Indoor unit for a split heat pump

Abstract

An indoor unit (1), in particular for a split heat pump, comprising a housing (2) that defines a housing compartment (3) inside; a fluid circuit (6); a refrigerant circuit (4); and a heat exchanger (5) configured to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and the fluid, wherein the refrigerant circuit (4) extends between two end bodies (7) configured to convey the refrigerant through the heat exchanger (5), thereby achieving heat exchange with the fluid, wherein one of the end bodies (7) is configured to convey the refrigerant into the heat exchanger (5), while the other is configured to convey the refrigerant out of the heat exchanger (5), wherein each end body (7) includes a shut-off valve (8) designed to intercept the refrigerant flow circulating through the end body (7), wherein each shut-off valve (8) comprises an interception chamber (9) and an interception member, which is configured to intercept the refrigerant circulating through the shut-off chamber (9), wherein each shut-off valve (8) includes a terminal conduit (10) fluidically connected to the shut-off chamber (9) and extending in the opposite direction from the housing (2) with respect to the shut-off chamber (9), wherein the terminal conduit (10) is shaped to enable a fluid-tight connection between the shut-off chamber (9) and an external refrigerant circuit (19), and is formed as a single piece with the shut-off chamber (9).

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention concerns an indoor unit for a heat pump, in particular a split air-to-water heat pump.State of the art

[0002] A heat pump is a thermal machine configured to take and transfer thermal energy, in which thermal energy can be withdrawn from the air, soil or groundwater, for example, and can be used, for example, for space heating or domestic hot water.

[0003] There are different types of heat pumps, including split air-to-water heat pumps, consisting of an outdoor unit ("ODU") and an indoor unit ("IDU") fluidically connected to each other by a refrigerant circuit, which allow the energy present in the air to be extracted and transferred to the water used by a heating system in a home. The outdoor unit can be placed outside the house and includes the elements of the refrigerant circuit designed to take heat from the air and transfer it to the refrigerant fluid. The indoor unit can be installed inside the house and is equipped with a heat exchanger that transfers heat from the refrigerant fluid to the water of use.

[0004] The refrigerant fluid circulating within the refrigerant circuit may be a flammable or toxic or explosive fluid. For example, propane gas (R290) is known to be used as the refrigerant of a split heat pump.

[0005] Given the potential danger of the refrigerant fluid, it is known to equip the heat pump with safety measures to prevent or limit the risks deriving from a possible loss of refrigerant fluid, in particular in the event that the loss of refrigerant fluid occurs at the indoor unit, and therefore inside the home.

[0006] For example, it is known to equip the indoor unit with a refrigerant leak detection sensor. This sensor can be configured to detect a pressure loss within the refrigerant circuit or to chemically detect the presence of refrigerant at the indoor unit.

[0007] It is also known to equip the heat pump with systems designed to interrupt and limit the loss of refrigerant fluid, for example it is known to place a pair of shut-off valves (or "shut off" valves) on the inlet and outlet ducts of the refrigerant circuit that convey the refrigerant fluid in and out of the indoor unit. The shut off valves are configured to close the portion of the refrigerant circuit located inside the indoor unit of the heat pump, isolating it from the remaining portion of the refrigerant circuit that branches off from the outdoor unit.

[0008] In this way, it is possible to limit the maximum amount of refrigerant fluid that can be dispersed inside the house in the event that the refrigerant fluid leak is located in the portion of the refrigerant circuit included within the indoor unit between the two shut off valves.

[0009] The indoor unit equipped with these safety measures can then be installed and connected to the refrigerant circuit, and thus to the outdoor unit, by means of known means of connection suitable for creating a tight fluidic connection between the shut off valves of the refrigerant circuit and a respective refrigerant pipe extended between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, e.g. by means of a threaded or plastic deformation connection.

[0010] In particular, in order to allow an installer to make this fluidic connection, it is necessary to equip the indoor unit with a connection portion or a fitting suitable to be subsequently connected to the refrigerant pipe, in which this portion or fitting is generally inserted and welded to the shut off valves, and protruding from them.

[0011] However, this welded connection introduces a potential leak point of the portion of the refrigerant circuit formed and positioned at the indoor unit, and in the event that a leak is generated right at this welded connection, the safety measures with which the indoor unit is equipped, in particular the shut off valves, would not be able to limit the total amount of refrigerant fluid that can be dispersed by the indoor unit.

