U.S. patent application number 13/202660 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-15 for heat exchanger, outdoor unit and refrigeration apparatus.
Invention is credited to Yoshinori Azuma, Yoshito Ishida, Keiji Iwasaki, Kenichi Masaki, Shoji Morii, Hideo Sugimoto.
Application Number | 20110303396 13/202660 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42633757 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110303396 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ishida; Yoshito ; et
al. |
December 15, 2011 |
HEAT EXCHANGER, OUTDOOR UNIT AND REFRIGERATION APPARATUS
Abstract
A heat pump chiller includes a casing having a compressor, etc.
inside thereof and four flat-plate shaped air heat exchangers
disposed on side surfaces of the casing and extending vertically.
Two air heat exchangers constitute a first heat exchanger body and
a second heat exchanger body. Respective heat exchanger bodies are
positioned with end parts extending toward outside of the air heat
exchangers to be close to each other.
Inventors: |
Ishida; Yoshito; (Osaka,
JP) ; Iwasaki; Keiji; (Minneapolis, MN) ;
Masaki; Kenichi; (Minneapolis, MN) ; Sugimoto;
Hideo; (Osaka, JP) ; Azuma; Yoshinori; (Osaka,
JP) ; Morii; Shoji; (Osaka, JP) |
Family ID: |
42633757 |
Appl. No.: |
13/202660 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
February 23, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2010/001210 |
371 Date: |
August 22, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 13/30 20130101;
F24F 1/48 20130101; F24F 1/68 20130101; F24F 1/16 20130101; F24F
1/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/121 |
International
Class: |
F28F 13/00 20060101
F28F013/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 23, 2009 |
JP |
2009-039941 |
Claims
1. A heat exchanger which is placed on a both side surface of a
casing and includes a first heat exchanger body and a second heat
exchanger body each extending along a side surface of the casing,
wherein each of the first heat exchanger body and the second heat
exchanger body includes linear shaped first and second heat
exchanger parts extending toward outside of the casing so that a
middle part forms a top part of an obtuse angle positioned outside
of the casing in plan view.
2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the first heat
exchanger part and the second heat exchanger part are configured to
be independent of each other, and the first heat exchanger part and
the second heat exchanger part of the respective heat exchanger
bodies are positioned so that end parts forming the top part are
close to each other.
3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein the first heat
exchanger body and the second heat exchanger body are positioned so
that end parts of the first heat exchanger body and end parts of
the second heat exchanger body are positioned to have a
predetermined distance.
4. An outdoor unit comprising the casing and the heat exchanger of
any one of claims 1 to 3.
5. The outdoor unit according to claim 4, wherein the casing and
the heat exchanger together form an outdoor unit body, and multiple
ones of the outdoor unit body are provided in the outdoor unit to
be arranged in parallel in a width direction.
6. The outdoor unit according to claim 4, wherein the casing
includes a fan mechanism for providing air to the first heat
exchanger body and the second heat exchanger body in the area that
is enclosed by the first heat exchanger body and the second heat
exchanger body.
7. The outdoor unit according to claim 4, wherein an air guide part
is disposed outside of the first heat exchanger body and the second
heat exchanger body to feed air to the respective heat exchanger
bodies.
8. A refrigeration apparatus, comprising an outdoor unit described
in claim 4.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger, an
outdoor unit that includes the heat exchanger, and a refrigeration
apparatus that includes the outdoor unit, and particularly relates
to structures for a heat exchanger.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, some conventional
refrigeration apparatus such as large chiller apparatus disposed on
roofs of buildings are known. As shown in FIG. 9, an outdoor unit
(a) of a heat pump chiller is known as this sort of chiller
apparatus. The outdoor unit (a) includes a box-like casing (c)
formed in the shape of a rough rectangular parallelepiped having
air suction ports (b) on both sides that are opposite to each
other, a plurality of heat exchangers (d) each in the shape of a
flat plate that are disposed at the air suction port (b) and
disposed inside of the casing (c) and disposed to take the form of
an inverted M-shape when viewed from the front, and a fan (f)
disposed inside of an air outlet port (e) formed on an upper
surface of the casing (c).
CITATION LIST
Patent Document
[0003] PATENT DOCUMENT 1: Japanese Patent Publication No.
