Heat pump

Abstract

A heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment may comprise: a refrigerant flow part that provides a flow path for a refrigerant between an indoor unit and an outdoor unit; a heat transfer medium circuit configured to exchange heat with the refrigerant; a heat exchanger that mediates heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer medium circuit and includes an inner connection part to which the refrigerant flow part is connected; a housing that accommodates the heat exchanger and includes an outer connection part to which the refrigerant flow part is connected; and a sealing unit that surrounds at least a portion of the refrigerant flow part and has one end located at the inner connection part, and prevents the refrigerant from leaking from the inside of the housing. The other end of the sealing unit is disposed above the outer connection part so that the height at which the refrigerant leaks can be controlled to be higher than the outer connection part.

Description

heat pump

[0001] An exemplary embodiment relates to a heat pump.

[0002] A heat pump is a device designed to supply a heat source to an indoor space.

[0003] The refrigerant used in heat pumps can consist of particles heavier than air.

[0004] If the height at which the heat pump's refrigerant can leak is increased, it may not cause excessive risk even if the refrigerant leaks to the outside of the heat pump.

[0005] A heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment may include a refrigerant flow section that provides a refrigerant flow path between an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

[0006] A heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment may include: a heat medium circuit configured to exchange heat with a refrigerant; and a heat exchanger that mediates heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat medium circuit and includes an inner connection portion to which a refrigerant flow portion is connected.

[0007] A heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment may include a housing that accommodates a heat exchanger and includes an outer connection portion to which a refrigerant flow portion is connected.

[0008] A heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment may include a sealing unit that surrounds at least a portion of the refrigerant flow section and has one end disposed in the inner connection section to prevent the refrigerant from leaking out of the housing.

[0009] A sealing unit included in a heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment has one end positioned at an inner connection and the other end positioned above an outer connection, so that the height at which refrigerant can leak is controlled to be higher than that of the outer connection.

[0010] Figure 1 is a conceptual schematic diagram of the heat exchange circuit of a heat pump.

[0011] Figure 2 is a conceptual schematic diagram of the first raising structure of a heat pump.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a conceptual schematic diagram of a second raising structure of a heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a front view of a heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a drawing for illustrating a sealing unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a drawing for illustrating a sealing unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a conceptual schematic drawing of a sealing unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a conceptual schematic drawing of a sealing unit of a heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a fixed part of a heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a front view of a heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a conceptual schematic drawing of a fixed part of a heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 14 is a conceptual schematic drawing of an insulating member of a heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0024] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0025] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0026] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0028] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0029] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0030] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0031] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0032] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0033] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0034] Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of a heat pump according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical reference numbers or symbols in each drawing indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0035] Figure 1 is a conceptual schematic diagram of the heat exchange circuit of a heat pump.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, a heat pump (1) can supply thermal energy to a heat medium. Here, the heat medium may refer to a fluid capable of containing thermal energy to transfer thermal energy to a desired location. The heat medium may include a substance with a high specific heat, for example, water, but is not limited thereto.

[0037] The heat pump (1) may include an indoor unit (11) and an outdoor unit (12). The indoor unit (11) can transfer thermal energy received by the heat pump (1) through the outdoor unit (12) to a heat medium. The heat pump (1) may include a heat medium circuit (31). Thermal energy can be obtained by connecting the heat medium circuit (31) to the indoor unit (11). The heat medium circuit (31) may be formed such that a low-temperature heat medium flows into the indoor unit (11), obtains thermal energy, becomes a high-temperature heat medium, and is discharged to the outside of the indoor unit (11). The high-temperature heat medium discharged to the outside of the indoor unit (11) can transfer thermal energy to a target location and then become a low-temperature heat medium again and flow into the indoor unit (11). However, the heat medium circuit (31) may not form a closed circuit. In other words, the heat medium connected to the indoor unit (11) may not circulate, and a new heat medium may be continuously supplied to the indoor unit (11).

[0038] The heat pump (1) may include a refrigerant flow section (5). The refrigerant flow section (5) may provide a flow path for the refrigerant between the indoor unit (11) and the outdoor unit (12). The refrigerant flow section (5) may transfer thermal energy from the outdoor unit (12) to the indoor unit (11) by allowing the refrigerant to flow between the indoor unit (11) and the outdoor unit (12). The heat pump (1) may include a refrigerant circuit (32). The refrigerant flow section (5) may form a refrigerant circuit (32) between the indoor unit (11) and the outdoor unit (12). The refrigerant flow section (5) may have various shapes, such as a pipeline or a duct, as long as it is a shape that can provide a flow path for the refrigerant.

[0039] The refrigerant circuit (32) controls the flow of refrigerant between the indoor unit (11) and the outdoor unit (12) and can transfer thermal energy. The refrigerant circuit (32) can transfer thermal energy between the indoor unit (11) and the outdoor unit (12). More specifically, the refrigerant circuit (32) can transfer thermal energy from the outdoor unit (12) to the indoor unit (11). Here, the transfer of thermal energy by the refrigerant circuit (32) may be such that the energy difference between the high-energy refrigerant and the low-energy refrigerant is transferred to the indoor unit (11). At this time, the energy difference of the refrigerant may include not only sensible heat energy due to the temperature difference but also latent heat energy due to the phase change of the refrigerant. The high-energy refrigerant can transfer thermal energy to the indoor unit (11) by connecting it to the indoor unit (11). The low-energy refrigerant may be discharged to the outside of the indoor unit (11). The low-energy refrigerant discharged to the outside of the indoor unit (11) can be connected to the outdoor unit (12) to receive thermal energy from the outside. The low-energy refrigerant can be converted into high-energy refrigerant by receiving thermal energy from the outdoor unit (12). The refrigerant circuit (32) may be configured to circulate between the outdoor unit (12) and the indoor unit (11), but is not limited thereto, and the refrigerant circuit (32) may not form a closed circuit.

[0040] The heat pump (1) may include a heat exchanger (3). The heat exchanger (3) may mediate heat exchange between a refrigerant and a heat medium circuit (31). The refrigerant circuit (32) and the heat medium circuit (31) may each be connected to the heat exchanger (3). The high-energy refrigerant may transfer thermal energy to the heat medium circuit (31) inside the heat exchanger (3) and be discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger (3) as a low-energy refrigerant. The heat exchanger (3) may include, for example, a plate heat exchanger (3), but is not limited thereto.