[0012] The need is therefore felt to have an indoor unit of an improved heat pump and such as to solve the critical issues highlighted in the known art.Solution

[0013] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of a heat pump, in particular of the air-water split type, such as to overcome the critical issues highlighted in the prior art.

[0014] A particular purpose of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of a heat pump configured to be both connectable to the refrigerant circuit and to ensure that the maximum amount of refrigerant that can be dispersed by the indoor unit is limited.

[0015] These and other purposes are achieved by means of an indoor unit of a heat pump according to claim 1.

[0016] Dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous forms of realization of the present invention.Figures

[0017] In order to better understand the invention and appreciate its advantages, some of its exemplary and non-limiting forms of realization will be described below, referring to the attached figures, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an indoor unit of a heat pump, according to a form of realization of the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of a portion of the indoor unit of a heat pump represented in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of an end body of the indoor unit of a heat pump represented in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a side view of a shut off valve of the indoor unit of a heat pump represented in Figure 1; Figure 5 is an axial section view of the shut off valve represented in figure 4; Figure 6 is a perspective view of an indoor unit of a heat pump, according to a form of realization of the invention; Figure 7 is a side view of a portion of the indoor unit of a heat pump represented in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a perspective view of an end body of the indoor unit of a heat pump represented in Figure 6; Figure 9 is a side view of a shut off valve of the indoor unit of a heat pump represented in figure 6; Figure 10 is an axial section view of the shut off valve represented in figure 9. Description of some preferred embodimentsIndoor Unit 1

[0018] In the following description, an indoor unit is generally referred to by reference number 1.

[0019] The indoor unit 1 is suitable for integration into a split heat pump of the type also including an outdoor unit. In such a heat pump, the outdoor unit can be connected to indoor unit 1, for example via an external refrigerant circuit.

[0020] The indoor unit 1 includes a housing 2. The housing 2 defines a housing compartment 3 therein.

[0021] The indoor unit 1 also includes a working fluid circuit 6, which is configured to circulate a working fluid, such as water.

[0022] In particular, the working fluid circuit 6 may constitute a portion of a closed heating circuit of the working fluid, suitable for example for transferring or withdrawing heat from a house.

[0023] The indoor unit 1 also includes a refrigerant circuit 4, which is configured to circulate a refrigerant. The refrigerant is for example propane (R290).

[0024] The refrigerant circuit 4 can be a portion of a closed refrigerant circuit that extends through the indoor unit 1 and an outdoor unit of the split heat pump.

[0025] The indoor unit 1 also includes a heat exchanger 5, configured to achieve a heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid circulating in the refrigerant circuit 4 and the working fluid circulating in the working fluid circuit 6.

[0026] The refrigerant circuit 4, the heat exchanger 5 and the working fluid circuit 6 are housed in the housing compartment 3.

[0027] In addition, the refrigerant circuit 4 is extended between two end bodies 7 configured to convey the refrigerant fluid through the heat exchanger 5, in order to achieve the heat exchange with the working fluid.

[0028] One of the two end bodies 7 is configured to convey the refrigerant fluid entering the heat exchanger 5, and the other of the two end bodies 7 is configured to convey the refrigerant fluid leaving the heat exchanger 5.

[0029] Each end body 7 includes a shut off valve 8, which is configured to intercept, and in particular stop or start, a flow of refrigerant circulating through the respective end body 7.

[0030] Each shut off valve 8 includes a shut-off chamber 9 and a shut-off device.

[0031] The shut-off device is configured to intercept the refrigerant fluid circulating through the shut-off chamber 9. In particular, the shut-off device allows a flow of refrigerant to be stopped or started through the shut-off chamber 9.

[0032] In addition, each shut off valve 8 includes a terminal conduit 10 fluidically connected to the shut-off chamber 9. In addition, the terminal conduit 10 is extended in the opposite direction to the housing 2 with respect to the interception chamber 9. In particular, the terminal conduit 10 is extended in protrusion from the shut-off chamber 9, along a valve axis 14.

[0033] The terminal conduit 10 is shaped in such a way as to allow a tight fluidic connection between the shut-off chamber 9 and an external refrigerant circuit 19.

