Antifreeze hydraulic assembly

Abstract

An antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14), adapted to be integrated in a heat pump (1), in particular of the monobloc air-to-water type, of the type comprising a housing (2) which defines therein a housing compartment (3), the heat pump (1) further comprising a working fluid circuit (9), a refrigerant circuit (4), a first heat exchanger (6), a second heat exchanger (8), wherein the refrigerant circuit (4), the first heat exchanger (6), and the second heat exchanger (8) are housed in the housing compartment (3), wherein the working fluid circuit (9) comprises a lower duct (10) and an upper duct (11) configured to convey the working fluid through the second heat exchanger (8), wherein the lower duct (10) is positioned at a lower level with respect to the upper duct (11), wherein the hydraulic assembly (14) comprises an inlet opening (15) and an outlet opening (16), wherein the antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) is configured to be fluidically connectable to the working fluid circuit (9) upstream of the second heat exchanger (8), at the lower duct (10), so that the working fluid circuit (9) conveys the working fluid in succession through the inlet opening (15), the outlet opening (16), and the lower duct (10), and wherein the antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) comprises a discharge opening (17) and a thermostatic valve (18) positioned at the discharge opening (17), wherein the thermostatic valve (18) is configured to perform a discharge of the working fluid through the discharge opening (17) as a function of the temperature of the working fluid.

Description

“Antifreeze Hydraulic Assembly”

[0001] Field of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an antifreeze hydraulic assembly, in particular an antifreeze hydraulic assembly adapted to be integrated into an monobloc air-to-water heat pump.

[0003] Prior art

[0004] The heat pump is a thermal machine configured to extract and transfer thermal energy. The thermal energy may for example be extracted from air, soil, or groundwater, and may be used, for instance, for heating rooms or for domestic hot water.

[0005] Various types of heat pumps exist, including monobloc air-to-water heat pumps, which allow extracting the energy present in the air and transferring it to the water in the form of heat, by means of a single unit that contains therein all the elements of the refrigerant circuit, and that can be placed, for example, outside a building and directly connected to the building’s water system through pipes that convey the system water from the heat pump to the building.

[0006] Monobloc air-to-water heat pumps offer several advantages, including a reduced construction complexity due to the fact that all components are contained within the single unit, as well as the possibility of being positionable outside the dwelling, therefore advantageous in cases where there is not enough space inside the dwelling when the heat pump is not in operation.

[0007] Nevertheless, such heat pumps present certain drawbacks, including the potential freezing of the system water in the case of very harsh climates. In fact, the water circuit connecting the heat pump to the building inevitably has a section exposed to the external environment which, in the event of sub-zero external temperatures, can lead to localized freezing of the system water.

[0008] In order to mitigate or eliminate the risk of freezing, it is known to add glycol, mixed in a certain percentage with the total volume of water in the system, in order to lower the freezing temperature of the resulting mixture. However, glycol is a polluting additive and presents several drawbacks, including disposal issues, high maintenance costs due to the need for periodic checks of the glycol concentration in the system, and the tendency of glycol to lose its antifreeze properties over time.

[0009] A known alternative to the use of glycol is the introduction of an antifreeze valve on the section of the water circuit exposed to the external environment. The antifreeze valve locally detects the temperature of the circuit water and allows it to be discharged from the system when it is detected that the water temperature reaches apredetermined critical value, for example 3 °C. In this way, the formation of ice in the circuit is prevented, avoiding potential damage to the heat pump and the water pipes. However, also the use of antifreeze valves presents drawbacks, including the need to intervene on the water circuit at a later stage, after the heat pump system has been set up, in order to install the antifreeze valve. Moreover, it is necessary to ensure that the antifreeze valve is installed at the lowest point of the water circuit section exposed to the outside, so as to allow complete emptying of the circuit water in case of activation of the antifreeze valve, a requirement which can complicate valve installation.

[0010] Antifreeze valves are also known which integrate therein a sensor for detecting the external air temperature. Such sensor, in combination with the localized sensor for detecting the temperature of the circuit water, allows avoiding an undesired activation of the antifreeze valve, with consequent undesired emptying of the water circuit, when the heat pump is operating in a mode of cooling the circuit water, wherein thus “false positive” cases may occur, that is, cases where the local temperature of the water reaches values close to the critical value of 3 °C, but the external air temperature is such as to indicate the absence of freezing risk. An antifreeze valve of this type is, for example, described in EP4006393A1. However, also a valve of this type presents several drawbacks, including the need to intervene on the water circuit at a later stage, after the heat pump system has been set up, in order to install the valve.

[0011] The possibility is also provided to install such type of valve on a dead branch of the water circuit, to avoid having to intervene later on the water circuit. In particular, a valve of this type, comprising a single opening for the inflow and outflow of working fluid, may be mounted at a terminal position of the system. However, such installation on a dead branch of the water circuit means that the localized sensor for detecting the temperature of the water detects a temperature of stagnant water, with low recirculation since it is located on a dead branch of the circuit, and having a temperature that does not reflect the actual temperature of the water flowing in the circuit.

[0012] Moreover, in order to avoid activation in the event of a “false positive”, such type of valve necessarily requires the integration of an additional component, the sensor for detecting the external air temperature, which complicates the configuration of the valve and increases its overall costs.

[0013] There is therefore a need for an improved antifreeze hydraulic assembly capable of solving the issues identified in the known art.

[0014] Solution

[0015] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an antifreeze hydraulicassembly, in particular adapted to be integrated into an monobloc air-to-water heat pump, capable of overcoming the issues identified in the known art.

[0016] A further specific purpose of the present invention is to provide an antifreeze hydraulic assembly capable of reducing or eliminating the risk of freezing of the water within the water circuit without requiring the addition of polluting additives.

[0017] A further specific purpose of the present invention is to provide an antifreeze hydraulic assembly capable of reducing or eliminating the risk of freezing of the water within the water circuit of a heat pump, without requiring subsequent intervention on the water circuit exposed to external air for the integration of any additional components.

