WO2016012674A1

WO2016012674A1 - Accessory for closing a water dispensing device with separate attachment means

Info

Publication number: WO2016012674A1
Application number: PCT/FR2015/000160
Authority: WO
Inventors: Raphaël Marie Emeric Hervé PIOT; Rodolphe Serge THETIOT
Original assignee: Bayard
Priority date: 2014-07-21
Filing date: 2015-07-21
Publication date: 2016-01-28
Also published as: EP3172385A1; EP3172385B1; FR3023858A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an accessory (1) for closing a water dispensing device (2). Said device (2) includes: - a chamber provided with a dispensing outlet (3) that is to be supplied with water from the chamber; and - an access opening connecting the outside of the device to the inside of the chamber. The accessory (1) includes: - a closing cap (20), designed for being removably attached to the access opening so as to seal same by means of a first attachment means (30) accessible from outside a compartment (13) and the chamber; and - a top cover (21), designed for being removably attached to the closing cap (20) so as to form, together with the closing cap, the compartment (13) containing electronic means for monitoring the device (2). Said cover (21) is attached by means of a second attachment means (31A, 31B, 31C), separate from the first means (30) and accessible from outside the compartment (13) and the chamber. The invention also relates to accessories for water dispensing devices.

Description

CLOSURE ACCESSORY FOR A WATER DISTRIBUTION DEVICE WITH INDEPENDENT FASTENING MEANS

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention reports to the general field of water distribution systems such as fire hydrants, draw-off _"irrigation, floor washing, or watering, or mouths, and in particular to contain accessories electronics intended to be reported on said water distribution devices, and designed for example to enable remote monitoring or local survey information of use, status and / or operation of said dispensing devices d. 'water. The present invention relates more particularly to an accessory for closing a water distribution device, the kind of pole or mouth, fire, drawing, irrigation, washing of roadway, and / or watering of roadway , said dispensing device comprising a chamber provided on the one hand with a water distribution outlet intended to be fed with water coming from inside the chamber and on the other hand with an opening of an access connecting the outside of the water dispensing device to the interior of the chamber, the closure accessory comprising:

a closing cap for the access opening designed to be removably attached to said access opening to seal the latter,

- An upper cover adapted to be removably attached to the closure cap, the upper cover thus fixed to the closure cap forming therewith a compartment containing electronic means for monitoring the dispensing device.

The present invention also relates to a water distribution device, such as pole or mouth, Fire, drawing, irrigation, pavement washing, and / or pavement watering, said dispensing device comprising a a chamber provided on the one hand with a water supply outlet intended to be fed with water coming from inside the chamber and on the other hand with an access opening connecting the outside of the device water distribution inside the chamber. PRIOR ART

Legislation tends to evolve in a restrictive sense regarding the regulation of drinking water consumption. In particular, operators of drinking water networks are now required to optimize the performance of these water systems so that the latter exceeds 85%. This performance can be improved by reducing water losses such as leakage, water theft, and improper use of the water system. In the case of fire poles and other points of water drawn most often on public roads such as the mouths of washing or watering, it can thus be useful and necessary to monitor and measure these losses of water for the purpose of remedying.

There is already an electronic module for monitoring a fire hydrant, which is intended to be attached to an existing fire hydrant. This known electronic module is designed to measure and record water consumption data of the fire hydrant, so that it is possible to recover these data in order to estimate the water losses in relation to the water circuit. water.

It has been proposed to place the known electronic module outside the fire hydrant, in a compartment, to ensure its insulation against both external weather and the internal moisture of the fire hydrant.

However, to perform water consumption measurements, a sensor connected wired to the electronic module must be placed within an interior chamber of the fire hydrant to detect the presence or absence of water in this chamber. last.

Therefore, in order to avoid having to modify the fire poles in place in the field too important to install the electronics compartment and its sensor, it has been proposed to simply adjust the closure cap the pressure chamber of the fire hydrant. Indeed, the closing cap being detachable from the fire hydrant, it can be easily reworked in the workshop. The closure cap thus modified comprises in particular an additional bore for the passage of the connector of the sensor. The electronic module can be marketed directly with the fitted closure cap provided with the sensor.

The fire hydrant thus modified then comprises two compartments separated by the closure cap: one containing the electronic module, the other being formed by the inner chamber in relation to the water circuit.

In addition, in order not to have to pierce the outer casing of the fire hydrant to set up means for fixing the electronic module, it has been proposed to fix the known electronic module to the fire hydrant via fastening means of the closure cap, such plugs or screws, so that the latter through known means of attachment common to the electronic module and the closure cap, allow to fix both the electronic module and the cap of closing.

If such a design is generally satisfactory, it nevertheless has the major disadvantage that the implementation of the electronic module being performed, it is impossible to separate the latter from the fire hydrant without also disengage the closure cap. Accidentally, pressurized water may well flow from the chamber without the closure cap, which can by. example cause a loss of water, or even in some exceptional cases cause some damage. It may therefore be desirable to mobilize maintenance personnel of the fire hydrant at each installation or maintenance operation of the electronic module, which represents an additional cost. Most of the time, it is necessary that the maintenance personnel at the fire hydrant cut off the water supply to the fire hydrant to prevent escape of unintended water, prior to any assembly or disassembly of the electronic module, which represents a waste of time and additional cost associated with any such operation.

In addition, it is impossible to access the interior of the room without disconnecting at the same time the electronic module, which generates a risk that it is put back in place incorrectly on the fire hydrant during fastening of the closure cap. Finally, there is also a risk that the electronic module it is damaged, for example by water coming from the chamber which is then open.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim at overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks, by proposing a new closure accessory for a water distribution device, as well as a new water distribution device including the assembly and distribution of water. Disassembly is particularly easy and safe.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new closure accessory for a water distribution device, as well as a new water dispensing device whose design eliminates any escape of fortuitous water when it is put into service. in place and maintenance of said closure accessory.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new closure accessory for a water distribution device, as well as a new water distribution device whose maintenance costs are particularly low. Another object of the invention is to propose a new closure accessory for a water dispensing device, as well as a new water dispensing device, which do not require any major modification of the dispensing devices already installed. in the field.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new closure accessory of a water dispensing device, and a new water dispensing device easy to implement and versatile.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new accessory for closing a water dispensing device, as well as a new water dispensing device making it possible to efficiently monitor said dispensing device, particularly concerning its water consumption. Another object of the invention is to propose a new closure accessory for a water dispensing device, as well as a new device for dispensing particularly discreet water.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new closure accessory for a water distribution device, as well as a new durable and durable water distribution device, in particular weathering, degradation, and theft. .

