdoor fan 5 capable of blowing air to the outdoor heat exchanger 2.

[0016] The indoor device 200 includes an indoor heat exchanger 6. The indoor heat exchanger 6 is provided so that the refrigerant exchanges heat with indoor air. The indoor device 200 further includes an unillustrated indoor fan capable of blowing air to the indoor heat exchanger 6.

[0017] The first connecting pipe 300 and the second connecting pipe 400 each connect the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200. The first connecting pipe 300 carries gaseous refrigerant flowing out from the outdoor unit 100 to the indoor unit 200, or gaseous refrigerant flowing in from the indoor unit 200 to the outdoor unit 100. The second connecting pipe 400 carries gaseous liquid two-phase refrigerant flowing out from the outdoor unit 100 to the indoor unit 200, or gaseous liquid two-phase refrigerant or liquid refrigerant flowing in from the indoor unit 200 to the outdoor unit 100.

[0018] The stand 20 for the outdoor unit 100 includes a first branch pipe 21 and a second branch pipe 22. The first branch pipe 21 is connected between the first pipe 11 of each of the multiple outdoor units 10A and 10B and the first connecting pipe 300. The first branch pipe 21 has multiple first ends 21A and 21B, a second end 21C, and a branch section 21D located between the multiple first ends 21A and 21B and the second end 21C. Each of the multiple first ends 21A and 21B is connected to the first pipe 11 of each of the multiple outdoor units 10A and 10B. The second end 21C is connected to the first connecting pipe 300. The second branch pipe 22 is connected between the second pipe 12 of each of the multiple outdoor units 10A and 10B and the second connecting pipe 400. The second branch pipe 22 has a plurality of third ends 22A, 22B, a fourth end 22C, and a branch section 22D located between the plurality of third ends 22A, 22B and the fourth end 22C. Each of the plurality of third ends 22A, 22B is connected to the second pipe 12 of each of the plurality of outdoor units 10A, 10B. The fourth end 22C is connected to the second connecting pipe 400.

[0019] Furthermore, each of the multiple outdoor units 10A and 10B may be connected in series with each other. Each of the multiple outdoor units 10A and 10B does not necessarily have to include a switching device 4. The number of outdoor units can be any number of two or more.

[0020] The following describes an embodiment of the outdoor unit. Embodiment 1. <Outdoor unit configuration> Figures 2 to 6 show an example of an outdoor unit 101 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, a plurality of outdoor units 10A and 10B are arranged above a frame 20. The plurality of outdoor units 10A and 10B are fixed to the frame 20. The plurality of outdoor units 10A and 10B and the frame 20 may be fixed to each other so that they can be moved as a single unit (for example, for loading and unloading). The plurality of outdoor units 10A and 10B are arranged side by side in a first direction DR1 that is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The outdoor heat exchanger 2 of each outdoor unit 10A and 10B is provided in a U-shape when viewed from the vertical direction, for example. The outdoor heat exchanger 2 of each outdoor unit 10A and 10B has heat exchange sections that are arranged facing each other in the first direction DR1, for example. In this case, it is preferable that the plurality of outdoor units 10A and 10B are arranged side by side in the first direction DR1 with a gap between them. In the first direction DR1, it is preferable that a space is provided between the outdoor unit 10A and the outdoor unit 10B that can serve as an air passage facing the heat exchange portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 2 of each outdoor unit 10A, 10B.

[0021] Furthermore, the outdoor heat exchangers 2 of each outdoor unit 10A, 10B may be arranged in a straight line or an L-shape when viewed from above or below.

[0022] Each of the multiple outdoor units 10A, 10B further includes a housing 13. The housing 13 has a front wall and a rear wall extending in a first direction DR1, and a pair of side walls extending in the vertical direction and in a second direction DR2 perpendicular to each of the first directions DR1. At least a portion of the front wall of the housing 13 can be opened and closed or removed by a maintenance worker.

[0023] Inside the housing 13 of each outdoor unit 10A, 10B, there is a housing space 14 capable of accommodating the compressor 1, outdoor heat exchanger 2, first piping 11, and second piping 12 mentioned above. In Figure 3, a portion of the housing 13 is omitted from the illustration.

