FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a flexible fluid connector configured to provide a fluid connection between a heating distributor and a pressure maintenance system and/or a degassing device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A heating or cooling installation in a building is often assembled from various components, which together form a hydronic system, from heat or cold generation to the delivery thereof. In order to be able to properly supply the various zones in the building in the heat or cold demand, distributors are used. Such a distributor is actually a hub of all functions in a hydronic installation.

It is therefore logical to also combine the functions of pressure control, degassing, expansion provision, air and dirt separation, refill and in fact all aspects of water treatment in or near such a distributor. To promote the smooth operation of the various components, but also for easy installing, smart and compact couplings are desirable.

An example of such a heating distributor is shown in European patent application

EP3228943A1. This is a heating distributor of the so called sinus-type. The sinus definition refers to a sinus shaped wall inside a housing separating two inner spaces. A tube extends into one of the inner spaces of the housing.

Water flows via an opening out from the inner space of the housing to a treatment device where the water is treated. Possible treatments are for example degassing or pressure maintenance. After treatment the treated water flows back into the same inner space of the housing via the tube.

The tube is intended to prevent treated fluid returning into the inner space via the tube from immediately exiting the inner space towards the treatment device. This could lead to undesirable recirculation of already treated fluid.

From this undesirable recirculation perspective it is important to have the tube extending far into the inner space of the housing. This is rather difficult with the tube as disclosed in EP3228943A1. Firstly the length of the tube is restricted by the sinus shaped wall, because the tube cannot extend beyond an apex of said sinus shaped.

Secondly a disadvantage of the tube is that it is difficult to install in tight spaces. Inserting the tube into the inner space requires at least a distance to the side of the housing which is equal to the length of the tube. So a maximum length of the tube may be limited by the tight space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention has as objective to provide a flexible fluid connector which is at least easier to install. This objective is achieved by a flexible fluid connector configured to provide a fluid connection between a heating distributor on the one hand, and a pressure maintenance system and/or a degassing device on the other hand, the flexible fluid connector comprising:

a cap configured to be connected to a connection opening of the heating distributor, the cap comprising

o a first tubular wall defining a first through passage configured to allow a fluid to pass through the cap in a first direction, in particular from the heating distributor to the pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device,

o a second tubular wall defining a second through passage configured to allow a fluid to pass through the cap in an opposite, second direction, in particular from the pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device to the heating distributor,

o a first connector provided at an outer end of the first tubular wall, the first connector being configured to be connected to an inlet of the pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device,

o a second connector provided at the outer end of the second tubular wall, the second connector being configured to be connected to an outlet of the pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device, o an inner connector provided at an inner end of the first or second

tubular wall,

a flexible elongate tube comprising a first open end and an opposite second open end, the flexible elongate tube having a length and a width, wherein the length is more than ten times the width, the first open end of the flexible elongate tube being connected to the inner connector of the first or second tubular wall, wherein the flexible elongate tube is configured to extend over a distance into an inner space of the heating distributor. An advantage of the flexible fluid connector that due to the flexible elongate tube the flexible fluid connector is easier to install. When for example the heating distributor to which the flexible fluid connector is to be connected is located in a tight space, the flexible elongate tube can be bended or flexed when inserting into the inner space of the heating distributor. This allows the flexible fluid connector to be installed in the tight space, while maintaining a desired maximum length of the flexible elongate tube.

Another advantage of the flexible fluid connector is that due to the flexible elongate tube the tube can extend further into the inner space of the heating distributor, in particular when the heating distributor is of the sinus type. In the sinus type the extension of a straight and rigid elongate tube into the inner space of the heating distributor is limited by the sinus shaped wall. The flexible elongate tube can move past the apex of the sinus shaped wall.

Another advantage of the flexible fluid connector is that it can be transported efficiently, because the flexible elongate tube can be rolled up.

In an embodiment of the flexible fluid connector, the first through passage is provided at a distance from the second through passage.

In an embodiment of the flexible fluid connector, a first axis of the first connector is provided substantially parallel to a second axis of the second connector.

In an embodiment of the flexible fluid connector, the first and second tubular wall are arranged coaxially, the second through passage being provided inside the first through passage, the first through passage having an annular cross-section.