[0018] A further specific purpose of the present invention is to provide an antifreeze hydraulic assembly capable of reducing or eliminating the risk of freezing of the water within the water circuit of a heat pump, while at the same time avoiding the risk of “false positives” that may lead to undesired emptying of the water circuit, without necessarily providing for the presence of additional sensors, such as, for example, an external air temperature sensor.

[0019] These and other purposes are achieved by means of an antifreeze hydraulic assembly according to claim 1.

[0020] The dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] Figures

[0022] To better understand the invention and appreciate its advantages, some of its exemplary and non-limiting embodiments will be described below, making reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0023] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of an antifreeze hydraulic assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0024] - Figure 2 is a perspective view of an antifreeze hydraulic assembly, according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0025] - Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a heat pump, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0026] - Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a heat pump, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0027] - Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of an assembly of components of a heat pump, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0028] - Figure 6 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a portion of a heatpump, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0029] - Figure 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a heat pump, according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0030] - Figure 8 is a perspective view of an antifreeze hydraulic assembly, according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0031] Description of some preferred embodiments

[0032] Antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14

[0033] In the following description, an antifreeze hydraulic assembly is generally denoted by reference number 14.

[0034] The antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 is adapted to be integrated into a heat pump 1 , in particular of the monobloc air-to-water type, which comprises a housing 2. The housing 2 defines therein a housing compartment 3. Furthermore, the housing 2 comprises at least one base wall 12.

[0035] The base wall 12 is adapted to be positioned at the ground and is suitable for supporting the components of the heat pump 1 positioned in the housing compartment 3. Preferably, the base wall 12 extends substantially on a horizontal plane, i.e. , parallel to the ground.

[0036] The housing 2 further comprises a peripheral wall 13 connected to the base wall 12. Preferably, the peripheral wall 13 extends in a direction transverse to the base wall 12. The base wall 12 and the peripheral wall 13 at least partially define the housing compartment 3.

[0037] The heat pump 1 is further of the type comprising a working fluid circuit 9, configured to circulate a working fluid. The working fluid is for example water.

[0038] In particular, the working fluid circuit 9 may constitute a portion of a closed heating circuit for the working fluid, suitable, for instance, to transfer or extract heat from a dwelling.

[0039] The heat pump 1 is further of the type comprising a refrigerant circuit 4, configured to circulate a refrigerant fluid. The refrigerant fluid is for example propane (R290).

[0040] The heat pump 1 is further of the type comprising a first heat exchanger 6, configured to perform a heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and air. In particular, the first heat exchanger 6 is configured to perform a heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and air extractable from outside the housing 2, i.e., ambient air.

[0041] The heat pump 1 is further of the type comprising a second heat exchanger 8,configured to perform a heat exchange between the working fluid circulating in the working fluid circuit 9 and the refrigerant fluid.

[0042] The refrigerant circuit 4, the first heat exchanger 6 and the second heat exchanger 8 are housed in the housing compartment 3. They are therefore positioned inside the housing 2.

[0043] The working fluid circuit 9 comprises a lower duct 10 and an upper duct 11 , configured to convey the working fluid through the second heat exchanger 8, so as to achieve heat exchange with the refrigerant fluid.

[0044] The lower duct 10 is configured to convey the working fluid entering the second heat exchanger 8, while the upper duct 11 is configured to convey the working fluid exiting the second heat exchanger 8.

[0045] The lower duct 10 is positioned at a lower height than the upper duct 11 , with reference to the base wall 12. Consequently, when the heat pump 1 is installed in operational configuration, the lower duct 10 is positioned lower than the upper duct 11.

[0046] The heat pump 1 is configured to heat (heating mode) or cool (cooling mode) the working fluid. Specifically, the heat pump 1 is configured so that, in heating mode, the second heat exchanger 8 acts as a condenser, heating the working fluid and consequently cooling the refrigerant fluid. Conversely, the heat pump 1 is configured so that, in cooling mode, the second heat exchanger 8 acts as an evaporator, cooling the working fluid and consequently heating the refrigerant fluid.

[0047] The antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 comprises an inlet opening 15 and an outlet opening 16.

[0048] The antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 is configured to be fluidically connectable, or fluidically integrable, to the working fluid circuit 9, in particular so that the working fluid enters the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 through the inlet opening 15 and exits the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 through the outlet opening 16.

[0049] In particular, the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 is configured to be positionable fluidically connected to the working fluid circuit 9 upstream of the second heat exchanger 8. Specifically, the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 is configured to be positioned at the lower duct 10, in particular so that the working fluid circuit 9 conveys the working fluid in sequence through the inlet opening 15, the outlet opening 16 and the lower duct 10.

[0050] The antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 further comprises a discharge opening 17 and a thermostatic valve 18.

[0051] The discharge opening 17 is configured to be fluidically connectable to theworking fluid circuit 9.

[0052] The thermostatic valve 18 is positioned at the discharge opening 17.

[0053] The thermostatic valve 18 is configured to discharge the working fluid through the discharge opening 17 as a function of the temperature of the working fluid. In particular, the thermostatic valve 18 is configured to open upon detecting that the working fluid has reached a predetermined temperature, so as to discharge the working fluid externally to the working fluid circuit 9 through the discharge opening 17.

[0054] The discharge opening 17 is distinct from the inlet opening 15 and the outlet opening 16.

[0055] Advantageously, an antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 configured in this way eliminates the risk of freezing of the working fluid, for example water, within the working fluid circuit 9 into which the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 is integrable, without requiring the addition of polluting additives.

[0056] With further advantage, an antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 configured in this way is suitable to be fluidically integrated into the working fluid circuit 9 passing within the housing 2 of the heat pump 1 , so the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 is suitable to be housed within the housing compartment 3 of the heat pump 1 , thus the provision of such antifreeze hydraulic assembly does not require additional or subsequent intervention on the water circuit exposed to the external air for the integration of an antifreeze valve, and therefore reduces the installation complexities of the heat pump 1 into which the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 is integrable.

