Hydraulic module with front-mounted, mobile and retractable expansion tank

Abstract

The invention relates to a hydraulic module (15) comprising an expansion vessel (33) fixed to a module body (17) by means of a hinge system (70), said expansion vessel (33) being movable relative to the module body (17) between: - a first position, called the functional position, in which the expansion vessel (33) is positioned across a front opening (56) providing access to an internal space (54) of the hydraulic module (15), - a retracted position in which the expansion vessel (33) is positioned at least partially inside the internal space (54) and allows access to the internal space (54) through the front access opening (56), in which the hinge system (70) is configured to guide the expansion vessel (33) between the first position and the retracted position. Figure for the abstract: Figure 9

Description

Title of the invention: Hydraulic module with front-mounted, mobile and retractable expansion tank Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydraulic module for a heating water and / or sanitary water heating device comprising an expansion tank.

[0002] The invention also relates to a combined device for heating domestic water and heating water for a room comprising such a hydraulic module. Technological background

[0003] A heating water and / or domestic water heating device generally comprises a heating water and / or domestic water heating system coupled to a hydraulic module, and optionally a storage tank for storing domestic water. This heating system may be an electric heating element or a heating element using a fuel such as gas or fuel oil. The heating system carried by the heating device may also be a heat exchanger of a remote heating element such as a heat pump. Such a heating water and / or domestic water heating device is for example a thermodynamic water heater, a combined heating water and domestic water heating device or even a storage tank associated with a heat exchanger external to the tank.

[0004] The hydraulic module comprises a heating water circuit and / or a sanitary water circuit and connections for coupling the heating system to the heating water and / or sanitary water circuits. The hydraulic module comprises, for example, a heat exchanger when the heating system is a heat pump, such as in a thermodynamic water heater or a combined heating water and sanitary water heating device.

[0005] The hydraulic module also includes an expansion tank to absorb variations in the volume of water generated by changes in water temperature. Indeed, the temperature of the water is caused to vary, which causes expansion of this water. However, since water is incompressible, the volume of the water circuit must vary to avoid excessive pressure build-up. The expansion tank allows this variation in the volume of the water circuit.

[0006] Given its function of absorbing variations in the volume of water, the expansion tank is a bulky component of the hydraulic module, often the largest. It is therefore essential to position and make this component as space-saving as possible, particularly for a technician wishing to work on components of the hy- draulic.

[0007] In addition, the expansion tank is a component that must be checked regularly and, if necessary, replaced. Therefore, this component must be easily accessible to a technician.

[0008] It is known to fix the expansion tank to a wall of the hydraulic module. However, this solution is very restrictive with regard to the integration of the other components of the hydraulic module and makes maintenance of the expansion tank difficult.

[0009] It is also known to make the expansion tank detachable or pivotable so as to be able to access the “hidden” space or space located behind the expansion tank when it is in the functional position. It is particularly known to arrange the expansion tank on the front of the hydraulic module, which involves removing or pivoting the expansion tank to access the interior space of the hydraulic module. However, these solutions are cumbersome for the technician because he must find a place for the expansion tank (often outside the hydraulic module) or find himself hindered by the expansion tank in his intervention area (i.e. in front of the hydraulic module).

[0010] Often, removable or detachable expansion tanks require a clear environment around the hydraulic module. However, new homes are getting smaller and smaller and the space allocated to heating devices is becoming more and more restricted and constrained. In particular, it is increasingly required to be able to place the heating device inside a cupboard, which makes it impossible to hang or pivot the expansion tank into a position next to the hydraulic module. Only the space in front of the hydraulic module is generally usable.

[0011] In addition, the hose that connects the expansion tank to the water circuit must be long enough to allow such movements, which is restrictive from the point of view of product design.

[0012] There is therefore a need for a hydraulic module expansion tank that is easy to access and makes the components of the hydraulic module easier to access for a technician. Summary of the invention

[0013] For this purpose, the invention proposes a hydraulic module for a heating water and / or sanitary water heating device comprising a module body defining an interior space and at least one heating water or sanitary water heating circuit arranged at least partially in the interior space, said interior space comprising a front opening for access to said interior space for maintenance of the hydraulic module, the hydraulic module extends along a longitudinal axis of module and further comprising an expansion tank fixed to the module body by means of an articulation system, said expansion tank being movable relative to the module body between: - a first position, called the functional position, in which the expansion tank is arranged across said front access opening to close the interior space, - a retracted position in which the expansion tank is arranged at least partially inside the interior space and allows access to the interior space through the front access opening, in which the articulation system is configured to guide the expansion tank between the first position and the retracted position.