[0034] The term "outdoor refrigerant circuit 19" refers to a component of a split heat pump that can be separated from the indoor unit 1 and positioned outside the indoor unit 1. The outdoor refrigerant circuit 19 is suitable for fluidically connecting the indoor unit 1 to an outdoor unit of the split heat pump, and is also suitable for forming, in combination with the refrigerant circuit 4, a closed refrigerant circuit.

[0035] In addition, the terminal conduit 10 is formed in one piece with the shut-off chamber 9. Thus, the terminal conduit 10 and the shut-off chamber 9 form a monolithic component.

[0036] Advantageously, an indoor unit 1 configured in this way is equipped with safety measures to prevent or limit the risks deriving from a possible leak of refrigerant fluid localized in the refrigerant circuit 4, and in particular the shut off valves 8 that allow to intercept the flow of refrigerant fluid and consequently limit the maximum loss of refrigerant fluid to the quantity of refrigerant fluid contained within the refrigerant circuit 4 of the indoor unit 1.

[0037] At the same time, the indoor unit 1 configured in this way allows an installer to fluidly connect it tightly with an external refrigerant circuit 19, via the terminal conduits 10.

[0038] At the same time, the indoor unit 1 configured in this way, contrary to the known art, does not present potential leak points since the terminal conduits 10 are formed in one piece with the shut-off chambers 9 of the respective shut off valves 8. As a result, the presence of soldering or brazing that could not ensure the safety of the indoor unit 1 is avoided.

[0039] Therefore, an indoor unit 1 configured in this way is safer than the prior art since the portion of the refrigerant circuit 4 between the two respective shut-off chambers 9 can be sized to contain a non-hazardous maximum quantity of refrigerant fluid, and controllable by the shut-off valves 8. The remaining portion of the refrigerant circuit 4 located in correspondence with the terminal conduits 10 is instead made safe by the absence of potential leak points, thanks to the construction in one piece, or monolithic, of the interception chamber 9 with the terminal conduits 10.

[0040] The term "indoor unit 1" encompasses all components of a split heat pump within the housing 2 and also included between the terminal conduits 10 of the two respective shut off valves 8, at which an installer establishes the fluidic connection with an external refrigerant circuit 19.

[0041] The terminal conduit 10 positioned at the end body 7 that conveys the refrigerant fluid entering the heat exchanger 5, is positioned upstream of the shut-off chamber 9, with reference to the direction of the refrigerant fluid flow. Conversely, the terminal conduit 10 positioned at the body of end 7 which conveys the refrigerant fluid leaving the heat exchanger 5, is positioned downstream of the shut-off chamber 9, with reference to the direction of the refrigerant fluid flow.

[0042] The terminal conduit 10 is extended in protrusion from the shut-off chamber 9 along a valve axis 14.

[0043] In particular, the terminal conduit 10 is extended between a first end 11 and an opposite second end 12.

[0044] The first end 11 is defined at the interface between the terminal conduit 10 and the shut-off chamber 9. The terminal conduit 10 forms structural continuity with the shut-off chamber 9 at the first end 11.

[0045] The second end 12 is positioned opposite the first end 11, and therefore opposite the shut-off chamber 9.

[0046] As a result, the refrigerant circuit 4 is extended between the second end 12 of one of the two terminal conduits 10 to the second end 12 of the other of the two terminal conduits 10.

[0047] The terminal conduit 10 forms a side wall 13 extended around the valve axis 14, between the first end 11 and the second end 12.

[0048] The side wall 13 forms a through hole 15 extended along the axis of valve 14. The through hole 15 leads into the shut-off chamber 9.

[0049] Preferably, the through hole 15 has an axisymmetrical cylindrical shape at the valve axis 14.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the through hole 15 has a diameter that measures 1 / 4" or 3 / 8" or 1 / 2" or 5 / 8".

[0051] According to an embodiment, the side wall is between 16 mm and 35 mm long. The length is measured along the valve axis 14.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the shut-off chamber 9 defines within it a cylindrical section with a diameter greater than the diameter of the through hole 15.

[0053] The first end 11 of the terminal conduit 10 is defined at the point where the through hole 15 opens into the shut-off chamber 9.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the distance between the first end 11 and the second end 12 measures between 16 mm and 35 mm."Flare"-type fitting

[0055] According to an embodiment, the terminal conduit 10 is configured to be fluidically sealed connectable, e.g. to the external refrigerant circuit 19, by means of a flare fitting.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the terminal conduit 10 forms an external thread 16 at the side wall 13. The external thread 16 therefore allows a connection nut to be screwed externally to the side wall 13.

