Heat source unit and refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

A heat source unit comprises: a casing (70); a compressor (30) that is disposed inside the casing (70) and that compresses a refrigerant; an air-impermeable sound insulation member (60) that is disposed inside the casing (70) and that covers the compressor (30) so as to partition off a first space (S1) for housing the compressor (30); and a first connection passage (41) through which a lower part of the first space (S1) is connected to a second space (S2) between the sound insulation member (60) and the casing (70).

Description

Heat source unit and refrigeration cycle device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat source unit and a refrigeration cycle device.

[0002] In the air conditioner of Patent Document 1, the compressor is covered with a sound-insulating member made of hard rubber, etc. The sound-insulating member suppresses noise caused by vibration of the compressor.

[0003] Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2-137578

[0004] Refrigeration cycle devices such as air conditioners sometimes use refrigerants with a higher specific gravity than air. As described in Patent Document 1, in a configuration in which a compressor is covered with a sound-insulating member, if refrigerant leaks from the compressor or the connection between the compressor and a pipe, the refrigerant will flow into the space inside the sound-insulating member. The leaked refrigerant moves to the lower part of the space due to its own weight. As a result, a problem occurs in which the refrigerant concentration becomes high in the lower part of the internal space of the sound-insulating member.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to prevent the concentration of leaked refrigerant from increasing in the internal space of a sound-insulating member.

[0006] The first aspect is directed to a heat source unit provided in a refrigeration cycle apparatus that uses a refrigerant having a specific gravity greater than that of air. The heat source unit includes a casing (70), a compressor (30) disposed inside the casing (70) and compressing the refrigerant, a non-air-permeable sound insulating member (60) disposed inside the casing (70) and covering the compressor (30) so as to define a first space (S1) that houses the compressor (30), and a first communication passage (41) that communicates a lower portion of the first space (S1) with a second space (S2) between the sound insulating member (60) and the casing (70).

[0007] In the first aspect, when refrigerant leaks from the compressor (30) or from a connection between the compressor (30) and a pipe, the refrigerant moves to the lower part of the first space (S1). The lower part of the first space (S1) flows through the first communication passage (41) into the second space (S2) outside the sound insulation member (60). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of refrigerant from increasing in the first space (S1).

[0008] The second aspect is the first aspect, but further includes a fan (22), a heat exchanger (21) that exchanges heat between the outdoor air transported by the fan (22) and the refrigerant, a partition member (28) that divides the interior of the casing (70) into a first chamber (31) in which the compressor (30) and the sound insulation member (60) are disposed and which includes a second space (S2), and a second chamber (32) in which the fan (22) and the heat exchanger (21) are disposed, and a second communication passage (48) that connects the lower part of the second space (S2) of the first chamber (31) to the second chamber (32).

[0009] In the second aspect, when the refrigerant flows from the lower part of the first space (S1) through the first communication passage (41) into the first chamber (31), the refrigerant flows through the second communication passage (48) into the second chamber (32). As a result, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant concentration from increasing in the second space (S2) as well as in the first space (S1).

[0010] In the third aspect, the second aspect is further provided with a third communication passage (53) that connects the lower part of the second chamber (32) to the outside of the casing (70).

[0011] In the third aspect, when the refrigerant flows from the lower part of the second space (S2) through the second communication passage (48) into the second chamber (32), the refrigerant flows out of the casing (70) through the third communication passage (53). As a result, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant concentration from increasing in the second chamber (32) in addition to the first space (S1) and the second space (S2).

[0012] In a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, a fourth communication passage (54, 56) is provided which connects a lower part of the second space (S2) to the outside of the casing (70).

[0013] In the fourth aspect, when the refrigerant flows from the lower part of the first space (S1) through the first communication passage (41) into the second space (S2), the refrigerant flows out of the casing (70) through the fourth communication passage (54, 56). As a result, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant concentration from increasing in the second space (S2) as well as in the first space (S1).

[0014] In a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the sound-insulating member (60) is formed hollow and open at the bottom, and the first communication passage (41) is formed between the lower end of the sound-insulating member (60) and the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70).

[0015] In the fifth aspect, a first communication passage (41) is formed between the sound-insulating member (60) that is open on the bottom side and the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70), thereby preventing the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing near the bottom plate (72), where the refrigerant is most likely to accumulate.

[0016] In a sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, a breathable first sound-absorbing material (81) is provided between the outer surface of the sound-insulating member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70).

[0017] In the sixth aspect, the double sound-insulating structure of the sound-insulating member (60) and the casing (70) can prevent radiated sound and vibration sound from the compressor (30) from leaking to the outside. Furthermore, the first sound-absorbing material (81) can prevent a decrease in sound-insulating performance due to the low-frequency resonance transmission phenomenon, thereby improving the soundproofing effect. The first sound-absorbing material (81) is permeable, so that leaked refrigerant can pass through.

