Hydraulic assembly for a heat pump for room heating and / or for the production of domestic hot water and heat pump provided with said assembly

Abstract

A hydraulic assembly (43) for a heat pump system (1) for room heating and for the production of domestic hot water is described, in which a heat pump (2) is provided with a heat exchanger (16) hydraulically connected to the hydraulic assembly (43) and with an auxiliary heater (21) in hydraulic connection with the heat exchanger (16) and provided with a number of electric resistances (32) arranged inside a housing; and with a filtering element (25) in hydraulic connection with the heat exchanger (16) for the impurities released into the water. The hydraulic assembly (43) is provided with a support body (44) which at least partially defines said housing and is provided with a first union (48) configured for the connection with the heat exchanger (16), and with a tubular body (58) which is provided with a second union (63) configured for the connection with the heat exchanger (16); wherein the support body (44) and the tubular body (58) are physically separate, but connected to each other through the interposition of a connection bracket (8).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims priority from Italian patent application no. 102024000005071 filed on March 7, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a hydraulic assembly for a heat pump designed for room heating and for the production of domestic hot water and to a heat pump provided with said assembly.PRIOR ART

[0003] Typically, a heat pump system for room heating and for the production of domestic hot water comprises a heat pump and a hydraulic network connected to each other. The hydraulic network comprises, in turn, in a known manner, a high-temperature heating circuit (55-60°C), in which hot water flows for feeding the radiators and, possibly, a low-temperature heating circuit (30-35°C), in which mixed water flows for feeding radiant floor panels. The high-temperature and low-temperature circuits comprise respective delivery ducts for delivering hot water towards at least one respective heating element and respective return ducts for returning cold water from the heating elements towards the heat pump.

[0004] In a similar manner, also the domestic hot water heating circuit comprises, in turn, a delivery duct for delivering hot water towards at least one heating element (heat exchanger) placed inside the storage tank and a return duct for returning water from the heating element towards the heat pump.

[0005] Furthermore, the system comprises: a primary heat exchanger advantageously, but not necessarily, of the plate type, which is associated with a refrigerant gas feeding circuit comprising a delivery duct for delivering refrigerant gas towards a condenser and a return duct for returning refrigerant gas from the condenser towards the primary heat exchanger; an auxiliary heater in hydraulic connection by means of ducts with the primary heat exchanger; a pumping assembly hydraulically connected by means of ducts to the auxiliary heater; a filtering element, preferably of the magnetic type, for the magnetic capture of the impurities of ferrous origin released into the water in hydraulic connection by means of ducts with the primary heat exchanger. The auxiliary heater is equipped with an electric resistance for heating the water and an automated valve for the air relief.

[0006] The heat pump further comprises a flowmeter which detects the flow rate of circulating water, a pressure switch for controlling the pressure of the hydraulic circuit, a safety valve against overpressure, a three-way diverter valve intended to activate the domestic step or the heating step, diverting the water flow coming from the pumping assembly and three probes for controlling the temperature of the water entering / exiting the primary heat exchanger and the auxiliary heater.

[0007] It is evident that the system described so far comprises a plurality of single-function components connected to one another by means of numerous pipes which define layouts with considerable bulks, in which it results to be particularly complex to access some of said single-function components for carrying out maintenance operations. For this reason, the need is increasingly felt to contain the bulks of the heat pump systems and, simultaneously, to improve and simplify the ordinary and extraordinary maintenance through an accurate design of new multifunctional hydraulic assemblies aimed at obtaining a substantial reduction in the components, the bulks and costs of the product.