[0024] Each of the multiple outdoor units 10A, 10B may further include a drain pan (not shown) located below the outdoor heat exchanger 2, etc. The drain pan may be provided with at least one drain hole.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the frame 20 further includes a housing 23. The housing 23 has a front wall and a rear wall extending in a first direction DR1, and a pair of side walls extending in the vertical direction and in a second direction DR2 perpendicular to each of the first directions DR1. Inside the housing 23, there is a housing space 24 capable of accommodating the first branch pipe 21 and the second branch pipe 22, etc.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the housing space 24 of the frame 20 includes, for example, a first region 24A located below the outdoor unit 10A, a second region 24B located below the outdoor unit 10B, and a third region 24C connecting the first region 24A and the second region 24B in the first direction DR1. The first region 24A overlaps vertically with the housing space 14 of the outdoor unit 10A. The second region 24B overlaps vertically with the housing space 14 of the outdoor unit 10B. The third region 24C overlaps vertically with the space between the respective housings 11 of the outdoor units 10A and 10B in the first direction DR1.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the first end 21A of the first branch pipe 21 and the third end 22A of the second branch pipe 22 are located in the first region 24A. The first end 21B of the first branch pipe 21 and the third end 22B of the second branch pipe 22 are located in the second region 24B. The second end 21C of the first branch pipe 21 and the fourth end 22C of the second branch pipe 22 are located in the second region 24B. Parts of both the first branch pipe 21 and the second branch pipe 22 extend into the third region 24C.

[0028] The frame 20 is provided with connecting openings 25 for passing through a first connecting pipe 300 connected to the second end 21C of the first branch pipe 21 and a second connecting pipe 400 connected to the fourth end 22C of the second branch pipe 22. The connecting openings for passing through the first connecting pipe 300 connected to the second end 21C of the first branch pipe 21 and the connecting openings for passing through the second connecting pipe 400 connected to the fourth end 22C of the second branch pipe 22 may be provided independently of each other.

[0029] Figures 5 and 6 show an example of a mounting base 20 for the outdoor unit 101. In Figures 5 and 6, the illustration of multiple outdoor units 10A and 10B is omitted.

[0030] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the frame 20 is further provided with access openings 26 that allow access to the housing space 24 from outside the multiple outdoor units 10A, 10B and the frame 20. In this specification, "accessible to the housing space 24" means a structure that allows a maintenance worker's hand or a tool operated by a maintenance worker to reach into the housing space 24 from outside the multiple outdoor units 10A, 10B and the frame 20 without going through the respective housing spaces 14 of the multiple outdoor units 10A, 10B. Preferably, the access openings 26 extend along a first direction DR1. Preferably, the opening width of the access openings 26 in the first direction DR1 is wider than the opening width of the access openings 26 in the vertical direction. The access openings 26 are provided in at least the front wall portion of the housing 23.

[0031] Preferably, the access opening 26 allows access to each of the multiple first ends 21A, 21B and second ends 21C of the first branch pipe 21, and to each of the multiple third ends 22A, 22B and fourth ends 22C of the second branch pipe 22.

[0032] Preferably, the access opening 26 allows access to the first area 24A, the second area 24B, and the third area 24C of the accommodation space 24, respectively.

[0033] The frame 20 includes at least one panel 27 that can open and close the access opening 26. The at least one panel 27 is provided so as not to block the connection opening 25.

[0034] The frame 20 includes, for example, a plurality of panels 27 that can open and close an access opening 26. The plurality of panels 27 include a first panel 27A and a second panel 27B. The first panel 27A is a separate component from the second panel 27B. The first panel 27A and the second panel 27B can independently open and close different opening regions of the access opening 26. For example, the first panel 27A can open and close the opening region of the access opening 26 that connects to the first region 24A and the third region 24C of the accommodation space 24 in the second direction DR2. For example, the second panel 27B can open and close the opening region of the access opening 26 that connects to the second region 24B of the accommodation space 24 in the second direction DR2.

[0035] Preferably, the frame 20 further includes at least one fixing part 28 capable of fixing at least one panel 27 to the housing 23. The fixing part 28 fixes the panel 27 to the housing 23 in a way that allows it to be opened and closed or attached and detached. The fixing part 28 includes, for example, at least one of screws and hinges. The frame 20 includes, for example, a plurality of fixing parts 28 capable of fixing a first panel 27A to the housing 23, and a plurality of fixing parts 28 capable of fixing a second panel 27B to the housing 23. Note that in Figures 5 and 6, some of the fixing parts among the plurality of fixing parts 28 are not shown.