[0018] In a seventh aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, a breathable second sound absorbing material (82) is provided on the inner surface of the sound insulating member (60).

[0019] In the seventh aspect, the second sound-absorbing material (82) absorbs the radiated sound and vibration sound from the compressor (30), thereby improving the soundproofing effect. The second sound-absorbing material (82) is permeable, and therefore allows the leaked refrigerant to pass through.

[0020] In the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, a breathable first sound absorbing material (81) is provided between the outer surface of the sound insulating member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70).

[0021] In the eighth aspect, it is possible to obtain both the soundproofing effect of the first sound-absorbing material (81) and the soundproofing effect of the second sound-absorbing material (82). The second sound-absorbing material (82) is permeable, and therefore allows the leaked refrigerant to pass through.

[0022] A ninth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising a first vibration-isolating member (33) that supports the compressor (30), a first support member (34) that supports the first vibration-isolating member (33), a second vibration-isolating member (35) that supports the first support member (34), and a second support member (36) that supports the second vibration-isolating member (35).

[0023] In the ninth aspect, the compressor (30) is supported by a two-layer vibration-isolating structure in which a first vibration-isolating member (33) and a second vibration-isolating member (35) are stacked, thereby making it possible to attenuate vibrations of the compressor (30).

[0024] A tenth aspect is a refrigeration cycle apparatus including the heat source unit (20) of any one of the first to ninth aspects.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a refrigeration cycle apparatus of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a heat source unit as viewed from the front side. FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the heat source unit as viewed from above. FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a first communication passage. FIG. 5 is a left side view of an enlarged view of the vicinity of the first communication passage. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a partition member as viewed from the left side. FIG. 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a heat source unit of a first modification as viewed from above. FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a heat source unit of a second modification as viewed from the front side. FIG. 9 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a heat source unit of a third modification as viewed from above. FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a heat source unit of a fourth modification as viewed from the front side. FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a heat source unit of a fifth modification as viewed from the front side. FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a heat source unit of a sixth modification as viewed from the front side. FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a heat source unit of a seventh modification as viewed from the front side. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the heat source unit of the seventh modification, viewed from above.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure. Since the drawings are intended to conceptually explain the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary to facilitate understanding.

[0027] (1) Basic Configuration As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigeration cycle device (1) is a refrigeration cycle device for hot water supply having an outdoor unit (20) as a heat source unit. The outdoor unit (20) has a refrigerant circuit (2). The refrigerant circuit (2) is filled with, for example, a flammable natural refrigerant. The flammable natural refrigerant is, for example, propane. Propane is a refrigerant with a higher specific gravity than air. The refrigerant circuit (2) performs a refrigeration cycle by circulating the refrigerant.

[0028] (1-1) Fluid Circuit The refrigeration cycle device (1) has a fluid circuit (12). Water flows through the fluid circuit (12) as a heat medium. A water heat exchanger (15) and a fluid pump (16) are connected to the fluid circuit (12). The fluid pump (16) circulates the water in the fluid circuit (12). The fluid heated by the water heat exchanger (15) is supplied to a hot water supply tank (not shown), which is the supply destination. The water in the hot water supply tank returns to the fluid circuit (12) and is heated again by the water heat exchanger (15).

[0029] (1-2) Basic Configuration of the Outdoor Unit The outdoor unit (20) includes a refrigerant cylinder (5), a water heat exchanger (15), an outdoor heat exchanger (21), an outdoor fan (22), an outdoor expansion valve (23), a four-way switching valve (24), an accumulator (25), and a compressor (30). The outdoor heat exchanger (21), the outdoor expansion valve (23), the four-way switching valve (24), and the compressor (30) are connected by piping (26).

[0030] The refrigerant cylinder (5) is filled with refrigerant. The refrigerant cylinder (5) is connected, for example, to a pipe branching off from a pipe (26) connecting the four-way selector valve (24) and the accumulator (25). After the outdoor unit (20) is transported to the installation site, the refrigerant cylinder (5) opens the on-off valve (6) of the refrigerant cylinder (5) to fill the refrigerant circuit (2) with refrigerant. This arrangement can prevent flammable refrigerant from leaking from the refrigerant circuit (2) during transportation of the outdoor unit (20).

[0031] The water heat exchanger (15) is connected to a pipe (26) of the refrigerant circuit (2). The water heat exchanger (15) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the pipe (26) and the water flowing through a fluid pipe (17) of the fluid circuit (12).

[0032] The outdoor heat exchanger (21) is, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger. Specifically, the outdoor heat exchanger (21) is, for example, a so-called plug-in fin type microchannel heat exchanger. In the outdoor heat exchanger (21), heat is exchanged between the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger (21) and the air blown by the outdoor fan (22). The outdoor expansion valve (23) is, for example, an electronic expansion valve. The outdoor heat exchanger (21) is an example of a heat source side heat exchanger.