[0041] The refrigerant flow section (5) can be connected to a heat exchanger (3). The area where the refrigerant flow section (5) is connected to the heat exchanger (3) may be referred to as an inner connection section (4). The inner connection section (4) may be distinguished from the outer connection section (2) described later. The inner connection section (4) may include a first inner connection section (41) and a second inner connection section (42), and further details will be described later.

[0042] Meanwhile, during the process of installing the heat pump (1), the indoor unit (11) and the outdoor unit (12) may be placed in separate spaces. For example, when installing the heat pump (1) at the site, the indoor unit (11) may be placed indoors and the outdoor unit (12) may be placed outdoors, and the work of connecting the refrigerant flow section (5) between the indoor unit (11) and the outdoor unit (12) may be performed. At this time, the refrigerant flow section (5) may be composed of multiple parts. In other words, the refrigerant flow section (5) connected to the indoor unit (11) and the refrigerant flow section (5) connected to the outdoor unit (12) may exist as separate components. When the refrigerant flow section (5) is composed of multiple parts, the installation of the heat pump (1) may be easy. However, this is an exemplary description and is not limited thereto.

[0043] The refrigerant flow section (5) may include an indoor flow section (51), an outdoor flow section (52), and a connecting section (53). The indoor flow section (51) may refer to a refrigerant flow section (5) that is directly connected to the indoor unit (11). The outdoor flow section (52) may refer to a refrigerant flow section (5) that is connected to the outdoor unit (12). The area where the indoor flow section (51) and the outdoor flow section (52) are connected may be referred to as the connecting section (53). The connecting section (53) connects the indoor flow section (51) and the outdoor flow section (52), thereby forming a refrigerant circuit (32) between the indoor unit (11) and the indoor unit (11). Here, the indoor flow section (51) may be a separate component from the indoor unit (11), but the indoor flow section (51) may also be provided as an integral part with the indoor unit (11). In other words, the indoor-side flow portion (51) may be a component included in the indoor unit (11). More specifically, the indoor unit (11) may be understood as including the indoor-side flow portion (51), with at least a portion of the indoor-side flow portion (51) positioned inside the housing (110) and the remaining portion positioned outside the housing (110).

[0044] The indoor flow section (51) may include a first indoor flow section (511) and a second indoor flow section (512). The first indoor flow section (511) may provide a path for high-temperature refrigerant to flow. The first indoor flow section (511) may be configured to allow high-temperature refrigerant to flow. The first indoor flow section (511) may provide high-temperature refrigerant to the heat exchanger (3). The second indoor flow section (512) may provide a path for low-temperature refrigerant to flow. The second indoor flow section (512) may be configured to allow low-temperature refrigerant to flow. The second indoor flow section (512) may receive low-temperature refrigerant from the heat exchanger (3). The first indoor flow section (511) and the second indoor flow section (512) are separated, allowing the flow paths of the high-temperature refrigerant and the low-temperature refrigerant entering the interior of the heat exchanger (3) or being discharged to the exterior of the heat exchanger (3) to be set differently. The area where the first indoor flow section (511) is connected to the outdoor flow section (52) may be referred to as the first connection section (531). Through the first connection section (531), the first indoor flow section (511) may be connected to the outdoor flow section (52). The first indoor flow section (511) can deliver the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the outdoor unit (12) to the indoor unit (11). The area where the second indoor flow section (512) is connected to the outdoor flow section (52) may be referred to as the second connection section (532). The second indoor flow unit (512) can be connected to the outdoor flow unit (52) through the second connecting part (532). The second indoor flow unit (512) can transfer low-temperature refrigerant discharged from the indoor unit (11) to the outdoor unit (12). However, this is an exemplary description and is not limited thereto.

[0045] The refrigerant circuit (32) connected to the heat exchanger (3) may have at least two paths. The connection of the refrigerant circuit (32) to the heat exchanger (3) may mean that the indoor flow section (51) of the refrigerant flow section (5) is connected to the heat exchanger (3). The indoor flow section (51) connected to the heat exchanger (3) may have at least two paths. For example, the indoor flow section (51) may include a first indoor flow section (511) and a second indoor flow section (512). The first indoor flow section (511) may be connected to the heat exchanger (3) through the first inner connection section (41). The first inner connection section (41) may refer to an area where high-temperature refrigerant is transferred into the interior of the heat exchanger (3). High-temperature refrigerant may be introduced into the interior of the heat exchanger (3) through the first inner connection section (41). The second indoor flow section (512) can be connected to the heat exchanger (3) through the second inner connection section (42). The second inner connection section (42) may refer to an area where low-temperature refrigerant is discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger (3). Low-temperature refrigerant may be discharged from inside the heat exchanger (3) through the second inner connection section (42). On the heat exchanger (3), the first inner connection section (41) and the second inner connection section (42) may be spaced apart. When the first inner connection section (41) and the second inner connection section (42) are spaced apart, heat loss can be prevented between the first indoor flow section (511), which provides a flow path for high-temperature refrigerant, and the second indoor flow section (512), which provides a flow path for low-temperature refrigerant. On the heat exchanger (3), the first inner connection part (41) may be positioned so as to be higher than the second inner connection part (42). However, this is an exemplary description and is not limited thereto.

[0046] A heat medium circuit (31) connected to a heat exchanger (3) may have at least two connection points. For example, the heat medium circuit (31) may be connected to the heat exchanger (3) through a heat medium inlet (311) and a heat medium outlet (312). The heat medium inlet (311) may refer to an area in the heat medium circuit (31) where a low-temperature heat medium is transferred into the interior of the heat exchanger (3). The heat medium outlet (312) may refer to an area in the heat medium circuit (31) where a high-temperature heat medium is discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger (3). In the heat exchanger (3), the heat medium outlet (312) may be positioned higher than the heat medium inlet (311). However, the above description regarding the function and role of the heat medium inlet (311) and the heat medium outlet (312) is merely an exemplary description and is not limited thereto.

