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 domestic hot water system comprising an expansion vessel.

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

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

[0004] The hydraulic module includes a heating water circuit and / or a domestic hot water circuit and fittings for connecting the heating system to the heating water and / or domestic hot water circuits. The hydraulic module includes, for example, a heat exchanger when the heating system is a heat pump, such as in a thermodynamic water heater or a combined heating and domestic hot water system.

[0005] The hydraulic module also includes an expansion vessel to absorb the variations in water volume caused by changes in water temperature. Indeed, the water temperature varies, causing the water to expand. However, since water is incompressible, the volume of the water circuit must vary to prevent excessive pressure buildup. The expansion vessel allows for this variation in the water circuit volume.

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

[0007] Furthermore, the expansion vessel 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 vessel 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 vessel difficult.

[0009] It is also known to make the expansion vessel detachable or pivotable so as to allow access to the "hidden" space or the space behind the expansion vessel when it is in the functional position. In particular, it is known to position the expansion vessel on the front of the hydraulic module, which implies removing or pivoting the expansion vessel to access the internal space of the hydraulic module. However, these solutions are cumbersome for the technician because they must find a place for the expansion vessel (often outside the hydraulic module) or find themselves obstructed by the expansion vessel in their work area (i.e., in front of the hydraulic module).

[0010] Often, removable or detachable expansion vessels require a clear space around the hydraulic module. However, new homes are increasingly smaller, and the space allocated to heating devices is becoming more and more limited 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 vessel in a position next to the hydraulic module. Generally, only the space directly in front of the hydraulic module is usable.

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

[0012] There is therefore a need for an easily accessible hydraulic module expansion vessel that makes the hydraulic module components more easily accessible to a technician. Summary of the invention

[0013] To this end, the invention proposes a hydraulic module for a heating water and / or domestic hot water system comprising a module body defining an interior space and at least one heating water or domestic hot water circuit disposed at least partially within the interior space, said interior space comprising a front access opening for maintenance of the hydraulic module, the hydraulic module extends along a longitudinal axis of the module and further includes an expansion vessel fixed to the module body by means of a hinge system, said expansion vessel being movable relative to the module body between: - a first position, called the functional position, in which the expansion vessel is positioned across the front access opening to close the internal space, - a retractable position in which the expansion vessel is at least partially positioned 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 vessel between the first position and the retracted position.

[0014] The expansion vessel is therefore movable between a functional position (first position) and a retracted position to reduce its size by inserting it at least partially inside the internal space of the hydraulic module. This reduced size allows the technician more room to access the internal space of the hydraulic module and thus perform their operations.

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

[0016] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic module, said expansion vessel is mobile in rotation around an articulation axis relative to the module body by means of the articulation system, the expansion vessel being disposed in a first angular position around the articulation axis in the functional position and in a second angular position around the articulation axis in the retracted position.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic module, said expansion vessel is rotationally movable about the articulation axis relative to the module body between: - the first position, called the functional position, in which the expansion vessel is positioned across said front access opening to close the internal space, and - a second position, called the maintenance position, in which the expansion vessel is outside the front access opening so as to allow access to the internal space through the front access opening, and in which the articulation system includes a sliding mechanism for moving the expansion vessel relative to the module body along an axis sliding from the second position to the third position, known as the retractable position.

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

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

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

[0021] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic module, the vessel 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 the rotation of the expansion vessel around the articulation axis and a second guide portion elongated along the slide axis to allow the translation of the expansion vessel.

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

[0024] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic module, it further includes a locking system for the expansion vessel in the first position.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic module, the expansion vessel comprises a rear face facing the interior space when the expansion vessel is in the first position, a front face arranged opposite the rear face with respect to the expansion vessel 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 vessel is intended to expand in a vertical plane when it is arranged in the first position and the hydraulic module is fixed to a support.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic module, it further comprises at least one heat exchanger disposed in the interior space to heat the heating water and / or domestic hot water.