[0033] The four-way switching valve (24) has a first port (P1), a second port (P2), a third port (P3), and a fourth port (P4). The four-way switching valve (24) is in a state where the first port (P1) communicates with the third port (P3) and where the second port (P2) communicates with the fourth port (P4) (the state shown by the solid lines in FIG. 1).

[0034] The compressor (30) compresses the refrigerant. The compressor (30) is, for example, a rotary compressor such as a scroll compressor. A four-way switching valve (24) is connected to a pipe (26) on the discharge side of the compressor (30). An accumulator (25) is connected to a pipe (26) on the suction side of the compressor (30).

[0035] (1-3) Internal Configuration of the Outdoor Unit In the following description, arrows are used in each drawing to indicate up / down, front / rear, left / right directions. Unless otherwise specified, the up / down and other directions will be explained according to the directions indicated by these arrows.

[0036] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the outdoor unit (20) has a casing (70). The casing (70) is formed in a box shape. The casing (70) is made of, for example, a metal plate. The casing (70) has an upper panel (71), a bottom panel (72), a front panel (73), a rear panel (74), a left panel (75), and a right panel (76).

[0037] A partition member (28) is disposed upright inside the casing (70). The partition member (28) is formed, for example, from a metal plate. The partition member (28) divides the interior of the casing (70) into a machine chamber (31) which is a first chamber and a fan chamber (32) which is a second chamber.

[0038] The fan chamber (32) is a space inside the casing (70) to the left of the partition member (28). The fan chamber (32) accommodates an outdoor fan (22) and an outdoor heat exchanger (21).

[0039] The casing (70) is formed with an inlet (70a) and an outlet (70b). The inlet (70a) is formed in a portion of the rear panel (74) facing the fan chamber (32) and in the left panel (75). The outlet (70b) is formed in a portion of the front panel (73) facing the fan chamber (32). In the fan chamber (32), an air passage through which outdoor air flows is formed extending from the inlet (70a) to the outlet (70b).

[0040] The outdoor heat exchanger (21) has a plurality of flat tubes and a plurality of fins inserted into the flat tubes. The flat tubes are arranged in a vertical direction. When viewed from above, the flat tubes are formed in an L-shape that is bent so as to fit along the rear panel (74) and the left panel (75).

[0041] The outdoor fan (22) is a propeller fan having a fan motor (22a). When the outdoor fan (22) is rotated, air drawn into the blower chamber (32) through the inlet (70a) exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger (21). The air after heat exchange is blown out of the outdoor unit (20) through the outlet (70b). In Figure 3, the air flow is indicated by white arrows.

[0042] The machinery chamber (31) is a space inside the casing (70) to the right of the partition member (28). The machinery chamber (31) accommodates a refrigerant cylinder (5), a pipe group (8), a water heat exchanger (15), an accumulator (25), a compressor (30), and a sound insulating member (60).

[0043] The compressor (30) has support legs (30a). The support legs (30a) are supported by a plurality of first vibration-isolating members (33). The first vibration-isolating members (33) are made of, for example, rubber or urethane. The first vibration-isolating members (33) are supported on the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). Thus, even if the compressor (30) vibrates during operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus (1), the vibrations are damped by the first vibration-isolating members (33) before being transmitted to the bottom plate (72).

[0044] The refrigerant cylinder (5) and the water heat exchanger (15) are supported on the bottom plate of the casing (70). The accumulator (25) is supported by a stay (not shown) at a position spaced apart from the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70).

[0045] The sound insulation member (60) is hollow and open at the bottom, more specifically, in the shape of a box that is open at the bottom. Specifically, the sound insulation member (60) has an upper wall (61), a front wall (63), a rear wall (64), a left wall (65), and a right wall (66). The upper wall (61) faces the upper panel (71) and constitutes the top surface of the sound insulation member (60). The front wall (63) faces the front panel (73) and constitutes the front surface of the sound insulation member (60). The rear wall (64) faces the rear panel (74) and constitutes the rear surface of the sound insulation member (60). The left wall (65) faces the left panel (75) and constitutes the left surface of the sound insulation member (60). The right wall (66) faces the right panel (76) and constitutes the right surface of the sound insulation member (60).

[0046] The sound insulating member (60) is supported on the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). The sound insulating member (60) is made of an air-impermeable material, such as a metal plate or a rubber sheet.

[0047] The sound-insulating member (60) defines a first space (S1) that houses the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25). Strictly speaking, in this embodiment, the first space (S1) is defined by the sound-insulating member (60) and the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). The sound-insulating member (60) covers the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25). The first space (S1) within the sound-insulating member (60) houses the refrigerant cylinder (5), the pipe group (8), and the water heat exchanger (15) in addition to the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25). The sound-insulating member (60) covers the refrigerant cylinder (5), the pipe group (8), and the water heat exchanger (15).

