Heat pump heat source unit

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a heat source unit for a heat pump. The heat source unit (1) comprises a heat source unit casing (10) which includes a top plate (11) positioned above the heat source unit (1), a bottom plate (12) positioned below the heat source unit (1), and a front grille (13) positioned in front of the heat source unit (1) and having an airflow opening (131). The heat source unit (1) further comprises a blower fan (14) housed in the heat source unit casing (10) and configured to generate an airflow through the airflow opening (131). The front grille (13) is positioned between the top plate (11) and the bottom plate (12) to transmit the force applied to the top plate (11) from the top plate (11) to the bottom plate (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat source unit of a heat pump and a heat pump having the heat source unit.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, in the simplest form, a heat pump is composed of a refrigerant circuit connecting a utilization-side heat exchanger, a compressor, a heat source-side heat exchanger, and an expansion valve, and the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit to transport heat or cold from the heat source-side heat exchanger to the utilization-side heat exchanger.

[0003] [[ID=1X]]Such a heat source unit of a heat pump is usually installed outdoors and has a heat source heat exchanger for heat-exchanging the outside air and the refrigerant. Therefore, the heat source unit includes a casing, a fan housed in the casing and rotatable about a central axis, and in addition, a bellmouth having an opening centered on the central axis of the fan so that the air flow induced by the fan passes through the heat source heat exchanger.

[0004] To comply with industrial standards and regulations, a grill or fan guard that covers the fan blades of the fan and thus the bellmouth opening is provided.

[0005] For example, such a heat source unit is disclosed in European Patent Application Publication No. 1677XXX (EP1677XXXA1). The heat source unit includes a grill 52 disposed on the front side of the heat source unit, that is, a front grill 52. To attach the front grill 52 to the heat source unit casing, screws are passed through the screw holes of the front grill 52 and also through the screw holes disposed on the front part of the top plate 58 and the front part of the bottom plate 57, whereby the front grill 52 and the top plate 50, and the front grill 52 and the bottom plate 51 are screwed together. In the thus assembled configuration, the front grill 52 is disposed in front of the top plate 50 and the bottom plate 51.

[0006] Note: In the original text, the number "1677053" in paragraph

[24] is likely incorrect as it is not a complete patent number. I have left it as is in the translation for the purpose of following the instructions. If it is a typo, it should be corrected to the correct patent number for accurate translation and understanding. Also, in the translation of paragraph

[16] , there was a minor adjustment to make the sentence structure more natural in English while maintaining the meaning.However, the configuration disclosed in European Patent Application Publication No. 1677053 has the following drawbacks: Before the heat source units are shipped to customers or distributors, the manufactured heat source units are often stored in warehouses. To make the most efficient use of warehouse space and save costs, it is advantageous to stack the heat source units in the warehouse. Since heat source units have a certain weight, for example, ranging from 60 kg to 250 kg, the heat source units need to have a certain stacking strength in order to withstand the weight of one or more heat source units stacked on top and prevent deformation of the heat source units below. However, in the configuration disclosed in European Patent Application Publication No. 1677053, stacking strength is not taken into consideration.

[0007] To increase the stacking strength of heat source units, as disclosed in European Patent Application Publication No. 1677053, additional vertically extending portions are often provided within the heat source units between the bottom and top plates. Such portions can be made of metal. Specifically, the vertically extending portions are provided to reinforce the structure of the heat source units, thereby allowing the heat source units to be stacked on top of each other. However, such vertically extending portions constitute extra components within the heat source units that must be manufactured and installed in an additional manufacturing process, thereby making the structure of the heat source units more complex and expensive. summary Considering the above, the object of this disclosure is to provide a heat pump heat source unit that improves stacking strength while keeping the configuration of the heat source unit simple.

[0008] This objective is achieved by the heat source unit described in claim 1. Optional features and preferred embodiments of the heat source unit are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] In the first aspect, the heat source unit of the heat pump comprises a heat source unit casing comprising a top plate positioned above the heat source unit, a bottom plate positioned below the heat source unit, and a front grille positioned at the front of the heat source unit, with an airflow opening. The heat source unit further comprises a blower fan housed in the heat source unit casing and configured to generate airflow through the airflow opening. The front grille is positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate to transmit forces applied to the top plate, for example, a load, from the top plate to the bottom plate.

[0010] The front grille of the heat source unit casing is positioned between the top and bottom plates to transmit forces applied to the top plate, such as loads, from the top plate to the bottom plate. Therefore, the front grille receives the forces, i.e., loads, applied to the top plate and functions as a reinforcing member between the top and bottom plates of the heat source unit casing, thereby improving the stacking strength of the heat source units. This is in contrast to prior art devices in which the front grille is positioned in front of the top and bottom plates and therefore cannot directly transmit forces, i.e., loads, applied to the top plate. Furthermore, since the front grille is a component provided on the heat source unit in any case, it is possible to increase the stacking strength without providing extra components such as vertically extending components provided inside or on the heat source unit, or at least while reducing the dimensions of such extra components.

[0011] The "upper side" and "lower side" of a heat source unit can be defined as the two sides of the heat source unit when it is used or installed as part of a heat pump in a specific location or site such as a building. In this example, the bottom plate located on the lower side of the heat source unit is positioned closer to the ground than the top plate located on the upper side of the heat source unit. The bottom plate can be the plate on which the compressor of the heat source unit is placed.

[0012] The top and bottom plates can be made of a metal such as sheet metal. The top and bottom plates can cover the upper and bottom parts of the internal space of the heat source unit, respectively.

[0013] The "front side" of a heat source unit can be defined as the side from which air is blown when an airflow is generated by a fan. The front side of a heat source unit can also be defined as the side that faces away from the building when the heat source unit is installed in a building or other structure as part of a heat pump.

[0014] The front grille can be formed as a single unit, or it can be formed by assembling two or more parts together. For example, the front grille can be constructed by placing two parts side by side or above each other.