[0028] The invention also relates to a combined device for heating domestic hot water and heating water for a room, said combined device comprising: - a domestic hot water storage tank, - a hydraulic module as described above, said hydraulic module comprising a domestic hot 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 hot water storage tank is positioned above the hydraulic module. Brief description of the figures

[0029] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will clearly explain what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented. In the accompanying figures:

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

[0031] [Fig.2] Fig.2 represents a perspective view of the combined device of Fig.1 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 vessel, the expansion vessel being in a functional position in which it is located at a front opening of an interior space of the hydraulic module, the electrical box being located in a disengaged position,

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

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

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

[0036] [Fig.7] Fig.7 represents a perspective view of the hydraulic module of the [Fig.3] in which the expansion vessel is positioned for maintenance allowing access to the internal space of the hydraulic module, the electrical box being positioned 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 vessel is arranged in a retracted position in which the expansion vessel is at least partially arranged inside the internal 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, with the expansion vessel positioned 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 vessel body is being removed from the vessel frame for replacement or maintenance. Description of method(s) of implementation

[0040] The concept of the invention is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the concept of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of the elements may be exaggerated for clarity. Similar numbers refer to similar elements in all the drawings. However, this concept of the invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are offered so as to make this description complete and to communicate the scope of the concept of the invention 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 relation to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrase "in an embodiment" in various places 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. Moreover, the term "including" does not exclude other elements or steps.

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

[0043] The hydraulic module comprises a module body defining an interior space and at least one heating or domestic hot water circuit arranged in less partially within this interior space. The hydraulic module may also include a heating element, one or more heat exchangers, one or more circulators, and one or more hydraulic connections. The hydraulic module may, in particular, include a connection plate as described below.

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

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

[0046] The hydraulic module may also include an expansion vessel 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 as integrated into a combined hot water and domestic hot water heating device, without limiting the scope of the present invention. The hydraulic module can indeed be integrated into any hot water and / or domestic hot water heating device, for example, a thermodynamic water heater.

[0048] With reference to [Fig.1], a combined device 10 for heating domestic hot water and space heating water includes a domestic hot water storage tank 14, a hydraulic module 15 intended to be connected to the storage tank 14 and an outdoor unit 25 intended to be connected to the hydraulic module 15.

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

[0050] The hydraulic module 15 also includes a first heat exchanger 22 suitable for 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 external to the room and the heating water circuit 18 located inside the room. To achieve this, the outdoor unit 25 is positioned at the level of the external 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 heat 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 includes a domestic hot water heating circuit 26 comprising a second heat exchanger 28 for exchanging heat between the heating water and the domestic hot water. For this purpose, the domestic hot water heating circuit 26 includes 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 therefore through the second heat exchanger 28. The domestic hot water heating circuit 26 also includes a second branch 29 connected to the domestic hot water circuit 12 and extending inside the second heat exchanger 28. Domestic hot water thus flows into the second branch 29 and therefore through the second heat exchanger 28. Heat exchange is therefore possible between the heating water and the domestic hot water within the second heat exchanger 28.It is therefore possible to vary the temperature of the domestic hot water using the heating water.

[0052] The hydraulic module 15 also includes a first circulator 30 disposed in the heating water circuit 18 to circulate the heating water and a second circulator 32 in the second branch 29 to circulate the domestic hot water.

[0053] The hydraulic module 15 also includes an electrical box 35 located on one of the front faces of the hydraulic module 15. The electrical box 35 is preferably removable or rotatable to allow access to the internal components of the hydraulic module 15. The electrical box 35 generally contains electrical and electronic components for controlling the heating device, in particular the heating system, or for ensuring its safety. The electrical box 35 may also include electrical connections or a user communication interface. These electrical and electronic components are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the heating device, for integrating the communication interface, or for the on-site installation of additional functions (expansion cards).

[0054] The second heat exchanger 28 is preferably a plate heat exchanger located outside the domestic hot water storage tank 14. Thus, the internal volume of the storage tank 14 is fully available for storing domestic hot water, without a heat exchanger inside it. The available volume inside the storage tank 14 is therefore 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 and below the coil is not present here. The dimensions and mass of the storage tank 14 can be reduced compared to the storage tank 14 while maintaining the same useful volume of domestic hot water storage.

[0055] Furthermore, the use of a heat exchanger located outside the storage tank 14 is more robust in terms of performance and more flexible than solutions with an immersed coil.

