EP4092206A1 - Hydrant drainage - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a hydrant (100) which comprises a riser pipe (102) with an interior (104) and an outside and a shut-off element (108) which can be brought from at least one open position into at least one closed position and vice versa. In the closed position, the shut-off device (108) is designed such that the interior (104) of the riser pipe (102) can be sealed off from a hydrant inlet (106). The hydrant (100) comprises at least a first passage (114) via which the interior (104) of the riser pipe (102) can be brought into fluid connection with the outside of the hydrant (100), and a second passage (116) via which the the pressurized hydrant inlet (106) being fluidly connectable to the exterior of the hydrant (100), the first (114) and second (116) ports being operatively connectable to one another. This active connection creates a negative pressure by means of water flowing through the second passage (116), so that the water in the interior (104) of the riser pipe (102) is discharged via the first passage (114) and the riser pipe (102) is thereby drained, with the hydrant (100) further comprises at least one actuator which is designed to enable water to flow through the first passage (114) and/or second passage (116) for draining the interior (104) of the riser pipe (102).

Description

The present invention relates to a fire hydrant. Hydrants are connected to a water distribution system and represent a faucet for drawing water in order to enable the fire brigade, but also public and private users, to draw water from the public water distribution system. The network pressure in the water distribution system is typically around 6 to 9 bar. In general, hydrants are divided into above ground hydrants and underground hydrants. The pillar hydrant is permanently installed above ground and has outlets with standardized couplings. The underground hydrant is installed underground and covered by a ground cover from above. Thus, the underground hydrant is a water extraction point located below ground level, which is closed by the ground cover. Hydrants include a riser pipe with an interior and an exterior, the interior opening into the connection for water extraction. To open and close hydrants, they are equipped with a shut-off element, which is arranged in the area of a ground-side inlet pipe. As long as the shut-off element is in the closed position, the interior of the riser pipe is sealed off from the hydrant inlet to protect it against frost.

To open or close the shut-off element, a spindle, which is arranged essentially axially in the hydrant, is turned manually. By rotating the spindle, this rotation is transferred to a spindle nut, as a result of which the section of the spindle running axially in the hydrant, also known as the valve rod, is guided up and down axially. The shut-off device is located below the so-called frost line, so that the water does not freeze. Measures are known in the prior art which, after the closing of the Obturator related to the draining of water from the interior of the riser, so that the interior of the riser is free of water, which could otherwise freeze herein. The drainage of water from the interior of the riser is intended to prevent damage to the hydrant caused by freezing water. The drainage of the water from the interior of the riser pipe also serves to reduce corrosion inside the hydrant and to prevent nucleation in the stagnant water. Slide hydrants are also known in which the shut-off element comprises a slide and sealing surfaces that interact with it, into which the slide is pushed for shutting off.

The pamphlet U.S. 3,858,599 discloses a hydrant with a drain device for draining water from the riser pipe of the hydrant after the shut-off device is closed. The discharge device disclosed comprises a discharge pipe arranged in the riser and above the shut-off element, which, after the shut-off element has been closed, connects the interior of the riser with its outside and opens into a gravel bed. This is intended to allow the water to be drained away with a reduced risk of clogging.

There is a problem in the prior art that drainage devices for draining the interior space of the riser can become clogged and therefore only insufficient drainage takes place. The blockages can result from a blockage of the mouth of respective drainage pipes, for example by compacting the soil in the portion of the mouth of the drainage pipe. There is also a risk that the drainage pipe will completely or at least partially freeze over if, for example, it is not laid properly below the frost line. It is also disadvantageous that it is not always ensured that the soil in the area of the riser pipe of the hydrant has the required permeability in order to reliably drain the required amount of water out of the riser pipe. In the prior art, the water only flows out of the riser pipe as a result of the pressure of the water column in the interior of the riser pipe. Another problem in the prior art is that with a high groundwater level, an unwanted return of water from the Soil takes place in the interior of the riser and the riser is thereby filled with impure water. A high groundwater level can be found near a lake, near a river or generally near a body of water. The groundwater level can, for example, rise due to heavy rainfall. In addition to the previously mentioned risk of water freezing, there is a further risk of nucleation inside the hydrant. As a result, germs can come into contact with fresh water from the water distribution network. When using the hydrant, water contaminated with germs is discharged, which can endanger the health of humans and animals. It is therefore the object of the present invention to propose a hydrant whose riser pipe can be reliably drained.

This object is achieved by a hydrant according to independent claim 1. Further advantageous features emerge from the dependent claims.

According to the invention, the aforementioned object is achieved by a hydrant which comprises a riser pipe with an interior and an outside and a shut-off element which is designed to be able to be brought from at least one open position into at least one closed position and vice versa, and the shut-off element in the closed position is designed in such a way that the interior of the riser can be sealed against a hydrant inlet. The hydrant also comprises at least one first passage, via which the interior of the riser pipe can be brought into fluid connection with the outside of the hydrant, and a second passage, via which the pressurized hydrant inlet can be brought into fluid connection with the outside of the hydrant, the first and second passage can be brought into operative connection with one another, this operative connection generating a negative pressure by means of water flowing through the second passage, so that water located in the interior of the riser pipe is discharged via the first passage and the riser pipe is thereby drained. The hydrant also includes at least one actuator, which is designed to allow water to flow through the first passage and/or second passage for draining the interior of the riser pipe.

Advantages of the present invention include:
The water inside the riser pipe is reliably ejected from the hydrant inlet by the pressurized water using the Venturi principle. As a result, the riser pipe is reliably emptied by means of a strong vacuum.

