Heat source device

Abstract

A heat source device (1) comprises: a water heat exchanger (15) that is included in a refrigerant circuit (11); a cylinder (71) that stores a flammable refrigerant and that includes, at a lower section thereof, a discharge port (71a) for discharging the flammable refrigerant; and a casing (21) that houses the water heat exchanger and the cylinder. A first water pipe (41) and a second water pipe (42) are connected to the water heat exchanger. An insertion port (IP), through which the first water pipe and the second water pipe are inserted, is formed in a rear plate (27) of the casing. An access port (AP) for accessing the cylinder is formed in a front plate (26) of the casing.

Description

heat source device

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat source device equipped with a water heat exchanger included in a refrigerant circuit. The water heat exchanger is housed within a casing. Water piping is connected to the water heat exchanger. The water piping is inserted through an opening formed in the casing and led out of the casing.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-155276

[0004] The present inventors have devised a configuration in which a cylinder is provided within the casing of a heat source device. The cylinder stores a refrigerant to be filled into the refrigerant circuit. This allows the refrigerant circuit to be filled with refrigerant from the cylinder when the heat source device is installed, eliminating the need to separately prepare refrigerant for filling. However, a configuration in which a flammable refrigerant is used and a cylinder is provided within the casing presents the following unique problems.

[0005] When installing a heat source device on-site, work involves connecting the water pipe connection port to the pipe that supplies water to the water heat exchanger and the pipe that discharges water heated by the water heat exchanger. When installing these water pipes, workers use tools such as wrenches to tighten the water pipes by applying force to fasten external pipes to the water pipe connection port. If there is a water cylinder near the water pipe installation location, the water pipe installation is performed with some of the metal casing casing removed. Therefore, if a worker applies force to the tool and it comes off the fastening part of the water pipe, there is a risk that the tool will accidentally hit the cylinder and damage it. If the cylinder is damaged, refrigerant may leak into the air.

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

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a heat source device (1). The heat source device (1) includes a water heat exchanger (15) included in a refrigerant circuit (11) that performs a refrigeration cycle; a cylinder (71) that stores a flammable refrigerant to be filled into the refrigerant circuit (11) and has a discharge port (71a) at its bottom for discharging the flammable refrigerant; and a casing (21) that houses the water heat exchanger (15) and the cylinder (71). A water pipe (41a, 42a) through which water flows is connected to the water heat exchanger (15). The casing (21) has a first surface (27) and a second surface (24, 26) that are different from each other. The first surface (27) is formed with a first opening (IP) through which the water pipe (41a, 42a) is inserted. The second surface portions (24, 26) are formed with second openings (AP) for accessing the cylinder (71).

[0008] In the first aspect, the first opening (IP) through which the water pipes (41a, 42a) are inserted and the second opening (AP) for accessing the cylinder (71) are formed separately on different first and second surfaces (27, 26) of the casing (21). This reduces the risk of damaging the cylinder (71) with a tool when installing the water pipes (41, 42).

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

[0010] In the second aspect, the first opening (IP) and the second opening (AP) are formed separately on opposing surface portions of the casing (21). This allows the cylinder (71) to be located away from the installation position of the water piping (41, 42). This effectively reduces the risk of damaging the cylinder (71) with a tool when installing the water piping (41, 42).

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

[0012] In the third aspect, the first opening (IP) is formed in the rear surface (27) of the casing (21). Therefore, the heat source device (1) has a good appearance after installation. In particular, when the second opening (AP) is formed in the front surface (26) of the casing (21), the cylinder (71) can be disposed away from the installation position of the water pipes (41, 42), and the risk of damaging the cylinder (71) with a tool during installation of the water pipes (41, 42) can be suitably reduced.

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

[0014] In the fourth aspect, the water heat exchanger (15) is located between the water cylinder (71) and the water pipes (41a, 42a), whereby the water cylinder (71) is protected by the water heat exchanger (15) during installation of the water pipes (41, 42), and the risk of tools hitting the water cylinder (71) can be reduced.