Another object of the invention is to propose a new closure accessory for a water distribution device, as well as a new water distribution device whose design and manufacture are particularly simple and inexpensive. The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a closure accessory of a water distribution device, such as post or mouth, fire, drawing, irrigation, washing of the floor and / or sprinkler, said dispensing device comprising a chamber provided on the one hand with a water dispensing outlet for supplying water from the interior of the chamber and on the other hand an access opening connecting the outside of the water dispensing device to the interior of the chamber, the closure accessory comprising:

an upper cover designed to be fixed in a detachable manner on the closure cap, the upper lid thus fixed to the closure cap forming with the latter a compartment containing electronic means for monitoring the dispensing device,

the closure accessory being characterized in that:

the closing cap is fixed to the access opening by a first fastening means accessible from outside the compartment and the chamber,

the upper lid being fixed to the closure cap by a second fixing means independent of the first fixing means and accessible from the outside of the compartment and the chamber, so that on the one hand the upper lid can be separated from the cap; closing while this the latter is attached to the access opening, and on the other hand the closure cap can be separated from the access opening while the top cover is attached to said closure cap.

The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by means of a water distribution device, of the post or mouth type, fire, drawing, irrigation, pavement washing, and / or sprinkler system, said dispensing device comprising a chamber provided on the one hand with a water distribution outlet intended to be supplied with water from the inside of the chamber and on the other hand with an access opening connecting the outside of the water distribution device to the interior of the chamber, the dispensing device being characterized in that it further comprises a closure accessory according to the invention,

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent and more detail on reading the description given below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of example illustrat ^'RF and not limitation, in which:

- Figure 1 illustrates, in a perspective view from above, a closure accessory according to the invention, which is fixed on a water dispensing device according to the invention, and is in particular capped with an upper cover .

- Figure 2 shows, in a perspective view from above, the accessory of. Figure 1 closes the closure of the dispensing device of Figure 1, said closure accessory being depicted without the top cover, so that a closing cap dud'rt accessory closure is particularly visible.

- Figures 3 and 4 show, in perspective views respectively from above and from below, the upper cover of Figure 1.

- Figure 5 illustrates, in a perspective view from above, the closure cap of Figure 2. - Figure 6 illustrates, in a perspective sectional side view of the closure cap of Figure 5, which is equipped in particular with a float sensor.

FIG. 7 shows, in a sectional side view, the closure accessory of FIG. 1 mounted on the dispensing device of FIG. 1, BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment according to the invention of a closure accessory 1 of a water distribution device 2, of the post or mouth type, of fire, of drawing, of irrigation, of washing In general, the closure accessory 1 of the invention is designed to be attached to the dispensing device 2, which is preferably pre-existing, and installed within, or on, it, in particular to allow said closure accessory 1 to capture and record information relating to the state, and / or the use, and / or operation of the dispensing device 2, and for example to transmit said information remotely. The closure accessory 1 forms in this case a compartment containing electronic means 14 for monitoring the dispensing device 2, as described below. The establishment of the closure accessory 1 on the dispensing device 2 makes it possible to transform the latter.

The closure accessory 1 is preferably designed to operate using a power supply, and preferably comprises an on-board electrical power reserve 10, for example a battery, intended for its own power supply, and preferably does not require not to be connected to an electricity distribution network. The energy reserve 10 preferably allows to feed the electronic means 14 described below. The water dispensing device 2 is generally intended to be placed outdoors, in a public space, and constitutes a water point that can be used for example by firefighters as a fire-fighting device, by roadmenders as a point of departure. water for cleaning a roadway, or by gardeners for watering and irrigation of green spaces. Of course, the water distribution device 2 may also be placed in the interior without departing from the scope of the invention. The water dispensing device 2, in its preferred variants shown in the figures, advantageously forms a fire hydrant, also called hydrant or fire hydrant, and is intended to protrude itself to allow water supply to fire fighting devices. Alternatively, the water distribution device 2 may be formed by a mouth, that is to say: a point of water drawing integrated into the ground, and accessible for example via a mouth opening normally closed by a According to the invention, and as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, said dispensing device 2 comprises a chamber 9 provided on the one hand with a water distribution outlet 3 intended to being fed with water from inside the chamber 9 and secondly with an access opening 28 connecting the outside of the water dispensing device 2 inside the chamber 9.

.'I

The dispensing device 2 preferably comprises a valve for controlling a water inlet in the chamber 9 in order to supply the dispensing outlet 3.

Thus, the dispensing device 2 comprises a water distribution outlet 3, or several, preferably a valve (not shown) selectively allowing or prohibiting the distribution of water by said dispensing outlet 3. , the dispensing device 2 comprises a chamber 9, said chamber 9 containing, at least intermittently, water intended to feed the dispensing outlet 3, and in this case connecting the valve to the dispensing outlet 3, so that when the valve is open, the chamber 9 is advantageously flooded with water to supply the dispensing outlet 3, and when the valve is closed, the chamber 9 is preferably drained of the water it contained

The dispensing outlet 3 forms an orifice through which a flow of water is intended to be emitted, from inside the dispensing device 2, and in this case from the chamber 9, to the outside. The dispensing outlet 3 is advantageously provided with means of connection to a garden hose, a fire hose, or a piece of equipment requiring any water supply. The valve is designed to move between an open position in which it puts in communication a source of water and the distribution outlet 3 via the chamber 9, and a closed position in which it substantially hermetically blocks the communication between the water source and said dispensing outlet 3.

The valve is advantageously designed to be controlled by means of a manual control means 6 formed for example by a control wheel (not shown) or by a control square actuated by means of a suitable tool (such as as illustrated for example in Figures 1, 2 and 7). Of course, without departing from the scope of the invention, the control of the valve may be manual and / or automatic and / or motorized.