[0048] The piping group (8) includes a valve (9) and a pipe (26). The valve (9) includes an outdoor expansion valve (23), a four-way selector valve (24), and a solenoid valve (29). The piping group (8) may include an internal heat exchanger for exchanging heat between refrigerants, a muffler, a filter, etc. The valve (9) may include an electric valve, a check valve, a three-way valve, etc.

[0049] The sound insulating member (60) and the casing (70) are disposed with a predetermined distance therebetween. A second space (S2) is formed between the outer surface of the sound insulating member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70). The second space (S2) forms part of the machine room (31).

[0050] (2) Features Related to Refrigerant Leakage Prevention Measures As described above, the sound-insulating member (60) houses the compressor (30), the accumulator (25), the water heat exchanger (15), the pipe group (8), and the like. There is a risk of refrigerant leakage from these devices. The leaked refrigerant flows into the first space (S1) inside the sound-insulating member (60). Here, a refrigerant such as propane, which has a higher specific gravity than air, moves to the lower part of the first space (S1). As a result, the refrigerant concentration increases in the lower part of the first space (S1), potentially reaching a flammable concentration. Therefore, this embodiment employs a structure to suppress the increase in refrigerant concentration.

[0051] (2-1) First Communication Passage The outdoor unit (20) has a first communication passage (41). The first communication passage (41) is a flow path for allowing refrigerant in the first space (S1) in the sound insulation member (60) to flow out of the sound insulation member (60). The first communication passage (41) connects the lower part of the first space (S1) with the second space (S2) outside the sound insulation member (60).

[0052] As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the first communication passage (41) of this embodiment is formed between the lower end of the sound insulation member (60) and the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). The first communication passage (41) is formed, for example, between the lower end of the left side wall (65) of the sound insulation member (60) and the bottom plate (72). The first communication passage (41) is formed in a horizontally intermediate portion of the lower end of the left side wall (65). The first communication passage (41) is formed in a horizontally elongated shape extending in the front-rear direction.

[0053] The first communication passage (41) is formed by providing a folded portion (42) at the lower end of the left side wall (65). The folded portion (42) is provided between a pair of cutout portions (43, 43) extending upward from the lower end of the left side wall (65). One of the pair of cutout portions (43, 43) is located toward the front end of the left side wall (65), and the other is located toward the rear end of the left side wall (65). The folded portion (42) has a folding line (44) extending horizontally across the upper ends of both sides of the pair of cutout portions (43, 43). The folded portion (42) is formed by folding a portion of the left side wall (65) between the pair of cutout portions (43, 43) upward with respect to the folding line (44). As a result, the first communication passage (41) extending horizontally is formed between the folding line (44) and the bottom plate (72). In this example, the folded portion (42) is folded back to the outside of the sound insulation member (60), but it may also be folded back to the inside of the sound insulation member (60). The angle (θ1 in FIG. 4 ) formed between the wall surface of the main body of the sound insulation member (60) and the wall surface of the folded portion (42) is preferably 90 degrees or more and 150 degrees or less. This allows the refrigerant in the second space (S2) to smoothly flow out into the fan chamber (32) while maintaining the lateral soundproofing effect of the sound insulation member (60). In this example, θ1 is 135 degrees.

[0054] Support portions (45) that come into contact with the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70) are formed in portions of the left wall (65) that are located on both ends of the pair of cutout portions (43, 43) in the horizontal direction (front-to-back direction).

[0055] The first communication passage (41) is located near the bottom plate (72). At least a part of the first communication passage (41) is preferably located lower than the lower end of the compressor (30), and more preferably the entire first communication passage (41) is located lower than the lower end of the compressor (30).

[0056] The first communication passage (41) may be provided corresponding to a side wall other than the left wall (65). For example, the first communication passage (41) may be provided corresponding to at least one or all of the front wall (63), the rear wall (64), the right wall (66), and the left wall (65).

[0057] (2-2) Second Communication Passage The outdoor unit (20) has a second communication passage (48). The second communication passage (48) is a flow path for allowing refrigerant in the second space (S2) of the machine chamber (31) to flow into the fan chamber (32). The second communication passage (48) connects the lower part of the second space (S2) with the fan chamber (32).

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 , the second communication passage (48) in this embodiment is formed between the lower end of the partition member (28) and the bottom of the casing (70). Specifically, a plurality of (three in this example) ribs (49) extending in the left-right direction are formed on the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). The cross section of the ribs (49) when viewed from the left-right direction is convex, more precisely, trapezoidal. Grooves (50) corresponding to each rib (49) are formed on the lower end of the partition member (28). The ribs (49) are located inside each groove (50). The cross section of the grooves (50) when viewed from the left-right direction is similar in shape to but slightly larger than the ribs (49). Therefore, a gap that forms the second communication passage (48) is formed between the ribs (49) and the inner edge of the groove (50). Strictly speaking, the second communication passage (48) is formed by the continuation of a front gap (48a) formed in front of the rib (49), an intermediate gap (48b) formed above the rib (49), and a rear gap (48c) formed behind the rib (49).