In an embodiment of the flexible fluid connector, a first axis of the first connector is provided at an angle relative to a second axis of the second connector, in particular between 45 and 90 degrees.

In an embodiment of the flexible fluid connector, the first open end of the flexible elongate tube is connected to the inner end of the second through passage.

In an embodiment of the flexible fluid connector, the flexible elongate tube is flexible along its entire length.

In an embodiment of the flexible fluid connector, the flexible elongate tube is made from rubber. In an embodiment of the flexible fluid connector, the cap comprises a drain hole extending through the cap. The drain hole allows the fluid in a heating distributor to be drained without having to detach the flexible fluid connector from the heating distributor. The drain hole may advantageously be provided at a lower end of the cap.

The invention further relates to a system for distributing fluid in a fluid conduit system, the system comprising:

a heating distributor comprising

o at least one first wall defining a first inner space for accommodating a body of hot fluid,

o at least one second wall defining a second inner space for

accommodating a body of cool fluid, the second inner space being separated from the first inner space,

o an upstream pipe defining a main upstream inlet in fluid communication with the first inner space, the upstream pipe being connected to the at least one first wall for guiding hot fluid into the first inner space, the upstream pipe being configured to be connected to an upstream conduit upstream of the first inner space,

o at least two first distributing pipes defining at least two distributing

outlets in fluid communication with the first inner space, the at least two first distributing pipes being connected to the at least one first wall for guiding hot fluid out of the first inner space, the at least two distributing pipes being configured to be connected to at least two conduits downstream of the first inner space,

o at least two second distributing pipes defining at least two distributing inlets in fluid communication with the second inner space, the at least two second distributing pipes being connected to the at least one second wall for guiding cool fluid into the second inner space, the at least two distributing inlets being configured to be connected to at least two conduits upstream of the second inner space,

o a downstream pipe defining a main downstream outlet in fluid

communication with the second inner space, the downstream pipe being connected to the at least one second wall for guiding cool fluid out of the second inner space, the downstream pipe being configured to be connected to a downstream conduit downstream of the second inner space,

o a connection opening connected to the second inner space, wherein the heating distributor is configured to guide hot fluid from the main upstream inlet to the at least two distributing outlets and to guide cool, incoming fluid from the at least two distributing inlets to the main downstream outlet,

a flexible fluid connector, the flexible fluid connector comprising a cap which is connected to the second inner space via the connection opening, wherein the flexible fluid connector comprises a flexible elongate tube which extends into the second inner space.

In an embodiment of the system, the first inner space is provided above the second inner space or vice versa, wherein the first and second inner space and the at least two distributing outlets and the at least two distributing inlets are provided in a single substantially vertical plane.

In an embodiment of the system, the at least two second distributing pipes extend through the first inner space, or wherein the at least two first distributing pipes extend through the second inner space, when seen in a cross-sectional side view.

In an embodiment of the system, the first and second inner space are provided in a single housing, wherein the first and second inner space are separated by a sinus-shaped wall.

In an embodiment of the system, the flexible fluid connector is further connected to the connection opening of the heating distributor via a sealing member.

In an embodiment, the system further comprises a pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device, the pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device being connected to the heating distributor via the flexible fluid connector.

The invention further relates to a method for converting a system comprising:

a heating distributor comprising

o at least one first wall defining a first inner space for accommodating a body of hot fluid,

o at least one second wall defining a second inner space for

accommodating a body of cool fluid, the second inner space being separated from the first inner space,

o an upstream pipe defining a main upstream inlet in fluid communication with the first inner space, the upstream pipe being connected to the at least one first wall for guiding hot fluid into the first inner space, the upstream pipe being configured to be connected to an upstream conduit upstream of the first inner space,

o at least two first distributing pipes defining at least two distributing

outlets connected to the first inner space via the at least one first wall for guiding hot fluid out of the first inner space, the at least two distributing pipes being configured to be connected to at least two conduits downstream of the first inner space,

o at least two second distributing pipes defining at least two distributing inlets connected to the second inner space via the at least one second wall for guiding cool fluid into the second inner space, the at least two distributing inlets being configured to be connected to at least two conduits upstream of the second inner space,