The structure is particularly simple and does not require any complex components, so that the drainage of the riser pipe is highly reliable.

The drainage of the water from the inside of the riser pipe takes place particularly quickly.

After the riser pipe has been drained, the passages can be closed. This prevents water from flowing back from the ground into the interior of the riser pipe. Thus, the interior of the riser is not contaminated with contaminated water.

The drainage takes place by means of a strong negative pressure that is generated, so that drainage is possible even if the groundwater level is higher than the water level inside the riser pipe.

The jet pump is integrated in the hydrant. Thus, no cumbersome and tedious work for laying drainage pipes and possibly other external components must be made. No further attachments are necessary.

The hydrant's drainage system is particularly easy to operate.

The drainage system can be retrofitted to many hydrant types. Furthermore, the drainage device can be used with almost all types of shut-off devices. Hydrants already installed in the field can be subsequently expanded with the drainage device of the hydrant according to the invention.

The dewatering can be accelerated by providing several jet pumps of a dewatering device in the lower area of the riser. The jet pumps can be placed at a certain angular distance from each other.

The drainage can be controlled manually or electrically, e.g. with the help of an actuator. The actuator can include an electrically or mechanically controllable valve. The passages can thus be opened and closed particularly reliably.

Drainage can take place by turning a valve rod of the hydrant, which is usually used to open and close the shut-off device, into a predetermined rotational position.

• Figuren 1a-c eine Schnittansicht von einem Abschnitt eines Absperrorgans von einem Hydranten in unterschiedlichen Ventilstellungen gemäss einer ersten Variante eines ersten Beispiels;
• Figur 2 eine Schnittansicht von einem Abschnitt eines Absperrorgans von einem Hydranten gemäss einer zweiten Variante des ersten Beispiels;
• Figur 3 eine Schnittansicht von einem Abschnitt eines Absperrorgans von einem Hydranten gemäss einer dritten Variante des ersten Beispiels;
• Figuren 4a-c eine Schnittansicht von einem Abschnitt eines Absperrorgans von einem Hydranten in unterschiedlichen Ventilstellungen gemäss einer ersten Variante eines zweiten Beispiels;
• Figuren 5a-c eine Schnittansicht von einem Abschnitt eines Absperrorgans von einem Hydranten in unterschiedlichen Ventilstellungen gemäss einer zweiten Variante des zweiten Beispiels;
• Figuren 6a-d eine Schnittansicht von einem Abschnitt eines Absperrorgans von einem Hydranten in unterschiedlichen Ventilstellungen gemäss einer dritten Variante des zweiten Beispiels; und
• Figuren 7a-c eine Schnittansicht von einem Abschnitt eines Absperrorgans von einem Schieberhydranten in unterschiedlichen Schieberstellungen gemäss einem dritten Beispiel.

The hydrant is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments and corresponding drawings, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. show:

• Figures 1a-c a sectional view of a portion of a shut-off element of a hydrant in different valve positions according to a first variant of a first example;
• figure 2 a sectional view of a portion of a shut-off element of a hydrant according to a second variant of the first example;
• figure 3 a sectional view of a portion of a shut-off element of a hydrant according to a third variant of the first example;
• Figures 4a-c a sectional view of a portion of a shut-off element of a hydrant in different valve positions according to a first variant of a second example;
• Figures 5a-c a sectional view of a portion of a shut-off element of a hydrant in different valve positions according to a second variant of the second example;
• Figures 6a-d a sectional view of a portion of a shut-off element of a hydrant in different valve positions according to a third variant of the second example; and
• Figures 7a-c a sectional view of a portion of a shut-off element of a sliding hydrant in different slide positions according to a third example.

Preferred embodiments of the hydrant are described in detail below.

the Figures 1a-c each show a sectional view of a hydrant 100 in different valve positions according to a first variant of a first example. The hydrant 100 includes a riser pipe 102 with an interior 104. The riser pipe 102 opens into at least one outlet (not shown) for discharging water. When the hydrant 100 is open, the water from a hydrant inlet 106 is transferred under pressure into the interior 104 of the riser pipe 102 . To open and close the hydrant 100, the hydrant 100 comprises a shut-off element 108, which can be opened from at least one open position (see Figure 1c ) in at least one closed position (see Figure 1b ) And vice versa is designed to be brought. In the closed position, the shut-off element 108 is designed to seal off the interior 104 of the riser pipe 102 in a fluid-tight manner from the hydrant inlet 106 .

The shut-off element 108 comprises a main valve body 110 and at least one component of the hydrant 100 which interacts therewith for shutting off and has a sealing surface. The shut-off element 108 is generally a valve with the main valve body 110 which can be brought into contact with sealing surfaces of the hydrant 100 . The main valve body 110 is by means of an axially arranged drive device 111, which is designed as a valve rod, for example, can be moved axially in relation to the other interacting components of the shut-off element 108 . To close the hydrant 100, the main valve body 110 is pushed into the in Figure 1b upper valve position shown, in which the obturator 108 is closed. In order to open the obturator 108, the main valve body 110 is transferred downwards, as in FIG Figure 1c shown. In this position, the water flows from the hydrant inlet 106 under pressure into the riser pipe 102 via peripheral sections of the main valve body 110 that are exposed at least in sections. In order to guide the main valve body 110, it is provided with lateral valve vanes 112', 112", which for the axial guidance of the main valve body 110 in relation to static sections (also referred to as the main valve seat) of the shut-off element 108 are arranged on the main valve body 110 in a circumferentially interrupted manner and in this case at least in open position (see Figure 1c ) can be brought into contact with inner surface sections of the obturator 108 of the hydrant 100 .