2008-202857
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0004] The heat exchanger (d) of the outdoor unit (a) in a
conventional heat pump chiller was disposed to constitute a flat
side surface of the casing (c). Meanwhile, a plurality of the
outdoor units (a) can be disposed in parallel or disposed adjacent
to a wall, etc. In this case, it is necessary to secure space of a
specified interval around each of the outdoor units (a) so that air
will be taken in for the heat exchanger (d).
[0005] In a case where the heat exchange area of the heat exchanger
(d) is to be increased, it is necessary to increase the length of
the heat exchanger (d) longitudinally while keeping the space with
the specified interval around the above outdoor unit (a). However,
there has been a problem in which the total area (occupancy area)
of the installation area for the outdoor unit (a) and the area
occupied by, for example, the space between the outdoor unit (a)
and other outdoor units (a) are increased when the heat exchanger
(d) is lengthened.
[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
increase the size of a heat exchanger without increasing the
occupancy area when a heat exchanger is installed.
Solution to the Problem
[0007] First, a first heat exchanger is placed on a both side
surface of a casing (11) and includes a first heat exchanger body
(21) and a second heat exchanger body (23) each extending along a
side surface of the casing (11). Each of the first heat exchanger
body (21) and the second heat exchanger body (23) includes linear
shaped first and second heat exchanger parts (22) and (24)
extending toward outside of the casing (11) so that a middle part
forms a top part (20a) of an obtuse angle positioned outside of the
casing (11) in plan view.
[0008] Air outside of the casing (11) flows from outside of the
respective heat exchanger bodies (21, 23) through the heat
exchanger bodies (21, 23) into the casing (11) in the heat
exchanger. Air that has flown in the casing (11) exchanges heat
with refrigerant that flows inside of the heat exchanger bodies
(21, 23) while the air passes through the heat exchanger bodies
(21, 23).
[0009] In a second heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger part
(22) and the second heat exchanger part (24) of the first heat
exchanger are configured to be independent of each other, and the
first heat exchanger part (22) and the second heat exchanger part
(24) of the respective heat exchanger bodies (21, 23) are
positioned so that end parts (22b, 24b) forming the top part (20a)
are close to each other.
[0010] Air outside of the casing (11) passes through the respective
first heat exchanger part (22) and the first heat exchanger part
(24) into the casing (11) in the heat exchanger. The air exchanges
heat with refrigerant that flows inside of the first heat exchanger
part (22) and the second heat exchanger part (24) while the air
passes through the first heat exchanger part (22) and respective
second heat exchanger part (24).
[0011] In a third heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger body
(21) and the second heat exchanger body (23) of the first heat
exchanger are positioned so that end parts (22a, 24a) of the first
heat exchanger body (21) and end parts (22a, 24a) of the second
heat exchanger body (23) are positioned to have a predetermined
distance.
[0012] In the third heat exchanger, work such as maintenance in the
casing (11) is performed from clearance between the end parts (22a,
24a) of the respective heat exchanger parts (22, 24) of the first
heat exchanger body (21) and of the respective heat exchanger parts
(22, 24) of the second heat exchanger body (23).
[0013] A first outdoor unit includes any one of the first to third
heat exchangers (20) and the casing (11) thereof.
[0014] In the outdoor unit, air outside of the casing (11) flows
from outside of the respective heat exchanger bodies (21, 23)
through the heat exchanger bodies (21, 23) into the casing (11).
Air that has been flown in the casing (11) exchanges heat with
refrigerant that flows in the heat exchanger bodies (21, 23) while
the air passes through the heat exchanger bodies (21, 23).
[0015] A second outdoor unit is the first outdoor unit in which the
casing (11) and the heat exchanger (20) together form an outdoor
unit body (1B), and multiple ones of the outdoor unit body (1B) are
provided in the outdoor unit to be arranged in parallel in a width
direction.
[0016] In the outdoor unit, given space is secured between a
plurality of outdoor unit bodies (1B) and, in addition, the heat
exchanger (20) is enlarged.
[0017] A third outdoor unit is the first or second outdoor unit in
which the casing (11) includes a fan mechanism (13) for providing
air to the first heat exchanger body (21) and the second heat
exchanger body (23) in the area that is enclosed by the first heat
exchanger body (21) and the second heat exchanger body (23).