[0057] In addition, the terminal conduit 10 forms a flared outer surface 17 at the second end 12.

[0058] Advantageously, the flared outer surface 17 allows the connecting nut to be easily fitted to the side wall 13.

[0059] In addition, the terminal conduit 10 comprises an abutment wall 18, which extends from the side wall 13 in the outward direction to the valve axis 14. Advantageously, the abutment wall 18 forms a stop for the connection nut that can be fitted to the side wall 13 and screwed to the external thread 16.

[0060] The abutment wall 18 is formed in structural continuity with the side wall 13 and with the shut-off chamber 9.

[0061] Advantageously, an end pipe 10 configured in this way can be connected to the external refrigerant circuit 19 by means of a flare fitting, free of welding or brazing, which can also be used in high pressure conditions and can be easily dismantled and reassembled.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the shut-off chamber 9 and the terminal conduit 10 are both made of brass or iron or steel, in particular stainless steel, or plastic material reinforced with fiberglass."Lokring"-type fitting

[0063] According to an embodiment, the terminal conduit 10 is configured to be fluidically sealed connectable with the external refrigerant circuit 19, for example, by means of a radial compression or plastic deformation or "Lokring"-type mechanical fitting.

[0064] According to a design form, the side wall 13 has a cylindrical shape axisymmetrical to the valve axis 14.

[0065] The side wall 13 is configured to be compressible, with plastic deformation, in the radial direction to the valve axis 14.

[0066] Advantageously, the terminal conduit 10 configured in this way can be connected to the external refrigerant circuit 19 by means of a "Lokring" type fitting, without welding or brazing, which ensures a correct seal resistant to vibrations, pressures and temperature variations.

[0067] According to one form of construction, the shut-off chamber 9 and the terminal conduit 10 are both made of copper or steel, in particular stainless steel, or aluminum or titanium.Additional components of the indoor unit 1

[0068] According to an embodiment, the shut-off valve 8 is a ball valve or a butterfly valve, in particular which can be operated by means of a geared motor.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the indoor unit 1 includes a refrigerant leak detection sensor. The sensor is configured to detect a pressure loss within the refrigerant circuit 4 or to chemically detect the presence of refrigerant fluid leaking from the refrigerant circuit 4 at the indoor unit 1.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the sensor is electronically connected to the shut-off valves 8 so that when the sensor detects a leak of refrigerant fluid, the refrigerant circuit 4 is closed by means of the shut-off valves 8.Heat pump

[0071] According to a further aspect of the invention, a split heat pump comprises an indoor unit 1 as previously described.

[0072] The heat pump also includes an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit is fluidically connected to the indoor unit 1 via a closed refrigerant circuit.

[0073] The closed refrigerant circuit is formed by the refrigerant circuit 4 of the indoor unit 1, in combination with an external refrigerant circuit 19. The external refrigerant circuit 19 is at least partially extended through the outdoor unit, and can be fluidically connected to the refrigerant circuit 4, forming the closed refrigerant circuit, in correspondence with the terminal conduits 10 of the indoor unit 1.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the external refrigerant circuit 19 is fluidically connected to the refrigerant circuit 4 by means of a flare fitting, or a radial compression mechanical fitting, or "Lokring", as described above.

[0075] In a known manner, the outdoor unit also includes an external heat exchanger, configured to achieve a heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and air.Shut-off valve 8

[0076] According to a further aspect of the invention, a shut-off valve 8, which can be integrated into a refrigerant circuit 4 of an indoor unit 1 of a split heat pump, includes a shut-off chamber 9 and a shut-off device.

[0077] The shut-off device is configured to intercept the refrigerant fluid circulating through the shut-off chamber 9. In particular, the shut-off device allows a flow of refrigerant to be stopped or started through the shut-off chamber 9.

[0078] The shut off valve 8 comprises a terminal conduit 10 fluidically connected to the shut-off chamber 9.

[0079] The terminal conduit 10 is extended in protrusion from the shut-off chamber 9, along a valve axis 14.

[0080] The terminal conduit 10 is shaped in such a way as to allow a tight fluidic connection between the shut-off chamber 9 and an external refrigerant circuit 19.