For a more detailed explanation of the drainage of the hydrant 100, reference is now made to FIG Figure 1a . The expression “draining a hydrant” mentioned above means that the water in the interior 104 of the riser pipe 102 is discharged to the outside. Here, the water is sucked out of the riser pipe 102 by means of a negative pressure, specifically with the aid of the water that is under pressure from the hydrant inlet 106, and discharged or ejected to the outside. In other words, the first and second passages can be brought into operative connection with one another in such a way that the water located in the interior of the riser pipe is expelled to the outside of the hydrant via the first passage by the energy (pressure) of the water flowing through the second passage. In this way, the riser pipe is reliably drained without any additional expenditure of energy (e.g. electrically, hydraulically). The dewatering is advantageously accomplished only with the aid of the pressure of the medium (water) conveyed in the water distribution system. The network pressure in the water distribution system is typically around 6 to 9 bar.

For this purpose, the hydrant 100 includes a first passage 114', 114", via which a fluid connection between the interior 104 of the riser pipe 102 and the Outside of the hydrant 100 can be made. As in Figure 1a and referring to the Figures 1b,c As can be seen, the first passage 114', 114" faces an opening area 115', 115" on the circumference of the main valve body 110 when the shut-off element 108 is in the drainage position, with a fluid connection again being established via the opening area 115', 115" with the interior 104 of the riser pipe 102. In the other valve positions of the shut-off element 108, namely in the closed position and in the open position, the first passage 114', 114'' is sealed off by peripheral sections or the wall of the main valve body 110. To put it more precisely, the first passage 114', 114'' can be sealed off by the wall or sealing surfaces of the valve wings 112', 112'' in the closed position of the hydrant 100. In other words, in addition to their function of guiding the main valve body 110, the valve vanes 112', 112" are also designed to close or open at least the first passage 114', 114" by means of their sealing surface. Thus, the first passage 114', 114" is only in the in Figure 1a drainage position shown via the opening area 115 ', 115 "with the interior 104 in connection.

To eject the water from the interior 104 of the riser pipe 102 is available at the same time, also only in the in Figure 1a shown drainage position, a second passage 116', 116" with the hydrant inlet 106 in fluid connection. The second passage 116', 116" leads to the outside. In other words, when the shut-off element 108 is in the drainage position, the pressurized water can be expelled from the hydrant inlet 106 via the second passage 116', 116" to the outside of the hydrant 100. The first passage 114', 114" opens into one of the second Passage 116', 116 "connected section. Here, the through the first passage 114', 114 "discharged water from the riser 102 meets the via the second passage 116', 116 "ejected under pressure to the outside water from the hydrant inlet 106. At least the first passage 114′, 114″ and second passage 116′, 116″ form the jet pump 113′, 113″, which discharges the water from the interior 104 of the riser pipe 102 to the outside.

In the following, reference is made in detail to the jet pump 113′, 113″. The jet pump 113′, 113″ includes a vacuum chamber 118′, 118″ which is connected to the second passage 116', 116" and leads to the outside. The negative pressure chamber 118', 118" can be subjected to negative pressure by the water flowing out of the hydrant inlet 106 via the second passage 116', 116" under pressure (jet pump principle or venturi Principle). The negative pressure chamber 118', 118" to which negative pressure is applied is in turn fluidly connected to the interior 104 of the riser pipe 102 via the first passage 114', 114". The water is thus reliably sucked out of the inner space 104 of the riser pipe 102 by means of the generated negative pressure and discharged to the outside.

in the in Figure 1c shown open position of the hydrant 100, the first passage 114', 114" and the second passage 116', 116" are sealed by the wall or sealing surfaces of the valve leaves 112', 112". In other words, the valve leaves 112', 112" are thereto designed to close or open at least the first passage 114', 114" and the second passage 116', 116" by means of its sealing surface.

At the inlet of the jet pump 113', 113", a jet of water flows under full line pressure from the hydrant inlet 106 via the second passage 116', 116" into the vacuum space 118', 118". The vacuum space 118', 118" has a larger diameter than the second passage 116',116". A mixing of the media occurs between the fast-flowing water jet and the surrounding water from the riser pipe 102, as a result of which kinetic energy is transferred from the water jet from the hydrant inlet 106 to the surrounding water from the riser pipe 102 and thus a conveying mechanism The ejection of the medium creates a negative pressure in the negative pressure space 118', 118", as a result of which the water to be conveyed from the riser pipe 102 flows through the vacuum connection.

By means of a surprisingly simple solution, the water from the interior 104 of the riser pipe 102 is ejected to the outside by the pressurized water from the hydrant inlet 106 via the jet pump principle or Venturi principle. This makes the water in the riser pipe 102 special dissipated to the outside quickly and reliably. In the in the Figures 1a-c The first variant of the first example shown shows two jet pumps 113′, 113″. As a result, the time for removing the water from the riser pipe 102 is almost halved in relation to an example in which only one jet pump is provided. Of course, although in the Figures 1a-c not shown, only a jet pump may be provided on the hydrant 100 . Of course, three or more jet pumps can also be provided on the hydrant 100 (not shown).

in the in Figure 1a shown drainage position, the hydrant 100 is closed, which means that the direct fluid connection between the hydrant inlet 106 and the interior 104 of the riser pipe 102 is blocked. To the hydrant 100 from the in Figure 1a shown drainage position to the in Figure 1b To convert shown fully closed valve position or closed position, the main valve body 110 is moved axially downwards by means of the drive device 111 (valve rod). As previously explained, the first passage 114′, 114″ is sealed off in a fluid-tight manner from the interior 104 of the riser pipe 102 by peripheral sections of the valve vanes 112′, 112″. At the same time, the second passage 116′, 116″ is sealed off in a fluid-tight manner from the hydrant inlet 106 by peripheral sections of the main valve body 110. The hydrant 100 is advantageously transferred from the drainage position to the closed valve position or closed position of the shut-off element 108 after the riser pipe 102 has been drained.