[0008] Document EP4102140 describes a multifunctional hydraulic assembly for a heat pump for room heating and for the production of domestic hot water of known type comprising a support body and a tubular body; wherein the support body comprises a number of resistances of a heater, whereas the tubular body comprises a heat pump and wherein the support body is directly connected to the tubular body by means of fastening means.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The object of the present invention is thus to provide a multifunctional hydraulic assembly for a heat pump for room heating and for the production of domestic hot water which is exempt from the drawbacks of the state of the art and is, in particular, easy and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0010] According to the present invention, a multifunctional hydraulic assembly for a heat pump for room heating and for the production of domestic hot water and a heat pump provided with a hydraulic assembly are provided, according to what established in the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some non-limiting example embodiments thereof with the warning that, given the particular complexity of the drawings and the high number of details, not all of the elements have been provided with a reference numeral; wherein: Figure 1 illustrates a first variation of a general hydraulic scheme of a heat pump in which a first variation of a hydraulic assembly, manufactured in accordance with the present invention, is used; Figure 2 is a side view of the hydraulic assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front view of the hydraulic assembly of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a section view along line IV-IV of the hydraulic assembly of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view partially in section of the hydraulic assembly of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a front view of the hydraulic assembly of Figure 1 coupled through a bracket to a plate water-gas exchanger; Figure 7 is a side view of the hydraulic assembly of Figure 1 coupled through a bracket to a plate water-gas exchanger; Figure 8 is a front view of the hydraulic assembly of Figure 1 directly coupled to a plate water-gas exchanger and arranged on a first side of the hydraulic assembly; Figure 9 is a front view of the hydraulic assembly of Figure 1 directly coupled to a plate water-gas exchanger and arranged at the back with respect to the hydraulic assembly; Figure 10 is a front view of the hydraulic assembly of Figure 1 directly coupled to a plate water-gas exchanger and arranged on a second side of the hydraulic assembly; and Figure 11 represents three perspective views of the hydraulic assembly of Figure 1 coupled to a plate water-gas exchanger with different configurations. PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 indicates, as a whole, a heat pump system for room heating and for the production of domestic hot water.

[0013] The system 1 comprises a heat pump 2 and a hydraulic network 3 hydraulically connected to each other.

[0014] The hydraulic network 3 comprises, in turn, in a known manner, a domestic hot water production circuit 4 and a high-temperature heating circuit 5. The circuit 4 comprises a delivery duct 6 for delivering hot water towards at least one heating element 7 and a return duct 9 for returning cold water from the heating element 7 towards the heat pump 2.

[0015] The circuit 5 comprises, in turn, a delivery duct 11 for delivering hot water towards at least one radiator 12 and a return duct 14 for returning cold water towards the heat pump 2 from the radiator 12.

[0016] Still according to what is illustrated in Figure 1, the heat pump 2 comprises: a primary heat exchanger 16 advantageously, but not necessarily, of the plate type, which is associated with a refrigerant gas feeding circuit 17 comprising a return duct 18 for returning refrigerant gas towards a condenser 19 and a delivery duct 20 for delivering refrigerant gas from the condenser 19 towards the heat exchanger 16; an auxiliary heater 21 in hydraulic connection with the plate heat exchanger 16; a pumping assembly 23 hydraulically connected to the auxiliary heater 21 and having a pump body 42; a filtering element 25, preferably of the magnetic type, having an outer body 26 in hydraulic connection with the heat exchanger 16 which houses a magnetic insert 27, preferably made of neodymium for the magnetic capture of the impurities of ferrous origin released into the water; and a tap 29 for discharging the impurities, to be used for the cleaning and maintenance operations; and a shut-off valve 31 for intercepting the water flow coming from the return duct 9 and from the return duct 14 and placed immediately upstream of the filtering element 25.

[0017] The auxiliary heater 21 is provided with a number of electric resistances 32 for heating the water and is equipped with a degassing valve 33 for the air relief, with a tap 34 for discharging the water which, in case of need, sends the water being discharged through a discharge duct; a safety valve 35 which, in case of need, is designed to send the water being discharged through a discharge duct; and an expansion vessel 36.

[0018] Finally, the heat pump 2 comprises a flowmeter 37 which detects the flow rate of the circulating water of the system, a pressure switch 38, and a three-way diverter valve 39 intended to activate the domestic step and / or the heating step by diverting the water flow coming from the pumping assembly 23.

[0019] Inside the heat exchanger 16, an exchange of heat occurs between the water coming from the filtering element 25 and the refrigerant gas provided by the feeding circuit 17.

[0020] Finally, the heat pump system 1 comprises a valve hydraulic assembly 43 made for adjusting the flows of water from / to the heat exchanger 16 and from / to the hydraulic network 3.

[0021] The hydraulic assembly 43 is made by means of a support body 44 having a substantial cylindrical symmetry around an axis X and comprising a tubular-shaped upper portion 45 which at least partially defines a housing of the auxiliary heater 21. In particular, the upper portion 45 is provided with a side wall 46 with a cylindrical symmetry and a head wall 47.