[0036] Preferably, the access opening 26 is provided to be connected to the connecting opening 25. Preferably, when the panel 27 is open to the access opening 26, the access opening 26 and the connecting opening 25 are provided to form a single opening.

[0037] From a different perspective, the frame 20 is provided with an opening 29. Part of the opening 29 is provided as a connecting opening 25. The remaining part of the opening 29 is provided as an access opening 26. The panel 27 is provided to open and close only the access opening 26 of the opening 29.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, preferably, the access opening 26 is sized to allow the first branch pipe 21 and the second branch pipe to be inserted and removed. Preferably, the first branch pipe 21 can be inserted and removed as a single unit through the access opening 26. Preferably, the second branch pipe 22 can be inserted and removed as a single unit through the access opening 26.

[0039] <Effects> In the outdoor unit 101, the support frame 20 is provided with a storage space 24 capable of accommodating at least a portion of the piping connected to each of the multiple outdoor units 10A and 10B, and an access opening 26 that allows access to the storage space 24 from outside the multiple outdoor units 10A and 10B and the support frame 20. The support frame 20 has a panel 27 that can open and close the access opening 26. Therefore, in the outdoor unit 101, maintenance work on piping and other components located inside the support frame 20 is possible while the support frame 20 is supporting the outdoor units 10A and 10B.

[0040] In the outdoor unit 101, outdoor units 10A and 10B may be provided as the smallest units of the outdoor unit. Outdoor units 10A and 10B may have the same configuration as each other. In this way, the number of parts common to each outdoor unit can be increased. Furthermore, with the outdoor unit 101, the capacity of the outdoor unit 101 can be changed in stages according to the number of outdoor units 10A and 10B that are common to each other. With the outdoor unit 101, a lineup of outdoor units with different capacities can be easily realized by appropriately combining common outdoor units with multiple types of mounting frames 20 that can support the outdoor units in different numbers.

[0041] In the outdoor unit 101, the two outdoor units 10A and 10B may be arranged with a gap between them in the first direction DR1. In this case, outdoor air can be supplied from the space between the housings 11 of the two outdoor units 10A and 10B to the respective outdoor heat exchangers 2 of the two outdoor units 10A and 10B. Therefore, the heat exchange performance of the outdoor heat exchangers 2 of each outdoor unit 10A and 10B can be improved compared to the case where the two outdoor units 10A and 10B are arranged without a gap between them in the first direction DR1.

[0042] In the outdoor unit 101, the load can be distributed to each outdoor unit, thereby improving performance. Furthermore, because the outdoor unit 101 uses multiple compressors, the amount of refrigerant displaced can be increased compared to using only one compressor, and the amount of refrigerant circulated can be increased.

[0043] If the outdoor unit 101 is connected to the mounting base 20 as a single unit so that it can be moved, the number of man-hours required for installation can be reduced and the ease of installation of the outdoor unit 101 can be improved, compared to the case where the multiple outdoor units and mounting base are connected at the location where the outdoor unit 101 is to be installed.

[0044] Embodiment 2. Unless otherwise specified, the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 2 has the same configuration and effects as the outdoor unit 101 according to Embodiment 1 described above, and can be similarly modified. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 1, and the description will not be repeated.

[0045] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the vertical positional relationship between the first branch pipe 21 and the second branch pipe 22 housed inside the frame 20 and the drain holes 15 provided in the drain pans of each of the multiple outdoor units in the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 2. In Figure 7, the outdoor heat exchangers 2 of each outdoor unit 10A and 10B are shown with dashed lines.

[0046] As shown in Figure 7, each of the multiple outdoor units is provided with multiple drainage holes 15. The multiple drainage holes 15 are mainly located below the outdoor heat exchanger 2. Each of the multiple outdoor units has, for example, the same configuration as the others. In each of the multiple outdoor units, the multiple drainage holes 15 have, for example, the same configuration as the others.

[0047] Each of the first branch pipe 21 and the second branch pipe 22 is positioned so as not to overlap with the multiple drain holes 15 in the vertical direction.

