NL2028656B1

NL2028656B1 - Hose drain device

Info

Publication number: NL2028656B1
Application number: NL2028656A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Gecan Kristijan
Original assignee: Innovative Fire Fighting Solutions B V
Priority date: 2021-07-07
Filing date: 2021-07-07
Publication date: 2023-01-13
Also published as: WO2023282745A1

Abstract

A hose drain device (1) is disclosed for draining a hose comprising a plurality of hose sections (..., HSn, HSn+1,..) coupled with stiff couplings (..., 5 CPI… ...). The hose drain device has a first and a second operational mode. In the ﬁrst operational mode an inner press roll holder (51, 5r) is maintained in a ﬁxed rotational position wherein one of a ﬁrst and a second inner press roll is positioned opposite an outer press roll therewith clamping a hose section. The hose section is actively guided between the pair of clamping press rolls to pinch 10 out remaining water in the guided hose section. In the second operational mode wherein the inner press roll assembly (4) is rotated in its entirety to guide a coupling (CPn) accommodated in a space between the first and the second inner press roll, in the direction opposite to the reference direction. Therewith a hose can be drained with a minimum of effort and without requiring its hose sections 15 to be decoupled from each other. See FIG. 3

Description

Hose drain device

BACKGROUND The present invention pertains to a hose drain device.

The present invention still further pertains to a system comprising the host drain device and a hose with hose sections coupled by couplings.

The present invention still further pertains to a method for draining a hose.

An effective way of emptying a firehose is by guiding the firehose between a pair of rollers pressed against each other. Therewith the remaining water is pinched out of the firehose, so that it can be stored. In practice however a hose a of a substantial length, e.g. in the order of a few km may be required. In order to meet this requirement a plurality of firehose sections may be coupled to form a firehose. A firehose section may have a length in the order of a few tens of meters and more, for example 150 m. Most common are hose sections with a length of 50 m. Dependent on the diameter used, which may be in the range up to 300 mm, or occasionally even 400 mm, the remaining water may have a considerable weight. For example the weight of a 300 mm hose filled with water is in the order of magnitude of 77 kg/m. A filled hose section of that type having a length of 100 m would in total weigh about 7500 kg.

Current practice is to first decouple the hose sections from each other to allow remaining water to flow out. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the hose sections are lifted one by one in a hose lifter. Each next hose section is coupled to the preceding hose section before it is lifted. FIG. 1 shows a situation wherein a hose section HS,+1 has just been coupled again to a hose section HS, so that it can be lifted by lift device LF. This is a cumbersome process. In particular if the hose is left on an unequal terrain, hose sections in a recessed part of the terrain may still contain a considerable amount of water. If a coupling between two hose sections isin a recessed part of the terrain, manipulation thereof in order to decouple the adjacent hose sections is complicated. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, even on a flat terrain a considerable amount of water may remain in the hose sections.

As shown in FIG. 2A, 2B, in a conventional process of lifting a hose section the hose section is pulled upward between a pair of press rolls Wn, Wp. One press roll Wp is driven and the other is a freely rotatable press roll Wp that presses the hose section HS, against the driven press roll Wp. Manual intervention is however required to continue the lifting process when a coupling CP, between two hose sections approaches the lift mechanism LF. Due to the inflexible nature of the couplings a considerable additional force is required to achieve that the coupling CP, is lifted on top of the driven press roll. Lifting a coupling over the driven press roll requires that the hose sections at both ends are stretched, wherein the hose section being lifted still has a considerable weight due to remaining water.

SUMMARY It is an object of the present invention to at least mitigate one or more of the above-mentioned problems. In accordance therewith an improved hose drain device 1s provided. The improved hose drain device comprises a wagon that is movable along the trajectory of the hose to be drained. This trajectory defines a reference direction. The wagon is provided with a first press roll and a second press roll and is operable in one of at least a first and a second operational mode. In the first operational mode the first press roll and the second press roll are maintained in a fixed position with respect to each other wherein a hose section is clamped between the first press roll and the second press roll and wherein one or more of the first press roll and the second press roll is rotated to guide the hose section between the first press roll and the second press roll in a direction opposite to the reference direction with respect to the wagon to pinch out remaining water from the guided hose section. In the second operational mode the first press roll and the second press roll are displaced with respect to each other to allow a coupling to pass between the first and the second press roll. In an example of this embodiment, the axis of the first press roll and the axis of the second press roll extend in a common horizontal plane P, so that gravitational forces acting on the coupling facilitate a passing of the coupling between the first and the second press roll in the second operational mode.

