WO2012080638A1

WO2012080638A1 - Fire hydrant

Info

Publication number: WO2012080638A1
Application number: PCT/FR2011/052943
Authority: WO
Inventors: Guillaume Henry; Tanguy Souchon; Jean-Paul Guillaume
Original assignee: Veolia Eau - Compagnie Generale Des Eaux
Priority date: 2010-12-13
Filing date: 2011-12-12
Publication date: 2012-06-21
Also published as: FR2968685A1; FR2968685B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a fire hydrant comprising a hollow body (34) through which the water is to pass, a shut-off member (36) which either permits, restricts or shuts off the flow of water through the hollow body (34), and a control device (40) the operation of which allows the shut-off member (36) to be locked in a shut position and allows the shut-off member (36) to be unlocked. Characteristically, the fire hydrant further comprises emergency-opening means (50) which, when the shut-off member (36) is unlocked and via external activation of said emergency-opening means (50), allows the shut-off member (36) to be forced into its open position.

Description

Fire hydrant

The invention relates to a fire hydrant, namely in particular a water supply apparatus for fire protection use but also possibly a device for delivering water on the public road or in a private place.

Such a fire hydrant may be in the form of a pole rising vertically above the ground, such as those mounted on sidewalks, a mouth buried in the ground or a socket , for example installed in the common parts of a building.

These fire-fighting equipment are defined in standards NF EN 14384 (fire hydrants) and NF EN 14339 (buried fire hydrants).

In the present patent application, the term "fire hydrant" designates a fire hydrant or fire hydrant, but may also possibly relate to a washing station or a sprinkler terminal.

In addition, unless otherwise stated, the upstream and downstream are defined with respect to the normal flow direction of the water between the inlet connection and the outlet (from upstream to downstream) .

Such a fire hydrant essentially comprises:

a hollow body intended for the passage of water between an inlet connection and at least one outlet orifice,

a shutter, disposed in the hollow body downstream of the inlet connection, and allowing, restricting or severing the flow of water through the hollow body (which respectively corresponds to an open, partially open and closed position of this shutter), and

- A control device connected to the shutter and the maneuver allows the locking of the shutter in a closed position and the unlocking of the shutter and adapted to automatically switch from one end of said closed position to a position when the pressure difference of the water in the hollow body between the upstream and downstream of the shutter is greater than a predetermined value of pressure _ \ P1 and on the other hand the opening position at the closed position when the pressure difference of the water in the hollow body between the upstream and downstream of the shutter is less than said predetermined value of pressure ΔΡ1 (especially when the flow of water by the input connection ceases). This predetermined value of pressure ΔΡ1 generally corresponds to the difference in pressure of the water making it possible to raise the shutter by counteracting the weight of the assembly formed by this shutter and the elements which are attached thereto.

However, such fire hydrants are not protected against the phenomenon of water return, namely the reversal of the normal direction of water circulation under the effect of a reversal of pressures. This situation is likely to create a flow of water from outside the network to the water supply network.

This phenomenon can occur, for example, in the event of an abnormal pressure drop on the supply network or in the event of back pressure coming from the user network (pump discharge), which can lead respectively to the siphoning of a reservoir placed in downstream or discharge of a polluted liquid in the supply network.

Consequently, a very sensitive problem encountered with such a fire hydrant relates to the relatively easy possibility of intentional or accidental introduction, through one of the outlets, of a product, liquid or otherwise, that could pollute the network. drinking water supply.

The document WO 2007/101272 attempts to remedy these drawbacks by adding, in a fire hydrant, a shutter forming a secondary valve, consisting of a non-return valve placed downstream of the foot valve, in the columnar tube. forming the hollow body, at the height of the outlet orifice.

This shutter is a flow control device from the pipe connected to the water supply network and prevents any return of water in said pipe.

However, this shutter is mounted around the operating rod and being automatically controlled opening by sufficient water pressure in the column tube, there is a risk of blocking the shutter in its closed position and thereby preventing the possibility of delivering water, which is particularly critical in the case of a fire hydrant that no longer provides the function of fire defense. The object of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a fire hydrant equipped with a reliable backflow prevention means in all circumstances.

For this purpose, according to the present invention, the fire hydrant is characterized in that it further comprises emergency opening means allowing, when the shutter is unlocked and by an external activation of said opening means. emergency, to force the passage of the shutter in its open position.

In this way, it will be understood that, thanks to the invention, the opening of the shutter is no longer solely controlled by the pressure of the water in the hollow body, but that it can intervene at any moment by an activation. outside, provided that the shutter is unlocked. The invention thus preserves the closed position of the shutter because when the latter is locked, the emergency opening means play no role and are unable to force the passage of the shutter in its open position to open the fire hydrant, this hydrant then remaining closed.

Thus, the emergency release of the shutter is for example performed during the intervention of the fire department, by a firefighter who would find that despite the opening maneuver of the main shutter, the water would not come out of the fire hydrant due to a blockage in the closed position of the shutter.

In doing so, any return of water to the hollow body is prevented while ensuring the exit of the water outside the hollow body (water supply), if necessary, whatever the water pressure in the hollow body .

Advantageously, the control device and the emergency opening means are arranged so that when the shutter is unlocked and after said external activation of said emergency opening means, the shutter is forced to return to the position. closing by return means in the case where the pressure difference of the water in the hollow body between the upstream and downstream of the shutter is less than said predetermined pressure value ΔΡ1.

Such return means, in particular one or more return springs, make it possible to automatically return the shutter in its closing position as soon as the water pressure drops sufficiently upstream of the shutter and in particular in the input connection.

Furthermore, according to a preferred arrangement, the control device extends substantially vertically in the hollow body and comprises an upper part comprising, at its upper end, a control member operable from outside said terminal (in particular a square of maneuver), and a lower part with, at its lower end, the shutter. In addition, the emergency opening means comprise an unlocking member cooperating with said control device, the unlocking member having a portion protruding outside the hollow body and able to move under the effect of external activation on said portion from a first inactive position to a second active position in which the lower portion of the control device is raised, whereby the shutter is forced into its open position.