[0015] The front grille can be formed from metal, plastic, or resin. In any case, the front grille must provide sufficient strength or rigidity so that it can withstand loads applied to the top plate, for example, by placing one or more, especially identical, heat source units on the top plate of the heat source units, and so that it can function as a reinforcing member between the top plate and the bottom plate of the heat source unit casing to increase the stacking strength of the heat source units.

[0016] The front grille can also be a conventional front grille known from prior art.

[0017] The blower fan can rotate around its rotation axis. The front grille, located on the front side of the heat source unit, can be positioned on the front side of the heat source unit so as to be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the blower fan. The use of the word "substantially" is intended to include structures in which the angle does not form a precise 90°, but rather includes an angle between, for example, 85° and 90°.

[0018] In general, the heat source unit may have a rectangular or substantially rectangular structure, as shown, for example, in European Patent Application Publication No. 1677053. The use of the word “substantially” is intended to include structures in which each side wall does not form exactly a 90° angle and / or is slightly curved. The front grille may be positioned on the front side of the heat source unit so as to be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom plates. The top and bottom plates may be parallel to each other or facing each other.

[0019] The feature of the front grille being positioned between the top and bottom plates to transmit forces applied to the top plate from the top plate to the bottom plate includes, or can be achieved by, a configuration in which the front grille is in contact with the top and bottom plates. More specifically, the upper end of the front grille can be in contact with the inner surface of the top plate facing downward toward the inside of the outdoor unit. Similarly, the lower end of the front grille can be in contact with the inner surface of the bottom plate facing upward toward the inside of the outdoor unit. In this case, when a force is applied to the top plate, the force is transmitted from the top plate to the front grille, and then from the front grille to the bottom plate, because the front grille is in contact with the top and bottom plates.

[0020] Furthermore, the feature that the front grille is positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate to transmit forces applied to the top plate from the top plate to the bottom plate includes, or can be realized by, a configuration in which a gap, particularly an allowable gap, is provided between the front grille and the top plate and / or between the front grille and the bottom plate. When a force is applied to the top plate of the heat source unit, the gap may close. For example, such an allowable gap can take into account the thermal expansion of the components of the heat source unit. For example, each of the allowable gaps may have an extension of 0.5 to 2.0 mm, preferably 1.2 mm. In such a configuration, when a force is applied to the top plate, the allowable gap between the top plate and the front grille closes, for example, by pressing the top plate and the front grille against each other, causing the top plate to contact the front grille. Similarly, the allowable gap between the front grille and the bottom plate closes, for example, by pressing the front grille and the bottom plate against each other, causing the front grille to contact the bottom plate. Then, the force applied to the top plate is transmitted from the top plate to the front grille, and further from the front grille to the bottom plate. After the force is released, the allowable gap between the top plate and the front grille, and / or between the front grille and the bottom plate, can be reopened to have an extension of, for example, 0.9 mm to 1.2 mm.

[0021] The force applied to the top plate results from, for example, the weight of the heat source unit, particularly the weight of an identical heat source unit placed on top of it. Furthermore, the force can be two or three times this weight.

[0022] The front grille can be flush with or substantially flush with the front edge of the top plate and the front edge of the bottom plate.

[0023] In the second aspect, at least a portion of the lower end of the front grille can be supported by the base plate, and at least a portion of the upper end of the front grille can be supported by the top plate.

[0024] In the case of a rectangular heat source unit, the front grille can be rectangular. The lower end of the rectangular front grille can be formed by the side of the front grille facing the bottom plate, and the upper end of the rectangular front grille can be formed by the side of the front grille facing the top plate.

[0025] The expression “at least a part” is intended to include the aspect where only a part of the lower end of the front grille can be supported by the bottom plate and only a part of the upper end of the front grille can support the top plate, and the aspect where the entire lower end of the front grille can be supported by the bottom plate and the entire upper end of the front grille can support the top plate.

[0026] Similar to the case of the first surface, the expressions “support” and “supporting” are intended to include the configuration in which at least a part of the upper end of the front grille contacts and is supported by the top plate, and at least a part of the lower end of the front grille contacts and is supported by the bottom plate. Also, the expressions “support” and “supporting” are intended to include the configuration in which a gap, particularly an allowable gap, is provided between at least a part of the upper end of the front grille and the top plate and / or between at least a part of the lower end of the front grille and the bottom plate. The same explanations as those described above for the first surface apply to these gaps.

[0027] With this configuration, a simple arrangement of the front grille, the bottom plate, and the top plate can be provided so as to achieve an improvement in stacking strength.

[0028] On the third surface, at least the front end portion of the bottom plate can be provided with a first flange extending upward from the bottom plate, and at least the front end portion of the top plate can be provided with a second flange extending downward from the top plate. The front grille can be arranged at least partially inside the heat source unit casing rather than the first and second flanges so that the first and second flanges overlap at least partially with the front grille when the heat source unit is viewed from the front.

[0029] The front end of the bottom plate and the front end of the top plate are intended to be the ends of the bottom plate and the top plate on the front side of the heat source unit.

[0030] The upward direction may be understood as the direction from the bottom plate toward the top plate. The downward direction may be understood as the direction from the top plate toward the bottom plate.

[0031] The first flange extending upward from the bottom plate can also be made of another part. Preferably, the first flange is an integral part with the bottom plate. Also, the first flange can be understood as the rim of the bottom plate. For example, the first flange can be formed by bending a part of the front side of the flat bottom plate upward so that the bent part and the bottom plate include an angle of about 90°.

[0032] The second flange extending downward from the top plate can also be made of another part. Preferably, the second flange is an integral part with the top plate. Also, the second flange can be understood as the rim of the top plate. For example, the second flange can be formed by bending a part of the front side of the flat top plate downward so that the bent part and the top plate include an angle of about 90°.

[0033] When looking at the heat source unit from the front side, the upper end of the front grill can be covered by the second flange of the top plate, and the lower end of the front grill can be covered by the first flange of the bottom plate.

