Standpipe with a flushing valve

Abstract

Standpipe for drinking water supply, comprising a standpipe lower section with a standpipe base for connecting the standpipe lower section to a hydrant, in particular an underground hydrant, a standpipe upper section with components provided for supply, and a flushing fitting (1, 20) inserted between the standpipe lower section and the standpipe upper section, which flushing fitting (1, 20) has a base body (2, 21) with an inlet connection (3, 3.1) for connecting the flushing fitting (1, 20) to a liquid supply line and with an outlet connection (4, 4.1) for connecting the flushing fitting (1, 20) to a liquid discharge, and with a split flow channel connecting the connections (3, 4; 3.1, 4.1) with two flow-technically parallel channels (7, 8; 7.1, 8.1), of which a first channel serves as the supply channel (8, 8.1) connecting the inlet connection (3, 3.1) with the outlet connection (4, 4.1) and a second one as a flushing channel (7, 7.1) the inlet connection (3, 3.1) connects to a flushing outlet (9, 9.1), which flushing fitting (1, 20) is further equipped with a valve device for adjusting the flow path through the flushing fitting (1, 20), which can be switched to a flushing position in which a flow path is established between the inlet port (3, 3.1) and the flushing outlet (9, 9.1), and which can be switched to a supply position in which a flow path is established between the inlet port (3, 3.1) and the outlet port (4, 4.1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a flushing valve for connection to a drinking water supply. Furthermore, the invention relates to a standpipe for the drinking water supply equipped with such a flushing valve.

[0002] In connection with a drinking water supply via a liquid supply line, flushing fittings are sometimes used, particularly when a supply connection is put into operation or when the contents of the line need to be replaced due to prolonged stagnation. A drinking water supply can, for example, be provided via a standpipe connected to a hydrant. Such temporary drinking water supplies are set up, for instance, at markets, fairs, construction sites, or similar locations. It is essential to ensure that the dispensed drinking water is not contaminated. Contamination can be introduced, for example, by connecting a standpipe to an underground hydrant. Sometimes, impurities are also found in connecting lines to a hydrant that are not constantly filled with water. These are just a few examples of possible contamination.To flush out contamination before distributing drinking water, flushing standpipes are traditionally used as flushing fittings before commissioning a standpipe connected to a hydrant. These are first connected to the underground hydrant to flush the water supply line and connections. Once this process is complete, this standpipe is replaced with a supply standpipe containing the usual components, such as a water meter, outlet fittings, possibly an outlet distributor, and a backflow preventer. Such a standpipe replacement is complex and can lead to the reintroduction of contamination. Furthermore, it is not guaranteed that a user renting such standpipes will actually use the flushing fitting to flush the drinking water supply system as a first step.

[0003] A modular standpipe is known from DE 20 2017 006 974 U1. This standpipe has a lower section with a base for connection to a hydrant. Furthermore, this lower section has a ball valve and a quick-release coupling located at its end opposite the base. A flushing nozzle or a supply head can be connected to the quick-release coupling. When setting up a drinking water supply, the flushing nozzle is connected first, followed by the supply head after the flushing process is complete. An advantage of this modular standpipe compared to the concept described above is that the connection to the hydrant only needs to be made once. This prevents the introduction of potential contaminants when switching between standpipes used for flushing and supply.

[0004] From DE 20 2014 009 669 U1, a standpipe with a flushing device, safety valve, and protective cap is known. In this previously known standpipe, the water flow branches in the standpipe head, downstream of a water meter. One branch is used as a flushing channel. The other branch is the supply channel. A shut-off valve is installed in each branch. This standpipe can therefore be used for flushing and for the intended supply without requiring any modifications. A disadvantage of this standpipe, which also applies to the standpipes described previously, is that it cannot be guaranteed that a flushing process will be carried out before the water supply is used.Furthermore, with this standpipe, it cannot be guaranteed that contaminated water will not enter the supply line, for example, if contaminants have accumulated in dead spaces upstream of the valve blocking the supply line and were not flushed out during the flushing process. Additionally, with this standpipe, there is a risk that any contaminants carried along could damage the water meter connected to it or increase its wear.

