HEAT SOURCE UNIT OF A HEAT PUMP

Abstract

 The present disclosure relates to a heat source unit of a heat pump. The heat source unit (1) comprises a heat source unit casing (10) comprising a top plate (11) disposed on a top side of the heat source unit (1), a bottom plate (12) disposed on a bottom side of the heat source unit (1), and a front grille (13) that is disposed on a front side of the heat source unit (1) and in which air flow openings (131) are disposed. The heat source unit (1) further comprises a blower fan (14) that is housed in the heat source unit casing (10) and configured to generate an airflow through the air flow openings (131). The front grille (13) is disposed between the top plate (11) and the bottom plate (12), so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate (11) from the top plate (11) to the bottom plate (12).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat source unit of a heat pump and to a heat pump having such a heat source unit.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In general, a heat pump comprises in its most simple form a refrigerant circuit connecting a usage side heat exchanger, a compressor, a heat source heat exchanger, and an expansion valve, wherein a refrigerant is circulated in the refrigerant circuit for transporting heat or cold from the heat source heat exchanger to the usage side heat exchanger.

[0003] The heat source unit of such a heat pump is in most cases installed outdoors and includes the heat source heat exchanger for exchanging heat between outside air and the refrigerant. For this purpose, the heat source unit comprises a casing, a fan accommodated in the casing and being rotatable about a center axis as well as a bell mouth having an opening centered on the center axis of the fan for allowing an air flow induced by the fan to pass and flow through the heat source heat exchanger.

[0004] In order to comply with industrial standards and regulations, a grille or fan guard is provided covering the opening of the bell mouth and, hence, fan blades of the fan.

[0005] For example, such a heat source unit is disclosed in EP 1 677 053 A1. The heat source unit comprises a grille 52, that is disposed on a front side of the heat source unit, i.e., a front grille 52. In order to mount the front grille 52 to the heat source unit casing, screws are passed through the screw holes in the front grille 52 as well as through the screw holes disposed in the top plate front portion 58 and the bottom plate front portion 57, so that the front grille 52 and the top plate 50, and the front grille 52 and the bottom plate 51 are screwed together. Thus, in the assembled configuration, the front grille 52 is disposed in front of the top plate 50 and the bottom plate 51.

[0006] However, the configuration disclosed in EP 1 677 053 A1 has the following drawback. Before heat source units are shipped to customers or resellers, the manufactured heat source units are often stored in warehouses. In order to save costs by using the available space in the warehouses as efficient as possible, it would be beneficial to stack the heat source units on top of each other in the warehouses. Since the heat source units have a certain weight, for example, ranging from 60 kg to 250 kg, the heat source units need to have a certain stacking strength, in order to withstand the weight of one or more heat source units stacked on top, and in order to prevent deformation of the lower heat source unit. In the configuration disclosed in EP 1 677 053 A1, stacking strength is, however, not taken into account.

[0007] In order to increase the stacking strength of heat source units, such as the one disclosed in EP 1 677 053 A1, often, an additional, vertically extending part is provided within the heat source unit between the bottom plate and the top plate. Such part can be made of metal. The vertically extending part is specifically provided so as to reinforce the structure of the heat source unit, thereby allowing the stacking of heat source units on top of each other. However, such vertically extending part constitutes an extra component, which must be additionally manufactured and installed, in an additional manufacturing step, within the heat source unit, thereby making the heat source unit configuration more complex or complicated and expensive.

SUMMARY

[0008] Taking the aforesaid into account, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a heat source unit of a heat pump which has an increased stacking strength and, in particular, while keeping the heat source unit configuration simple.

[0009] This object is solved by a heat source unit as defined in claim 1. Optional features and preferred embodiments of the heat source unit are defined in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect, a heat source unit of a heat pump comprises a heat source unit casing comprising a top plate disposed on a top side of the heat source unit, a bottom plate disposed on a bottom side of the heat source unit, and a front grille that is disposed on a front side of the heat source unit and in which air flow openings are disposed. The heat source unit further comprises a blower fan that is housed in the heat source unit casing and configured to generate an airflow through the air flow openings. The front grille is disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate, so as to transfer a force, for example, a load, applied on the top plate from the top plate to the bottom plate.

[0011] Since the front grille of the heat source unit casing is disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate, so as to transfer a force, for example, a load, applied on the top plate from the top plate to the bottom plate, the front grille is a part that receives a force or load applied on the top plate and acts as a reinforcing member between the top plate and the bottom plate of the heat source unit casing, thereby increasing a stacking strength of the heat source unit. This is in contrast to prior art devices in which the front grille is disposed in front of the top plate and the bottom plate, and, therefore, cannot, for example, not directly, transfer a force or a load applied on the top plate. Moreover, since the front grille is a component that is provided in a heat source unit anyhow, the stacking strength can be increased without the need of providing an extra component, such as a vertically extending part, provided in or on the heat source unit, or, at least, allowing to reduce the dimensions of such an extra component.

[0012] The "top side" of the heat source unit and the "bottom side" of the heat source unit may designate the sides of the heat source unit, when the heat source unit is in use or installed at a certain location or site, such as at a building or the like, as part of a heat pump. In this example, the bottom plate that is disposed on the bottom side of the heat source unit is disposed closer to the ground than the top plate that is disposed on the top side of the heat source unit. The bottom plate may be the plate on which a compressor of the heat source unit is disposed.

[0013] The top plate and the bottom plate may be made of metal, such as sheet metal. The top plate and the bottom plate may cover the top and, respectively, the bottom of the interior space of the heat source unit.

[0014] The "front side" of the heat source unit may designate the side of the heat source unit through which air is blown out from the heat source unit when an airflow is generated by the blower fan. The front side of the heat source unit may be a side that, when the heat source unit is installed at a building or the like, as part of a heat pump, faces away from the building.

[0015] The front grille may be formed of one piece, or two or more pieces assembled together to form the front grille. For Example, the front grille may be composed of two parts arranged next to each other or on top of each other, in order to form the front grille.

[0016] The front grille may be formed from metal, plastic, or resin. In any case, the front grill needs to provide sufficient strength or rigidity so as to be able to receive a load applied on the top plate, such as by placing one or more than one, in particular identical, heat source unit on the top plate of the heat source unit, and act as a reinforcing member between the top plate and the bottom plate of the heat source unit casing for increasing stacking strength of the heat source unit.

[0017] The front grille may be a conventional front grille known from the prior art.

[0018] The blower fan may rotate around a blower fan rotation axis. The front grille disposed on the front side of the heat source unit may be perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the blower fan rotation axis. By use of the term "substantially", it is intended to include structures in which the angle does not form an exact 90° angle, but also includes angles of, for example, 85° to 90°.