[0047] The heat pump (1) may include a housing (110). The housing (110) may form the exterior of the indoor unit (11). A heat exchanger (3) may be placed inside the indoor unit (11). In other words, the housing (110) of the indoor unit (11) may accommodate the heat exchanger (3). The housing (110) may accommodate at least a portion of a refrigerant flow section (5). The refrigerant flow section (5) may be connected to the interior of the housing (110). In other words, some portion of the refrigerant flow section (5) may be placed inside the housing (110), while other portions may be placed outside the housing (110). The refrigerant flow section (5) in which at least a portion is placed inside the housing (110) may include an indoor flow section (51). In other words, the indoor flow section (51) may be connected to the housing (110), so that at least a portion may be placed inside the housing (110). The housing (110) can protect the components of the heat pump (1) placed inside the indoor unit (11). For example, the components of the heat pump (1) that the housing (110) can accommodate may include a temperature detection unit (101), a pump (102), a control element (103), etc. The temperature detection unit (101) is placed on the heat medium circuit (31) and can detect the temperature of the heat medium. The pump (102) is placed on the heat medium circuit (31) and can induce flow in the heat medium circuit (31). The control element (103) is placed on the heat medium circuit (31) and can control the direction of flow in the heat medium circuit (31). However, the above description is exemplary and is not limited thereto.

[0048] The area where the refrigerant flow section (5) connects to the housing (110) may be referred to as the outer connection section (2). At this time, the refrigerant flow section (5) connecting to the housing (110) may include an indoor flow section (51). In other words, the indoor flow section (51) may be connected to the housing (110) through the outer connection section (2). Here, connecting to the housing (110) may mean connecting to the indoor unit (11) of the heat pump (1). When the refrigerant flow section (5) includes a first indoor flow section (511) and a second indoor flow section (512), the first indoor flow section (511) may be connected to the housing (110) through the first outer connection section (21), and the second indoor flow section (512) may be connected to the housing (110) through the second outer connection section (22). However, this is an exemplary explanation and is not limited thereto.

[0049] One end of the indoor flow section (51) may be positioned inside the housing (110) and the other end may be positioned outside the housing (110). One end of the indoor flow section (51) positioned inside the housing (110) may be positioned toward the inside of the housing (110) with respect to the outer connection section (2). The other end of the indoor flow section (51) positioned outside the housing (110) may be positioned toward the outside of the housing (110) with respect to the outer connection section (2). One end of the indoor flow section (51) is positioned at the inner connection section (4) and is connected to the heat exchanger (3), while the other end may be connected to the outdoor flow section (52) through the connection section (53) on the outside of the housing (110). In other words, the connecting part (53) connecting the indoor flow part (51) and the outdoor flow part (52) to each other may be placed on the outside of the housing (110). However, this is an exemplary description and is not limited thereto.

[0050] Meanwhile, the refrigerant provided to the refrigerant flow section (5) may include a combustible refrigerant. The refrigerant provided to the refrigerant flow section (5) may include, for example, an A2L grade refrigerant such as R32. When a combustible refrigerant is provided to the refrigerant flow section (5), there may be certain constraints on the installation area and installation height of the heat pump (1). For example, when R32 refrigerant is provided to the refrigerant flow section (5), there may be constraints on the installation area and installation height of the heat pump (1) according to the following [Equation 1] in order to comply with ISO-817 regulations.

[0051] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0052] A min = m 2 / (2.5 * LFL 5 / 4 * h0) 2

[0053] In [Mathematical Formula 1] above, A min represents the minimum indoor area required for the installation of the heat pump (1), m represents the amount of refrigerant charged, LFL represents the lower flammable limit of the refrigerant per unit volume, and h0 represents the height factor of the indoor unit (11).

[0054] Referring to [Mathematical Equation 1] above, if the refrigerant charging conditions are the same, A min It can be confirmed that is inversely proportional to the square of h0. In other words, as h0 increases, A minIt can be understood that it decreases inversely proportional to the square of h0. Since h0 is determined by the minimum height at which the refrigerant can leak, it can be understood that if the minimum height at which the refrigerant can leak is set high, the minimum indoor area required for the installation of the heat pump (1) decreases. However, the relationship between the minimum indoor area and the installation height index according to [Equation 1] above is merely an exemplary description and is not limited thereto.

[0055] Figure 2 is a conceptual schematic diagram of the first raising structure of a heat pump.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first raising structure (7) may be provided in the heat pump (1). The second raising structure (70) has a structure that covers the heat exchanger (3) inside the housing (110) and penetrates the upper part of the housing (110). The first raising structure (7) covers the heat exchanger (3) inside the housing (110) and provides an opening that penetrates the upper part of the housing (110), thereby providing a structure in which refrigerant leaking from the heat exchanger (3) is discharged through the opening penetrating the upper part of the housing (110). However, since the first raising structure (7) does not cover the refrigerant flow section (5), it is a structure in which the leakage height cannot be increased for the refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant flow section (5). In particular, when the refrigerant flow section (5) has a curved pipe shape, there is a high possibility that the refrigerant may leak from the refrigerant flow section (5), and since the first raising structure (7) cannot cover the refrigerant flow section (5), it is a structure that cannot prevent the leakage of refrigerant.

[0057] FIG. 3 is a conceptual schematic diagram of a second raising structure of a heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a second raised structure (70) may be provided in the heat pump (1). The second raised structure (70) has a structure that covers the heat exchanger (3) and the refrigerant flow section (5) inside the housing (110) and penetrates the upper part of the housing (110). The second raised structure (70) provides an opening that covers the heat exchanger (3) and the refrigerant flow section (5) and penetrates the upper part of the housing (110), thereby providing a structure in which refrigerant leaking from the heat exchanger (3) and the refrigerant flow section (5) is discharged through the opening penetrating the upper part of the housing (110). However, the second raised structure (70) may occupy an excessive volume inside the housing (110) to cover the heat exchanger (3) and the refrigerant flow section (5) at once. If the second height structure (70) occupies an excessive volume inside the housing (110), the weight and / or volume of the heat pump (1) may be excessively increased. Additionally, if the refrigerant flow section (5) includes the first indoor flow section (511) and the second indoor flow section (512), the width of the opening penetrating the upper part of the housing (110) may be excessively wide as the second height structure (70) covers the first indoor flow section (511) and the second indoor flow section (512) at once. If the width of the opening penetrating the upper part of the housing (110) is excessively wide, the refrigerant flowing out to the outside of the heat pump (1) may be excessive.