[0014] The expansion tank is therefore movable between a functional position (first position) and a retracted position to reduce the size of the expansion tank by inserting it at least partially inside the interior space of the hydraulic module. This reduced size allows more space for the technician to access the interior space of the hydraulic module and therefore carry out his operations.

[0015] The frontal position of the expansion tank makes it easier to arrange the other components of the hydraulic module by reducing the size of the expansion tank inside this interior space when it is in its functional and maintenance positions.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic module, said expansion tank is rotatable about an articulation axis relative to the module body by means of the articulation system, the expansion tank being arranged in a first angular position about the articulation axis in the functional position and in a second angular position about the articulation axis in the retracted position.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic module, said expansion tank is rotatable about the articulation axis relative to the module body between: - the first position, called the functional position, in which the expansion tank is arranged across said front access opening to close the interior space, and - a second position, called the maintenance position, in which the expansion tank is outside the front access opening so as to allow access to the interior space through the front access opening, and wherein the articulation system comprises a slide mechanism for moving the expansion vessel relative to the module body along a slide axis from the second position to the third position, said position of sleight of hand.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic module, the expansion tank is defined by a longitudinal dimension taken along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the module when the expansion tank is in the retracted position, the expansion tank being arranged inside the interior space so that at least 30% of this longitudinal dimension is arranged inside the interior space when the expansion tank is arranged in the retracted position.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic module, the interior space of the module body comprises a lateral zone delimited at least partially by a lateral wall of the module body, the expansion tank being arranged inside this lateral zone when the expansion tank is in the retracted position.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic module, the expansion tank comprises a tank frame and a tank body mounted on the tank frame, the articulation system comprising a articulation frame fixed to the module body, the tank frame comprising a guide pin configured to cooperate with a tank guide formed on the articulation frame to guide the expansion tank between the functional and retracted positions.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic module, the vase guide is a groove or slot formed in the articulation frame in which the guide pin is configured to move.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic module, the vessel guide comprises a first guide portion forming a stop along the slide axis to allow rotation of the expansion vessel around the articulation axis and a second guide portion elongated along the slide axis to allow translation of the expansion vessel.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic module, the vase body is movable in translation relative to the vase frame along the hinge axis to remove the vase body from the vase frame.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic module, the latter further comprises a system for locking the expansion tank in the first position.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic module, the expansion tank comprises a rear face facing the interior space when the expansion tank is in the first position, a front face arranged opposite the rear face relative to the expansion tank and side faces arranged between the front and rear faces, the locking system being configured to lock at least one of the side faces to the module body.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic module, the expansion tank is intended to extend in a vertical plane when it is arranged in the first position and that the hydraulic module is fixed to a support.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic module, the latter further comprises at least one heat exchanger arranged in the interior space for heating the heating water and / or the sanitary water.

[0028] The invention also relates to a combined device for heating domestic water and heating water for a room, said combined device comprising: - a sanitary water storage tank, - a hydraulic module as described above, said hydraulic module comprising a sanitary water circuit intended to be in fluid communication with the storage tank and a heating water circuit, the hydraulic module further comprising at least one heat exchanger for transferring heat to heating water present in the heating water circuit, in which the domestic water storage tank is arranged above the hydraulic module. Brief description of the figures

[0029] The description which follows with reference to the appended drawings, given as non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented. In the appended figures:

[0030] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] represents a hydraulic diagram of a combined device of heating of heating water and sanitary water;

[0031] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents a perspective view of the combined device of [Fig.l] comprising a storage tank, a hydraulic module and a system for fixing the storage tank and the hydraulic module to a support;

[0032] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents a perspective view of a hydraulic module comprising an electrical box and a front expansion tank, the expansion tank being in an operational position in which it is arranged at a front opening of an interior space of the hydraulic module, the electrical box being arranged in a disengaged position,

[0033] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] shows a perspective view of a flat rectangular type expansion vessel comprising a vessel frame and a vessel body;

[0034] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents a perspective view of the vessel frame of the expansion vessel of [Fig.4];