o a downstream pipe defining a main downstream outlet in fluid

communication with the second inner space, the downstream pipe being connected to the at least one second wall for guiding cool fluid out of the second inner space, the downstream pipe being configured to be connected to a downstream conduit downstream of the second inner space,

o a connection opening connected to the second inner space, wherein the heating distributor is configured to guide hot fluid from the main upstream inlet to the at least two distributing outlets and to guide cool, incoming fluid from the at least two distributing inlets to the main downstream outlet,

wherein the first and second inner space are provided in a single housing, and wherein the first and second inner space are separated by a sinus-shaped wall,

a fluid connector connected to the second inner space via the connection opening, the fluid connector comprising a rigid elongate tube which extends into the second inner space [over a distance which is substantially equal to the length of the rigid tube],

to a system according to the invention comprising said heating distributor and the flexible fluid connector, the cap of the flexible fluid connector being connected to the second inner space via the connection opening, wherein the flexible elongate tube extends into the second inner space

the method comprising the steps of:

a. removing the fluid connector comprising the rigid elongate tube from the

connection opening, b. inserting the flexible elongate tube of the flexible fluid connector into the second inner space via the connection opening,

c. connecting the cap of the flexible fluid connector to the connection opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments of the system and the method will be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a heating distributor and a first embodiment of a flexible fluid connector according to the invention.

Figure 2 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a heating distributor and the embodiment of the flexible fluid connector according to the invention.

Figure 3 schematically shows a perspective view of the heating distributor and the flexible fluid connector of figure 1 during an installation step.

Figure 4 schematically shows a perspective view of the heating distributor and the flexible fluid connector of figure 1 during another installation step.

Figures 5 and 6 schematically show perspective views of the embodiment of the flexible fluid connector according to the invention as shown in figure 1.

Figure 7 schematically shows a front view of the flexible fluid connector of figures 5 and 6. Figure 8 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a cap of the flexible fluid connector of figures 5 and 6.

Figure 9 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a heating distributor and a second embodiment of the flexible fluid connector according to the invention in a normal operation mode.

Figure 10 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a heating distributor and the second embodiment of the flexible fluid connector according to the invention in a no circulation mode. Figure 11 A schematically shows a cross-sectional side view of the second embodiment of the flexible fluid connector according to the invention.

Figure 11 B schematically shows a front view of the second embodiment of the flexible fluid connector along the section A-A in figure 11 A.

Fig. 12 schematically shows in cross-sectional view a section of a heating distributor with a sinus shaped wall and a rigid fluid connector according to the prior art.

Figure 13 schematically shows in cross-sectional view a section of a heating distributor with a sinus shaped wall and a part of the flexible fluid connector according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Turning to figures 1 , 2, 3 and 4, a system 100 for distributing fluid in a fluid conduit system is shown. The system comprises a heating distributor 2. The heating distributor 2 has at least one first wall 34 which defines a first inner space 35 for accommodating a body of hot fluid 62. The first space has a closed end 66. In the figures 1 to 10 the at least one first wall 34 defines a cylindrical tube. It is also possible to have four first walls 34 defining a tube with a rectangular cross-section.

The heating distributor 2 has at least one second wall 36 defining a second inner space 37 for accommodating a body of cool fluid 63. In figures 1 to 10 the at least one second wall 36 also defines a cylindrical tube. Other shapes are also possible. The second inner space 37 is separated from the first inner space 35.

An upstream pipe 38 defines a main upstream inlet 39 which is in fluid communication with the first inner space 35. The upstream pipe 38 is connected to the at least one first wall 34 for guiding hot fluid 62 into the first inner space 35. The upstream pipe 38 is configured to be connected to an upstream conduit upstream of the first inner space 35 (not shown).

At least two first distributing pipes 41 define at least two distributing outlets 42 which are in fluid communication with the first inner space 35. The at least two first distributing pipes 41 are connected to the at least one first wall 34 for guiding hot fluid 62 out of the first inner space 35. The at least two distributing pipes are configured to be connected to at least two conduits downstream of the first inner space 35 (not shown).