By this arrangement, it is possible to very easily control the emergency opening putting the shutter in its open position. For example, the unlocking member is movable vertically and the external activation is to exert a percussion on the protruding portion, for example with a tool such as a mass. Such an operation is a natural and rapid, especially in case of fire.

Furthermore, preferably, the protruding portion of the release member comprises a percussion head mounted articulated on a mechanical motion transmission device connected to the control device and adapted to transform the advance of the percussion head from the first position of the unlocking member, said advance resulting from the percussion received by the percussion head, in a rise of the lower part of the control device, whereby the unlocking member passes into its second position and the shutter is forced into its open position.

In particular, this advance of the percussion head is a translational movement, and in particular a descent or a horizontal movement of the percussion head, generated by the percussion received by the percussion head. By way of nonlimiting example, this mechanical device for transmitting motion comprises or consists of a linkage system.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will become apparent on reading the following description given by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

- Figure 1 shows, in section, a fire hydrant according to a first embodiment of the invention, the fire hydrant being of the "non-reversible" type, in its closed position;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of detail II of FIG. 1;

- Figure 3 is a sectional view along the direction III-III of Figure 2;

FIGS. 4 to 6 are views similar to those of FIGS. 1 to 3, respectively, showing the normal open position;

- Figures 7 and 8 are similar views respectively to those of Figures 5 and 6, showing the emergency opening position, after unlocking the shutter;

FIG. 9 diagrammatically and in section, a first variant of a second embodiment of a fire hydrant according to the invention, this second embodiment corresponding to a "reversible" type fire hydrant, in its closed position;

- Figure 10 shows an enlarged detail X of Figure 9;

- Figures 11 and 12 are views respectively similar to those of Figures 9 and 10, showing the normal open position;

- Figures 13 and 14 are views respectively similar to those of Figures 11 and 12, showing the emergency opening position, after unlocking the shutter;

- Figure 15 shows schematically and in section, a second variant of the second embodiment of a fire hydrant according to the invention;

FIGS. 16 and 17 also represent the second variant of the second embodiment of a fire hydrant according to the invention, respectively in the normal open position and in the emergency opening position, after unlocking the shutter;

- Figure 18 shows schematically and in partial section a third variant of the second embodiment of a fire hydrant according to the invention, in the closed position;

- Figures 19 and 20 are views similar to that of Figure 18, respectively in the normal open position and the emergency opening position, after unlocking the shutter; and

FIGS. 21 and 22 are views similar respectively to that of FIG. 9 and of FIG. 15 relating to an alternative embodiment.

In the exemplary embodiments illustrated (FIGS. 1 to 22), the fire hydrant forms a fire hydrant 30 in which the hollow body 34 is a columnar tube and the shutter 36 is a foot valve, the hollow body 34 comprising a buried lower portion 34a housing the shutter 36 and an upper aerial portion 34b protruding from the ground S, the lower portion 34a and the upper portion 34b being attached to each other by connecting flanges substantially at the level of the soil surface S.

The upper part 34b is optionally surrounded and closed in a removable cover (not shown) for covering and hiding the upper portion 34a of the hollow body 34 and projecting therefrom (in particular the unlocking member 52 and the ergot 51).

The upper portion 34b of the hollow body 34 comprises one (or more) orifice (s) of lateral outlet 37 delimited (s) by a discharge nozzle 38 closed by a removable cap 39.

Upstream of the hollow body 34, an inlet connection 33 in the form of elbow allowing the passage of water from a pipe 32 of the water network.

A control device 40 allows the opening and closing maneuver of the fire hydrant 30 by releasing or blocking the shutter 36.

More specifically, the lower part 40a of the control device 40, formed by a control rod 42, is connected by its lower end, integrally, with the shutter 36 adapted to come, in its lower position corresponding to its position of closing, press on an annular seat 36a delimiting a passage section of the hollow body 34. In this way, the inlet of the hollow body 34 is closed which prevents the flow of water through the hollow body 34. It is understood that various solutions are possible to connect the shutter 36 to the control rod 42, provided that the upward or downward vertical translation movement of the control rod 42 causes an identical vertical translational movement of the shutter 36.

The upper part 40b of the control device 40 is essentially housed in the upper part 34b of the hollow body 34, except for a maneuvering square forming a control member 43 protruding in the upper part. This control member 43 is mounted integrally, preferably by a perfectly rigid connection, to the upper free end of an operating rod 44 which passes through the upper opening of a cap 34c forming the upper free end of the upper part 34b of the hollow body 34.

The lower portion of this operating rod 44 cooperates by a threaded connection with a locking member 46 forming a stop (see Figures 2 to 8). With this arrangement, the rotation of the control member 43 causes the rotation of the operating rod 44, whereby the raising or lowering of the locking member 46 forming the lower end of the upper part 40b of the control device 40.

By passing between a first position and a second position of the control member 43, this locking member 46 moves from a locked position corresponding to a low position (FIGS. 2 and 3) to an unlocked position corresponding to a high position. (Figures 5 and 6).

To prevent the rotation of the locking member 46 during the rotation of the control member 43, the locking member 46 at least partially surrounds the lower portion of a pin 46a fixedly mounted by its portion. upper in the cap 34c forming the upper free end of the upper portion 34b of the hollow body 34.

According to another arrangement, there is a mechanical connection 45 between the upper part 40b of the control device 40 and the lower part 40a of the control device 40. Said mechanical connection 45 being engageable and disengageable during the operation, by rotation, of the control member 43. More specifically, when the lower portion of the upper portion 40b of the control device 40 is in a first up position (see a FIGS. 4 to 6 with the locking member 46 and, on the other hand, FIGS. 11 and 12, 16 and 19 with the second control rod 42b in the raised or unlocked position due to the setting in its first position, by rotation, of the control member 43 and the operating rod 44), the mechanical connection 45 with the lower part 40a of the control device 40 is disengaged, that is to say that the lower part 40a of the control device 40 is free from any vertical position constraint imposed by the upper part 40b of the control device 40. Moreover, when the lower section of the upper part 40b of the control device is in a second lower position (see FIG. ir firstly Figures 1 to 3 with ^the locking member 46 and the other Figures 9 and 10, 15 and 18 with the second control rod 42b in the lowered position or locked due to the placing of its second position, by rotation, of the control member 43 and the operating rod 44), the mechanical connection 45 with the lower part 40a of the control device 40 is engaged, that is to say that the lower part 40a of the control device 40 is constrained downwards by the upper part 40b of the control device, whereby the shutter 36 is locked in its closed position.