[0056] In known solutions with an immersed coil, obtaining good performance when heating domestic hot water requires, in particular: - to wait until the storage tank 14 is as cold as possible (ideally, the entire coil should be immersed in cold water) before starting heating with the lowest possible condensation temperature (the lower the condensation temperature of a heat pump, the higher its performance), and - to avoid any draw-off during heating because the cold water arriving at the bottom of the storage tank 14 will lengthen the heating time without lowering the tank's condensation temperature (since the coil remains mostly immersed 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. Furthermore, avoiding draw-offs during domestic hot water heating encourages rather rapid heating. However, faster heating of domestic hot water means a greater heat exchange rate. Since the heat exchange surface area remains constant, this results in a degradation of the heat exchange quality and therefore of performance.

[0058] The hydraulic module 15 further includes a quick-connect plate 34 for connecting the heating water circuit 18 to at least one room heating system and the domestic hot water circuit 12 to a room domestic hot water system. The connection plate 34 includes domestic hot water supply and return fittings for connecting the domestic hot water circuit 12 to the room domestic hot water system. The connection plate 34 also includes heating water supply and return fittings for connecting the heating water circuit 18 to the room heating system. Thus, all the connections for the domestic hot water circuit 12 and the heating water circuit 18 are located at the same interface. This simplifies the connection of the combined unit 10 to the room heating and domestic hot water systems for the installer.

[0059] The connection plate 34 allows the position of each of the connections to be known prior to the installation of the combined device 10. This is particularly useful when the combined device 10 is intended to be installed in a building new because the installation of the heating and domestic water systems in the premises can be carried out before the installation of the combined device 10.

[0060] The installation of the outdoor unit 25 may require a different trade (refrigeration technician) than the installation of the heating and domestic hot 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 for great flexibility in the installation of these components as well as the combined unit 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 above ground 40 the storage tank 14 and the hydraulic module 15 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 includes at least one foot 42 intended to be positioned against the floor 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 floor 40.

[0065] Said at least one foot 42 extends preferably 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 thus extend along or near the support, here the wall 38.

[0066] This free storage space 44 is preferably suitable for the installation of a tumble dryer or washing machine. Therefore, the free storage space 44 preferably has a minimum height of 90 cm.

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

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

[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 positioned above the hydraulic module 15 when the combined device 10 is in a functional position, i.e., a position in which the hydraulic module 15 and the storage tank 14 are fixed to the mounting 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 to be located at mid-height for an installer. This facilitates installation and maintenance operations, thus reducing the time required for these operations.

[0071] Decoupling the storage tank 14 and the hydraulic module 15 also allows the combined device to be split into sub-assemblies weighing approximately 50 kg maximum, thus making installation possible by a single user.

[0072] The connection plate 34 of the hydraulic module 15 is removable from 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. of the hydraulic module 15, or of the refrigeration installation, i.e. of the outdoor unit 25. This positioning of the connection plate 34 on the fixing body 46 makes the 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 internal space 54 in which the components 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 opposing side faces. When the hydraulic module 15 is connected to a storage tank 14, the hydraulic module 15 is positioned against the storage tank 14 at its top face, as seen in [Fig.2].

[0075] The hydraulic module 15 extends primarily along a longitudinal axis of module D. This longitudinal axis of module 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 longitudinal axis of module D is parallel with the longitudinal axis A.

[0076] The hydraulic module 15 also includes an outer casing or enclosure 50 fixed to the module body 17. The outer casing 50 preferably includes a front panel 52 arranged in front of the front face and side panels 54 arranged respectively in front of the side faces of the module body 17. The front panel 52 is detachable or movable relative to the module body 17 so as to allow access to 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 includes at least one heating or domestic hot water circuit located at least partially within the interior space 54. As indicated above, the hydraulic module 15 may further include a heating element, one or more heat exchangers, one or more circulators, and one or more hydraulic connections. These components or elements are located wholly or partly within the interior space 54.

[0079] The hydraulic module 15 further includes an expansion vessel 33 connected to the heating water circuit 18 to absorb volume variations related to variations in heating water temperature.

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

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

[0082] With reference to figures 4 to 6, the expansion vessel 33 comprises a vessel frame 72 and a vessel body 74 mounted on the vessel frame 72. The vessel body 74 is preferably removable from the vessel frame to remove the vessel body from the vessel frame, in particular for its maintenance or replacement.