[0022] The upper portion 45 is provided with a union 48 for the heat exchanger 16 arranged on the side wall 46, in the proximity of the head wall 47. The upper portion 45 is provided with a union 49 for the degassing valve 33 arranged on the head wall 47.

[0023] In the union 48 there is inserted an aerator connector 10 for the connection with the heat exchanger 16. The aerator connector 10 is configured to separate air and gas particles from the flow coming from the heat exchanger 16 and direct them to the degassing valve 33.

[0024] Furthermore, the side wall 46 is provided, in the proximity of the wall 47, with a union 13 configured to accommodate a thermal probe 15. The thermal probe 15 is immersed in the flow coming from the heat exchanger 16 for measuring the temperature.

[0025] Finally, in the tubular portion 45 there is defined an air / gas separation chamber 22 in the space defined between the head wall 47 and the union 48.

[0026] The support body 44 then comprises a housing made by means of a tubular-shaped lower portion 50 which defines, together with the upper portion 45, the housing of the auxiliary heater 21. In particular, the lower portion 50 is provided with a side wall 51 and a bottom wall 52. The lower portion 50 is provided with a union 53 for the pumping assembly 23 arranged on the side wall 51, in the proximity of the bottom wall 52. Furthermore, the lower portion 50 is provided with a pair of diametrically opposite unions 54 for the safety valve 35 obtained on the side wall 51, in the proximity of a flange 55 for the connection with the upper portion 45. The lower portion 50 is provided with a pair of diametrically opposite unions 56 for the expansion vessel 36 and obtained on the side wall 51, under the unions 54. The lower portion 50 is finally provided with a pair of diametrically opposite unions 57 for the tap 34, and arranged on the side wall 51, under the unions 56, in the proximity of the bottom wall 52.

[0027] The upper and lower portions 45, 50 are connected to each other in a known manner (for example by means of welding or by means of fastening means at the flange 55). Alternatively, according to a variation not illustrated, the housing of the auxiliary heater 21 is made by one single body having a side wall with a cylindrical symmetry, a bottom wall and a head wall.

[0028] The support body 44 is connected to a tubular-shaped body 58 which defines the housing of the filtering element 25. In particular, the tubular body 58 is provided with a side wall 59 and a pair of end walls 60, 61. The tubular body 58 is provided with a pair of unions 62 diametrically opposite each other for the tap 29 arranged on the side wall 59.

[0029] The tubular body 58 is provided with an inspection plug 24, which supports a filter cartridge and a central tube for containing the magnetic insertion 27. The plug 24 makes the tubular body 58 inspectable from the outside.

[0030] The support body 44 is physically separate from the tubular body 58. In other words, the support body 44 is not made as one single piece with the tubular-shaped body 58. The support body 44 is connected, preferably by means of fastening means of known type, to the tubular-shaped body 58.

[0031] According to a first embodiment illustrated in Figure 11a, the support body 44 is directly connected to the tubular-shaped body 58 by means of fastening means of known type, such as for example screws so as to arrange the support body 44 at the minimum distance from the tubular-shaped body 58.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the support body 44 is connected to the tubular-shaped body 58 with the interposition of a connection bracket 8. The connection bracket 8 is then connected by means of fastening means of known type (such as, for example, screws) both to the support body 44 and to the tubular-shaped body 58.

[0033] Advantageously, the connection bracket 8 has a reduced thickness and a rectangular shape in plan; in other words, the connection bracket 8 is provided with two minor sides (or edges) parallel to and opposite each other and with two major sides (or edges) parallel to and opposite each other. The connection of the connection bracket 8 to the support body 44 and to the tubular-shaped body 58, respectively, is made by alternatively exploiting the major side (according to what is illustrated in Figure 11C) so as to arrange the support body 44 at the maximum distance from the tubular-shaped body 58 (whereas the minor sides of the connection bracket 8 are connected to the support body 44 and to the tubular-shaped body 58, respectively, by means of fastening means) or by exploiting a minor side of the connection bracket 8 so as to arrange the support body 44 at an intermediate distance from the tubular-shaped body 58 (whereas the major sides of the connection bracket 8 are connected to the support body 44 and to the tubular-shaped body 58, respectively, by means of fastening means).

