PORTABLE WATER HEATER DRAINING SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED WATER HEATER DRAINING METHOD

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable, detachable water heater draining system comprising a motorized liquid transfer pump (2) having a reversible liquid inlet (20) and a liquid outlet (21), a removable and / or foldable liquid reservoir (3) to reduce its volume, having a liquid inlet (35), two hoses (5, 6), the first hose (5) being removably connected to the inlet (20) of the pump (2), the second hose (6) being removably connected on one side to the outlet (21) of the pump (2) and on the other side to the inlet (35) of the reservoir (3), said portable water heater draining system being detachable so as to separate the pump (2) and the reservoir (3), and to disassemble and / or fold the empty reservoir (3) to reduce its volume. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Portable water heater draining system and associated water heater draining method. Scope of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of draining water heaters, also known as hot water tanks, carried out by plumbers in private homes. These water heaters primarily supply hot water to showers and bathtubs in dwellings such as houses and apartments. The invention relates in particular to the methods used by plumbers to drain these water heaters, as well as the tools used by these plumbers. This type of water heater generally has a hot water capacity ranging from one to several hundred liters, typically from 100 liters to 500 liters, more often from 150 liters to 350 liters. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] According to a prior art, it is known to drain the water heater directly outside the dwelling via a hose or into a drainage system located inside the dwelling, such as a shower tray or toilet bowl, also via a hose, or even using a container, such as a basin. The drainage is then very slow, as gravity alone facilitates the removal of the hot water from the water heater.

[0003] A first disadvantage of this first prior art is that it makes emptying expensive and impractical, because it is long and tedious, even when carried out by a professional plumber.

[0004] A second drawback of this prior art is the loss of a significant quantity of hot water, that which is contained in the water heater just before draining, typically from one to several hundred liters. The complete loss of such a quantity of water, which had also most often been heated by electricity, results in a waste of water and electricity that may seem reasonable on the scale of a dwelling, since draining is usually annual, but which becomes very significant on the scale of a city, a region, or a country.

[0005] According to a second prior art, it is known to drain the water heater directly outside the dwelling by means of a pump and a hose, or into a drainage system located inside the dwelling, such as a shower tray or a toilet bowl, also by means of a pump and a hose. The drainage is then significantly faster, thanks to the driving force of the pump which helps to remove hot water from the water heater and significantly speeds up this removal.

[0006] In this way, the first disadvantage of this first prior art, which lay in the slowness and laborious nature of the emptying, is now eliminated in this second prior art.

[0007] However, the second drawback of this first prior art unfortunately persists in this second prior art, similarly resulting in the loss of a significant quantity of hot water—that contained in the water heater just before draining, typically from one to several hundred liters. The complete loss of this substantial quantity of water, which had most often been heated electrically, leads to the same waste of water and electricity. While this may seem reasonable on the scale of a single dwelling, where draining is usually annual, it unfortunately remains just as significant on the scale of a city, a region, or a country. The waste of water is all the greater the larger the volume of the water heater.The waste of electricity is all the greater when the volume of the water heater is large, particularly due to the very high heat capacity of water, which requires a lot of electrical energy to heat. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a portable water heater draining system that at least partially overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks. A portable system is a movable and transportable system, so that it can be brought into the bathrooms of houses and apartments, and so that it can be transported by the plumber, possibly on wheels, preferably packed in a simple suitcase or bag. A portable system is distinct from a fixed system that is permanently installed and fixed in a building and cannot be removed.

[0009] More particularly, the invention aims to provide a portable water heater draining system that allows the hot water drained from the water heater to be recovered, stored in a tank while the plumber intervenes, and then put back into the now empty water heater, just at the end of the plumber's intervention, this drained and stored water then still being quite hot or even almost as hot as before it was drained.

[0010] To this end, the invention proposes: • On the one hand, to make draining the water heater both quick and convenient, in order to reduce the cost of the plumber's intervention and to make his work less arduous, as well as safer by reducing the plumber's contact with the drained water, • and on the other hand, to stop wasting so much water and electricity by recovering most of this hot water, in order to drastically reduce waste of water, and also to be able to carry out this recovery relatively quickly, that is to say just the time of the intervention of the plumber of control and / or repair on the water heater which has just been drained, this in order not to let the water cool down too much, and to be able to put it back still quite hot in the water heater which had just been drained, thus also allowing to reduce the waste of electricity very significantly. • This recovery of most of the drained water, while this water is still quite hot, has an additional advantage which is to make the water heater immediately available, after the plumber's intervention, almost full again with practically hot water, to the occupants of the dwelling, which is very useful and very practical for the owner or user of the water heater which has just been drained, which increases the comfort of the occupants of the dwelling while being more ecological in terms of water and electricity consumption.

[0011] To this end, the invention proposes both: • a method for draining the water heater that is quick, convenient, and that greatly reduces water and electricity waste, • and a portable water heater draining system that is portable, can be assembled / disassembled, and is easily usable by a plumber working alone, a plumber being a man or woman of average height and strength.

[0012] According to the invention, a portable, disassemblable water heater draining system is provided, comprising: • a liquid transfer pump, • motorized, • featuring a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, • reversible, • a liquid reservoir, • Dismountable and / or foldable to reduce its volume, • exhibiting a liquid inlet, • two pipes,

[0013] the first pipe being connected to the pump inlet in a removable manner,

[0014] the second pipe being connected on one side to the pump outlet in a removable manner, and on the other side to the tank inlet in a removable manner,

[0015] said portable water heater drainage system being detachable so as to: - separate the pump and the reservoir from each other, - disassemble and / or fold the empty tank, reducing its volume.

[0016] Preferably, the liquid reservoir is removable and foldable. Its support frame is removable. Its waterproof cover is foldable. Its frame comprises several reinforcement bars which can be made to be joined together and / or joined to the canvas, for example during the assembly of the frame, and / or which can be made separable from each other and / or separable from the canvas, for example during the dismantling of the frame.

[0017] According to the invention, a method for draining a water heater is also provided, comprising: • the installation of a portable drainage system, including: • the assembly and / or unfolding of a liquid tank, preferably including the assembly of a support frame around the tank by installing reinforcement bars for this support frame around the tank and connecting these reinforcement bars together, • the connection of this reservoir to a reversible motorized liquid transfer pump, • Draining the water heater, including: • the circulation of water from the water heater to the tank, through the reversible motorized liquid transfer pump, in a first direction of circulation, until the water heater is emptied of the water it contains, • preferably a break with the water heater drained, allowing for work on the drained water heater, preferably by a plumber, during which: • The direction of pump flow is reversed, preferably by simply pressing a switch to change the direction of water flow in the pump. • Refilling the water heater with the drained water, including: • the circulation of water from the tank to the water heater, through the reversible motorized liquid transfer pump, in a second direction of circulation opposite to the first direction of circulation, until the tank is emptied of the water it contains, • Dismantling the portable drainage system, including: • the separation of the pump and the reservoir from each other, • dismantling and / or folding the empty tank to reduce its volume, preferably including dismantling and removing the support frame and its reinforcement bars.