The dispensing device 2 preferably comprises a control shaft 7 of the valve extending substantially vertically with respect to the ground and passing through the access opening 28. The control shaft 7 of the valve thus forms, for example a mechanical transmission connecting the manual control means 6 to the valve, so that a rotation of the manual control means 6 causes the opening or closing of the valve, depending on said direction of rotation. The manual control means 6 is advantageously directly integral with the control shaft 7, for example at the end of the latter, said control shaft 7 being rotatable and extending along an axis of rotation XX 'which is substantially vertical with respect to on the ground. Alternatively, the manual control means 6 may be rotatable about another axis of rotation distinct from the axis of rotation X-X ', and for example be mechanically connected to the control shaft 7 by a bevel gear (not shown) The control shaft 7 may in turn be rotatable about a non-vertical axis of rotation (not shown). Of course, a kinematic transmission chain of the force between the control shaft 7 and the valve can be put in place,

According to the invention, the closure accessory 1 comprises a closure cap 20 (illustrated in particular in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6) of the access opening 28 designed to be removably attached to said opening of access 28 to seal the latter. The closure cap 20 of the invention thus forms a hood for securely closing the access opening 28 of the chamber 9, and is designed to withstand the pressure of the water intended to be present in the chamber 9 to supplying the distribution outlet 3. Preferably, sealing means of the seal type are arranged along the edge of the access opening 28 to allow hermetic closure of the chamber 9 by the closure cap 20.

The fixing of the closure cap 20 is removable, so that it can be disassembled so as to gain access to the interior of the chamber 9 in order to perform particular plumbing maintenance. The closure cap 20 is nevertheless preferably fixed so that it can not be opened without a suitable tool, for reasons of safety, in particular insofar as the pressurized water present in the chamber 9 could spring from the access opening 28 when opening said chamber 9. The closure cap 20 of the invention is preferably designed to be attached to the access opening 28 of the dispensing device 2 to replace an initial cap Existingly, the closure cap 20 corresponds to an existing original cap modified to fit the design of the closure accessory 1 of the invention. Advantageously, the closure accessory 1 fits directly to the dispensing device 2 and can be attached thereto without any modification of the latter, so that its mounting is particularly easy and fast and low cost.

The closure cap 20 preferably forms a metallic piece of generally discoid or annular shape, and is advantageously designed to cap the water dispensing device 2 at its upper part. Indeed, particularly in the case where the dispensing device 2 is a fire hydrant, the access opening 28 is generally located at the top of said dispensing device 2, and forms a particularly accessible portion of said dispensing device 2 .

The closure cap 20 thus advantageously serves as the closing means of your chamber 9, as a fixing support for the closure accessory 1.

Preferably, the closure cap 20 is provided with at least one sensor 8 of a value of an operating parameter ^' or of the state of the dispensing device 2, for example a sensor 8 for the presence of water in the chamber 9, the sensor 8 being placed under the closure cap 20 so as to be disposed within of the chamber 9 when said closure cap 20 is attached to the access opening 28. The closure cap 20 thus advantageously has the additional function of sensor holder.

The closure accessory 1 of the invention can thus advantageously be provided with one or more sensors 8 designed, for example, to transform a physical phenomenon, that is to say, in this case the aforementioned parameter, into an electrical signal. The sensor 8 is preferably designed to detect an operating parameter or state of the dispensing device 2, said parameter being for example formed by the water level in the chamber 9 of the water dispensing device 2. In this case, the sensor is advantageously designed to detect the presence of water in the chamber 9 of the water distribution device 2, the value of this parameter being for example formed by a quantity in centimeters of water in said chamber 9 , or by :

a first state corresponding to a presence of water above a predetermined level, and

a second state corresponding to an absence of water above a predetermined level.

The presence of water in the chamber 9 above the predetermined level being preferably synonymous with an opening of the valve, and a water distribution via the dispensing outlet 3, such a sensor 8 advantageously makes it possible to detect the drawing or the absence of water drawing via the dispensing device 2.

The sensor 8, or at least one of the sensors 9, in the preferred variant of the invention, is designed to distinctly adopt a state E0 or a state E1 as a function of the value of the operating parameter or the state of the device 2, said sensor 8 being designed to substantially not consume electrical energy when it adopts the E0 state. The state E1 or E0 adopted by the sensor 8 advantageously reflects the value of the operating parameter, or the comparison of this value with respect to a predetermined threshold. Such a configuration thus saves electrical energy from the reserve of electrical energy 10, which is limited when the sensor adopts the state E0. Preferably, the operating parameter or state is formed by the water level in the chamber 9 of the water distribution device 2. The sensor 8 is then preferably designed to adopt the state E1 when the water level exceeds a predetermined level, and the state E0 when the water level is below the predetermined level. Thus, according to this preferred configuration, the sensor 8 does not consume energy in the absence of water distribution, that is to say preferably most of the time. Preferably, the closure accessory 1, which can be considered as a monitoring module, comprises a float water level sensor 8 intended to be placed in said chamber 9, and protruding below the cap. closure 20 to detect whether the water level exceeds said predetermined level or not. Advantageously, the float of the sensor 8 is designed to float on the surface of the water of the chamber 9 so that its position corresponds to the level of the water in said chamber 9. The float is preferably slidably mounted on a vertical slide rod relative to the ground of said sensor 8, so that said float can flow along the slide rod depending on the level of water in the chamber 9. The float is by. example equipped with a magnet, designed to interact with a flexible blade switch of the sensor 8, the flexible blade switch being substantially fixed, and for example integral with the slide rod. In this configuration, the flexible blade switch is actuated by the magnet when the magnet is approached at a distance sufficiently close to said soft blade switch. In this manner, the magnet and the flexible blade switch may be arranged so that said flexible blade switch is actuated when the level of water in the chamber 9 exceeds said predetermined level. The activation of the flexible blade switch then advantageously corresponds to the state E1 of the sensor, in which the flexible blade switch closes an electrical circuit for detecting the predetermined level of overrun, which is likely to consume more power. electrical energy from the electrical energy reserve 10.