In this way, there is a possibility to constrain the shutter 36 to be placed and remain, whatever happens, in its closed position while in the disengaged position of the mechanical connection 45, the vertical position of the shutter 36 is not fixed which allows it to naturally go into its open position when the water pressure is sufficient in the inlet connection 33 as will be explained in more detail below.

In particular, by way of a preferred example, the mechanical connection 45 between the upper part 40b of the control device 40 and the lower part 40a of the control device 40 is a planar contact, in particular a horizontal plane contact as shown in the figures. More generally, the plane of this contact plane has no straight line parallel to the main direction of the hollow body 34 which is vertical in the examples shown.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 8 relating to the first embodiment of the invention corresponding to a non-reversible type fire hydrant 30, because in the event of a collision between, for example, a vehicle and said post, the the whole of the latter is deteriorated, as opposed to another category of fire posts in which the second embodiment, said fire-extinguishing columns, for which in the event of a collision, because of a zone of weakness, mechanical at ground level, only the aerial part of the fire hydrant is overturned and deteriorated. In this way, for the reversible fire poles, the buried portion 30a of the fire hydrant is left intact so that it is thus preserved and maintained in a situation in which the shutter 36 is in the closed position, it is reusable after rehabilitation of the aerial part of the fire hydrant.

In this first embodiment, the lower end of the operating rod 44 cooperates by a threaded connection with the locking member 46 forming a stop, constituting the lower portion of the upper part 40b of the control device 40 and whose face lower is horizontal and flat.

The upper end of the lower part 40a of the control device 40 forms a cage 47 integral with the shutter 36 via the control rod 42. It is understood that various solutions are possible for connecting the cage 47 to the control rod 42, provided that the vertical translation movement, upward or downward, of the control rod 42, causes an identical vertical translational movement of the cage 47.

The upper face of the cage 47 is horizontal and flat and adapted to bear against the lower face of the locking member 46 to form the above-mentioned contact plane 45.

Thus, when (see FIGS. 1 to 3) the operating rod 44 is in the low or locked position due to the fact that its second position, by rotation, is placed on the control member 43, the locking member 46 is also in the low position in which it presses on the upper face of the cage 47, whereby the cage 47, the control rod 42 and the shutter 36, which form an assembly integral with the less in vertical translation, are in the low position. In this position, thanks to the plane contact 45 thus created between the locking member 46 and the cage 47, the shutter 36 is locked in the closed position which prevents the arrival in the hollow body 34 of the water present in the input connection 33.

By a reversing maneuver in the opposite direction of the control member 43, the locking member 46 is raised upwards by a certain height (see FIGS. 4 to 6), which allows the cage 47 to reach the rod. 42 and the shutter 36, thus unlocked, to go up, the same height, when the water pressure in the inlet connection 33 is sufficient, namely greater than a predetermined value of pressure ΔΡ1 which will be explained below. Such a water pressure raises the cage 47 so that the plane contact 45 is maintained.

To guide the vertical upward and downward movement of the cage 47, the lower part of the latter and the upper end portion of the control rod 42 are housed movably relative to and in a sheath 35 mounted fixed relative to the hollow body 34 (see FIGS. 1 to 8).

To enable the automatic return of the shutter 36 in its closed position, especially when the water pressure in the inlet connection 33 is insufficient, ie less than the predetermined pressure value P1, a return spring is placed. 48 (see FIG. 1) between the sleeve 35 and a retaining piece 49 which is fixedly mounted with respect to the control rod 42 and around the latter, below and at a distance from the cage 47.

The predetermined value of pressure ΔΡ1 mentioned above, which is positive, corresponds to the force required to counter the restoring force exerted by the return spring 48 and the weight of the assembly formed by the shutter 36 and the parts which are integral therewith. , namely the control rod 42, the cage 47, the spring 48 and the retaining piece 49.

During operation as explained above, it is possible that because of the contacting surfaces between the lower face of the shutter 36 and the seat 36a, the latter remain stuck together, and this despite a sufficient water pressure in the input connection 33, greater than the predetermined pressure value API above. Accordingly and according to the invention, the fire hydrant is further provided with a system forming emergency opening means 50 and comprising a deblocking member 52 essentially formed;

a portion protruding outside the hollow body 34 comprising a percussion head 52a mounted on the free end of an unlocking rod 52b, and

- An unlocking portion 52c in the form of a wedge-shaped portion mounted at the other end of the unlocking rod 52b so as to be integral with the movement of the latter.

During the normal operation of the fire hydrant as described above in relation with FIGS. 1 to 6, the unlocking member 52 remains stationary and inoperative, without hindering the upward and downward movement of the cage 47.

For this purpose and to also allow the forced rise of the cage 47 to unlock the opening of the shutter 36, the cage 47 has a through opening 47a in the horizontal direction, adapted to be traversed by the deblocking portion 52c in the form of corner, and whose upper face is inclined in the same direction as the upper face of the wedge-shaped release portion 52c with which it is adapted to cooperate as will be described below.

This wedge-shaped release portion 52c is a prism-shaped piece whose rectangular base is attached to the end of the unlocking pin 52b, while the angle formed between the inclined upper face and the horizontal lower face of the unlocking rod 52b. this wedge-shaped release portion 52c is a very sharp angle, preferably less than 30 ° and preferably between 15 and 25 °.

The striking on the percussion head 52a constitutes an external activation which pushes the unlocking member 52 and in particular the wedge-shaped unlocking portion 52c (from left to right between FIGS. 4 and 5 and on the other side Figure 7) from a first inactive position (Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5) to a second active position (Figure 7) in which the lower part 40a of the control device 40 is raised by which the shutter 36 is forced into its open position.

