Heat pump hydraulic unit and hydraulic distributor

The heat pump hydraulic unit with a compact, plastic-made design addresses the issue of separate storage tanks by integrating hydraulic connections in a single unit, reducing costs and space while enhancing assembly efficiency and thermal performance.

DE102024128467A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-04-02STIEBEL ELTRON GMBH & CO KG
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102024128467
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-10-01
Publication Date
2026-04-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing heat pump systems require separate buffer storage tanks for hot water and building heating, leading to increased manufacturing costs and space requirements.

Method used

A heat pump hydraulic unit with a plastic-made hydraulic manifold comprising a first and second half-shell forming multiple hydraulic channels, where secondary hydraulic connections are arranged in the same plane, facilitating compact design and easy assembly of system components.

Benefits of technology

The solution reduces manufacturing costs and space requirements while enabling easy installation and replacement of system components, with improved thermal properties and corrosion resistance.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Heat pump hydraulic unit, comprising a plurality of first hydraulic connections, a hydraulic manifold for connecting the first hydraulic connections, the hydraulic manifold comprising a first and second half-shell each made of plastic, which together form a plurality of hydraulic channels, the first half-shell having a first and second side and an edge, the first half-shell having a plurality of second hydraulic connections at the edge, such that the second hydraulic connections are substantially in one plane, the first hydraulic connections being connectable via the second hydraulic connections and the hydraulic channels, the second half-shell having a first and second side and a plurality of system component connections for receiving system components on the first side, each of which is connected to one of the hydraulic channels.
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Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat pump hydraulic unit and a hydraulic distributor.

[0002] Heat pumps can be used to both produce hot water and heat a building. This typically requires a buffer storage tank for the hot water and a separate buffer storage tank for the building's heating system.

[0003] DE 10 2021 118 041 A1 describes a domestic technology device with a heat pump and a storage tank as well as a buffer storage tank.

[0004] DE 10 2009 048 585 A1 shows a hydraulic module for a domestic technology device. The module consists of two parts, each made of plastic. The two parts together form channels.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a heat pump system which is more cost-effective to manufacture and requires less space.

[0006] This problem is solved by a heat pump hydraulic unit according to claim 1 and by a hydraulic distributor according to claim 5.

[0007] Thus, a heat pump hydraulic unit with multiple primary hydraulic connections is provided. The hydraulic unit also includes a hydraulic manifold for connecting these primary hydraulic connections. The hydraulic manifold has a first and second half-shell, each made of plastic, which together form multiple hydraulic channels designed to connect the primary hydraulic connections. The first half-shell (e.g., the rear shell) has a first and second side and an edge. The first half-shell also features multiple secondary hydraulic connections along its edge, so that the secondary hydraulic connections are essentially located in the same plane. The secondary hydraulic connections are coupled to the primary hydraulic connections.The second half-shell has a first and second side and a plurality of system connections for receiving system components on the first side, each of which can be connected to one of the hydraulic channels.

[0008] Arranging the second hydraulic connections on one level leads to a reduction in the overall size.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, the majority of the hydraulic channels are formed in the first half-shell.

[0010] Another aspect is that the majority of the hydraulic channels protrude at least partially beyond the edge on the first side of the first half-shell. This significantly simplifies the assembly and replacement of system components.

[0011] According to another aspect, the system connections and / or the second hydraulic connections are designed as plug-in connections.

[0012] The invention also relates to a hydraulic distributor with a first and second half-shell. The first half-shell has a first and second side as well as an rim. The first half-shell has a plurality of second hydraulic connections on the rim, such that the second hydraulic connections are essentially located in one plane. The second half-shell has a first and second side as well as a plurality of system connections for receiving system components on the first side, each of which can be connected to one of the first hydraulic channels.

[0013] The system components can include a safety valve, a 4 / 3-way valve, a flange pump, an electric reheater, and / or a venting unit. In particular, the system components can be mounted on the second hydraulic housing. Assembly can be carried out either at the factory or on-site.

[0014] This results in a building services device with a compact design, where the system components can be easily installed and / or replaced. The second hydraulic connections can be configured as DN25 or DN20.

[0015] The design of the hydraulic distributor, consisting of two plastic shells, enables good thermal properties.

[0016] A vent for the hydraulic distributor may be provided at one of the hydraulic connections, particularly in the upper area.

[0017] Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0018] The advantages and embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a heat pump system, Fig. Figure 2 shows a top view of a front shell of a hydraulic distributor, Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of a rear shell of a hydraulic distributor, Fig. Figures 4A and 4B show a front view and a rear view of a hydraulic distributor, respectively. Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a hydraulic distributor with several system components.