At the in Figures 1a-c shown first variant of the first example, the shut-off element 108 comprises a hydrant main valve, which is formed here by sections of the hydrant 100 itself (also referred to as the main valve seat or sealing surfaces of the hydrant) and the main valve body 110 . Said portions of the hydrant 100 may at least be associated with: first passage 114',114", second passage 116',116", jet pump 113',113", vacuum space 118',118", but not limited thereto.

As previously mentioned, the jet pump 113′, 113″ is designed to pump the water out of the interior 104 of the riser pipe 102 by means of direct impact discharge the water supplied to the hydrant inlet 106 to the outside. In the first variant of the first example, an actuator is provided which establishes a fluid connection between the interior 104 of the riser pipe 102 and the outside of the hydrant 100 and also between the hydrant inlet 106 and the outside of the hydrant 100 only in the drainage position. In the in the Figures 1a-c shown first variant of the first example, this actuator is included in the shut-off element 108 or main valve body 110 and the hydrant 100 itself. No further components are therefore necessary for opening and closing and the design has proven to be particularly simple and reliable. In addition, costs are saved.

In the example described above, the jet pump 113′, 113″ is designed to discharge the water from the interior 104 of the riser pipe 102 to the outside by means of direct action by the water supplied from the hydrant inlet 106.

Although not shown, the riser pipe 102 of the hydrant 100 described in the example described (as well as in further examples) may comprise a ventilation opening (not shown), by means of which a pressure difference between the interior 104 of the riser pipe 102 and the outside of the hydrant 100 during drainage of the riser pipe 102 is compensated. This prevents a negative pressure from developing in the interior 104 of the riser pipe 102 , which counteracts the ejection of the water to the outside of the hydrant 100 . Furthermore, the hydrant can include an indication device (not shown) by means of which the operator receives information about the water level in the interior 104 of the riser pipe 102 . For example, the notification device can be operatively connected to the ventilation opening and can comprise at least one vibrating body which generates an audible vibration when air flows over and/or through it. When draining the riser pipe 102, a negative pressure is generated, which is compensated for by the ventilation opening. Air thus flows from outside into the interior space 104 of the riser pipe 102 . The negative pressure is generally created in the drainage position of the hydrant 100 . In the drainage position of the hydrant 100, the negative pressure can also be generated if the Riser 102 is already drained. The air flow can excite the vibrating body included in the indicator device to vibrate audibly. As long as the vibrating body generates an audible vibration, the operator is informed that the hydrant 100 is (still) in the drainage position. Thus, the operator is at least advised or reminded to remove the hydrant 100 after the drainage position ( Figure 1a ) to the closed position ( Figure 1b ) to transfer. Thus, as soon as the audible vibration ceases, the operator is simply informed that the hydrant 100 is closed (closed position, cf Figure 1b ).

figure 2 shows a sectional view of the hydrant 100 in a second variant of the first example. Components that are the same or have the same effect in relation to the first variant of the first example are identified by the same reference symbols. the inside figure 2 The hydrant 100 shown also includes the first passage 114, the second passage 116 and the jet pump 113 with the vacuum chamber 118.

The second variant differs from the first variant with regard to the design of the actuator. Furthermore, only one jet pump 113 is shown here. In the second variant of the first example, the actuator includes electrically controllable valves 120', 120", which release or block a fluid connection between the interior 104 of the riser pipe 102 and the jet pump 113 and a fluid connection between the hydrant inlet 106 and the jet pump 113. To be more precise , the first electrically controllable valve 120' releases or blocks a fluid connection between the riser pipe 102 and the jet pump 113. Furthermore, the second electrically controllable valve 120" is designed to release or block a fluid connection between the hydrant inlet 106 and the jet pump 113 . Both electrically controllable valves 120', 120" can be controlled via an electric control unit 122. The electrically controllable valves 120', 120" are each connected to the electric control unit 122 via a signal connection 124', 124". The signal connection 124', 124" can be an electrical signal line (cable) or a radio link (wireless link).

in the in figure 2 The valve position shown is that the hydrant 100 is closed by the main valve body 110, which means that no water is transferred from the hydrant inlet 106 upwards into the riser pipe 102. In this closed valve position, the two electrically controllable valves 120′, 120″ can be controlled to open by means of the control unit 122 until the riser pipe 102 is drained (drainage position). After the riser pipe 102 has been drained, the two electrically controllable valves 120′ are opened. "120" closed. The control unit 122 can be controlled via the drive device 111 (valve rod) to open the two electrically controllable valves 120', 120'' or via a separate operation, for example a push button or a cable pull.