In an embodiment a press roll is arranged with an additional press roll in a press roll assembly that is rotatable in its entirety.

For example, the first press roll is arranged with an additional first press roll in a first press roll assembly, or the second press roll is arranged with an additional second press roll in a second press roll assembly.

In an example thereof the second press roll and the additional second press roll in the second press roll assembly are a first inner press roll and a second inner press roll in an inner press roll assembly.

The inner press roll assembly is rotatable, so that in a first operational mode a hose section is clamped between a mutually opposite press rolls and is rotated in a second operational mode to allow a coupling to pass between those press rolls.

In an embodiment, in the first operational mode, one of the press rolls is pressed against the other one of the opposing press rolls and the other one is maintained in a fixed position.

For example, an outer press roll is pressed in a radially inward direction with respect to an assembly axis of an inner press roll assembly.

In an embodiment thereof in the first operational mode the inner press roll holder is maintained in a fixed rotational position wherein one of the first and the second inner press rolls is positioned opposite the outer press roll.

In that fixed rotational position a hose section is clamped between the mutually opposite press rolls therewith actively being guided in a direction opposite to the reference direction.

Active guiding is achieved in that either the outer press roll or the one of the inner press rolls positioned opposite the outer press roll or both is rotated.

Therewith the mutually opposing inner press roll and outer press roll progressively pinch out remaining water from the guided hose section.

The active guiding of the hose section also exerts a pulling force on the wagon which may be sufficient as such to move the wagon forward along the trajectory of the hose, or at least diminishes the effort of a human operator.

Alternatively it may obviate or mitigate requirements for a separate motor to drive the wagon.

In the second operational mode the inner press roll assembly 1s rotated in its entirety to guide a coupling accommodated between the first and the second inner press roll, in the direction opposite to the reference direction. By the rotation of the entire assembly, the height of the coupling remains substantially the same while it is guided from the side of the inner press roll assembly facing the trajectory to the opposite side of the inner press roll assembly. Therewith a modest power is sufficient. Also during the second operation mode a pulling force is exerted on the wagon which may be sufficient as such to move the wagon forward along the trajectory of the hose.

Upon completion of the second operation mode the hose drain device is ready to continue operation in the first operational mode wherein it proceeds draining the subsequent hose section.

It is as such sufficient that the inner press roll holder holds the first and the second inner press rolls at mutually different angular positions with respect to the assembly axis, e.g. at radially opposite positions with respect to the assembly axis. In an embodiment, the inner press roll holder comprises a first and a second wheel shaped element at opposite sides of the assembly axis. The mutually opposite wheel shaped elements provide a lateral guidance for the hose. Even in case of a deviation of the path of the hose drain device from the trajectory occurs, the hose is properly guided by the pair of wheel shaped elements. In an example of this embodiment, the first and the second wheel shaped element have a respective rim configured to stop the outer press roll in the radially inward direction and the first and the second inner press roll each partially extend radially beyond the rim. During the second operational mode it can therewith avoided that the outer press roll contacts the coupling between subsequent hose sections, and therewith enable a frictionless rotation during the second operational mode. Alternatively, a contact between the outer press roll and a coupling during the second operational mode may be avoided in that resilient means for pressing the outer press roll have a limited range in the radially inward direction.

In an embodiment the hose drain device is configured to move in the reference direction by said guiding the hose section between said one inner press roll and the outer press roll when operating in the first operational mode. The active guiding of the hose section between the pair mutually opposing press rolls that clamp the hose section exerts a pulling force on the hose section. Due to the fact that the weight of the hose comprising the hose section is substantial and that wagon of the hose drain device can roll in a substantially frictionless manner, this pulling force is normally sufficient to propel the wagon. This is 5 advantageous in that a horizontal displacement of the hose section is substantially avoided, so that the drained hose can be easily collected in a hose lift truck as shown in FIG. 1. Also the process of guiding a coupling accommodated in a space between the first and the second inner press roll during operation in the second operational mode results in a pulling force that is typically sufficient to propel the wagon in the reference direction F. Incidentally an operator may push the wagon forwards in case the pulling force is not sufficient. Should it be the case that the hose drain device is intended for use in highly accidented circumstances, means may be provided to directly drive the wagon. For example, a separate motor may be provided for that purpose or a shared motor may be provided that both drives the press rolls and the wagon.