[0057] With further advantage, an antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 configured in this way is fluidically integrable into the working fluid circuit 9 passing within the housing compartment 3, and comprises a thermostatic valve 18 directly exposed to the working fluid circulating through the working fluid circuit 9, which therefore detects the temperature of circulating working fluid and not of stagnant working fluid.

[0058] With further advantage, an antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 configured in this way, adapted to be positioned upstream of the second heat exchanger 8, ensures that the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14, when the heat pump 1 operates in “cooling” mode, is exposed to a working fluid having a higher temperature than that of the working fluid after heat exchange within the second heat exchanger 8. Consequently, the risk of “false positives” that may lead to undesired emptying of the water circuit is minimized or avoided, without necessarily providing the presence of additional sensors, such as, for example, an external air temperature sensor. Indeed, even in the event that, in “cooling” mode, the working fluid reaches at the upper duct 11 a temperature close to the criticaltemperature, the temperature of the working fluid detected by the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14, at the lower duct 10, will certainly be higher and further away from the critical temperature.

[0059] With further advantage, an antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 configured in this way allows, in the event of critical temperatures, to discharge substantially all the working fluid from the working fluid circuit 9, since it is adapted to be positioned at the lower duct 10, corresponding to the lowest point of the working fluid circuit 9.

[0060] With further advantage, an antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 configured in this way allows integrating additional components, such as sensors or a circulator, into the same antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 comprises a tubular body 23 extending between the inlet opening 15 and the outlet opening 16.

[0062] Specifically, the tubular body 23 is configured to define a portion of the working fluid circuit 9 between the inlet opening 15 and the outlet opening 16.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the tubular body comprises a tubular inlet body 24 and a tubular outlet body 25. The tubular inlet body 24 extends from the inlet opening 15. The tubular outlet body 25 extends from the outlet opening 16. The tubular inlet body 24 and the tubular outlet body 25 are fluidically connected to each other.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the tubular inlet body 24 extends substantially along an axis not parallel to the axis along which the tubular outlet body 25 substantially extends.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the tubular inlet body 24 extends substantially along an axis incident to the axis along which the tubular outlet body 25 substantially extends.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the tubular inlet body 24 extends substantially along an axis perpendicular to the axis along which the tubular outlet body 25 substantially extends.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the tubular inlet body 24 is offset from the tubular outlet body 25, i.e., it extends substantially along an axis neither parallel nor incident to the axis along which the tubular outlet body 25 substantially extends.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the tubular inlet body 24 extends along a substantially vertical direction, in particular with reference to the plane along which the base wall 12 is substantially extended.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the tubular outlet body 25 extends along a substantially horizontal direction, preferably at minimum height of the working fluid circuit 9. In particular, the tubular outlet body 25 extends along a direction substantially parallel to the plane along which the base wall 12 is substantially extended.

[0070] Advantageously, such configuration of the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 allows its easy integration into the working fluid circuit 9, inside the housing compartment 3 of the heat pump 1 , particularly reducing its encumbrance.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the tubular inlet body 24 and / or the tubular outlet body 25 have a cylindrical shape with circular section or a prismatic shape.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the tubular outlet body 25 is made in two parts removably connectable to each other.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the tubular outlet body 25 is made in two parts extending along substantially incident directions. The two parts may have structural continuity or be removably connectable to each other.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the tubular inlet body 24 is fluidically connected to the tubular outlet body 25 at an elbow portion 26.

[0075] In particular, the tubular inlet body 24 extends from the inlet opening 15 to the elbow portion 26, while the tubular outlet body 25 extends from the elbow portion 26 to the outlet opening 25.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the elbow portion 26 defines a connection angle between 120° and 60°, preferably between 100° and 80°, even more preferably of about 90°.

[0077] The connection angle corresponds to the angle defined by the axis along which the tubular inlet body 24 is substantially extended and the axis along which the tubular outlet body 25 is substantially extended.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the tubular inlet body 24, the elbow portion 26 and the tubular outlet body 25 have structural continuity. Specifically, the tubular body 23 is a continuous tubular body bent at the elbow portion 26.

[0079] According to an alternative embodiment, the tubular body 23 comprises a fitting element forming the elbow portion 26 and configured to fluidically connect the tubular inlet body 24 to the tubular outlet body 25.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the tubular inlet body 24 comprises an inlet segment 27 and a fitting segment 28, fluidically connected to each other.

[0081] The inlet segment 27 extends from the inlet opening 15. The fitting segment28 extends between the inlet segment 27 and the tubular outlet body 25, preferably between the inlet segment 27 and the elbow portion 26.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the tubular body 23 is configured so that:

[0083] - the inlet segment 27 and the fitting segment 28 extend along respective axes incident and not parallel to each other;

[0084] - the fitting segment 28 and the tubular outlet body 25 extend along respective axes incident and not parallel to each other;

[0085] - the inlet segment 27 and the tubular outlet body 25 extend along respective axes neither incident nor parallel to each other.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the inlet segment 27 and the tubular outlet body 25 define therebetween an angle between 120° and 60°, preferably between 100° and 80°, even more preferably of about 90°, when projected onto a plane that is parallel to both the axis along which the tubular outlet body 25 substantially extends and the axis along which the inlet segment 27 substantially extends.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the axis along which the fitting segment 28 is substantially extended and the axis along which the tubular outlet body 25 is substantially extended define therebetween an angle between 120° and 60°, preferably between 100° and 80°, even more preferably of about 90°.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the axis along which the inlet segment 27 is substantially extended and the axis along which the fitting segment 28 is substantially extended define therebetween an angle between 10° and 45°, or between 15° and 40°, or of about 30°.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the tubular body 23 is made of copper or copper alloy. Alternatively, the tubular body 23 is made at least partially of composite material.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the discharge opening 17 and the thermostatic valve 18 are positioned at the tubular outlet body 25. Specifically, the discharge opening 17 and the thermostatic valve 18 are fluidically connected to the tubular outlet body 25.