[0034] With this configuration, the front grill can be stably held in place, so the stacking strength of the heat source unit is further improved. Also, since the upper and lower ends of the front grill overlap with the second flange and the first flange, the edge of the front grill is protected by the first flange and the second flange. As a result, the packing strap will not damage the upper and lower ends of the front grill, and for shipping, the heat source unit can be packed in a cardboard box with a packing strap.

[0035] In the fourth aspect, the airflow opening can be configured by a plurality of slits extending in the left-right direction of the heat source unit when viewed from the front of the heat source unit.

[0036] The left-right direction is intended to refer to the direction that is parallel to the top and bottom plates, and also parallel to the front grille of the heat source unit.

[0037] Each of the multiple slits may have a longitudinal extension in the left-right direction.

[0038] Multiple slits can also be separated by a grid.

[0039] In the fifth aspect, the front grille can be formed from resin.

[0040] For example, the front grille can be made from polypropylene.

[0041] This configuration reduces manufacturing costs compared to manufacturing the front grille from sheet metal or similar materials. Furthermore, using a resin front grille improves the appearance of the grille, and therefore the appearance of the heat source unit.

[0042] In the sixth aspect, the lower and / or upper ends of the front grille may include a first rib extending in the left-right direction of the heat source unit when viewed from the front of the heat source unit, and at least one second rib extending in the depth direction of the heat source unit when viewed from the front of the heat source unit toward the inside of the heat source unit casing.

[0043] The depth direction of the heat source unit can be understood as the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction of the heat source unit and parallel to the top and bottom plates.

[0044] The first ribs at the lower and / or upper ends can be extended laterally along the entire or only portion of the lateral extension of the front grille.

[0045] At least one second rib at the lower and / or upper end of the front grille can be formed perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first rib of the front grille. In one example, the lower and / or upper end of the front grille may comprise a plurality of second ribs, each extending inward toward the interior of the heat source unit in the depth direction of the heat source unit when viewed from the front of the heat source unit, and the plurality of second ribs may be positioned equidistant from each other along the left-right direction of the front grille.

[0046] This configuration further increases the structural strength of the front grille, and therefore the stacking strength of the heat source units.

[0047] In the seventh aspect, the heat source unit may further include a bell mouth configured to guide the airflow generated by a blower fan, and the bell mouth may be positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate to transmit forces applied to the top plate, for example, a load, from the top plate to the bottom plate.

[0048] The bell mouth can be formed from a resin such as polypropylene, or from a metal such as sheet metal. The bell mouth can consist of a circular cylindrical section and a flat section provided on the outer circumference of this circular cylindrical section. The cylindrical section can form an air passage configured to guide the airflow generated by a blower fan.

[0049] Similar to the first aspect relating to the front grille, the feature that the bellmouth is positioned between the top and bottom plates to transmit forces applied to the top plate, for example, a load, from the top plate to the bottom plate, includes or can be achieved by a configuration in which the bellmouth is in contact with the top and bottom plates. More specifically, the upper end of the bellmouth can be in contact with the inner surface of the top plate facing downward toward the inside of the outdoor unit. Similarly, the lower end of the bellmouth can be in contact with the inner surface of the bottom plate facing upward toward the inside of the outdoor unit. In this case, when a force is applied to the top plate, the force is transmitted from the top plate to the bellmouth, and further from the bellmouth to the bottom plate, because the bellmouth is in contact with the top and bottom plates.

[0050] Furthermore, the feature that the bellmouth is positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate to transmit the force applied to the top plate from the top plate to the bottom plate includes, or can be realized by, a configuration in which a gap, particularly an allowable gap, is provided between the bellmouth and the top plate and / or between the bellmouth and the bottom plate. When a force is applied to the top plate of the heat source unit, the gap may close. For example, such an allowable gap can take into account the thermal expansion of the components of the heat source unit. For example, each of the allowable gaps may have an extension of 0.5 to 1.5 mm, preferably 0.9 mm. In such a configuration, when a force is applied to the top plate, the allowable gap between the top plate and the bellmouth closes, for example, by pressing the top plate and the bellmouth against each other, so that the top plate comes into contact with the bellmouth. Similarly, the allowable gap between the bellmouth and the bottom plate closes, for example, by pressing the bellmouth and the bottom plate against each other, so that the bellmouth comes into contact with the bottom plate. The force applied to the top plate is then transmitted from the top plate to the bellmouth, and further from the bellmouth to the bottom plate. After the force is released, the allowable gap between the top plate and the bell mouth, and / or between the bell mouth and the bottom plate, may remain closed, for example, due to the permanent sheet metal compression of the component parts.

[0051] The force applied to the top plate can be the same as the force described for the first surface.

[0052] This configuration further increases the stacking strength of the outdoor units. This is because, in addition to the front grille, the bellmouth also bears force, for example, load, and acts as an additional reinforcing member.

[0053] On the eighth side, the lower end of the bell mouth is supported by the base plate, and the upper end of the bell mouth is supported by the top plate.

[0054] For example, if the bell mouth has a flat section provided around a circular cylindrical section, the lower end of the flat section can form the lower end of the bell mouth. Similarly, the upper end of the flat section can form the upper end of the bell mouth.

[0055] As with the seventh and second faces, the terms “support” and “support” are intended to include configurations in which the upper end of the bell mouth is supported by contact with the top plate, and the lower end of the bell mouth is supported by contact with the bottom plate. Furthermore, the terms “support” and “support” are intended to include configurations in which there is a gap, in particular an allowable gap, between the upper end of the bell mouth and the top plate, and / or between the lower end of the bell mouth and the bottom plate. The same explanation given above for the seventh face applies to these gaps.

[0056] This configuration provides a simple arrangement of the bell mouth, base plate, and top plate, which allows for improved stacking strength.

[0057] In the ninth aspect, the bell mouth is offset from the front edge of the bottom plate and the front edge of the top plate toward the inside of the heat source unit casing.