As mentioned above, the control unit 122 switches the two electrically controllable valves 120', 120" to their closed position as soon as the riser pipe 102 has been drained. The two electrically controllable valves 120', 120" can essentially simultaneously switch to the Opening and closing can be controlled. During the transition from the drainage position to the closed position, the first passage 114 is advantageously blocked first and then the second passage 116 is blocked. In other words, first the first valve 120' is actuated to close and then the second valve 120'' is actuated to close. A backflow of water in the direction of the interior space 104 of the riser pipe 102 can thus be prevented. The switchover can be controlled via a timer , which can be included, for example, in the control unit 122. In an alternative example, the control unit 122 can control the two electrically controllable valves 120', 120" to close as soon as a float (not shown), which serves as a sensor, an emptied State of the riser 102 is detected. In a further example, a sensor 126 can be fitted in or on the first passage 114, which can establish the fluid connection between the interior space 104 of the riser pipe 102 and the jet pump 113, which sensor transmits information about the pumped water to the control unit 122. For this purpose, the sensor 126 is connected to the control unit 122 via a signal connection 128 . The signal connection 128 can be an electrical signal line or a radio connection. As soon as the sensor 124 detects that the first passage 114 no longer carries any water, since the riser pipe 102 is now completely drained, the Control unit 122, based on this detected condition, block the two electrically controllable valves 120', 120".

In an example that is not outlined, only one electrically controllable valve can be provided, which opens or blocks the two passages 114, 116 simultaneously or briefly one after the other. For example, this valve can also be arranged in the main valve and close or release at least one corresponding bore in the main valve. Instead of the electrically controllable valves 120', 120'' described here, at least one mechanically controllable valve (not shown) can also be provided.

At the in figure 2 shown second variant of the first example, the shut-off element 108 includes a hydrant main valve, which is formed here by sections of the hydrant 100 itself (sealing surfaces thereof) and the main valve body 110.

figure 3 shows a sectional view of the hydrant 100 in a third variant of the first example. Components that are the same or have the same effect in relation to the first and/or second variant of the first example are identified by the same reference symbols. the inside figure 3 The hydrant 100 shown also includes the first passage 114 and the second passage 116, which can be brought into operative connection with one another here by means of a mechanical pump 130 in such a way that the water from the interior 104 of the riser pipe 102 is indirectly acted upon by the water supplied from the hydrant inlet 106 is discharged to the outside. In the figure 3 The pump 130 shown is designed as a radial centrifugal pump. However, the pump 130 can also be designed as an axial or diagonal centrifugal pump (not shown). Alternatively, the mechanical pump 130 may be a piston pump, a diaphragm pump, or any type of positive displacement pump.

In the drainage position, a turbine wheel 132 contained in the centrifugal pump 130 is acted upon by the water flowing under pressure from the hydrant inlet 106 and is rotated. A shaft 134 axially connected to the turbine wheel 132 protrudes into a vacuum chamber of the centrifugal pump 130 and lets it out Water flowing into the riser 102 through the first passage 114 will flow radially outward by centrifugal force. The water flows into an annular space 136 and is ejected to the outside via this. The first 114 and second 116 passage are opened and closed via a schematically illustrated slide device 138 (valve device). In the variant shown, the first 114 and second 116 passage are blocked by the sliding device 138 . By moving the slider 138 upwards, the first 114 and second 116 passages are opened. Alternatively, the first 114 and second 116 passages may be opened and closed via electric valves (not shown).

Figures 4a-c each show a sectional view of a hydrant 200 in different valve positions according to a first variant of a second example. Figure 4b shows the hydrant 200 with a closed shut-off element 208. In this position, a hydrant inlet 206 and an interior space 204 of a riser pipe 202 are sealed off from one another in a fluid-tight manner by a main valve body 210 of the shut-off element 208.

In the example shown, the main valve seat of the hydrant 200 is designed as a changeover valve seat 222 that can be inserted into and removed from the hydrant 200 . The main valve body 210 can be transferred from at least one open position to at least one closed position and vice versa by means of a drive device 211 relative to the changeover valve seat 222 . In the second example, the drive device 211 is designed as an axially movable valve rod. The shuttle valve seat 222 is at a portion thereof (in Figs Figures 4a-c on the right side of the shuttle valve seat 222) is provided with a first opening 224, one end of which opens into a passage space 226. The passage space 226 is formed annularly around the changeover valve seat 222 and is closed off on the outside by material sections of the hydrant 200 . In the drainage position, an opening area 227 of the main valve body 210 rests against an end of the first opening 224 opposite the passage space 226 . The opening area 227 of the main valve body 210 is in turn fluidly connected to the inner space 204 of the riser pipe 202 . For this the valve vane 212" is provided internally with a valve vane inner line (not shown) via which the opening area 227 can be brought into fluid communication with the inner space 204 of the riser pipe 202. Therefore, in the in Figure 4a In the first variant of the second example shown, the water in the riser pipe 202 flows through the first opening 224 into the through-conduction space 226. When the main valve body 210 is in the drainage position in relation to the shuttle valve seat 222, the interior space 204 of the riser pipe 202 is connected to the through-conduction space via the first opening 224 226 in fluid communication.

The changeover valve seat 222 is ring-shaped and comprises at least two grooves made circumferentially on the outer surface, each for receiving a ring-shaped seal 228', 228", which seal the interior space 204 of the riser pipe 202, the passage space 226 and the hydrant inlet 206 from one another Alternating valve seat 222 also includes a second passage 216, via which the hydrant inlet 206 (in the Figure 4a drainage position shown) can be brought into fluid connection with the passage space 226 . Further, the second passage 216 is axially aligned across the passage space 226 to a first passage 214 which includes a vacuum space 218 . The second port 216 is in fluid communication with the outside of the hydrant 200 via the first port 214 . Thus, the water flowing out of the hydrant inlet 206 under pressure directly acts on the water in the passage space 226 from the riser pipe 202 and sucks out this water and discharges it in the direction of the outside. The first passage 214 and the second passage 216 each have a cylindrical cross section. Here, the second passage 216 has a smaller diameter in relation to the first passage 214 .