At least two second distributing pipes 44 define at least two distributing inlets 45 in fluid communication with the second inner space 37. The at least two second distributing pipes 44 are connected to the at least one second wall 36 for guiding cool fluid 63 into the second inner space 37. The at least two distributing inlets 45 are configured to be connected to at least two conduits upstream of the second inner space 37 (not shown).

A downstream pipe 47 defines a main downstream outlet 48 in fluid communication with the second inner space 37. The downstream pipe 47 is connected to the at least one second wall

36 for guiding cool fluid 63 out of the second inner space 37. The downstream pipe 47 is configured to be connected to a downstream conduit downstream of the second inner space

37 (not shown). An aim of the heating distributor 2 is to guide hot fluid 62 from the main upstream inlet 39 to the at least two distributing outlets 42 and to guide cool, incoming fluid 63 from the at least two distributing inlets 45 to the main downstream outlet 48, as shown in figure 2.

The heating distributor 2 has a connection opening 5 connected to the second inner space 37, i.e. the connection opening 5 is in fluid communication with the second inner space 37. A cap 4 of the flexible fluid connector 1 according to the invention is connected to the second inner space 37 via the connection opening 5, in particular at an outer circumference of the connection opening, e.g. a rim.

A flexible elongate tube 21 extends into the second inner space 37 of the heating distributor 2, in particular over a distance 26 which is substantially equal to a length 24 of the flexible elongate tube 21.

The flexible fluid connector 1 can be further connected to the connection opening 5 of the heating distributor 2 via a sealing member 60.

The first inner space 35 is provided above the second inner space 37. It is also possible to provide the second inner space 37 above the first inner space 35. The first and second inner space 37 and the at least two distributing outlets 42 and the at least two distributing inlets 45 are provided in a single substantially vertical plane 51.

The at least two second distributing pipes 44 extend through the first inner space 35, when seen in cross-sectional side view 64. In case the second inner space 37 is provided above the first inner space 35 the at least two first distributing pipes 41 extend through the second inner space 37, when seen in cross-sectional side view.

The system may further comprise a pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device, the pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device being connected to the heating distributor 2 via the flexible fluid connector 1.

Turning to figures 5, 6, 7 and 8, a more detailed view of a first embodiment of the flexible fluid connector 1 is shown.

The flexible fluid connector 1 comprises a cap 4 which is configured to be connected to the connection opening 5 of the heating distributor 2. The cap 4 itself is shown in figures 7 and 8, in respectively a front view looking at an inner end 20 of the cap 4 and a cross-sectional view. The cap 4 has a first tubular wall 6 defining a first through passage 7. The first through passage 7 allows a fluid to pass through the cap 4 in a first direction 9, in particular from the heating distributor 2 to the pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device.

A second tubular wall 10 defines a second through passage 11. The second through passage 11 allows a fluid to pass through the cap 4 in an opposite, second direction 13, in particular from the pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device to the heating distributor 2.

The first through passage 7 is provided at a distance 28 from the second through passage 11.

The flexible fluid connector 1 has a first connector 14 provided at an outer end 15 of the first tubular wall 6. The first connector 14 is configured to be connected to an inlet of the pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device (not shown). The first connector 14 is provided with outer thread 57.

A second connector 17 is provided at the outer end 15 of the second tubular wall 10. Said second connector 17 is configured to be connected to an outlet of the pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device (not shown). The second connector 17 is provided with outer thread 57.

An inner connector 19 is provided at an inner end 20 of the first or second tubular wall 10.

A first axis 29 of the first connector 14 is provided substantially parallel to a second axis 30 of the second connector 17.

The second axis 30 of the second connector 17 is coaxial with a third axis 59 59 of the inner connector 19.

The flexible fluid connector 1 comprises a flexible elongate tube 21 with a first open end 22 and an opposite second open end 23. The flexible elongate tube 21 has a length 24 and a width 25, see figure 2. The length 24 is more than ten times the width 25.

The first open end 22 of the flexible elongate tube 21 is connected to the inner connector 19 of the first or second tubular wall 10, for example by shoving it over the inner connector 19. A further connector 58 58 may be provided to further affix the flexible elongate tube 21 to the inner connector 19. The flexible elongate tube 21 is flexible along its entire length 24.

The flexible elongate tube 21 may be made from rubber.