Preferably, jointly or alternatively, the sensor 8, or another of the sensors 8 of the closure accessory 1, may be designed to capture an operating parameter formed by a displacement of the water distribution device 2 by to an initial position, the sensor being adapted to adopt the state E1 when the water dispensing device 2 is moved relative to the initial position, and the state E0 when it is not substantially displaced relative to at the initial position, In this advantageous situation, the sensor 8 makes it possible to detect any displacement, and / or rotation, and / or overturning and / or shock, of the dispensing device 2. By "overturning" is meant the tilting of the water dispensing device 2 when it advantageously forms a fire hydrant. In this situation, the sensor 8 makes it possible, for example, to detect whether the distribution device 2 has been hit by a vehicle, or dismounted as a result of an act of malicious intent. In any case, in this preferred case, the sensor 8 does not consume energy in the E0 state, that is to say, most of the time, when the distribution device 2 has not suffered any shock. , and / or no displacement, and / or no rotation, and / or no reversal, which saves the energy of the electrical energy reserve 10.

Advantageously, the closure accessory 1 comprises a displacement sensor (not shown) formed by an accelerometer. and for sensing the displacement of the dispensing device 2, and / or its rotation, and / or its overturning, and / or an impact against it, Of course, it is possible to envisage that the closure accessory 1 includes other types of sensors 8, for example:

a temperature sensor prevailing within the chamber 9 or in the vicinity of the distribution device 2, whose state E0 corresponds to a temperature higher than the melting point of the water, and the state E1 corresponds to a lower temperature at the melting point of the water, and / or

a sensor for detecting an incoherence between the open or closed state of the valve and the presence of water in the chamber 9, which could reflect a defect in the emptying of the chamber 9, or a leakage of the valve, whose state E0 corresponds to a lack of inconsistency, and the state E1 corresponds to the presence of an inconsistency.

According to the invention, the closure accessory 1 also comprises an upper cover 21 designed to be removably attached to the closure cap 20, the upper cover 21 thus fixed to the closure cap 20 forming with the latter a compartment 13 containing electronic means 14 for monitoring the dispensing device 2. The upper lid 21 preferably forms a dome or a crown and is adapted to be attached to the closure cap 20 so as to removable. The upper cover 21 thus attached to the closure cap 20 forms a protective housing for the electronic means 14.

Within the meaning of the invention, compartment 13 is understood to mean the internal space provided between the upper lid 21 and the closure cap 20. The compartment 13 is preferably a closed and hermetic space intended to protect the electronic means 14 of the outside, including bad weather and damage. The compartment 13 may also be open on the contrary in places to allow for example the ventilation of the interior space of said compartment 13. The combination of the top cover 21 and the closure cap 20 thus advantageously forms a protective shell of the electronic means 14, an upper portion of the wall is foôrmée by said upper cover 21. and a lower portion of the wall by the closing cap 20. The latter thus has the advantageous function of separation wall and Isolation between the compartment 13 and the room 9.

The fixing of the upper cover 21 is removable, so that it can be removed so as to be able to access the interior of the compartment 13 in order to carry out, in particular, maintenance on the electronic means 14. The top cover 21 is nonetheless preferably fixed so as not to be able to be opened without a suitable tool, in particular to not be damaged by voluntary or involuntary degradation, or even stolen. The closure accessory 1 is preferably designed to be discreet, and to conceal the transmission means 14A, and is for example opaque for this purpose

The electronic monitoring means 14 are designed to retrieve values of parameters captured at times given for example by the sensor 8, and to record and / or restore them. The electronic means 14 comprise, for example, means for locally reading said values, for example using a data port, or a connection socket to said electronic means. The electronic means 14 of the invention in particular make it possible to carry out effective monitoring of said distribution device 2, in particular as regards its water consumption. Alternatively, preferably, the electronic means 14 comprise wireless transmission means 14A of said parameter value in the form of electromagnetic wave messages transmitted from inside the compartment 13.

The closure accessory 1 is thus designed to emit an electromagnetic signal via the transmission means 14A, of the radio signal type, which translates the value of the parameter as it was picked up by said at least one sensor 8. transmission 14A of the invention are designed to emit in particular messages by electromagnetic waves reflecting the state of the sensor 8 associated with a given moment of capture, for example the state E0 or E1 Preferably, the electronic means 14 are designed to recording in said memory a series of states of the sensor 8, or parameter values associated with respective given times.

Alternatively, the transmission means 14A are designed to transmit the value of the parameter as soon as it is picked up by the sensor 8. In particular, the transmission means 14A are designed to emit a message by electromagnetic waves when the sensor 8 passes to the transmitter. E1 state, and not to emit an electromagnetic wave message when the sensor 8 is in the EO state. In this case, optionally, the transmission means 14A additionally transmit a control message by waves, for example every four hours, independently of the state of the sensor 8, in order to testify to their correct operation (indeed, in the case failure of the closure accessory 1, the control messages will no longer be issued).

In particular in order to save electrical energy, the messages by electromagnetic waves are therefore advantageously emitted by the transmission means 14A only if necessary, in this case when the sensor 8 detects an event, and optionally to testify to the good state of running of the closure accessory 1.

The transmission means 14A are designed for example to transmit messages by electromagnetic waves at given times, for example regularly, for example a message every four hours. Alternatively, the transmission means 14A may be designed to transmit messages by electromagnetic waves on order. In this case, or for other reasons, the electronic means 14 are preferably equipped with a wireless reception means capable of receiving messages in the form of electromagnetic waves corresponding to commands, configuration data, or other. Preferably, said transmission means 14A comprise an antenna 18 transmitting messages by electromagnetic waves, the latter being enclosed within the compartment 13. The transmission antenna 18 allows, in a conventional manner, to improve the range and the transmission radius of the electromagnetic wave messages of the transmission means 14A transmitted from the message transmission unit. It is placed in the compartment 13 to be protected by the latter while transmitting the messages by electromagnetic waves through the upper cover 21, the transmission antenna 18 preferably extends along a longitudinal axis YY 'oriented vertically with respect to the ground, so as to provide omnidirectional radiation, at least radially to the longitudinal axis YY 'of said transmission antenna 18, otherwise substantially spherical. Preferably, the transmission antenna 18 is placed parallel to the control shaft 7 and at a distance from the latter, so that its longitudinal axis YY "is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation XX 'of said control shaft 7. Indeed, the control shaft 7 is advantageously made of a metallic material likely to disturb or block the electromagnetic radiation of the transmission antenna 18, the parallel arrangement of the latter with respect to said control shaft 7 allowing optimize and reduce the portion of the radiation absorbed by said control shaft 7. In order to allow the integration of a sufficiently long transmission antenna 18, the outer wall of the compartment 13, and in this case the upper cover 21, preferably has a vertical lateral protrusion 25 designed to house the transmission antenna 18, as shown for example in the figures.