[0035] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents a perspective view of the vessel body of the expansion vessel of [Fig.4];

[0036] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents a perspective view of the hydraulic module of [Fig.3] in which the expansion tank is arranged in a maintenance position allowing access to the interior space of the hydraulic module, the electrical box being arranged in the disengaged position,

[0037] [Fig-8] [Fig.8] represents a perspective view of the hydraulic module of the [Fig.3] in which the expansion tank is arranged in a retracted position in which the expansion tank is at least partially arranged inside the interior space of the hydraulic module, the electrical box being arranged in the disengaged position,

[0038] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] represents a perspective view of the hydraulic module of the [Fig.8] according to a different orientation, the expansion tank being arranged in the retracted position and the electrical box in the disengaged position,

[0039] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] represents a perspective view of the hydraulic module of the [Fig.3] in which the expansion tank body is being removed from the tank frame for replacement or maintenance. Description of embodiment(s)

[0040] The inventive concept is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clarity. Like numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings. However, this inventive concept may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided so that this description is complete, and communicates the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art.

[0041] A reference throughout the specification to "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the occurrence of the phrase "in an embodiment" at various locations throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps.

[0042] A hydraulic module is proposed comprising an expansion tank arranged on the front of this hydraulic module.

[0043] The hydraulic module comprises a module body defining an interior space and at least one heating water or sanitary water heating circuit arranged at least partially in this interior space. The hydraulic module may further comprise a heating member, one or more heat exchangers, one or more circulators as well as one or more hygienic connection connections. hydraulic. The hydraulic module may in particular include a connection plate as described below.

[0044] The hydraulic module may be intended to be hydraulically connected between a storage tank and a heating water and / or sanitary water installation.

[0045] A heating water and / or domestic water heating device generally comprises a heating water and / or domestic water heating system coupled to a hydraulic module, and optionally a storage tank for storing domestic water. This heating system may be an electric heating element or a heating element using a fuel such as gas or fuel oil. The heating system may also be a heat exchanger of a remote heating element such as a heat pump.

[0046] The hydraulic module may also include an expansion tank to absorb variations in the volume of the circuit due to variations in the temperature of the water in the circuit.

[0047] The hydraulic module will be described in more detail below integrated into a combined heating water and domestic water heating device, without limiting the scope of the present invention. The hydraulic module can in fact be integrated into any heating water and / or domestic water heating device, for example a thermodynamic water heater.

[0048] With reference to [Fig.l], a combined device 10 for heating domestic water and heating water for a room comprises a domestic water storage tank 14, a hydraulic module 15 intended to be connected to the storage tank 14 and an external unit 25 intended to be connected to the hydraulic module 15.

[0049] The hydraulic module 15 comprises a sanitary water circuit 12 intended to be connected to sanitary water distribution devices, such as taps, and a heating water circuit 18 intended to be connected to heating devices of a room, such as radiators. The sanitary water circuit 12 is intended to be in fluid communication with the storage tank 14.

[0050] The hydraulic module 15 also comprises a first exchanger 22 capable of exchanging heat between a heat transfer fluid circuit 24 and the heating water circuit 18. In particular, the heat transfer fluid circuit 24 exchanges heat between an environment outside the premises and the heating water circuit 18 present inside the premises. To do this, the outdoor unit 25 is arranged at the level of the outdoor environment and configured to exchange heat with the heat transfer fluid circuit 24. The outdoor unit 25, the heat transfer fluid circuit 24 and the first heat exchanger 22 form a heat pump capable of varying the temperature of the heating water present in the heating water circuit 18.

[0051] The hydraulic module 15 further comprises a water heating circuit sanitary water 26 comprising a second heat exchanger 28 for exchanging heat between the heating water and the sanitary water. For this purpose, the domestic water heating circuit 26 comprises a first branch 27 connected to the heating water circuit 18 and extending inside the second heat exchanger 28. Heating water thus flows into the first branch 27 and thus through the second exchanger 28. The domestic water heating circuit 26 further comprises a second branch 29 connected to the domestic water circuit 12 and extending inside the second heat exchanger 28. Sanitary water thus flows into the second branch 29 and thus through the second heat exchanger 28. A heat exchange is thus possible between the heating water and the domestic water within the second heat exchanger 28. It is thus possible to vary the temperature of the domestic water by means of the heating water.