[0005] Based on this discussed prior art, the invention therefore aims to propose a flushing fitting for connection to a drinking water supply, such as a standpipe, which minimizes the disadvantages mentioned in the prior art discussed above.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by a flushing valve for connection to a drinking water supply, which flushing valve has a base body with an inlet connection for connecting the flushing valve to a liquid supply line and with an outlet connection for connecting the flushing valve to a liquid drain and with a split flow channel connecting the connections with two flow-technically parallel channels, of which a first as a supply channel connects the inlet connection to the outlet connection and a second as a flushing channel connects the inlet connection to a flushing outlet, which flushing valve is further equipped with a valve device for adjusting the flow path through the flushing valve, which can be switched to a flushing position in which a flow path between the inlet connection and the flushing outlet is established, and which can be switched to a supply position.in which a flow path is established between the inlet connection and the outlet connection.

[0007] This flushing valve is designed for use in a drinking water supply system. It therefore features an inlet connection for connecting the flushing valve to a liquid inlet, such as a standpipe base. Furthermore, this flushing valve has an outlet connection for connecting it to a liquid outlet, such as a standpipe top section, which serves as the supply head with the components required for the specific supply. The flushing valve can, of course, also be located elsewhere within a standpipe, for example, in a handle. The flushing valve itself comprises a main body to which the two connections are attached. This main body is the valve housing, which is typically compact. A flow channel connects the two connections.The flow channel itself is divided into at least one outlet-side section, specifically into two channels connected in parallel from a flow engineering perspective. One of these channels is a supply channel, connecting the inlet port to the outlet port. The second channel is a flushing channel. This flushing channel connects the inlet port of the main body to a flushing outlet. The flushing valve also features a valve assembly. This valve allows the desired flow path of the flushing valve to be adjusted. The valve assembly can be moved to a flushing position, which provides flow between the inlet port and the flushing outlet. In this position, flow to the outlet port is blocked.In its supply position, the valve assembly provides a flow path between the inlet and outlet ports while simultaneously blocking the flushing outlet. It is also possible to position the valve assembly in other ways, for example, where both the flushing and supply channels are closed.

[0008] The inlet and outlet connections are equipped with the required connecting elements, such as threads, quick-release couplings, or similar fittings. The design of the connections depends on how they are configured to connect to the liquid supply and drainage systems. The two connections of the flushing valve may even differ in design. For example, to connect this flushing valve to a standpipe consisting of a lower section for the liquid supply and an upper section for the drainage, the inlet connection geometry will be designed to match the corresponding connection on the lower section of the standpipe. The same applies to the design of the outlet connection for connecting the upper section of the standpipe to the flushing valve.According to one embodiment, the inlet connection is designed as an external thread and the outlet connection as a complementary internal thread. Adapters for adapting different connection geometries to create a liquid-tight connection between the flushing fitting and a liquid supply line as well as a liquid drain can also be used.

[0009] The ability to connect the flushing valve to a drinking water supply, for example, to a standpipe between an upper and lower standpipe section, offers the advantage that no installation modifications are required to perform flushing before establishing the desired water supply. This only requires actuating the valve assembly to open or close the respective flow path. The moving components of the valve assembly are located in or on the main body. This allows for a design where both valve bodies are actuated with a single action, meaning the valve assembly operates like a shuttle valve.A further advantage is that a flushing process is carried out without exposing other supply components, such as a water meter, a system separator, or similar items, to contamination, particularly abrasive contaminants, from the flowing water. This is because, when the flushing valve is activated, these components are located at the inlet of the upper part of the standpipe, the supply head. Since both the supply channel and the flushing channel run through the same body, this flushing valve can easily be designed and configured to ensure that a flushing process is performed before the supply system is activated. This can be achieved, for example, by providing a standpipe equipped with such a flushing valve with the flushing channel open, and the supply channel can only be opened once the flushing channel is closed.However, even with individual operation of the valve assembly using two mechanically actuated valves, an improvement over the previously discussed state of the art is achieved. With a standpipe equipped with such a flushing valve, the user is reminded of the need to perform the flushing process when opening the hydrant by the drinking water, typically colored by contaminants, that then emerges from the flushing outlet. If the valve assembly is designed with electrical actuators and a control unit, sensors can be used to monitor the quality of the outflowing water, for example, by its light transmission. In such a design, the flushing channel is only closed when the outflowing flushing water has reached a sufficient clarity. The supply channel is then opened. Electric motors and / or electromagnets can be used as electrical actuators to move the valve bodies.