[0058] The front edges of the base plate and the front edges of the top plate are intended to be the edges of the base plate and top plate at the front of the heat source unit.

[0059] The feature that the bell mouth is offset inward from the front edge of the bottom plate and the front edge of the top plate towards the inside of the heat source unit casing can be interpreted as meaning that the front edge of the bell mouth is offset from the front edge of the bottom plate and the front edge of the top plate.

[0060] The direction in which the bell mouth is offset from the front edge of the bottom plate and the front edge of the top plate toward the inside of the heat source unit casing can be the same as the depth direction of the heat source unit.

[0061] For example, the offset amount of the bell mouth from the front edge of the bottom plate and the front edge of the top plate can be in the range of 15 cm to 20 cm, preferably between 16 cm and 18 cm, and more preferably between 16.9 cm and 17.3 cm.

[0062] In one example, the bell mouth can be offset from the front edge of the base plate and the front edge of the top plate by an offset amount of at least one-quarter, preferably at least one-third, and more preferably half, of the distance from the front edge of the base plate to the rear edge of the base plate and the distance from the front edge of the top plate to the rear edge of the top plate. The rear side of the heat source unit is on the opposite side from the front side of the heat source unit.

[0063] This configuration further increases the stacking strength of the heat source units. This is because the force, or load, applied to the top plate is better distributed among the components that transmit the force, or load, from the top plate to the bottom plate.

[0064] In the tenth aspect, the bellmouth can be offset from the front grille toward the inside of the heat source unit casing.

[0065] The feature of the bellmouth being offset from the front grille toward the inside of the heat source unit casing can be interpreted as meaning that the front end of the bellmouth is offset from the rear end of the front grille.

[0066] For example, the offset of the bell mouth from the front grille can be in the range of 12 cm to 17 cm, preferably between 14 cm and 15 cm, and more preferably between 14.6 cm and 14.8 cm.

[0067] This configuration further enhances the stacking strength of the heat source units. This is because the force, or load, applied to the top plate is better distributed among the components that transmit the force, or load, from the top plate to the bottom plate. Furthermore, while achieving improved stacking strength, it is possible to eliminate extra components such as vertically extending parts between the top and bottom plates within the heat source unit casing.

[0068] In the eleventh aspect, the heat source unit is further divided into an air chamber housing a blower fan and a bell mouth and a machine chamber housing a heat pump compressor, expansion valve and / or controller, and the partition plate can be positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate so as to transmit forces applied to the top plate, for example, a load, from the top plate to the bottom plate.

[0069] The partition plate can be made of sheet metal. The air chamber and the machine chamber can be arranged adjacent to each other when viewed from left to right. The machine chamber can also house components of the heat pump's refrigerant circuit other than the compressor, expansion valve, and / or controller.

[0070] Similar to the first aspect relating to the front grille, the feature that the partition plate is positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate to transmit forces applied to the top plate, for example, a load, from the top plate to the bottom plate, includes or can be achieved by a configuration in which the partition plate is in contact with the top plate and the bottom plate. More specifically, the upper end of the partition plate can be in contact with the inner surface of the top plate facing downward toward the inside of the outdoor unit. Similarly, the lower end of the partition plate can be in contact with the inner surface of the bottom plate facing upward toward the inside of the outdoor unit. In this case, when a force is applied to the top plate, the force is transmitted from the top plate to the partition plate, and further from the partition plate to the bottom plate, because the partition plate is in contact with the top plate and the bottom plate.

[0071] Furthermore, the feature that the partition plate is positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate so as to transmit the force applied to the top plate from the top plate to the bottom plate includes, or can be realized by, a configuration in which the lower end of the partition plate contacts the bottom plate and a particularly allowable gap is provided between the upper end of the partition plate and the top plate. When a force is applied to the top plate of the heat source unit, the gap may close. For example, such an allowable gap can take into account the thermal expansion of the components of the heat source unit. For example, the allowable gap is in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 mm, preferably 0.9 mm. In such a configuration, when a force is applied to the top plate, the allowable gap between the top plate and the upper end of the partition plate closes, for example, by pressing the top plate and the upper end of the partition plate against each other, and the top plate comes into contact with the upper end of the partition plate. The force applied to the top plate is then transmitted from the top plate to the partition plate, and further from the partition plate to the bottom plate. After the force is released, the allowable gap between the top plate and the upper end of the partition plate may remain closed, for example, due to the permanent sheet metal compression of the component parts.

[0072] The force applied to the top plate can be the same as the force described for the first surface.

[0073] This configuration further enhances the stacking strength of the heat source units. This is because, in addition to the front grille, the partition plates also bear force, such as loads, and function as additional reinforcing members.

[0074] In the twelfth aspect, the lower end of the partition plate can be supported by the base plate, and the upper end of the partition plate can be supported by the top plate.

[0075] The lower end of the partition plate can be supported by the bottom plate and brought into contact with the bottom plate by screw connection.

[0076] As with the 11th and 2nd faces, the terms “support” and “supporting” are intended to include configurations in which the upper end of the partition plate is supported by contact with the top plate, and the lower end of the partition plate is supported by contact with the bottom plate. Furthermore, the terms “support” and “supporting” are intended to include configurations in which a gap, in particular an allowable gap, is provided between the upper end of the partition plate and the top plate. The same explanation given above for the 11th face applies to this gap.

[0077] This configuration provides a simple arrangement of partitions, base plates, and top plates that improve stacking strength.

[0078] In the 13th aspect, the heat source unit may further include a first support column located at a first corner of the heat source unit casing in the machine room, and a second support column located at a second corner of the heat source unit casing in the air room, wherein the first and second support columns are positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate to transmit forces applied to the top plate from the top plate to the bottom plate.

[0079] The first and second support columns can each be formed from a metal such as sheet metal.