[0018] In the outdoor unit, the fan mechanism (13) takes in air
outside of the casing (11) through the first heat exchanger body
(21) and the second heat exchanger body (23) into the casing (11).
The fan mechanism (13) releases air taken in the casing (11)
outside of the casing (11)
[0019] A fourth outdoor unit is one of the first to third outdoor
units in which an air guide part (35) is disposed outside of the
first heat exchanger body (21) and the second heat exchanger body
(23) to feed air to the respective heat exchanger bodies (21,
23).
[0020] In the outdoor unit, air outside of the casing (11) is
guided to the air guide part (35), passes through the first heat
exchanger body (21) and the second heat exchanger body (23) into
the casing (11).
[0021] The refrigeration apparatus includes one outdoor unit (1A)
of one of the first to fourth outdoor units.
Advantages of the Invention
[0022] In the first heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger body
(21) and the second heat exchanger body (23) include the first and
second heat exchanger parts (22) and (24) extending toward outside
of the casing (11) so that the heat exchanger bodies (21, 23) can
be enlarged using clearance (space) required to provide air to the
heat exchanger bodies (21, 23).
[0023] In the second heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger part
(22) and the second heat exchanger part (24) of the heat exchanger
bodies (21, 23) are independent of each other so that mounting work
can be made easy.
[0024] In the third heat exchanger, the end parts (22a, 24a) of the
first heat exchanger body (21) and the end parts (22a, 24a) of the
second heat exchanger body (23) have given clearance so that
maintenance work can be conducted through the clearance. This can
increase maintenance performance.
[0025] In the first outdoor unit, the first heat exchanger body
(21) and the second heat exchanger body (23) include the first heat
exchanger part (22) and the second heat exchanger part (24)
extending toward outside of the casing (11) so that the heat
exchanger (20) can be enlarged while securing given space around
the outdoor unit.
[0026] In the second outdoor unit, a plurality of outdoor unit
bodies (1B) are placed in parallel so that air can be provided to
the heat exchanger (20) without increasing total area (occupancy
area) of installation area of the outdoor unit body (1B) and
clearance between two outdoor units (1B) even if the heat exchanger
(20) is enlarged. This allows the heat exchanger (20) to be
enlarged using the clearance (space) outside of the heat exchanger
while securing air flow to the heat exchanger (20). As a result,
the heat exchanger (20) can be enlarged without increasing
occupancy area when installing the outdoor unit body (1B).
[0027] In the third outdoor unit, since the casing (11) is provided
with the fan mechanism (13) in the area enclosed with the first
heat exchanger body (21) and the second heat exchanger body (23),
air outside of the casing (11) can be securely provided to the heat
exchanger bodies (21, 23). This enables to conduct heat exchange
between provided air and the heat exchanger parts (22, 24).
[0028] In the fourth outdoor unit (1A), since the air guide part
(35) is provided outside of the casing (11), air outside of the
casing (11) can be provided into the casing (11) without gap in a
case where a plurality of connected outdoor unit bodies (1B) are
installed.
[0029] In the refrigeration apparatus, the heat exchanger (20) can
be enlarged while securing given space around the outdoor unit
(1A).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an
outdoor unit of a heat pump chiller according to a first
embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an
outdoor unit body of a heat pump chiller according to a first
embodiment. FIG. 2(A) is a perspective view illustrating an
appearance of the outdoor unit body. FIG. 2(B) is a perspective
view illustrating an inner structure of the outdoor unit body.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view illustrating an outdoor unit
according to a first embodiment from above.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating an outdoor unit
according to a first variation of a first embodiment from
above.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view illustrating an outdoor unit
according to a second variation of a first embodiment from
above.
[0035] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view illustrating an outdoor unit
according to a second embodiment from above.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view illustrating an outdoor unit
according to a third embodiment from above.
[0037] FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view illustrating an outdoor unit
according to a fourth embodiment from above.
[0038] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an
outdoor unit of a heat pump chiller according to a conventional
example.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with
reference to the drawings.