[0059] (2-3) Flow of Leaked Refrigerant If refrigerant leaks from a device inside the sound insulation member (60) during operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus (1), the refrigerant moves to the lower part of the first space (S1). The refrigerant in the lower part of the first space (S1) flows into the second space (S2) of the machine chamber (31) through the first communication passage (41). This prevents the refrigerant concentration from increasing in the lower part of the first space (S1), and prevents the refrigerant concentration from reaching an ignition concentration.

[0060] The refrigerant in the second space (S2) of the machine chamber (31) flows into the fan chamber (32) through the second communication passage (48). During operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus (1), the outdoor fan (22) is generally in operation. Therefore, the refrigerant in the fan chamber (32) flows out of the casing (70) through the outlet (70b) together with outdoor air blown by the outdoor fan (22). As a result, the refrigerant concentration in the second space (S2) can be prevented from increasing and from reaching an ignition concentration.

[0061] (3) Effects of the embodiment (3-1) The outdoor unit (20) is disposed inside the casing (70), and includes a non-breathable sound-insulating member (60) that covers the compressor (30) so as to define a first space (S1) that houses the compressor (30), and a first communication passage (41) that communicates between a lower part of the first space (S1) and a second space (S2) between the sound-insulating member (60) and the casing (70).

[0062] This configuration allows the refrigerant that has moved to the lower part of the first space (S1) to flow into the second space (S2) through the first communication passage (41), thereby preventing the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing in the first space (S1).

[0063] Furthermore, the double sound insulation structure of the sound insulation member (60) and the casing (70) can reduce noise generated by the compressor (30) and the like.

[0064] (3-2) The outdoor unit (20) includes a partition member (28) that separates the interior of the casing (70) into a machine room (31) in which the compressor (30) and the sound insulating member (60) are disposed and which includes a second space (S2), and a blower room (32) in which the outdoor fan (22) and the outdoor heat exchanger (21) are disposed, and a second communication passage (48) that connects the lower part of the second space (S2) of the machine room (31) to the blower room (32).

[0065] With this configuration, the refrigerant that has moved to the lower part of the second space (S2) of the machine chamber (31) can flow through the second communication passage (48) to the fan chamber (32), thereby preventing the refrigerant concentration from increasing in the second space (S2).

[0066] When the refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) is operating, the outdoor fan (22) is in operation. As a result, the refrigerant in the blower chamber (32) flows out of the casing (70) through the outlet (70b) together with the outdoor air transported by the outdoor fan (22). As a result, the concentration of the refrigerant in the blower chamber (32) can be prevented from increasing.

[0067] (3-3) The sound insulating member (60) is hollow and open at the bottom. The first communication passage (41) is formed between the bottom end of the sound insulating member (60) and the bottom plate of the casing (70).

[0068] When refrigerant leaks into the first space (S1), the refrigerant concentration is likely to increase particularly near the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). This is because the refrigerant moves downward due to its own weight, and the refrigerant concentration increases as it approaches the bottom plate (72). In this embodiment, the first communication passage (41) is formed along the bottom plate (72), and therefore, the refrigerant concentration can be prevented from increasing near the bottom plate (72).

[0069] If the first communication passage (41) is formed by drilling a through hole in the sound insulation member (60), the soundproofing effect on the side of the casing (70) may be reduced. In this embodiment, the first communication passage (41) is formed between the lower end of the sound insulation member (60) and the bottom plate of the casing (70). Therefore, the soundproofing effect on the side of the sound insulation member (60) can be improved compared to drilling a through hole. As described above, the first communication passage (41) of this embodiment can improve both the effect of suppressing an increase in refrigerant concentration and the effect of suppressing noise. Furthermore, the first communication passage (41) can be easily fabricated compared to drilling a through hole or the like.

[0070] (3-4) The first communication passage (41) is formed by forming a folded portion (42) at a part of the lower end of the sound-insulating member (60). This makes it easier to process the first communication passage (41). The folded portion (42) also contributes to reducing noise.

[0071] (4) Modifications The above embodiment may be modified as follows. Differences from the above embodiment will be described below. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same parts as in the embodiment.

[0072] (4-1) Modification 1 As shown in FIG. 7 , a drain pan (51) is formed in the blower chamber (32) of Modification 1. The drain pan (51) is disposed below the outdoor heat exchanger (21). The drain pan (51) is a tray that receives water condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (21). A drain outlet (52) is formed in the bottom of the drain pan (51). The drain outlet (52) constitutes the inlet end of a drain drain channel (53). The outlet end of the drain drain channel (53) opens to the outside of the casing (70). The drain drain channel (53) includes a flow path such as a drain hose. The drain drain channel (53) constitutes a third communication passage that connects the lower part of the blower chamber (32) to the outside of the casing (70).