[0019] In general, the heat source unit may have a rectangular, or substantially rectangular, structure, as shown, for example, in EP 1 677 053 A1. By use of the term "substantially", it is intended to include structures in which respective side walls do not form exact 90° angles and/or are slightly curved. The front grille may be disposed on the front side of the heat source unit, so as to be perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the top plate and the bottom plate. The top plate and the bottom plate may be parallel to and oppose each other.

[0020] The feature that the front grille is disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate, so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate from the top plate to the bottom plate may include, or be realized by, a configuration, in which the front grille is in contact with the top plate and the bottom plate. More specifically, an upper end of the front grille may be in contact with an inner surface of the top plate facing downward to the inside of the outdoor unit. Likewise, a lower end of the front grille may be in contact with an inner surface of the bottom plate facing upward to the inside of the outdoor unit. In this case, when a force is applied on the top plate, since the front grille is in contact with the top plate and the bottom plate, the force is transferred from the top plate to the front grille and, further, from the front grille to the bottom plate.

[0021] Moreover, the feature that the front grille is disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate, so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate from the top plate to the bottom plate may include, or be realized by, a configuration, in which gaps, in particular tolerance gaps, between the front grille and the top plate and/or between the front grille and the bottom plate are provided. The gaps may close upon applying a force on the top plate of the heat source unit. For example, such tolerance gaps may account for thermal expansions of the constituent parts of the heat source unit. For example, each of the tolerance gaps may have an extension of 0.5 to 2.0 mm, preferably of 1.2 mm. In such a configuration, when a force is applied on the top plate, the tolerance gap between the top plate and the front grille closes, for example, by pressing the top plate and the front grille together, such that the top plate is in contact with the front grille. Likewise, the tolerance gap between the front grille and the bottom plate closes, for example, by pressing the front grille and the bottom plate together, such that the front grille is in contact with the bottom plate. Then, the force applied on the top plate is transferred from the top plate to the front grille and, further, from the front grille to the bottom plate. After termination of the force, the tolerance gap between the top plate and the front grille and/or between the front grille and the bottom plate may open again, for example, to have an extension of 0.9 mm to 1.2 mm.

[0022] A force that may be applied on the top plate results, for example, from the weight of a heat source unit, in particular the weight of an identical heat source unit, placed on top of the heat source unit. The force may also be twice or three times this weight.

[0023] The front grille may be flush or substantially flush with the front side end of the top plate and the front side end of the bottom plate.

[0024] According to a second aspect, at least part of a lower end of the front grille may be supported on the bottom plate and at least part of an upper end of the front grille may support the top plate.

[0025] In case of a rectangular-shaped heat source unit, the front grille may have a rectangular shape. The lower end of the rectangular front grille may be formed by the side of the front grille facing the bottom plate and the upper end of the rectangular front grille may be formed by the side of the front grille facing the top plate.

[0026] The expression "at least part of" is intended to cover embodiments, in which only a part of the lower end of the front grille may be supported on the bottom plate and only a part of the upper end of the front grille may support the top plate, and embodiments, in which the entire lower end of the front grille may be supported on the bottom plate and the entire upper end of the front grille may support the top plate.

[0027] As in case of the first aspect, the expressions "support" and "supports" are intended to include a configuration, in which at least part of the upper end of the front grille is in contact with and supports the top plate and at least part of the lower end of the front grille is in contact with and supported by the bottom plate. Moreover, the expressions "support" and "supports" are intended to include a configuration, in which gaps, in particular tolerance gaps, between at least part of the upper end of the front grille and the top plate and/or between at least part of the lower end of the front grille and the bottom plate are provided. With respect to these gaps, the same explanations as mentioned above with respect to the first aspect apply.

[0028] With this configuration, a simple arrangement of the front grille, the bottom plate, and the top plate can be provided, so as to achieve increased stacking strength.

[0029] According to a third aspect, at least a front side end of the bottom plate may be provided with a first flange extending upward from the bottom plate, and at least a front side end of the top plate may be provided with a second flange extending downward from the top plate, wherein the front grille may be at least in part disposed further inside the heat source unit casing than the first and second flanges so that the first and second flanges overlap the front grille in at least the part when the heat source unit is viewed from the front side.

[0030] The front side end of the bottom plate and the front side end of the top plate are intended to be the ends of the bottom plate and the top plate at the front side of the heat source unit.

[0031] An upward direction may be understood as a direction from the bottom plate to the top plate. A downward direction may be understood as a direction from the top plate to the bottom plate.

[0032] The first flange extending upward from the bottom plate may be a separate part. Preferably, the first flange may be an integral part of the bottom plate. The first flange may also be understood as a rim of the bottom plate. For example, the first flange may be formed by bending a part of a flat bottom plate at the front side upward so that the bent part and the bottom plate may include an angle of approximately 90°.

[0033] The second flange extending downward from the top plate may be a separate part. Preferably, the second flange may be an integral part of the top plate. The second flange may also be understood as a rim of the top plate. For example, the second flange may be formed by bending a part of a flat top plate at the front side downward so that the bent part and the top plate may include an angle of approximately 90°.

[0034] When the heat source unit is viewed from the front side, the upper end of the front grille may be covered by the second flange of the top plate, and the lower end of the front grille may be covered by the first flange of the bottom plate.

[0035] With this configuration, the stacking strength of the heat source unit is further increased since the front grille can be stably held in place. Moreover, since an upper end and a lower end of the front grille are overlapped by the second flange and the first flange, respectively, edges of the front grille are protected by the first flange and the second flange. Thus, for shipping purposes, the heat source unit can be packed in a cardboard box with packaging straps, without the packaging straps causing damage to the upper and lower ends of the front grille.

[0036] According to fourth aspect, the air flow openings may be configured by a plurality of slits extending in a left-right direction of the heat source unit when the heat source unit is viewed from the front side.

[0037] The left-right direction is intended to designate a direction that is parallel to the top plate and the bottom plate and parallel to the front grille of the heat source unit.

[0038] Each of the plurality of slits may have a longitudinal extension in the left-right direction.

[0039] The plurality of slits may be partitioned by a grating.

[0040] According to a fifth aspect, the front grille may be formed from resin.

[0041] For example, the front grille may be formed from polypropylene.

[0042] With this configuration, manufacturing costs can be reduced in comparison to the case where the front grille is manufactured by sheet metal or the like. In addition, the outer appearance of the grille and, thus, of the heat source unit is improved by using a front grille made of resin.

[0043] According to a sixth aspect, the lower end and/or the upper end of the front grille may comprise a first rib extending in a left-right direction of the heat source unit when the heat source unit is viewed from the front side, and at least one second rib extending in a depth direction of the heat source unit toward the inside of the heat source unit casing when the heat source unit is viewed from the front side.