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

[0016] In the fifth aspect, the upstream pipe portion (72a) of the connecting pipe (72) and the on-off valve (73) are surrounded by a protective member (74). This protects the upstream pipe portion (72a) and the on-off valve (73) from vibrations during transportation of the heat source device (1) and impacts when the heat source device (1) is dropped. The protective member (74) has a third opening (76a) for accessing the on-off valve (73) that faces the second surface portions (24, 26). Therefore, even after installation of the heat source device (1), the on-off valve (73) can be accessed through the second opening (AP) and the third opening (76a).

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

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

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

[0020] In the seventh aspect, the compressor (12) is disposed so as to be horizontally offset from the cylinder (71) when viewed from the front of the second opening (AP) and is located farther from the second surface (24) than the cylinder (71), so that a space (WS) can be provided between the compressor (12) and the second surface (24). This space (WS) can be used as a working space to perform work when accessing the cylinder (71).

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

[0022] In the eighth aspect, the third opening (76a) of the protective member (74) faces the space (WS) between the compressor (12) and the second surface (24). This allows the space (WS) between the compressor (12) and the second surface (24) to be used as a working space, facilitating access to the cylinder (71) and the on-off valve (73). Furthermore, the length of the connecting pipe (72) can be shortened by drawing the connecting pipe (72) from the third opening (76a) through the space (WS).

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

[0024] In the ninth aspect, the outer diameter of the connection ports (41c, 42c) of the water pipes (41a, 42a) is relatively large, at 15 mm or more. In this case, when installing the water pipes (41, 42), a worker must apply force to a tool to tighten them. If the tool comes off the fastening portion of the water pipes (41, 42) while the worker is applying force to the tool, the tool may accidentally collide with an object near the installation position of the water pipes (41, 42), causing damage. The technology disclosed herein is particularly effective when the connection ports (41c, 42c) of the water pipes (41a, 42a) are thick.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic piping diagram of a refrigerant circuit of a heat source device of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an outdoor unit. FIG. 3 is a front view of the outdoor unit with the front access opening of the machine room open. FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing the interior of the outdoor unit. FIG. 5 is a side view of the interior of the outdoor unit as viewed from the right side with the side panel removed. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a filling unit. FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing the interior of the outdoor unit with the front access opening of the machine room open. FIG. 8 is a plan view schematically showing the interior of an outdoor unit of a modified example. FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing the interior of an outdoor unit of another embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing the interior of an outdoor unit of another embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0032] The four-way switching valve (16) switches the refrigerant circulation direction. The four-way switching valve (16) is switched between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the first port (16a) and the third port (16c) are connected to each other and the second port (16b) and the fourth port (16d) are connected to each other (shown by solid lines in FIG. 1). In the second state, the first port (16a) and the second port (16b) are connected to each other and the third port (16c) and the fourth port (16d) are connected to each other (shown by dashed lines in FIG. 1).

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

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

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

[0036] The first water piping (41) includes a first heat source side piping (41a) and a first interconnecting piping (41b). The first heat source side piping (41a) is included in the outdoor unit (20). The first heat source side piping (41a) is connected to the water heat exchanger (15). The first interconnecting piping (41b) is a piping outside the outdoor unit (20) and is connected to a first connection port (41c) in a portion of the first heat source side piping (41a) extending outside the outdoor unit (20).

[0037] The second water piping (42) includes a second heat source side piping (42a) and a second interconnecting piping (42b). The second heat source side piping (42a) is included in the outdoor unit (20). The second heat source side piping (42a) is connected to the water heat exchanger (15). The second interconnecting piping (42b) is a piping outside the outdoor unit (20) and is connected to a second connection port (42c) in a portion of the second heat source side piping (42a) extending outside the outdoor unit (20).

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

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

[0040] The equipment of the refrigerant circuit (11) includes, in addition to the elements described above, refrigerant piping, solenoid valves, internal heat exchangers, filters, and piping insulation. The equipment of the water circuit (40) includes, as described above, the water heat exchanger (15), the first heat source side piping (41a), and the second heat source side piping (42a). The outdoor unit (20) further includes a partition member (45) that partitions the inside of the casing (21) and a fan (30) that transports outdoor air.