[0018] The assembly and / or unfolding of a liquid tank preferably includes the assembly of a support frame around the tank by installing reinforcement bars of this support frame around the tank and connecting these reinforcement bars together, and advantageously by securing these reinforcement bars to the tank.

[0019] Before reversing the direction of circulation of the pump, preferably by simply pressing a switch to change the direction of water circulation in the pump, the plumber advantageously replaces the removable part forming a valve in the valve 13.

[0020] According to the invention, a portable water heater draining system, in kit form, is also provided, comprising: • a motorized and reversible liquid transfer pump, having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, • a liquid reservoir, disassembled and folded, having a liquid inlet, comprising: • a folded waterproof canvas, • a disassembled support frame, • two pipes, • a suitcase or bag, in which or in which are stored: said pump, said folded canvas, said support frame, said hoses.

[0021] In a less preferred alternative, a portable, removable water heater draining system is provided, comprising: • a liquid transfer pump, • motorized, • featuring a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, • a liquid reservoir, • Dismountable and / or foldable to reduce its volume, • exhibiting a liquid inlet, • two pipes,

[0022] the first pipe being connected to the pump inlet,

[0023] the second pipe being connected on one side to the outlet of the pump, and on the other side to the inlet of the tank,

[0024] said portable water heater drainage system being detachable so as to: - separate the pump and the tank from each other, - disassemble and / or fold the empty tank, reducing its volume.

[0025] The liquid transfer pump is either reversible or non-reversible. The possibly non-reversible nature of the liquid transfer pump makes the process of draining the water heater less practical, because between draining the water heater and refilling the water heater with the drained water, it is necessary to disconnect the pump, change its direction, and reconnect it, providing additional elements that allow these additional disconnections and reconnections to be carried out without water leaking or falling onto the ground.

[0026] The liquid transfer pump, when reversible, advantageously includes a three-position switch: • a first position for a first direct flow of liquid from the pump inlet to the pump outlet, • a second position for a second reverse flow direction of liquid from the pump outlet to the pump inlet, • a third neutral position, corresponding to the pump at rest, paused, with the liquid not circulating in either direction. This third neutral position is advantageously located between the first and second positions so that the switch passes through this third neutral position, both when switching from the first to the second position and when switching from the second to the first position.

[0027] The liquid transfer pump is referred to interchangeably as either "liquid transfer pump" or simply "pump".

[0028] The liquid reservoir is referred to interchangeably as either "liquid reservoir" or simply "reservoir".

[0029] The pipe(s) may be removable or non-removable, each independently of the others. The non-removable nature of all or part of the pipes makes the portable water heater drain system more cumbersome, and therefore less easy to transport and use, since the system is only partially demountable, taking up more space and being less easy to handle.

[0030] According to preferred embodiments, the invention comprises one or more of the following features, which may be used separately or in partial or total combination with each other, with any of the aforementioned objects of the invention. Alternatively, one or more of the following features may be used separately or in partial or total combination with each other, without being associated with any of the aforementioned objects of the invention.

[0031] Preferably, the portable water heater draining system includes three quick fittings which are tool-free assembly and disassembly fittings, and the first hose is connected to the pump inlet, via the first quick fitting, the second hose is connected on one side to the pump outlet, via the second quick fitting, and on the other side to the tank inlet, via the third quick fitting.

[0032] The male or female part of the tool-free mountable and demountable fittings is advantageously fixed on the flexible drain pipes.

[0033] Thus, the assembly and disassembly of the portable water heater drain system are simpler and faster. These quick-connect fittings are of the flexible cylindrical tubular type that fits around a pipe or drain fitting, with a movable part whose movement allows this flexible tubular fitting to be tightened around the pipe or drain fitting. These quick-connect fittings are known in the trade; for example, they are the "Cam Lock" type fittings (registered trademark). These quick-connect fittings have male and female parts to be placed on the end of flexible hoses and then held in place by a clamp, or to be screwed directly onto a standard plumbing fitting in the case of a rigid pipe, keeping the male part of the fitting tightened in the female part.

[0034] Preferably, the tank includes a waterproof and foldable canvas, so as to reduce the total external volume of this canvas by at least a factor of 4 or at least a factor of 6 or at least a factor of 8 or at least a factor of 10, a support frame for the foldable canvas, comprising several reinforcing bars separable from each other and / or separable from the canvas.

[0035] Thus, assembling and disassembling the tank is simpler and faster. Furthermore, in its stowed position, i.e., disassembled and / or folded, the tank takes up less space, therefore its overall size is reduced. These reinforcing bars, which can be separated from each other and / or from the fabric, are advantageously secured to one another by the metal cables passing through them, while still allowing them movement along these cables. Alternatively, the reinforcing bars can be separated from the fabric but remain secured to each other by one or more cables from which they cannot be detached.

[0036] Preferably, the reinforcing bars are metallic. Advantageously, the side wall of the fabric includes magnets. These metallic reinforcing bars can be positioned opposite these magnets, in contact with them. Alternatively, these reinforcing bars can advantageously be made of aluminum with a ferrous portion on the face in contact with the tank opposite the magnets positioned on the fabric of this tank. These magnets are advantageously positioned at a distance from the bottom of the tank of between 40 cm and 60 cm, for example, approximately 50 cm.

[0037] Preferably, the fabric is multilayered, having at least one support layer coated with a coating layer. The support layer is, for example, made of polyester. The coating layer is, for example, made of polyurethane.

[0038] Advantageously, the easy arrangement of the reinforcement bars around the tank before unfolding thanks to the magnets allows for a stiffening of the lower part of the tank and thus offers ergonomics in unfolding the bars one by one in order to then stiffen the upper part of the tank by the successive attachment of the velcro systems.

[0039] Preferably, the waterproof and foldable fabric has a cylindrical side wall, which, when unfolded, forms a circular base, advantageously integral with the side wall, and a circular cover, preferably detachable or partially detachable from the side wall. The cylindrical shape is a circular cylindrical shape.

[0040] Thus, this cylindrical shape of the tank allows greater stability and greater robustness of the tank in the deployed position, i.e. in the position of use.

[0041] Preferably, the circular cover can be attached to the side wall and detached (at least partially or completely) from the side wall by a zipper.

[0042] Preferably, the reinforcement bars of the frame are bendable tubes, preferably in their middle, at the level of an articulation, extended by a protuberance located at one of their ends, preferably orthogonally to their tube length.

[0043] Thus, the compromise between the weight of the reinforcement on the one hand and the support efficiency and robustness of the reinforcement on the other hand, is improved.

[0044] Preferably, the tubes have a rectangular cross-section. This improves their stability.

[0045] Preferably, the tank fabric includes loops with openings oriented either vertically or horizontally, through which either the vertical tubes pass directly or Velcro-type fasteners are wound around the vertical tubes to stiffen the tank. A loop is a narrow strip of fabric or canvas attached to the side wall of the tank fabric, leaving an opening for a tube or fastener to be inserted.