As illustrated in the figures, the electronic means 14 are preferably formed by an electronic card 17 enclosed in the compartment 13, the electronic card 17 comprising a coding unit of the value of the parameter captured by the sensor 8 in the form of said messages by electromagnetic waves, the transmission antenna 18 protruding from said card The electronic means 14, and in particular the electronic card 17, the transmission antenna 18, are advantageously covered with a layer of protective material, preferably substantially moisture-tight, for example a resin. Preferably, some of the sensors 8 are placed directly within the compartment 13, preferably on the electronic card 17, such as the temperature sensor, or the displacement sensor, that is to say the accelerometer. Other sensors 8 will advantageously be placed outside the compartment 13, and placed for example in the chamber 9 as previously described, especially in the case of the water level sensor, and connected for example with a cable-type connector to the electronic card 17. A connector port or a connector channel 29 is preferably formed in the closure cap 20 so as to allow the passage of the connector. Of course, other sensor arrangements may be considered without departing from the scope of the invention.

Preferably, the reserve of electrical energy 10 is placed within the compartment 13 away from the transmission antenna 18, preferably on the opposite side, insofar as said energy reserve is also likely to disturb or block the electromagnetic radiation of the transmission antenna 18. The compartment 13, if it preferably encloses solid and rigid means of. transmission 14A, is also permissif to messages by electromagnetic waves emitted by the transmission means 14A from the inside. For this purpose, inter alia, the top cover 21 is preferably made of a material permeable to electromagnetic waves, in particular to said electromagnetic wave messages, preferably of a polymeric material, for example a mixture of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polycarbonate (ABS / PC). Other materials both permeable to electromagnetic and protective waves may be used without departing from the scope of the invention, including non-conductive plastic materials, composite materials or mixtures of materials. According to one characteristic of the invention, the closure cap 20 is fixed to the access opening 28 by a first fixing means 30 accessible from outside the compartment 13 and the chamber 9, the upper cover 21 being fixed. at. closure cap 20 by a second fastening means 31A, 31B, 31C independent of the first fastening means 30 and accessible from outside the compartment 13 and the chamber 9, so that on the one hand the upper cover 21 can be separate from the closure cap 20 while the latter is attached to the access opening 28, and on the other hand the closure cap 20 can be separated from the access opening 28 while the upper cover 21 is fixed said closure cap 20. The first fixing means 30 and the second fixing means 31A, 31B, 31C are preferably both accessible and / or operable from outside the dispensing device 2 and the closure accessory 1, whether or not the top cover 21 is fastened to the closure cap 20, and whether or not the closure cap is fastened to the dispensing device 2. According to the invention, the first attachment means 30 and the second attachment means 31A, 31B, 31C are arranged and designed so that:

operating the first fastening means 30 does not operate the second fastening means 31A, 31B, 31C, and

- Operate the second fastening means 31A, 31B, 31C does not operate the first fastening means 30.

The upper cover 21 is therefore designed to be open without disassembling the closure cap 20 of the dispensing device 2 and thus without opening the chamber 9, in order to facilitate the maintenance of the closure accessory 1. Moreover, without opening the upper cover 21, it is possible to open the chamber 9 by removing the closure cap 20. It is thus possible to independently access the interior of the compartment 13 and inside the chamber 9. Therefore, the It is particularly easy and safe to install and dismount the closure accessory 1 of the invention, in particular the closure accessory eliminates any risk of accidental water escaping during installation and maintenance. said closure accessory, and in particular for the maintenance of electronic means 14. In this way, maintenance costs are particularly low.

Preferably, the electronic means 14, and in particular the electronic card 17, are attached to the upper cover 21 so as to form an integral subassembly that can be detached from the closure cap 20 without disconnecting said closure cap 20 from the device. 2. The electronic card 17 is preferably secured to the upper cover 21 for example by means of screw tabs 22 so that the disassembly of said upper cover 21 makes it possible to extract at the same time the electronic means 14 of the closing appliance 1, and in particular without désolidariser.le closure cap 20 of the dispensing device 2. Some sensors 8, including the water level sensor, advantageously remains integral with the cap 20. the closing ^* subset integral thus described or even the upper cover 21, may optionally be subject to independent protection and constitutes r an invention as such. Advantageously:

the first fastening means 30 is designed to be operated by means of a first tool for fixing or disengaging the closure cap 20, the second fixing means 31A, 31B, 31C being designed not to be operable by the first tool to fix disengage the upper cover 21, and

the second fastening means 31A, 31B, 31C is designed to be operated by means of a second tool separate from said first tool for fixing or disengaging the upper cover 21, the first fastening means being designed not to be operable by the second tool to fix disengage the closure cap 20. The first and second tools are advantageously different and incompatible, they allow each access respectively to the inside of the chamber 9, or inside the compartment 13, do not both at the same time. Thus, for example, a user provided exclusively with the first tool can access only inside the chamber 9, and not inside the compartment 13, so that there is no risk that this user damages the electronic means or re-establishes them incorrect way. Similarly, for example, another user provided exclusively with the second tool can access only inside the compartment 13, and not inside the chamber 9, so it is not exposed to the risks of an unexpected water escape. Preferably, the second fastening means 31A, 31B, 31C is designed to allow the upper cover 21 to be fastened in at least two distinct positions on the closure cap 20. The upper cover 21 can thus advantageously be fixed so as to be positioned in a position A, to be fixed in a position B, to be fixed in a position C, etc. The electronic means 14 preferably comprising wireless transmission means 14A attached to the upper cover 21, the attachment of said upper cover 21 according to said at least two distinct positions allows in practice to also position the transmission means 14A according to said at least two distinct positions . It is thus possible to direct the transmission / reception means 14A transmission by changing the position of the top cover 21, for example to ^'improve the range of the transmitted signal, by directing the beam of electromagnetic waves emitted by said transmission means 14A, so that said electromagnetic waves are able to cover a portion of the desired space, comprising for example an antenna for receiving messages by electromagnetic waves.