In an embodiment, an inner press roll is driven by a motor via a first transmission stage between the motor and a central transmission element rotatable around the assembly axis independent of the inner press roll holder and a second transmission stage between the central transmission element and a peripheral transmission element coupled to the inner press roll. This renders it possible that the motor driving the inner press roll is arranged at distance from the inner press roll assembly (4). The distance between the motor and the central transmission element is fixed. Also the distance between the central transmission element and the peripheral transmission element. Therewith a transmission of mechanical power from the motor to the inner press roll is possible regardless the orientation of the inner press roll assembly. In an example the first transmission stage 1s a chain that couples a sprocket wheel driven by the motor and a sprocket wheel comprised in the central transmission element. In an other example alternatively or additionally the second transmission stage is a chain that couples a sprocket wheel comprised in the central transmission element and a sprocket wheel forming the peripheral transmission element. In a case of the latter example each of the inner press rolls has a proper sprocket wheel that is coupled by a proper chain with a sprocket wheel in the central transmission element. The central transmission element is for example a single elongate sprocket wheel carrying the chain of the first stage and the respective chains of the second stage at mutually different axial positions.

In an embodiment a human operator selects the operational mode from the first operational mode and the second operational mode. For most of the trajectory along the fire hose, the hose drain device operates in the first operational mode. The operator noticing that the hose drain device approaches a coupling with the subsequent hose section then activates the second operational mode to allow the coupling to be smoothly guided through the hose drain device. Upon completion of the second operational mode the hose drain device automatically proceeds operation in the first operational mode.

In another embodiment the hose drain device comprises a coupling detector that is configured to issue a detection signal indicative that a coupling is present within the space between the first and the second inner press rolls. In response to this detection signal the hose drain device assumes the second operational mode. In one example the coupling detector comprises an optical detector that detects a reduced light input caused by the relatively wide coupling in its field of view. In another example the coupling detector comprises a metal detector that detects the presence of the metal of the coupling in it sensing range.

In an embodiment the hose drain device has an automatic steering control unit comprising a machine vision module to determine a trajectory of the fire hose to be drained and a controlled driver to controllably steer wheels to cause the wagon to follow that trajectory. The computational requirements can be relatively modest as the machine vision module merely needs to determine a relatively simple pattern of a hose on a background.

In accordance with the present disclosure also an improved system is provided that comprises a hose drain device as specified above and a hose comprising a plurality of hose sections coupled with stiff couplings. In one example the hose drain device is specifically adapted to the size of the hose sections and the couplings. The dimensions of the hose drain device can therewith be kept to a minimum necessary for the hose with which it is to be used. In another example the hose drain device is designed to handle a range of hose types. This renders possible a more universal application, but for smaller types of hoses the hose drain device may be larger than strictly necessary.

In accordance with the present disclosure also an improved method is provided for draining a hose comprising a plurality of hose sections coupled with stiff couplings. The improved method comprises providing a wagon with an outer press roll and an inner press roll assembly with an inner press roll holder, a first inner press roll and a second inner press roll and moving the wagon in a reference direction along a trajectory of the hose. In performing the method, a hose section is clamped between the outer press roll and one of the first inner press roll and the second inner press roll. The outer press roll or the inner press roll with which it clamps the hose section or both 1s rotated. Therewith water 1s pinched out of the hose section and a pulling force is exerted on the wagon in the reference direction.

Upon receiving a coupling of the hose section with a subsequent hose section in a space between the first inner press roll and the second inner press roll rotating the inner press roll assembly is rotated in its entirety until the other one of the first inner press roll and the second inner press roll is positioned opposite to the outer press roll. Therewith the coupling is guided in the direction opposite to the reference direction with respect to the wagon. During this rotation the vertical displacement of the coupling can be minimized as the assembly rotation axis is close to a center of gravity of the coupling. Therewith guiding the coupling can take place with minimal effort. The method then proceeds by guiding the subsequent hose section in a clamping manner between the outer press roll and the other one of the first inner press roll and the second inner press roll in the same way as for the preceding hose section.

The improved method may be part of a method of collecting a fire hose, wherein subsequently the drained hose is lifted into a hose collection truck as shown in FIG. 1. In an embodiment thereof the drained hose is lifted into the truck once the process of draining the hose is completed. In an alternative embodiment the drained end of the hose is lifted immediately without waiting for completion of the draining of the remainder of the hose. In any case, the process of lifting is substantially simplified due to the relatively low weight of the drained hose. It is not necessary to decouple and recouple the hose sections in the process.

It may further be contemplated to integrate an improved hose drain device in a hose collection truck so that the drained end of the hose is immediately collected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES These and other aspects of the invention are disclosed in more detail with reference to the drawings.