[0046] Alternatively, the tank fabric may include tubular pockets into which the tubes slide in order to stiffen the entire tank.

[0047] Preferably, the reinforcement bars of the frame have holes going through them transversely, and one or more cables go through these holes to connect these reinforcement bars together so as to stiffen the support frame of the tank.

[0048] Thus, the stability and robustness of the support frame are further improved, without significantly increasing the weight or size of this support frame.

[0049] Preferably, the hoses are flexible. These hoses are advantageously transparent. These hoses are, for example, flexible hoses with dimensions (internal x external) D 19x26 made of transparent food-grade braided PVC.

[0050] Thus, the drainage system is easier to install and use, while the bulk of these pipes in the stored position is further reduced.

[0051] The hoses are flexible and pliable; they can deform to change direction, unlike rigid hoses whose shape and direction cannot be altered without damaging them (or without dismantling them). The hoses are flexible, like a shower hose or a garden hose, for example. These hoses can advantageously be joined end-to-end using the male / female system provided by quick-connect fittings.

[0052] Preferably, the volume of the tank is between 100 liters and 500 liters, or between 150 liters and 350 liters.

[0053] Thus, the liquid transfer pump, as well as the disassembled and / or folded reservoir, in the stored position, retains a limited footprint, allowing the entire portable drainage system to be stored in a container of limited size easily transportable by a man or a woman, this container being a suitcase or a bag.

[0054] Preferably, the portable water heater draining system also includes a drain filter to protect the motor of the liquid transfer pump, connected to said liquid inlet of the liquid transfer pump.

[0055] Thus, even if the water is very hard, even if the water heater is poorly or infrequently maintained, and if consequently the drained water contains a lot of limescale and other solid particles, the pump will remain protected, and its operation will not be disrupted. The pump, as well as the solenoid valve, which has sensitive moving parts, will remain protected, and therefore unaffected, by the circulation of the drained water.

[0056] Advantageously, the portable system also includes a filter located on the pump return in the water heater filling operation in order to provide water of controlled quality to said water heater, which will be called the "filling filter" or "return filter".

[0057] Preferably, the portable drainage system comprises: • a rigid, L-shaped inlet pipe, connected to the liquid inlet of the liquid transfer pump, • a rigid, L-shaped outlet pipe, connected to the liquid outlet of the liquid transfer pump, • the inlet and outlet pipes being permanently arranged so that the assembly of their L-shaped forms presents a U-shaped form, • the liquid transfer pump being arranged in the U-shape, on the bottom side of the U-shape's hollow, • The protective drain filter is positioned in the U-shape, next to the liquid transfer pump, on the side of the opening in the hollow of the shape in a U, that is to say between the free branches of the U shape. The protective return filter is located on a branch along the rigid inlet pipe, this branch comprising, on either side of the protective filter, either two flexible pipes, or advantageously a rigid branch pipe and a flexible branch pipe, this rigid branch pipe then being shorter than the flexible branch pipe, advantageously at least twice as short.

[0058] Rigid pipes are pipes that are not flexible; they are often metallic pipes, for example copper or brass pipes.

[0059] Preferably, the portable water heater draining system includes a check valve located downstream of the protective drain filter, and a check valve located downstream of the return filter.

[0060] Thus, the water drained from the water heater to the tank passing through the pump also first passes through the protective drain filter (of the pump), while the water already drained which passes back through the pump, returning from the tank to the water heater, passes through the return filter.

[0061] Preferably, the portable water heater draining system also includes a solenoid valve connected to the liquid outlet of the liquid transfer pump. This solenoid valve prevents the backflow of liquid from the tank to the liquid transfer pump when the pump is sending liquid from the water heater to the tank, or when the pump is at rest. The solenoid valve is subjected to the force of the pump to allow the drain water to pass through, but remains closed by its internal spring until the electric refill control is activated, which pushes the spring to release the water from the tank.

[0062] Several options, usable in whole or in part, during the assembly and disassembly of the portable water heater draining system, will now be described. These options are advantageous because they make the assembly and disassembly of the portable water heater draining system faster and simpler.

[0063] Preferably, the assembly and / or unfolding of a liquid tank includes unfolding a waterproof fabric and assembling several reinforcing bars to form a support frame for the fabric once it is unfolded. This assembly is advantageously achieved by a peripheral deployment of these reinforcing bars.

[0064] Preferably, during the assembly of the portable drainage system, a first hose is connected to the pump inlet in a removable manner, and a second hose is connected on one side to the pump outlet in a removable manner, and on the other side to the tank inlet.

[0065] Preferably, dismantling and / or folding the empty tank to reduce its volume includes folding the waterproof fabric, as well as disassembling or separating the reinforcing bars that form the support frame of the foldable fabric. Once separated and detached from each other, these reinforcing bars are grouped together for compact storage.

[0066] Preferably, when dismantling the portable drainage system, the first hose is removed from the pump inlet, and the second hose is removed from the pump outlet and the tank inlet.

[0067] Preferably, when assembling the portable drainage system, the tank, the elements of its support frame, the pump, and possibly the connecting hoses are taken out of a case or bag.

[0068] Preferably, when transporting the portable drainage system, the tank, the elements of its support frame, the pump, and possibly the connecting hoses are transported in the case or in the bag.

[0069] Preferably, when dismantling the portable drainage system, the tank, the elements of its support frame, the pump, and possibly the connecting hoses are stored in the case or in the bag.

[0070] Preferably, the portable water heater draining system also includes a connection device for connecting the water heater draining system to the water heater, comprising: a free nut for connection to a ball valve, a removable key check valve, a quick fitting, advantageously of the Cam lock type.

[0071] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0072] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 schematically represents an example of a portable system of draining of the entire water heater according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0073] [Fig.2] Fig.2 represents, very schematically, an example of a side view of a part of a portable water heater draining system centered on the liquid transfer pump according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0074] [Fig.3] Fig.3 schematically represents an example of a front view of part of a portable water heater draining system centered on the liquid transfer pump according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0075] [Fig.4] Fig.4 schematically represents an example of a side view of the portable water heater drain system reservoir with transfer pump liquid according to an embodiment of the invention, the tank lid being detached from the side wall, the tank then being open.

[0076] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 schematically represents an example of another side view of the tank of the portable water heater draining system with liquid transfer pump according to an embodiment of the invention, the tank cover being attached to the side wall, the tank then being closed.

[0077] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE METHODS OF IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

[0078] Fig. 1 represents very schematically an example of a portable water heater draining system as a whole according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0079] The portable and demountable water heater 1 drainage system includes a liquid transfer pump 2, a liquid reservoir 3 with its support frame 4, a first pipe 5 connecting the outlet 10 of the water heater 1 to the inlet 20 of the pump 2, a second pipe 6 connecting the outlet 21 of the pump 2 to the inlet 35 of the reservoir 3.