[0052] The hydraulic module 15 further comprises a first circulator 30 arranged in the heating water circuit 18 to circulate the heating water and a second circulator 32 in the second bypass 29 to circulate the domestic water.

[0053] The hydraulic module 15 also comprises an electrical box 35 arranged at a front face of the hydraulic module 15. The electrical box 35 is preferably removable or rotatable so as to free access to the internal components of the hydraulic module 15. The electrical box 35 generally groups together electrical and electronic components for controlling the heating device, in particular the heating system, or to ensure its safety. The electrical box 35 may also comprise electrical connections or even a communication interface with a user. These electrical and electronic components are essential to ensure the proper functioning of the heating device, for the integration of the communication interface or for the in situ installation of additional functions (expansion cards).

[0054] The second heat exchanger 28 is preferably a plate exchanger arranged outside the domestic water storage tank 14. Thus, the interior volume of the storage tank 14 is fully available for storing domestic water, without a heat exchanger inside it. The volume available inside the storage tank 14 is thus greater than in the case of a coil tank for the same external volume of the storage tank 14. Indeed, the “dead” or unavailable volume located at the location of the coil and below it is not present here. The dimensions and mass of the storage tank 14 can be reduced relative to the storage tank 14 while maintaining the same useful volume for storing domestic water.

[0055] In addition, the use of a heat exchanger arranged outside the tank of storage 14 is more robust in terms of performance and more flexible than solutions with submerged coil.

[0056] In known solutions with immersed coil, obtaining good performance when heating domestic water requires in particular: - wait until the storage tank 14 is as cold as possible (ideally the entire coil should be immersed in cold water) to start heating with the lowest possible condensation temperature (the lower the condensation temperature of a heat pump, the higher the performance), and - to prevent a draw-off from occurring during heating because the cold water that will arrive at the lower part of the storage tank 14 will lengthen the heating time without lowering the condensation temperature of the tank (because the coil remains mostly bathed in water during heating). The average performance will therefore be directly degraded.

[0057] In practice, it is not always possible to wait until the storage tank 14 is as cold as possible because user comfort takes priority over performance. On the other hand, avoiding draw-offs when heating domestic water encourages rather rapid heating. However, faster heating of domestic water means greater exchanged power. However, since the exchange surface is constant, this has the consequence of degrading the quality of the exchange and therefore the performance.

[0058] The hydraulic module 15 further comprises a quick connection plate 34 for connecting the heating water circuit 18 to at least one heating water installation of the premises and the sanitary water circuit 12 to a sanitary water installation of the premises. The connection plate 34 comprises sanitary water outlet and return connections for connecting the sanitary water circuit 12 to the sanitary water installation of the premises. The connection plate 34 further comprises heating water outlet and return connections for connecting the heating water circuit 18 to the heating water installation of the premises. Thus, all of the connections of the sanitary water circuits 12 and heating water 18 are arranged at the same interface. The connection of the combined device 10 to the heating water and sanitary water installations of the premises is thus made easier for the installer.

[0059] The connection plate 34 makes it possible to know the position of each of the connections before installing the combined device 10. This is particularly useful when the combined device 10 is intended to be installed in a new building because the installation of the heating water and sanitary water installations of the premises can be carried out before installing the combined device 10.

[0060] The installation of the outdoor unit 25 may require a different trade (refrigeration engineer) from the installation of the heating and sanitary water circuits (plumber). The connection plate 34 thus allows the different installers to carry out their part of the installation independently. The connection plate 34 therefore allows great flexibility in setting up these installations as well as the combined device 10.

[0061] With reference to [Fig. 2], the combined device 10 comprises three main sub-assemblies: the storage tank 14, the hydraulic module 15 and a fixing system 36 for fixing the storage tank 14 and the hydraulic module 15 above the ground 40 to a support, for example a wall 38.

[0062] The combined device 10 extends along a longitudinal axis A intended to be oriented vertically when the combined device 10 is installed on the support.

[0063] The axis of revolution of the storage tank 14 preferably extends along the longitudinal axis A to facilitate connection to the hydraulic module 15.

[0064] The fixing system 36 comprises at least one foot 42 intended to be positioned against the ground 40 to support at least partially the weight of the storage tank 14 and the hydraulic module 15. The foot(s) 42 make it possible in particular to install the combined device 10 on a support whose resistance is limited, such as a plaster wall by distributing the weight of the combined device 10 on the wall 38 and on the ground 40.

