Outdoor unit and heat pump cycle device

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heat pump cycle devices using flammable refrigerants face a safety risk due to the potential for water leakage from the use side heat exchanger to contact electronic components, leading to sparks and explosions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a cover member that partitions the heat source side heat exchanger from the use side heat exchanger, along with ventilable spaces above and below, to prevent water leakage from hitting critical components like the compressor and four-way valve, thereby reducing the risk of explosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If water leakage prevention measures are implemented, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into multiple chambers (blower chamber, machine chamber, electrical chamber) separated by partition walls. This segmentation prevents water leaked from the use side heat exchanger from reaching the compressor and electrical components, thereby improving safety without requiring complex active protection systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A drain hole is provided in the partition wall between the blower chamber and machine chamber, serving as an intermediary water discharge path. This allows condensed water or leaked water to be safely discharged away from critical components, improving safety while maintaining a relatively simple structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If flammable refrigerant is used, then environmental performance is improved, but safety risk worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental performanceVSAvoidsafety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into multiple chambers (blower chamber, machine chamber, electrical chamber) separated by partition walls. This segmentation prevents water leaked from the use side heat exchanger from reaching the compressor and electrical components, thereby improving safety without requiring complex active protection systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A drain hole is provided in the partition wall between the blower chamber and machine chamber, serving as an intermediary water discharge path. This allows condensed water or leaked water to be safely discharged away from critical components, improving safety while maintaining a relatively simple structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4290145B1Outdoor unit and heat pump cycle device

Publication Date: 2025.11.19 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

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AI summary

The present disclosure provides an outdoor unit that uses a refrigerant, and is capable of improving safety while avoiding electric leakage. The outdoor unit includes: a compressor 22, a use side heat exchanger 23, expansion means 24, and a heat source side heat exchanger 20 stored inside a housing 10; a refrigerant circuit connecting these members annularly and using a flammable refrigerant; a blower device 21 for circulating air through the heat source side heat exchanger 20; and an electrical equipment box 30, wherein the outdoor unit has a cover member 50 covering from an end portion of the heat source side heat exchanger 20 to a portion between a water circuit and the refrigerant circuit of the use side heat exchanger 23.