For comparison FIG. 1 shows a conventional way of loading a truck with a hose section, therewith draining the hose section and FIG. 1A schematically shows a pair of mutually decoupled hose sections containing remaining water; Furthermore FIG. 2A, 2B schematically illustrate a conventional process of lifting a hose section; FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an improved hose drain device as claimed herein; FIG. 4A and 4B respectively show a top view and a side view of said exemplary embodiment; FIG. 5A and 5B shows a first and a second front view of the improved hose drain device, wherein the second front view schematically shows a coupling between mutually successive hose sections accommodated therein; FIG. 6A — 6E show the hose drain device (1) in respective stages of operation; FIG. 7 shows exemplary control circuitry of an embodiment of an improved hose drain device; FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of a hose drain device; FIG. 9A, 9B show respective operational stages of again another embodiment; FIG. 10 shows another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11A, 11B show respective operational stages of a still further embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements unless otherwise indicated. In the following detailed description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure aspects of the present invention.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B 1s satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an improved hose drain device 1 as claimed herein. As shown therein, the hose drain device 1 comprises a wagon 2 with a frame 20 carried by wheels, here comprising front wheels 21fl, 21fr having a rotation axis at a fixed orientation relative to the frame 20 and back wheels 21bl, 21br (See also FIG. 4A) having a rotation axis at a free orientation relative to the frame 20 to enable an operator to steer the wagon with steering and control handle 12. The wagon 2, which is movable in a reference direction F (See FIG. 4A, 4B) is provided with an outer press roll 3 and with an inner press roll assembly 4 that comprises an inner press roll holder 51,5r, a first inner press roll 6a and a second inner press roll 6b. The inner press roll assembly 4 is rotatably mounted in the wagon around an assembly axis 4x. The first and the second inner press roll in turn are rotatably mounted in the inner press roll holder 51, 5r, and respectively have a first and a second roll axis 6ax, 6bx at least substantially parallel to the assembly roll axis and at mutually different angular positions with respect to the assembly roll axis 4x. In the example shown their angular positions differ by 180°, in other words the first and a second roll axis 6ax, 6bx are provided at mutually opposite radial positions with respect to the assembly axis 4x. The outer press roll 3 is pressed in a radially inward direction with respect to the assembly axis 4x, in this example by a gas spring 3s (See FIG. 4B).

The hose drain device 1 has a first and a second operational mode. When operating in the first operational mode, the inner press roll holder 51, 5r is maintained in a fixed rotational position wherein one of the first and the second inner press rolls faces the outer press roll 3. For example in the situation shown in FIG. 5A, 5B and 6A the first inner press roll 6a faces the outer press roll 3 and in FIG. 6E, the second inner press roll 6b faces the outer press roll 3. Due to the fact that the outer press roll 3 is pressed in a radially inward direction a hose section HS, is guided between the outer press roll 3 and the inner press roll 6a, Gb currently cooperating therewith, the hose section HS, is guided between the mutually cooperating press rolls in a direction opposite to the reference direction with respect to the wagon and at the same time remaining water is pinched out of the guided hose section.

When operating in the second operational mode, as for example shown in FIG. 6C, the inner press roll assembly 4 is rotated in its entirety to guide a coupling CP, accommodated in a space between the first and the second inner press roll 6a, 6b in the direction opposite to the reference direction relative to the wagon.

FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E show the hose drain device 1 in respective stages of operation, while it moves in a direction F along the trajectory on a surface SRF. The trajectory is defined by a fire hose with a first end and a second end and having subsequent coupled hose sections ..., HS, HS;+1, ....Therein each pair of a hose section HS,, and a subsequent hose section HS,+1 has a respective coupling CP‚. The respective stages of operation are denoted as “first stage”, “second stage”, ..., “fifth stage” to indicate a temporal order. In reality there is a continuity of operational stages starting from the moment wherein the hose drain device (1) starts draining the fire hose at the first end until the hose drain device (1) has arrived at the second end of the fire hose.

FIG. 6A shows the hose drain device 1 in a first stage of operation. In this first stage it is operational in a first operational mode wherein the inner press roll assembly 4 is maintained in a first rotational position wherein the first inner press roll 6a is positioned near the outer press roll 3 to guide a hose section HS, between said one inner press roll and the outer press roll. As the outer press roll 3 is pressed in the radially inward direction with respect to the assembly axis 4x the hose section HS; is clamped between the first inner press roll 6a and the outer press roll 3, so that therewith remaining water W is pinched out of the hose section HS, and caused by gravitation to flow further in the direction of the subsequent hose section HS,+1 towards the second end of the hose.