[0034] Finally, the body 58 is provided with a pair of diametrically opposite unions 65 for the return ducts 9, 14 with the interposition of the shut-off valve 31 and obtained on the side wall 59.

[0035] The pump body 42 is provided with an upper union 67, opposite with respect to the appendix intended for making the connection with a collector 68.

[0036] The collector 68 is made as a tubular body with a cylindrical symmetry provided with a pair of unions 69 arranged at the same height of the tubular body and having respective axes orthogonal to each other for making the connection with the flowmeter 37 and the pressure switch 38, respectively.

[0037] Furthermore, the collector 68 defines at one end a union 70 for a body 71 comprising a delivery union of the system. It is evident that the presence of the support bracket 8 (which can be used along its long side or along its short side) for making the connection between the support body 44 and the tubular-shaped body 58, allows easily adapting to the dimensions of different types of heat exchanger 16 varying (increasing / reducing) the overall longitudinal extension. The support body 44 and the tubular-shaped body 58 are connected to each other in a releasable manner.

[0038] Furthermore, the support body 44 and the tubular-shaped body 58 can be connected to each other with different mutual orientations. In particular, the arrangement (orientation) of the support body 44 with respect to the tubular-shaped body 58 allows making different layouts; the layout is chosen so as to compact the overall bulks, always allowing to keep a direct coupling to the heat exchanger 16 regardless of its collocation, at the back or at the side with respect to the valve hydraulic assembly 43.

[0039] The hydraulic assembly 43 described so far is hydraulically connected in a direct manner to the heat exchanger 16 through quick couplings.

[0040] The main advantage of the hydraulic assembly 43 consists in providing for a rational arrangement of the components of the heat pump system 1 and a consequent reduction in the overall bulks thanks to the containment of the pipes necessary for the connection of said components.LIST OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS OF THE FIGURES

[0041] 1heat pump system 2heat pump 3hydraulic network 4hot water production circuit 5high-temperature heating circuit 6delivery duct 7heating element 8connection bracket 9return duct 10aerator connector 11delivery duct 12radiator 13union 14return duct 15thermal probe 16primary exchanger 17refrigerant gas feeding circuit 18delivery duct 19condenser 20return duct 21auxiliary heater 22separation chamber 23pumping assembly 24plug 25filtering element 26outer body 27magnetic insert 29tap 31shut-off valve 32electric resistances 33degassing valve 34tap 35safety valve 36expansion vessel 37flowmeter 38pressure switch 42pump body 43valve hydraulic assembly 44support body 45tubular portion 46side wall 47head wall 48union 49union 50portion 51side wall 52bottom wall 53union 54union 55flange 56union 57union 58tubular body 59side wall 60end wall 61end wall 62unions 63union 64sleeve 65unions 67pump union 68collector 69unions 70union 71body Xaxis

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0012]In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 indicates, as a whole, a heat pump system for room heating and for the production of domestic hot water.

[0013]The system 1 comprises a heat pump 2 and a hydraulic network 3 hydraulically connected to each other.

[0014]The hydraulic network 3 comprises, in turn, in a known manner, a domestic hot water production circuit 4 and a high-temperature heating circuit 5. The circuit 4 comprises a delivery duct 6 for delivering hot water towards at least one heating element 7 and a return duct 9 for returning cold water from the heating element 7 towards the heat pump 2.

[0015]The circuit 5 comprises, in turn, a delivery duct 11 for delivering hot water towards at least one radiator 12 and a return duct 14 for returning cold water towards the heat pump 2 from the radiator 12.

[0016]Still according to what is illustrated in Figure 1, the heat pump 2 comprises:

a primary heat exchanger 16 advantageously, but not necessarily, of the plate type, which is assoc...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims priority from Italian patent application no. 102024000005071 filed on March 7, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a hydraulic assembly for a heat pump designed for room heating and for the production of domestic hot water and to a heat pump provided with said assembly.PRIOR ART

[0003] Typically, a heat pump system for room heating and for the production of domestic hot water comprises a heat pump and a hydraulic network connected to each other. The hydraulic network comprises, in turn, in a known manner, a high-temperature heating circuit (55-60°C), in which hot water flows for feeding the radiators and, possibly, a low-temperature heating circuit (30-35°C), in which mixed water flows for feeding radiant floor panels. The high-temperature and low-temperature circuits comprise respective delivery ducts for delivering hot water towards at least one respective heating element and respective return ducts for returning cold water from the heating elements towards the heat pump.