[0081] In addition, the terminal conduit 10 is formed in one piece with the shut-off chamber 9. Thus, the terminal conduit 10 and the shut-off chamber 9 form a monolithic component.

[0082] Advantageously, a shut-off valve 8 configured in this way can be integrated into an indoor unit 1 of a heat pump in order to prevent or limit the risks deriving from a possible leakage of refrigerant fluid located in a refrigerant circuit 4, since the shut-off valve 8, in particular a pair of shut-off valves 8 configured in this way, it makes it possible to intercept the flow of refrigerant fluid and consequently limit the maximum loss of refrigerant fluid to the quantity of refrigerant fluid contained within the refrigerant circuit 4 of the indoor unit 1.

[0083] At the same time, the shut-off valve 8 configured in this way can be easily connected fluidically by an installer to an external refrigerant circuit 19 via the terminal conduits 10.

[0084] At the same time, the shut off valve 8 configured in this way has no potential leak points because the terminal conduits 10 are formed in one piece with the shut-off chambers 9 of the respective shut-off valves 8. As a result, the presence of welds or brazes that could not ensure the safety of indoor unit 1 in which the shut-off valve 8 can be integrated is avoided.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the terminal conduit 10 is extended between a first end 11 and an opposite second end 12.

[0086] The first end 11 is defined at the interface between the terminal conduit 10 and the shut-off chamber 9. The terminal conduit 10 forms structural continuity with the shut-off chamber 9 at the first end 11.

[0087] The second end 12 is positioned opposite the first end 11, and therefore opposite the shut-off chamber 9.

[0088] The terminal conduit 10 forms a side wall 13 extended around the valve axis 14, between the first end 11 and the second end 12.

[0089] The side wall 13 forms a through hole 15 extended along the axis of valve 14. The through hole 15 leads into the shut-off chamber 9.

[0090] Preferably, the through hole 15 has an axisymmetrical cylindrical shape at the valve axis 14.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the through hole 15 has a diameter that measures 1 / 4" or 3 / 8" or 1 / 2" or 5 / 8".

[0092] According to an embodiment, the side wall is between 16 mm and 35 mm long. The length is measured along the valve axis 14.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the shut-off chamber 9 defines within it a cylindrical section with a diameter greater than the diameter of the through hole 15.

[0094] The first end 11 of the terminal conduit 10 is defined at the point where the through hole 15 opens into the shut-off chamber 9.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the distance between the first end 11 and the second end 12 measures between 16 mm and 35 mm.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the terminal conduit 10 is configured to be fluidically sealed connection, e.g. to the external refrigerant circuit 19, by means of a flare fitting.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the terminal conduit 10 forms an external thread 16 at the side wall 13. The external thread 16 therefore allows a connection nut to be screwed externally to the side wall 13.

[0098] In addition, the terminal conduit 10 forms a flared outer surface 17 at the second end 12.

[0099] Advantageously, the flared outer surface 17 allows the connecting nut to be easily fitted to the side wall 13.

[0100] In addition, the terminal conduit 10 comprises an abutment wall 18, which extends from the side wall 13 in the outward direction to the valve axis 14. Advantageously, the abutment wall 18 forms a stop for the connection nut that can be fitted to the side wall 13 and screwed to the external thread 16.

[0101] The abutment wall 18 is formed in structural continuity with the side wall 13 and with the shut-off chamber 9.

[0102] Advantageously, a terminal conduit 10 configured in this way can be connected to the external refrigerant circuit 19 by means of a flare fitting, free of welding or brazing, which can also be used in high pressure conditions and can be easily dismantled and reassembled.

[0103] According to a form of construction, the shut-off chamber 9 and the terminal conduit 10 are both made of brass or iron or steel, in particular stainless steel, or plastic material reinforced with fiberglass.

[0104] Depending on one form of construction, the terminal conduit 10 is configured to be fluidically sealed connectable with the external refrigerant circuit 19, for example, by means of a radial compression or plastic deformation or "Lokring" type mechanical connection.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the side wall 13 has a cylindrical shape axisymmetrical to the valve axis 14.

[0106] The side wall 13 is configured to be compressible, with plastic deformation, in the radial direction to the valve axis 14.

[0107] Advantageously, the terminal conduit 10 configured in this way can be connected to the external refrigerant circuit 19 by means of a "Lokring" type fitting, without welding or brazing, which ensures a correct seal resistant to vibrations, pressures and temperature variations.