[0080] When viewing the heat source unit from the front, the first support column can form part of the side surface of the heat source unit on the machine room side, and the second support column can form part of the side surface of the heat source unit on the air chamber side. In this way, the first and second support columns can be positioned at the front corners of the bottom plate and the top plate, respectively.

[0081] Similar to the first aspect relating to the front grille, the feature that the first and second support columns are positioned between the top and bottom plates to transmit forces applied to the top plate, for example, a load, from the top plate to the bottom plate, includes or can be realized by a configuration in which the first and second support columns are in contact with the top and bottom plates. More specifically, the upper ends of the first and second support columns can contact the inner surface of the top plate facing downward toward the inside of the outdoor unit. Similarly, the lower ends of the first and second support columns can contact the inner surface of the bottom plate facing upward toward the inside of the outdoor unit. In this case, when a force is applied to the top plate, the force is transmitted from the top plate to the first and second support columns, and further from the first and second support columns to the bottom plate, because the first and second support columns are in contact with the top and bottom plates.

[0082] Furthermore, the feature that the first and second support columns are positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate to transmit the force applied to the top plate from the top plate to the bottom plate includes, or can be realized by, a configuration in which the lower ends of the first and second support columns are in contact with the bottom plate, and a particularly permissible gap is provided between the upper ends of the first and second support columns and the top plate. When a force is applied to the top plate of the heat source unit, the gap may close. For example, such a permissible gap can take into account the thermal expansion of the components of the heat source unit. For example, the permissible gap can be in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 mm, preferably 0.9 mm. In such a configuration, when a force is applied to the top plate, the permissible gap between the top plate and the upper ends of the first and second support columns closes, for example, by pressing the top plate and the upper ends of the first and second support columns against each other, and the top plate comes into contact with the upper ends of the first and second support columns. The force applied to the top plate is then transmitted from the top plate to the first and second support columns, and further from the first and second support columns to the bottom plate. After the force is released, the allowable gap between the top plate and the upper ends of the first and second support columns may remain closed, for example, due to the permanent sheet metal compression of the component parts.

[0083] The force applied to the top plate can be the same as the force described for the first surface.

[0084] This configuration further enhances the stacking strength of the heat source units. This is because, in addition to the front grille, the first and second support columns also bear force, such as loads, and function as additional reinforcing members.

[0085] In the 14th aspect, the lower ends of the first and second pillars are supported by the base plate, and the upper ends of the first and second pillars can support the top plate.

[0086] The lower ends of the first and second support columns can be supported by the base plate and brought into contact with the base plate by screw connections.

[0087] As with the 13th and 2nd faces, the terms “support” and “supporting” are intended to include configurations in which the upper ends of the first and second supports are in contact with and support the top plate, and the lower ends of the first and second supports are in contact with and support the bottom plate. Furthermore, the terms “support” and “supporting” are intended to include configurations in which a gap, in particular an allowable gap, is provided between the upper ends of the first and second supports and the top plate. The same explanation given above for the 13th face applies to this gap.

[0088] This configuration provides a simple arrangement of the first and second support columns, base plate, and top plate, which allows for improved stacking strength.

[0089] In the 15th aspect, the heat source unit may further include a heat exchanger having an L-shaped bend when viewed from above, and which can be positioned in the air chamber on the rear side of the heat source unit opposite to the front side and on the left or right side of the heat source unit, and a third support column positioned further inside the heat source unit casing than the L-shaped bend of the heat exchanger, wherein the lower end of the third support column is positioned in contact with the bottom plate and supported by the bottom plate, and the upper end of the third support column is positioned in contact with the top plate and supports the top plate.

[0090] A heat exchanger is generally configured to exchange heat with the air passing through it. The L-shape of the heat exchanger may include a curved structure that is not acute, meaning an angle of exactly 90° between the portion of the heat exchanger located behind the heat source unit and the portion of the heat exchanger located to the left or right of the heat source unit.

[0091] An L-shaped heat exchanger can constitute part of the rear and side of a heat source unit.

[0092] The L-shaped heat exchanger can be supported either directly or indirectly, such as through a sealing material.

[0093] The third support column can be made of a metal such as sheet metal. The lower end of the third support column can be in contact with the bottom plate by screw connection, and the upper end of the third support column can be in contact with the top plate by screw connection. The third support column can be positioned at the corner of the heat source unit inside the air chamber opposite the corner of the air chamber where the second support column is located.

[0094] The third support column is positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate such that its lower end is in contact with the bottom plate and is supported by the bottom plate, and its upper end is in contact with the top plate and supports the top plate. Thus, the third support column is positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate and transmits forces applied to the top plate, such as loads, from the top plate to the bottom plate.

[0095] Therefore, this configuration further increases the stacking strength of the heat source units. This is because, in addition to the front grille and the first and second support columns, the third support column receives force, for example, a load, and acts as an additional reinforcing member.

[0096] In the 16th aspect, a heat pump is provided that includes a heat source unit relating to one of the preceding aspects.

[0097] Further aspects of this disclosure will be understood from the following description of specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0098] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the heat source unit related to this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the heat source unit in Figure 1 along line AA in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a perspective rear view of a portion of the front grille of the heat source unit. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the components of the heat source unit. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged view of the upper left portion B of Figure 2. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the heat source unit, excluding the top plate of the heat source unit. Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, using exemplary examples to illustrate the present disclosure. Further modifications of the specific individual features described in this context may be combined with other features of the embodiments described to form further embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0099] Throughout the drawing, the same or similar elements should be referred to by the same reference numeral.

[0100] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the heat source unit 1 according to this disclosure. The heat source unit 1 includes a heat source unit casing 10 which comprises a top plate 11 positioned on the upper side of the heat source unit 1, a bottom plate 12 positioned on the bottom side of the heat source unit 1, and a front grille 13 positioned on the front of the heat source unit 1 and having an airflow opening 131. A blower fan 14 is housed within the heat source unit casing 10 and is configured to generate airflow through the airflow opening 131. In Figure 1, the blower fan 14 is hidden by the front grille 13 and positioned behind the front grille.