[0010] According to one embodiment of such a flushing valve, the valve assembly has two valve bodies, each of which is arranged in one of the two channels – the flushing channel or the supply channel. These valve bodies can be actuated independently of each other. It is also possible to have the two valve bodies integrally formed with each other. In this case, the flushing valve is designed like a shuttle valve.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, valve body guides are integrally formed on the base body transversely to the parallel channels – supply channel and flushing channel – to guide the valve bodies. The valve bodies themselves can be designed as valve pins. With such a design of the flushing fitting, the geometric design of the channels is particularly simple. It is also quite possible for the valve bodies to be designed as poppet valves. In this case, a corresponding valve seat for the closed position is provided in the base body. The valves can also be designed, for example, as ball valves.

[0012] The free-flowing cross-sectional area of ​​the supply channel is typically several times larger than that of the flushing channel. This ensures that as little free-flowing cross-sectional area as possible is required for the flushing process, which is only performed once during the operation of such a standpipe.

[0013] To prevent unauthorized siphoning of water from the flushing outlet during the flushing process, one embodiment of such a flushing fitting provides that the outlet end of the flushing outlet is molded onto the base body or otherwise makes contact with it. This effectively prevents the attachment of a hose to drain the water exiting the flushing outlet.

[0014] Although the above example describes the use of the flushing valve as part of a standpipe, it is also suitable for flushing other liquid supply lines. Another application is, for example, a drinking water supply line into a building in connection with new connections or repair work. By installing the flushing valve in the drinking water supply line to the building, water present in the liquid supply line that has become excessively warm, for example, due to solar heating, can be flushed out. The supply to the building is only opened once the water temperature reaches that of fresh drinking water in the supply line.

[0015] The invention is explained below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1: A perspective view of a flushing fitting according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2: a longitudinal section view through the flushing fitting of the Fig. 1 in a first position of its valve assembly, Fig. 3: a longitudinal section view through the flushing fitting of the Fig. 1 in another position of its valve assembly, Fig. 4: A longitudinal section view through the flushing fitting of the Fig. 1 in yet another position of its valve assembly, Fig. 5: a perspective view of a flushing fitting according to a further embodiment, Fig. 6: the flushing tap of the Fig. 5 in a longitudinal section with its valve assembly in a first position and Fig. 7: the flushing tap of the Fig. 5 in a longitudinal section with its valve assembly in another position.

[0016] A flushing valve 1 is designed for connection to a drinking water supply. The flushing valve 1 has a base body 2. This body has an inlet connection 3 and an outlet connection 4. In the illustrated embodiment, where the flushing valve 1 is designed for connection to a standpipe, specifically between a standpipe lower section and a standpipe upper section (both not shown in the figures), the inlet connection 3 is equipped with an external thread 5 as a connection thread. The outlet connection has a complementary internal thread 6.

[0017] The further construction of the flushing fitting 1 is shown below based on the Fig. 2 to Fig. 4 explained.

[0018] The main body 2 of the flushing fitting 1 has a dual-channel flow path. This consists of two channels 7, 8 connected in parallel from a flow perspective. Channel 7 is designed as a flushing channel and connects the inlet connection 3 to a flushing outlet 9 (see figure). Fig. 1) The other channel 8 is a supply channel through which the inlet port 3 is connected to the outlet port 4.

[0019] The flushing fitting 1 further comprises a valve assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, this is provided by two valves 10, 11. Each valve 10, 11 has a valve pin 12, 13 as its valve body. The valve pins 12, 13 are each guided in a valve body guide 14, 15 integrally formed with the base body 2, allowing for translational adjustment. Fig. Figure 2 shows the two valve bolts 12, 13 in their position closing the respective channels 7 and 8. A handwheel 16, 17 is used to actuate each valve bolt 12, 13. The handwheels 16, 17 are screwed onto the valve body guides 14, 15 in a manner not shown. An actuating section of each handwheel projects into the respective valve body guide 14, 15 and is kinematically connected to the valve bolt 12, 13 located therein (not shown). The handwheels 16, 17 shown in the figures are schematic representations and are intended only to demonstrate their presence. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve bolts 12, 13 are decoupled from the rotational movement of the respective handwheel 16, 17. The valve bolts 12, 13 carry a circumferential sealing ring in a groove in their end section pointing towards the respective handwheel 16, 17 (not shown in the figures).