Embodiment 1
[0040] A refrigeration apparatus according to a first embodiment
constitutes a heat pump chiller (10) as shown in FIG. 1. The heat
pump chiller (10) includes an outdoor unit (1A) disposed on the
roof of a structure such as a building to cool or heat water for
air conditioner to be supplied to the structure. The outdoor unit
(1A) includes three outdoor unit bodies (1B) and the three outdoor
unit bodies (1B) are placed in parallel in the width direction.
[0041] The heat pump chiller (10) comprises a refrigerant circuit
(not shown) and a casing (11) with its inner space made as a
machine room (14) as shown in FIG .2.
[0042] The casing (11) includes an outer wall formed in the shape
of a general hexagon in plan view when the casing is seen from
above, an upper wall (11a) and a lower wall (11b) formed on the
outer end and on the lower end, respectively, of the outer wall in
the shape of a general hexagon. The upper wall (11a) of the casing
(11) is formed in the shape of a general hexagon and air injection
ports are formed on three locations which are not shown. A filter
(12) for covering the air injection port from outside of the casing
(11) is attached to each air injection port. A blower fan (13) is
provided on the inside of the casing (11) of the air injection
port.
[0043] The blower fan (13) is an axial flow fan (e.g. propeller
fan) and constitutes a fan mechanism. Three blower fans (13) are
respectively disposed at three air injection ports so that air
taken from outside of the casing (11) into the casing (11) blows
outside again through the air injection ports.
[0044] A hole part is formed in each of four outer wall sides to
extend from the lower wall (11b) to the upper wall (11a) of the
casing (11) at the both sides along the longitudinal direction of
the casing (11). A heat exchanger (20) is formed in the four hole
parts.
[0045] The shorter sides of the casing (11) constitutes a front
part and a back part. In the front part, a hole part for
maintenance is formed to extend from the lower wall (11b) to the
upper wall (11a) of the casing (11) so that maintenance of a
compressor (31) etc. in the casing (11) can be performed. A door
(15) for maintenance described later is provided in the hole part
for maintenance. The back part at the shorter sides of the casing
(11) constitutes a back wall (16).
[0046] The heat exchanger (20) is made of four air heat exchangers
(22, 22, 24, 24). The air heat exchangers (22, 22, 24, 24) are
fitted into the four holes respectively. That is, the respective
air heat exchangers (22, 22, 24, 24) constitute the outer wall of
the casing (11).
[0047] The air heat exchangers (22, 22, 24, 24) are formed in the
shape of a flat plate as shown in FIG. 3, and is made of air heat
exchangers extending linearly in plan view. Two of the four air
heat exchangers (22, 22, 24, 24) are disposed at each side of the
casing (11) in the longitudinal direction. The respective air heat
exchangers (22, 22, 24, 24) are disposed to extend vertically from
the lower wall (11b) to the upper wall (11a) of the casing (11).
The air heat exchangers (22, 22, 24, 24) respectively constitute
heat exchangers.
[0048] Two heat exchangers (22, 24) placed on one longer side of
the casing (11) of the four heat exchangers (22, 22, 24, 24)
constitute one first heat exchanger body (21), and two heat
exchangers (22, 24) placed on the other longer side of the casing
(11) constitute one second heat exchanger body (23). Specifically,
the first heat exchanger body (21) is placed on the right side of
the casing (11) in FIG. 3, the second heat exchanger body (23) is
placed on the left side of the casing (11) in FIG. 3, and the first
heat exchanger body (21) and the second heat exchanger body (23)
are placed opposite to each other.
[0049] That is, the first heat exchanger body (21) is made of the
first heat exchanger body (22) placed under the casing (11) in FIG.
3 and the second heat exchanger body (24) placed above the casing
(11). The second heat exchanger body (23) is made of of the first
heat exchanger body (22) placed under the casing (11) and the
second heat exchanger body (24) placed above the casing (11) in
FIG. 3. The first heat exchanger body (22) and the second heat
exchanger body (24) are composed to be independent of each
other.
[0050] The first heat exchanger (22) of the first heat exchanger
body (21) and the first heat exchanger (22) of the second heat
exchanger body (23) are disposed so that their crossing point of
extending lines make an acute angle in plan view. The end part
(22a) of the first heat exchanger body (21) and the end part (22a)
of the second heat exchanger body (23) making the acute angle are
disposed to have a clearance of some dozens of centimeters to
approximately one meter inbetween. That is, the hole part for
maintenance is formed between the two end parts (22a) of the first
air heat exchangers (22) making the acute angle.