[0101] In this embodiment, the grille 13 extends across the entire front of the heat source unit casing 10 for reasons of improved appearance and comprises an air chamber portion 136 configured to allow air to pass through the airflow opening 131 of the front grille 13, and a machine chamber portion 137 having a closed surface that does not allow air to pass through and is provided primarily for design purposes. In this disclosure, when the front grille 13 is referred to, it means the air chamber portion 136 of the front grille 13.

[0102] The heat source unit 1 has a substantially rectangular or cubic shape, and the front grille 13 is slightly curved toward the front of the heat source unit 1.

[0103] As can be seen from Figure 1, the front grille 13 is positioned between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12. In this embodiment, the front grille 13 is positioned at the front of the heat source unit 1, between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12.

[0104] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the heat source unit 1 of Figure 1 along line AA of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the front grille 13 is positioned between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12. The front grille 13, more specifically its air chamber portion 136, is fixed to the partition plate 16 and the second support column 18 by screws. The screws are used horizontally, and more specifically in the front-to-back direction. In this configuration, the front grille 13 is positioned between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12 to transmit the force applied to the top plate 11 from the top plate 11 to the bottom plate 12. As a result, the front grille 13 becomes a component that receives the force, i.e., load, applied to the top plate 11, and functions as a reinforcing member between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12 of the heat source unit casing 10, thereby increasing the stacking strength of the heat source unit 1. This is in contrast to prior art devices in which the front grille is positioned in front of the top and bottom plates and therefore cannot directly transmit the force, i.e., load applied to the top plate, for example. In another embodiment, the front grille 13 can be fixed to the bottom plate 12 with screws so that the lower end of the front grille 132 is supported by the bottom plate 12. Alternatively, the front grille 13 can be positioned between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12 so that the lower end of the front grille 132 is supported by the bottom plate 12 and the upper end of the front grille 133 supports the top plate 11.

[0105] In this embodiment, the front end of the bottom plate 12 has a first flange 121 extending upward from the bottom plate 12. Similarly, the front end of the top plate 11 has a second flange 111 extending downward from the top plate 11. When viewed from the front of the heat source unit 1, the first flange 121 overlaps the front grille 13, and when viewed from the front of the heat source unit 1, the second flange 111 overlaps the front grille 13. This indicates that the front grille 13 is positioned further inside the heat source unit casing 10 when viewed toward the rear of the heat source unit casing 10. In particular, the front grille 13 is positioned very close to or immediately behind the surface of the first flange 121 facing the inside of the heat source unit casing 10, and very close to or immediately behind the surface of the second flange 111 facing the inside of the heat source unit casing 10. For example, the gap between the second flange 111 and the front grille 13 is 1.76 mm, and the gap between the first flange 121 and the front grille 13 is 1.36 mm (the reason for the difference in gap dimensions is that there is a 0.4 mm difference in thickness between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12). In this configuration, even if force, i.e., a load, is applied to the top plate 11, the front grille 13 can be held more stably. This further increases the stacking strength of the heat source unit 1.

[0106] Referring to Figure 3, which is a perspective rear view of a portion of the front grille 13 of the heat source unit 1 shown in Figure 1, the lower end of the front grille 132 and the upper end of the front grille 133 each include a first rib 134 extending in the left-right direction of the heat source unit 1 and a plurality of second ribs 135 extending in the depth direction (parallel to the front-rear direction) of the heat source unit 1. The second ribs 135 are arranged at equidistant positions. This configuration further increases the structural strength of the front grille and, therefore, the stacking strength of the heat source unit. The first rib 134 and the second ribs 135 can also be positioned at either the lower end of the front grille 132 or the upper end of the front grille 133.

[0107] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the front grille 13 in this embodiment is provided with a plurality of airflow openings 131, which are formed by a plurality of slits extending in the left-right direction of the heat source unit 1. In this embodiment, the front grille 13 is made of resin. Such a resin-formed front grille improves the appearance of the heat source unit.

[0108] Figure 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the components of the heat source unit 1 shown in Figure 1. In Figure 4, the front grille 13 is omitted. The heat source unit 1 further includes a bell mouth 15 configured to guide the airflow generated by the blower fan 14 to the outside of the heat source unit 1. Similar to the front grille 13, the bell mouth 15 is positioned between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12, and is configured to transmit the force applied to the top plate 11 from the top plate 11 to the bottom plate 12.

[0109] The bell mouth 15 consists of a circular cylindrical portion 153 and a flat portion 154 surrounding the circular cylindrical portion 153. The bell mouth 15, more specifically its flat portion 154, is fixed to the partition plate 16 and the second support column 18 with screws. The screws are used horizontally, more specifically in the front-to-back direction. In this configuration, the bell mouth 15 is positioned between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12, and is configured to transmit forces applied to the top plate 11 from the top plate 11 to the bottom plate 12. In another embodiment, the bell mouth 15 can also be fixed to the bottom plate 12 with screws so that the lower end of the bell mouth 151 is supported by the bottom plate 12. Alternatively, the bell mouth 15 can be positioned between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12 so that the lower end of the bell mouth 151 is supported by the bottom plate 12 and the upper end of the bell mouth 152 supports the top plate 11.

[0110] As shown in Figure 4, and more specifically in Figure 2, the bell mouth 15 is offset inward from the front end of the bottom plate 12 and the front end of the top plate 11 towards the inside of the heat source unit casing 10. As shown in Figure 2, a distance d1 is provided between the front end of the bottom plate 12 and the front end of the flat portion 154 of the bell mouth 15. The distance d1 between the front end of the bottom plate 12 and the front end of the top plate 11, i.e., the offset amount of the bell mouth 15, can be in the range of 15 cm to 20 cm, preferably between 16 cm to 17 cm, and more preferably between 16.9 cm to 17.3 cm.