More precisely, said open opening 47a and said wedge-shaped release portion 52c cooperate with each other so that that the transition from the inactive position to the active position of the unlocking member 52 causes a horizontal translation movement of the wedge-shaped release portion 52c which raises the cage 47 and the entire lower part 40a of the control device 40 attached to it.

This is possible by sliding between the upper face of the opening 47a and the upper face of the wedge-shaped release part 52c, both of which are inclined (in the example illustrated, they are parallel to each other) and constituting a mechanical device of motion transmission between the unlocking member 52 and the control device 40.

In this situation, from the situation shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the shutter 36 is then "peeled off" from its seat 36a, the only pressure of the water in the inlet connection 33 allows the entry of the water in the hollow body 34 and the greater rise of the shutter 36 and the parts attached thereto, until the abutment of the cage 47 against the locking member 46: 1a mechanical connection 45 by plane contact is then restored as can be seen in Figures 5 and 6.

At the same time, the water pressure alone makes it possible to leave the shutter 36 in its open position, a return spring 52d positioned around the unlocking rod 52b, between the percussion head 52a and a fixed portion relative to the hollow body 34, allows to return the unlocking member 52 in its inactive position (by moving to the left in Figures 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7 of the unlocking member 52). This return to its inactive position of the release member 52 is necessary to subsequently allow the descent to its closed position of the shutter 36 and its setting in the locked position, by external rotation of the control member 43 in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation which had previously allowed the opening (normal or forced) of the shutter 36.

Thus, it is also understood that the shutter 36 is forced back into the closed position by return means (spring 48) in the case where the pressure difference of the water in the hollow body 32 between upstream and the downstream of the shutter 36 is less than said predetermined pressure value ΔΡ1. This automatic closure of the shutter 36 avoids what is called a "water return", namely a reversal of the direction of flow of the liquid, forming a liquid reflux from the hollow body 34 in the direction the inlet connection 33 and the pipe 32 in hydraulic connection with the water network.

In the case of the second embodiment of FIGS. 9 to 22, namely a fire post 130, 230 or 330 of reversible type, the upper air part 34b of the hollow body 34 (forming the column tube) houses the upper portion of the emergency opening means 50 which can separate from a lower portion of the emergency opening means 50 in the event of impact on the aerial part of the fire hydrant, which is located above the ground S, all as the upper air part 34b of the hollow body 34.

More specifically, the emergency opening means 50 comprise a lower portion 50a, buried, and an upper portion 50b, overhead, which are interconnected by a mechanical link 55 capable of splitting during a side impact on said upper air part 34b of the column forming the hollow body 34.

As will be explained in more detail below, according to the illustrated examples of this second embodiment, this mechanical connection 55 is made in the form of a second plane contact 55, positioned substantially at ground level S.

In the case of the first and second variants of the second embodiment of a fire hydrant according to the invention (FIGS. 9 to 17, 21 and 22), said upper portion 50b of the emergency opening means 50 comprises said unlocking member 52. In this case, said unlocking member 52 also further comprises a wedge-shaped unlocking portion 52c having an inclined lower face secured to said projecting portion of the hollow body 34 (this is the percussion head 52a and a section of the unlocking rod 52b). It is understood that different solutions are possible for connecting the wedge-shaped unlocking portion 52c to the unlocking rod 52b, provided that the horizontal translational movement, forward (to the right in FIG. 1) or back (towards the left in Figure 1) of the unlocking rod 52b causes an identical translational movement of the wedge-shaped unlocking portion 52c. Furthermore, said upper portion 50b of the emergency opening means 50 comprises a jump-shaped portion 53 having an inclined upper face adapted to cooperate, by sliding, with the underside of the wedge-shaped unlocking portion 52c. so that the transition from the inactive position to the active position of the unlocking member 52 causes a descent movement of the jump-shaped portion 53 and a raising movement of said lower portion 40a of the control device 40, whereby the shutter 36 is forced into its open position (see Figures 13 and 14).

For this purpose, the emergency opening means 50 further comprise a mechanical device for transmitting motion between the jump-shaped portion 53 and the control device 40, as will be described hereinafter.

Moreover, as can be seen in FIGS. 10, 12 and 14, the fire hydrant 130 and 230 (first and second variants of the second embodiment of a fire hydrant according to the invention) comprise in in addition to a security system 54 preventing the passage from the inactive position to the active position of the unlocking member 52 when the shutter 36 is locked in its closed position by the control device 40.

More specifically, in the aforementioned cases, this security system 54 comprises a prison nut 54a mounted around a threaded portion of the operating rod 44 and adapted to be housed in the wedge-shaped release portion 52c, when the control member 43 and operating rod 44 are in their second position, as can be seen in FIG. 10, this prisoner nut 54a then forcing the wedge-shaped unlocking portion 52c to remain in its inactive position by blocking its movement in horizontal translation, in particular the advance of the wedge-shaped release portion 52c. This trapped nut 54a is released from its seat in the wedge-shaped unlocking portion 52c when the control member 43 and the operating rod 44 are in their first position, as can be seen in FIGS. 12 and 14. .

On the other hand, the wedge-shaped release portion 52c and the jump-shaped portion 53 are traversed by a vertical passage 52e, 53a (see FIGS. 10, 12 and 14) freely receiving the control 40 or more precisely a portion of the operating rod 44 whose angular position is controlled by the angular position of the control member 43.

In the illustrated case, it is the vertical passage 52e formed in the wedge-shaped release portion 52c which also serves as a housing for the prison nut 54a (see FIG. 10).

In this second embodiment (see FIGS. 10, 12 and 14), said control member 43 is a rotation control square mounted at the upper end of an operating rod 44 mounted in the overhead part 34b of the body hollow 34. Furthermore, the control device 40 further comprises, in the lower buried portion 34b of the hollow body 34, a first control rod 42c whose upper end cooperates in rotation, and not in vertical translation, with the lower end of the operating rod 44 and whose lower end is equipped with a threaded portion. The control device 40 further comprises, in the lower buried portion 34b of the hollow body 34, a second control rod 42b placed substantially in the vertical extension of the first control rod 42c and whose upper end cooperates with said threaded portion. of the first control rod 42c and whose lower end is able to bear against a portion 42a integral with the shutter 36.