[0080] The first pipe 5 is connected, on the one hand, to the outlet 10 of the water heater 1, after the ball valve 12, via a connecting device 11 at one end, and on the other hand, to the inlet 20 of the pump 2 via an L-shaped inlet pipe 22 through a first quick-connect fitting 51 at its other end. The second pipe 6 is connected, on the one hand, to the outlet 21 of the pump 2 via an L-shaped outlet pipe 23 through a second quick-connect fitting 52 at one end, and on the other hand, to the inlet 35 of the tank 3 via a third quick-connect fitting 53 at its other end. Pipes 5 and 6 are each independently removable. These pipes 5 and 6 are flexible like rubber pipes for example or transparent food-grade braided PVC for example.

[0081] The liquid transfer pump 2 is motorized and reversible, and has a liquid inlet 20 and a liquid outlet 21. The liquid transfer pump 2 is reversible and includes a three-position switch (not shown for clarity): • a first position for a first direction of direct liquid flow from its inlet 20 to its outlet 21, i.e. that the pump 2 draws water through its inlet 20 and discharges it through its outlet 21, • a second position for a second reverse flow direction of liquid from its outlet 21 to its inlet 20, i.e. that the pump 2 draws water through its outlet 21 and discharges it through its inlet 20, • a third neutral position, corresponding to pump 2 at rest, paused, with no liquid circulating in either direction. This third neutral position is located between the other two positions so that the switch passes through this third neutral position when it switches between the other two positions.

[0082] The following are connected to pump 2: • the rigid L-shaped inlet pipe 22, connected to the inlet 20 of pump 2, • the rigid L-shaped outlet pipe 23, connected to the outlet 21 of pump 2, • the inlet pipe 22 and the outlet pipe 23 being permanently connected to the pump 2 such that the assembly of their L-shaped forms presents a U-shaped form around the body of the pump 2 which is disposed in the U-shaped form, on the side of the bottom of the hollow of this U-shaped form, • A protective return filter 25, also arranged in the U-shape, next to the pump 2 but on the side of the opening of the U-shape's hollow, i.e., between the free arms of the U-shape. This protective return filter 25 is located on a branch 28 parallel to the rigid inlet pipe 22. This branch comprises, on either side of the return filter 25, either two flexible pipes, or advantageously, a rigid branch pipe and a flexible branch pipe, the rigid branch pipe then being shorter than the flexible branch pipe. This return filter 25 is connected to the inlet 20 of the pump 2 via the flexible branch pipe through a section of the rigid inlet pipe 22. • a protective filter 26 located on a section parallel to the return filter 25, followed by a non-return valve 29 being located in the rigid inlet pipe 22, so that the water drained from the water heater 1 to the tank 3 passing through the pump 2, also passes first through the protective filter 26, while the water already drained which passes back through the pump 2, returning from the tank 3 to the water heater 1, does not pass through the protective filter 26. • a solenoid valve 24, connected to the outlet 21 of pump 2. This solenoid valve 24 prevents the return of liquid from reservoir 3 to pump 2, when pump 2 sends liquid from water heater 1 to reservoir 3, or when pump 2 is at rest, paused.

[0083] When the pump draws water from the water heater at 20, the vacuum created by the suction prevents the water from rising into the filter 25 because the valve 27 blocks the water passes through the filter 26 and the valve 29. For the return from the tank to the water heater, the water exits through the pump inlet 20, the water "hits" the valve 29 and is forced to pass through the flexible hose 28, then through the return filter 25, pushes the valve 27 and returns to the water heater.

[0084] Before draining the water heater 1, the ball valve 12, located at the outlet 10 of the water heater 1, is connected by a T-fitting, on one side to an expansion vessel 15 by the first branch of the T-fitting, and on the other side to a safety group 16 by the second branch of the T-fitting, the function of the expansion vessel 15 being to allow the storage of expanded water thus compensating for the overpressure in the water heater 1, the function of the safety group 16 being to allow the evacuation of an excess of expanded hot water to avoid a significant overpressure in the water heater 1 when the expansion vessel 15 can no longer fulfill this function (for example, if the ball valve 12 has been accidentally closed so as to close the bypass to the expansion vessel 15 at the outlet of the water heater 1),and also allows for shutting off the water supply to the water heater without affecting the use of cold water in the apartment or house. The expansion vessel 15 compensates, through its air inflation pressure and internal membrane, for the overpressure generated by the heating of the water, and thus, through its volume, stores expanded water awaiting use.

[0085] To drain the water heater 1, the safety group valve 16 is closed to cut off the cold water supply to the water heater 1, then the ball valve 12 is closed so that the expansion vessel 15 can be disconnected and the connection device 11 connected in its place. The expansion vessel 15 is disconnected via the flexible fitting connecting it to the ball valve 12. The safety group 16, which acts as a shut-off valve, remains in place. As is known to the man in the trade, i.e. the plumber, after the connection of the entire drainage system, after the opening of the ball valve 12, an air intake is created to allow the drainage of the water heater 1. This air intake can preferably be created by opening a second outlet of the water heater 1 not shown, which is the hot water outlet allowing the water heater 1 to supply hot water to the bathtubs, showers, sinks, etc... of the dwelling.This air intake can alternatively be created by opening one or more hot water taps in the dwelling containing the water heater 1.

[0086] The connection device 11 is a part that is a useful tool (also an object of the invention) for the plumber to connect the plumber's water heater drain system to the water heater 1 of the individual. This connection device 11 is the fitting that allows the connection of the outlet of the ball valve 12, in fact the outlet of the ball valve 12 where the expansion vessel 15 was connected, in place at The customer connects to the first flexible hose 5. This connection device 11 includes a loose nut for hand-tightening with a rubber seal to the ball valve 12, extends via a removable keyed check valve 13, and terminates in a male-type Cam lock quick-connect fitting 14 fixed to its end. The ball valve 12, the expansion vessel 15, and the safety group 16 are components already present at the outlet of the water heater in the individual's house or apartment.

[0087] The connection device 11 is connected on one side to the ball valve 12 and on the other side to the first hose 5 via a quick-connect fitting 14. The removable key of this non-return valve 13 is removed when the water heater 1 empties into the tank 3 of its water which is sucked by the pump 2 out of the water heater 1. The removable key of this non-return valve 13 is replaced before the tank 3 empties into the water heater 1, with its drained water being pumped back by the pump 2 towards the water heater 1. The removable key of this non-return valve 13, when removed, causes the non-return valve 13 to behave as a simple channel allowing water to flow freely from the water heater 1 to the pump 2, while when replaced, causes the non-return valve 13 to behave as a non-return valve preventing the water flowing from the pump 2 to the water heater 1 from flowing back towards the pump 2 after passing through this non-return valve 13.

[0088] The tank 3 comprises, on the one hand, a waterproof and foldable canvas 30, so as to reduce the total external volume of this canvas 30 by at least a factor of 4 or at least a factor of 6 or at least a factor of 8 or at least a factor of 10, and on the other hand, a support frame 4 for the foldable canvas 30, comprising several reinforcing bars 40 separable from each other and / or separable from the canvas 30, so that the assembly and disassembly of the tank 3 is simpler and faster, and so that, in the stowed position, i.e. disassembled and / or folded, the tank takes up less space, therefore has a reduced footprint.