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

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

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

[0044] The front plate (26) forms the front surface of the casing (21). The front plate (26) faces the blowing side of the air transported by the fan (30). The front plate (26) is an example of a second surface. The rear plate (27) forms the rear surface of the casing (21). The rear plate (27) faces the side opposite to the blowing side of the air transported by the fan (30). The rear plate (27) is an example of a first surface.

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

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

[0047] The casing (21) is formed with an inlet (28) and an outlet (29). The inlet (28) is formed in the casing (21) from the rear surface of the fan chamber (S1) to the left surface. The outlet (29) is formed in a portion of the front plate (26) of the casing (21) in front of the fan chamber (S1). A flow path through which outdoor air flows is formed in the fan chamber (S1) from the inlet (28) to the outlet (29).

[0048] (2-2) Configuration of the Fan Chamber The fan chamber (S1) is configured as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped space. The length of the fan chamber (S1) in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the fan chamber (S1) in the front-rear direction. The fan chamber (S1) is provided with an air heat exchanger (13), a fan (30), and a bell mouth (31).

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

[0050] The fan (30) transports air that exchanges heat with the air heat exchanger (13). The fan (30) is a propeller fan and includes a motor (30a) and an impeller (30b). The motor (30a) is located rearward of the impeller (30b). The motor (30a) is supported by a support base (32) that is attached to the bottom plate (23). The motor (30a) rotates the impeller (30b). The bell mouth (31) is cylindrical and located around the impeller (30b). The bell mouth (31) is continuous with the air outlet (29).

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

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

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

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

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

[0056] The outer diameter of each of the first connection port (41c) and the second connection port (42c) is 15 mm or more. The first connection port (41c) is connected to the first interconnecting pipe (41b). The second connection port (42c) is connected to the second interconnecting pipe (42b). The first interconnecting pipe (41b) and the second interconnecting pipe (42b) are connected as water piping by using a tool such as a wrench after the heat source device (1) has been installed on site.

[0057] (3-3) Gas-Liquid Separator The water heat exchanger (15) is disposed above the water heat exchanger (15). The gas-liquid separator (44) is supported from below by the water heat exchanger (15). The gas-liquid separator (44) is provided with a discharge path for discharging the gas refrigerant separated therein and a gas vent valve for opening and closing the discharge path (not shown).

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

[0059] (3-5) Vibration Isolation Mechanism The vibration isolation mechanism (50) suppresses vibrations of the compressor (12) and the accumulator (17). The vibration isolation mechanism (50) of this embodiment includes a support plate (51) and a first elastic support member (52). The support plate (51) supports the compressor (12) from below. The first elastic support member (52) is fixed onto the bottom plate (23) and supports the support plate (51) from below. The compressor (12) is fixed onto the support plate (51). The support plate (51) is a plate member that is substantially triangular in top view. A circular hole is formed in the center of the support plate (51) into which the bottom of the compressor (12) fits.

[0060] The vibration-proof mechanism (50) of this embodiment has three first elastic support members (52). Each first elastic support member (52) is disposed near one of the three tops of the support plate (51). The first elastic support members (52) are interposed between the support plate (51) and the bottom plate (23). The first elastic support members (52) directly support the support plate (51) from below. The first elastic support members (52) are made of an elastic material such as rubber or urethane. Vibrations of the compressor (12) are attenuated by the first elastic support members (52) before being transmitted to the bottom plate (23).

[0061] (3-6) Sound Insulating Member The sound insulating member (60) prevents noise generated during operation of the compressor (12) from propagating to the outside of the casing (21). The sound insulating member (60) is formed in the shape of a hollow box that is open at the bottom. The sound insulating member (60) has an upper wall (61), a right wall (62), a left wall (63), a front wall (64), and a rear wall (65).