[0059] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 is a front view of a heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4 to 6 are drawings focusing on the indoor unit (11), the refrigerant flow section (5) (more specifically, the indoor side flow section (51)), and the sealing unit (6) among the components of the heat pump (1). However, it is the same as the above description that the indoor unit (11) can be understood as including the indoor side flow section (51).

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 1, 4 to 6, the upper housing portion (111) of the heat pump (1) according to an exemplary embodiment may be defined as an outer region of the housing (110) positioned in an upward direction. The height of the upper housing portion (111) may generally be understood as the height of the heat pump (1) (or the height of the indoor unit (11)).

[0061] According to an exemplary embodiment, the upper part of the housing (111) may include a pipe outlet (112). The pipe outlet (112) may be defined as an area where the refrigerant flow section (5) is drawn out. The fact that the pipe is drawn out relative to the housing (110) can be interpreted as the pipe being connected to the housing (110) when understood with the refrigerant flow section (5) as the center. An outer connection section (2) may be disposed on the pipe outlet (112). The refrigerant flow section (5) may be connected to the housing (110) through the outer connection section (2) disposed on the pipe outlet (112). The indoor flow section (51) may be connected to the housing (110) through the outer connection section (2) disposed on the pipe outlet (112). The first indoor flow section (511) can be connected to the housing (110) through the first outer connection section (21) disposed on the pipe outlet section (112). The second indoor flow section (512) can be connected to the housing (110) through the second outer connection section (22) disposed on the pipe outlet section (112). However, the function of the pipe outlet section (112) is not limited thereto, and for example, the pipe outlet section (112) may provide an area where the heat medium pipe (310) is drawn out.

[0062] According to an exemplary embodiment, the upper part of the housing (111) may have a stepped structure. More specifically, the pipe outlet (112) of the upper part of the housing (111) may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the uppermost surface of the upper part of the housing (111), which is positioned furthest from the ground in a vertical direction. The pipe outlet (112) being positioned at a predetermined distance from the uppermost surface of the upper part of the housing (111) can be understood as the outer connection part (2) being positioned at a predetermined distance from the uppermost surface of the upper part of the housing (111). When the pipe outlet (112) is positioned at a predetermined distance from the uppermost surface of the housing (111), a work area (1120) may be provided in the upper part of the housing (111). The work area (1120) can provide a space where a worker can easily handle the refrigerant flow section (5) drawn out through the pipe outlet (112) during the process of installing the heat pump (1) on-site. Here, the worker handling the refrigerant flow section (5) may include, for example, connecting the indoor flow section (51) to the outdoor flow section (52) through the connection section (53), but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the upper part of the housing (111) does not necessarily have a stepped structure, and the pipe outlet (112) may be placed on the uppermost surface of the upper part of the housing (111).

[0063] According to an exemplary embodiment, the connecting portion (53) may be positioned above the outer connecting portion (2). Here, the positioning of the connecting portion (53) may refer to the end of the indoor flow portion (51) configured to be connected to the outdoor flow portion (52). The connecting portion (53) may be positioned within the working area (1120). The connecting portion (53) may be positioned at a height equal to the uppermost surface of the housing top portion (111). The connecting portion (53) may be positioned within the working area (1120) at a height lower than the uppermost surface of the housing top portion (111). When the connecting portion (53) is positioned at a height lower than the uppermost surface of the housing top portion (111), it may be easy to connect the indoor flow portion (51) and the outdoor flow portion (52) during the process of installing the heat pump (1). However, it is not limited thereto, and the connecting portion (53) may be positioned higher than the uppermost surface of the housing top portion (111).

[0064] Meanwhile, there may be certain constraints regarding the installation area and installation height of the heat pump (1) according to [Equation 1] and the above. The minimum value of the indoor area required for the installation of the heat pump (1) may decrease as the installation height index (h0; height factor) of the indoor unit (11) increases. At this time, the installation height index (h0; height factor) of the indoor unit (11) can be understood in relation to the minimum height at which the refrigerant can leak to the outside of the indoor unit (11). When the connection part (53) is positioned above the outer connection part (2), the installation height index (h0; height factor) of the indoor unit (11) can generally be understood in relation to the height of the outer connection part (2). However, the installation height index (h0; height factor) of the indoor unit (11) can be controlled to be higher than the height of the outer connection part (2) through the sealing unit (6) described later.

[0065] Below, we will describe in more detail a sealing unit (6) that surrounds at least a portion of the refrigerant flow section (5) of the heat pump (1) to control the installation height index (h0; height factor) to be higher than the height of the outer connection section (2).

[0066] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a sealing unit (6) according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a sealing unit (6) according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are drawings focusing on the heat exchanger (3), the indoor flow section (51), and the sealing unit (6) among the components of the heat pump (1) shown in FIG. 4 to 6. FIG. 9 is a conceptual schematic drawing of a sealing unit (6) according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 4 through 9, a heat pump (1) according to an exemplary embodiment may include a sealing unit (6). The sealing unit (6) may surround at least a portion of the refrigerant flow section (5). The sealing unit (6) may surround at least a portion of the indoor flow section (51). At least a portion of the sealing unit (6) may be placed inside the housing (110), and the remaining portion may be placed outside the housing (110). At least a portion of the sealing unit (6) placed inside the housing (110) may be configured to surround the indoor flow section (51) entirely. At least a portion of the sealing unit (6) may be placed inside the housing (110), with one end placed at the inner connection section (4). At least a portion of the sealing unit (6) may cover the indoor flow section (51) connected to the heat exchanger (3) through the inner connection section (4) inside the housing (110). At least a portion of the sealing unit (6) may completely cover the indoor flow portion (51) inside the housing (110). The sealing unit (6) completely covering the indoor flow portion (51) inside the housing (110) may mean that it completely covers the indoor flow portion (51) placed inside the housing (110). However, the above description regarding the arrangement relationship between the sealing unit (6) and the indoor flow portion (51) is merely an exemplary description and is not limited thereto.