[0073] In the first modification, the refrigerant that has moved to the bottom of the blower chamber (32) flows out of the casing (70) through the drainage channel (53). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing near the bottom of the blower chamber (32). Even when the outdoor fan (22) is stopped, the refrigerant in the blower chamber (32) can be discharged to the outside of the casing (70). The drainage channel (53) serves as both a flow path for discharging drain water and a flow path for discharging refrigerant, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0074] (4-2) Modification 2 As shown in Fig. 8, a fourth communication passage (54) is formed in the casing (70) of Modification 2. The fourth communication passage (54) is a flow path for allowing the refrigerant in the second space (S2) to flow directly out of the casing (70). The first communication passage (41) of Modification 2 is formed, for example, in the right side wall (66). The fourth communication passage (54) is formed, for example, in the lower part of the right panel (76). The fourth communication passage (54) is formed by a hole that penetrates the right panel (76) in the thickness direction.

[0075] The fourth communication passage (54) is located near the bottom plate (72). At least a portion of the fourth communication passage (54) is preferably located lower than the lower end of the compressor (30), and more preferably the entire fourth communication passage (54) is located lower than the lower end of the compressor (30).

[0076] The fourth communication passage (54) may be provided corresponding to a side panel other than the right panel (76). For example, the fourth communication passage (54) may be provided corresponding to at least one or all of the front panel (73), the rear panel (74), the right panel (76), and the left panel (75).

[0077] In the second modification, the refrigerant in the first space (S1) also flows into the second space (S2) through the first communication passage (41). The refrigerant in the second space (S2) flows out of the casing (70) through the fourth communication passage (54). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing in the second space (S2).

[0078] (4-3) Modification 3 In Modification 3 shown in FIG. 9 , a drain hole (55) is formed in a portion of the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70) facing the second space (S2). The drain hole (55) constitutes an inlet end of a drain channel (56). The outlet end of the drain channel (56) opens to the outside of the casing (70). The drain channel (56) includes a flow path such as a hose. The drain channel (56) constitutes a fourth communication passage that connects the lower part of the second space (S2) of the machine chamber (31) to the outside of the casing (70).

[0079] In the fourth modification, the refrigerant that has moved to the bottom of the second space (S2) of the machine chamber (31) flows out of the casing (70) through the drainage channel (56). As a result, it is possible to prevent the concentration of the refrigerant from increasing near the bottom of the machine chamber (31). The drainage channel (56) serves both as a flow path for discharging water accumulated in the machine chamber (31) and as a flow path for discharging the refrigerant, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0080] (4-4) Modification 4 In Modification 4 shown in FIG. 10 , a first sound-absorbing material (81) is provided in a second space (S2) between the outer surface of the sound-insulating member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70). The inner surface of the casing (70) includes the surface of the partition member (28) facing the machine chamber (31). The first sound-absorbing material (81) is breathable. The first sound-absorbing material (81) is an open-cell resin material, such as urethane. The first sound-absorbing material (81) is disposed on the outer surfaces of the upper wall (61), front wall (63), rear wall (64), left wall (65), and right wall (66) of the sound-insulating member (60).

[0081] In the fourth modification, too, the double sound insulation structure of the sound insulation member (60) and the casing (70) can prevent radiated sound and vibration sound from the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25) from leaking to the outside. Furthermore, the first sound-absorbing material (81) can prevent a decrease in sound insulation performance due to the low-frequency resonance transmission phenomenon, thereby improving the soundproofing effect.

[0082] Specifically, when two plates form a double structure with a hollow space between them, the two plates become two masses, and the air in the hollow space acts as a spring connecting them, causing them to vibrate, resulting in a resonance phenomenon. In this case, the transmission loss is lower than the mass law, and sound insulation performance deteriorates. This phenomenon generally occurs in the low frequency range, so it is called the low frequency resonance transmission phenomenon.

[0083] In contrast to this, in the fourth modification, a first sound-absorbing material (81) is provided between the outer surface of the sound-insulating member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70), thereby suppressing the occurrence of the resonance phenomenon in which the air in the gap between the sound-insulating member (60) and the casing (70) acts as a spring and vibrates.

[0084] The refrigerant leaking into the first space (S1) passes through the first communication passage (41) and flows out into the second space (S2). Since the first sound-absorbing material (81) is breathable, the refrigerant in the second space (S2) passes through the first sound-absorbing material (81) and flows out to the fan chamber (32) via, for example, the second communication passage (48). In this way, in the third modification, the leaked refrigerant can be discharged to the outside of the second space (S2) without forming a communication passage in the first sound-absorbing material (81).

[0085] A communication passage for passing the refrigerant may be formed between the lower end of the first sound absorbing material (81) and the bottom plate (72) or below the first sound absorbing material (81).