In the embodiment shown, the hose section HS, is guided with respect to the hose drain device 1 in a direction R opposite to the direction F so that the resulting movement of the hose section HS, in the direction F is substantially zero. As shown in more detail in FIG. 4B, this is achieved in that the first and the second inner press roll 6a, 6b are mechanically coupled by a respective chain 13a, 13b to a transmission 13t which in turn is coupled by a common chain to a motor 13m. The transmission 13t has a gear concentric with the assembly axis 4x. In the embodiment shown, the first and the second inner press roll 6a, 6b are driven simultaneously by the motor 13m. In other embodiments only the inner press roll, in this example inner press roll 6a that currently cooperates with the outer press roll 3 is driven. In an example thereof the first and the second inner press roll 6a, 6b have a respective electric motor to drive the one of the inner press rolls that currently cooperates with the outer press roll 3. In again another embodiment the outer press roll 3 is driven to guide the hose section or the outer press roll 3 and the inner press roll cooperating there with are both driven. In the embodiment shown the hose drain device 1 drives itself forwards by said guiding the hose section HSn between the outer press roll and the inner press roll cooperating therewith. Therewith no additional measures are required to achieve that the resulting movement of the hose section HSn in the direction F is substantially zero. In the situation shown in FIG. 6A, the hose drain device 1 has almost finalized draining of the hose section HS, and the hose drain device 1 approaches the coupling CP, of that hose section with the subsequent hose section HSn:+1.

FIG. 6B shows the hose drain wagon 1 in a second operational stage wherein it has almost completed draining of the hose section HS,. Due to the pulling force exerted by the mutually cooperating first inner press roll 6a and the outer press roll 3 the coupling CP, between the hose sections is now lifted up to a level between the first inner press roll 6a and the second inner press roll 6b. This situation is also shown in a front view in FIG. 5B Here the hose drain device 1 assumes the second operational mode as shown in FIG. 6C for a third operational stage. In the second operational mode the coupling CP, is kept in the space between the first and the second inner press roll 6a, 6b and the inner press roll assembly 4 is rotated in the direction RD to guide the coupling CP, in the direction opposite to the reference direction. In the example shown the coupling CP, is additionally supported by support bars 14. In other examples the coupling CP, is suspended only by the hose sections HS, HS, resting on the inner press rolls 6a, 6b. The rotation of the inner press roll assembly 4 is caused by an electric motor 15 that is coupled via a chain 15c to a gear 15g fixed to the inner press roll holder and concentric with the axis 4x of the inner press roll assembly 4. The mechanical coupling between the inner press roll assembly 4 and the coupling CP, is typically strong enough to achieve that a pulling force is maintained that is sufficient to drive the hose drain device 1 forwards. In some cases it may be necessary that operator exerts an additional force on the device in the reference direction F. In an embodiment an additional motor 1s provided to drive the wagon 2. In some examples the additional motor is selectively activated to minimized slip between the coupling CP, and the inner press roll assembly 4. Alternatively, or additionally, a clamping mechanism is provided to clamp the coupling CP; in the inner press roll assembly 4 during operation in the second operational mode.

FIG. 6D shows a fourth operational stage, wherein the inner press roll assembly 4 has just completed the rotation in the second operational mode, and has assumed the first operational mode again. In this stage the second inner press roll 6b has taken the upper position in the inner press roll assembly 4 where it faces the outer press roll 3. The hose section HSy+1 is now clamped between the second inner press roll 6b and the outer press roll 3, so that therewith remaining water W is pinched out of the hose section HS,+1 and caused by gravitation to flow in the direction out of the fire hose.

FIG. 6E shows a still further fifth operational stage wherein the hose drain device 1 has continued moving in the reference direction while maintaining the first operational mode until it has arrived the end of the fire hose or until it has approached a coupling with a next hose section.

FIG. 7 shows exemplary control circuitry of an embodiment of an improved hose drain device. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 16 denotes a controller 16 for controlling operation of the hose drain device 1. In the first operational mode the controller 16 causes a motor driver 13d to drive an electric motor 13m to rotate the inner press roll that currently cooperates with the outer press roll 3. Alternatively the motor 13m may rotate both inner press rolls, or it may rotate the outer press roll 3. As a further alternative the cooperating press rolls may both be driven. In the second operational mode the controller 16 causes a motor driver 15d to drive an electric motor 15m to rotate the inner press roll assembly 4 in its entirety. Sensor S1,..., Sn and control inputs C1,...,Cm provide input to the controller 16. A control input may be provided to enable the operator to activate/deactivate the device. In some embodiments a control input is provided with which the operator can initiate the second operational mode. In other embodiments a sensor is provided that detects the presence of a coupling between hose sections in the inner press roll assembly 4 enabling the controller 16 to autonomously assume the second operational mode. The controller 16 may perform the reverse transition to the first operational mode once the inner press roll assembly 4 has completed its rotation to guide the coupling from the front side of the inner press roll assembly 4 to its rear side.