It is understood that different solutions are possible for connecting the portion 42a to the shutter 36, provided that the vertical translation movement, upwardly or downwardly, of the shutter 36 causes an identical vertical translational movement of the portion 42a. .

In this way, the rotation of the operating rod 44 allows an upward or downward movement of the second control rod 42b.

In this way, when the second control rod 42b is lowered, its lower end pushes down the portion 42a integral with the shutter 36 and consequently tends to place the latter in its closed position.

In order to make it possible to unlock the shutter 36 if the latter remains stuck on its seat 36a despite the ascent of the second control rod 42b and the sufficient water pressure in the connection 33, the emergency opening means 50 are arranged as follows.

The emergency opening means 50 further comprise a first vertical release rod 56 forming part of the upper portion 50b of the emergency opening means 50 and whose upper end is integral with the springboard-shaped part. 53, and in the lower portion 50a emergency opening means 50, a second vertical release rod 57.

It is understood that different solutions are possible for connecting the jump-shaped portion 53 to the first unlocking rod 56, provided that the upward or downward vertical translation movement of the jump-shaped portion 53 causes a identical vertical translation movement of the first unlocking rod 56.

The upper end of the second unlocking rod 57 cooperates by plane contact and push down (link 55) with the lower end of the first unlocking rod 56. The emergency opening means 50 furthermore comprise (see Figure 9) a lever arm 58 adapted to pivot about a horizontal material axis 58a located between the first end and the second end of the lever arm 58. The first end of the lever arm 58 is integral with the lower end of the second unlocking rod 57 by a pivot connection about a horizontal axis so that the descent (the rise) of the second release rod 57 causes the descent (the rise) of the first end of the lever arm 58 and the rise (the descent) of the second end of the lever arm 58.

In addition, the second end of the lever arm 58 is able to bear under a plate 59 (see FIG. 9) close to this second end of the lever arm 58 (in its low position corresponding to the inactive position of the member 52) and secured to the shutter 36, at least as regards the vertical translation movements between these parts, whereby the descent of the first unlocking rod 56 and the second unlocking rod 57 causes, by the pivoting movement of the lever arm 58, the rise of the plate 59 and thus the forced upward movement of the shutter 36 in its open position. To allow automatic closure of the shutter 36, the following arrangement is provided in the case of the first variant embodiment of the second embodiment according to the invention (fire post 130 of FIGS. 9 to 14 and 21) and possibly in the case of the third variant embodiment of the second embodiment according to the invention (fire post 330 of FIGS. 18 to 20).

A return spring 60 is disposed above said plate 59, between said plate 59 and a portion 34d fixed relative to the hollow body 34, so that the descent of the first unlocking rod 56 and the second release rod 57 causes, by the pivoting movement of the lever arm 58, the forced upward movement of the plate 59 and the shutter 36 after exceeding a restoring force generated by said return spring 60.

It is noted that the horizontal material axis 58a is mounted on this portion 34d, at its lower end.

In the case of the first variant embodiment of the second embodiment according to the invention (fire post 130 of FIGS. 9 to 14 and 21), the following configuration is found:

the integral portion 42a of the shutter 36 is formed of the upper end of a third control rod 42a fixed to the shutter 36, above the latter,

the plate 59 integral with the shutter 36 is also integral with said third control rod 42a fixed to the shutter 36, and

said return spring 60 is mounted between said plate 59 and the fixed and integral portion 34d of the hollow body 34.

In this way, in normal operation, to open the fire hydrant 130 of this first variant embodiment of the second embodiment according to the invention and to move from the closed position (FIGS. 9 and 10) to the open position (Figures 11 and 12) of the shutter 36, the control member 43 is rotated, which rotates the same angle of rotation the manouvre rod 44 and the first control rod 42c. This rotational movement of the first control rod 42c causes the threaded connection to be raised by the second control rod 42b, the lower end of which is no longer supported against the upper end of the third control rod 42a. (link 45 disengaged). Then, under the pressure of the water present upstream of the shutter 36 in the inlet connection 33, and provided that this pressure is greater than. \ P1, the shutter 36 rises by driving with it the elements which are secured to it, namely the plate 59 and the third control rod 42a.

If, despite the pressure of the water present upstream of the shutter 36, the shutter 36 remains stuck on the seat 36a, the emergency opening means 50 are actuated as follows: the impact head 52a which strikes is struck in its horizontal movement in translation the wedge-shaped unlocking portion 52c whose lower face slides on the upper face of the jump-shaped part 53, the latter then starting its descent by driving the first unlocking rod 56. This first release rod 56 bears (connection 55) on the second unlocking rod 57, the descent of which pivots the lever arm 58, by downward thrusting of the first end of the lever arm 58, so that the raising of the second end of the lever arm 58 up the tray 59 and the shutter 36 attached thereto.

In the case of the second variant embodiment of the second embodiment according to the invention (fire hydrant 230 of FIGS. 15 to 17), the following configuration is found:

the portion 42a integral with the shutter is formed of the upper face of the shutter 36

the plate 59 integral with the shutter is assembled at the upper end of a perforated hollow tube 59a fixed to and above the shutter 36, and

- A return spring 60 is mounted in the hollow tube 59a between the shutter 36 and the second control rod 42b.

In this case, the lower portion of the second control rod 42b is constituted by a kind of claw 42d in the form of a bell in cross section or star-shaped in plan view, which is telescopically mounted around and with the lower portion of the hollow tube 59a; the upper portion of the hollow tube 59a being traversed by vertical slots 59b allowing passage and sliding of the tabs of the claw 42d, while the upper end of the hollow tube 59a delimits a radial flange forming a plate 59. Furthermore, the lower end of the claw 42d is able to bear against the upper face of the shutter 36 (portion 42a) which constitutes the engaged position of the mechanical connection 45 constituted by this support,

The normal operation of this second variant embodiment of the second embodiment according to the invention is identical to that described above in relation to the first variant embodiment of the second embodiment until the second rod is raised. command 42b. Then, since the lower portion of the second control rod 42b is constituted by the claw 42d, the latter is lifted, which causes the disengaged position of the mechanical connection 45, and allows the recovery of the shutter 36 which is not more constrained in the low position.