[0048] For example, if the first branch pipe 21 or the second branch pipe 22 is positioned so as to overlap with multiple drain holes 15 in the vertical direction, the drainage from the drain holes 15 may be cooled by the first branch pipe 21 or the second branch pipe 22, forming icicles, which may damage the first branch pipe 21 or the second branch pipe 22. In contrast, in the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 2, the first branch pipe 21 and the second branch pipe 22 are positioned so as not to overlap with multiple drain holes 15 in the vertical direction, thereby suppressing damage, rupture, and other malfunctions in the first branch pipe 21 and the second branch pipe 22 caused by drainage from the drain holes 15.

[0049] Preferably, the piping and wiring housed within the storage space 24 of the frame 20 are arranged so as not to overlap with the multiple drainage holes 15 in the vertical direction. This prevents damage, rupture, and other problems to the piping and wiring caused by drainage from the drainage holes 15.

[0050] <Variation> Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 8, in the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 2, at least one of the first branch pipe 21 and the second branch pipe 22 may be arranged so as to overlap only a portion of the plurality of drain holes 15 in the vertical direction. The number of drain holes 15 that overlap with at least one of the first branch pipe 21 and the second branch pipe 22 in the vertical direction should be less than the number of drain holes 15 that do not overlap with at least one of the first branch pipe 21 and the second branch pipe 22 in the vertical direction. In this case, each of the plurality of outdoor units 10A, 10B should have a blocking member 17 that blocks the drain holes 15 that overlap with at least one of the first branch pipe 21 and the second branch pipe 22 in the vertical direction. The blocking member 17 prevents drainage from the drain holes 15 into the housing space 24 of the frame 20. In this way, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as damage or bursting of pipes and wiring caused by drainage from the drain hole 15.

[0051] Embodiment 3. Unless otherwise specified, the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 3 has the same configuration and effects as the outdoor unit 101 according to Embodiment 1 described above, and can be similarly modified. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 1, and the description will not be repeated.

[0052] Figure 9 is a partially enlarged side view of the second branch pipe 22 housed inside the mounting frame 20 in the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 3.

[0053] As shown in Figure 9, the second branch pipe 22 further has a T-junction 22E. The T-junction 22E is located between the branch section 22D and the fourth end 22C.

[0054] The T-shaped section 22E has a first open end 22E1, a second open end 22E2, and a third open end 22E3. The first open end 22E1 is connected to a plurality of third ends 22A, 22B via a branching section 22D. The second open end 22E2 is connected to a fourth end 22C. The third open end 22E3 is closed. The second open end 22E2 and the third open end 22E3 face opposite each other.

[0055] As shown in Figure 9, the first open end 22E1 may be facing upward. The second open end 22E2 and the third open end 22E3 may be facing opposite directions in the horizontal direction. The first open end 22E1 may also be facing horizontally.

[0056] In the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 3, the mixing of gaseous and liquid refrigerants in the gaseous two-phase refrigerant flowing through the second branch pipe 22 is promoted at the T-junction 22E of the second branch pipe 22. As a result, an imbalance in the mixing ratio of gaseous and liquid refrigerants is less likely to occur among the gaseous two-phase refrigerant distributed from the second end 21C through the branch section 22D to the multiple first ends 21A and 21B. According to the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 3, the occurrence of an imbalance in the distribution of gaseous two-phase refrigerant from the mounting base 20 to each outdoor unit 10A and 10B can be suppressed.

[0057] Preferably, the second branch pipe 22 does not have an L-shaped bend between the branch section 22D and the T-shaped section 22E. If the second branch pipe 22 has an L-shaped section instead of the T-shaped section 22E, the centrifugal force acting on the denser liquid refrigerant among the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flowing through the L-shaped section will be greater than the centrifugal force acting on the less dense gaseous refrigerant. In this case, since the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, whose gas-liquid separation has been promoted in the L-shaped section, is distributed to each outdoor unit 10A, 10B at the branch section 22D, an imbalance in the mixing ratio is likely to occur among the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerants flowing into each outdoor unit 10A, 10B. In contrast, in an outdoor unit 104 in which the second branch pipe 22 does not have an L-shaped section between the branch section 22D and the T-shaped section 22E, the occurrence of the above imbalance in the mixing ratio among the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerants flowing into each outdoor unit 10A, 10B can be suppressed more effectively.