[0086] (4-5) Modification 5 In Modification 5 shown in FIG. 11 , in addition to the configuration of Modification 4, a second sound-absorbing material (82) is further provided on the inner surface of the sound-insulating member (60). The second sound-absorbing material (82) is breathable. The second sound-absorbing material (82) is made of a resin material having open cells, such as urethane. The second sound-absorbing material (82) is disposed on the inner surface of each of the upper wall (61), front wall (63), rear wall (64), left wall (65), and right wall (66) of the sound-insulating member (60).

[0087] The second sound absorbing material (82) absorbs the radiated sound and vibration sound from the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25), thereby improving the soundproofing effect.

[0088] Specifically, when the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25) as sound sources are enclosed in a sound-insulating member (60) that is a box-shaped member, the sound is reflected by the sound-insulating member (60), causing a phenomenon known as build-up, in which the sound pressure level around the compressor (30) and the accumulator (25) increases compared to when the sound-insulating member (60) is not present.

[0089] As a result, the sound pressure level outside the sound insulating member (60) is equal to the sound pressure level without the sound insulating member (60) minus the transmission loss and build-up of the sound insulating member (60). Therefore, the amount of sound reduction achieved by providing the sound insulating member (60) is smaller than the value expected based on the transmission loss.

[0090] In this embodiment, the second sound absorbing material (62) is provided on the inner surface of the sound insulating member (60), thereby reducing the sound pressure level inside the sound insulating member (60), thereby suppressing buildup.

[0091] Because the second sound-absorbing material (82) is breathable, the refrigerant in the first space (S1) passes through the second sound-absorbing material (82) and flows into the second space (S2) through the first communication passage (41). In this way, in the fifth modification, the refrigerant leaking into the first space (S1) can be discharged to the outside of the sound-insulating member (60) without forming a communication passage in the second sound-absorbing material (82).

[0092] A communication passage for passing the refrigerant may be formed between the lower end of the second sound absorbing material (82) and the bottom plate (72) or below the second sound absorbing material (82).

[0093] (4-6) Modification 6 In Modification 6 shown in Fig. 12, the first sound-absorbing material (81) is omitted from Modification 5. The first sound-absorbing material (81) is not provided in the second space (S2) between the sound-insulating member (60) and the casing (70), and a second sound-absorbing material (82) is provided on the inner surface of the sound-insulating member (60).

[0094] (4-7) Modification 7 As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , in Modification 7, the compressor (30) has support legs (30a). The support legs (30a) are supported by a plurality of first vibration-isolating members (33). The first vibration-isolating members (33) are supported by a first support member (34). The first support member (34) is supported by a plurality of second vibration-isolating members (35). The second vibration-isolating members (35) are supported by a second support member (36). In this example, the second support member (36) is the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70).

[0095] The first vibration-isolating member (33) and the second vibration-isolating member (35) are made of rubber or urethane. The material and spring constant of the first vibration-isolating member (33) and the material and spring constant of the second vibration-isolating member (35) may be the same as or different from each other.

[0096] The compressor (30) is disposed on a double vibration-isolating structure including a first vibration-isolating member (33), a first support member (34), and a second vibration-isolating member (35). Therefore, even if the compressor (30) vibrates during operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus (1), the transmission of the vibration and the generation of noise are suppressed.

[0097] The refrigerant cylinder (5) and the water heat exchanger (15) are supported by a first support member (34). The accumulator (25) is supported by a stay (not shown) at a position spaced apart from the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70).

[0098] The sound-insulating member (60) is supported on the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). A first space (S1) within the sound-insulating member (60) accommodates the compressor (30), the accumulator (25), the refrigerant cylinder (5), the piping group (8), and the water heat exchanger (15). The sound-insulating member (60) covers the compressor (30), the accumulator (25), the refrigerant cylinder (5), the piping group (8), and the water heat exchanger (15). A second space (S2) is formed between the outer surface of the sound-insulating member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70).

[0099] According to the seventh modification, the compressor (30) is supported by a two-layer vibration-isolating structure in which the first vibration-isolating member (33) and the second vibration-isolating member (35) are stacked, thereby making it possible to attenuate the vibration of the compressor (30).

[0100] This reduces vibrations transmitted from the compressor (30) to the first support member (34) and the second support member (36) and vibrations transmitted from the compressor (30) to the piping (26), thereby suppressing the generation of vibration noise caused by vibrations of the first support member (34) and the second support member (36) and the piping (26).

[0101] The outdoor unit (20) of the seventh modification has the first sound-absorbing material (81) and the second sound-absorbing material (82) as in the fifth modification, but may be configured such that either one or both of these are omitted.

[0102] (5) Other Embodiments The above-described embodiment and each of the modifications may have the following configurations.

[0103] The first communication passage (41) may be formed by a hole passing through the sound insulating member (60) in the thickness direction, or may be formed by a notch formed in the lower end or the like of the sound insulating member (60).

[0104] The first communication passage (41) may be formed by a recess formed in the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). In this case, the recess is formed so as to extend between the first space (S1) and the second space (S2).