[0004] In a similar manner, also the domestic hot water heating circuit comprises, in turn, a delivery duct for delivering hot water towards at least one heating element (heat exchanger) placed inside the storage tank and a return duct for returning water from the heating element towards the heat pump.

[0005] Furthermore, the system comprises: a primary heat exchanger advantageously, but not necessarily, of the plate type, which is associated with a refrigerant gas feeding circuit comprising a delivery duct for delivering refrigerant gas towards a condenser and a return duct for returning refrigerant gas from the condenser towards the primary heat exchanger; an auxiliary heater in hydraulic connection by means of ducts with the primary heat exchanger; a pumping assembly hydraulically connected by means of ducts to the auxiliary heater; a filtering element, preferably of the magnetic type, for the magnetic capture of the impurities of ferrous origin released into the water in hydraulic connection by means of ducts with the primary heat exchanger. The auxiliary heater is equipped with an electric resistance for heating the water and an automated valve for the air relief.

[0006] The heat pump further comprises a flowmeter which detects the flow rate of circulating water, a pressure switch for controlling the pressure of the hydraulic circuit, a safety valve against overpressure, a three-way diverter valve intended to activate the domestic step or the heating step, diverting the water flow coming from the pumping assembly and three probes for controlling the temperature of the water entering / exiting the primary heat exchanger and the auxiliary heater.

[0007] It is evident that the system described so far comprises a plurality of single-function components connected to one another by means of numerous pipes which define layouts with considerable bulks, in which it results to be particularly complex to access some of said single-function components for carrying out maintenance operations. For this reason, the need is increasingly felt to contain the bulks of the heat pump systems and, simultaneously, to improve and simplify the ordinary and extraordinary maintenance through an accurate design of new multifunctional hydraulic assemblies aimed at obtaining a substantial reduction in the components, the bulks and costs of the product.

[0008] Document EP4102140 describes a multifunctional hydraulic assembly for a heat pump for room heating and for the production of domestic hot water of known type comprising a support body and a tubular body; wherein the support body comprises a number of resistances of a heater, whereas the tubular body comprises a heat pump and wherein the support body is directly connected to the tubular body by means of fastening means.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The object of the present invention is thus to provide a multifunctional hydraulic assembly for a heat pump for room heating and for the production of domestic hot water which is exempt from the drawbacks of the state of the art and is, in particular, easy and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0010] According to the present invention, a multifunctional hydraulic assembly for a heat pump for room heating and for the production of domestic hot water and a heat pump provided with a hydraulic assembly are provided, according to what established in the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some non-limiting example embodiments thereof with the warning that, given the particular complexity of the drawings and the high number of details, not all of the elements have been provided with a reference numeral; wherein: Figure 1 illustrates a first variation of a general hydraulic scheme of a heat pump in which a first variation of a hydraulic assembly, manufactured in accordance with the present invention, is used; Figure 2 is a side view of the hydraulic assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front view of the hydraulic assembly of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a section view along line IV-IV of the hydraulic assembly of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view partially in section of the hydraulic assembly of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a front view of the hydraulic assembly of Figure 1 coupled through a bracket to a plate water-gas exchanger; Figure 7 is a side view of the hydraulic assembly of Figure 1 coupled through a bracket to a plate water-gas exchanger; Figure 8 is a front view of the hydraulic assembly of Figure 1 directly coupled to a plate water-gas exchanger and arranged on a first side of the hydraulic assembly; Figure 9 is a front view of the hydraulic assembly of Figure 1 directly coupled to a plate water-gas exchanger and arranged at the back with respect to the hydraulic assembly; Figure 10 is a front view of the hydraulic assembly of Figure 1 directly coupled to a plate water-gas exchanger and arranged on a second side of the hydraulic assembly; and Figure 11 represents three perspective views of the hydraulic assembly of Figure 1 coupled to a plate water-gas exchanger with different configurations. PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 indicates, as a whole, a heat pump system for room heating and for the production of domestic hot water.

[0013] The system 1 comprises a heat pump 2 and a hydraulic network 3 hydraulically connected to each other.