[0089] A typical and preferred example of a circular cylindrical reservoir 3 has the following dimensions: • a volume between 200 and 400 liters, for example 315 liters, • a height between 80cm and 120cm, for example 95cm, • a diameter between 50cm and 80cm, for example 65cm, • a height for the inlet 35 between 10cm and 15cm from the bottom of the tank 3, for example 12cm.

[0090] The waterproof and foldable fabric 30 has a cylindrical side wall 37, which, when the fabric 30 is unfolded, has a circular base 31 that is integral with the side wall 37, and a circular cover 32 that is detachable (totally or at least partially) from the side wall 37 by means of a zipper. This fabric 30 is multilayered, having at least one support layer coated with a coating layer. The layer The backing is, for example, made of polyester. This polyester conforms to DIN ISO 1076. It has a weave conforming to DIN EN 1049-2, including yarns, with a density of 12 x 12 per cm, conforming to DIN EN ISO 2060. The coating layer is, for example, made of polyurethane. This polyurethane has a density of 1100 g / m², conforms to DIN EN ISO 2286-2, and complies with the direct food contact standard EC 10 / 2011.

[0091] The reinforcing bars 40 have at least one metallic portion and are positioned opposite the magnets 34 that comprise the side wall 37 of the web 30. These reinforcing bars 40 of the support frame 4 are flexible tubes 40, preferably in the middle, at a joint 41, extended by a protrusion 42 located at their lower end, the end closest to the bottom 31 of the web 30, perpendicular to their tube length 40. These hollow, flexible metallic tubes 40 are robust, stable, lightweight, and easy to assemble and disassemble. These metallic tubes 40 are also even more stable thanks to their rectangular cross-section.

[0092] The fabric 30 of the reservoir 3 includes loops 33 whose opening is oriented horizontally, and through which pass Velcro-type fasteners 38 wrapped around the vertical tubes 40, so as to stiffen the whole of the reservoir 3.

[0093] These reinforcing bars 40 of the support frame 4 have holes 43 passing through them transversely, and two cables 44 pass through these holes 43 to connect these reinforcing bars 40 together so as to stiffen the support frame 4 of the tank 3, without significantly increasing the weight or size of this support frame 4. A first cable 44 is located in the upper half of the tank 3, near the lid 32. A second cable 44 is located in the lower half of the tank 3, near the bottom 31.

[0094] These reinforcement bars 40 of the support frame 4 are advantageously held along the fabric 30 of the tank 3 by means of three cables 44 passing or not through holes 43 crossing transversely through said reinforcement bars 40.

[0095] In a preferred assembly example, in the order of assembly of the support frame 4 for the tank 3, the first cable 44, not attached to the bars 40, is placed on the protrusions 42 after the bars 40 have been deployed around the periphery of the tank 30's fabric. In the lower part of the tank 3, near the bottom 31, approximately 25 cm from the ground, a second cable 44 passes through all the holes 43 in the reinforcing bars 40. Finally, a third and last cable 44, located in the upper part of the tank 3, approximately 75 cm from the ground, passes through every other reinforcing bar 40. This alternating passage in the upper part has the advantage of allowing the successive unfolding of the reinforcing bars 40 and thus avoiding the need for a complete physical connection of said reinforcing bars 40, where manipulating one would affect the others and therefore render the assembly is less easy due to their influence on the upper part of tank 3, which is still a little unstable at this stage.

[0096] The assembly and disassembly of the portable water heater draining system 1 are carried out in a simple and quick manner.

[0097] First, during the assembly of the portable drainage system followed by the draining of the water heater 1, by successively carrying out: • the assembly of the portable drainage system, including: • the assembly and / or unfolding of the tank 3, and advantageously the assembly of its support frame 4, • the connection of this tank 3 to the reversible motorized pump 2, • the draining of the water heater 1, during which the water (to be drained) circulates from the water heater 1 to the tank 3, through the motorized reversible pump 2, in a first direction of circulation, until the water heater 1 is emptied of the water it contains and the tank 3 is filled with this water.

[0098] Then, during a pause with the water heater 1 drained, during which the plumber's intervention on the drained water heater 1 is carried out, during which the pump 2 is first put in the neutral position, and then the direction of circulation of the pump 2 is reversed, after repositioning the removable key of the non-return valve 13, by a simple press on a switch to change the direction of water circulation in the pump 2.

[0099] Finally, during the filling of the water heater 1 with the water drained and stored in the tank 3, followed by the dismantling of the portable drainage system, by successively carrying out: • the filling of the water heater 1 with the water already drained and stored in the tank 3, during which the water (already drained) circulates from the tank 3 to the water heater 1, through the reversible motorized pump 2, in a second direction of circulation opposite to the first direction of circulation, until the tank 3 is emptied of the drained water it contains, and the water heater is again filled with its drained water, • Dismantling the portable drainage system, including: • the separation of pump 2 and reservoir 3 from each other, • dismantling and folding the empty tank 3 in order to reduce its volume.

[0100] The assembly and disassembly of the portable water heater drainage system are carried out even more simply and even faster, using the following operations: • during the assembly of the portable drainage system: • the extraction of the tank 3, the elements of its supporting frame 4, the pump 2, and possibly the connecting pipes 5 and 6, from a case or bag, • the unfolding of the waterproof canvas 30, as well as the assembly of the reinforcing bars 40 to form a support frame 4 for the folding canvas 30, • the connection of a first pipe 5 to the inlet 20 of pump 2, and of a second pipe 6 on one side to the outlet 21 of pump 2, and on the other side to the inlet 35 of tank 3, • during dismantling of the portable drainage system: • the removal of the first pipe 5 from the inlet 20 of pump 2, and the removal of the second pipe 6 from the outlet 21 of pump 2 and from the inlet 35 of tank 3, • the folding of the waterproof canvas 30, as well as the disassembly and separation of the reinforcing bars 40 forming the support frame 4 of the folding canvas 30, • the storage of the canvas 30 of the tank 3, the elements of its support frame 4, the pump 2, and possibly the connecting pipes 5 and 6, in the case or in the bag which will serve as the plumber's means of transport for the entire portable water heater drainage system.