[0083] The expansion vessel 33 is attached to the module body 17 by means of a hinge system 70. Thus, the expansion vessel 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 vessel 33 is at least partially located inside the internal space 54 when it is in the retracted position. Thus, the expansion vessel 33 is at least partially inserted or retracted inside the module body 17 when it is in its final position, known as the retracted position. In this retracted position, the space occupied by the expansion vessel 33 for the technician is reduced and access to the internal space is facilitated. Furthermore, the retracted position of the expansion vessel 33 does not require any space beside or under the module body 17, which is particularly advantageous for homes with high space constraints or when the hydraulic module 15 is placed in a cupboard.

[0085] An example of the displacement of the expansion vessel 33 from the functional position to the retracted position will be described below with reference to figures 4 to 6.

[0086] To access the retracted position, the expansion vessel 33 is mobile in rotation around 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 lateral face of vessel 68 so that the rear face of vessel 66 faces the interior space 54 when the expansion vessel 33 is arranged in its functional position, the front face of vessel 64 facing a user positioned in front of the hydraulic module 15.

[0088] The expansion vessel 33 is shown in the first position, known as the functional position, on [Fig.3] and in the second position, known as the maintenance position, on [Fig.7],

[0089] When placed in the functional position, the expansion vessel 33 is positioned across the front access opening 56 to close the internal space 54.

[0090] When placed in the maintenance position, the expansion vessel 33 is out of the front access opening 56 so as to allow access to the internal space 54 through the front access opening 56.

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

[0092] This vertical configuration of the pivot axis G, and therefore of the expansion vessel 33 in the maintenance position, facilitates the technician's work on the expansion vessel 33 because it is positioned in front of him. This position also reduces the space in front of the hydraulic module 15 and thus improves access to the internal space 54.

[0093] Preferably, and in accordance with the embodiment of [Fig. 7], the second position of the expansion vessel 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 vessel 33 faces a technician positioned in front of the interior space 54, thereby limiting the obstruction caused by the expansion vessel 33 to accessing the interior space 54.

[0094] With reference to Figures 8 and 9, the articulation system 70 further includes a sliding mechanism 78 for moving the expansion vessel 33 relative to the module body 17 along a sliding axis F from the second position to the retracted position, also called the final or third position. Thus, the expansion vessel 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 vessel 33 therefore follows a sequence passing from the first to the second and then to the third position or from the third to the second and then to the first position.

[0096] The interior space 54 of the module body 17 includes a lateral area 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 vessel 33 is in the first position. According to a preferred configuration shown in Figures 8 and 9, the expansion vessel 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 used to position the expansion vessel 33 from the functional position to the retracted position, the expansion vessel 33 is preferably arranged inside the internal space 54 such that at least 30% of this longitudinal dimension L taken along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of module D is located inside the internal space 54 when the expansion vessel 33 is in the retracted position. Thus, at least 30% of the expansion vessel 33 is inserted inside the internal space 54.Preferably, at least 40% of this longitudinal dimension L taken along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of module D is disposed inside the internal space 54 when the expansion vessel 33 is disposed in the retracted position.

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

[0100] The vessel frame 72 includes 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 the level of a side face 68. The guide pin is preferably located on a side face of the top and / or bottom of the chassis of the vase 72.

[0101] The expansion vessel guide 86 includes a first guide portion aligned with the hinge axis G. This first guide portion corresponds, for example, to an opening or bore extending along the hinge axis G. When the expansion vessel 33 is in the first position, the guide pin is located inside this first guide portion. Thus, the guide pin can be rotated about the hinge axis G. The first guide portion therefore allows the expansion vessel 33 to rotate relative to the hinge frame 84 when the guide pin interacts with this first guide portion. The expansion vessel 33 therefore interacts 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 the expansion vessel to rotate around the articulation axis G. Thus, the guide pin is limited in its movement along the slide axis F to avoid a simultaneous rotational movement.

[0103] The expansion vessel guide 86 also includes 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 in the second position. The guide pin can be moved translationally within the second guide portion along the slide axis F. The second guide portion thus allows the expansion vessel 33 to translate 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 vessel 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, and 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 includes 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 on one or more lateral faces 68. The guide pins are preferably arranged respectively on an upper portion and a lower portion of the vase frame 72. The vase guides 86 are arranged opposite the guide pins to allow their cooperation.