[0065] Said at least one foot 42 preferably extends at the level of a rear face 37 of the fixing system 36 so as to maintain a free storage space 44 under the hydraulic module 15. The foot or feet 42 therefore extend along or close to the support, here the wall 38.

[0066] This free storage space 44 is preferably capable of allowing the installation of a clothes dryer or a washing machine. Thus, the free storage space 44 preferably has a minimum height of 90 cm.

[0067] Preferably, the fixing system 36 comprises two feet extending at the rear face 37 of the fixing system 36 so as to maintain the free storage space 44 under the hydraulic module 15.

[0068] The foot(s) 42 are preferably retractable. The fixing system 36 may comprise a locking device (not visible) for locking one or more positions of the feet 42 to adapt to the particularities of the premises or the wishes of the user.

[0069] The feet 42 extend along the longitudinal axis A of the combined device 10. In other words, the feet 42 extend along a vertical axis when the combined device 10 is installed on the support.

[0070] The storage tank 14 is arranged above the hydraulic module 15 when the combined device 10 is in an operational position, i.e. a position in which the hydraulic module 15 and the storage tank 14 are fixed to the fixing system 36 and can be hydraulically connected to each other. This configuration allows all the connection fittings and components of the hydraulic module 15 requiring connection or maintenance operations to be placed at mid-height for an installer. This facilitates installation and maintenance operations, thus reducing the time required for these operations.

[0071] The decoupling of the storage tank 14 and the hydraulic module 15 also makes it possible to divide the combined device into sub-assemblies weighing approximately 50 kg maximum, thus making installation by a single user possible.

[0072] The connection plate 34 of the hydraulic module 15 is removable relative to the body of the hydraulic module 15 and fixed to the fixing system 36. Thus, the connection point constituted by the connection plate 34 can be installed on the support upstream of the hydraulic installation, i.e. the hydraulic module 15, or the refrigeration installation, i.e. the external unit 25. This positioning of the connection plate 34 on the fixing body 46 makes installation even easier for installers.

[0073] With reference to [Fig. 3], the hydraulic module 15 comprises a module body 17 forming a structural frame. The module body 17 is for example made of a metallic material. The module body 17 defines an interior space 54 in which the members of the hydraulic module 15 are arranged.

[0074] The module body 17 comprises a front face, a rear face, a top face, a bottom face and two side faces facing each other. When the hydraulic module 15 is connected to a storage tank 14, the hydraulic module 15 is arranged against the storage tank 14 at its top face, as seen in [Fig.2].

[0075] The hydraulic module 15 extends mainly along a module longitudinal axis D. This module longitudinal axis D is intended to be oriented vertically when the hydraulic module 15 is installed on a support. When the hydraulic module 15 is integrated into a combined device 10, the module longitudinal axis D is parallel with the longitudinal axis A.

[0076] The hydraulic module 15 also comprises a covering or an external envelope 50 fixed to the module body 17. The external envelope 50 preferably comprises a front wall 52 arranged in front of the front face and side walls 54 arranged respectively in front of the side faces of the module body 17. The front wall 52 is detachable or movable relative to the module body 17 so as to be able to access the front face of the module body 17.

[0077] The front face of the hydraulic module 15 defines a front access opening 56 to the interior space 54 when the front wall 52 is removed.

[0078] The hydraulic module 15 also comprises at least one heating circuit for heating water or sanitary water arranged at least partially in the space interior 54. As indicated above, the hydraulic module 15 may further comprise a heating member, one or more heat exchangers, one or more circulators as well as one or more hydraulic connection connections. These components or members are arranged in whole or in part in the interior space 54.

[0079] The hydraulic module 15 further comprises an expansion tank 33 connected to the heating water circuit 18 to absorb the volume variations linked to the variation in the temperature of the heating water.

[0080] The expansion vessel 33 forms an interior volume comprising a first and a second volume part separated by a flexible wall, for example a membrane. The first volume part is in fluid communication with the heating water and therefore intended to receive the excess volume of heating water. The second volume part generally receives a pressurized gas, for example air.

[0081] The expansion tank 33 comprises a tank front face 64, a tank rear face 66 and tank side faces 68 extending over the edges and between the tank front 64 and tank rear 66 faces.