[0091] Advantageously, an antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 configured in this way has both reduced dimensions, which allow both its integration into the heat pump 1 and the positioning of the discharge opening 17 and the thermostatic valve 18 at a point of minimum height of the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14, which corresponds to the tubular outlet body 25.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14comprises a discharge body 29. The discharge opening 17 is defined by the discharge body 29. Furthermore, the thermostatic valve 18 is housed inside the discharge body 29.

[0093] The discharge body 29 is fluidically connected to the tubular outlet body 25. Advantageously, this configuration allows positioning the discharge opening 17 and the thermostatic valve 18 at a point of minimum height of the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the discharge body 29 is a separate component from the tubular body 23 and is connectable to the tubular body 23.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the discharge body 29 is made of brass. Alternatively, the tubular body 23 is made at least in part of composite material.

[0096] Advantageously, this configuration allows housing the thermostatic valve 18 within a component, the discharge body 29, made of a different material than the tubular body 23, and in particular of a material having a lower heat transfer coefficient.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the discharge body 29 is positioned at an intersection between the tubular inlet body 24 and the tubular outlet body 25, for example at the elbow portion 26.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the discharge body 29 is positioned opposite to the tubular inlet body 24 with respect to the tubular outlet body 25.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the discharge opening 17 opens along a direction parallel to and separate from the axis along which the tubular outlet body 25 is substantially extended. Preferably, the discharge opening 17 is also positioned opposite to the tubular inlet body 24 with respect to the tubular outlet body 25. In this way, in the operating position, the discharge opening 17 is located at a point of minimum height of the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14, in particular lower than the tubular outlet body 25.

[0100] According to an alternative embodiment, the discharge opening 17 opens along a direction transverse to the axis along which the tubular outlet body 25 is substantially extended. In this way, in the operating position, the discharge opening 17 is located at a point of minimum height of the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14, in particular lower than the tubular outlet body 25.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the discharge opening 17 opens along a direction transverse to the axis along which the tubular outlet body 25 is substantially extended, and parallel or coinciding with the axis along which the tubular inlet body 24 is substantially extended.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 comprises a fluid temperature sensor 30, configured to detect the temperature of theworking fluid circulating in the heat pump 1 , in particular circulating in the working fluid circuit 9.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the fluid temperature sensor 30 is a probe immersed in the working fluid circuit 9, intended to read the temperature of the working fluid entering the second heat exchanger 8. Advantageously, such reading can be used for the control of the regular operation of the heat pump 1.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the fluid temperature sensor 30 is connected to the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 at the tubular outlet body 25.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the fluid temperature sensor 30 is at least partially housed within the discharge body 29.

[0106] According to a further embodiment, the fluid temperature sensor 30 is positioned extending along a direction parallel to and separate from the axis along which the tubular outlet body 25 is substantially extended, preferably positioned opposite to the tubular inlet body 24 with respect to the tubular outlet body 25, preferably adjacent to the discharge opening 17.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the fluid temperature sensor 30 is positioned along a direction coinciding with the axis along which the tubular outlet body 25 is substantially extended, opposite to the outlet opening 16.

[0108] According to a non-illustrated embodiment, the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 comprises an air temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the air external to the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14.

[0109] Advantageously, the second temperature sensor provides an additional indication for a redundant safety control intended to avoid possible cases of “false positives”.

[0110] Preferably, when the air temperature sensor is also present, the thermostatic valve 18 is configured to open upon occurrence of both of the following conditions:

[0111] - when the thermostatic valve 18 detects that the working fluid has reached a first critical or predetermined temperature, and

[0112] - when the air temperature sensor detects that the air has reached a second critical temperature,

[0113] wherein the first critical temperature is different from or equal to the second critical temperature. Preferably, the second critical temperature is lower than the first critical temperature.

[0114] Conversely, when the thermostatic valve 18 detects that the working fluid hasreached a first critical or predetermined temperature, but the air temperature sensor does not detect that the air has reached a second critical temperature, i.e., detects an air temperature higher than the second critical temperature, the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 is configured to prevent an opening of the thermostatic valve 18.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 comprises a safety valve 31 fluidically connected to the tubular body 23. The safety valve31 is configured to open when the working fluid circulating in the tubular body 23 reaches a predefined critical pressure.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the predefined critical pressure is between 2 and 5 bar, more preferably 3 bar or 4.5 bar.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the safety valve 31 is connected to the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 at the tubular inlet body 24, preferably at the fitting segment 28.

[0118] Advantageously, an antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 configured in this way also allows integrating a safety valve 31 with reduced overall dimensions.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the safety valve 31 extends substantially in a direction transverse to the fitting segment 28, optionally in the direction opposite to the tubular outlet body 25.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the tubular inlet body 24 forms a housing seat32 for housing a possible additional sensor.

[0121] Optionally, the housing seat 32 has a tubular shape. Optionally, the housing seat 32 is formed externally to the fitting segment 28 and extends in a direction parallel to the fitting segment 28.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 comprises a vacuum relief valve 33, configured to promote the drainage of working fluid from the discharge opening 17 when the thermostatic valve 18 opens upon detecting that the working fluid has reached a predetermined temperature.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the vacuum relief valve 33 is connected to the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 at the tubular outlet body 25.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the vacuum relief valve 33 is at least partially housed inside the discharge body 29.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the vacuum relief valve 33 is positioned opposite to the discharge opening 17 with respect to the tubular outlet body 25.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the vacuum relief valve 33 is positioned extending along a direction transverse to the axis along which the tubular outlet body 25 is substantially extended, optionally along a direction coinciding with the direction along which the discharge opening 17 is opened, optionally transverse to the axis along which the fluid temperature sensor 30 is extended.

[0127] Advantageously, an antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 configured in this way allows integrating the above-described plurality of components with reduced dimensions and is at the same time integrable into the working fluid circuit 9 of the heat pump 1.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 comprises a fluid connection element 21 positioned respectively at the inlet opening 15 and at the outlet opening 16.

[0129] The fluid connection element 21 is configured to achieve a fluid connection between the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 and the working fluid circuit 9 of the heat pump 1.