[0108] According to an embodiment, the interception chamber 9 and the terminal conduit 10 are both made of copper or steel, in particular stainless steel, or aluminum or titanium.

[0109] Naturally, a person skilled in the art will be able to make modifications or adaptations to the present invention, without departing from the scope of the claims set forth below.List of references

[0110] 1.Indoor unit 2.Housing 3.Housing compartment 4.Refrigerant circuit 5.Heat exchanger 6.Working fluid circuit 7.End Body 8.Shut-off valve 9.Shut-off chamber 10.Terminal conduit 11.First end of the end of the terminal conduit 12.Second end of the end of the terminal conduit 13.Side wall 14.Valve Shaft 15.Through hole 16.External thread 17.Flared outer surface 18.Abutment wall 19.External refrigerant circuit

Claims

1. An indoor unit (1), in particular for a split heat pump, comprising: - a housing (2) defining a housing compartment (3) therein; - a working fluid circuit (6), configured to circulate a working fluid; - a refrigerant circuit (4), configured to circulate a refrigerant fluid; - a heat exchanger (5), configured to perform a heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid circulating in the refrigerant circuit (4) and the working fluid circulating in the working fluid circuit (6), wherein the refrigerant circuit (4), the heat exchanger (5) and the working fluid circuit (6) are housed in the housing compartment (3), wherein the refrigerant circuit (4) extends between two end bodies (7) configured to convey the refrigerant fluid through the heat exchanger (5), so as to perform the heat exchange with the working fluid, wherein one of the two end bodies (7) is configured to convey the refrigerant fluid entering the heat exchanger (5), and the other of the two end bodies (7) is configured to convey the refrigerant fluid exiting the heat exchanger (5), wherein each end body (7) comprises a shut-off valve (8), configured to shut off a flow of refrigerant fluid circulating through said end body (7), wherein each shut-off valve (8) comprises a shut-off chamber (9) and a shut-off member, wherein the shut-off member is configured to shut off the refrigerant fluid circulating through the shut-off chamber (9), and wherein each shut-off valve (8) comprises a terminal conduit (10) fluidly connected to the shut-off chamber (9) and extending in the opposite direction to the housing (2) with respect to the shut-off chamber (9), wherein the terminal conduit (10) is shaped so as to allow a fluid sealing connection between the shut-off chamber (9) and an external refrigerant circuit (19), and wherein the terminal conduit (10) is made in one piece with the shut-off chamber (9).

2. Indoor unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein the terminal conduit (10) extends projecting from the shut-off chamber (9) along a valve axis (14), between a first end (11) and an opposite second end (12), wherein the first end (11) is defined at an interface between the terminal conduit (10) and the shut-off chamber (9), wherein the second end (12) is positioned opposite to the first end (11), wherein the terminal conduit (10) forms a side wall (13) extending about the valve axis (14), between the first end (11) and the second end (12), wherein the side wall (13) forms a through hole (15) therein, extending along the valve axis (14) and leading into the shut-off chamber (9), and wherein the through hole (15) has a cylindrical shape axisymmetric to the valve axis (14), and the through hole (15) has a diameter measuring 1 / 4" or 3 / 8" or 1 / 2" or 5 / 8", and / or wherein the side wall has a length from 16 mm to 35 mm, and / or wherein the distance between the first end (11) and the second end (12) measures between 16 mm and 35 mm.

3. Indoor unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the terminal conduit (10) is configured to be fluidly sealingly connectable to the external refrigerant circuit (19) by means of a flare fitting.

4. Indoor unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the terminal conduit (10) forms an outer thread (16) at the side wall (13) for screwing a union nut outside the side wall (13), wherein the terminal conduit (10) forms a flared outer surface (17) at the second end (12), wherein the terminal conduit (10) comprises an abutment wall (18) extending from the side wall (13) in a direction external to the valve axis (14) for an abutment for the union nut fittable onto the side wall (13) and screwable to the outer thread (16), and wherein the abutment wall (18) is formed structurally seamlessly with the side wall (13) and the shut-off chamber (9).

5. Indoor unit (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the shut-off chamber (9) and the terminal conduit (10) are both made of brass or iron or steel, optionally stainless steel, or of a plastic material reinforced with glass-fiber.