[0068] A sealing unit (6) according to an exemplary embodiment may include one end disposed inside the housing (110) and another end disposed outside the housing (110). The one end of the sealing unit (6) disposed inside the housing (110) and the other end of the sealing unit (6) disposed outside the housing (110) may be configured in a continuous shape. In other words, the sealing unit (6) can provide airtightness in the inner space formed between the one end and the other end. The sealing unit (6) may include a flexible material and cover an indoor flow portion (51) configured in a curved pipe shape, but is not limited thereto. The sealing unit (6) may have a bellows shape, for example, but is not limited thereto. The shape of the sealing unit (6) may be various other than the exemplary description above, as long as it is configured to provide airtightness in the inner space between the one end disposed inside the housing (110) and the other end disposed outside the housing (110).

[0069] A sealing unit (6) according to an exemplary embodiment can prevent refrigerant from leaking from an indoor flow section (51) disposed inside a housing (110). Preventing refrigerant leakage from the indoor flow section (51) disposed inside the housing (110) by the sealing unit (6) may prevent refrigerant from leaking from the indoor flow section (51) to the outside of the sealing unit (6). Through this, refrigerant leaked from the indoor flow section (51) can be prevented from leaking inside the housing (110) by the airtightness of the inner space provided by the sealing unit (6). Additionally, refrigerant can be prevented from leaking from inside the housing (110) to the outside of the housing (110) through an outer connection section (2). However, the above description regarding the function of the sealing unit (6) is merely an exemplary description and is not limited thereto. For example, the sealing unit (6) can provide insulation to the refrigerant flow section (5) (more specifically, the indoor flow section (51)).

[0070] According to an exemplary embodiment, one end of the sealing unit (6) may be positioned at the inner connection part (4), and the other end may be positioned above the outer connection part (2). Here, the other end of the sealing unit (6) may refer to the end of the sealing unit (6) positioned on the outside of the housing (110).

[0071] According to an exemplary embodiment, the other end of the sealing unit (6) is positioned above the outer connection part (2), thereby controlling the height at which refrigerant can leak from the heat pump (1) to be higher than the outer connection part (2). In other words, the sealing unit (6) provides airtightness in the inner space formed between one end and the other end, thereby guiding the refrigerant leaked from the indoor flow part (51) to be discharged from the other end of the sealing unit (6). In other words, the sealing unit (6) can guide the refrigerant leaked from the indoor flow part (51) to be discharged above the outer connection part (2) of the housing (110). By guiding the refrigerant leaking from the heat pump (1) to be discharged above the outer connection part (2) of the housing (110), the installation height index (h0; height factor) of the indoor unit (11) can be increased. The ceiling unit (6) increases the installation height index (h0; height factor) of the indoor unit (11), thereby reducing the minimum indoor area required for the installation of the heat pump (1).

[0072] According to an exemplary embodiment, one end of the sealing unit (6) is positioned in the inner connection part (4), and the other end may be positioned at a height lower than the height at which the connection part (53) is positioned. For example, the end of the sealing unit (6) positioned on the outside of the housing (110) may be positioned in the working area (1120) of the upper part of the housing (111). For example, the end of the sealing unit (6) positioned on the outside of the housing (110) may be positioned at a height lower than the height at which the connection part (53) is positioned in the working area (1120) of the upper part of the housing (111). However, this is an exemplary description and the positioning relationship between the sealing unit (6) and the connection part (53) is not limited thereto.

[0073] According to an exemplary embodiment, the sealing unit (6) may not surround the connection portion (53). The sealing unit (6) may expose the connection portion (53) by being positioned at a height lower than the height at which the connection portion (53) is positioned. When the sealing unit (6) exposes the connection portion (53), it may be easy to connect the indoor flow portion (51) and the outdoor flow portion (52). By exposing the connection portion (53) with the sealing unit (6), a heat pump (1) can be provided in which the connection between the indoor flow portion (51) and the outdoor flow portion (52) is easy at the installation site of the heat pump (1). However, this is merely an exemplary description and is not limited thereto.

[0074] Meanwhile, the indoor flow section (51) according to an exemplary embodiment may include a first indoor flow section (511) and a second indoor flow section (512). The first indoor flow section (511) may be configured to allow high-temperature refrigerant to flow, and the second indoor flow section (512) may be configured to allow low-temperature refrigerant to flow, but is not limited thereto. The first indoor flow section (511) may be connected to the housing (110) through a first outer connection section (21). The second indoor flow section (512) may be connected to the housing (110) through a second outer connection section (22). The first indoor flow section (511) may be connected to the outdoor flow section (52) through a first connection section (531). The first connection section (531) may be placed on the outside of the housing (110). The first connecting part (531) may be positioned above the first outer connecting part (21). The second indoor-side flow part (512) may be connected to the outdoor-side flow part (52) through the second connecting part (532). The second connecting part (532) may be positioned on the outside of the housing (110). The second connecting part (532) may be positioned above the first outer connecting part (21).

[0075] Below, we will describe the first sealing unit (61) and the second sealing unit (62) that surround the first indoor flow section (511) and the second indoor flow section (512), respectively. At this time, overlapping content will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences.

[0076] A sealing unit (6) according to an exemplary embodiment may include a first sealing unit (61) and a second sealing unit (62). The first sealing unit (61) and the second sealing unit (62) may be configured separately. The first sealing unit (61) may be configured to surround the first indoor flow portion (511). The second sealing unit (62) may be configured to surround the second indoor flow portion (512). The first sealing unit (61) and the second sealing unit (62) may each surround the first indoor flow portion (511) and the second indoor flow portion (512), respectively. One end of the first sealing unit (61) may be positioned at the first inner connection portion (41), and the other end may be positioned above the first outer connection portion (21). One end of the second sealing unit (62) may be positioned at the second inner connection part (42), and the other end may be positioned above the second outer connection part (22). However, the above description regarding the arrangement relationship of the first sealing unit (61) and the second sealing unit (62) is merely an exemplary description and is not limited thereto.