[0130] Advantageously, the two fluid connection elements 21 , placed respectively at the inlet opening 15 and at the outlet opening 16, allow integrating the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 within a heat pump 1 , in particular in the working fluid circuit 9 inside the housing compartment 3 of the heat pump 1.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the fluid connection element 21 is a threaded element screwed respectively at the inlet opening 15 or at the outlet opening 16, for example a brass nut.

[0132] According to an alternative embodiment, the fluid connection element 21 is a quick-connect fitting, for example a fork-type connection fitting.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 comprises a system filling tap 34, configured to allow filling the working fluid into the working fluid circuit 9.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the system filling tap 34 is positioned opposite to the tubular outlet body 25 with respect to the tubular inlet body 24.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the system filling tap 34 and the safety valve 31 are connected to the tubular inlet body 24 aligned along a same axis parallel to the axis along which the tubular inlet body 24 is extended.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the system filling tap 34, the safety valve 31 , and the fluid temperature sensor 30 are connected to the tubular inlet body 24 aligned along a same axis parallel to the axis along which the tubular inlet body 24 is extended.

[0137] Alternatively, the system filling tap 34 is positioned parallel and adjacent to the tubular outlet body 25 and / or to the fluid temperature sensor 30.

[0138] Alternatively, the system filling tap 34 is positioned along a direction incident to the tubular outlet body 25 and / or to the fluid temperature sensor 30.

[0139] Heat pump 1

[0140] According to one embodiment, the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 is configured so that the inlet opening 15 and the outlet opening 16 of the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 are positionable within the housing 2, in the housing compartment 3.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 is configured so that the thermostatic valve 18 of the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 is positionable within the housing 2, in the housing compartment 3.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 is configured to be entirely housable within the housing 2.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the heat pump 1 comprises a compressor 5, configured to perform a compression of the refrigerant fluid.

[0144] Furthermore, the heat pump 1 comprises an expansion device 7, for example an expansion valve or throttling valve, configured to perform an expansion of the refrigerant fluid.

[0145] The compressor 5 and the expansion device 7 are also housed in the housing compartment 3.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the first heat exchanger 6 is a finned tube heat exchanger.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the second heat exchanger 8 is a plate heat exchanger or a brazed plate heat exchanger (BPHE).

[0148] According to one embodiment, the working fluid circuit 9 comprises acirculation pump 19 adapted to act on the working fluid. In particular, the circulation pump 19 is configured to drive the circulation of the working fluid along the working fluid circuit 9, and in particular along the entire closed heating circuit.

[0149] The circulation pump 19 is housed in the housing compartment 3.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 is configured to be positionable interposed between the circulation pump 19 and the second heat exchanger 8.

[0151] Advantageously, such positioning allows reducing the overall dimensions of the heat pump 1 and placing the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 at a point of minimum height of the working fluid circuit 9.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the working fluid circuit 9 comprises a flow rate regulator 20. The flow rate regulator 20 is configured to measure and regulate the flow rate of working fluid circulating in the working fluid circuit 9, and in particular along the entire closed heating circuit.

[0153] The flow rate regulator 20 is housed in the housing compartment 3.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 is configured to be positionable interposed between the flow rate regulator 20 and the second heat exchanger 8.

[0155] Advantageously, such positioning allows reducing the overall dimensions of the heat pump 1 and placing the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 at a point of minimum height of the working fluid circuit 9.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the circulation pump 19 is interposed between the flow rate regulator 20 and the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the second heat exchanger 8 is positioned facing the peripheral wall 13, preferably abutting against the peripheral wall 13.

[0158] In accordance with this embodiment, the lower duct 10 is positioned opposite to the peripheral wall 13 with respect to the second heat exchanger 8.

[0159] Preferably, in accordance with this embodiment, the upper duct 11 is positioned facing the peripheral wall 13 or is positioned passing through the peripheral wall 13. In this way, the upper duct 11 opens onto the peripheral wall 13.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the lower duct 10 extends substantially along a direction parallel to the plane on which the base wall 12 is substantially extended.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the lower duct 10 extends substantially along a direction transverse to the peripheral wall 13.

[0162] Advantageously, such configuration of the heat pump 1 allows the integration of the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 within the housing compartment 3 with reduced dimensions and the positioning of the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 at a point of minimum height of the working fluid circuit 9.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the upper duct 11 extends substantially along a direction parallel to the plane on which the base wall 12 is substantially extended.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the upper duct 11 extends substantially along a direction transverse to the peripheral wall 13.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the working fluid circuit 9 comprises an intake duct 22. The intake duct 22 is configured to convey the working fluid from outside the housing 2 into the housing compartment 3.

[0166] The working fluid circuit 9 extends from the intake duct 22 to the upper duct 11. Consequently, the working fluid circulating through the working fluid circuit 9 flows in sequence, inside the housing compartment 3, through the intake duct 22, the lower duct 10, and finally the upper duct 11.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the intake duct 22 and the upper duct 11 are positioned at the same, preferably flat, peripheral wall 13 of the housing 2.

[0168] Advantageously, such configuration reduces the dimensions of the heat pump 1.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the outlet opening 16 of the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 is fluidically connectable to the lower duct 10.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the outlet opening 16 can face the lower duct 10. Consequently, the outlet opening 16 can also face the second heat exchanger 8.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the lower duct 10 is at least partially insertable into the outlet opening 16 of the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the lower duct 10 is connectable to the outlet opening 16 by means of a fluid connection element 21, for example a threaded connection element, such as a brass nut.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the portion of the working fluid circuit 9 interposed between the outlet opening 16 and the lower duct 10 is free of units or thermodynamic means, particularly active ones, suitable to substantially modify the thermodynamic state of the working fluid. For example, the section of the working fluid circuit 9 interposed between the outlet opening 16 and the lower duct 10 is free of heat exchangers or compressors or pumps or throttling valves or elements suitable tosubstantially modify the thermodynamic state of the working fluid.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the working fluid circuit 9 is housed, preferably entirely housed, in the housing compartment 3. Specifically, the working fluid circuit 9 constitutes the section of the closed heating circuit housed within the housing 2.