[0020] From the presentation of Fig. Figure 2 shows that the freely flowable cross-sectional area of ​​the supply channel 8 is several times larger than that of the flushing channel 7. Fig. Figure 2 further shows the transition from the flushing channel 7 to the flushing outlet 9.

[0021] The outlet end of the flushing spout 9 is, as shown from Fig. 1 recognizably, via a section of its outer surface to the outside of the valve body guide 14 and thus to the base body 2.

[0022] To operate the flushing valve 1, the valve 10 associated with the flushing channel 7 is first opened. For this purpose, the valve bolt 12 is opened by a corresponding rotation of the handwheel 16, as indicated by the arrow in the block. Fig. 2 indicated, in his in Fig. The open position shown in Figure 3 is used. Preferably, the standpipe is provided or delivered with the flushing fitting 1 with the flushing channel 7 open.

[0023] Fig. Figure 3 shows the flushing position of the valve assembly of the flushing fitting 1. In this position, due to the open valve 10, the inlet connection 3 is in fluid communication with the flushing outlet 9. In this position of the valve assembly, the standpipe with the flushing fitting 1 can be connected to an underground hydrant. The hydrant is then opened. The water flowing into the standpipe is discharged into the surrounding area via the flushing outlet 9. After completion of the flushing process, i.e., when clear water flows from the flushing outlet 9, the valve 10 is closed, thereby returning its valve pin 12 to its original position. Fig. The valve is brought to the position shown in section 2. The flushing channel 7 is then closed. Subsequently, by turning the handwheel 17 accordingly, the valve 11 is opened so that the valve bolt 13 is released from its position in Fig. 3 shown locking position in its in Fig. 4 shown open position, as indicated by the block arrow in Fig. As indicated in point 3, the supply channel 8 is then established, thus providing a free flow path from the inlet connection 3 to the outlet connection 4. Only now is the upper part of the standpipe, with the components it supports such as a water meter, a system separator, and the outlet fittings, supplied with water – clear water.

[0024] In an embodiment of the valve 10 for closing the flushing channel 7, not shown in the figures, the handwheel 16 is removed after the flushing process has been completed and the valve 10 has been closed by inserting the valve bolt 12 into the flushing channel 7. Likewise, the operating handle, typically designed as a handwheel, can be designed differently to prevent it from being reopened after the initial closing. For example, a handwheel can be equipped with a freewheel in the closed position. The valve, which then closes the flushing channel, can only be opened with a special tool. Typically, a user of a standpipe does not receive this tool from the utility company, so in such a case, only the utility company can return the standpipe and flushing valve to the flushing position.Of course, simply locking the handwheel, for example with a padlock, is also possible once the valve it operates has been closed. Other measures are also possible to prevent unauthorized opening of the valve associated with the flushing channel after it has been closed for the first time. This effectively prevents unwanted tampering with water. Such a design is particularly useful for standpipes equipped with such a flushing valve that remain installed for several days at markets or fairs, for example. Unauthorized water withdrawal is then prevented.

[0025] Another embodiment of a flushing fitting 20, which is designed in principle like the flushing fitting 1, is shown in the Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 7 shows that this flushing fitting 20 is constructed with respect to the flow paths through the base body 21 in the same way as the flow paths of flushing fitting 1. For this reason, those parts of flushing fitting 20 that are identical to those of flushing fitting 1 are identified with the same reference numerals, supplemented by the suffix ".1". The corresponding explanations regarding these components of flushing fitting 20, presented using flushing fitting 1 as an example, apply equally to flushing fitting 20. Therefore, only the differences between flushing fitting 20 and flushing fitting 1 will be discussed below.