An extra, drain hole 67 is provided in the cap 4 to allow for draining of the distributor and/or the conduit system, see figures 5 and 7.

Figures 9, 10 and 11A and 11 B show a second embodiment of the flexible fluid connector 1. The heating distributor 2 in figures 9 and 10 is identical to the heating distributor 2 as shown in the previous figures.

The flexible fluid connector 1 according to the second embodiment has most features in common with the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment the first and second tubular wall 10 are arranged coaxially. The second through passage 11 is provided inside the first through passage 7, and the first through passage 7 has an annular cross-section 31. Another cross-sectional shape may also be possible, like rectangular or square for example.

The first open end 22 of the flexible elongate tube 21 is connected to the inner end 20 of the second through passage 11.

A first axis 29 of the first connector 14 is provided at an angle relative to a second axis 30 of the second connector 17, in particular between 45 and 90 degrees.

Fig. 12 (The PRIOR ART) figure and figure 13 show in cross-section a section of a heating distributor 2, wherein the first and second inner space 37 are provided in a single housing 52. Within the single housing 52 the first and second inner space 37 are separated by a sinus shaped wall.

Fig. 12 (The PRIOR ART) figure shows a rigid elongate tube 55 extending into the second inner space 37 of the heating distributor 2. The extension of the rigid elongate tube 55 into said second inner space 37 is however limited due to an apex 61 of the sinus shaped wall 53.

Figure 13 shows the flexible fluid connector 1 with the flexible elongate tube 21 extending into the second inner space 37 of the heating distributor 2. An advantage of the flexible elongate tube 21 is that it is able to bend and compress so that it can extend beyond the apex 61 of the sinus shaped wall 53. When the elongate tube can extend further into the second inner space 37 the distance 26 between the second open end 23 of the flexible elongate tube 21 and the first through passage 7 of the cap 4 will be increased. An advantage is that the flow returning into the second inner space 37 via the flexible elongate tube 21 has to travel further towards the first through passage 7, thereby decreasing the possibility of recirculating only a limited part of the fluid in the second inner space 37 through the pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device.

The invention further relates to a method for converting a system 100 comprising the heating distributor 2 with the single housing 52 and the sinus shaped wall 53, wherein the rigid fluid connector 67 with a rigid elongate tube 55 is provided in the second inner space 37.

The above mentioned system is converted to a system 100 comprising said heating distributor 2 and a flexible fluid connector 1 according to the invention. The cap 4 of the flexible fluid connector 1 is connected to the second inner space 37 via the connection opening 5, wherein the flexible elongate tube 21 extends into the second inner space 37.

The method comprises the steps of:

a. removing the rigid fluid connector 67 comprising the rigid elongate tube 55 from the connection opening 5,

b. inserting the flexible elongate tube 21 of the flexible fluid connector 1 into the second inner space 37 via the connection opening 5,

c. connecting the cap 4 of the flexible fluid connector 1 to the connection opening 5.

The method may further comprise installing the sealing member 60, thereby further affixing the cap 4 to the connection opening 5.

The method may also comprise bending the flexible elongate tube 21 prior to and during the insertion of said flexible elongate tube 21 into the second inner space 37 via the connection opening 5, as shown in figures 3 and 4. An advantage of said bending is that the flexible fluid connector 1 can be installed into already installed heating distributors which are located in a tight space.

Operation

Figures 2, 9 and 10 show different modes of operation of the heating distributor 2 and the flexible fluid connector 1 , namely a normal operation mode and a recirculation mode. Figures 2 and 9 show a normal operation mode, wherein there is substantially no recirculation of the body of fluid in the second inner space 37, i.e. after the fluid exits and treated fluid returns to the second inner space 37 through via the flexible fluid connector 1 , the treated fluid leaves the second inner space 37 via the downstream pipe 47 and does not exit the second inner space 37 again via the flexible fluid connector 1.

Hot fluid 62 enters the first inner space 35 via the main upstream inlet 39 and is subsequently distributed through a conduit system (not shown) downstream the first inner space 35 via the two distributing outlets 42.

The hot fluid 62 cools down through the conduit system and flows into the second inner space 37 via the two distributing inlets 45. So a cool, incoming fluid with a temperature lower than the hot fluid 62 thus enters the second space.