[0175] According to a further aspect of the invention, a use of an antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 as previously described, provides for the integration of the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 in a heat pump 1 , in particular of the monobloc air-to-water type, comprising a housing 2 that defines therein a housing compartment 3, wherein the housing 2 comprises at least one base wall 12, the heat pump 1 further comprising:- a working fluid circuit 9, configured to circulate a working fluid;- a refrigerant circuit 4, configured to circulate a refrigerant fluid;- a first heat exchanger 6, configured to perform a heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and air;- a second heat exchanger 8, configured to perform a heat exchange between the working fluid circulating in the working fluid circuit 9 and the refrigerant fluid, wherein the refrigerant circuit 4, the first heat exchanger 6, and the second heat exchanger 8 are housed in the housing compartment 3, wherein the working fluid circuit 9 comprises a lower duct 10 and an upper duct 11 configured to convey the working fluid through the second heat exchanger 8, so as to perform the heat exchange with the refrigerant fluid, wherein the lower duct 10 is configured to convey the working fluid entering the second heat exchanger 8, and the upper duct 11 is configured to convey the working fluid exiting the second heat exchanger 8, wherein the lower duct 10 is positioned at a lower height than the upper duct 11 , with reference to the base wall 12.

[0176] The integration of the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 provides for fluidically connecting the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 to the working fluid circuit 9 upstream of the second heat exchanger 8, at the lower duct 10, so that the working fluid circuit 9 conveys the working fluid in sequence through the inlet opening 15, the outlet opening 16 and the lower duct 10.

[0177] Furthermore, the integration of the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 provides for fluidically connecting the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 to the working fluid circuit 9 so that the discharge opening 17 and the thermostatic valve 18 positioned at the discharge opening 17 discharge the working fluid as a function of the temperature of the working fluid.

[0178] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method of discharging working fluid from a working fluid circuit 9 of a heat pump 1 comprising a housing 2 that defines therein a housing compartment 3, wherein the heat pump 1 comprises a heat exchanger 8 configured to perform a heat exchange between the working fluid circulating in the working fluid circuit 9 and a refrigerant fluid, wherein the heat exchanger 8 is housed in the housing compartment 3, comprises the following operating steps:

[0179] - providing an antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14, as previously described;

[0180] — fluidically connecting the antifreeze hydraulic assembly 14 within the housing compartment 3 to a portion of the working fluid circuit 9 confined within the housing compartment 3, upstream of the heat exchanger 8, so that the working fluid circuit 9 is configured to convey the working fluid in sequence through the inlet opening 15, the outlet opening 16 and the heat exchanger 8;

[0181] - discharging, by means of the thermostatic valve 18, the working fluid through the discharge opening 17 as a function of the temperature of the working fluid.

[0182] Naturally, the person skilled in the art will be able to make modifications or adaptations to the present invention, without however departing from the scope of the appended claims.List of references1. Heat pump2. Housing3. Housing compartment4. Refrigerant circuit5. Compressor6. First heat exchanger7. Expansion device8. Second heat exchanger9. Working fluid circuit10. Lower duct11. Upper duct12. Base wall13. Peripheral wall14. Antifreeze hydraulic assembly15. Inlet opening16. Outlet opening17. Discharge opening18. Thermostatic valve19. Circulation pump20. Flow rate regulator21. Fluid connection element22. Intake duct23. Tubular body24. Inlet tubular body25. Outlet tubular body26. Elbow portion27. Inlet segment28. Fitting segment29. Discharge body30. Air temperature sensor31 . Safety valve32. Housing seat33. Vacuum-breaking valve34. System filling tap

Claims

Claims1. An antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14), adapted to be integrated into a heat pump (1), in particular of the monobloc air-water type, of the type comprising a housing (2) defining a housing compartment (3) therein, wherein the housing (2) comprises at least one base wall (12), the heat pump (1) further comprising:- a working fluid circuit (9), configured to circulate a working fluid;- a refrigerant circuit (4), configured to circulate a refrigerant fluid;- a first heat exchanger (6), configured to perform a heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and air;- a second heat exchanger (8), configured to perform a heat exchange between the working fluid circulating in the working fluid circuit (9) and the refrigerant fluid, wherein the refrigerant circuit (4), the first heat exchanger (6), and the second heat exchanger (8) are housed in the housing compartment (3), wherein the working fluid circuit (9) comprises a lower duct (10) and an upper duct (11) configured to convey the working fluid through the second heat exchanger (8), so as to obtain the heat exchange with the refrigerant fluid, wherein the lower duct (10) is configured to convey the working fluid entering the second heat exchanger (8), and the upper duct (11) is configured to convey the working fluid exiting the second heat exchanger (8), wherein the lower duct (10) is positioned at a lower height than the upper duct (11), with reference to the base wall (12), wherein the hydraulic assembly (14) comprises an inlet opening (15) and an outlet opening (16), wherein the antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) is configured to be fluidically connectable to the working fluid circuit (9) upstream of the second heat exchanger (8), at the lower duct (10), so that the working fluid circuit (9) conveys the working fluid in sequence through the inlet opening (15), the outlet opening (16), and the lower duct (10), and wherein the antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) includes a discharge opening (17) and a thermostatic valve (18) positioned at the discharge opening (17), wherein the thermostatic valve (18) is configured to discharge the working fluid through the discharge opening (17) as a function of the temperature of the working fluid.

2. An antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) according to claim 1 , comprising a tubular body (23) extending between the inlet opening (15) and the outlet opening (16),wherein the tubular body (23) is configured to define a portion of the working fluid circuit (9) enclosed between the inlet opening (15) and the outlet opening (16), wherein the tubular body comprises a tubular inlet body (24) and a tubular outlet body (25), wherein the tubular inlet body (24) extends from the inlet opening (15), wherein the tubular outlet body (25) extends from the outlet opening (16), wherein the tubular inlet body (24) and the tubular outlet body (25) are fluidically connected to each other, and wherein the tubular inlet body (24) substantially extends along an axis not parallel to the axis along which the tubular outlet body (25) substantially extends, and wherein, optionally, the tubular inlet body (24) substantially extends along an axis incident to the axis along which the tubular outlet body (25) substantially extends.