[0077] According to an exemplary embodiment, one end of the first sealing unit (61) may be positioned at the first inner connection part (41), and the other end may be positioned at a height lower than the height at which the first connection part (531) is positioned. The first sealing unit (61) may be controlled to a height at which the refrigerant leaked from the first indoor side flow part (511) can be discharged. One end of the second sealing unit (62) may be positioned at the second inner connection part (42), and the other end may be positioned at a height lower than the height at which the second connection part (532) is positioned. The second sealing unit (62) may be controlled to a height at which the refrigerant leaked from the second indoor side flow part (512) can be discharged.

[0078] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first sealing unit (61) and the second sealing unit (62) may each have an inner space. The inner space of the first sealing unit (61) and the inner space of the second sealing unit (62) may be separated from each other. The inner space of the first sealing unit (61) and the inner space of the second sealing unit (62) may not be connected to each other. Since the first sealing unit (61) and the second sealing unit (62) have inner spaces separated from each other, the first sealing unit (61) and the second sealing unit (62) may not occupy an excessive amount of space inside the housing (110). Each of the first sealing unit (61) and the second sealing unit (62) independently surrounds the first indoor flow section (511) and the second indoor flow section (512), respectively, thereby providing a heat pump (1) with reduced weight and / or volume. Each of the first sealing unit (61) and the second sealing unit (62) independently surrounds each of the first indoor flow portion (511) and the second indoor flow portion (512), and the width of the opening penetrating the upper part of the housing (110) (more specifically, penetrating the pipe outlet (112)) may not be large. However, the above description of the first sealing unit (61) and the second sealing unit (62) is merely an exemplary description and is not limited thereto.

[0079] FIG. 10 is a conceptual schematic drawing of a sealing unit of a heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 10, a sealing unit (6) according to an exemplary embodiment may have one end positioned at an inner connection part (4) and the other end positioned at a height where a connection part (53) is positioned. The sealing unit (6) can seal the indoor flow part (51) by surrounding the indoor flow part (51) from the inner connection part (4) to the connection part (53). By having the other end of the sealing unit (6) positioned at a height where a connection part (53) is positioned, it is possible to provide a heat pump (1) that facilitates connecting the indoor flow part (51) and the outdoor flow part (52) while maximizing the installation height index (h0; height factor) of the indoor unit (11). The sealing unit (6) is positioned at a height where the other end is placed at the connecting part (53), thereby providing a heat pump (1) that is easy to connect the indoor flow part (51) and the outdoor flow part (52) while having a small minimum indoor area required for installation.

[0081] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first sealing unit (61) can seal the first indoor flow portion (511) by surrounding the first indoor flow portion (511) from the first inner connection portion (41) to the first connection portion (531). The second sealing unit (62) can seal the second indoor flow portion (512) by surrounding the second indoor flow portion (512) from the second inner connection portion (42) to the second connection portion (532). However, it is not limited thereto, and for example, the other end of either the first sealing unit (61) or the second sealing unit (62) may be placed at a height lower than the height at which the connection portion (53) is placed.

[0082] Meanwhile, among the ends of the first sealing unit (61) and the second sealing unit (62), the end positioned on the outside of the housing (110) may be the end where the first connecting part (531) and the second connecting part (532) are positioned. The first connecting part (531) and the second connecting part (532) may be configured to be connected to each outdoor-side movable part (52). In order for the first connecting part (531) and the second connecting part (532) to be stably connected to each outdoor-side movable part (52), the first connecting part (531) and the second connecting part (532) may need to be fixed in position on the outside of the housing (110).

[0083] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a fixed part of a heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 12 is a front view of a heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 13 is a conceptual schematic drawing of a fixed part of a heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, a heat pump (1) according to an exemplary embodiment may include a fixing part (60). The fixing part (60) may be configured to fix a first connecting part (531) and a second connecting part (532) to a housing (110). The fixing part (60) may be configured to fix the first connecting part (531) and the second connecting part (532) to the upper part of the housing (111). For example, the fixing part (60) may be configured to fix the first connecting part (531) and the second connecting part (532) to a pipe outlet (112) of the upper part of the housing (111). For example, the fixing part (60) may be configured to fix the first connecting part (531) and the second connecting part (532) to a working area (1120) of the upper part of the housing (111). Here, fixing the first connecting part (531) and the second connecting part (532) to the housing (110) may include fixing the ends positioned on the outside of the housing (110) at each of the first indoor-side flow part (511) and the second indoor-side flow part (512) to the housing (110). Each of the first sealing unit (61) and the second sealing unit (62) may independently cover the first indoor-side flow part (511) and the second indoor-side flow part (512). Fixing the first connecting part (531) and the second connecting part (532) to the housing (110) may include fixing the ends positioned on the outside of the housing (110) at each of the first sealing unit (61) and the second sealing unit (62) to the housing (110).

[0085] According to an exemplary embodiment, the fixing part (60) surrounds the first sealing unit (61) and the second sealing unit (62) exposed to the outside of the housing (110), thereby fixing the first sealing unit (61) and the second sealing unit (62) in position on the housing (110). The fixing part (60) surrounds the first sealing unit (61) and the second sealing unit (62) exposed to the outside of the housing (110), thereby sealing the first sealing unit (61) and the second sealing unit (62). The fixing part (60) may be configured, for example, in the shape of a basket with the bottom surface facing upward, such that the first indoor flow part (511) and the second indoor flow part (512) penetrate the bottom surface, but is not limited thereto. The first fixing element (601) (e.g., a bolt structure) can position and fix the first indoor-side movable part (511) and the second indoor-side movable part (512) to the fixing part (60), respectively, but is not limited thereto. The second fixing element (602) (e.g., a hook structure) can position and fix the fixing part (60) to the housing (110), but is not limited thereto.

[0086] FIG. 14 is a conceptual schematic drawing of an insulating member of a heat pump according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 4 through 14, a heat pump (1) according to an exemplary embodiment may include an insulating member (600). The insulating member (600) may be configured to surround a refrigerant flow section (5) exposed to the outside of a sealing unit (6). The insulating member (600) may provide insulation to the refrigerant flow section (5). The insulating member (600) may provide insulation to the indoor flow section (51). The insulating member (600) may be configured to surround a connection section (53). The insulating member (600) may provide insulation to the connection section (53). The insulating member may be configured to surround a first connection section (531) and a second connection section (532), respectively. The insulating member (600) may provide insulation to each of the first connection section (531) and the second connection section (532).