[0044] The depth direction of the heat source unit may be understood as a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction of the heat source unit and parallel to the top plate and the bottom plate.

[0045] The first rib of the lower end and/or the upper end may extend in the left-right direction along the entire extension of the front grille in the left-right direction, or along only part thereof.

[0046] The at least one second rib of the lower end and/or the upper end of the front grille may be formed so as to be perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the first rib of the front grille. In an example, the lower end and/or the upper end of the front grille may comprise a plurality of second ribs, each extending in the depth direction of the heat source unit toward the inside of the heat source unit when the heat source unit is viewed from the front side, the plurality of second ribs being disposed at equidistant positions along the left-right direction of the front grille.

[0047] With this configuration, the structural strength of the front grille is further increased, thereby further increasing the stacking strength of the heat source unit.

[0048] According to a seventh aspect, the heat source unit may further comprise a bell mouth configured to guide the airflow generated by the blower fan, wherein the bell mouth may be disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate, so as to transfer a force, for example, a load, applied on the top plate from the top plate to the bottom plate.

[0049] The bell mouth may be formed from a resin such as polypropylene or from a metal, such as sheet metal. The bell mouth may comprise a circular cylinder portion and a planar portion in the periphery of the circular cylinder portion. The circular cylinder portion may form an air path configured to guide the airflow generated by the blower fan.

[0050] As in case of the first aspect with respect to the front grille, the feature that the bell mouth is disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate, so as to transfer a force, for example, a load, applied on the top plate from the top plate to the bottom plate may include, or be realized by, a configuration, in which the bell mouth is in contact with the top plate and the bottom plate. More specifically, an upper end of the bell mouth may be in contact with an inner surface of the top plate facing downward to the inside of the outdoor unit. Likewise, a lower end of the bell mouth may be in contact with an inner surface of the bottom plate facing upward to the inside of the outdoor unit. In this case, when a force is applied on the top plate, since the bell mouth is in contact with the top plate and the bottom plate, the force is transferred from the top plate to the bell mouth and, further, from the bell mouth to the bottom plate.

[0051] Moreover, the feature that the bell mouth is disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate, so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate from the top plate to the bottom plate may include, or be realized by, a configuration, in which gaps, in particular tolerance gaps, between the bell mouth and the top plate and/or between the bell mouth and the bottom plate are provided. The gaps may close upon applying a force on the top plate of the heat source unit. For example, such tolerance gaps may account for thermal expansions of the constituent parts of the heat source unit. For example, each of the tolerance gaps may have an extension of 0.5 to 1.5 mm, preferably of 0.9 mm. In such a configuration, when a force is applied on the top plate, the tolerance gap between the top plate and the bell mouth closes, for example, by pressing the top plate and the bell mouth together, such that the top plate is in contact with the bell mouth. Likewise, the tolerance gap between the bell mouth and the bottom plate closes, for example, by pressing the bell mouth and the bottom plate together, such that the bell mouth is in contact with the bottom plate. Then, the force applied on the top plate is transferred from the top plate to the bell mouth and, further, from the bell mouth to the bottom plate. After termination of the force, the tolerance gap between the top plate and the bell mouth and/or between the bell mouth and the bottom plate may stay in a closed state, for example, due to permanent sheet metal compression of the constituent parts.

[0052] The force applied on the top plate may be the same force as mentioned with respect to the first aspect.

[0053] With this configuration, the stacking strength of the outdoor unit is further increased. This is because, in addition to the front grille, the bell mouth receives a force, for example, a load, and acts as an additional reinforcing member.

[0054] According to an eighth aspect, a lower end of the bell mouth is supported on the bottom plate and an upper end of the bell mouth supports the top plate.

[0055] For example, in case the bell mouth comprises the planar portion in the periphery of the circular cylinder portion, the lower end of the planar portion may form the lower end of the bell mouth. Likewise, the upper end of the planar portion may form the upper end of the bell mouth.

[0056] As in case of the seventh and second aspects, the expressions "support" and "supports" are intended to include a configuration, in which the upper end of the bell mouth is in contact with and supports the top plate and the lower end of the bell mouth is in contact with and supported by the bottom plate. Moreover, the expressions "support" and "supports" are intended to include a configuration, in which gaps, in particular tolerance gaps between the upper end of the bell mouth and the top plate and/or between the lower end of the bell mouth and the bottom plate are provided. With respect to these gaps, the same explanations as mentioned above with respect to the seventh aspect apply.

[0057] With this configuration, a simple arrangement of the bell mouth, the bottom plate, and the top plate can be provided, so as to achieve increased stacking strength.

[0058] According to a ninth aspect, the bell mouth is offset from a front side end of the bottom plate and a front side end of the top plate toward the inside of the heat source unit casing.

[0059] The front side end of the bottom plate and the front side end of the top plate are intended to be the ends of the bottom plate and the top plate at the front side of the heat source unit.

[0060] The feature that the bell mouth is offset from the front side end of the bottom plate and the front side end of the top plate toward the inside of the heat source unit casing may mean that a front side end of the bell mouth is offset from the front side end of the bottom plate and the front side end of the top plate.

[0061] The direction in which the bell mouth is offset from the front side end of the bottom plate and the front side end of the top plate toward the inside of the heat source unit casing may be the same direction as the depth direction of the heat source unit.

[0062] For example, an offset amount of the bell mouth from the front side end of the bottom plate and the front side end of the top plate may range between 15 cm and 20 cm, preferably between 16 cm and 18 cm, more preferably between 16.9 cm and 17.3 cm.

[0063] In an example, the bell mouth may be offset from the front side end of the bottom plate and the front side end of the top plate, so that an offset amount is at least a fourth, preferably at least a third, more preferably half of the distance from the front side end of the bottom plate to the rear side end of the bottom plate and from the front side end of the top plate to the rear side end of the top plate, the rear side of the heat source unit being opposite to the front side of the heat source unit.

[0064] With this configuration, the stacking strength of the heat source unit is further increased. This is because the force or load applied on the top plate is better distributed between the parts transferring the force or load from the top plate to the bottom plate.

[0065] According to a tenth aspect, the bell mouth may be offset from the front grille toward the inside of the heat source unit casing.

[0066] The feature that the bell mouth is offset from the front grille toward the inside of the heat source unit casing may mean that a front side end of the bell mouth is offset from a rear side end of the front grille.

[0067] For example, an offset amount of the bell mouth from the front grille may range between 12 cm and 17 cm, preferably between 14 cm and 15 cm, more preferably between 14.6 cm and 14.8 cm.