With regard to the actuation of the emergency opening means 50, this remains identical to what has been described above in relation to the first variant embodiment of the second embodiment until the pivoting of the lever arm 58 Then, the second end of the lever arm 58 rises and lifts the hollow tube 59a by its upper end in the form of a radial flange which constitutes the plate 59, which raises the shutter 36 which is attached to the hollow tube 59a.

In the case of the third variant embodiment of the second embodiment according to the invention (fire post 330 of FIGS. 18 to 20), the modification of the upper part of the emergency opening means 50 and particular the unlocking member 52 and the lug 51, while the elements not described below are identical to those of the first embodiment of the second embodiment of the invention (Figures 9 to 14 and 21) or to those of the second variant embodiment of the second embodiment according to the invention (FIGS. 15 to 17 and 22).

As can be seen in Figures 18 to 20, the operating rod 44 cooperates, in its upper part, by a threaded connection, with the bore of the threaded portion (left in Figures 18 to 20) of a security part 54b.

More precisely: this safety piece 54b is formed of two vertical tubular portions parallel to each other and connected to each other. the other, one of the two portions forming a first portion and being threaded (the left portion in Figures 18 to 20) by a bore mounted around a threaded portion of the operating rod 44, while the other of the two portions forms a second portion in the form of a tapping (the right portion in FIGS. 18 to 20) surrounding the first unlocking rod 56.

In the case of the third variant embodiment of the second embodiment according to the invention, the upper portion of the first unlocking rod 56 is equipped with a plate 54c situated above the second portion of the security part 54b and a high end forming the unlocking member 52 '.

This unlocking member 52 'comprises an unlocking rod 52b coaxially extending the first unlocking rod 56 above the plate 54c protruding from the hollow body 34, through an opening in the cap 34c. The unlocking member 52 'also comprises a percussion head 52a mounted on the outer free end of the unlocking rod 52b, and a return spring 52d mounted between the percussion head 52a and the top wall of the cap 34a and tending to raise the percussion head 52a.

In normal operation, the rotation of the control member 43 secured to the upper free end of the operating rod 44 rotates the latter and lowers the safety part 54b (see Figure 18 and Figure 19) . This rotation of the operating rod 44 causes the previously described movements of the second control rod 42b and the first control rod 42c of the first or second variant of the second embodiment, including the recovery of the shutter 36.

With regard to the actuation of the emergency opening means 50, in this case of the third variant embodiment of the second embodiment, the vertical striking on the percussion head 52a makes it possible, when the security piece 54 is in the low position (Figures 19 and 20), the descent of the unlocking rod 54b and the first unlocking rod 56 which are secured to each other. This descent of the first unlocking rod 56 contributes to the rise in force of the shutter 36 is according to the first embodiment of the second embodiment of the invention (lower part of Figures 9 to 14 and 201

21

21) or according to the second variant embodiment of the second embodiment according to the invention (lower part of FIGS. 15 to 17 and 22).

In this third embodiment of the second embodiment, it is understood that the security system 54, which prevents the passage of the inactive position to the active position of the unlocking member 52 when the shutter 36 is locked in its position closing by the control device 40, is performed by the security part 52b whose threaded connection with the operating rod 44 conditions its vertical position and therefore the impossibility of descent of the unlocking member 52 'when the plate 54c is in abutment on the second portion of the security piece 54b.

Furthermore, as can be seen in Figures 1 to 22, the fire hydrant 30 further comprises a visual indicator of the activation of the emergency opening means 50 suitable from a neutral position, and after said external activation to pass and stay in a visually remarkable position.

In the case of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 8) and first and second variants of the second embodiment of a fire hydrant according to the invention (FIGS. 9 to 17 and 21 to 22), this visual indicator is a lug 51 housed in the wall of the hollow body 34 so as to be able to slide horizontally, and located in the axial and horizontal extension of the unlocking portion 52c and the unlocking rod 52b, being physically separated (not secured) ) of the unlocking portion 52c.

In this way, when the wedge-shaped release portion 52c moves from its first inactive position to its second active position (FIGS. 7 and 8, FIGS. 13 and 14 and FIG. 17), the pin 51 is pushed by the portion of 52c and shifts outwardly (to the right in Figures 7), from a retracted position to a projecting position, relative to the wall of the hollow body 34, under the effect of contact with the part of unblocking 52c and the thrust exerted by the unlocking portion 52c which protrudes during the percussion exerted on the percussion head 52a of the unlocking member 52, so that the free end of the lug 51 then makes definitely protruding out of the hollow body 34.

This advanced position of the lug 51 makes it possible to know, by a simple visual inspection, that the emergency opening means 50 have been previously activated. In the case of the third variant of the second embodiment (FIGS. 18 to 20), this visual indicator is a horizontal lug 51 housed in a horizontal passage of the vertical wall of the cap 34c, and having a rear portion able to cooperate by sliding with a ramp 51a disposed along the first unlocking rod 56, the descent of this first unlocking rod 56 and the ramp 51a, bringing out the free end of the lug 51 outside the cap 34c, this output of the free end of the lug 51 which protrudes beyond the outside of the cap constituting a visual indication of the activation of the emergency opening means 50.

Moreover, as can be seen in FIGS. 21 and 22, the fire hydrant 130 and 230 (first and second variants of the second embodiment of a fire hydrant according to the invention) may include an alternative to the safety system described above and preventing in another way the transition from the inactive position to the active position of the unlocking member 52 when the shutter 36 is locked in its closed position by the control device 40 .

According to this alternative embodiment, it is not sought to block the position of the unlocking member 52 (for example the wedge-shaped release portion 52c which can not move horizontally due to the presence of the prisoner nut. 54a in the unlocking portion 52c wedge-shaped) but rather to make free movement of the elements of the unlocking member 52, which then have no impact and no effect on the control device 40 of the shutter because in this case the unlocking member 52 remains in the inactive position as the shutter 36 is not unlocked.