[0088] Meanwhile, the insulating member (600) may be positioned to surround the connecting part (53) after connecting the indoor flow part (51) and the outdoor flow part (52) during the installation process of the heat pump (1). Since the insulating member is positioned after connecting the indoor flow part (51) and the outdoor flow part (52), the insulating member may not expose the connecting part (53) to the outside.

[0089] An insulating member (600) according to an exemplary embodiment may be positioned on the outside of the housing (110). The insulating member (600) may surround the connection (53) entirely, thereby sealing the connection (53). The end of the insulating member (600) may be positioned higher than the height at which the connection (53) is positioned. By positioning the end of the insulating member (600) higher than the height at which the connection (53) is positioned, the height at which refrigerant can leak may be controlled to be higher than the connection (53). The insulating member (600) may have a roughly cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto. The insulating member may have various shapes that provide insulation and sealing by surrounding the connection (53) and allow refrigerant leaking from the connection (53) to be discharged at a position higher than the connection (53).

[0090] The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary, and various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom for those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the true scope of technical protection according to the exemplary embodiments must be determined by the technical concept of the invention as described in the following claims.

[0091] A heat pump (1) according to an exemplary embodiment comprises: a refrigerant flow section (5) providing a flow path for refrigerant between an indoor unit (11) and an outdoor unit (12); a heat medium circuit (31) configured to exchange heat with the refrigerant; a heat exchanger (3) including an inner connection section (4) to which the refrigerant flow section (5) connects, which mediates heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat medium circuit (31); a housing (110) including an outer connection section (2) to which the refrigerant flow section (5) connects, which accommodates the heat exchanger (3); and a sealing unit (6) which surrounds at least a portion of the refrigerant flow section (5) and has one end positioned at the inner connection section (4) to prevent the refrigerant from leaking inside the housing (110); wherein the other end of the sealing unit (6) is positioned above the outer connection section (2) so that the height at which the refrigerant can leak is controlled to be higher than the outer connection section (2).

[0092] A heat pump (1) according to an exemplary embodiment can provide a heat pump (1) that is safe to use by increasing the height at which the refrigerant can leak. By increasing the height at which the refrigerant can leak, the conditions for the installation space of the heat pump (1) can be relaxed.

[0093] The refrigerant flow section (5) of the heat pump (1) according to an exemplary embodiment includes an indoor flow section (51) connected to the inner connection section (4) and an outdoor flow section (52) connecting the indoor flow section (51) and the outdoor unit (12), and the sealing unit (6) can surround the indoor flow section (51).

[0094] A heat pump (1) according to an exemplary embodiment may provide a sealing unit (6) surrounding an indoor flow portion (51) so that the height at which the refrigerant can leak can be raised to the height at which the connection portion (53) is placed.

[0095] A connecting part (53) connecting the indoor flow part (51) and the outdoor flow part (52) of the heat pump (1) according to an exemplary embodiment may be positioned above the outer connecting part (2).

[0096] According to an exemplary embodiment, the heat pump (1) can raise the height at which the refrigerant can leak to the height of the connection part (53) positioned above the outer connection part (2).

[0097] According to an exemplary embodiment, the sealing unit (6) of the heat pump (1) has one end positioned at the inner connection part (4) and the other end positioned at a height lower than the height at which the connection part (53) is positioned.

[0098] A heat pump (1) according to an exemplary embodiment can provide a sealing unit (6) that can completely surround an indoor flow section (51) without excessively wasting material.

[0099] According to an exemplary embodiment, the sealing unit (6) of the heat pump (1) may have one end positioned at the inner connection part (4) and the other end positioned at a height where the connection part (53) is positioned.

[0100] The sealing unit (6) of the heat pump (1) according to an exemplary embodiment can seal the indoor flow portion (51) by surrounding the indoor flow portion (51) from the inner connection portion (4) to the connection portion (53).

[0101] A heat pump (1) according to an exemplary embodiment further comprises an insulating member (600) that surrounds the connection (53) exposed to the outside of the sealing unit (6) and provides insulation to the connection (53); wherein the end of the insulating member (600) is positioned higher than the height at which the connection (53) is positioned, thereby controlling the height at which the refrigerant may leak to be higher than the connection (53).

[0102] The insulating member (600) of the heat pump (1) according to an exemplary embodiment may have a cylindrical shape.

[0103] The above indoor flow section (51) includes a first indoor flow section (511) configured to allow high-temperature refrigerant to flow and a second indoor flow section (512) configured to allow low-temperature refrigerant to flow, and a first connection section (531) to which the first indoor flow section (511) is connected to the outdoor flow section (52) is positioned above the first outer connection section (21) to which the first indoor flow section (511) is connected to the housing (110), and a second connection section (532) to which the second indoor flow section (512) is connected to the outdoor flow section (52) may be positioned above the second outer connection section (22) to which the second indoor flow section (512) is connected to the housing (110).

[0104] The sealing unit (6) of the heat pump (1) according to an exemplary embodiment includes a first sealing unit (61) and a second sealing unit (62), wherein the first sealing unit (61) surrounds the first indoor flow portion (511) and the second sealing unit (62) surrounds the second indoor flow portion (512).

[0105] According to an exemplary embodiment, the inner connection portion (4) of the heat pump (1) includes a first inner connection portion (41) configured to allow high-temperature refrigerant to flow into the interior of the heat exchanger (3) and a second inner connection portion (42) configured to allow low-temperature refrigerant to flow out from the interior of the heat exchanger (3), and one end of the first sealing unit (61) may be positioned at the first inner connection portion (41) and the other end may be positioned above the first outer connection portion (21), and one end of the second sealing unit (62) may be positioned at the second inner connection portion (42) and the other end may be positioned above the second outer connection portion (22).