[0058] More preferably, the second branch pipe 22 does not have an L-shaped section between the branch section 22D and the fourth end 22C. However, the second branch pipe 22 may have an L-shaped section between the T-shaped section 22E and the fourth end 22C. The second branch pipe 22 may have an L-shaped section between the branch section 22D and the multiple third ends 22A, 22B.

[0059] The first branch pipe 21 does not have, for example, a T-shaped section. However, the first branch pipe 21 may have a T-shaped section.

[0060] Embodiment 4. Unless otherwise specified, the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 4 has the same configuration and effects as the outdoor unit 101 according to Embodiment 1 described above, and can be similarly modified. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 1, and the descriptions will not be repeated.

[0061] Figures 10 and 11 show an example of an outdoor unit 104 according to Embodiment 4. Figure 11 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the state achieved when the outdoor unit 10A is positioned relative to the frame 20 by the fixing member 30 shown in area XI in Figure 10. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the outdoor unit 104 further comprises a plurality of fixing members 30 capable of positioning and fixing each of the plurality of outdoor units 10A, 10B to the frame 20. The plurality of fixing members 30 can, for example, position and fix each of the housings 13 of the plurality of outdoor units 10A, 10B to the housing 23 of the frame 20.

[0062] Each of the housings 13 and 23 is provided with multiple through holes through which each of the multiple fixing members 30 passes. Housing 13 is provided with multiple through holes 13H (see Figure 11). Housing 23 is provided with multiple through holes 23H (see Figure 11). When housing 13 is properly positioned relative to housing 23, the multiple through holes 13H of housing 13 are arranged to overlap vertically with the multiple through holes 23H of housing 23. The opening area of ​​each of the multiple through holes 13H is, for example, larger than the opening area of ​​each of the multiple through holes 23H.

[0063] The multiple fixing members 30 include, for example, male threaded portions and female threaded portions. The male threaded portion is, for example, included in a bolt and connected to the head of the bolt. The female threaded portion is, for example, a nut. The male threaded portion passes through through holes in the housing 13 and housing 23, respectively. The head of the bolt is positioned, for example, below the through hole 23H of the housing 23. The nut is screwed onto the male threaded portion, for example, above the through hole 13H of the housing 13. Note that the male threaded portion and female threaded portion are not shown in Figures 10 and 11.

[0064] Preferably, each of the multiple fixing members 30 is positionable in each of the multiple through holes in the housing 23 when it is not passed through each of the multiple through holes in the housing 13. For example, each of the multiple through holes in the housing 23 may be provided as a female thread that screws into each of the male threads of the multiple fixing members 30.

[0065] The outdoor unit 104 can be installed by following the procedure below. Firstly, the mounting frame 20 is positioned where the outdoor unit 104 should be installed. Multiple fixing members 30 are positioned in multiple through holes in the housing 23 of the mounting frame 20.

[0066] Secondly, the multiple outdoor units 10A and 10B are positioned on the mounting base 20 by passing the multiple through-holes in the housing 13 of each of the multiple outdoor units 10A and 10B through the multiple fixing members 30 that protrude upward from each of the multiple through-holes in the housing 23 of the mounting base 20.

[0067] Thirdly, multiple fixing members 30 are used to secure each of the housings 13 of the multiple outdoor units 10A and 10B to the housing 23 of the mounting frame 20.

[0068] In this way, the outdoor unit 104 can be easily installed at its designated location. Furthermore, multiple through holes in the housing 13 may be provided as female screw portions for multiple fixing members 30. The multiple fixing members 30 may be capable of fixing the multiple outdoor units 10A, 10B and the mounting base 20 together so that they can be moved as a single unit.

[0069] Embodiment 5. Unless otherwise specified, the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 5 has the same configuration and effects as the outdoor unit 101 according to Embodiment 1 described above, and can be similarly modified. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 1, and the description will not be repeated.