[0068] With this configuration, the stacking strength of the heat source unit is further increased. This is because the force or load applied on the top plate is even better distributed between the parts transferring the force or load from the top plate to the bottom plate. In addition, it is possible to omit an extra component, such as a vertically extending part between the top plate and the bottom plate within the heat source unit casing, and still achieve an increased stacking strength.

[0069] According to an eleventh aspect, the heat source unit further comprises a partition plate partitioning the heat source unit into an air chamber accommodating the blower fan and the bell mouth, and a machine chamber accommodating a compressor, an expansion valve, and/or a controller of the heat pump, wherein the partition plate may be disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate, so as to transfer a force, for example, a load, applied on the top plate from the top plate to the bottom plate.

[0070] The partition plate may be made of sheet metal. The air chamber and the machine chamber may be arranged next to each other, as seen in the left-right direction. The machine chamber may also accommodate components of the refrigerant circuit of the heat pump other than the compressor, the expansion valve, and/or the controller.

[0071] As in case of the first aspect with respect to the front grille, the feature that the partition plate is disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate, so as to transfer a force, for example, a load, applied on the top plate from the top plate to the bottom plate may include, or be realized by, a configuration, in which the partition plate is in contact with the top plate and the bottom plate. More specifically, an upper end of the partition plate may be in contact with an inner surface of the top plate facing downward to the inside of the outdoor unit. Likewise, a lower end of the partition plate may be in contact with an inner surface of the bottom plate facing upward to the inside of the outdoor unit. In this case, when a force is applied on the top plate, since the partition plate is in contact with the top plate and the bottom plate, the force is transferred from the top plate to the partition plate and, further, from the partition plate to the bottom plate.

[0072] Moreover, the feature that the partition plate is disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate, so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate from the top plate to the bottom plate may include, or be realized by, a configuration, in which a lower end of the partition plate is in contact with the bottom plate and a gap, in particular a tolerance gap, between the upper end of the partition plate and the top plate is provided. The gap may close upon applying a force on the top plate of the heat source unit. For example, such tolerance gap may account for thermal expansions of the constituent parts of the heat source unit. For example, the tolerance gap may have an extension of 0.5 to 1.5 mm, preferably of 0.9 mm. In such a configuration, when a force is applied on the top plate, the tolerance gap between the top plate and the upper end of the partition plate closes, for example, by pressing the top plate and the upper end of the partition plate together, such that the top plate is in contact with the upper end of the partition plate. Then, the force applied on the top plate is transferred from the top plate to the partition plate and, further, from the partition plate to the bottom plate. After termination of the force, the tolerance gap between the top plate and the upper end of the partition plate may stay in a closed state, for example, due to permanent sheet metal compression of the constituent parts.

[0073] The force applied on the top plate may be the same force as mentioned with respect to the first aspect.

[0074] With this configuration, the stacking strength of the heat source unit can be further increased. This is because, in addition to the front grille, the partition plate receives a force, for example, a load, and acts as an additional reinforcing member.

[0075] According to a twelfth aspect, a lower end of the partition plate may be supported on the bottom plate and an upper end of the partition plate may support the top plate.

[0076] The lower end of the partition plate may be supported on and be in contact with the bottom plate by a screw connection.

[0077] As in case of the eleventh and second aspects, the expressions "support" and "supports" are intended to include a configuration, in which the upper end of the partition plate is in contact with and supports the top plate and the lower end of the partition plate is in contact with and supported by the bottom plate. Moreover, the expressions "support" and "supports" are intended to include a configuration, in which a gap, in particular a tolerance gap between the upper end of the partition plate and the top plate is provided. With respect to this gap, the same explanations as mentioned above with respect to the eleventh aspect apply.

[0078] With this configuration, a simple arrangement of the partition plate, the bottom plate, and the top plate can be provided, so as to achieve increased stacking strength.

[0079] According to a thirteenth aspect, the heat source unit may further comprise a first pillar arranged in a first corner of the heat source unit casing in the machine chamber and a second pillar arranged in a second corner of the heat source unit casing in the air chamber, wherein the first pillar and the second pillar are disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate, so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate from the top plate to the bottom plate.

[0080] Each of the first pillar and the second pillar may be made of metal, such as a sheet metal.

[0081] When the heat source unit is viewed from the front side, the first pillar may form part of a side surface of the heat source unit at the machine chamber side and the second pillar may form part of a side surface of the heat source unit at the air chamber side. As such, the first pillar and the second pillar may be arranged in respective front side corners of the bottom plate and the top plate.

[0082] As in case of the first aspect with respect to the front grille, the feature that the first and second pillars are disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate, so as to transfer a force, for example, a load, applied on the top plate from the top plate to the bottom plate may include, or be realized by, a configuration, in which the first and second pillars are in contact with the top plate and the bottom plate. More specifically, an upper end of the first and second pillars may be in contact with an inner surface of the top plate facing downward to the inside of the outdoor unit. Likewise, a lower end of the first and second pillars may be in contact with an inner surface of the bottom plate facing upward to the inside of the outdoor unit. In this case, when a force is applied on the top plate, since the first and second pillars are in contact with the top plate and the bottom plate, the force is transferred from the top plate to the first and second pillars and, further, from the first and second pillars to the bottom plate.

[0083] Moreover, the feature that the first and second pillars are disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate, so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate from the top plate to the bottom plate may include, or be realized by, a configuration, in which a lower end of the first and second pillars is in contact with the bottom plate and a gap, in particular a tolerance gap, between the upper end of the first and second pillars and the top plate is provided. The gap may close upon applying a force on the top plate of the heat source unit. For example, such tolerance gap may account for thermal expansions of the constituent parts of the heat source unit. For example, the tolerance gap may have an extension of 0.5 to 1.5 mm, preferably of 0.9 mm. In such a configuration, when a force is applied on the top plate, the tolerance gap between the top plate and the upper end of the first and second pillars closes, for example, by pressing the top plate and the upper end of the first and second pillars together, such that the top plate is in contact with the upper end of the first and second pillars. Then, the force applied on the top plate is transferred from the top plate to the first and second pillars and, further, from the first and second pillars to the bottom plate. After termination of the force, the tolerance gap between the top plate and the upper end of the first and second pillars may stay in a closed state, for example, due to permanent sheet metal compression of the constituent parts.

[0084] The force applied on the top plate may be the same force as mentioned with respect to the first aspect.

[0085] With this configuration, the stacking strength of the heat source unit can be further increased. This is because, in addition to the front grille, the first and second pillars receive a force, for example, a load, and act as additional reinforcing members.

[0086] According to a fourteenth aspect, a lower end of each of the first and second pillar may be supported on the bottom plate and an upper end of each of the first and second pillar may support the top plate.