[0082] Referring to Figures 4 to 6, the expansion tank 33 comprises a tank frame 72 and a tank body 74 mounted on the tank frame 72. The tank body 74 is preferably removable relative to the tank frame to remove the tank body from the tank frame, in particular for maintenance or replacement.

[0083] The expansion tank 33 is fixed to the module body 17 by means of an articulation system 70. Thus, the expansion tank 33 is movable from a first position, called the functional position, to a final position, called the retracted position. The movement from the functional position to the retracted position can be achieved by any movement: a translation, a rotation or a combination of one or more translations and one or more rotations.

[0084] The expansion tank 33 is arranged at least partially inside the interior space 54 when it is in the retracted position. Thus, the expansion tank 33 is at least partially inserted or retracted inside the module body 17 when it is in its final position, called the retracted position. In this retracted position, the space occupied by the expansion tank 33 for the technician is reduced and access to the interior space is facilitated. In addition, the retracted position of the expansion tank 33 does not require any space next to or under the module body 17, which is particularly advantageous for housing with high space constraints or when the hydraulic module 15 is placed in a cupboard.

[0085] An exemplary embodiment of the movement of the expansion tank 33 from the functional position to the retracted position will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0086] To access the retracted position, the expansion tank 33 is rotatable about an articulation axis G relative to the module body 17 between the first position, called the functional position, and a second position, called the maintenance position.

[0087] The articulation system 70 is arranged at a side face of the vessel 68 so that the rear face of the vessel 66 faces the interior space 54 when the expansion vessel 33 is arranged in its functional position, the front face of the vessel 64 facing a user arranged in front of the hydraulic module 15.

[0088] The expansion tank 33 is shown in the first position, called the functional position, in [Fig. 3] and in the second position, called the maintenance position, in [Fig. 7],

[0089] When placed in the operative position, the expansion tank 33 is arranged across the front access opening 56 to close the interior space 54.

[0090] When placed in the maintenance position, the expansion tank 33 is outside the front access opening 56 so as to allow access to the interior space 54 through the front access opening 56.

[0091] The articulation axis G extends along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of module D. Thus, the articulation axis G is intended to be oriented vertically when the hydraulic module 15 is installed on a support. In other words, the front 64 and rear 66 faces of the vessel are oriented vertically when the expansion vessel 33 is arranged in the maintenance position.

[0092] This vertical configuration of the articulation axis G and therefore of the expansion tank 33 in the maintenance position makes it easier for the technician to work on the expansion tank 33 because it is placed in front of him. This position also makes it possible to limit the space taken up in front of the hydraulic module 15 and therefore to improve accessibility to the interior space 54.

[0093] Preferably and in accordance with the embodiment of [Fig.7], the second position of the expansion tank 33 is angularly offset around the articulation axis G by an angle of 90° relative to the first position. Thus, only one lateral face 68 of the expansion tank 33 faces a technician positioned in front of the interior space 54, which limits the inconvenience caused by the expansion tank 33 in accessing the interior space 54.

[0094] With reference to Figures 8 and 9, the articulation system 70 further comprises a slide mechanism 78 for moving the expansion tank 33 relative to the module body 17 along a slide axis F from the second position to the retracted position, also called the final position or third position. Thus, the expansion tank can be moved successively from the first position to the second position and then from the second position to the third position.

[0095] The movement of the expansion tank 33 therefore follows a sequence going from the first to the second then to the third position or from the third to the second then to the first position.

[0096] The interior space 54 of the module body 17 comprises a lateral zone 80 delimited at least partially by a lateral wall 82 of the module body 17. This lateral wall 82 is for example formed by the external envelope 50.

[0097] The articulation axis G faces this lateral zone 80 when the expansion tank 33 is in the first position. According to a preferred configuration shown in Figures 8 and 9, the expansion tank 33 is arranged inside this lateral zone 82 when it is placed in the third position.