[0014] The hydraulic network 3 comprises, in turn, in a known manner, a domestic hot water production circuit 4 and a high-temperature heating circuit 5. The circuit 4 comprises a delivery duct 6 for delivering hot water towards at least one heating element 7 and a return duct 9 for returning cold water from the heating element 7 towards the heat pump 2.

[0015] The circuit 5 comprises, in turn, a delivery duct 11 for delivering hot water towards at least one radiator 12 and a return duct 14 for returning cold water towards the heat pump 2 from the radiator 12.

[0016] Still according to what is illustrated in Figure 1, the heat pump 2 comprises: a primary heat exchanger 16 advantageously, but not necessarily, of the plate type, which is associated with a refrigerant gas feeding circuit 17 comprising a return duct 18 for returning refrigerant gas towards a condenser 19 and a delivery duct 20 for delivering refrigerant gas from the condenser 19 towards the heat exchanger 16; an auxiliary heater 21 in hydraulic connection with the plate heat exchanger 16; a pumping assembly 23 hydraulically connected to the auxiliary heater 21 and having a pump body 42; a filtering element 25, preferably of the magnetic type, having an outer body 26 in hydraulic connection with the heat exchanger 16 which houses a magnetic insert 27, preferably made of neodymium for the magnetic capture of the impurities of ferrous origin released into the water; and a tap 29 for discharging the impurities, to be used for the cleaning and maintenance operations; and a shut-off valve 31 for intercepting the water flow coming from the return duct 9 and from the return duct 14 and placed immediately upstream of the filtering element 25.

[0017] The auxiliary heater 21 is provided with a number of electric resistances 32 for heating the water and is equipped with a degassing valve 33 for the air relief, with a tap 34 for discharging the water which, in case of need, sends the water being discharged through a discharge duct; a safety valve 35 which, in case of need, is designed to send the water being discharged through a discharge duct; and an expansion vessel 36.

[0018] Finally, the heat pump 2 comprises a flowmeter 37 which detects the flow rate of the circulating water of the system, a pressure switch 38, and a three-way diverter valve 39 intended to activate the domestic step and / or the heating step by diverting the water flow coming from the pumping assembly 23.

[0019] Inside the heat exchanger 16, an exchange of heat occurs between the water coming from the filtering element 25 and the refrigerant gas provided by the feeding circuit 17.

[0020] Finally, the heat pump system 1 comprises a valve hydraulic assembly 43 made for adjusting the flows of water from / to the heat exchanger 16 and from / to the hydraulic network 3.

[0021] The hydraulic assembly 43 is made by means of a support body 44 having a substantial cylindrical symmetry around an axis X and comprising a tubular-shaped upper portion 45 which at least partially defines a housing of the auxiliary heater 21. In particular, the upper portion 45 is provided with a side wall 46 with a cylindrical symmetry and a head wall 47.

[0022] The upper portion 45 is provided with a union 48 for the heat exchanger 16 arranged on the side wall 46, in the proximity of the head wall 47. The upper portion 45 is provided with a union 49 for the degassing valve 33 arranged on the head wall 47.

[0023] In the union 48 there is inserted an aerator connector 10 for the connection with the heat exchanger 16. The aerator connector 10 is configured to separate air and gas particles from the flow coming from the heat exchanger 16 and direct them to the degassing valve 33.

[0024] Furthermore, the side wall 46 is provided, in the proximity of the wall 47, with a union 13 configured to accommodate a thermal probe 15. The thermal probe 15 is immersed in the flow coming from the heat exchanger 16 for measuring the temperature.

[0025] Finally, in the tubular portion 45 there is defined an air / gas separation chamber 22 in the space defined between the head wall 47 and the union 48.

[0026] The support body 44 then comprises a housing made by means of a tubular-shaped lower portion 50 which defines, together with the upper portion 45, the housing of the auxiliary heater 21. In particular, the lower portion 50 is provided with a side wall 51 and a bottom wall 52. The lower portion 50 is provided with a union 53 for the pumping assembly 23 arranged on the side wall 51, in the proximity of the bottom wall 52. Furthermore, the lower portion 50 is provided with a pair of diametrically opposite unions 54 for the safety valve 35 obtained on the side wall 51, in the proximity of a flange 55 for the connection with the upper portion 45. The lower portion 50 is provided with a pair of diametrically opposite unions 56 for the expansion vessel 36 and obtained on the side wall 51, under the unions 54. The lower portion 50 is finally provided with a pair of diametrically opposite unions 57 for the tap 34, and arranged on the side wall 51, under the unions 56, in the proximity of the bottom wall 52.