[0087] The lower end of the first and second pillars may be supported on and be in contact with the bottom plate by a screw connection.

[0088] As in case of the thirteenth and second aspects, the expressions "support" and "supports" are intended to include a configuration, in which the upper end of the first and second pillars is in contact with and supports the top plate and the lower end of the first and second pillars is in contact with and supported by the bottom plate. Moreover, the expressions "support" and "supports" are intended to include a configuration, in which a gap, in particular a tolerance gap between the upper end of the first and second pillars and the top plate is provided. With respect to this gap, the same explanations as mentioned above with respect to the thirteenth aspect apply.

[0089] With this configuration, a simple arrangement of the first and second pillars, the bottom plate, and the top plate can be provided, so as to achieve increased stacking strength.

[0090] According to a fifteenth aspect, the heat source unit may further comprise a heat exchanger that may have an L-shaped bent part when the heat source unit is viewed from the top side and that may be disposed in the air chamber on a rear side of the heat source unit opposing the front side and a left or right side of the heat source unit, and a third pillar may be arranged in the air chamber further inside the heat source unit casing than the L-shaped bent part of the heat exchanger, wherein the third pillar may be disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate, so that a lower end of the third pillar is disposed in contact with and supported on the bottom plate and an upper end of the third pillar is disposed in contact with and supporting the top plate.

[0091] The heat exchanger is generally configured to exchange heat with air passing therethrough. The L-shape of the heat exchanger may include curved structures in which there is no sharp corner, in the sense of exact 90° angle, between the portion of the heat exchanger that is disposed on a rear side of the heat source unit and the portion of the heat exchanger that is disposed on the left or right side of the heat source unit.

[0092] The L-shaped heat exchanger may form part of a rear side surface and a side surface of the heat source unit.

[0093] The L-shaped heat exchanger may support the top plate, either directly or indirectly, such as via a sealing material.

[0094] The third pillar may be made of metal, such as a sheet metal. A lower end of the third pillar may be in contact with the bottom plate by a screw connection, and an upper end of the third pillar may be in contact with the top plate by a screw connection. The third pillar may be arranged in a corner of the heat source unit in the air chamber opposing the corner of the air chamber where the second pillar is arranged.

[0095] Since the third pillar is disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate, so that a lower end of the third pillar is disposed in contact with and supported on the bottom plate and an upper end of the third pillar is disposed in contact with and supporting the top plate, the third pillar is disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate, so as to transfer a force, for example, a load, applied on the top plate from the top plate to the bottom plate.

[0096] Thus, with this configuration, the stacking strength of the heat source unit can be further increased. This is because, in addition to the front grille and the first and second pillars, the third pillar receives a force, for example, a load, and acts as additional reinforcing member.

[0097] According to sixteenth aspect, there is provided a heat pump that comprises the heat source unit according to any one of the preceding aspects.

[0098] Further aspects of the present disclosure may be found in the following description of particular embodiments referring to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0099] 

Fig. 1 is a perspective front view of a heat source unit according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the heat source unit of Fig. 1 along the line A-A in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective rear view of part of a front grille of the heat source unit of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of parts of the heat source unit of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the upper left part B of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a perspective top view of the heat source unit of Fig. 1 without a top plate of the heat source unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

[0100] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in order to describe the disclosure using illustrative examples. Further modifications of certain individual features described in this context can be combined with other features of the described embodiments to form further embodiments of the disclosure.

[0101] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar elements.

[0102] Fig. 1 is a perspective front view of a heat source unit 1 according to the present disclosure. The heat source unit 1 has a heat source unit casing 10 comprising a top plate 11 disposed on a top side of the heat source unit 1, a bottom plate 12 disposed on a bottom side of the heat source unit 1 and a front grille 13 that is disposed on a front side of the heat source unit 1 and in which air flow openings 131 are disposed. A blower fan 14 is housed in the heat source unit casing 10 and configured to generate an airflow through the air flow openings 131. In Fig. 1, the blower fan 14 is hidden by and disposed behind the front grille 13.

[0103] In the present embodiment, the front grille 13 extends, for reasons of an improved outer appearance, over the entire front of the heat source unit casing 10 and comprises an air chamber portion 136 configured to allow air to pass through the air flow openings 131 of the front grille 13 and a machine chamber portion 137 having a closed surface, not allowing air to pass and being primarily for design purposes. When, in the present disclosure, reference is made to the front grille 13, the air chamber portion 136 of the front grille 13 is meant.

[0104] The heat source unit 1 has a substantially rectangular, or a cuboid, shape, wherein the front grille 13 is slightly curved toward the front side of the heat source unit 1.

[0105] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the front grille 13 is disposed between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12. In the present embodiment, the front grille 13 is disposed between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12 in a front side of the heat source unit 1.

[0106] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the heat source unit 1 of Fig. 1 along the line A-A in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the front grille 13 is disposed between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12. The front grille 13, more specifically, the air chamber portion 136 thereof, is fixed by screws to the partition plate 16 and to the second pillar 18. The screws are used in the horizontal direction, more specifically, in the front-rear direction. In this configuration, the front grille 13 is disposed between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12, so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate 11 from the top plate 11 to the bottom plate 12. As a result, the front grille 13 is a part that receives a force or load applied on the top plate 11 and acts as a reinforcing member between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12 of the heat source unit casing 10, thereby increasing a stacking strength of the heat source unit 1. This is in contrast to prior art devices in which the front grille is disposed in front of the top plate and the bottom plate, and, therefore, cannot, for example, not directly, transfer a force or a load applied on the top plate. Also, as another embodiment, the front grille 13 may be fixed by screws to the bottom plate 12 so that the lower end of the front grille 132 is supported on the bottom plate 12. Also, the front grille 13 may be disposed between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12 so that the lower end of the front grille 132 is supported on the bottom plate 12 and the upper end of the front grille 133 supports the top plate 11.

[0107] In the present embodiment, a front side end of the bottom plate 12 has a first flange 121 extending upward from the bottom plate 12. Likewise, a front side end of the top plate 11 has a second flange 111 extending downward from the top plate 11. As can be seen, the front grille 13 is disposed further inside the heat source unit casing 10, as seen toward the rear side of the heat source unit casing 10, so that the first flange 121 overlaps the front grille 13 as viewed from the front side of the heat source unit 1, and the second flange 111 overlaps the front grille 13 as viewed from the front side of the heat source unit 1. In particular, the front grille 13 is disposed very close to or right behind the surface of the first flange 121 facing to the inside of the heat source unit casing 10, and is disposed very close to or right behind the surface of the second flange 111 facing to the inside of the heat source unit casing 10. For example, a gap between the second flange 111 and the front grille 13 is 1.76 mm, and a gap between the first flange 121 and the front grille 13 is 1.36 mm (the reason for the different gap dimensions is that the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12 have a 0.4 mm difference in thickness). In this configuration, the front grille 13 can be more stably held in place, even when a force, or a load, is applied on the top plate 11. This further increases the stacking strength of the heat source unit 1.