[0111] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the bell mouth 15 is also offset from the front grille 13 toward the inside of the heat source unit casing 10. More specifically, a distance d2 is provided between the rear end of the front grille 13 and the front end of the flat portion 154 of the bell mouth 15. The distance d2, i.e., the amount of offset of the bell mouth from the front grille, can be in the range of 12 cm to 17 cm, preferably between 14 cm to 15 cm, and more preferably between 14.6 cm to 14.8 cm. This configuration further increases the stacking strength of the heat source unit 1. This is because the force, i.e., load applied to the top plate 11 is more evenly distributed among the components that transmit the force, i.e., load from the top plate 11 to the bottom plate 12.

[0112] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the upper left portion B of Figure 2. In the configuration shown in Figure 5, the feature that the front grille 13 is positioned between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12 to transmit the force applied to the top plate 11 from the top plate 11 to the bottom plate 12 includes or can be realized by a configuration in which allowable gaps are provided between the front grille 13 and the top plate 11 and between the front grille 13 and the bottom plate 12. These allowable gaps close when a force is applied to the top plate 11. For example, such allowable gaps may have an extension d3 of 0.5 to 2.0 mm, preferably 1.2 mm. Similarly, the feature that the bell mouth 15 is positioned between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12 to transmit the force applied to the top plate 11 from the top plate 11 to the bottom plate 12 includes or can be realized by a configuration in which allowable gaps are provided between the bell mouth 15 and the top plate 11 and between the bell mouth 15 and the bottom plate 12. The gaps close when a force is applied to the top plate 11 of the heat source unit 1. For example, such an allowable gap can have an extension d4 of 0.5 to 1.5 mm, preferably 0.9 mm.

[0113] In this configuration, when a force, or load, is applied to the top plate 11, the allowable gap between the top plate 11 and the front grille 13 and the allowable gap between the top plate 11 and the bell mouth 15 close by pressing the top plate 11 against the front grille 13 and the top plate 11 against the bell mouth 15, causing the top plate 11 to contact the front grille 13 and the bell mouth 15. Similarly, the allowable gap between the front grille 13 and the bottom plate 12 and the allowable gap between the bell mouth 15 and the bottom plate 12 close by pressing the front grille 13 against the bottom plate 12 and the bell mouth 15 against the bottom plate 12, causing the front grille 13 and the bell mouth 15 to contact the bottom plate 12. The force applied to the top plate 11 is then transmitted from the top plate 11 to the front grille 13 and the bell mouth 15, and further transmitted from the front grille 13 and the bell mouth 15 to the bottom plate 12.

[0114] Figure 6 is a top perspective view of the heat source unit 1 of Figure 1, excluding the top plate 11 of the heat source unit 1. The heat source unit 1 further includes a partition plate 16 that divides the heat source unit 1 into an air chamber 2 and a machine chamber 3. The air chamber 2 houses a blower fan 14 and a bell mouth 15. The machine chamber 3 houses a compressor 31 and further components of the refrigerant circuit of the heat pump. Such further components may be, for example, an expansion valve and / or controller of the heat pump. As shown in Figure 6, the partition plate 16 divides the interior of the heat source unit 1 into the air chamber 2 and the machine chamber 3 in the left-right direction of the heat source unit 1.

[0115] Furthermore, the partition plate 16 is positioned between the top plate 11 (not shown in Figure 6) and the bottom plate 12 so as to transmit the force applied to the top plate 11 from the top plate 11 to the bottom plate 12. In this embodiment, the lower end of the partition plate 161 is supported by the bottom plate 12. For example, the lower end of the partition plate 161 can be connected to the bottom plate 12 by screws or bolts. The upper end of the partition plate 162 supports the top plate 11. As described above, this also includes the provision of an allowable gap between the upper end of the partition plate 162 and the top plate 11.

[0116] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the heat source unit 1 includes a first support column 17 positioned at the first corner of the heat source unit casing 10 in the machine room 3, and a second support column 18 positioned at the second corner of the heat source unit casing 10 in the air chamber 2. Similar to the partition plate 16, the first support column 17 and the second support column 18 are positioned between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12 to transmit the force applied to the top plate 11 from the top plate 11 to the bottom plate 12. The lower ends of the first and second support columns 171 and 181 are supported by the bottom plate 12, for example, by screw connections. The upper ends of the first and second support columns 172 and 182 support the top plate 11. The upper ends of the first and second support columns 172 and 182 are connected to the top plate 11 by screw connections.

[0117] As can be seen in Figure 6, the first support column 17 forms part of the side wall of the heat source unit casing 10 on the right side of the heat source unit casing, and the second support column 18 forms part of the side wall of the heat source unit casing 10 on the left side of the heat source unit casing. The air chamber portion 136 of the front grille 13 is screwed to the second support column 18 and the partition plate 16. The machine room portion 137 of the front grille 13 is screwed to the first support column 17 and the partition plate 16.

[0118] Furthermore, similar to the air chamber portion 136 of the front grille 13, the machine room portion 137 is positioned between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12. However, in contrast to the air chamber portion 136, the machine room portion 137 is positioned between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12 so as not to transmit the force applied to the top plate 11 from the top plate 11 to the bottom plate 12. That is, the machine room portion 137 is configured such that, when viewed from the front of the heat source unit 1, the first and second flanges 121 and 111 do not overlap with the machine room portion 137, and is fixed to the heat source unit casing 10. With this configuration, the machine room portion 137 can be removed without removing the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12, and therefore, the maintainability of the machine room can be improved.

[0119] Furthermore, the heat source unit 1 of this embodiment includes a heat exchanger 19. The heat exchanger 19 has an L-shaped bend when viewed from above the heat source unit 1. The heat exchanger is located in the air chamber 2 on the rear side of the heat source unit 1, opposite to the front side of the heat source unit 1. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the heat exchanger 19 is located on the left side of the heat source unit 1.