[0027] The upper and lower portions 45, 50 are connected to each other in a known manner (for example by means of welding or by means of fastening means at the flange 55). Alternatively, according to a variation not illustrated, the housing of the auxiliary heater 21 is made by one single body having a side wall with a cylindrical symmetry, a bottom wall and a head wall.

[0028] The support body 44 is connected to a tubular-shaped body 58 which defines the housing of the filtering element 25. In particular, the tubular body 58 is provided with a side wall 59 and a pair of end walls 60, 61. The tubular body 58 is provided with a pair of unions 62 diametrically opposite each other for the tap 29 arranged on the side wall 59.

[0029] The tubular body 58 is provided with an inspection plug 24, which supports a filter cartridge and a central tube for containing the magnetic insertion 27. The plug 24 makes the tubular body 58 inspectable from the outside.

[0030] The support body 44 is physically separate from the tubular body 58. In other words, the support body 44 is not made as one single piece with the tubular-shaped body 58. The support body 44 is connected, preferably by means of fastening means of known type, to the tubular-shaped body 58.

[0031] According to a first embodiment illustrated in Figure 11a, the support body 44 is directly connected to the tubular-shaped body 58 by means of fastening means of known type, such as for example screws so as to arrange the support body 44 at the minimum distance from the tubular-shaped body 58.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the support body 44 is connected to the tubular-shaped body 58 with the interposition of a connection bracket 8. The connection bracket 8 is then connected by means of fastening means of known type (such as, for example, screws) both to the support body 44 and to the tubular-shaped body 58.

[0033] Advantageously, the connection bracket 8 has a reduced thickness and a rectangular shape in plan; in other words, the connection bracket 8 is provided with two minor sides (or edges) parallel to and opposite each other and with two major sides (or edges) parallel to and opposite each other. The connection of the connection bracket 8 to the support body 44 and to the tubular-shaped body 58, respectively, is made by alternatively exploiting the major side (according to what is illustrated in Figure 11C) so as to arrange the support body 44 at the maximum distance from the tubular-shaped body 58 (whereas the minor sides of the connection bracket 8 are connected to the support body 44 and to the tubular-shaped body 58, respectively, by means of fastening means) or by exploiting a minor side of the connection bracket 8 so as to arrange the support body 44 at an intermediate distance from the tubular-shaped body 58 (whereas the major sides of the connection bracket 8 are connected to the support body 44 and to the tubular-shaped body 58, respectively, by means of fastening means).

[0034] Finally, the body 58 is provided with a pair of diametrically opposite unions 65 for the return ducts 9, 14 with the interposition of the shut-off valve 31 and obtained on the side wall 59.

[0035] The pump body 42 is provided with an upper union 67, opposite with respect to the appendix intended for making the connection with a collector 68.

[0036] The collector 68 is made as a tubular body with a cylindrical symmetry provided with a pair of unions 69 arranged at the same height of the tubular body and having respective axes orthogonal to each other for making the connection with the flowmeter 37 and the pressure switch 38, respectively.

[0037] Furthermore, the collector 68 defines at one end a union 70 for a body 71 comprising a delivery union of the system. It is evident that the presence of the support bracket 8 (which can be used along its long side or along its short side) for making the connection between the support body 44 and the tubular-shaped body 58, allows easily adapting to the dimensions of different types of heat exchanger 16 varying (increasing / reducing) the overall longitudinal extension. The support body 44 and the tubular-shaped body 58 are connected to each other in a releasable manner.

[0038] Furthermore, the support body 44 and the tubular-shaped body 58 can be connected to each other with different mutual orientations. In particular, the arrangement (orientation) of the support body 44 with respect to the tubular-shaped body 58 allows making different layouts; the layout is chosen so as to compact the overall bulks, always allowing to keep a direct coupling to the heat exchanger 16 regardless of its collocation, at the back or at the side with respect to the valve hydraulic assembly 43.