Reference numeral 19 represents a power source 19 for supplying power to the control circuitry S1, S2, ...Sn, 16, 13d and 15d. Although the operation of guiding the hose generally suffices to propel the hose drain device 1 forward, it may in some circumstances, for example for use in a rough terrain be desired that wagon of the hose drain device 1 1s additionally driven. Accordingly, in some embodiments an additional motor 17m, and associated driver 17d may be provided controlled by controller 16.

In further embodiments one or more steering motors 18m and associated driver 18d are provided that enable the controller 16 to autonomously drive the hose drain device 1 based on sensor inputs.

In some embodiments the inner press roll assembly may comprises one or more additional inner press rolls. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 8 the inner press roll assembly 4 comprises a first inner press roll 6a, a second inner press roll 6b and a third inner press roll 6c that are rotatably arranged around a respective inner press roll axis 6ax, 6bx, 6cx at mutually different angular positions, here mutually spaced at 120° at distance from the assembly axis 4x. In the first operational mode, the hose section HS, is clamped between the outer press roll 3 and one of the inner press rolls, here the inner press roll 6a. Therein one or more of the outer press roll 3 and the inner press roll 6a is rotated to actively guide the hose section HS, between them so as to pinch out water and exert a pulling force on the hose drain device 1 in the reference direction. The hose drain device 1 is about to assume the second operational mode wherein the assembly 4 is rotated in its entirety by 1200 so that the coupling CP, present between the first inner press roll 6a and the second inner press roll 6b is carried with them to the opposite side of the inner press roll assembly 4 facing away from the trajectory to be followed. Upon completion of this 120° rotation, the hose drain device 1 continues draining the subsequent hose section HS,+1 by the mutual cooperation between the outer press roll 3 and the inner press roll 6b.

FIG. 9A and 9B show respective operational stages of a still further embodiment.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9A and 9B, the hose drain device 1 comprises a comprises a first press roll 3a and an additional first press roll 3b.

The hose drain device 1 further comprises a press roll assembly 4 rotatable around axis 4x and having a second press roll 6a and an additional second press roll 6b.

In a first operational mode as shown in FIG. 9A, the first press roll 3a and the second press roll 6a are maintained in a fixed position with respect to each other.

In this fixed position the hose section HS, is clamped between the first press roll 3a and the second press roll 6a.

One or more of the first press roll 3a and the second press roll 6a is rotated by a motor (not shown). Therewith the hose section HS, is guided between the first press roll 3a and the second press roll 6a in a direction opposite to the reference direction F with respect to the wagon to pinch out remaining water from the guided hose section HS,. As shown in FIG. 9B, during a second operational mode the press roll assembly 4 is rotated around its axis 4x to guide a coupling CP, accommodated in a space between the second press roll 6a and the additional second press roll 6b in the direction opposite to the reference direction F.

In the example shown the press roll assembly 4 is rotated until the additional second press roll 6b clamps the next hose section HS, +1 against the additional first press roll 3b.

When imposing a rotation on one or more of the additional first press roll 3b and the additional second press roll 6b it is achieved that water is pinched out of the next hose section HS;+1 by the mutually cooperating additional first and second press rolls 3b, 6b and that in addition the hose drain device 1 is pulled forward in the reference direction.

Due to the fact that in this rotational position a portion of the hose comprising the coupling CP, is tilted downwards, the passing of the coupling CP‚ between the first press roll 3a and the second press roll 6a is further facilitated by gravitational forces.

FIG. 10 shows two operational stages of a further embodiment of the hose drain device 1. The wagon (not shown) of the hose drain device 1 is provided with afirst press roll 3a and an additional first press roll 3b that are rotatably coupled with their respective rotation axis 3ax, 3bx to rotatable first press roll holder 30 having rotation axis 30x.