[0098] The expansion vessel 33 is defined by a longitudinal dimension L taken along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of module D, for example along the slide axis F in the embodiment of Figures 4 to 6 (see [Fig.4]), when the expansion vessel 33 is in the retracted position. Regardless of the type of movement for positioning the expansion vessel 33 from the functional position to the retracted position, the expansion vessel 33 is preferably arranged inside the interior space 54 so that at least 30% of this longitudinal dimension L taken along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of module D is arranged inside the interior space 54 when the expansion vessel 33 is arranged in the retracted position. Thus, at least 30% of the expansion vessel 33 is inserted inside the interior space 54.More preferably, at least 40% of this longitudinal dimension L taken along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of module D is arranged inside the interior space 54 when the expansion tank 33 is arranged in the retracted position.

[0099] The articulation system 70 comprises an articulation frame 84 fixed to the module body 17. The articulation frame 84 comprises a vase guide 86, for example a groove or a slot. Thus, the articulation frame 84 is for example one or more rails fixed to the module body 17.

[0100] The vessel frame 72 comprises a guide pin configured to cooperate with the vessel guide 86 so as to guide the expansion vessel 33 during its rotational and translational movements. The guide pin is fixed to the vessel frame 72, preferably at a lateral face 68. The guide pin is preferably arranged on a top and / or bottom lateral face of the vessel frame 72.

[0101] The vase guide 86 comprises a first guide portion aligned with the articulation axis G. This first guide portion corresponds for example to an opening or a drilling extending along the articulation axis G. When the expansion vase 33 is in the first position, the guide pin is arranged at inside this first guide portion. Thus, the guide pin can be moved in rotation around the articulation axis G. The first guide portion therefore allows the expansion tank 33 to rotate relative to the articulation frame 84 when the guide pin cooperates with this first guide portion. The expansion tank 33 therefore cooperates with the first guide portion during its rotational movement from the first to the second position.

[0102] The first guide portion also forms a stop along the slide axis F to allow rotation of the expansion tank around the articulation axis G. Thus, the guide pin is limited in its movement along the slide axis F to avoid simultaneous rotation and rotation movement.

[0103] The vase guide 86 also comprises a second guide portion extending along the slide axis F. This second guide portion is a straight groove or slot. The guide pin is aligned with this second guide portion when the expansion vessel 33 is arranged in the second position. The guide pin can be moved in translation inside the second guide portion along the slide axis F. The second guide portion therefore allows the translation of the expansion vessel 33 relative to the articulation frame 84 when the guide pin cooperates with this second guide portion. The expansion vessel 33 therefore cooperates with the second guide portion during its translational movement from the second to the third position.

[0104] The first and second guide portions preferably form a continuous opening or slot allowing the guide pin to move between the first and second guide portions. The vase guide 86 may in particular have a general L-shaped or J-shaped profile, the second guide portion being formed by the vertical portion of the L or J, the first guide portion being formed by the return portion of the L or J.

[0105] To improve the guidance of the expansion vessel, the articulation frame 84 preferably comprises at least two vessel guides 86 configured to cooperate with at least two guide pins fixed to the vessel frame 72. The guide pins are preferably arranged at one or more lateral faces 68. The guide pins are preferably respectively arranged at an upper portion and a lower portion of the vessel frame 72. The vessel guides 86 are arranged opposite the guide pins to allow their cooperation.

[0106] The expansion tank 33 may also comprise a locking system 88 for locking the expansion tank 33 in the first position. The locking system 88 comprises, for example, a bolt 90 arranged on the expansion tank 33 and configured to cooperate with a latch 92 formed on the module body 17 to lock the position of the expansion tank 33. The locking system 88 is preferably arranged at the level of a lateral face 68 of the expansion tank 33.

[0107] The expansion tank 33 also comprises a pressure regulating valve 94 (visible in [Fig.4]) and a hydraulic connection for connection to a water circuit, here the heating water circuit 18, arranged at a lateral face 68 of the expansion tank. The retracted position of the expansion tank, in particular the insertion depth in the interior space 54, and the position of the pressure regulating valve 94 and the hydraulic connection are preferably provided so that the pressure regulating valve 94 and the hydraulic connection are always accessible to a technician when the expansion tank 33 is in the retracted position.In particular, the retracted position of the expansion tank, in particular the insertion depth into the interior space 54, and the position of the pressure regulating valve 94 and the hydraulic connection can be provided so that the pressure regulating valve 94 and the hydraulic connection are arranged outside the interior space 54 when the expansion tank 33 is in the retracted position.