[0108] With reference to Fig. 3, which is a perspective rear view of part of a front grille 13 of the heat source unit 1 of Fig. 1, the lower end of the front grille 132 and the upper end of the front grille 133 each comprise a first rib 134 extending in the left-right direction of the heat source unit 1 and a plurality of second ribs 135 extending in a depth direction of the heat source unit 1, which is a direction parallel to the front-rear direction. The second ribs 135 are arranged at equidistant positions. With this configuration, the structural strength of the front grille is further increased, thereby further increasing the stacking strength of the heat source unit. Also, the first rib 134 and the second ribs 135 may be arranged either at the lower end of the front grille 132 or at the upper end of the front grille 133.

[0109] As also shown in Fig. 3, the front grille 13 comprises a plurality of air flow openings 131 which, in the present embodiment, are configured by a plurality of slits extending in a left-right direction of the heat source unit 1. In the present embodiment, the front grille 13 is formed from resin. Such a front grille formed from resin improves the outer appearance of the heat source unit.

[0110] Fig. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of parts of the heat source unit 1 of Fig. 1. In Fig. 4, the front grille 13 is omitted. The heat source unit 1 further comprises a bell mouth 15 configured to guide the airflow generated by the blower fan 14 to the outside of the heat source unit 1. As in case of the front grille 13, the bell mouth 15 is disposed between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12, so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate 11 from the top plate 11 to the bottom plate 12.

[0111] The bell mouth 15 comprises a circular cylindrical portion 153 and a planar portion 154 surrounding the circular cylindrical portion 153. The bell mouth 15, more specifically, the planar portion 154 thereof, is fixed by screws to the partition plate 16 and to the second pillar 18. The screws are used in the horizontal direction, more specifically, in the front-rear direction. In this configuration, the bell mouth 15 is disposed between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12, so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate 11 from the top plate 11 to the bottom plate 12. Also, as another embodiment, the bell mouth 15 may be fixed by screws to the bottom plate 12 so that the lower end of the bell mouth 151 is supported on the bottom plate 12. Also, the bell mouth 15 may be disposed between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12 so that the lower end of the bell mouth 151 is supported on the bottom plate 12 and the upper end of the bell mouth 152 supports the top plate 11.

[0112] As shown in Fig. 4 and, in greater detail, in Fig. 2, the bell mouth 15 is offset from a front side end of the bottom plate 12 and a front side end of the top plate 11 toward the inside of the heat source unit casing 10. As indicated in Fig. 2, a distance d1 is provided between the front side end of the bottom plate 12 and the front side end of the planar portion 154 of the bell mouth 15. The distance d1, i.e., an offset amount of the bell mouth 15 from the front side end of the bottom plate 12 and the front side end of the top plate 11 may range between 15 cm and 20 cm, preferably between 16 cm and 17 cm, more preferably between 16.9 cm and 17.3 cm.

[0113] As further shown in Fig. 2, the bell mouth 15 is also offset from the front grille 13 toward the inside of the heat source unit casing 10. More specifically, a distance d2 is provided between the rear side end of the front grille 13 and the front side end of the planar portion 154 of the bell mouth 15. The distance d2, i.e., an offset amount of the bell mouth from the front grille may range between 12 cm and 17 cm, preferably between 14 cm and 15 cm, more preferably between 14.6 cm and 14.8 cm. With this configuration, the stacking strength of the heat source unit 1 is further increased. This is because the force or load applied on the top plate 11 is even better distributed between the parts transferring the force or load from the top plate 11 to the bottom plate 12.

[0114] Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the upper left part B of Fig. 2. In the configuration shown in Fig. 5 the feature that the front grille 13 is disposed between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12, so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate 11 from the top plate 11 to the bottom plate 12 is realized by a configuration in which tolerance gaps between the front grille 13 and the top plate 11 and between the front grille 13 and the bottom plate 12 are provided. These tolerance gaps close upon applying a force on the top plate 11. For example, such tolerance gaps may have an extension d3 of 0.5 to 2.0 mm, preferably of 1.2 mm. Likewise, the feature that the bell mouth 15 is disposed between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12, so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate 11 from the top plate 11 to the bottom plate 12 is realized by a configuration in which tolerance gaps between the bell mouth 15 and the top plate 11 and between the bell mouth 15 and the bottom plate 12 are provided. The gaps close upon applying a force on the top plate 11 of the heat source unit 1. For example, such tolerance gaps may have an extension d4 of 0.5 to 1.5 mm, preferably of 0.9 mm.

[0115] In such this configuration, when a force or a load is applied on the top plate 11, the tolerance gap between the top plate 11 and the front grille 13 and the tolerance gap between the top plate 11 and the bell mouth 15 closes by pressing the top plate 11 and the front grille 13, and the top plate 11 and the bell mouth 15 together, such that the top plate 11 is in contact with the front grille 13 and the bell mouth 15. Likewise, the tolerance gap between the front grille 13 and the bottom plate 12, and the tolerance gap between the bell mouth 15 and the bottom plate 12 closes by pressing the front grille 13 and the bottom plate 12, and the bell mouth 15 and the bottom plate 12 together, such that the front grille 13 and the bell mouth 15 is in contact with the bottom plate 12. Then, the force applied on the top plate 11 is transferred from the top plate 11 to the front grille 13 and to the bell mouth 15 and, further, from the front grille 13 and the bell mouth 15 to the bottom plate 12.

[0116] Fig. 6 is a perspective top view of the heat source unit 1 of Fig. 1 without a top plate 11 of the heat source unit 1. The heat source unit 1 further comprises a partition plate 16 partitioning the heat source unit 1 into an air chamber 2 and a machine chamber 3. The air chamber 2 accommodates the blower fan 14 and the bell mouth 15. The machine chamber 3 accommodates the compressor 31 and further components of the refrigerant circuit of the heat pump. Such further components can be, for example, the expansion valve and/or the controller of the heat pump. As shown in Fig. 6, the partition plate 16 partitions the inside of the heat source unit 1 into the air chamber 2 and the machine chamber 3 in the left-right direction of the heat source unit 1.