Preferably, the compartment 13 extends along a height axis HH 'from the closure cap 20 to the upper lid 21, said at least two separate positions of the second fastening means 31A, 31B, 31C corresponding at least two different orientations of the upper cover 21, preferably at least three different orientations, about said height axis H-H ', with respect to the closure cap 20.

The height axis HH 'is preferably oriented along an imaginary line orthogonal to and central to the overall disc shape of the closure cap 20. The upper lid 21 may thus preferably be pivoted along several lines. orientations around the height axis HH 'of the compartment 13 before being fixed with a given orientation.

The transmission means 14A, and in particular the transmission antenna 18, "preferentially have a radial arrangement with respect to the height axis HH ¹ , as illustrated for example in FIG. 7, so that the adjustment of the orientation of the upper cover 21 also adjusts the orientation of the transmission means 14A around the height axis HH 'independently of the orientation of the closure cap 20. The orientation of the transmission antenna 18 can advantageously be viewed from the outside using the vertical lateral protrusion 25, which is itself visible from the outside.

Preferably, the closure cap 20 is designed to be fixed to the access opening 28 so that the height axis HH 'is coaxial with said control shaft 7, as illustrated in FIGS. . The height axis H-H 'thus preferably forms a substantially vertical axis with respect to the ground, just like the axis X-X' of the control shaft 7.

The top cover 21 and the closure cap 20 form a ring-shaped compartment 13 for surrounding the control shaft 7, the top cover 21 being provided with a first shaft opening 23, the closure cap 20 being provided with a second shaft passage 24, so that the control shaft 7 can pass through the compartment 13 through the first shaft passage hole 23 and the second shaft hole 24 Advantageously, the first shaft opening 23 and / or the second shaft opening 24 extend towards the interior of the compartment 13 so as to form a sealed shaft passage channel. when the upper cover 21 is fixed on the closure cap 20 to protect the transmission means 14A from moisture from the vicinity of the control shaft 7. The shaft passage channel and / or the first passage opening of tree 23 and / or the second shaft passage 24, preferably have a circular or cylindrical shape whose axis is formed by the height axis HH 'and the axis of rotation XX' of the control shaft 7. In addition, according to this preferred configuration, the closure accessory 1 is integrated in a particularly discrete manner on the dispensing device 2. Thanks to this advantageous configuration, the closure accessory 1 can thus advantageously be placed at the top of the dispensing device. water 2, or at least in a portion located in height, to improve the omnidirectional character and the range of radiation transmission means 14A.

Preferably, the compartment 13 extends longitudinally from the closure cap 20 to the upper cover 21 over a height Hb, and extends transversely over a width Lb greater than the height Hb, preferably at least twice as high. , so that the compartment 13 has a generally flattened shape, the width Lb preferably corresponds to the diameter of the closure cap 20, which is advantageously substantially discoid or annular, and the height Hb to the length of the shaft passage channel, and / or the upper cover 21. The height Hb advantageously corresponds to the maximum height of the latter, and may for example correspond to the distance separating the closure cap 20 to the top of the vertical lateral protrusion 25. The closure accessory 1 thus has a compact shape and likely to follow or follow the curves of the dispensing device 2 sure that it is installed, for example In particular, the closure accessory 1 has a shape compact enough to be disposed on the dispensing device 2 away from a protective device. nose cap 26 of said dispensing device 2. The nose cap 26 preferentially forms an opaque protective cover made of a material allowing the passage of electromagnetic waves. Preferably, the closure accessory 1 is sufficiently compact to fit the shape of the existing nose caps 26. Preferably, the manual control means 6 protrudes from the top of the nose cap 26 and passes through the latter, especially when it is a control square.

Similarly, the closure accessory 1 is of sufficiently compact shape to be disposed on the dispensing device 2 away from an outer trunk (not shown) of said dispensing device 2. The outer trunk preferentially forms an outer envelope opaque protector of the dispensing device 2, and produced in a material allowing the passage of electromagnetic uncles. The outer trunk preferably contains the manual control means 6 especially in the preferred case where the latter forms a control wheel. Preferably, the closure accessory 1 is sufficiently compact to fit the shape of the existing outer boxes.

Preferably, the second fastening means 31A, 31B, 31C comprises:

at least one primary fastening element 31A disposed on the closure cap 20,

at least one secondary fastening element 31B disposed on the upper cover 21, the secondary fastening element 31B being designed to interact with the primary fastening element 31A to allow the attachment of the upper cover 21 to the closure cap 20 .

By "Interact" is preferably meant a removable mechanical fastening action, for example a screwing or clipping, the primary fastener 31A through the secondary fastener 31B.

Preferably, at least one of the primary fasteners 31A is provided to interact with at least one of the secondary fasteners 31B for a given orientation of the top cover 21 on the closure cap 20.

As shown in the figures, the primary fastening elements 31A are advantageously each formed by a screw hole in the closure cap 20, the secondary fastening elements 31B being each formed by a through hole in the top cover 21, so that a screw 31C can at least contribute to secure the upper cover 21 on the closure cap 20 via one of the through holes and one of the screw holes, screws are thus advantageously introduced through the through orifices to the screwthreaded orifices, optionally tapped, so as to keep the upper lid 21 fixed and in contact with the closure cap 20. Preferably, the second fastening means 31A, 31B, 31C comprises at least three screws 31 C associated with three through holes and three screw holes. Preferably, said at least one primary fastening element 31A are identical to each other, said at least one secondary fastening element 31B being identical to each other, so that only one type of screw 31C is necessary, and is suitable for any orientation of the upper cover 21 around the height axis H-H '. Advantageously, the primary fastening elements 31A are arranged in a primary circle whose center is placed on the height axis H-H ', and the secondary fastening elements 31B are arranged in a secondary circle, so that the The center of the latter is placed on height axis HH 'when the upper cover 21 is fixed on the closure cap 20, whatever the orientation of the upper cover 21 about said height axis H-H'. This arrangement in coaxial circles of the primary fasteners 31A and the secondary fasteners 31B provides an isometry of revolution, so that the primary fasteners 31A and the secondary fasteners 31B can be rotated relative to each other while aligning several times as and pivoting, so as to generate several mounting possibilities around the height axis H-H '.