[0070] Figures 12 and 13 show an example of an outdoor unit 105 according to Embodiment 5. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the outdoor unit 105 further includes a protective section 40 capable of protecting the housing space 24 of the frame 20 between two adjacent outdoor units 10A and 10B spaced apart in a first direction DR1. The protective section 40 can restrict articles and human body parts (e.g., fingers) placed around the outdoor unit 105 from reaching the housing space 24 from between the housings 13 of the multiple outdoor units 10A and 10B. The protective section 40 can protect a third region 24C of the housing space 24 of the frame 20.

[0071] The protective unit 40 is detachable from, for example, the frame 20. When the protective unit 40 is attached to the frame 20, it can protect the third region 24C of the housing space 24 of the frame 20.

[0072] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the protective section 40 includes, for example, a mesh member 41. The mesh member 41 includes, for example, a plurality of metal wires extending in directions that intersect each other. Preferably, in the mesh member 41, the plurality of metal wires extending in directions that intersect each other are joined to each other at their intersections. The mesh member 41 can restrict articles and human body parts placed around the outdoor unit 105 from reaching into the containment space 24 from between the housings 13 of the plurality of outdoor units 10A, 10B. The mesh member 41 is provided with a plurality of openings smaller than human fingers.

[0073] Preferably, the protective section 40 further includes a drain pan 42 located below the mesh member 41. The drain pan 42 is provided to cover the piping and wiring located within the third region 24C of the containment space 24, and is provided to receive water entering the third region 24C through the multiple openings provided in the mesh member 41.

[0074] According to the outdoor unit 105, while improving the heat exchange performance of the outdoor heat exchangers 2 of each outdoor unit 10A, 10B, the protective unit 40 prevents malfunctions caused by items and human body parts placed around the outdoor unit 105 reaching into the containment space 24 from between the housings 13 of the multiple outdoor units 10A, 10B.

[0075] <Variation> Figures 14 and 15 show modified examples of the protective section 40 in the outdoor unit 105. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, in the outdoor unit 105, the protective section 40 may include a plate-shaped member 43 instead of the mesh-shaped member 41. Preferably, the plate-shaped member 43 has an upper surface that is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Even in this case, while improving the heat exchange performance of the outdoor heat exchangers 2 of each outdoor unit 10A, 10B, the protective section 40 can prevent problems that occur when items and human body parts placed around the outdoor unit 105 reach into the containment space 24 from between the housings 13 of the multiple outdoor units 10A, 10B.

[0076] [Note] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized in the appendix. <Note 1> Multiple outdoor units, The system includes a mounting frame capable of supporting the aforementioned multiple outdoor units, The frame is provided with a storage space capable of accommodating at least a portion of the piping connected to each of the plurality of outdoor units, and an access opening that allows access to the storage space from outside the plurality of outdoor units and the frame. The aforementioned mounting frame has a panel that can open and close the access opening for the outdoor unit. <Note 2> The aforementioned mounting frame is positioned below each of the plurality of outdoor units, The aforementioned plurality of outdoor units are arranged side by side in a first direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, The access opening extends along the first direction, as described in Appendix 1, for the outdoor unit. <Note 3> The frame further comprises the piping housed in the storage space, The piping has a plurality of first ends connected to each of the plurality of outdoor units, and a second end located on the opposite side from the plurality of first ends. An outdoor unit as described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of first and second ends are accessible from outside the plurality of outdoor units and the mounting frame through the access opening. <Note 4> The piping has a branch section located between the plurality of first ends and the second ends, and a T-shaped section located between the branch section and the second ends. The T-shaped portion has a first open end, a second open end, and a third open end. The outdoor unit as described in Appendix 3, wherein the first open end is connected to the plurality of first ends via the branching portion, the second open end is connected to the second end, and the third open end is closed. <Note 5> Each of the aforementioned multiple outdoor units includes a drain pan with drainage holes, The outdoor unit according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein the mounting base includes the piping, which is arranged so as not to overlap with the drainage holes of each of the plurality of outdoor units in the vertical direction. <Note 6> Each of the aforementioned multiple outdoor units has a drain pan provided with multiple drainage holes, The aforementioned frame has the aforementioned piping, The outdoor unit according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein each of the plurality of outdoor units further has a blocking member that closes the drainage holes that overlap with the piping in the vertical direction among the plurality of drainage holes. <Note 7> An outdoor unit according to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, further comprising a plurality of fixing members capable of positioning and fixing each of the plurality of outdoor units to the frame. <Note 8> The outdoor unit as described in Appendix 7, wherein the plurality of fixing members are provided to position the plurality of outdoor units on the frame such that the plurality of outdoor units are arranged at intervals from each other in a first direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. <Note 9> The outdoor unit according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of outdoor units are arranged at intervals from each other in a first direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and further comprises protective parts capable of protecting the housing space of the mounting frame between the plurality of outdoor units arranged at intervals from each other in the first direction. <Note 10> The outdoor unit described in any one of the notes 1 to 9, Indoor unit and The system includes connecting piping that connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. A refrigeration cycle device in which each of the plurality of outdoor units is connected to the connecting pipes via the piping housed in the housing space.