Claims

Claims

1. Hydraulic module (15) for a heating water and / or domestic water heating device comprising a module body (17) defining an interior space (54) and at least one heating water or domestic water heating circuit arranged at least partially in the interior space, said interior space (54) comprising a front opening (56) for access to said interior space for maintenance of the hydraulic module (15), the hydraulic module (15) extends along a longitudinal module axis (D) and further comprising an expansion tank (33) fixed to the module body (17) by means of an articulation system (70), said expansion tank (33) being movable relative to the module body (17) between: - a first position, called the functional position, in which the expansion tank (33) is arranged across said front access opening (56) to close the interior space (54),- a retracted position in which the expansion tank (33) is arranged at least partially inside the interior space (54) and allows access to the interior space (54) through the front access opening (56), in which the articulation system (70) is configured to guide the expansion tank (33) between the first position and the retracted position.,

2. Hydraulic module (15) according to claim 1, wherein said expansion tank (33) is rotatable about an articulation axis (G) relative to the module body (17) by means of the articulation system (70), the expansion tank (33) being arranged in a first angular position about the articulation axis (G) in the functional position and in a second angular position about the articulation axis (G) in the retracted position.

3. Hydraulic module (15) according to claim 2, wherein said expansion tank (33) is rotatable about the articulation axis (G) relative to the module body between: - the first position, called the functional position, in which the expansion tank is arranged across said front access opening to close the interior space, and - a second position, called the maintenance position, in which the expansion tank is outside the front access opening so as to allowing access to the interior space through the front access opening, and wherein the articulation system (70) comprises a slide mechanism (78) for moving the expansion tank (33) relative to the module body along a slide axis (F) from the second position to the third position, called the retracted position.

4. Hydraulic module (15) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the expansion tank (33) is defined by a longitudinal dimension (L) taken along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the module (D) when the expansion tank (33) is in the retracted position, the expansion tank being arranged inside the interior space so that at least 30% of this longitudinal dimension is arranged inside the interior space when the expansion tank is arranged in the retracted position.

5. Hydraulic module (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interior space (54) of the module body (17) comprises a lateral zone delimited at least partially by a lateral wall of the module body, the expansion tank being arranged inside this lateral zone when the expansion tank is in the retracted position.

6. A hydraulic module (15) according to any preceding claim, wherein the expansion tank (33) comprises a tank frame (72) and a tank body (74) mounted on the tank frame (72), the articulation system (70) comprising a articulation frame (84) fixed to the module body (17), the tank frame (72) comprising a guide pin configured to cooperate with a tank guide (86) formed on the articulation frame to guide the expansion tank between the operative and retracted positions.

7. The hydraulic module (15) of claim 6, wherein the vase guide (86) is a groove or slot formed in the hinge frame (84) in which the guide pin is configured to move.

8. Hydraulic module (15) according to claim 6 or 7 in combination with 3, wherein the vessel guide (86) comprises a first guide portion forming a stop along the slide axis (F) to allow rotation of the expansion vessel around the articulation axis (G) and a second guide portion elongated along the slide axis (F) to allow translation of the expansion vessel.

9. Hydraulic module (15) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the vase body (74) is movable in translation relative to the vase frame along the hinge axis (F) to remove the vase body from the vase frame.

10. Hydraulic module (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a system for locking the expansion tank in the first position.

11. A hydraulic module (15) according to claim 10, wherein the expansion tank (33) comprises a rear face (66) facing the interior space (54) when the expansion tank is in the first position, a front face (64) arranged opposite the rear face relative to the expansion tank and side faces (68) arranged between the front (64) and rear (66) faces, the locking system being configured to lock at least one of the side faces to the module body.

12. A hydraulic module (15) according to any preceding claim, wherein the expansion tank (33) is intended to extend in a vertical plane when arranged in the first position and the hydraulic module (15) is fixed to a support (38).

13. Hydraulic module (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one heat exchanger (22, 28) arranged in the interior space (54) for heating the heating water and / or the sanitary water.

14. Combined device (10) for heating domestic water and heating water for a room, said combined device (10) comprising: - a storage tank (14) for domestic water, - a hydraulic module (15) according to one of the preceding claims, said hydraulic module (15) comprising a domestic water circuit intended to be in fluid communication with the storage tank (14) and a heating water circuit, the hydraulic module further comprising at least one heat exchanger for transferring heat to heating water present in the heating water circuit, in which the storage tank (14) for domestic water is arranged above the hydraulic module (15).

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