[0101] When draining water from the water heater 1 to the tank 3, the drained water flows in the following manner, passing successively through the following phases: • The drained water exits water heater 1 through outlet 10 of water heater 1, • The drained water first passes through the ball valve 12, then the check valve return 13 (after removing its removable key), • The drained water flows through the first pipe 5, up to the level of the first quick fitting 51, to enter the rigid inlet pipe 22, before passing through the drain filter 26 and then through the spring-loaded non-return valve 29, and finally arriving at the inlet 20 of the pump 2, • The drained water is drawn in through the inlet 20 of pump 2 and discharged through the outlet 21 of pump 2. • The drained water, discharged through outlet 21 of pump 2, enters the rigid outlet pipe 23, passes through solenoid valve 24, which is not electrically energized at this point (without being able to pass back through this solenoid valve 24 in the other direction, because the control of this solenoid valve 24 is coupled to the direction of water circulation in pump 2), up to the level of the second quick fitting 52, before entering the second pipe 6, The drained water flows through the second pipe 6, up to the level of the third quick fitting 53, to easily enter the tank 3 through its inlet 35 by means of a suction tube 36 when this inlet 35 is above the bottom 31 of the tank 3 (and therefore also above the ground) by at least 5 to 10 cm, for example about 12 cm, The drained water is stored in tank 3 while the plumber works on the water heater 1, with the pump switch 2 in the neutral position. After the plumber has finished working on the water heater 1, this plumber replaces the removable key of the non-return valve 13 and activates the switch of the pump 2 to proceed with the return or filling, the drained water is then sucked from the tank 3 by means of the suction pipe 36 of the tank 3 and this drained water exits the tank 3 through its inlet 35 to pass back through the second pipe 6, between the third quick fitting 53 and the second quick fitting 52, before entering the rigid outlet pipe 23, The drained water flows back through the rigid outlet pipe 23, and passes through the solenoid valve 24, which is then electrically controlled to allow the liquid to circulate, without being able to return to the reservoir 3 once the solenoid valve 24 has passed through again, until it reaches the outlet 21 of the pump 2, The drained water is drawn in through outlet 21 of pump 2 and discharged through inlet 20 of pump 2. The drained water, forced back through the inlet 20 of pump 2 (whose direction of flow has changed), is then blocked by the spring-loaded non-return valve 29 and travels through the flexible pipe to pass through the filling filter or return filter 25, pushes the spring-loaded non-return valve 27 and exits pipe 22 through the quick-connect fitting 51, then flows through the first pipe 5, from the level of the first quick-connect fitting 51 to the non-return valve 13 which this drained water passes through again (without being able to return to pump 2, once this non-return valve 13 has passed through again), then passes through the ball valve 12, and finally passes through the outlet 10 of the water heater 1, to return, still hot, and almost without loss, inside the water heater 1, • Thanks to the removable key-operated non-return valve 13 which retains the water, the plumber was able to concentrate on completely emptying the tank 3 and stopping the pump 2, regardless of its distance from the water heater 1, then close the ball valve 12 to disconnect the system, • The drained water, once returned to the water heater 1, still hot, can immediately be used by the owner or by the user of the water heater 1, for example to take a shower.

[0102] Fig. 2 schematically represents an example of a side view of a part of a portable water heater draining system centered on the liquid transfer pump according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0103] Fig. 3 schematically represents an example of a front view of part of a portable water heater draining system centered on the liquid transfer pump according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0104] The portable and demountable water heater draining system 1 comprises a liquid transfer pump 2. The pump 2 includes a pump body 201 through which the pumped water passes, a motor 202, an electrical cable 203 connected to the motor 202, and an electrical plug 204 terminating the electrical cable 203 and intended to be plugged into a socket in one of the rooms of the house or apartment where the water heater 1 is located. The electrical plug 204 is therefore suitable for a voltage of 220 Volts or 110 Volts. The pump 2 rests on a wheeled platform 100. A base 103, belonging to the platform 100, allows the return filter 25 to be fixed to this base 103.

[0105] Pillars 101 support the various pipes or pipe sections by means of clamps 102 surrounding these various pipes or pipe sections. The pillars 101 support an L-shaped, bent inlet pipe 22 and an L-shaped, bent outlet pipe 23.

[0106] The inlet pipe 22 connects, on the one hand, a first quick fitting 51 which is intended to be connected to the first pipe 5 (not shown in [Fig.2]), on the other hand, the inlet 20 (visible in [Fig.3]) of the pump 2. The first quick fitting 51 includes a flexible nozzle 510 (for example made of plastic or rubber) around which one or more movable parts 511 (for example made of metal) are tightened (the movable part 511 is shown in the tightened position), thus making it possible to seal the passage through this quick fitting 51 when the water flows from the first pipe 5 to the inlet pipe 22. In the path of the inlet pipe 22 is arranged a drain filter 26 followed by a spring-loaded check valve 29.Following this drain filter 26, which is followed by a spring-loaded non-return valve 29, are a rigid bypass pipe 28, the return filter 25 followed by a spring-loaded non-return valve 27, and a flexible bypass pipe. A T-shaped branch allows the rigid bypass pipe 28 to be connected to the... Inlet pipe 22 on one side of drain filter 26. Another T-shaped branch allows connection of the flexible bypass pipe to the inlet pipe 22 on one side of the spring-loaded check valve 29.

[0107] The outlet pipe 23 connects, on the one hand, a second quick-connect fitting 52, which is intended to be connected to the second pipe 6 (not shown in [Fig. 2]), and on the other hand, the outlet 21 (visible in [Fig. 3]) of the pump 2. The second quick-connect fitting 52 comprises a nozzle 520 (for example, made of plastic or rubber) around which one or more movable parts 521 (for example, made of metal) are tightened (the movable part 521 is shown in the loosened position), thus sealing the passage through this second quick-connect fitting 52 when water flows from the outlet pipe 23 to the second pipe 6. All other quick-connect fittings have the same structure as quick-connect fittings 51 and 52. A solenoid valve 24 (visible in [Fig. 3]) is located in the path of the outlet pipe 23.

[0108] The L-shaped inlet pipe 22 and the L-shaped outlet pipe 23 form a U-shaped piping circuit surrounding, on one side, the body 201 of the pump 2 and its motor 202, and on the other side, the return filter 25 protecting the water heater 1. The body 201 of the pump 2 and its motor 202 are located at the bottom of the U, i.e., at the bottom of the U's hollow. The filter 25 protecting the water heater 1 is located between the arms of the U, between the ends of the arms of this U.

[0109] In the first phase of draining the water circulating from the water heater 1 to the tank 3, the water being drained arrives through the first fitting 51 from the first pipe 5, enters the inlet pipe 22, cannot flow back up (despite the gravitational force of draining the water heater 1) towards the filling filter 25 via the spring-loaded check valve 27, and therefore continues its path by first passing through the drain filter 26, which will block particles that could damage the pump body 201 or the solenoid valve 24, pushes the spring-loaded check valve 29, and continues towards the bend in this pipe 22 towards the inlet 20 of the pump 2 (without returning to the spring-loaded check valve 29), is drawn in by the pump 2 through the inlet 20, and is discharged by the pump 2 through outlet 21 into outlet pipe 23, passes through solenoid valve 24 (without returning to outlet 21 of pump 2, thanks to solenoid valve 24),it then flows through the second quick-connect fitting 52 to the second pipe 6 and is subsequently stored in tank 3.