As illustrated, the primary fastening elements 31A are advantageously arranged on the vertices of a primary regular polygon centered on the height axis H-H ', the primary fastening elements 31A being for example formed by three fastening elements primary 31A distributed at the vertices of a primary equilateral triangle. Similarly, the secondary fastening elements 31B are preferably arranged on the vertices of a secondary regular polygon, the secondary fastening elements 31B being for example formed by three secondary fastening elements 31B distributed at the vertices of an isometric equilateral secondary equilateral triangle. equilateral triangle primary. Thus, the primary fastening elements 31A and the secondary fastening elements 31B are advantageously equitablemerrt and regularly distributed all around their respective circle, they can be aligned with each other for several orientations of the upper cover 21 about the axis of height H-H '. Preferably, such an arrangement allows there to be as many possible orientations as fixing elements, and for each of said possibilities of orientations the upper cover 21 can be fixed via all of said elements of fixation, which offers maximum resistance to the said fixation. In the variant of the invention shown in the figures, three orientations are possible, separated by 120 "each, about a vertical axis relative to the ground, and coaxial with the control shaft 7.

Preferably, at least one access port 32 is formed through the upper cover 21 so that it is possible to operate the first fastening means 30 through the upper lid 21 when the latter is attached to the closure cap 20, in order to fix or disengage the closure cap 20 of the dispensing device 2 without disconnecting the upper lid 21 of the closure cap 20. In particular, according to this configuration, the heads of the screwing means of the first fastening means 30 protrude from the closure cap 20, and are accessible through the access ports 32 when the upper cover 21 is fixed on the closure cap 20, as shown for example in Figure 1.

The first fastening means 30 is preferably formed by screwing means of the closure cap on the access opening arranged in a screwing circle whose center is placed on the height axis H-H ', the apertures 32 being arranged in a circle on the upper cover so as to reveal the screwing means when said upper cover is fixed on the closure cap, regardless of the orientation of said upper cover around the height axis (Η -Η '). The provision in a circle, screwing means of the first fixing means 30 also preferably offers the possibility of fixing the closure cap 20 in several distinct orientations around the height axis H-H ', in this case six orientations. distinct, to the extent that there are six means of screwing. This advantageously allows to give the possibility of orienting the position of the sensor 8 integral with said closure cap 20, which is preferably arranged radially to the height axis H-H '.

Preferably, the first fixing means 30 and the second fixing means 31A, 31B, 31C form two concentric circles of screwing means.

Preferably, the screw heads of the first fixing means 30 are different from those of the second fixing means 31A, 31B, 31C. Of course, without departing from the scope of the invention, all or part of the fastening means may alternatively be formed by means of dipsing, stapling, nailing, clamps or clamping means.

The closure accessory 1 may, by way of non-limiting example, be used as follows.

First of all, the water inlet of the dispensing device 2 is cut off. A closure cap initially removed is then removed from the access cover 28 of the dispensing device 2. Next, the upper lid 21 is fixed to the cap of the dispensing device. closing 20, is mounted and fixed by screwing the closure accessory 1 on the access opening 28 gaping through diidit closure cap 20, using the first fastening means 30, the screwing means being accessible through the access orifices 32, the screwing of the first fastening means 30 being performed with the first tool. The provision of the first fastening means 30 allows, during fixing, to orient the closure cap 20 around its height axis HH 'in order to adjust the position of the sensor 8 within the chamber 9. The Water supply can then be restored safely.

This assembly being performed, the upper cover 21 of the closure cap 20 is removed by operating the second fastening means 31A, 31B, 31C with the second tool. There is thus access to the electronic means 14, which makes it possible, for example, to change or renew the reserve of electrical energy. It is then possible to adjust the orientation around the height axis HH 'of the upper cover 21. around the height axis HH 'during the fixing of the upper cover 21 to the closure cap 20 so as to orient the transmission means 14A. The invention also relates as such to a distribution device 2 of water, the kind of post or mouth, fire, drawing, Irrigation, pavement washing, and / or watering of pavement, said dispensing device 2 comprising a chamber 9 provided on the one hand with a water distribution outlet 3 intended to be supplied with water from the interior of the chamber 9 and on the other hand with an opening 28 connecting the outside of the water dispensing device 2 inside of the chamber 9, the dispensing device 2 further comprising a closure accessory 1 such as that described above.

The dispensing device 2 is advantageously in accordance with the foregoing description, and preferably constitutes a fire, road washing or watering pole.

Alternatively, the dispensing device 2 can form a fire hydrant, washway or watering.

POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

The invention finds its industrial application in the design, manufacture and use of closing accessories of a water distribution device chamber.

Claims

1- Accessory for closing (1) a distribution device (2) water, the kind of pole or mouth, fire, drawing, irrigation, washing of the floor, and / or watering of pavement, said dispensing device (2) comprising a chamber (9) provided on the one hand with a water dispensing outlet (3) intended to be fed with water coming from inside the chamber ( 9) and on the other hand an access opening (28) connecting the outside of the water dispensing device (2) to the interior of the chamber (9), the closure accessory (1) comprising:

- a closing button (20) of the access opening (28) adapted to be removably attached to said access opening (28) for sealing the latter,

- an upper cover (21) adapted to be removably attached to the closure cap (20), the upper cover (21) thus fixed to the closure cap (20) forming therewith a compartment (13) containing means electronics (14) for monitoring the dispensing device (2), the closure accessory (1) being characterized in that:

the closure cap (20) is fixed to the access opening (28) by a first fastening means (30) accessible from outside the compartment (13) and the chamber (9),