In the embodiment shown the second press roll 6a is movable in a vertical direction, and the additional second press roll 6b has a fixed position. FIG. 10 shows in solid lines a first operational mode wherein the first press roll 3a and the second press roll 6a are maintained in a fixed position with respect to each other. In this fixed position the hose section HS, is clamped between the first press roll 3a and the second press roll 6a. One or more of the first press roll 3a and the second press roll 6a is rotated by a motor (not shown). Therewith the hose section HS, is guided between the first press roll 3a and the second press roll 6a in a direction opposite to the reference direction F with respect to the wagon to pinch out remaining water from the guided hose section HS... In addition a force pulling the hose drain device 1 in the reference direction F is exerted. As shown in FIG. 10 a coupling CP, is passing between the additional first press roll 3b and the additional second press roll 6b. Subsequent thereto, the hose drain device 1 assumes a second operational mode, wherein the first press roll 3a and the second press roll 6a are displaced with respect to each other to allow the coupling CP, to pass between the first and the second press roll 3a, 6a. This is achieved in that the first press roll assembly 30 is rotated about its rotation axis 30x in a counter clockwise direction assuming the orientation indicated by dotted lines. Therewith the first press roll 3a moves away from the second press roll 6a. At the same time the second press roll 6a 1s moved downward to further facilitate passing of the coupling CP,,. In the example shown the first press roll assembly 30 is rotated until the additional first press roll 3b clamps the next hose section HS;+1 against the additional second press roll 6b. When imposing a rotation on one or more of the additional first press roll 3b and the additional second press roll 6b it is achieved that water is pinched out of the next hose section HS; by the mutually cooperating additional first and second press rolls 3b, 6b and that in addition the hose drain device 1 is pulled forward in the reference direction.

FIG. 11A and 11B show respective operational stages of a still further embodiment. In the embodiment shown, the wagon (not shown) of the hose drain device 1 is provided with a first press roll 3 and a second press roll 6. FIG. 11A shows a first operational mode of the hose drain device wherein the first press roll 3 is maintained in a fixed position with respect to the second press roll 6. In this fixed position the hose section HS, is clamped between the first press roll 3 and the second press roll 6. One or more of the first press roll 3 and the second press roll 6 is rotated by a motor (not shown). Therewith the hose section HS, is guided between the first press roll and the second press roll in a direction opposite to the reference direction F with respect to the wagon to pinch out remaining water from the guided hose section.

FIG. 11B shows the hose drain device 1 in a second operational mode wherein the first press roll 3 and the second press roll 6 are displaced with respect to each other to allow a coupling CP. to pass between the first and the second press roll.

In the example shown, the axis 3x of the first press roll 3 and the axis 6x of the second press roll 6 extend in a common horizontal plane P.

Therewith gravitational forces acting on the coupling facilitate a passing of the coupling CP, between the first and the second press roll 3,6. While the present invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous modifications and variations therefrom within the scope of this present invention as determined by the appended claims.

For example various transmission means are applicable to transmit power from a motor to an item to be moved or rotated, for example cardan axis, chains, sprockets, belts.

Also power may be transmitted by hydraulic means.

Whereas by way of example power may be supplied by one or more electric motors powered by a rechargeable battery, various other options are available.

For example a combustion engine may be used as a power source, for example in a direct manner by directly driving a target element, or indirectly by driving a generator that provides electric energy to one or more electric motors, optionally temporarily storing the generated electricity in a battery.

Claims

CONCLUSIONS

1. A hose drainage device (1) for emptying a hose comprising several hose parts (..., CP, ...) coupled with rigid couplings (..., CP, ...), the device comprising a trolley (2) comprises those movable 1s in a reference direction (F), and those provided 1s with a first pressure roller (3) and a second pressure roller (6), the hose drainage device having a first mode of operation in which the first pressure roller (3) and the second pressure roller (6 ) are held in a fixed position with respect to each other whereby a hose part (HS,) is clamped between the first pressure roller (3) and the second pressure roller (6) and one or more of the first pressure roller (3) and the second pressure roller (6) is rotated to guide the hose section (HS) between the first pinch roller and the second pinch roller in a direction opposite to the reference direction relative to the carriage in order to squeeze residual water from the guided hose section, and the hose draining device performs a second mode of operation. thus wherein the first pressure roller (3) and the second pressure roller (6) are moved relative to each other to pass a clutch (CP‚) between the first and second pressure rollers.