In the in the Figures 4a-c In the second variant of the second example shown, the first passage 214 has a circular cross section with a variable diameter in the longitudinal direction. Here, the diameter in a first section of the first passage 214 tapers in the direction of flow and widens from a second section with a minimum diameter into a third section to the outside. In the second example, the first passage 214 comprises a nozzle insertable in the hydrant body, in particular a venturi nozzle. The venturi nozzle may be trumpet-like. In the second example shown, the first passage 214 therefore has a narrowed section which forms the vacuum space 218, within which the flow rate of the water is increased in relation to the other sections of the first passage 214, since the flow rate is inversely proportional to the pipe cross section. According to Bernoulli's law, the increase in the flow rate of the water is accompanied by a drop in pressure. Due to the resulting pressure drop in the section of the first passage 214 with a minimal cross-section, ie the negative pressure space 218, the water is sucked out of the passage space 226 by means of negative pressure and ejected or discharged to the outside of the hydrant 200.

Although not shown, the first passage 214 may have a cylindrical cross-section that is unchanged along its length. It proves to be advantageous if the ratio between the inside diameter of the first passage 214 (or between a minimum inside diameter thereof) and a minimum inside diameter of the second passage 216 is equal to 2:1 to 15:1, in particular 3:1 to 4:1 . In one embodiment, the minimum inner diameter of the first aperture 214 is preferably 8 mm to 19 mm and the minimum inner diameter of the second aperture 216 is preferably 2 mm to 2.5 mm. After the interior 204 of the riser pipe 202 has been emptied, the main valve body 210 can be moved axially downwards a little via the drive device 211 in order to Figure 4b to assume the closed position shown.

in the in Figure 4b In the closed position shown, the first opening 224 is sealed at the upstream end by a sealing peripheral portion (sealing surface) of the main valve body 210 . At the same time, the second passage 216 is sealed by a sealing peripheral portion (sealing surface) of the main valve body 210 so that the second passage 216 is sealed from the hydrant inlet 206 . At the same time, the hydrant inlet 206 is also sealed off from the interior space 204 of the riser pipe 202 . In order to draw the water from the hydrant 200 starting from the closed position, the main valve body 210 is moved downwards via the drive device 211 until the water in the hydrant inlet 206 is pressurized by an opening Annular gap between the top of the main valve body 210 and the bottom of the changeover valve seat 222 flows upwards, i.e. up into the interior 204 of the riser pipe 202. After the water has been removed, the main valve body 210 is moved from the in Figure 4c valve position shown in the in Figure 4a shown drainage position transferred to eject the water that has accumulated in the riser pipe 202 to the outside of the hydrant 200.

Figures 5a-c show a sectional view of the hydrant 200 in different valve positions according to a second variant of the second example. This second variant differs from the one in Figures 4a-c shown first variant is that the lower peripheral portion of the main valve body 210 in the closed position ( Figure 5a ) always rests sealingly on the inner circumference of the changeover valve seat 222. In contrast to the in Figure 4a valve position shown in the first variant of the second example, no water can flow from the hydrant inlet 206 via a directly vertically aligned recess on the main valve body 210 into the second passage 216 in the second variant of the second example, regardless of the valve position.

The main valve body 210, on the other hand, is provided with a main valve body inner line (not shown) which establishes fluid communication between the hydrant inlet 206 and the inlet of the second passage 216 once the main valve body 210 is in the position shown in FIG Figure 5b shown drainage position. Here, a connection of the main valve body inner line overlaps with the entrance of the second passage 216, as shown in FIG Figure 5b shown. The main valve body inner duct may be a recess at a peripheral portion of the main valve body 210 . In this case, this recess is not aligned directly vertically (not axially). The pressurized water from the hydrant inlet 206 only flows in this drainage position via the main valve body inner line into the second passage 216 and from there into the annular passage space 226 and further into the first passage 214. At the same time, the passage space 226 is above the first opening 224 and a vane inner line (not shown) in fluid communication with the interior 204 of the riser 202 .

According to the second variant of the second example, there is the advantage that the hydrant 200, starting from the in Figure 5c shown representation of the hydrant 200 in the open position (open shut-off element 208), by moving the main valve body 210 upwards directly into the drainage position, as in Figure 5b shown. After the riser pipe 202 has been drained, the main valve body 210 is then also directly moved further upwards in order finally to assume the closed position, as in FIG Figure 5a shown. It is thus advantageously possible to move the hydrant 200 from the open position ( Figure 5c ) via the drainage position ( Figure 5b ) to the closed position ( Figure 5a ) and vice versa.

Figures 6a-c show a sectional view of the hydrant 200 in different valve positions according to a third variant of the second example. Figure 6d shows an enlargement of an in Figure 6c marked section X. In this third variant of the second example, the main valve body 210 is at least in the drainage position ( Figures 6c,d ) by means of an adjusting device 211 in relation to the fixed changeover valve seat 222. The shut-off element 208 is designed to allow water to flow through the first passage 214 and the second passage 216 by the main valve body 210, starting from the closed position of the hydrant 200 ( Figure 6b ), in relation to shuttle valve seat 222 ( Figures 6c,d ).

in the in Figure 6a In the open position of the hydrant 200 shown, the main valve body 210 is displaced axially downwards by means of the adjusting device 211, so that the water from the hydrant inlet 206 rises under pressure into the interior 204 of the riser pipe 202.