[0110] In a second phase of filling the water heater 1 with the drained water from the tank 3 where this drained water was stored, after the plumber has worked on the drained water heater 1 and replaced the removable key of the non-return valve 13 and activated the return control of the pump 2, this drained water arrives through the second fitting 52 from the second pipe 6, enters the outlet pipe 23, and flows through the outlet pipe 23 towards the outlet 21 of pump 2, passes through solenoid valve 24 (without being able to return to the second quick fitting 52 and to the second pipe 6), is sucked up by pump 2 through outlet 21, is discharged by pump 2 through inlet 20 into the inlet pipe 22, is then forced by the action of the spring-loaded check valve 29 to pass through the flexible hose, through the return filter 25, push the spring-loaded check valve 27 and exit from this branch via the tee of pipe 22 through the quick fitting 51.

[0111] Fig. 4 schematically represents an example of a side view of the tank of the portable water heater draining system with liquid transfer pump according to an embodiment of the invention, the tank cover being detached from the side wall, the tank then being open.

[0112] Fig. 5 schematically represents an example of another side view of the tank of the portable water heater draining system with liquid transfer pump according to an embodiment of the invention, the tank cover being attached to the side wall, the tank then being closed.

[0113] The tank 3 comprises, on the one hand, a waterproof and foldable canvas 30, so as to reduce the total external volume of this canvas 30, and on the other hand, a support frame 4 for the foldable canvas 30, comprising several reinforcing tubes 40 separable from each other and / or separable from the canvas 30, so as to make the assembly and disassembly of the tank 3 simpler and faster, and so that, in the stored position, i.e. disassembled and / or folded, the tank 3 takes up less space, therefore has a reduced footprint.

[0114] The typical example of the circular cylindrical reservoir 3, which is described in Figures 4 and 5, has the following preferred dimensions: • a volume of 315 liters, • a height of 95cm, • a diameter of 65cm, • a height for the entrance 35 from the bottom of the tank 3, located 12cm from the bottom of the tank 3, and therefore about 12cm from the ground (to the thickness of the canvas 30).

[0115] The waterproof and foldable canvas 30 has a cylindrical side wall 37, once the canvas 30 is unfolded, a circular bottom 31 which is one piece with the side wall 37, and a circular cover 32 which is detachable from the side wall 37 by a zipper 320.

[0116] The cover 32 is in the open and detached position on [Fig. 4] (or almost detached, if it is still attached to the rest of the fabric 30 by a small piece, hanging down along the side wall 37), while this cover 32 is in the closed and attached position on [Fig. 5] (which allows, on the one hand, better retention of the heat of the water drained and stored in the tank 3, and on the other hand, prevents particles or even small objects fall inadvertently into the water drained and stored in tank 3, during the draining of water heater 1 and during the plumber's intervention on water heater 1).

[0117] The reinforcing tubes 40 are positioned opposite the magnets 34 that comprise the side wall 37 of the web 30. These reinforcing tubes 40 of the support frame 4 are flexible, preferably in the middle, at a joint 41, and extended by a protrusion 42 located at their lower end. This lower end is the one closest to the bottom 31 of the web 30, perpendicular to their tube length 40. These protrusions 42 are oriented radially outwards from the tank 3, parallel to the ground on which the tank 3 rests. These hollow, flexible metal tubes 40 are robust, stable, lightweight, and easy to assemble and disassemble. These metal tubes 40 are also even more stable thanks to their rectangular cross-section, the longer dimension of the rectangle being the one against the side wall 37 and against the ground (at the protrusion 42).

[0118] The fabric 30 of the reservoir 3 includes loops 33 whose opening is oriented horizontally, and through which pass Velcro-type fasteners 38 wrapped around the vertical tubes 40, so as to stiffen the whole of the reservoir 3.

[0119] These reinforcing tubes 40 of the support frame 4 have holes 43 passing through them transversely, and two cables 44 pass through these holes 43 to connect these reinforcing tubes 40 together so as to stiffen the support frame 4 of the tank 3, without significantly increasing the weight or size of this support frame 4. A first cable 44 is located in the upper half of the tank 3, near the lid 32. A second cable 44 is located in the lower half of the tank 3, near the bottom 31. Each of the cables 44 is closed on itself by a fastener 440. A cord 330 encircles the side wall 37, passing through several of the loops 33 to stiffen the fabric 30 and thus allow the installation of the reinforcing bars 40. A third, preferential cable 44 can also surround the tubes 40 at the level of their protuberances 42.This third cable 44 improves the assembly process by preventing the feet of the reinforcement bars 40 from tilting towards the tank 3.

[0120] In the lower part of tank 3 is the inlet 35 of tank 3. This inlet 35 of tank 3 is connected to the second pipe 6 via a third quick-connect fitting 53. Water arrives from the water heater 1 through the second pipe 6, enters tank 3, first passing through the inlet 35 on the outside of tank 3, and then through a suction pipe (not shown in Figures 4 and 5) inside tank 3 to be stored in tank 3 while the plumber works on the water heater 1, once it has been drained of its hot water. The suction pipe is angled, with a horizontal section at the same height. that the inlet 35 of the reservoir 3 is connected to this inlet 35, and a vertical part of about ten centimeters (between 12cm and 15cm), so as to stop at a distance for example between 1cm and 3cm above the bottom 31 of the reservoir 3.

[0121] In a first phase of draining the water that circulates from the water heater 1 to the tank 3, the water being drained arrives through the second pipe 6, passes through the inlet 35 and the suction pipe 36 to enter the tank 3 and remain stored there while the plumber works on the water heater 1 which has been drained of its hot water.

[0122] In a second phase of filling the water heater 1 with the drained water from the tank 3 where this drained water was stored, after the plumber's intervention on the drained water heater 1, this drained water exits the tank 3 by first passing through the suction pipe 36 to exit through the inlet 35 and return to the second pipe 6, to go back to the water heater 1. The presence and arrangement of the suction pipe 36 inside the tank 3, between the inlet 35 and the bottom 31 of the tank 3, facilitates the evacuation, from the tank 3, of the hot drained water that was stored in this tank 3, by allowing the priming of the pump 2 and a complete suction of the contents of the tank 3.