6. Indoor unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the terminal conduit (10) is configured to be fluidly sealingly connectable to the external refrigerant circuit (19) by means of a mechanical fitting with radial compression or plastic deformation or of the "Lokring" type.

7. Indoor unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2 or 6, wherein the side wall (13) has a cylindrical shape axisymmetric to the valve axis (14), and wherein the side wall (13) is configured to be compressible, with plastic deformation, in the radial direction to the valve axis (14).

8. Indoor unit (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the shut-off chamber (9) and the terminal conduit (10) are both made of copper or steel, optionally stainless steel, or aluminum or titanium.

9. A split heat pump, comprising: - an indoor unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - an external unit fluidly connected to the indoor unit (1) by means of a closed refrigerant circuit, wherein the closed refrigerant circuit is formed by the refrigerant circuit (4) of the indoor unit (1) in combination with an external refrigerant circuit (19), wherein the external refrigerant circuit (19) at least partially extends through the external unit and is fluidly connectable to the refrigerant circuit (4), at the terminal conduits (10) of the indoor unit (1), forming the closed refrigerant circuit, and wherein, optionally, the external refrigerant circuit (19) is fluidly connected to the refrigerant circuit (4) by means of a flare fitting, or a mechanical fitting with radial compression or of the "Lokring" type.

10. A shut-off valve (8), in particular embeddable in a refrigerant circuit (4) of an indoor unit (1) of a split heat pump, comprising a shut-off chamber (9) and a shut-off member, wherein the shut-off member is configured to shut off the refrigerant fluid circulating through the shut-off chamber (9), wherein the shut-off valve (8) comprises a terminal conduit (10) fluidly connected to the shut-off chamber (9), wherein the terminal conduit (10) extends projecting from the shut-off chamber (9), along a valve axis (14), wherein the terminal conduit (10) is shaped so as to allow a fluid sealing connection between the shut-off chamber (9) and an external refrigerant circuit (19), and wherein the terminal conduit (10) is made in one piece with the shut-off chamber (9).

11. Shut-off valve (8) according to claim 10, wherein the terminal conduit (10) extends between a first end (11) and an opposite second end (12), wherein the first end (11) is defined at the interface between the terminal conduit (10) and the shut-off chamber (9), wherein the second end (12) is positioned opposite to the first end (11), wherein the terminal conduit (10) forms a side wall (13) extending about the valve axis (14), between the first end (11) and the second end (12), wherein the side wall (13) forms a through hole (15) therein, extending along the valve axis (14) and leading into the shut-off chamber (9), and wherein the through hole (15) has a cylindrical shape axisymmetric to the valve axis (14) and the through hole (15) has a diameter measuring 1 / 4" or 3 / 8" or 1 / 2" or 5 / 8", and / or wherein the side wall has a length from 16 mm to 35 mm, and / or wherein the distance between the first end (11) and the second end (12) measures between 16 mm and 35 mm.

12. Shut-off valve (8) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the terminal conduit (10) is configured to be fluidly sealingly connectable to an external refrigerant circuit (19) by means of a flare fitting.

13. Shut-off valve (8) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the terminal conduit (10) forms an outer thread (16) at the side wall (13) for screwing a union nut outside the side wall (13), wherein the terminal conduit (10) forms a flared outer surface (17) at the second end (12), wherein the terminal conduit (10) comprises an abutment wall (18) extending from the side wall (13) in a direction external to the valve axis (14) for an abutment for the union nut fittable onto the side wall (13) and screwable to the outer thread (16), and wherein the abutment wall (18) is formed structurally seamlessly with the side wall (13) and the shut-off chamber (9), and wherein, optionally, the shut-off chamber (9) and the terminal conduit (10) are both made of brass or iron or steel, optionally stainless steel, or of a plastic material reinforced with glass-fiber.

14. Shut-off valve (8) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the terminal conduit (10) is configured to be fluidly sealingly connectable to an external refrigerant circuit (19) by means of a mechanical fitting with radial compression or plastic deformation or of the "Lokring" type.

15. Shut-off valve (8) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the side wall (13) has a cylindrical shape axisymmetric to the valve axis (14), and wherein the side wall (13) is configured to be compressible, with plastic deformation, in the radial direction to the valve axis (14), and wherein, optionally, the shut-off chamber (9) and the terminal conduit (10) are both made of copper or steel, optionally stainless steel, or aluminum or titanium.

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