By moving the main valve body 210 - from the open position ( Figure 6a ) outgoing - up to the closed position ( Figure 6b ), the aforementioned flow of water is shut off and reliably sealed (see Figure 6b ). In this closed position of the main valve body 210, the first opening 224′, 224″, which leads to the passage space 226, is sealed off by peripheral sections (sealing surface) of the main valve body 210. Furthermore, the second passage 216 is through Circumferential portions (sealing surface) of the main valve body 210 sealed. In this position, the hydrant 200 is reliably closed.

To drain the hydrant 200, the main valve body 210 - from the closed position ( Figure 6b ) outgoing - reversed by means of the adjusting device 211 in relation to the changeover valve seat 222. In the example shown here, the adjustment device 211 is formed by the aforementioned drive device or valve rod. In other words, the main valve body 210 is reversed by means of the adjusting device 211, by means of which the main valve body 210 is also moved up and down. Although not shown, other components can be adopted as the adjustment device for reversing the main valve body 210 .

By rotating the main valve body 210 to a predetermined rotational position, passage sections of the main valve body 210 overlap with both the first opening 224', 224" and the second passage 216. The aforementioned passage sections can, for example, be one or more recesses let into the main valve body 210, through which the pressurized water in the hydrant inlet 206 flows into the second passage 216 and through which the water flows out of the riser pipe 202 into the first opening 224', 224''.

in the in Figures 6a-d In the third variant of the second example shown, the valve vanes 212', 212" move out of the sealing contact with the first opening 224', 224" (as is particularly clear in Fig Figure 6d can be seen), so that the water can flow out of the interior 204 of the riser pipe 202 through the first opening 224', 224" into the annular passage space 226. The water is then pressurized by means of the jet pump effect explained above from the hydrant inlet 206 reliably discharged to the outside of the water that shoots in. After drainage has taken place, the main valve body 210 is simply turned back again in order to release the in Figure 6b assume the closed position shown.

A particular advantage of this embodiment is that the main valve body 210 does not require any further axial height adjustment in order to be brought into the position for draining. The operator can slide the main valve body 210 between two maximum valve positions, namely a fully open position (see Fig Figure 6a ) and a fully closed position (see Figure 6b ). According to the example shown here, no further height adjustment is necessary for drainage, but the main valve body 210 is merely turned at a specific angle in relation to the torsionally rigidly mounted changeover valve seat 222 .

Although not shown, in an alternate example, the shuttle valve seat 222 may be reversed relative to the main valve body 210 which is rigidly mounted. As is particularly evident in Figure 6d shown, in particular the second passage 216 is redirected or offset from the linear (substantially horizontal) course that the section facing the hydrant inlet 206 is redirected downwards (kinked). As a result, the inputs of the second passage 216 and the first opening 224' facing the hydrant inlet 206 can be spaced apart a little from each other. Due to the increased distance between the two entrances, the in Figure 6d clearly shown sealing of the two inputs against each other improved (enlarged sealing surface).

Figures 7a-c show a sectional view of a hydrant 300 according to a third example. At the in the Figures 7a-c The hydrant 300 shown is a slide hydrant. The shut-off element 308 includes a slide 310 which is pushed in or out via a drive device 311 in the path between the hydrant inlet 306 and the interior 304 of a riser pipe 302 . The shut-off element 308 thus includes the slide 310 and the sealing surfaces of the hydrant 300 that interact with it Figure 7a shown slide position of the hydrant 300, the drainage position is shown. Here, passages to a jet pump 313 are released or blocked via the shut-off device 308 itself.

in the in Figure 7b The slide position shown is the hydrant 300 completely closed. In this closed position, the slider 310 is fully in the path between hydrant inlet 306 and interior 304 of the riser pipe 302 pushed in sealing. Likewise, fluid lines between the jet pump 313 and the interior space 304 of the riser pipe 302 and the hydrant inlet 306 are interrupted.

in the in Figure 7c shown slide position of the hydrant 300, this is fully open. The pressurized water from the hydrant inlet 306 is thus transferred directly upwards into the interior space 304 .

As previously mentioned, the hydrant 300 is located in the in Figure 7a slide position shown in the drainage position. In this slide position, the direct fluid connection between the hydrant inlet 306 and the interior 304 of the riser pipe 302 is blocked by the slide 310 . At the same time, a fluid connection between the hydrant inlet 306 and the jet pump 313 is released via a second passage 316 . In the example shown, fluid communication is enabled through at least portions of the spool 310 itself. At the same time, a fluid connection between the interior space 304 and the jet pump 313 is released via a first passage 314 that is uninterrupted here throughout. The water flowing out of the hydrant inlet 306 via the second passage 316 flows into a vacuum chamber 318 of the jet pump 313 and sucks the water out of the interior 304 of the riser pipe 302 by means of a generated negative pressure via the first passage 314 and discharges it to the outside.