[0039] The hydraulic assembly 43 described so far is hydraulically connected in a direct manner to the heat exchanger 16 through quick couplings.

[0040] The main advantage of the hydraulic assembly 43 consists in providing for a rational arrangement of the components of the heat pump system 1 and a consequent reduction in the overall bulks thanks to the containment of the pipes necessary for the connection of said components.LIST OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS OF THE FIGURES

[0041] 1heat pump system 2heat pump 3hydraulic network 4hot water production circuit 5high-temperature heating circuit 6delivery duct 7heating element 8connection bracket 9return duct 10aerator connector 11delivery duct 12radiator 13union 14return duct 15thermal probe 16primary exchanger 17refrigerant gas feeding circuit 18delivery duct 19condenser 20return duct 21auxiliary heater 22separation chamber 23pumping assembly 24plug 25filtering element 26outer body 27magnetic insert 29tap 31shut-off valve 32electric resistances 33degassing valve 34tap 35safety valve 36expansion vessel 37flowmeter 38pressure switch 42pump body 43valve hydraulic assembly 44support body 45tubular portion 46side wall 47head wall 48union 49union 50portion 51side wall 52bottom wall 53union 54union 55flange 56union 57union 58tubular body 59side wall 60end wall 61end wall 62unions 63union 64sleeve 65unions 67pump union 68collector 69unions 70union 71body Xaxis

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0012]In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 indicates, as a whole, a heat pump system for room heating and for the production of domestic hot water.

[0013]The system 1 comprises a heat pump 2 and a hydraulic network 3 hydraulically connected to each other.

[0014]The hydraulic network 3 comprises, in turn, in a known manner, a domestic hot water production circuit 4 and a high-temperature heating circuit 5. The circuit 4 comprises a delivery duct 6 for delivering hot water towards at least one heating element 7 and a return duct 9 for returning cold water from the heating element 7 towards the heat pump 2.

[0015]The circuit 5 comprises, in turn, a delivery duct 11 for delivering hot water towards at least one radiator 12 and a return duct 14 for returning cold water towards the heat pump 2 from the radiator 12.

[0016]Still according to what is illustrated in Figure 1, the heat pump 2 comprises:

a primary heat exchanger 16 advantageously, but not necessarily, of the plate type, which is assoc...

Claims

1. A hydraulic assembly (43) for a heat pump system (1) for room heating and for the production of domestic hot water, in which a heat pump (2) is hydraulically connected to a hydraulic network (3) having a room heating circuit (5) and a domestic hot water heating circuit (4); the heat pump (2) is provided with a heat exchanger (16) arranged to be hydraulically connected, in a direct manner, to the hydraulic assembly (43); with an auxiliary heater (21) in hydraulic connection with the heat exchanger (16) and provided with a number of electric resistances (32) arranged inside a housing; and with a filtering element (25) in hydraulic connection with the heat exchanger (16) for the impurities released into the water; the hydraulic assembly (43) is characterized in that it comprises a support body (44) and a tubular body (58); wherein the support body (44) at least partially defines said housing and is provided with a first union (48) configured for the connection with the heat exchanger (16) and the tubular body (58) comprises said filtering element (25) and is provided with a second union (63) configured for the connection with the heat exchanger (16); wherein the support body (44) and the tubular body (58) are physically separate, but connected to each other through the interposition of a connection bracket (8).

2. The hydraulic assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support body (44) and the tubular body (58) are connected to each other in a releasable manner.

3. The hydraulic assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the first union (48) there is inserted an aerator connector (10) for the connection with the heat exchanger (16), which is configured to separate air and gas particles from the flow coming from the heat exchanger (16) and direct them towards a degassing valve (33).

4. The hydraulic assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support body (44) comprises a third union (13) configured to accommodate a thermal probe (15) immersed in the flow coming from the heat exchanger (16).

5. The hydraulic assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the support body (44) there is defined an air / gas separation chamber (22) in the space defined between a head wall (47) and the first union (48).

6. The hydraulic assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydraulic assembly (43) is configured so that the heat exchanger (16) can be connected on at least three sides of the hydraulic assembly (43).

7. The hydraulic assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydraulic assembly (43) is configured so that it can be connected to heat exchangers (16) with different distances between the centres of the respective hydraulic unions.

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