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

[0063] The sound-insulating member (60) is supported on the bottom plate (23) of the casing (21). The sound-insulating member (60) is made of an air-impermeable material. The sound-insulating member (60) is made of, for example, a metal member or a rubber sheet. The sound-insulating member (60) forms an internal space (66) surrounding the compressor (12). In this embodiment, the internal space (66) accommodates devices such as the compressor (12), the accumulator (17), the water heat exchanger (15), and the charging unit (70).

[0064] The sound insulating member (60) and the casing (21) are arranged with a predetermined gap therebetween. In other words, a gap (67) is formed between the outer surface of the sound insulating member (60) and the inner surface of the casing (21). This gap (67) prevents noise generated during operation of the compressor (12) from being transmitted to the outside of the casing (21).

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

[0066] The cylinder (71) stores a flammable refrigerant to be filled into the refrigerant circuit (11). The cylinder (71) is filled with the refrigerant before shipping the heat source device (1). Therefore, the cylinder (71) contains the refrigerant during storage or transportation of the heat source device (1). After the heat source device (1) is installed on-site, the refrigerant is filled into the refrigerant circuit (11) from the cylinder (71) before operation of the heat source device (1). Therefore, the cylinder (71) is empty when the heat source device (1) is in use.

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

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the cylinder (71) has a discharge port (71a) at its lower part. Strictly speaking, the discharge port (71a) is formed at the bottom of the cylinder (71). The discharge port (71a) discharges flammable refrigerant from the cylinder (71). The density of flammable refrigerant is relatively high. Therefore, providing the discharge port (71a) at the lower part of the cylinder (71) can promote the discharge of refrigerant. In addition, when the refrigerant circuit (11) is filled with refrigerant, the refrigerant can be prevented from remaining in the cylinder (71).

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

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

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

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

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

[0074] (3-8) Relative Arrangement of Compressor, Water Heat Exchanger, Accumulator, and Cylinder As shown in FIG. 4, the water heat exchanger (15) is disposed rearward of the cylinder (71). The first heat source side pipe (41a) and the second heat source side pipe (42a) are drawn rearward from the rear surface of the water heat exchanger (15), penetrate the sound insulating member (60), and are inserted into the insertion opening (IP) of the rear plate (27). That is, the water heat exchanger (15) is located between the first heat source side pipe (41a) and the second heat source side pipe (42a) and the cylinder (71). The accumulator (17) is disposed rearward of the compressor (12) and close to the water heat exchanger (15).

[0075] As shown in Fig. 3, the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) are positioned so as to be horizontally offset from each other when viewed from the front of the access opening (AP). The compressor (12) is located farther from the front plate (26) than the cylinder (71). The distance L1 between the compressor (12) and the front plate (26) is longer than the distance L2 between the cylinder (71) and the front plate (26) (see Fig. 4). A space (WS) that can be used as a work space is formed between the compressor (12) and the front plate (26) when the access opening (AP) is exposed to the outside of the casing (21) and the front wall (64) is removed from the sound insulation member (60) (see Fig. 7).

[0076] In this way, the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) are positioned adjacent to each other in the depth direction of the casing (21), i.e., diagonally relative to the front-to-rear direction, when viewed from the front of the access opening (AP). The compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) are close to each other. Here, "close to" means that the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) are positioned close enough that piping such as the connecting pipe (72) can be interposed between them, but that other major components such as the water heat exchanger (15) and the accumulator (17) cannot be interposed between them.

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

[0078] The compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) correspond to the access opening (AP) in the front-rear direction. A worker at the front side of the casing (21) can access the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) through the access opening (AP). This allows the worker to perform maintenance on the compressor (12). The worker can also use the space (WS) between the compressor (12) and the front plate (26) as a work space and operate the control valve (73) through the work opening (76a).

[0079] (4) Features of the embodiment In the heat source device (1), the insertion openings (IP) through which the first water pipe (41) and the second water pipe (42) are inserted and the access opening (AP) for accessing the cylinder (71) are formed separately on different surface portions of the casing (21). This reduces the risk of damaging the cylinder (71) with a tool when installing the first water pipe (41) and the second water pipe (42).