A hose drainage device (1) according to claim 1, comprising an inner pinch roller assembly (4) having a first inner pinch roller (6a) forming the second pinch roller and a second inner pinch roller (6b) forming an additional second pinch roller, the inner pinch roller assembly ( 4) is rotatably mounted in the carriage about a mounting axis (4x), and wherein the first and the second inner pressure roller are rotatably mounted in the inner pressure roller holder, respectively with a first and a second roller axis (6ax, 6bx) at least substantially parallel to the mounting roller axis and at mutually different angular positions with respect to the mounting roller axis, the outer pressure roller (3) being pressed radially inwardly with respect to the mounting axis (4x); wherein the hose drainer has a first mode of operation wherein the inner pinch roller holder (51, 5r) is held in a fixed rotational position with one of the first and second inner pinch rollers positioned opposite to the outer pinch roller and one or more of the outer pinch roller and those of the inner pinch roller positioned opposite to the outer pinch roller is rotated to guide a hose section (HS;) between the one inner pinch roller and the outer pinch roller in a direction opposite to the reference direction with respect to the carriage and in a clamping manner to hold the remaining squeeze out water in the guided hose portion, and the hose drainer has a second mode of operation wherein the inner pinch roller assembly (4) is rotated to guide a coupling (CP‚) housed in a space between the first and second inner pinch rollers, in the direction opposite to the reference direction.

The hose drain device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the inner pinch roller holder (51,5r) comprises a first and a second wheel-shaped element on opposite sides of the mounting shaft (4x).

A hose drain device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first and second wheel-shaped elements (51,51) have a respective rim (5lr,5rr) configured to restrain the outer pressure roller (3) in a radially inward direction and wherein the first and second inner pinch rollers (6a,6b) each protrude partially radially beyond the edge (511r,5rr).

Hose drainage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 2-4, which is configured to move in the reference direction (F) in the first mode of operation by guiding the hose section (HS 1 ) between the outer pressure roller and that of the inner pressure rollers positioned opposite.

Hose drainage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 2-5, which is configured to operate in the second mode of operation in the reference direction (F)

to move by guiding a clutch (CP‚) received in a space between the first and second inner pinch rollers.

Hose drain device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 2-6, wherein an inner pressure roller (6a, 6b) is driven by a motor (13m) via a first gear stage between the motor (13m) and a central gear element (13t) which is rotatable about the mounting axis (4x) independently of the inner pinch roller holder (51,5r) and a second gear stage between the central transfer member and a peripheral transfer member coupled to the inner pinch roller (6a, 6b).

A hose drain device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the first gear stage is a chain (13c) coupling a sprocket driven by the motor and a sprocket housed in the central transmission element (13t).

Hose drainage device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the second gear stage is a chain (13a, 13b) coupling a sprocket in the central transmission element (13t) with a sprocket (13as, 13bs) forming the peripheral transmission element .

System comprising a hose drainage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a hose comprising several hose parts (..., HS,, HSn+1,.) coupled with rigid couplings (..., CPy, ...).

11. Method for emptying a hose comprising several hose parts (..., HS,, HS,+1,..) coupled with rigid couplings (..., CPy, ...), wherein the method comprises: a reference direction (F) moving a carriage (2) along a path of the hose, the carriage comprising an outer pinch roller (3) and an inner pinch roller assembly (4) with an inner pinch roller holder (51,51), a first inner pressure roller (6a) and a second inner pressure roller (6b), the method comprising the steps of: clamping a hose part (HS1) between the outer pressure roller (3) and one of the first inner pressure roller (6a) and the second inner pinch roller (6b); rotating one or more of the outer pinch roller (3), the first inner pinch roller (6a) and the second inner pinch roller (6b) to squeeze water (W) from the hose portion and apply a pulling force to the carriage (2 ) in the reference direction (F); upon receipt of a coupling (CP,) of the hose part (HS,) with a connecting hose part (HS,+1) in a space between the first inner pressure roller (6a) and the second inner pressure roller (6b), the whole rotating the inner pinch roller assembly (4) until the other one of the first inner pinch roller (6a) and the second inner pinch roller (6b) is positioned opposite the outer pinch roller (3) to guide the clutch (CP‚) in the opposite direction at the reference direction with respect to the carriage (2); clamping the subsequent hose portion (HS) between the outer pinch roller (3) and the other of the first inner pinch roller (6a) and the second inner pinch roller (6b); rotating one or more of the outer pinch roller (3) and the other of the first inner pinch roller (6a) and the second inner pinch roller (6b) to squeeze water (W) from the next hose section and to apply a pulling force to the carriage (2) in the reference direction (F).

12. Method for taking up a fire hose consisting of several hose parts (..., HS,, HS;+1,..) coupled with rigid couplings (..., CP, ...), comprising performing the steps of the method of claim 11 to empty the hose and then lift the emptied hose into a hose collection truck.