[0117] The partition plate 16 is also disposed between the top plate 11 (not shown in Fig. 6) and the bottom plate 12, so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate 11 from the top plate 11 to the bottom plate 12. In the present embodiment, the lower end of the partition plate 161 is supported on the bottom plate 12. For example, the lower end of the partition plate 161 may be connected to the bottom plate 12 by means of a screw or bolt. The upper end of the partition plate 162 supports the top plate 11. As mentioned above, this may also include that there is a tolerance gap provided between the upper end of the partition plate 162 and the top plate 11.

[0118] As further shown in Fig. 6, the heat source unit 1 comprises a first pillar 17 that is arranged in a first corner of the heat source unit casing 10 in the machine chamber 3, and a second pillar 18 that is arranged in a second corner of the heat source unit casing 10 in the air chamber 2. As in cases of the partition plate 16, the first pillar 17 and the second pillar 18 are disposed between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12, so as to transfer a force, or load, applied on the top plate 11 from the top plate 11 to the bottom plate 12. The lower end of each of the first and second pillars 171, 181 is supported on the bottom plate 12, for example by means of a screw connection. The upper end of each of the first and second pillars 172, 182 supports the top plate 11. The upper end of each of the first and second pillars 172, 182 are connected to the top plate 11 by means of a screw connection.

[0119] As can be seen in Fig. 6, the first pillar 17 forms part of the side wall of the heat source unit casing 10 on the right side thereof, while the second pillar 18 forms part of the side wall of the heat source unit casing 10 on the left side thereof. The air chamber portion 136 of the front grille 13 is screwed to the second pillar 18 and to the partition plate 16. The machine chamber portion 137 of the front grille 13 is screwed to the first pillar 17 and to the partition plate 16.

[0120] Also, the machine chamber portion 137 is disposed between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12, similar to the air chamber portion 136 of the front grille 13. However, in contrast to the air chamber portion 136, the machine chamber portion 137 is disposed between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12 so as not to transfer a force applied on the top plate 11 from the top plate 11 to the bottom plate 12. That is, the machine chamber portion 137 is configured and fixed to the heat source unit casing 10 so that the first and second flanges 121, 111 do not overlap the machine chamber portion 137 when the heat source unit 1 is viewed from the front side. By having such a configuration, the machine chamber portion 137 can be removed without removing the top plate 11 and bottom plate 12, thereby improving maintainability to the machine chamber.

[0121] Moreover, the heat source unit 1 of the present embodiment comprises a heat exchanger 19. The heat exchanger 19 has an L-shaped bent part as viewed from the top side of the heat source unit 1. The heat exchanger is disposed in the air chamber 2 on the rear side of the heat source unit 1 opposing the front side of the heat source unit 1. The heat exchanger 19 is also disposed, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, on the left side of the heat source unit 1.

[0122] Since the heat source unit 1 of the present embodiment comprises the front grille 13 and the bell mouth 15 with the above-mentioned configurations, the heat source unit 1 has an increased stacking strength compared to prior art heat source units. Nevertheless, in order to further increase the stacking strength of the heat source unit 1, there may be provided a third pillar 20, which is arranged in the air chamber 2 further inside the heat source unit casing 10 than the L-shaped bent part of the heat exchanger 19. The third pillar 20 is disposed between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12, so that a lower end of the third pillar 201 is disposed in contact with and supported on the bottom plate 12 and an upper end of the third pillar 202 is disposed in contact with and supporting the top plate 11.

[0123] In the present embodiment, the partition plate 16, the first pillar 17, the second pillar 18, and the third pillar 20 are made of sheet metal.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0124] 

1

Heat source unit

2

Air chamber

3

Machine chamber

10

Heat source unit casing

11

Top plate

111

Second flange

12

Bottom plate

121

First flange

13

Front grille

131

Air flow openings

132

Lower end of the front grille

133

Upper end of the front grille

134

First rib

135

Second rib

136

Air chamber portion

137

Machine chamber portion

14

Blower fan

15

Bell mouth

151

Lower end of the bell mouth

152

Upper end of the bell mouth

153

Circular cylinder portion

154

Planar portion

16

Partition plate

161

Lower end of the partition plate

162

Upper end of the partition plate

17

First pillar

171

Lower end of the first pillar

172

Upper end of the first pillar

18

Second pillar

181

Lower end of the first pillar

182

Upper end of the first pillar

19

Heat exchanger

20

Third pillar

201

Lower end of the third pillar

202

Upper end of the third pillar

31

Compressor

Claims

1. A heat source unit (1) of a heat pump, the heat source unit (1) comprising:

a heat source unit casing (10) comprising a top plate (11) disposed on a top side of the heat source unit (1), a bottom plate (12) disposed on a bottom side of the heat source unit (1), and a front grille (13) that is disposed on a front side of the heat source unit (1) and in which air flow openings (131) are disposed,

a blower fan (14) that is housed in the heat source unit casing (10) and configured to generate an airflow through the air flow openings (131),

wherein the front grille (13) is disposed between the top plate (11) and the bottom plate (12), so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate (11) from the top plate (11) to the bottom plate (12).

2. The heat source unit (1) according to claim 1,
wherein at least part of a lower end of the front grille (132) is supported on the bottom plate (12) and at least part of an upper end of the front grille (133) supports the top plate (11).

3. The heat source unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2,

wherein at least a front side end of the bottom plate (12) is provided with a first flange (121) extending upward from the bottom plate (12), and at least a front side end of the top plate (11) is provided with a second flange (111) extending downward from the top plate (11),

wherein the front grille (13) is at least in part disposed further inside the heat source unit casing (10) than the first and second flanges (121, 111) so that the first and second flanges (121, 111) overlap the front grille (13) in at least the part when the heat source unit (1) is viewed from the front side.

4. The heat source unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
wherein the air flow openings (131) are configured by a plurality of slits extending in a left-right direction of the heat source unit (1) when the heat source unit (1) is viewed from the front side.

5. The heat source unit (1) according to any of one of the preceding claims,
wherein the front grille (13) is formed from resin.

6. The heat source unit (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
wherein the lower end and/or the upper end of the front grille (132, 133) comprises a first rib (134) extending in a left-right direction of the heat source unit (1) when the heat source unit (1) is viewed from the front side, and at least one second rib (135) extending in a depth direction of the heat source unit (1) toward the inside of the heat source unit casing (10) when the heat source unit (1) is viewed from the front side.

7. The heat source unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising

a bell mouth (15) configured to guide the airflow generated by the blower fan (14),

wherein the bell mouth (15) is disposed between the top plate (11) and the bottom plate (12), so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate (11) from the top plate (11) to the bottom plate (12).

8. The heat source unit (1) according to claim 7,
wherein a lower end of the bell mouth (151) is supported on the bottom plate (12) and an upper end of the bell mouth (152) supports the top plate (11).