[0080] In the heat source device (1), the insertion opening (IP) and the access opening (AP) are formed separately on opposing surface portions of the casing (21). This allows the cylinder (71) to be located away from the installation positions of the first water piping (41) and the second water piping (42). This suitably reduces the risk of damaging the cylinder (71) with a tool when installing the first water piping (41) and the second water piping (42).

[0081] In the heat source device (1), the insertion opening (IP) is formed in the rear plate (27) of the casing (21). This improves the appearance of the heat source device (1) after installation. Furthermore, the access opening (AP) is formed in the front plate (26) of the casing (21). This allows easy access to the cylinder (71) even after installation of the heat source device (1). Furthermore, the cylinder (71) can be positioned away from the installation positions of the first water piping (41) and the second water piping (42), thereby suitably reducing the risk of damaging the cylinder (71) with a tool when installing the first water piping (41) and the second water piping (42).

[0082] In the heat source device (1), the water heat exchanger (15) is located between the first water pipe (41) and the second water pipe (42) and the cylinder (71). This allows the cylinder (71) to be protected by the water heat exchanger (15) when the first water pipe (41) and the second water pipe (42) are installed, reducing the risk of tools hitting the cylinder (71).

[0083] In the heat source device (1), the upstream pipe portion (72a) of the connecting pipe (72) and the control valve (73) are surrounded by a protective member (74). This protects the upstream pipe portion (72a) and the control valve (73) from vibrations during transportation of the heat source device (1) and impacts when the heat source device (1) is dropped. The protective member (74) has an access opening (76a) for accessing the control valve (73) that faces the access opening (AP). Therefore, even after installation of the heat source device (1), the control valve (73) can be accessed through the access opening (AP) and the access opening (76a).

[0084] In the heat source device (1), the access port (AP) also serves as an opening for accessing the compressor (12). Therefore, maintenance of the compressor (12) can be performed through the access port (AP). Maintenance of the compressor (12) is often performed without using tools. Therefore, even if the access port (AP) also serves as an opening for accessing both the cylinder (71) and the compressor (12), there is a low risk of damaging the cylinder (71) during maintenance work on the compressor (12).

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

[0086] In the heat source device (1), the access opening (76a) of the protective member (74) faces the space (WS) between the compressor (12) and the front plate (26). This allows the space (WS) between the compressor (12) and the front plate (26) to be used as a work space, facilitating access to the cylinder (71) and the control valve (73). Furthermore, the length of the connecting pipe (72) can be shortened by drawing the connecting pipe (72) from the access opening (76a) of the protective member (74) through the space (WS). This is advantageous in reducing pressure loss when the refrigerant from the cylinder (71) is charged into the refrigerant circuit (11).

[0087] In the heat source device (1), the outer diameter of the connection port (41c) of the first heat source side pipe (41a) and the outer diameter of the connection port (42c) of the second heat source side pipe (42a) are each relatively large, at 15 mm or more. In this case, when installing the first water pipe (41) and the second water pipe (42), a worker must apply force to a tool to tighten them. If the tool comes off the fastening portion of the water pipes (41, 42) while the worker is applying force to the tool, the tool may accidentally collide with an object near the installation position of the water pipes (41, 42), causing damage. The technology disclosed herein is particularly effective when the connection ports (41c, 42c) of the first heat source side pipe (41a) and the second heat source side pipe (42a) are thick.

[0088] (5) Modification As shown in FIG. 8 , the casing (21) of this modification differs in configuration from the casing (21) of the above embodiment. In the casing of this modification, an access opening (AP) is formed in the right plate (24). The access opening (AP) is located toward the front of the casing (21) and is continuous with the front plate (26). The access opening (AP) may also serve as an opening for accessing the compressor (12). The casing (21) may have an opening for accessing the compressor (12) separate from the access opening (AP).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0096] The heat source device (1) may constitute a part of a refrigeration cycle device. Specifically, the refrigeration cycle device may be a separate type in which a heat source unit, which is the heat source device (1), and a utilization unit are connected via a connecting pipe. The refrigeration cycle device may be an air conditioner, a transportable refrigeration device, a stationary refrigeration device, or the like.