The same reference symbols indicate the same or corresponding features of the hydrant according to the invention, although this is not pointed out in detail in every case and in relation to every figure.

reference list

100;200;300

hydrant

102;202;302

riser

104;204;304

inner space

106;206;306

hydrant inlet

108;208;308

shut-off device

110;210

main valve body

111;211;311

drive device

112',112";212',212"

valve vane

113,113',113";213;313

jet pump

114,114',114";214;314

first pass

116,116',116";216;316

second passage

118,118',118";218;318

vacuum room

120',120"

electrically controllable valve

122

control unit

124',124"

signal connection

126

sensor

128

signal connection

130

mechanical pump

132

turbine wheel

134

Wave

136

annulus

138

sliding device

222

interchangeable valve seat

224,224',224"

first opening

226

conduction room

227

opening area

228',228"

annular seal

310

slider

Claims (21)

Hydrant (100), comprising a riser pipe (102) with an interior (104) and an outside and a shut-off element (108) which is designed to be able to be brought from at least one open position into at least one closed position and vice versa, and the shut-off element (108) in the closed position is designed in such a way that the interior (104) of the riser pipe (102) can be sealed off from a hydrant inlet (106),
wherein the hydrant (100) comprises at least a first passage (114) via which the interior (104) of the riser pipe (102) can be brought into fluid connection with the outside of the hydrant (100), and a second passage (116) via which the pressurized hydrant inlet (106) can be brought into fluid communication with the outside of the hydrant (100), wherein the first (114) and second (116) passage can be brought into operative connection with one another, this operative connection being able to be brought into operative connection by means of through the second passage (116 ) flowing water generates a negative pressure, so that the water in the interior (104) of the riser pipe (102) is discharged via the first passage (114) and the riser pipe (102) is thereby drained, characterized in that the hydrant (100) also has at least one actuator, which is designed to allow water to flow through the first passage (114) and/or second passage (116) for draining the interior (104) of the S release the dough tube (102). Hydrant (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the at least one actuator comprises an electrically or mechanically controllable valve (120', 120"). Hydrant (100) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first passage (114) and the second passage (116) can be brought into operative connection with one another in such a way that the water from the interior space (104) of the riser pipe (102) is discharged to the outside by direct and/or indirect action by the water supplied from the hydrant inlet (106). Hydrant (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first passage (114) and the second passage (116) can be brought into operative connection with one another via a mechanical pump (130), in particular a centrifugal pump or a displacement pump, in such a way that the water from the interior (104) of the riser pipe (102) is discharged to the outside by means of indirect action by the water supplied from the hydrant inlet (106). Hydrant (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first passage (114) and the second passage (116) can be brought into operative connection with one another via a jet pump (113) in such a way that the water from the interior (104 ) of the riser pipe (102) is discharged to the outside by means of direct action by the water supplied from the hydrant inlet (106). Hydrant (100) according to one of Claims 2 to 5, further comprising an electrical control unit (122) designed to control the electrically controllable valves (120', 120"). Hydrant (100) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the control unit (122) is designed to control the electrically controllable valves (120', 120") to close as soon as an empty state of the riser pipe (102) is detected by a sensor. Hydrant (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the sensor comprises a float. Hydrant (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the jet pump (113) comprises a vacuum chamber (118) through a from the hydrant inlet (106) via the second passage (116) outflowing water jet can be subjected to a negative pressure, wherein the negative pressure chamber (118) of the jet pump (113) to which negative pressure is applied is in fluid communication via the first passage (114) with the interior (104) of the riser pipe (102). A hydrant (100;200;300) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the second passage (116) has a smaller diameter in relation to the first passage (114). Hydrant (100;200;300) according to any one of Claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the first (114) and/or second (116) passage have a circular cross-section. A hydrant (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that the first passage (114) has a circular cross-section with a longitudinally variable diameter, the diameter tapering in a first section in the direction of flow and decreasing from a second section with minimal diameter extended in a third section to the outside. Hydrant (100) according to one of Claims 5 to 12, characterized in that the ratio between a minimum inner diameter of the first passage (114) and a minimum inner diameter of the second passage (116) is 2:1 to 15:1, in particular 3:1 to 4:1, with the minimum inner diameter of the first passage (114) preferably being 8 mm to 10 mm and the minimum inner diameter of the second passage (116) preferably being 2 mm to 2.5 mm. Hydrant (300) according to one of Claims 5 to 13, characterized in that the shut-off element comprises a slide (310) which can be brought from at least one open position into at least one closed position and vice versa by means of a drive device (311). Hydrant (100) according to one of Claims 5 to 13, characterized in that the shut-off element comprises a hydrant main valve which comprises a main valve body (110) and a main valve seat, the main valve body (110) being at least an open position is designed to be brought into at least one closed position and vice versa. Hydrant (200) according to Claim 15, characterized in that the main valve seat is designed as a changeover valve seat (222) which can be inserted into and removed from the hydrant (200). Hydrant (100; 200) according to Claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the main valve body (110) comprises a plurality of valve vanes which are arranged in a circumferentially interrupted manner for the axial guidance of the main valve body (110) in relation to the main valve seat and at least in the open position of the Main valve can be brought into sealing contact with the inner surface of the main valve seat. Hydrant (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the riser pipe (102) comprises at least one ventilation opening, via which a pressure difference between the interior (104) of the riser pipe (102) and the outside of the hydrant (100) when draining the Riser pipe (102) can be compensated. Hydrant (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydrant (100) further comprises an indication device designed to indicate the water level in the interior (104) of the riser pipe (102). Hydrant (100) according to Claim 19, characterized in that the information device is operatively connected to the ventilation opening and comprises at least one vibrating body which generates an audible vibration when air flows over and/or through it. Hydrant (100) according to one of the preceding claims, designed as an above ground hydrant or underground hydrant.

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