[0077] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this application is indicated by the claims and not by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 1 Compressor, 2 Outdoor heat exchanger, 3 Expansion device, 4 Switching device, 5 Outdoor fan, 6 Indoor heat exchanger, 10A, 10B Outdoor unit, 11 First piping, 12 Second piping, 13, 23 Housing, 13H, 23H Through hole, 14, 24 Housing space, 15 Drain hole, 17 Closure member, 20 Frame, 21 First branch piping, 21A, 21B First end, 21C Second end, 21D Branch section, 22 Second branch piping, 22A, 22B Third end, 22C Fourth end, 22D Branch section, 22E T-junction, 22E1 First opening end, 22E2 Second opening end, 22E3 Third opening end, 24A First area, 24B Second area, 24C Third area, 25 Connection opening, 26 Access opening, 27 Panel, 27A Panel 1, 27B Panel 2, 28 Fixing part, 29 Opening, 30 Fixing member, 40 Protective part, 41 Mesh member, 42 Drain pan, 43 Plate member, 100, 101, 104, 105 Outdoor unit, 200 Indoor unit, 300 First connecting pipe, 400 Second connecting pipe, 500 Refrigeration cycle device.

Claims

1. Multiple outdoor units, The system includes a mounting frame capable of supporting the aforementioned multiple outdoor units, The frame is provided with a storage space capable of accommodating at least a portion of the piping connected to each of the plurality of outdoor units, and an access opening that allows access to the storage space from outside the plurality of outdoor units and the frame. The aforementioned mounting frame has a panel that can open and close the access opening for the outdoor unit.

2. The aforementioned mounting frame is positioned below each of the plurality of outdoor units, The aforementioned plurality of outdoor units are arranged side by side in a first direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein the access opening extends along the first direction.

3. The frame further comprises the piping housed in the storage space, The piping has a plurality of first ends connected to each of the plurality of outdoor units, and a second end located on the opposite side from the plurality of first ends. The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first and second ends are accessible from outside the plurality of outdoor units and the mounting frame through the access opening.

4. The piping has a branch section located between the plurality of first ends and the second ends, and a T-shaped section located between the branch section and the second ends. The T-shaped portion has a first open end, a second open end, and a third open end. The outdoor unit according to claim 3, wherein the first open end is connected to the plurality of first ends via the branching portion, the second open end is connected to the second end, and the third open end is closed.

5. Each of the aforementioned multiple outdoor units includes a drain pan with drainage holes, The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein the mounting base includes the piping, which is arranged so as not to overlap with the drainage holes of each of the plurality of outdoor units in the vertical direction.

6. Each of the aforementioned multiple outdoor units has a drain pan provided with multiple drainage holes, The aforementioned frame has the aforementioned piping, The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of outdoor units further has a blocking member that closes the drainage holes that overlap with the piping in the vertical direction among the plurality of drainage holes.

7. The outdoor unit according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of fixing members capable of positioning and fixing each of the plurality of outdoor units to the frame.

8. The outdoor unit according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of fixing members are provided to position the plurality of outdoor units on the frame such that the plurality of outdoor units are arranged at intervals from each other in a first direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

9. The aforementioned multiple outdoor units are arranged with a gap between them in a first direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The outdoor unit according to claim 1, further comprising a protective portion capable of protecting the housing space of the mounting frame between the plurality of outdoor units arranged at intervals from each other in the first direction.

10. An outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Indoor unit and The system includes connecting piping that connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. A refrigeration cycle device in which each of the plurality of outdoor units is connected to the connecting pipes via the piping housed in the housing space.

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