9. The heat source unit (1) according to claim 7 or 8,
wherein the bell mouth (15) is offset from a front side end of the bottom plate (12) and a front side end of the top plate (11) toward the inside of the heat source unit casing (10) .

10. The heat source unit (1) according to claim 9, wherein the bell mouth (15) is offset from the front grille (13) toward the inside of the heat source unit casing (10).

11. The heat source unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising

a partition plate (16) partitioning the heat source unit (1) into an air chamber (2) accommodating the blower fan (14) and the bell mouth (15), and a machine chamber (3) accommodating a compressor, an expansion valve, and/or a controller of the heat pump,

wherein the partition plate (16) is disposed between the top plate (11) and the bottom plate (12), so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate (11) from the top plate (11) to the bottom plate (12).

12. The heat source unit (1) according to claim 11,
wherein a lower end of the partition plate (161) is supported on the bottom plate (12) and an upper end of the partition plate (162) supports the top plate (11).

13. The heat source unit (1) according to claim 11, further comprising

a first pillar (17) arranged in a first corner of the heat source unit casing (10) in the machine chamber (3) and a second pillar (18) arranged in a second corner of the heat source unit casing (10) in the air chamber (2),

wherein the first pillar (17) and the second pillar (18) are disposed between the top plate (11) and the bottom plate (12), so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate (11) from the top plate (11) to the bottom plate (12).

14. The heat source unit (1) according to claim 13,
wherein a lower end of each of the first and second pillars (171, 181) is supported on the bottom plate (12) and an upper end of each of the first and second pillars (172, 182) supports the top plate (11).

15. The heat source unit (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising

a heat exchanger (19) that has an L-shaped bent part when the heat source unit (1) is viewed from the top side and that is disposed in the air chamber (2) on a rear side of the heat source unit (1) opposing the front side and a left or right side of the heat source unit (1), and

a third pillar (20) arranged in the air chamber (2) further inside the heat source unit casing (10) than the L-shaped bent part of the heat exchanger (19),

wherein the third pillar (20) is disposed between the top plate (11) and the bottom plate (12), so that a lower end of the third pillar (201) is disposed in contact with and supported on the bottom plate (12) and an upper end of the third pillar (202) is disposed in contact with and supporting the top plate (11).

16. A heat pump comprising the heat source unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Amended claims

Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.

1. A heat source unit (1) of a heat pump, the heat source unit (1) comprising:

a heat source unit casing (10) comprising a top plate (11) disposed on a top side of the heat source unit (1), a bottom plate (12) disposed on a bottom side of the heat source unit (1), and a front grille (13) that is disposed on a front side of the heat source unit (1) and in which air flow openings (131) are disposed,

a blower fan (14) that is housed in the heat source unit casing (10) and configured to generate an airflow through the air flow openings (131),

characterized in that the front grille (13) is disposed between the top plate (11) and the bottom plate (12), so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate (11) from the top plate (11) to the bottom plate (12),

wherein at least part of a lower end of the front grille (132) is supported on the bottom plate (12) and at least part of an upper end of the front grille (133) supports the top plate (11).

2. The heat source unit (1) according to claim 1,

wherein at least a front side end of the bottom plate (12) is provided with a first flange (121) extending upward from the bottom plate (12), and at least a front side end of the top plate (11) is provided with a second flange (111) extending downward from the top plate (11),

wherein the front grille (13) is at least in part disposed further inside the heat source unit casing (10) than the first and second flanges (121, 111) so that the first and second flanges (121, 111) overlap the front grille (13) in at least the part when the heat source unit (1) is viewed from the front side.

3. The heat source unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein the air flow openings (131) are configured by a plurality of slits extending in a left-right direction of the heat source unit (1) when the heat source unit (1) is viewed from the front side.

4. The heat source unit (1) according to any of one of the preceding claims,
wherein the front grille (13) is formed from resin.

5. The heat source unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
wherein the lower end and/or the upper end of the front grille (132, 133) comprises a first rib (134) extending in a left-right direction of the heat source unit (1) when the heat source unit (1) is viewed from the front side, and at least one second rib (135) extending in a depth direction of the heat source unit (1) toward the inside of the heat source unit casing (10) when the heat source unit (1) is viewed from the front side.

6. The heat source unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising

a bell mouth (15) configured to guide the airflow generated by the blower fan (14),

wherein the bell mouth (15) is disposed between the top plate (11) and the bottom plate (12), so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate (11) from the top plate (11) to the bottom plate (12),

wherein a lower end of the bell mouth (151) is supported on the bottom plate (12) and an upper end of the bell mouth (152) supports the top plate (11).

7. The heat source unit (1) according to claim 6,
wherein the bell mouth (15) is offset from a front side end of the bottom plate (12) and a front side end of the top plate (11) toward the inside of the heat source unit casing (10) .

8. The heat source unit (1) according to claim 7, wherein the bell mouth (15) is offset from the front grille (13) toward the inside of the heat source unit casing (10).

9. The heat source unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising

a partition plate (16) partitioning the heat source unit (1) into an air chamber (2) accommodating the blower fan (14) and the bell mouth (15), and a machine chamber (3) accommodating a compressor, an expansion valve, and/or a controller of the heat pump,

wherein the partition plate (16) is disposed between the top plate (11) and the bottom plate (12), so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate (11) from the top plate (11) to the bottom plate (12),

wherein a lower end of the partition plate (161) is supported on the bottom plate (12) and an upper end of the partition plate (162) supports the top plate (11).

10. The heat source unit (1) according to claim 9, further comprising

a first pillar (17) arranged in a first corner of the heat source unit casing (10) in the machine chamber (3) and a second pillar (18) arranged in a second corner of the heat source unit casing (10) in the air chamber (2),

wherein the first pillar (17) and the second pillar (18) are disposed between the top plate (11) and the bottom plate (12), so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate (11) from the top plate (11) to the bottom plate (12),

wherein a lower end of each of the first and second pillars (171, 181) is supported on the bottom plate (12) and an upper end of each of the first and second pillars (172, 182) supports the top plate (11).

11. The heat source unit (1) according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising

a heat exchanger (19) that has an L-shaped bent part when the heat source unit (1) is viewed from the top side and that is disposed in the air chamber (2) on a rear side of the heat source unit (1) opposing the front side and a left or right side of the heat source unit (1), and

a third pillar (20) arranged in the air chamber (2) further inside the heat source unit casing (10) than the L-shaped bent part of the heat exchanger (19),

wherein the third pillar (20) is disposed between the top plate (11) and the bottom plate (12), so that a lower end of the third pillar (201) is disposed in contact with and supported on the bottom plate (12) and an upper end of the third pillar (202) is disposed in contact with and supporting the top plate (11).

12. A heat pump comprising the heat source unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Drawing