[0051] The second heat exchanger (24) of the first heat exchanger
body (21) and the second heat exchanger (24) of the second heat
exchanger body (23) are disposed so that their crossing point of
extending lines make an acute angle in plan view. The end part
(24a) of the first heat exchanger body (21) and the end part (24a)
of the second heat exchanger body (23) making the acute angle are
disposed to have a clearance of some dozens of centimeters to
approximately one meter inbetween. That is, the back wall (16) is
formed between the two end parts (24a) of the second air heat
exchangers (24) making the acute angle.
[0052] The first heat exchanger (22) of the first heat exchanger
body (21) and the second heat exchanger body (24) are disposed so
that the center part of the first heat exchanger body (21) makes a
top part (20a) of an obtuse angle placed outside of the casing (11)
in plan view. The first heat exchanger (22) and second heat
exchanger body (24) of the second heat exchanger body (23) are
disposed so that the center part of the second heat exchanger body
(23) makes a top part (20a) of an obtuse angle placed outside of
the casing (11) in plan view.
[0053] In the first heat exchanger body (21), the end part (22b) of
the first air heat exchanger (22) forming the top part (20a) and
the end part (24b) of the second heat exchanger (24) are positioned
to be close to each other. In the second heat exchanger body (23),
the end part (22b) of the first air heat exchanger (22) forming the
top part (20a) and the end part (24b) of the second heat exchanger
(24) are positioned to be close to each other.
[0054] That is, the end part (22b) of the first air heat exchanger
(22) and the end part (24b) of the second heat exchanger (24) form
one of the top parts (20a) of the outer wall each formed in the
shape of a general hexagon in plan view. The blower fan (13) is
provided in an area enclosed with the first heat exchanger body
(21) and the second heat exchanger body (23) in plan view when
viewed from above the casing (11).
[0055] The door (15) for maintenance is formed to be a door that
can be opened and closed. The door (15) for maintenance is provided
to extend from the lower wall (11b) to the upper wall (11a) of the
casing (11) in the opening for maintenance provided in the front
part of the shorter side of the casing (11). Thus, workers can
conduct maintenance of a compressor (31), a water heat exchanger
(32) and an electric component box (not shown) in the casing (11)
after opening the door (15) for maintenance.
[0056] A compressor (31) for compressing refrigerant, a water heat
exchanger (32) for adjusting temperature of water for air
conditioner to be adjusted, an expansion valve (not shown) and an
electric component box (not shown) are provided in the casing (11).
The compressor (31), a water heat exchanger (32), a 4-way valve
(not shown), an expansion valve (not shown) and the air heat
exchangers (22, 22, 24, 24) constitute a refrigerant circuit of a
vapor compression type. The refrigerant circuit can cool or heat
water for air conditioner by switching the 4-way valve (not shown)
to circulate refrigerant in a reversible way. What is provided in
the casing (11) is not limited to the compressor (31), the water
heat exchanger (32), the expansion valve (not shown) and the
electric component box (not shown). The electric component box (not
shown) contains electric boards, wires, etc. for controlling
operation of a heat pump chiller (10).
[0057] Operation
[0058] Hereinafter, operation of the first embodiment is
described.
[0059] First, as shown in FIG. 3, the heat pump chiller (10) takes
in air outside of the casing (11) through the first heat exchanger
body (21) and the second heat exchanger body (23) into the casing
(11) when the blower fan (13) is operated. At this time, air
outside of the casing (11) is taken in the casing (11) from
clearances respectively formed between the first heat exchanger
bodies (21) and the second heat exchanger bodies (23) of adjacent
outdoor unit bodies (1B) through the air heat exchangers (22, 22,
24, 24). When outside air is taken, the air absorbs heat from
refrigerant in the air heat exchangers (22, 22, 24, 24) to be
heated. Air taken in the casing (11) of each of the outdoor unit
bodies (1B) passes through the blower fan to be released outside of
the casing (11).
[0060] Next, operation of a refrigerant circuit when water for air
conditioner in the water heat exchanger (32) is used for cooling
water is described.