Subsequently part of the cool fluid 63 in the second inner space 37 exits the second inner space 37 via the first through passage 7 of the flexible fluid connector 1. Said cool fluid 63 is treated in for example a pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device and returns after treatment in the second inner space 37 via the second through passage 11 and the flexible elongate tube 21.

The cool fluid 63 then flows via the main downstream outlet 48 to a downstream conduit (not shown) downstream of the second inner space 37 and of the heating distributor 2.

An advantage of the flexible elongate tube 21 is that due to its relatively long length 24 a risk of recirculating the same part of cool fluid 63 through the pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device is reduced. This means that there is substantially always fresh fluid for treatment through the pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device.

Abovementioned advantage is also relevant for the heating distributor 2 of figure 13, wherein the flexible elongate tube 21 is able to extend beyond the apex 61 of the sinus shaped wall 53.

Figure 10 shows the recirculation mode, wherein there is no flow of fluid through the first inner space 35 and the conduit system downstream the first inner space 35. The no flow is indicated by the crosses 65. Therefore there is also no influx of fluid into the second inner space 37 via the two distributing inlets 45. In said recirculation mode the body of fluid in the second inner space 37 will recirculate through the pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device via the flexible fluid connector 1.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.

The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e. , open language, not excluding other elements or steps). Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims or the invention.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the system and method according to the invention without departing from the scope as defined in the claims.

The present invention relates to the following clauses:

1. Flexible fluid connector (1) configured to provide a fluid connection between a heating distributor (2) on the one hand, and a pressure maintenance system and/or a degassing device on the other hand, the flexible fluid connector comprising:

a cap (4) configured to be connected to a connection opening (5) of the heating distributor, the cap comprising

o a first tubular wall (6) defining a first through passage (7) configured to allow a fluid to pass through the cap in a first direction (9), in particular from the heating distributor to the pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device, o a second tubular wall (10) defining a second through passage (11) configured to allow a fluid to pass through the cap in an opposite, second direction (13), in particular from the pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device to the heating distributor, o a first connector (14) provided at an outer end (15) of the first tubular wall, the first connector being configured to be connected to an inlet (16) of the pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device, o a second connector (17) provided at the outer end of the second

tubular wall, the second connector being configured to be connected to an outlet (18) of the pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device,

o an inner connector (19) provided at an inner end of the first or second tubular wall,

a flexible elongate tube (21) comprising a first open end (22) and an opposite second open end (23), the flexible elongate tube having a length (24) and a width (25), wherein the length is more than ten times the width, the first open end of the flexible elongate tube being connected to the inner connector of the first or second tubular wall, wherein the flexible elongate tube is configured to extend over a distance (26) into an inner space (27) of the heating distributor. Flexible fluid connector according to clause 1 , wherein the first through passage is provided at a distance (28) from the second through passage. Flexible fluid connector according to the preceding clause, wherein a first axis (29) of the first connector is provided substantially parallel to a second axis (30) of the second connector. Flexible fluid connector according to clause 1 , wherein the first and second tubular wall are arranged coaxially, the second through passage being provided inside the first through passage, the first through passage having an annular cross-section (31). Flexible fluid connector according to the preceding clause, wherein a first axis (29) of the first connector is provided at an angle relative to a second axis (30) of the second connector, in particular between 45 and 90 degrees. 6. Flexible fluid connector according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first open end of the flexible elongate tube is connected to the inner end of the second through passage.

7. Flexible fluid connector according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the flexible elongate tube is flexible along its entire length.

8. Flexible fluid connector according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flexible elongate tube is made from rubber.