[0120] The heat source unit 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a front grille 13 and a bell mouth 15 having the above configuration, so the heat source unit 1 has improved stacking strength compared to the heat source unit of the prior art. Nevertheless, in order to further increase the stacking strength of the heat source unit 1, a third support column 20 can be provided in the air chamber 2, which is positioned further inside the heat source unit casing 10 than the L-shaped bend of the heat exchanger 19. The third support column 20 is positioned between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12 such that the lower end of the third support column 201 is in contact with the bottom plate 12 and supported by the bottom plate, and the upper end of the third support column 202 is in contact with the top plate 11 and supports the top plate.

[0121] In this embodiment, the partition plate 16, the first support column 17, the second support column 18, and the third support column 20 are made of sheet metal. List of reference codes 1 Heat source unit 2 air chambers 3 Machine room 10 Heat source unit casing 11 Top plate 111 Second flange 12 Bottom plate 121 First Flange 13 Front Grille 131 Airflow opening 132 Lower edge of the front grille 133 Upper edge of the front grille 134 First Rib 135 Second Rib 136 Air chamber section 137 Machine room part 14. Blower fan 15 Bellmouth 151 Lower end of bell mouth 152 Upper end of bell mouth 153 Circular cylindrical section 154 Plane section 16 partition plates 161 Lower end of partition plate 162 Upper end of partition plate 17 1st pillar 171 Lower end of the first support column 172 Upper end of the first support column 18 Second pillar 181 Lower end of the first support column 182 Upper end of the first support column 19 Heat exchanger 20 Third pillar 201 Lower end of the third support column 202 Upper end of the third support column 31 Compressor [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0122] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 1677053

Claims

1. A heat source unit (1) of a heat pump, wherein the heat source unit (1) is A heat source unit casing (10) comprising a top plate (11) positioned above the heat source unit (1), a bottom plate (12) positioned below the heat source unit (1), and a front grille (13) positioned on the front of the heat source unit (1) with an airflow opening (131), The heat source unit casing (10) is housed within a blower fan (14) configured to generate an airflow through the airflow opening (131), The front grille (13) is a heat source unit positioned between the top plate (11) and the bottom plate (12) to transmit the force applied to the top plate (11) from the top plate (11) to the bottom plate (12).

2. The heat source unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the lower end of the front grille (132) is supported by the bottom plate (12), and at least a portion of the upper end of the front grille (133) supports the top plate (11).

3. At least the front end of the bottom plate (12) is provided with a first flange (121) extending upward from the bottom plate (12), and at least the front end of the top plate (11) is provided with a second flange (111) extending downward from the top plate (11). The heat source unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the front grille (13) is positioned at least in part inside the heat source unit casing (10) beyond the first and second flanges (121, 111) when viewed from the front of the heat source unit (1).

4. The heat source unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the airflow opening (131) is formed by a plurality of slits extending in the left-right direction of the heat source unit (1) when viewed from the front of the heat source unit (1).

5. The heat source unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the front grille (13) is formed of resin.

6. The heat source unit (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the lower end and / or upper end of the front grille (132, 133) comprises a first rib (134) extending in the left-right direction of the heat source unit (1) when viewed from the front of the heat source unit (1), and at least one second rib (135) extending in the depth direction of the heat source unit (1) toward the inside of the heat source unit casing (10) when viewed from the front of the heat source unit (1).

7. The system further includes a bell mouth (15) configured to guide the airflow generated by the blower fan (14), The heat source unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bell mouth (15) is positioned between the top plate (11) and the bottom plate (12) to transmit the force applied to the top plate (11) from the top plate (11) to the bottom plate (12).

8. The heat source unit (1) according to claim 7, wherein the lower end of the bell mouth (151) is supported by the bottom plate (12), and the upper end of the bell mouth (152) supports the top plate (11).

9. The heat source unit (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the bell mouth (15) is offset toward the inside of the heat source unit casing (10) from the front end of the bottom plate (12) and the front end of the top plate (11).

10. The heat source unit (1) according to claim 9, wherein the bell mouth (15) is offset from the front grille (13) toward the inside of the heat source unit casing (10).

11. The heat source unit (1) is further divided into an air chamber (2) housing the blower fan (14) and the bell mouth (15), and a machine chamber (3) housing the compressor, expansion valve and / or controller of the heat pump, by a partition plate (16). The heat source unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the partition plate (16) is positioned between the top plate (11) and the bottom plate (12) to transmit the force applied to the top plate (11) from the top plate (11) to the bottom plate (12).

12. The heat source unit (1) according to claim 11, wherein the lower end of the partition plate (161) is supported by the bottom plate (12), and the upper end of the partition plate (162) supports the top plate (11).

13. The machine room (3) further comprises a first support column (17) positioned at the first corner of the heat source unit casing (10), and a second support column (18) positioned at the second corner of the heat source unit casing (10) within the air chamber (2), The heat source unit (1) according to claim 11, wherein the first support column (17) and the second support column (18) are arranged between the top plate (11) and the bottom plate (12) to transmit the force applied to the top plate (11) from the top plate (11) to the bottom plate (12).

14. The heat source unit (1) according to claim 13, wherein the lower ends of the first and second support columns (171, 181) are supported by a bottom plate (12), and the upper ends of the first and second support columns (172, 182) are supported by a top plate (11).

15. The heat source unit (1) has an L-shaped bend when viewed from above, and a heat exchanger (19) is positioned within the air chamber (2) on the rear side of the heat source unit (1) opposite to the front side, and on the left or right side of the heat source unit (1). The air chamber (2) further comprises a third support column (20) positioned further inside the heat source unit casing (10) than the L-shaped bend of the heat exchanger (19), The heat source unit (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the lower end of the third support column (201) is positioned in contact with the bottom plate (12) and supported by the bottom plate, and the upper end of the third support column (202) is positioned in contact with the top plate (11) and supported by the top plate (12), wherein the third support column (20) is positioned between the top plate (11) and the bottom plate (12).

16. A heat pump comprising a heat source unit (1) as described in any of the preceding claims.

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