[0019] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a heat pump system. Fig. Figure 1 shows a heat pump system or a building technology device 1 which has a heat pump WP, a hydraulic unit 100 and a hot water storage tank 200.

[0020] The hydraulic unit 100 has a housing 110 and initial hydraulic connections 101-108. These connections are for the return (RL) and flow (VL) of the heat pump. Furthermore, the hydraulic unit 100 has a third and fourth connection 103 and 104, which are configured as the return (RLW) and flow (VLW) for domestic hot water preparation. Additionally, the hydraulic unit 100 has a sixth and seventh connection 106 and 107 for the return (RLHK1) and flow (VLHK1) of a first heating circuit (HK1). Optionally, the hydraulic unit 100 can have a seventh and eighth connection 107 and 108 for the flow (VLHK2) and return (RLHK2) of a second heating circuit (HK2).

[0021] Optionally, the hydraulic unit 100 includes a circulation pump 140 at the second port 102 and an electric heating unit 120 connected in series with the circulation pump 140. Optionally, a safety group 150 can be provided at the output of the heating unit 120. Furthermore, the hydraulic unit 100 includes a valve unit 400. The valve unit 400 can be configured as a 4 / 3-way valve and has four ports. The individual ports can be connected to each other by controlling the valve unit 400.

[0022] Furthermore, a second heating circuit HK2 with a heating circuit flow pipe 107 and a heating circuit return pipe 108 can optionally be provided. If a second heating circuit HK2 is provided, then a second circulation pump 170 can optionally be provided.

[0023] The heat pump system 1 also has a buffer storage tank 200 for hot water, which is coupled to the third and fourth connections 103, 104, which represent the hot water return and the hot water supply.

[0024] A hydraulic distributor 300 is provided for connecting the first hydraulic connections.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows a top view of a front shell and Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of a rear shell of a hydraulic distributor. The hydraulic distributor 300 can be constructed from a first and second shell 320, 330. The first and second shells 320, 330 are preferably made of plastic and, for example, by injection molding. The first shell 320 can be a rear shell and the second shell 330 can be a front shell. The two shells 320, 330 are placed on top of each other and welded together.

[0026] The first shell 320 contains a plurality of fluid channels or hydraulic channels 324 as well as secondary hydraulic connections 301–309. The hydraulic connections 301–304 can be located on an edge 323 on one side of the first half-shell, while the hydraulic connections 306–308 are located on the opposite side. A hydraulic connection 305 can be located in the lower region and a hydraulic connection 309 can be located in the upper region. The hydraulic channels 324 are already formed in the first shell 320. When the second shell 330 is placed on the first shell 320, the hydraulic channels 324 are closed, so that fluid can only flow along their longitudinal direction.

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, the hydraulic connections 301-308 are arranged in one plane. In particular, the hydraulic connections 301-308 are provided in the region of the edge 323 of the first shell 320.

[0028] The second shell 330 has a plurality of openings or recesses 333–339 as system connections. These connections 333–339 serve to accommodate system components. The recesses 333–339 can optionally be designed to allow access to one of the hydraulic channels 334.

[0029] The connections for a first heating circuit HK1, a second heating circuit HK2, etc., can be connected to the second hydraulic connections 301 - 308. In particular, the connection can be made using a plug connector.

[0030] For example, a valve unit 400 can be connected via hydraulic ports 333, 334, 335, and 336. A flange pump can be connected via ports 337 and 338. A safety valve can be connected to port 339.

[0031] The system connections 333 - 339 are preferably all provided on the outside of the second shell 330. This is advantageous because it means that the system components only ever need to be mounted from one side.

[0032] Fig. 4A and Fig. Figure 4B shows a front view and a rear view of a hydraulic distributor. Fig. Figure 4A shows the assembled hydraulic distributor 300, which has a first and second shell 320, 330, serving as the rear shell and front shell, respectively. Several secondary hydraulic connections 301-309 are provided at the edge of the rear shell 320. Furthermore, the first shell 320 has a plurality of channels 334. The first shell 320 has a first and second side 321, 322, with the first side 321 being the outer side and the second side 322 the inner side.

[0033] The second shell 330 also has an outer surface 331 and an inner surface 332. The inner surfaces 322, 332 of the first and second half-shells 320, 330 are placed on top of each other and joined together, for example, by friction welding.

[0034] In its assembled state, the hydraulic distributor has a plurality of system component receptacles 333-339 on one side. These serve to accommodate system components. For example, a valve unit can be arranged in the recesses 323-326, so that the valve unit 400 is in contact with the fluid in the channels 343 via the receptacle 323-326.