Examples of this alternative embodiment are shown in Figures 21 and 22, similar to Figures 9 and 15 already described, apart from the following differences:

- The portion 34d is no longer fixed to and secured to the hollow body 34 but attached to the second control rod 42b which it follows the vertical translation movement,

the plate 59 is further shifted upwards so that it is distant from the second end of the lever arm 58 when this last is in the lower position corresponding to the inactive position of the unlocking member 52, and

- The return spring 60 is further prestressed in compression in the locked position of the control member 43 so that despite the rise of the second control rod 42b during passage into the unlocked position of the control member 43, the return spring 60 is still prestressed in compression and despite the spacing between the plate 59 and the portion 42a.

In this case, during the ascent of the second control rod 42b, by the passage from its first position to its second position of the control member 43 which passes to the unlocked position, the lever arm 58 approaches the plate 59 sufficiently for the second end of the lever arm 58 to rest under the plate 59 and up when the active position of the unlocking member 52 (situation not shown).

Other arrangements (not shown) may optionally equip the fire hydrant according to the present invention:

According to a first advantageous arrangement, the fire hydrant (in particular the fire hydrants 30, 130, 230 or 330) further comprises a sensor capable of detecting the activation of the emergency opening means 50 to be emitted. a corresponding signal (audio, video, radio, electrical or any other kind), which can be tele-transmitted to provide this information remotely, to a central monitoring.

According to a second advantageous arrangement, the fire hydrant (in particular the fire hydrants 30, 130, 230 or 330) further comprises a system for detecting the opening of the shutter 36 which is able to count the number openings of said shutter 36.

This detection system comprises for example a rev counter (not shown) which records the number of openings and closures of the shutter 36, namely the number of times that the control member 43 has been manipulated in the direction opening and closing, in particular by rotating it. This rev counter can notably be placed along the operating rod 44. This detection system can be associated with a time stamping system, to record the degree and the opening time of the shutter 36, in particular to allow an estimation of the flow rates of water delivered by the fire hydrant and / or volumes taken from the fire hydrant.

Complementarily and optionally, it is possible to further provide in the fire hydrant according to the invention (fire hydrant 30, 130, 230 or 330) a detection system (not shown) of the position and the movement shutter 36.

This detection system aims to measure the direction and speed of movement of the shutter 36 to deduce its opening and closing mode. Indeed, an upward movement corresponds to an opening and a downward movement corresponds to a closure. Moreover, the speed of movement of the shutter 36 also gives information on the operation of the shutter 36: a slow movement corresponding to normal operation, a rapid rise signifying an activation of the emergency opening means 50 while a rapid descent reflects the activation of the anti-return function following a back pressure and this to prevent any return of water in the pipe 32 connected for example to the water supply network. This detection system comprises for example a first position sensor placed on the control rod 42 and, opposite, at least two position sensors placed on the inner face of the lower portion 34a of the hollow body 34 and able to cooperate with the first sensor (these sensors can operate according to different techniques and in particular optically, magnetically, electromagnetically or ultrasonically).

Claims

1. Fire hydrant (30; 130; 230; 330) comprising

- a hollow body (34) for the passage of water between an inlet connection (33) and at least one outlet orifice (38), - a single shutter (36) disposed in the hollow body (34) downstream of the inlet connection (33), and allowing, restricting or severing the flow of water through the hollow body (34),

- A control device (40) connected to the shutter (36) and whose operation allows the locking of the shutter (36) in a closed position preventing the passage of water, and the release of the shutter (36) thus able to automatically go from one of said closed position to an open position when the difference in pressure of the water in the hollow body (34) between the upstream and downstream of the shutter (36) is greater than a predetermined pressure value ΔΡ1 and on the other hand from the open position to the closed position when the pressure difference of the water in the hollow body (34) between upstream and the downstream of the shutter (36) is smaller than said predetermined pressure value ΔΡ1, characterized in that it further comprises

- Emergency opening means (50) allowing, when the shutter (36) is unlocked and by an external activation of said emergency opening means (50), to force the passage of the shutter (36). ) in its open position.

2. Fire hydrant (30; 130; 230,330) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device (40) and the emergency opening means (50) are arranged in such a way that when the shutter (36) is unlocked and after said external activation of said emergency opening means (50), the shutter (36) is forced back into the closed position by return means (48; 60) in the case where the pressure difference of the water in the hollow body (34) between the upstream and downstream of the shutter (36) is less than said predetermined pressure value ΔΡ1.

3. Fire hydrant (30; 130; 230; 330) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control device (40) extends substantially vertically in the hollow body (34), and comprises, an upper part (40b) comprising at its upper end, a control member (43) operable from outside said fire hydrant (30; 130; 230; 330) for locking and unlocking the shutter (36), and a lower part (40a) with, at its lower end, the shutter (36) and in that the emergency opening means (50) comprise an unlocking member (52) cooperating with said control device (40), the unlocking member (52) having a portion (52b) projecting outside the hollow body (34) and able to move under the effect of external activation on said portion (52b) from a first inactive position to a second active position in which the lower portion (40a) of the control device (40) is raised, whereby the shutter (36) is forced into its open position.

4. Fire hydrant (30; 130; 230; 330) according to claim 3, characterized in that there is a mechanical connection (45) between the upper part (40b) of the control device (40) and the part lower part (40a) of the control device (40), said mechanical connection (45) being engageable and disengageable during the operation of the control member (43), so that when the lower section of the upper part (40b) of the control device (40) is in a first high position, the mechanical connection (45) with the lower part of the control device is disengaged and when the lower section of the upper part (40b) of the control device (40) is in a second low position, the mechanical connection (45) with the lower part (40a) of the control device (40) is engaged, whereby the shutter (36) is locked in its closed position.