[0106] According to an exemplary embodiment, one end of the first sealing unit (61) of the heat pump (1) may be positioned at the first inner connection part (41) and the other end may be positioned at a height lower than the height at which the first connection part (531) is positioned, and one end of the second sealing unit (62) may be positioned at the second inner connection part (42) and the other end may be positioned at a height lower than the height at which the second connection part (532) is positioned.

[0107] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first sealing unit (61) of the heat pump (1) can seal the first indoor flow portion (511) by surrounding the first indoor flow portion (511) from the first inner connection portion (41) to the first connection portion (531), and the second sealing unit (62) can seal the second indoor flow portion (512) by surrounding the second indoor flow portion (512) from the second inner connection portion (42) to the second connection portion (532).

[0108] The sealing unit (6) of the heat pump (1) according to an exemplary embodiment includes a fixing part (60) that fixes the first connecting part (531) and the second connecting part (532) to the housing (110), and the fixing part (60) can seal the first sealing unit (61) and the second sealing unit (62) by surrounding the first sealing unit (61) and the second sealing unit (62) that are exposed to the outside of the housing (110).

[0109] The refrigerant provided to the heat pump (1) according to an exemplary embodiment may be flammable.

Claims

1. A refrigerant flow section (5) that provides a refrigerant flow path between an indoor unit (11) and an outdoor unit (12); A heat transfer medium circuit (31) configured to exchange heat with a refrigerant; A heat exchanger (3) that mediates heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat medium circuit (31) and includes an inner connection part (4) to which the refrigerant flow part (5) is connected; A housing (110) comprising an outer connection portion (2) that accommodates the heat exchanger (3) and to which the refrigerant flow portion (5) is connected; and A sealing unit (6) that surrounds at least a portion of the refrigerant flow portion (5) and has one end disposed at the inner connection portion (4), thereby preventing the refrigerant from leaking inside the housing (110); The other end of the sealing unit (6) is positioned above the outer connection part (2) to control the height at which the refrigerant can leak to be higher than the outer connection part (2), thereby controlling the heat pump (1).

2. In Paragraph 1, The above refrigerant flow section (5) includes an indoor flow section (51) connected to the inner connection section (4) and an outdoor flow section (52) connecting the indoor flow section (51) and the outdoor unit (12). The above sealing unit (6) is a heat pump (1) surrounding the indoor flow section (51).

3. In Paragraph 2, A heat pump (1) in which a connecting part (53) connecting the indoor side flow part (51) and the outdoor side flow part (52) is positioned above the outer connecting part (2).

4. In Paragraph 3, The above sealing unit (6) is, One end is positioned at the inner connection part (4), and A heat pump (1) in which the other end is positioned at a height lower than the height at which the above connection part (53) is positioned.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above sealing unit (6) is, One end is positioned at the inner connection part (4), and A heat pump (1) in which the other end is positioned at a height where the above-mentioned connection part (53) is positioned.

6. In Paragraph 4, The above sealing unit (6) is, A heat pump (1) that seals the indoor flow portion (51) by surrounding the indoor flow portion (51) from the inner connection portion (4) to the connection portion (53).

7. In Paragraph 4, The device further includes an insulating member (600) that surrounds the connecting portion (53) exposed to the outside of the sealing unit (6) and provides insulation to the connecting portion (53); A heat pump (1) wherein the end of the insulation member (600) is positioned higher than the height at which the connection part (53) is positioned, thereby controlling the height at which the refrigerant can leak to be higher than the connection part (53).

8. In Paragraph 7, The above-mentioned insulating member (600) is a heat pump (1) having a cylinder shape.

9. In Paragraph 4, The above indoor flow section (51) includes a first indoor flow section (511) configured to allow high-temperature refrigerant to flow and a second indoor flow section (512) configured to allow low-temperature refrigerant to flow. The first connecting part (531) to which the first indoor-side fluid part (511) is connected to the outdoor-side fluid part (52) is positioned above the first outer connecting part (21) to which the first indoor-side fluid part (511) is connected to the housing (110). A heat pump (1), wherein the second connecting part (532) to which the second indoor-side flow part (512) is connected to the outdoor-side flow part (52) is positioned above the second outer connecting part (22) to which the second indoor-side flow part (512) is connected to the housing (110).

10. In Paragraph 9, The above sealing unit (6) includes a first sealing unit (61) and a second sealing unit (62), and The first sealing unit (61) surrounds the first indoor flow portion (511), and The second sealing unit (62) above is a heat pump (1) surrounding the second indoor flow section (512).

11. In Paragraph 10, The above inner connection part (4) includes a first inner connection part (41) configured to allow high-temperature refrigerant to flow into the interior of the heat exchanger (3) and a second inner connection part (42) configured to allow low-temperature refrigerant to flow out from the interior of the heat exchanger (3). One end of the first sealing unit (61) is positioned at the first inner connection part (41), and the other end is positioned above the first outer connection part (21). A heat pump (1) in which one end of the second sealing unit (62) is positioned at the second inner connection part (42) and the other end is positioned above the second outer connection part (22).

12. In Paragraph 11, One end of the first sealing unit (61) is positioned at the first inner connection part (41), and the other end is positioned at a height lower than the height at which the first connection part (531) is positioned. A heat pump (1), wherein one end of the second sealing unit (62) is positioned at the second inner connection part (42) and the other end is positioned at a height lower than the height at which the second connection part (532) is positioned.

13. In Paragraph 12, The first sealing unit (61) above is, By surrounding the first indoor-side fluid portion (511) from the first inner connection portion (41) to the first connection portion (531), the first indoor-side fluid portion (511) is airtight, and The above second sealing unit (62) is, A heat pump (1) that seals the second indoor flow portion (512) by surrounding the second indoor flow portion (512) from the second inner connection portion (42) to the second connection portion (532).

14. In Paragraph 10, The sealing unit (6) includes a fixing part (60) that fixes the first connecting part (531) and the second connecting part (532) to the housing (110), and The above fixed part (60) surrounds the first sealing unit (61) and the second sealing unit (62) exposed to the outside of the housing (110), thereby sealing the first sealing unit (61) and the second sealing unit (62), heat pump (1).

15. In paragraphs 1 through 14, The above refrigerant is a flammable heat pump (1).

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