[0106] The expansion vessel 33 may also include a locking system 88 for the expansion vessel 33 in the first position. The locking system 88 includes, for example, a bolt 90 disposed on the expansion vessel 33 and configured to cooperate with a strike plate 92 formed on the module body 17 to lock the position of the expansion vessel 33. The locking system 88 is preferably disposed on a lateral face 68 of the expansion vessel 33.

[0107] The expansion vessel 33 also includes a pressure regulating valve 94 (visible in [Fig. 4]) and a hydraulic connection for connecting to a water circuit, here the heating water circuit 18, located on a lateral face 68 of the expansion vessel. The retracted position of the expansion vessel, in particular the insertion depth in the internal space 54, and the position of the pressure regulating valve 94 and the hydraulic connection are preferably arranged so that the pressure regulating valve 94 and the hydraulic connection are always accessible to a technician when the expansion vessel 33 is in the retracted position.In particular, the retractable position of the expansion vessel, including the insertion depth in the internal space 54, and the position of the pressure regulating valve 94 and the hydraulic fitting can be provided so that the pressure regulating valve 94 and the hydraulic fitting are disposed outside the internal space 54 when the expansion vessel 33 is in the retractable position.

Claims

Demands

1. Hydraulic module (15) for a heating and / or domestic hot water system comprising a module body (17) defining an interior space (54) and at least one heating or domestic hot water circuit disposed at least partially within the interior space, said interior space (54) comprising a front access opening (56) for maintenance of the hydraulic module (15), the hydraulic module (15) extending along a longitudinal module axis (D) and further comprising an expansion vessel (33) fixed to the 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, referred to as the functional position, in which the expansion vessel (33) is disposed across said front access opening (56) to close the interior space (54),- a retracted position in which the expansion vessel (33) is disposed 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 vessel (33) between the first position and the retracted position, in which the expansion vessel (33) is defined by a longitudinal dimension (L) taken along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of module (D) when the expansion vessel (33) is in the retracted position, the expansion vessel being disposed inside the interior space such that at least 30% of this longitudinal dimension is disposed inside the interior space when the expansion vessel is disposed in the retracted position.

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

3. Hydraulic module (15) according to claim 2, wherein said expansion vessel (33) is rotationally movable about the articulation axis (G) relative to the module body between: - the first position, referred to as the functional position, in which the expansion vessel is arranged across said front access opening to close the interior space, and - a second position, referred to as the maintenance position, in which the expansion vessel is out of the front access opening so as to allow access to the interior space through the front access opening, and wherein the articulation system (70) includes a sliding mechanism (78) for moving the expansion vessel (33) relative to the module body along a sliding axis (F) from the second position to the third position, referred to as the retracted position.

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

5. Hydraulic module (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the expansion vessel (33) comprises a vessel frame (72) and a vessel body (74) mounted on the vessel frame (72), the articulation system (70) comprising a articulation frame (84) fixed to the module body (17), the vessel frame (72) comprising a guide pin configured to cooperate with a vessel guide (86) formed on the articulation frame to guide the expansion vessel between the functional and retracted positions.

6. Hydraulic module (15) according to claim 5, wherein the vessel guide (86) is a groove or slot formed in the articulation frame (84) in which the guide pin is configured to move.

7. Hydraulic module (15) according to claim 5 or 6 in combination with 3, wherein the vessel guide (86) comprises a first guide portion forming a stop along the axis of slide (F) to allow rotation of the expansion vessel around the articulation axis (G) and a second elongated guide portion along the slide axis (F) to allow translation of the expansion vessel.

8. Hydraulic module (15) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the vessel body (74) is movable in translation relative to the vessel frame along the hinge axis (F) to remove the vessel body from the vessel frame.

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

10. Hydraulic module (15) according to claim 9, wherein the expansion vessel (33) comprises a rear face (66) facing the interior space (54) when the expansion vessel is in the first position, a front face (64) disposed opposite the rear face with respect to the expansion vessel and side faces (68) disposed 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.

11. Hydraulic module (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the expansion vessel (33) is intended to expand in a vertical plane when disposed in the first position and the hydraulic module (15) is fixed to a support (38).

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

13. Combined device (10) for heating domestic hot water and space heating water, said combined device (10) comprising: - a domestic hot water storage tank (14), - a hydraulic module (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, said hydraulic module (15) comprising a domestic hot 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 domestic hot water storage tank (14) is arranged above the hydraulic module (15).

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