[0061] In the refrigerant circuit, operation of a compressor (31)
is started and the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor
(31). The compressed refrigerant ejected from the compressor (31)
flows to the first heat exchanger body (21) and the second heat
exchanger body (23). In the first heat exchanger body (21) and the
second heat exchanger body (23), heat of refrigerant is released to
air to heat air taken in the casing (11) when air outside of the
casing (11) passes through the air heat exchangers (22, 22, 24, 24)
constituting the heat exchanger bodies (21, 23). The refrigerant
that was released into air to be cooled expands at the expansion
valve and flows into the water heat exchanger (32). In the water
heat exchanger (32), refrigerant absorbs heat from water for air
conditioner flowing in the water heat exchanger (32) and water for
air conditioner is cooled. The cooled water for air conditioner is
fed into the building. The refrigerant flown out of the water heat
exchanger (32) is sucked into the compressor (31) again and is
compressed.
[0062] Hereinafter, operation of a refrigerant circuit when water
for air conditioner in the water heat exchanger (32) is used for
heating is described.
[0063] In the refrigerant circuit, operation of a compressor (31)
is started and the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor
(31). The compressed refrigerant ejected from the compressor (31)
flows into the water heat exchanger (32). In the water heat
exchanger (32), refrigerant releases heat to water for air
conditioner flowing in the water heat exchanger (32) and the water
for air conditioner is heated. The heated water for air conditioner
is fed into the building. The refrigerant flown from the water heat
exchanger (32) is expanded by the expansion valve and then flows
into the first heat exchanger body (21) and the second heat
exchanger body (23). In the first heat exchanger body (21) and the
second heat exchanger body (23), refrigerant absorbs heat from air
to cool air taken in the casing (11) when air outside of the casing
(11) passes through the air heat exchangers (22, 22, 24, 24)
constituting the heat exchanger bodies (21, 23). The refrigerant
flown out of the air heat exchangers (22, 22, 24, 24) is sucked
into the compressor (31) again and is compressed.
[0064] To conduct maintenance work, workers can stop a heat pump
chiller (10), open a door (15) for maintenance and conduct
maintenance of the compressor (31) in the casing (11).
Advantages of Embodiment 1
[0065] According to the embodiment 1, since two flat-plate air heat
exchangers (22, 24) are positioned to constitute the top part (20a)
of an obtuse angle in plan view, the area of each air heat
exchanger (22, 22, 24, 24) can be increased.
[0066] Moreover, in the air heat exchanger bodies (21, 23), since
end parts (22b, 24b) extending toward outside of the air heat
exchangers (22, 22, 24, 24) are placed to be close to each other,
air flow can be generated between adjacent outdoor unit bodies (1B)
even if a plurality of outdoor unit bodies (1B) are adjacently
placed in parallel. This allows each heat exchanger (22, 24) to be
enlarged using the clearance between adjacent heat exchanger bodies
while securing air flow to the air heat exchangers (22, 24). As a
result, the heat exchanger (20) can be enlarged without increasing
occupancy area when installing a plurality of outdoor unit bodies
(1B) in parallel.
[0067] Moreover, since the heat exchangers (22, 24) of the heat
exchanger bodies (21, 23) are independent of each other so that
mounting work can be made easy.
[0068] Furthermore, since given clearance is provided between the
end parts (22a, 24a) of the first heat exchanger part (21) and the
end part (22a, 24a) of the second heat exchanger body (23),
maintenance work for compressor (31) , etc. inside the casing (11)
can be conducted through the clearance. As a result, maintenance
performance of the heat pump chiller (10) can be increased.
[0069] In the casing (11), since the casing (11) is provided with
the fan mechanism (13) in the area enclosed with the first heat
exchanger body (21) and the second heat exchanger body (23), air
outside of the casing (11) can be supplied to the air heat
exchangers (22, 22, 24, 24) constituting the heat exchanger bodies
(21, 23). This allows heat exchange to be securely conducted
between provided air and the air heat exchangers (22, 22, 24,
24).
Variation 1 of Embodiment 1
[0070] Hereinafter, operation of the first variation of first
embodiment is described. In the first variation, an air guide plate
(35) shown in FIG. 4 is provided outside of the heat pump chiller
(10) of the first embodiment.