3. An antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a tubular body (23) extending between the inlet opening (15) and the outlet opening (16), wherein the tubular body (23) is configured to define a portion of the working fluid circuit (9) enclosed between the inlet opening (15) and the outlet opening (16), wherein the tubular body comprises a tubular inlet body (24) and a tubular outlet body (25), wherein the tubular inlet body (24) extends from the inlet opening (15), wherein the tubular outlet body (25) extends from the outlet opening (16), wherein the tubular inlet body (24) and the tubular outlet body (25) are fluidically connected to each other, wherein the tubular inlet body (24) substantially extends along an axis perpendicular to the axis along which the tubular outlet body (25) substantially extends, and / or wherein the tubular inlet body (24) is offset from the tubular outlet body (25), and / or wherein the tubular inlet body (24) extends along a substantially vertical direction, and / or wherein the tubular outlet body (25) extends along a substantially horizontal direction, preferably of minimum height, of the working fluid circuit (9), and / or wherein the tubular inlet body (24) and / or the tubular outlet body (25) are cylindrical in shape with a circular section or are prismatic in shape.

4. An antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a tubular body (23) extending between the inlet opening (15) and the outlet opening (16), wherein the tubular body (23) is configured to define a portion of the working fluid circuit (9) enclosed between the inlet opening (15) and the outlet opening (16), wherein the tubular body comprises a tubular inlet body (24) and a tubular outlet body (25), wherein the tubular inlet body (24) extends from the inlet opening (15),wherein the tubular outlet body (25) extends from the outlet opening (16), wherein the tubular inlet body (24) and the tubular outlet body (25) are fluidically connected to each other, wherein the tubular inlet body (24) is fluidically connected to the tubular outlet body (25) at an elbow portion (26), and wherein the elbow portion (26) defines a connection angle between 120° and 60°, or between 100° and 80°, or of about 90°, and wherein the tubular inlet body (24), the elbow portion (26), and the tubular outlet body (25) have structural continuity, or wherein the tubular body (23) comprises a fitting element forming the elbow portion (26) configured to fluidically join the tubular inlet body (24) to the tubular outlet body (25).

5. An antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a tubular body (23) extending between the inlet opening (15) and the outlet opening (16), wherein the tubular body (23) is configured to define a portion of the working fluid circuit (9) enclosed between the inlet opening (15) and the outlet opening (16), wherein the tubular body comprises a tubular inlet body (24) and a tubular outlet body (25), wherein the tubular inlet body (24) extends from the inlet opening (15), wherein the tubular outlet body (25) extends from the outlet opening (16), wherein the tubular inlet body (24) and the tubular outlet body (25) are fluidically connected to each other, wherein the tubular inlet body (24) comprises an inlet segment (27) and a fitting segment (28), fluidically connected to each other, wherein the inlet segment (27) extends from the inlet opening (15), wherein the fitting segment (28) extends between the inlet segment (27) and the tubular outlet body (25), and wherein the tubular body (23) is configured so that:- the inlet segment (27) and the fitting segment (28) extend along respective axes incident and not parallel to each other;- the fitting segment (28) and the tubular outlet body (25) extend along respective axes incident and not parallel to each other;- the inlet segment (27) and the tubular outlet body (25) extend along respective axes neither incident nor parallel to each other.

6. An antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) according to claim 5, wherein the inlet segment(27) and the tubular outlet body (25) mutually define an angle between 120° and 60°, or between 100° and 80°, or of about 90°, when projected onto a plane being parallel to both the axis along which the tubular outlet body (25) substantially extends and the axis along which the inlet segment (27) substantially extends, and / or wherein the axis along which the fitting segment (28) substantially extends and the axis along which the tubular outlet body (25) substantially extends define an angle between 120° and 60°, or between 100° and 80°, or of about 90° therebetween, and / or wherein the axis along which the inlet segment (27) substantially extends and the axis along which the fitting segment (28) substantially extends define an angle between 10° and 45°, or between 15° and 40°, or of about 30° therebetween, and / or wherein the tubular body (23) is made of copper or copper alloy, or wherein the tubular body (23) is made at least partially of a composite material.

7. An antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a tubular body (23) extending between the inlet opening (15) and the outlet opening (16), wherein the tubular body (23) is configured to define a portion of the working fluid circuit (9) enclosed between the inlet opening (15) and the outlet opening (16), wherein the tubular body comprises a tubular inlet body (24) and a tubular outlet body (25), wherein the tubular inlet body (24) extends from the inlet opening (15), wherein the tubular outlet body (25) extends from the outlet opening (16), wherein the tubular inlet body (24) and the tubular outlet body (25) are fluidically connected to each other, wherein the discharge opening (17) and the thermostatic valve (18) are positioned at the tubular outlet body (25), and / or wherein the antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) comprises a discharge body (29), wherein the discharge opening (17) is defined by the discharge body (29) and wherein the thermostatic valve (18) is housed inside the discharge body (29), wherein the discharge body (29) is fluidically connected to the tubular outlet body (25), and wherein, optionally, the discharge body (29) is a separate component from the tubular body (23) and is connectable to the tubular body (23), and / or wherein the discharge body (29) is positioned at an intersection between the tubular inlet body (24) and the tubular outlet body (25), optionally at an elbow portion (26).