5. Fire hydrant (30; 130; 230; 330) according to claim 4, characterized in that the protruding portion of the unlocking member (52) comprises a percussion head (52a) articulated on a device mechanical motion transmission mechanism connected to the control device (40) and able to transform the advance of the percussion head (52a) from the first position of the unlocking member (52), said advance resulting from the percussion received by the percussion head (52a), in a raising of the lower part (40a) of the control device (40), whereby the unlocking member (52) passes into its second position and the shutter (36) is forced into its open position,

6. Fire hydrant (30; 130; 230; 330) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it forms a fire hydrant in which the hollow body (34) is a columnar tube and shutter (36) is a foot valve, the column tube having a buried lower portion (34a) housing the shutter (36) and an overhead upper portion (34b)

7. Fire hydrant (30) according to claim 3, characterized in that the unlocking member (52) further comprises a wedge-shaped unlocking portion (52c) integral with said protruding portion, in that the upper end of the lower part of the control device (40) forms a cage (47) integral with the shutter (36) and having a through opening (47a) able to be traversed by the unlocking part (52c) in wedge-shaped, said opening opening (47a) and said wedge-shaped unlocking portion (52c) cooperating with each other such that passage from the inactive position to the active position of the unlocking member (52) causes a horizontal translational movement of the wedge-shaped release portion (52c) which raises the cage (47) and the lower portion 40a of the control device (40).

8. Fire hydrant (30) according to claim 7, characterized in that the unlocking member (52) comprises a percussion head (52a) mounted at the end of an unlocking rod (52b) and a return spring (52d) positioned around the unlocking rod (52b), between the percussion head (52a) and a fixed portion relative to the hollow body (34), which enables the release member (52) to be repositioned ) in its inactive position.

9. Fire hydrant (130; 230; 330) according to claim 6, characterized in that the emergency opening means (50) comprise a lower portion (50a), buried, and an upper portion (50b). , aerial, which are interconnected by a mechanical connection (55) capable of splitting during a side impact on said upper air portion (34b) of the column tube (34). ^*

10. Fire hydrant (130; 230) according to claim 3 and claim 9, characterized in that said upper portion (50b) of the emergency opening means (50) comprises said unlocking member (52), said unlocking member (52) further comprising a wedge-shaped unlocking portion (52c) having an inclined lower face and integral with said projecting portion, and a stepping-up portion (53) having an inclined upper face adapted to to be cooperating with the underside of the wedge-shaped unlocking portion (52c) so that the transition from the inactive position to the active position of the unlocking member (52) causes a descent movement of the portion springboard form (53) and upward movement of said lower portion (40a) of the control device (40), whereby the shutter (36) is forced into its open position.

11. Fire hydrant (230, 330) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it further comprises a safety system (54) preventing the passage from the inactive position to the active position of the unlocking member ( 52) when the shutter (36) is locked in its closed position by the control device (40).

12. Fire hydrant (130, 230, 330) according to claim 3 and claim 6, characterized in that said control member (43) is a rotation control square mounted at the upper end of a rod operating device (44) mounted in the aerial part (34b) of the hollow body (34), in that the control device (40) further comprises, in the buried part (34b) of the hollow body (34), a first control rod (42c) whose upper end cooperates in rotation with the lower end of the operating rod (44) and whose lower end is equipped with a threaded portion, and a second control rod (42b) whose upper end cooperates with said threaded portion and whose lower end is able to bear against a portion (42a) integral with the shutter (36), so that the rotation of the operating rod (44) allows upward or downward movement of the second control rod (42b).

13. Fire hydrant (130, 230, 330) according to the preceding claim and claim 10, characterized in that the means emergency opening device (50) further comprises a first unlocking rod (56) in the upper portion (50b) of the emergency opening means (50) and whose upper end is integral with the portion springboard (53), and in the lower portion (50a) of the emergency opening means (50), a second unlocking rod (57) whose upper end cooperates by planar contact (55) and pushing down with the lower end of the first unlocking rod (56), and a lever arm (58) pivotable about a horizontal axis (58a) located between the first end and the second end of the arm lever (58), the first end of the lever arm being integral with the lower end of the second unlocking rod (57) and the second end of the lever arm (58) being able to bear under a plate (59). ) integral with the shutter (36), whereby the descent of the first rod dice locking (56) and the second unlocking rod (57) causes, by the pivoting movement of the lever arm (58), forced upward movement of the shutter (36).

14. Fire hydrant (130, 330) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a return spring (60) is arranged so that the descent of the first unlocking rod (56) and the second rod of release (57) causes, by the pivoting movement of the lever arm (58), forced upward movement of the shutter (36) after exceeding a restoring force generated by said return spring (60).

15. Fire hydrant (130) according to claim 14, characterized in that

the integral portion (42a) of the shutter (36) is the upper end of a third control rod fixed to the shutter

- The plate (59) integral with the shutter (36) is integral with said third control rod (42a) fixed to the shutter

and said return spring (60) is mounted above said plate (59), between said plate (59) and a portion (34d) integral with the hollow body (34).

16. Fire hydrant (230) according to claim 13, characterized in that

- the portion (42¾) integral with the shutter is the upper face of the shutter (36) - The plate (59) integral with the shutter is the upper end of a hollow tube (59a) fixed to the shutter (36)

and said return spring (60) is mounted in the hollow tube (59a) between the shutter (36) and the second control rod (42b).

17. Fire hydrant (30; 230) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a visual indicator (58) of the activation of the emergency opening means (50). adapted from a neutral position and after said external activation to pass and remain in a visually remarkable position.

18. Fire hydrant (30; 230) according to claim 17, characterized in that said visual indicator is a pin (51) located in the horizontal extension of the unlocking portion (52c) and capable of sliding horizontally, and moves from a retracted position to a protruding position, with respect to the wall of the hollow body (34), under the effect of contact with the unlocking portion (52c) and the thrust exerted by the unlocking portion 52c which advance during the percussion exerted on the percussion head (52a) of the unlocking member (52).

19. Fire hydrant (30; 130; 230, 330) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a suitable sensor, by detecting the activation of the opening means of urgency (50) to transmit a corresponding signal.

20. Fire hydrant (30; 230) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a shutter opening detection system (36) which is able to account for the number of openings of said shutter (36).

21. Fire hydrant (30; 230) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a system for detecting the position and movement of the shutter (36).