9. System for distributing fluid in a fluid conduit system, the system comprising:

a heating distributor (2) comprising

o at least one first wall (34) defining a first inner space (35) for

accommodating a body of hot fluid,

o at least one second wall (36) defining a second inner space (37) for accommodating a body of cool fluid, the second inner space being separated from the first inner space,

o an upstream pipe (38) defining a main upstream inlet (39) in fluid

communication with the first inner space, the upstream pipe being connected to the at least one first wall for guiding hot fluid into the first inner space, the upstream pipe being configured to be connected to an upstream conduit upstream of the first inner space, o at least two first distributing pipes (41) defining at least two distributing outlets (42) in fluid communication with the first inner space, the at least two first distributing pipes being connected to the at least one first wall for guiding hot fluid out of the first inner space, the at least two distributing pipes being configured to be connected to at least two conduits downstream of the first inner space,

o at least two second distributing pipes (44) defining at least two

distributing inlets (45) in fluid communication with the second inner space, the at least two second distributing pipes being connected to the at least one second wall for guiding cool fluid into the second inner space, the at least two distributing inlets being configured to be connected to at least two conduits (46) upstream of the second inner space,

o a downstream pipe (47) defining a main downstream outlet (48) in fluid communication with the second inner space, the downstream pipe being connected to the at least one second wall for guiding cool fluid out of the second inner space, the downstream pipe being configured to be connected to a downstream conduit downstream of the second inner space,

o a connection opening (5) connected to the second inner space, wherein the heating distributor is configured to guide hot fluid from the main upstream inlet to the at least two distributing outlets and to guide cool, incoming fluid from the at least two distributing inlets to the main downstream outlet,

a flexible fluid connector according to any of clauses 1-8, the cap of the flexible fluid connector being connected to the second inner space via the connection opening, wherein the flexible elongate tube extends into the second inner space. System according to the preceding clause, wherein the first inner space is provided above the second inner space or vice versa, wherein the first and second inner space and the at least two distributing outlets and the at least two distributing inlets are provided in a single substantially vertical plane (51). System according to the preceding clause, wherein the at least two second distributing pipes extend through the first inner space, or wherein the at least two first distributing pipes extend through the second inner space, when seen in a cross-sectional side view. System according to clause 10 or 11 , wherein the first and second inner space are provided in a single housing (52), wherein the first and second inner space are separated by a sinus-shaped wall (53). System according to any one of the clauses 9 - 12, wherein the flexible fluid connector is further connected to the connection opening of the heating distributor via a sealing member (60). System according to clause 9, further comprising a pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device, the pressure maintenance system and/or degassing device being connected to the heating distributor via the flexible fluid connector. Method for converting a system comprising:

a heating distributor comprising

o at least one first wall defining a first inner space for accommodating a body of hot fluid, o at least one second wall defining a second inner space for

accommodating a body of cool fluid, the second inner space being separated from the first inner space,

o an upstream pipe defining a main upstream inlet in fluid communication with the first inner space, the upstream pipe being connected to the at least one first wall for guiding hot fluid into the first inner space, the upstream pipe being configured to be connected to an upstream conduit upstream of the first inner space,

o at least two first distributing pipes defining at least two distributing

outlets connected to the first inner space via the at least one first wall for guiding hot fluid out of the first inner space, the at least two distributing pipes being configured to be connected to at least two conduits downstream of the first inner space,

o at least two second distributing pipes defining at least two distributing inlets connected to the second inner space via the at least one second wall for guiding cool fluid into the second inner space, the at least two distributing inlets being configured to be connected to at least two conduits upstream of the second inner space,

o a downstream pipe defining a main downstream outlet in fluid

communication with the second inner space, the downstream pipe being connected to the at least one second wall for guiding cool fluid out of the second inner space, the downstream pipe being configured to be connected to a downstream conduit downstream of the second inner space,

o a connection opening connected to the second inner space, wherein the heating distributor is configured to guide hot fluid from the main upstream inlet to the at least two distributing outlets and to guide cool, incoming fluid from the at least two distributing inlets to the main downstream outlet,

wherein the first and second inner space are provided in a single housing, and wherein the first and second inner space are separated by a sinus-shaped wall,

a fluid connector connected to the second inner space via the connection opening, the fluid connector comprising a rigid elongate tube (55) which extends into the second inner space,

to a system comprising said heating distributor and a flexible fluid connector according to any of the clauses 1-8, the cap of the flexible fluid connector being connected to the second inner space via the connection opening, wherein the flexible elongate tube extends into the second inner space

the method comprising the steps of:

a. removing the fluid connector comprising the rigid elongate tube from the connection opening,

b. inserting the flexible elongate tube of the flexible fluid connector into the second inner space via the connection opening,

c. connecting the cap of the flexible fluid connector to the connection opening.