[0071] Specifically, in the first variation, an air guide plate
(35) is provided outside of the casing (11) of the heat pump
chiller (10).
[0072] The air guide plate (35) is made of a plate component formed
in the shape of a flat plate. The air guide plate constitutes an
air guide part. Two the air guide plates (35) are provided between
adjacent outdoor unit bodies (1B). Specifically, one air guide
plate (35) is provided between the first heat exchanger body (21)
and the second heat exchanger body (23) adjacent to each other.
[0073] When the blower fan (13) of the outdoor unit body (1B)
starts operation, air flows toward the outdoor unit body (1B) as
shown in FIG. 4. This flow of air is separated at the air guide
plate (35) and is guided to one side and the other side of adjacent
outdoor unit bodies (1B).
[0074] Since the air guide plate (35) that guides flow of air taken
into the casing (11) is provided in the first variation, air
outside of the casing (11) can be supplied to the casings (11) of
adjacent outdoor unit bodies (1B) without gap. Other
configurations, operation, and advantages are the same as those in
the first embodiment.
Variation 2 of Embodiment 2
[0075] Hereinafter, operation of the second variation of the first
embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The
second variation is different from the first embodiment in the
structure of the door (15) for maintenance of the heat pump chiller
(10).
[0076] Specifically, the door (40) for maintenance in the second
variation has a given thickness and is formed in the shape of a box
with its inside formed hollow to be formed as a door that can be
opened and closed to the inside of the casing (11) as shown in FIG.
5. The door (40) for maintenance has a lid material (not shown).
The door (40) for maintenance is formed to be integrated with an
electric component box (not shown) and contains electric board,
wires, etc. for operating a heat pump chiller (10). This means that
the door (40) for maintenance corresponds to the electric component
box (not shown) contained in the casing (11) of the first
embodiment. This door (40) for maintenance is provided from the
lower wall (11b) to the upper wall (11 a) of the casing (11) in the
opening for maintenance provided in one side part of the shorter
sides of the casing (11).
[0077] Therefore, workers can conduct maintenance of the compressor
(31), the water heat exchanger (32), etc. in the casing (11) after
opening the door (40) for maintenance. By opening a lid material
(not shown) of door (40) for maintenance, maintenance of electric
boards, wires, etc. contained inside can be conducted.
[0078] Since the door (40) for maintenance formed integrated with
the electric component box (not shown) is provided in the second
variation, internal space of the casing (11) can be enlarged. This
can increase maintenance performance inside the casing (11). The
door (40) for maintenance formed integrated with the electric
component box (not shown) can provide more space in the internal
space of the casing (11) corresponding to the space in which the
conventional electric component box (40) was installed. This allows
the casing to be made smaller by the space which was occupied by
the electric component box (not shown) in the casing (11). Other
configurations, operation, and advantages are the same as those in
the first embodiment.
Embodiment 2
[0079] Hereinafter, a second embodiment will be described with
reference to the drawings.
[0080] The second embodiment is different from the heat pump
chiller (10) of the first embodiment in the first heat exchanger
body (21), the second heat exchanger body (23) and construction of
end part of the second embodiment. The second embodiment will be
described regarding its difference from the first embodiment.
[0081] Specifically, a heat pump chiller (10) of the second
embodiment is disposed so that the second heat exchanger (24) of
the first air heat exchanger body (21) and the end part (24b) of
the second heat exchanger (24) of the second heat exchanger body
(23) are positioned to be close to contact with each other as shown
in FIG. 6.
[0082] In the second embodiment, since the first air heat exchanger
body (21) and the end part (24b) of the second heat exchanger (24)
of the second heat exchanger body (23) are positioned to be close
to contact with each other, the area of the second air heat
exchanger (24) of the second embodiment is larger than the area of
the second heat exchanger (23) of the first embodiment. This allows
the area of the air heat exchanger (24) with respect to
installation area of casing (11) to be increased. Other
configurations, operation and advantages are the same as those in
the first embodiment.
Embodiment 3
[0083] Hereinafter, a third embodiment will be described with
reference to the drawings.