[0123] The assembly and disassembly of the tank 3 are carried out in a simple and quick manner, preferably using the following operations: • during the assembly of tank 3: • the extraction of the tank 3, and the elements of its supporting frame 4, from a suitcase or bag, • first, the unfolding of the waterproof fabric 30, then the closing of the cover 32 on the upper part of the lateral part 37 of the fabric 30 above the tank 3, so that the fabric 30 takes its cylindrical shape, • the passage of the cord 330 through the loops 33 to stiffen the side wall 37 of the fabric 30 of the tank 3, and thus allow easy assembly of the entire support frame 4, this cord 330 being advantageously made of fiberglass, • then the assembly of the 40 reinforcing tubes to form a support frame 4 for the folding canvas 30, including: • the unfolding of the tubes 40 (whose two parts were folded against each other) and their installation around the side wall 37 using the fasteners 38 placed around the upper part of the tubes 40 before being slid into the loops 33, the protrusions 42 resting on the ground, the tubes 40 being placed against the magnets 34 of the fabric 30, • possibly the passage of the cables 44, one after the other, through the holes 43 of the tubes 40, then the closing of their attachment 440, or alternatively, the cables 44 are already attached to the tubes 40 and will remain attached to the tubes 40, even when the tubes 40 are stored in their transport bag, • the connection of a second pipe 6 to the inlet 35 of the tank 3, • during dismantling of the portable drainage system: • the removal of the second pipe 6 from the inlet 35 of the tank 3, • First, the disassembly and separation of the 40 reinforcing tubes forming the support frame 4 for the folding canvas 30, including: • the opening of the 440 attachment on each of the cables, • the removal of the fasteners 38, in fact the simple detachment of the fasteners 38, followed by the removal of the tubes 40 and the side wall 37 and their folding, the fasteners 38 being themselves attached to the feet of the reinforcement bars 40, their simple removal from the loops 33 allows them to detach the reinforcement bars 40 and the wall 37, • Removing the cord 330 from the loops 33 to free the side wall 37 from the fabric 30 of the tank 3, thus restoring the flexibility of the tank 3 before folding and storing it, • first, the opening of the cover 32 and its at least partial (or even complete) removal from the upper part of the lateral part 37 of the canvas 30 above the tank 3, so as to then facilitate the folding of the waterproof canvas 30, so that the canvas 30 takes its storage shape which will be substantially parallelepiped, • the storage of the canvas 30 of the tank 3, of the elements of its support frame 4, in the case or in the bag which will serve as the plumber's means of transport for the entire portable water heater drainage system.

[0124] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the examples and embodiment described and represented, but is susceptible to many variations accessible to those skilled in the art.

Claims

Demands

1. Portable, detachable water heater draining system comprising: • a liquid transfer pump (2), • motorized, • featuring a liquid inlet (20) and a liquid outlet (21), • reversible, • a liquid reservoir (3), • demountable and / or foldable to reduce its volume, • featuring a liquid inlet (35), • two pipes (5, 6), the first pipe (5) being connected to the inlet (20) of the pump (2) in a removable manner, the second pipe (6) being connected on one side to the outlet (21) of the pump (2) in a removable manner, and on the other side to the inlet (35) of the tank (3) in a removable manner, said portable water heater drainage system being detachable in such a way as to: - separate the pump (2) and the reservoir (3) from each other, - disassemble and / or fold the empty tank (3) by reducing its volume.

2. A portable water heater draining system according to claim 1, characterized: • in that it comprises three quick couplings (51, 52, 53) which are tool-free assembly and disassembly couplings, • and in that: • the first pipe (5) is connected to the inlet (20) of the pump (2), via the first quick coupling (51), • the second pipe (6) is connected on one side to the outlet (21) of the pump (2), via the second quick coupling (52), and on the other side to the inlet (35) of the tank (3), via the third quick coupling (53).

3. A portable water heater draining system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tank comprises: • a waterproof and foldable canvas (30), so as to reduce the total external volume of this canvas (30) by at least a factor of 4 or at least a factor of 6 or at least a factor of 8 or at least a factor of 10, • a support frame (4) for the foldable canvas (30), comprising several reinforcing bars (40) separable from each other and / or separable from the canvas (30).

4. Portable water heater draining system according to claim 3, characterized in that: • the waterproof and foldable fabric (30) has: • a cylindrical side wall (37), once the fabric (30) is unfolded, • a circular bottom (31), advantageously in one piece with the side wall (37), • and a circular cover (32), preferably detachable or preferably partially detachable from the side wall (37).

5. A portable water heater draining system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: • the reinforcement bars (40) of the support frame (4) are tubes: • foldable, preferably in the middle, at the level of an articulation (41), • extended by a protuberance (42) located at one of their ends, preferably orthogonal to their tube length.

6. Portable water heater draining system according to claim 3 or 4 or 5, characterized in that: • the reinforcing bars (40) of the support frame (4) have holes (43) passing transversely through them, • and one or more cables (44) pass through these holes (43) to connect these reinforcing bars (40) together so as to stiffen the support frame (4) of the tank (3).

7. Portable water heater draining system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pipes (5, 6) are flexible.

8. Portable water heater draining system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the volume of the tank (3) is between 100 liters and 500 liters, or between 150 liters and 350 liters.

9. Portable water heater draining system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises a drain filter (26) for protection of the motor (202) of the liquid transfer pump (2), connected to said liquid inlet (20) of the liquid transfer pump (2).

10. Portable water heater draining system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it also comprises a spring-loaded check valve (29) located downstream of the protective drain filter (26), a protective return filter (25), and a spring-loaded check valve (27) located downstream of the protective return filter (25).

11. A portable water heater draining system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises a connection device (11) for connecting the water heater draining system to the water heater (1), comprising:

12. • a loose nut for connection to a ball valve (12), • a removable key check valve (13), • a quick-connect fitting (14), advantageously of the Cam lock type. Water heater draining method, comprising: the assembly of a portable drainage system, including: • the assembly and / or unfolding of a liquid tank (3), preferably including the assembly of a support frame (4) around the tank (3) by installing reinforcement bars (40) for this support frame (4) around the tank (3) and connecting these reinforcement bars (40) together, • the connection of this tank (3) to a reversible motorized liquid transfer pump (2), the draining of the water heater (1), including: • the circulation of water from the water heater (1) to the tank (3), through the reversible motorized liquid transfer pump (2), in a first direction of circulation, until the water heater (1) is emptied of the water it contains, preferably a pause with the water heater (1) emptied, allowing intervention on the emptied water heater (1), preferably by a plumber, during which: • the direction of circulation of the pump (2) is reversed, preferably by a simple press on a switch to change the direction of water circulation in the pump (2), filling the water heater (1) with the drained water, including: • the circulation of water from the tank (3) to the water heater (1), through the reversible motorized liquid transfer pump (2), in a second direction of circulation opposite to the first direction of circulation, until the tank (3) is emptied of the water it contains, dismantling the portable drainage system, including: • the separation of the pump (2) and the reservoir (3) from each other, • the dismantling and / or folding of the empty tank (3) in order to reduce its volume, preferably including the dismantling and removal of the support frame (4) and its reinforcing bars (40).

13. A water heater draining method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that: • During the assembly of the portable drainage system, the tank (3), the elements of its supporting frame (4), the pump (2), and possibly the connecting hoses (5, 6) are taken out of a case or bag, • When transporting the portable drainage system, the tank (3), the elements of its supporting frame (4), the pump, and possibly the connecting hoses (5, 6) are transported in the case or bag, • When dismantling the portable drainage system, the tank (3), the elements of its support frame (4), the pump, and possibly the connecting hoses (5, 6) are stored in the case or bag.

14. Portable water heater draining system, kit form, comprising: • a motorized and reversible liquid transfer pump (2) having a liquid inlet (20) and a liquid outlet (21), • a liquid reservoir (3), disassembled and folded, having a liquid inlet (35), comprising: • a folded waterproof fabric (30), • a disassembled support frame (4), • two pipes (5, 6), • a suitcase or bag, in which or in which are stored: said pump (2), said folded canvas (30), said support frame (4), said pipes (5, 6).

Images