8. An antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) according to any one of the preceding claims,comprising a tubular body (23) extending between the inlet opening (15) and the outlet opening (16), wherein the tubular body (23) is configured to define a portion of the working fluid circuit (9) enclosed between the inlet opening (15) and the outlet opening (16), wherein the tubular body comprises a tubular inlet body (24) and a tubular outlet body (25), wherein the tubular inlet body (24) extends from the inlet opening (15), wherein the tubular outlet body (25) extends from the outlet opening (16), wherein the tubular inlet body (24) and the tubular outlet body (25) are fluidically connected to each other, wherein the discharge opening (17) is open along a direction parallel to and separate from the axis along which the tubular outlet body (25) substantially extends, or wherein the discharge opening (17) is open along a direction transverse to the axis along which the tubular outlet body (25) substantially extends, or wherein the discharge opening (17) is open along a direction transverse to the axis along which the tubular outlet body (25) substantially extends and parallel to or coinciding with the axis along which the tubular inlet body (24) substantially extends.

9. An antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a fluid temperature sensor (30), configured to detect the temperature of the working fluid circulating in the heat pump (1), wherein, optionally, the fluid temperature sensor (30) is connected to the antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) at a tubular outlet body (25), and / or wherein the fluid temperature sensor (30) is at least partially housed inside a discharge body (29), and / or wherein the fluid temperature sensor (30) is positioned extending along a direction parallel to and separate from the axis along which a tubular outlet body (25) substantially extends, or along a direction transverse to the axis along which the tubular outlet body (25) substantially extends, or along a direction coinciding with the axis along which the tubular outlet body (25) substantially extends and opposite to the outlet opening (16), and / or wherein the antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) comprises an air temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the air outside the antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14), and wherein the thermostatic valve (18) is configured to open when both of the following conditions occur:- when the thermostatic valve (18) detects that the working fluid has reached a first critical or predetermined temperature, and- when the air temperature sensor detects that the air has reached a second criticaltemperature, wherein the first critical temperature is different from or equal to the second critical temperature, preferably wherein the second critical temperature is lower than the first critical temperature; and / or wherein the antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) comprises a safety valve (31) fluidically connected to the tubular body (23) and configured to open when the working fluid circulating in the tubular body (23) reaches a predefined critical pressure, and wherein, optionally, the safety valve (31) is connected to the antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) at the tubular inlet body (24), or at a fitting segment (28), and / or wherein the tubular inlet body (24) forms a housing seat (32), for housing a possible additional sensor, wherein the housing seat (32) is tubular in shape, and optionally is formed outside the fitting segment (28) and extends in a direction parallel to the fitting segment (28), and / or wherein the antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) comprises a vacuum relief valve (33) configured to promote the drainage of working fluid from the discharge opening (17) when the thermostatic valve (18) opens, wherein the vacuum relief valve (33) is connected to the antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) at the tubular outlet body (25), wherein, optionally, the vacuum relief valve (33) is positioned opposite to the discharge opening (17) with respect to the tubular outlet body (25), and / or is positioned extending along a direction transverse to the axis along which the tubular outlet body (25) substantially extends, and / or wherein the antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) comprises a fluid connection element (21) positioned at the inlet opening (15) and the outlet opening (16), respectively, wherein the fluid connection element (21) is configured to obtain a fluid connection between the antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) and the working fluid circuit (9), wherein, optionally, the fluid connection element (21) is a threaded element screwed at the inlet opening (15) or the outlet opening (16), respectively, and / or wherein the antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) comprises a system filling tap (34) configured to allow filling the working fluid circuit (9), optionally positioned opposite to the tubular outlet body (25) with respect to the tubular inlet body (24), with the working fluid.

10. An antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- the inlet opening (15) and the outlet opening (16) are configured to be positionable in the housing compartment (3), and / or- the thermostatic valve (18) is configured to be positionable in the housing compartment (3), and / or- the entire antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) is configured to be housable in the housing compartment (3).11 . Use of an antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said use includes integrating the antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) into a heat pump (1), in particular of the monobloc air-to-water type, comprising a housing (2) defining a housing compartment (3) therein, wherein the housing (2) comprises at least one base wall (12), the heat pump (1) further comprising:- a working fluid circuit (9), configured to circulate a working fluid;- a refrigerant circuit (4), configured to circulate a refrigerant fluid;- a first heat exchanger (6), configured to perform a heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and air;- a second heat exchanger (8), configured to perform a heat exchange between the working fluid circulating in the working fluid circuit (9) and the refrigerant fluid, wherein the refrigerant circuit (4), the first heat exchanger (6), and the second heat exchanger (8) are housed in the housing compartment (3), wherein the working fluid circuit (9) comprises a lower duct (10) and an upper duct (11) configured to convey the working fluid through the second heat exchanger (8), so as to obtain the heat exchange with the refrigerant fluid, wherein the lower duct (10) is configured to convey the working fluid entering the second heat exchanger (8), and the upper duct (11) is configured to convey the working fluid exiting the second heat exchanger (8), wherein the lower duct (10) is positioned at a lower height than the upper duct (11), with reference to the base wall (12), wherein the integration of the antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) includes fluidically connecting the antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14) to the working fluid circuit (9):- upstream of the second heat exchanger (8), at the lower duct (10), so that the workingfluid circuit (9) conveys the working fluid in sequence through the inlet opening (15), the outlet opening (16), and the lower duct (10), and- so that the discharge opening (17) and the thermostatic valve (18) positioned at the discharge opening (17) discharge the working fluid as a function of the temperature of the working fluid.

12. A method of discharging working fluid from a working fluid circuit (9) of a heat pump (1) comprising:- a housing (2) defining a housing compartment (3) therein,- a heat exchanger (8) configured to perform a heat exchange between the working fluid circulating in the working fluid circuit (9) and a refrigerant fluid, wherein the heat exchanger (8) is housed in the housing compartment (3), includes the following operating steps:- providing an antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14), according to any one of claims 1 to 10;- fluidically connecting the antifreeze hydraulic assembly (14), within the housing compartment (3), to a portion of the working circuit (9) confined within the housing compartment (3), upstream of the heat exchanger (8), so that the working fluid circuit (9) is configured to convey the working fluid in sequence through the inlet opening (15), the outlet opening (16), and the heat exchanger (8);- discharging, by means of the thermostatic valve (18), the working fluid through the discharge opening (17) as a function of the temperature of the working fluid.

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