[0105] The sound insulating member (60) may have a bottom wall without being open at the bottom, in which case the first communication passage (41) may be formed in the bottom wall of the sound insulating member (60).

[0106] The second communication passage (48) may be formed by a hole passing through the partition member (28) in the thickness direction, or may be formed by a notch formed in the lower end or the like of the partition member (28).

[0107] The second communication passage (48) may be formed by a recess formed in the bottom plate (72) of the casing (70). In this case, the recess is formed so as to extend between the second space (S2) and the fan chamber (32).

[0108] The third communication passage (53) may be formed by a hole extending in the thickness direction of the casing (70) in the portion facing the blower chamber (32), or by a notch formed in the side plate of the casing (70).

[0109] The sound insulating member (60) may cover only the compressor (30), or may cover only the compressor (30), the accumulator (25), and the piping connecting the two.

[0110] The water heat exchanger (15) and the refrigerant cylinder (5) may be supported by the first vibration isolating member (33) and the second vibration isolating member (35).

[0111] The refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) may supply the water heated in the water heat exchanger (15) to a supply target other than the hot water tank, such as a bath, a shower, a floor heating system, an air heat exchanger, and the like.

[0112] The heat source unit (20) of the refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) may not have a water heat exchanger (15) and may be connected to a utilization unit via a refrigerant pipe to form a refrigerant circuit. The utilization unit has a utilization heat exchanger that adjusts the temperature of air using a refrigerant. The utilization unit may be an air conditioning unit that conditions the air in a target space. In this case, the air conditioning unit may be a ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, or floor-standing type. The utilization unit may be a cooling unit that cools the air inside a storage unit. The cooling unit may cool the interior of a shipping container for sea or land transport.

[0113] The heat source unit (20) does not necessarily have to be installed outdoors, but may be installed indoors. In this case, the heat source side heat exchanger is not the outdoor heat exchanger (21), but is configured as a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a heat medium such as water and a refrigerant.

[0114] Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications in form and detail are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, elements of the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish between terms to which these terms are attached, and do not limit the number or order of those terms.

[0115] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the present disclosure is useful for heat source units and refrigeration cycle devices.

[0116] REFRIGERATION CYCLE DEVICE 1 Refrigeration cycle device 20 Outdoor unit (heat source unit) 21 Outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 22 Outdoor fan (fan) 28 Partition member 30 Compressor 31 Machine room (first room) 32 Blower room (second room) 33 First vibration-isolating member 34 First support member 35 Second vibration-isolating member 36 Second support member 41 First communication passage 48 Second communication passage 53 Drain drainage channel (third communication passage) 54 Fourth communication passage 56 Drainage channel (fourth communication passage) 60 Sound-insulating member 70 Casing 72 Bottom plate 81 First sound-absorbing material 82 Second sound-absorbing material S1 First space S2 Second space

Claims

1. A heat source unit provided in a refrigeration cycle device that uses a refrigerant having a specific gravity greater than that of air, the heat source unit comprising: a casing (70); a compressor (30) disposed inside the casing (70) and compressing the refrigerant; a non-breathable sound-proof member (60) disposed inside the casing (70) and covering the compressor (30) so as to define a first space (S1) that houses the compressor (30); and a first communication passage (41) that communicates between a lower part of the first space (S1) and a second space (S2) between the sound-proof member (60) and the casing (70).

2. A heat source unit as described in claim 1, comprising: a fan (22); a heat exchanger (21) for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air transported by the fan (22); a partition member (28) for partitioning the inside of the casing (70) into a first chamber (31) in which the compressor (30) and the sound insulation member (60) are disposed and which includes the second space (S2), and a second chamber (32) in which the fan (22) and the heat exchanger (21) are disposed; and a second communication passage (48) for communicating between a lower part of the second space (S2) of the first chamber (31) and the second chamber (32).

3. The heat source unit according to claim 2, further comprising a third communication passage (53) that communicates the lower part of the second chamber (32) with the outside of the casing (70).

4. The heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a fourth communication passage (54, 56) that connects a lower portion of the second space (S2) to the outside of the casing (70).

5. The heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sound insulation member (60) is formed hollow and open at the bottom, and the first communication passage (41) is formed between a lower end of the sound insulation member (60) and a bottom plate of the casing (70).

6. The heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a breathable first sound absorbing material (81) provided between the outer surface of the sound insulation member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70).

7. The heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a breathable second sound absorbing material (82) provided on the inner surface of the sound insulation member (60).

8. The heat source unit according to claim 7, further comprising a breathable first sound absorbing material (81) provided between the outer surface of the sound insulation member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (70).

9. A heat source unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: a first vibration-isolating member (33) supporting the compressor (30); a first support member (34) supporting the first vibration-isolating member (33); a second vibration-isolating member (35) supporting the first support member (34); and a second support member (36) supporting the second vibration-isolating member (35).

10. A refrigeration cycle device comprising the heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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