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

[0098] Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the above embodiments and modifications may be combined or substituted as appropriate as long as the functionality of the subject matter of the present disclosure is not impaired.

[0099] In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish the terms to which these terms are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the terms.

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

[0101] AP access port (second opening) IP insertion port (first opening) 1 Heat source device 11 Refrigerant circuit 12 Compressor 13 Air heat exchanger 15 Water heat exchanger 21 Casing 24 Right plate (second surface) 26 Front plate (second surface) 27 Rear plate (first surface) 30 Fan 41a First heat source side piping (water piping) 41c First connection port (connection port) 42a Second heat source side piping (water piping) 42c Second connection port (connection port) 71a Discharge port 71 Cylinder 72 Connecting pipe 72a Upstream pipe section 74 Protective member 76a Work opening (third opening)

Claims

1. A heat source device comprising: a water heat exchanger (15) included in a refrigerant circuit (11) performing a refrigeration cycle; a cylinder (71) for storing a flammable refrigerant to be filled into the refrigerant circuit (11) and having an outlet (71a) at a lower part thereof for discharging the flammable refrigerant; and a casing (21) accommodating the water heat exchanger (15) and the cylinder (71), wherein a water pipe (41a, 42a) through which water flows is connected to the water heat exchanger (15), and the casing (21) has a first surface (27) and a second surface (24, 26) that are different from each other, wherein a first opening (IP) through which the water pipe (41a, 42a) is inserted is formed in the first surface (27), and a second opening (AP) through which the cylinder (71) can be accessed is formed in the second surface (24, 26).

2. The heat source device according to claim 1, wherein the first surface portion (27) and the second surface portion (26) face each other.

3. A heat source device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: an air heat exchanger (13) included in the refrigerant circuit (11); and a fan (30) for transporting air for heat exchange with the air heat exchanger (13), wherein the first surface (27) is a rear plate (27) facing the side opposite to the blowing side of the air transported by the fan (30), and the second surface (24, 26) is a front plate (26) facing the blowing side of the air transported by the fan (30), or a side plate (24) provided between the front plate (26) and the rear plate (27).

4. The heat source device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the water heat exchanger (15) is located between the cylinder (71) and the water pipes (41a, 42a).

5. The heat source device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a connecting pipe (72) connecting the cylinder (71) and the refrigerant circuit (11) is connected to the discharge port (71a), and an on-off valve (73) is provided on the connecting pipe (72), and a protective member (74) is provided below the cylinder (71) to surround the on-off valve (73) and an upstream pipe section (72a) of the connecting pipe (72) that is closer to the discharge port (71a) than the on-off valve (73), and wherein a third opening (76a) is formed in the protective member (74) for accessing the on-off valve (73), and the third opening (76a) opens toward the second surface portions (24, 26).

6. The heat source device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a compressor (12) included in the refrigerant circuit (11), and the second opening (AP) also serves as an opening for accessing the compressor (12).

7. A heat source device according to claim 6, wherein the compressor (12) and the cylinder (71) are arranged offset from each other in the horizontal direction when viewed from the front of the second opening (AP), and the distance between the compressor (12) and the second surface portion (24) is longer than the distance between the cylinder (71) and the second surface portion (24).

8. A heat source device according to claim 7, wherein a connecting pipe (72) connecting the cylinder (71) and the refrigerant circuit (11) is connected to the discharge port (71a), and an on-off valve (73) is provided on the connecting pipe (72), and a protective member (74) is provided below the cylinder (71) to surround an upstream pipe section (72a) of the connecting pipe (72) that is closer to the discharge port (71a) than the on-off valve (73) and the on-off valve (73), and a third opening (76a) is formed in the protective member (74) for accessing the on-off valve (73), and the third opening (76a) opens toward a space between the compressor (12) and the second surface section (24).

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

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