[0084] The end part constructions of the air heat exchangers (22,
24) of the first heat exchanger body (21) and the second heat
exchanger body (23) of the third embodiment are different from the
heat pump chiller (10) of the first embodiment. The third
embodiment will be described regarding its difference from the
first embodiment.
[0085] Specifically, a heat pump chiller (10) of the third
embodiment is disposed so that the first heat exchanger (22) of the
first air heat exchanger body (21) and the end part (22a) of the
first air heat exchanger (22) of the second heat exchanger body
(23) are positioned to be close to contact with each other and the
second air heat exchanger (24) of the first heat exchanger body
(21) and the end part (24a) of the second air heat exchanger (24)
of the second heat exchanger body (23) are positioned to be close
to contact with each other as shown in FIG. 7.
[0086] A hole part for maintenance, which is not shown, is formed
on the lower part of the outer wall along the longitudinal
direction of the casing (11) so that maintenance of a compressor
(31), etc. disposed in the casing (11) can be conducted. The hole
part for maintenance is formed below the respective air heat
exchangers (22, 22, 24, 24), and extends from the middle portion of
the casing (11) in the vertical direction to the lower wall (11b).
Workers can conduct maintenance of the compressor (31), etc. in the
casing (11) from the hole part.
[0087] In the third embodiment, since the air heat exchangers (22,
24) of the first air heat exchanger body (21) and the air heat
exchangers (22, 24) of the second heat exchanger (23) are disposed
so that the end parts (22a, 24a) on which side they contact with
each other contact with each other, the area of the air heat
exchanger (22, 22, 24, 24) of the third embodiment is larger than
the area of the air heat exchanger (22, 22, 24, 24) of the first
embodiment. This allows the area of the air heat exchanger (22, 22,
24, 24) of the first heat exchanger body (21) and the second heat
exchanger body (23) with respect to the installation area of the
casing (11) to be increased. Moreover, maintenance work for the
compressor (31), etc. inside of the casing (11) can be conducted
through the hole part for maintenance in the lower part of the
casing (11). Other configurations, operation, and advantages are
the same as those in the first embodiment.
Embodiment 4
[0088] Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment will be described with
reference to the drawings.
[0089] This embodiment is different from the heat pump chiller (10)
of the first embodiment in the structures of the first heat
exchanger body (21) and the second heat exchanger body (23). The
fourth embodiment will be described regarding its difference with
the first embodiment.
[0090] Specifically, in the heat pump chiller (10) of the fourth
embodiment, first heat exchanger body (21) and the second heat
exchanger body (23) is made of one air heat exchanger (25, 26) as
shown in FIG. 8.
[0091] The air heat exchangers (25, 26) are fitted into hole parts
respectively formed in the outer wall surfaces of two both sides
along the longitudinal direction of the casing (11). That is, the
side surfaces of the casing (11) constitutes one air heat exchanger
(25, 26). The air heat exchanger (25, 26) form top parts (20a, 20a)
with one air heat exchanger formed into the shape of a flat plate
that is folded in the middle. The air heat exchanger (25, 26) of
the embodiment can be formed only on opposing sides of the adjacent
casings (11, 11). Other configurations, operation, and advantages
are the same as those in the first embodiment.
Other Embodiments
[0092] The foregoing first embodiment to third embodiment of the
present invention may be changed as follows.
[0093] Though three connected outdoor unit bodies (1B) are disposed
in the first to third embodiments, the present invention is
applicable to connective disposition of two or more outdoor unit
bodies (1B).
[0094] The foregoing embodiments are merely preferred examples in
nature, and are not intended to limit the scope, applications, and
use of the invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0095] The present invention is useful for refrigeration apparatus
including a heat exchanger.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0096] 10 heat pump chiller (refrigeration apparatus) [0097] 1A
outdoor unit [0098] 1B outdoor unit body [0099] 11 casing [0100] 13
blower fan (fan mechanism) [0101] 20 heat exchanger [0102] 21 first
heat exchanger body [0103] 22 first air heat exchanger (heat
exchanger part) [0104] 22a, 22b end part [0105] 23 second heat
exchanger body [0106] 24 second air heat exchanger (heat exchanger
part) [0107] 24a, 24b end part [0108] 35 air guide plate (air guide
part)
* * * * *