[0035] The system component receptacles 333 - 339 are all provided on one side of the hydraulic distributor, while the hydraulic connections are all essentially provided in one plane at the edge of the hydraulic distributor.

[0036] Using the system component mounts 333 - 339, an electric after-heater, a four / three-way valve, a pump flange connection, sensors, safety components (safety valve with plug connection) etc. can be provided.

[0037] According to the invention, the channels 324, which connect the hydraulic connections to each other, are formed in the first shell. The second shell optionally serves only as a cover for closing the channels 334.

[0038] The hydraulic and system connections can be push-fit connections according to DN25 or DN20. Pipes, plastic elbows, and / or hoses with a plastic push-fit adapter can be connected to hydraulic connections 301-309.

[0039] The material for the first and second shells is plastic, so the hydraulic distributor is essentially made of plastic.

[0040] The use of plastic is advantageous in terms of its thermal properties, as it promotes condensation and provides insulation. Furthermore, the plastic can be corrosion-resistant.

[0041] According to one aspect, a venting port 309 is provided on the top of the hydraulic distributor to enable effective venting.

[0042] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a hydraulic manifold with several system components. Fig. The hydraulic manifold 300, a safety valve 700, a four / three-way valve 400, a flange pump 900, and an electric after-heater 600 are provided. The system components, namely the safety valve, the four / three-way valve, the flange pump, and / or the electric after-heater, can all be connected to or coupled to one side of the hydraulic manifold. Reference symbol list 1 household appliance 100 hydraulic units 101 first connection 102 second connection 103 third connection 104 fourth connection 105 Heating circuit flow 106 sixth connection 107 seventh connection 108 eighth connection 110 cases 120 heating unit 131 first connection 132 second connection 133 third connection 134 fourth connection 140 Circulation pump 150 security group 160 overflow section 170 second circulation pump 200 hot water storage tanks 300 hydraulic distributors 301 - 309 Hydraulic connections 320 first bowl 321 first page 322 second page 323 Rand 324 hydraulic channels 330 second bowl 331 Outside / first page 332 Inside / second page 333-339 System component connections 343 hydraulic channels 400 valve unit RL return RLW return VL preliminary VLW preliminary WP heat pump QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2021 118 041 A1

[0003] DE 10 2009 048 585 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Heat pump hydraulic unit (100), with a plurality of first hydraulic connections (101 - 108), a hydraulic distributor (300) for connecting the first hydraulic connections (101 - 108), wherein the hydraulic distributor (300) has a first and second half-shell (320, 330) each made of plastic, which together form a plurality of hydraulic channels (324), wherein the first half-shell (320) has a first and second side (321, 322) and an edge (323), wherein the first half-shell (320) has a plurality of second hydraulic connections (301 - 309) on the edge (323), such that the second hydraulic connections (301 - 309) are essentially in one plane, where the first hydraulic connections (101 - 108) can be connected via the second hydraulic connections (301 - 309) and the hydraulic channels (324), wherein the second half-shell (330) has a first and second side (331, 332) and a plurality of system component connections (323 - 339) for receiving system components (400, 500) on the first side (331), each of which is connected to one of the hydraulic channels (334). [2] Heat pump hydraulic unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein the majority of hydraulic channels (334) are formed in the first half-shell (320). [3] Heat pump hydraulic unit (100) according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of hydraulic channels (334) extend at least partially beyond the edge (323) on the first side (321) of the first half-shell (320). [4] Heat pump hydraulic unit (100) according to one of the claims, wherein the system component connections (333 - 339) and / or the second hydraulic connections (301 - 309) are designed as plug-in connections. [5] Hydraulic distributor (300), with a first and second half-shell (320, 330) each made of plastic, which together form a plurality of hydraulic channels (324), wherein the first half-shell (320) has a first and second side (321, 322) and an edge (323), wherein the first half-shell (320) has a plurality of second hydraulic connections (301 - 309) on the edge (323), such that the second hydraulic connections (310 - 309) are substantially in one plane, wherein the second half-shell (330) has a first and second side (331, 332) and a plurality of system component connections (323 - 339) for receiving system components (400, 500) on the first side (331), each of which can be connected to one of the first hydraulic connections. [6] Heat pump system, with a heat pump hydraulic unit (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, a heat pump (HP), and a hot water buffer tank (200).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Hydraulic module for a domestic technology appliance and heat pump with a hydraulic module

    DE102009048585A1

  • household appliance

    DE102021118041A1