- the upper cover (21) being fixed to the closure cap (20) by a second fixing means (31A, 31B, 31C) independent of the first fixing means (30) and accessible from outside the compartment (13) and of the chamber (9), so that on the one hand the top cover (21) can be separated from the closure cap (20) while the latter is attached to the access opening (28), and on the other hand, the closure cap (20) can be separated from the access opening (28) while the top cover (21) is attached to said closure cap (20). 2- Closing accessory (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that;

the first fixing means (30) is designed to be operated using a first tool for fixing or disengaging the closure cap (20), the second fixing means (31A, 31B, 31C) being designed to not be operable by the first tool to fix disengage the upper cover (21), and in that

the second fixing means (31A, 31B, 31C) is designed to be operated by means of a second tool distinct from said first tool for fixing or disconnecting the upper cover (21), the first attachment means (30) being designed not to be operable by the second tool to fix disengage the closure cap (20). 3- closure accessory (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electronic means (14) are attached to the upper cover (21) so as to form a fixed subassembly which can be detached from the closure cap (20). ) without separating said closure cap (20) from the dispensing device (2). 4- Closing accessory (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second fixing means (31A, 31B, 31 C) is designed to allow the upper cover (21) to be fixed in at least two separate positions on the closure cap (20). 5- Accessory closure (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the compartment (13) extends along a height axis (Η-Η ') from the closure cap (20) to at the upper cover (21), said at least two distinct positions of the second fastening means (31A, 31B, 31C) correspond to at least two different orientations of the upper cover (21), preferably at least three different orientations, around said height axis (Η-Η '), relative to the closure cap (20). 6 - Accessory closure (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the electronic means (14) comprise wireless transmission means (14A) attached to the upper cover (21) so that the fixing said upper cover (21) according to said at least two distinct positions allows to also position the transmission means (14A) according to said at least two distinct positions.

7 - closure accessory (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5 and according to claim 6, characterized in that, the dispensing device (2) comprises:

a valve for controlling a water inlet in the chamber (9) in order to supply the dispensing outlet (3),

a control shaft (7) of the valve extending substantially vertically with respect to the ground and passing through the access opening (28), the closure cap (20) being adapted to be fixed to the access opening (28) so that the height axis (Η-Η ') is coaxial with said control shaft (7).

8 - Locking accessory (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the upper cover (21) and the closing cap (20) form a compartment (13) of annular shape for surrounding the control shaft (7). ), the upper cover (21) being provided with a first shaft opening (23), the closure cap (20) being provided with a second shaft opening (24), so that the the control shaft (7) can pass through said compartment (13) via the first shaft passage (23) and the second shaft passage (24). 9 - Closing accessory (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, the first shaft opening (23) and / or the second shaft opening (24) extend in the direction of the interior of the compartment (13) to form a sealed shaft passageway when the top cover (21) is attached to the closure cap (20) to protect the transmission means (14A) from moisture from from the vicinity of the control shaft (7). 10-closure accessory (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second fixing means (31A, 31B, 31C) comprises:

at least one primary fastening element (31A) disposed on the closure cap (20),

at least one secondary fastening element (31B) disposed on the upper cover (21), the secondary fastening element (31B) being designed to interact with the primary fastening element (31A) to allow attachment of the upper cover (21) on the closure cap (20). 11-Closing accessory (1) ^' according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said at least one primary fastening element (31A) are identical to each other, said at least one secondary fastening element (31B) being identical to each other. 12-closure accessory (1) according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the primary fastening elements (31A) are each formed by a screw hole in the closure cap (20), the secondary fasteners (31B) each formed by a through hole in the top cover (21), so that a screw can at least contribute to securing the top cover (21) to the closure cap (20) by through one of the through holes and one of the screw holes. . 13-closure accessory (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 9 and according to any one of claims claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the primary fastening elements (31 A) are arranged in a primary circle whose center is placed on the height axis (Η-Η '), and the secondary fastening elements (31B) are arranged in a secondary circle, so that the center of the latter is placed on the height axis (Η-Η ') when the top cover (21) is attached to the closure cap (20) regardless of the orientation of the top cover (21) about said height axis (Η-Η'). 14 -Closing accessory (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that:

the primary fastening elements (31A) are arranged on the vertices of a primary regular polygon centered on the height axis (Η-Η '), the primary fastening elements (31A) being for example formed by three elements of primary fasteners (31A) distributed at the vertices of a primary equilateral triangle,

the secondary fastening elements (31B) are arranged on the vertices of a secondary regular polygon, the secondary fastening elements (31B) being for example formed by three secondary fastening elements (31B) distributed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle; isometric secondary to the primary equilateral triangle 15 -Closing accessory (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one access port (32) is formed through the upper cover (21) so as to so that it is possible to operate the first fastening means (30) through said upper cover (21) when the latter is attached to the closure cap (20), in order to fix or disengage the closure cap (20) of the dispensing device (2) without disengaging the upper cover (21) of the closure cap (20). 16 -Closing accessory (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper cover (21) is made of a material permeable to electromagnetic waves, preferably a polymeric material, for example a mixture of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and ABS / PC polycarbonate. 17 -Closing accessory (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure cap (20) is designed to cap the water dispensing device (2) at its upper part. 18- Locking accessory (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure cap (20) is provided with at least one sensor (8) with a value of an operating parameter or state of the dispensing device (2), for example a sensor (8) for presence of water in the chamber (9), the sensor (8) being placed under the closure cap (20) so as to be arranged within the chamber (9) when said closure cap (20) is attached to the access opening (28), said electronic means (14) including said wireless transmission means (14A) of said parameter value in the form of electromagnetic wave messages transmitted from inside the compartment (13). 19- Device for distributing (2) water, such as post or mouth, fire, drawing, irrigation, pavement washing, and / or pavement watering, said dispensing device (2) comprising a chamber (9) provided on the one hand with a water distribution outlet (3) for supplying water from the interior of the chamber (9) and on the other hand with an access opening (28) connecting the outside of the water dispensing device (2) to the interior of the chamber (9), the dispensing device (2) being characterized in that it further comprises a closure accessory (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18. 20- Dispensing device (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it constitutes a fire hydrant, washway, or watering.