[0026] Flushing fitting 20 differs from flushing fitting 1 in the design of its valve assembly. Flushing fitting 21 also has a valve 11.1 for opening and closing the supply channel 8.1. However, unlike flushing fitting 1, the valve body of valve 10.1 is designed to open and close the flushing channel 7.1. A valve disc 23, serving as the valve body of valve 10.1, is attached to the valve body of valve 11.1, which is also designed as a valve bolt 13.1, via an interposed valve rod 22. The valve rod 22 is integrally formed with the base of the valve bolt 13.1 and extends through a wall 24 separating channels 7.1 and 8.1. Thus, the valve assembly of flushing fitting 20 is designed as a changeover valve. Fig.Figure 6 shows the flushing fitting 20 with its valve assembly in the position in which the flushing channel 7.1 is open and the supply channel 8.1 is closed. In this position, a flow path is established between the inlet connection 3.1 and the flushing outlet 9.1.

[0027] In the second position of the valve assembly, by actuating the handwheel 17.1, the valve bolt 13.1 is moved to its open position, and thus the valve disc 23 is moved to its position closing the flushing channel 7.1 and resting against the valve seat. In this position, free flow is established between the inlet port 3.1 and the outlet port 4.1, while the flushing outlet 9.1 is closed.

[0028] The invention has been described using exemplary embodiments. Without departing from the scope of the applicable claims, a person skilled in the art would recognize numerous possibilities for its implementation, without the need to explain these in detail within the scope of this discussion. Reference symbol list 1 flushing tap 2 basic shapes 3.3.1 Inlet connection 4, 4.1 Outlet connection 5 external threads 6 internal threads 7, 7.1 Flushing channel 8, 8.1 Supply channel 9, 9.1 Flush outlet 10, 10.1 Valve 11, 11.1 Valve 12 valve bolts 13, 13.1 Valve bolt 14 Valve body guide 15 Valve body guide 16 Handwheel 17 Handwheel 20 flushing tap 21 Basic shapes 22 Valve stem 23 valve plates 24 wall QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 202017006974 U1

[0003] DE 202014009669 U1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Flushing fitting for connection to a drinking water supply, which flushing fitting (1, 20) has a base body (2, 21) with an inlet connection (3, 3.1) for connecting the flushing fitting (1, 20) to a liquid supply line and with an outlet connection (4, 4.1) for connecting the flushing fitting (1, 20) to a liquid discharge and with a split flow channel connecting the connections (3, 4; 3.1, 4.1) with two flow-technically parallel channels (7, 8; 7.1, 8.1), of which a first as supply channel connects the inlet connection (3, 3.1) to the outlet connection (4, 4.1) and a second as flushing channel (7, 7.1) connects the inlet connection (3, 3.1) to a flushing outlet (9, 9.1), which flushing fitting (1, 20) furthermore has a valve device for adjustment the flow path through the flushing fitting (1, 20) is equipped, which can be switched to a flushing position in which a flow path between the inlet connection (3, 3.1) and the flushing outlet (9, 9.1) is manufactured, and which can be switched into a supply position in which a flow path is established between the inlet port (3, 3.1) and the outlet port (9, 9.1). [2] Flushing fitting according to claim 1, characterized by , that the valve assembly has two valve bodies (12, 13; 13.1, 23), one of which is intended to open or close the supply channel (8, 8.1) or the flushing channel (7, 7.1). [3] Flushing fitting according to claim 1, characterized by that the valve assembly is designed as a changeover valve. [4] Flushing fitting according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that valve body guides (14, 15) are integrally formed on the base body (2, 21) transversely to the channels (7, 8; 7.1, 8.1) which run parallel over a channel section, in which a valve body (12, 13; 13.1, 23) is adjustably guided to open and close one of the two channels (7, 8; 7.1, 8.1). [5] Flushing fitting according to claim 4, characterized by , that the valve bodies are designed as independent valve bolts (12, 13) which are each connected to a manually operable actuating element, such as a handwheel (16, 17), or to an actuator, in particular an electrically driven actuator, such as an electric motor or an electromagnet, for their translational adjustment. [6] Flushing fitting according to claim 4, characterized by , that the two valve bodies (13.1, 23) are molded together. [7] Flushing fitting according to claim 6, characterized by , that one of the two valve bodies is designed as a valve bolt (13.1) and the other valve body as a valve disc (23). [8] Flushing fitting according to claim 7, characterized by , that the valve bolt (13.1) is connected to a manually operable actuator, such as a handwheel (17.1) or an actuator, in particular an electrically driven actuator, such as an electric motor or an electromagnet, for the translational adjustment of the two valve bodies. [9] Flushing fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the cross-sectional area through which flow passes through the supply channel (8, 8.1) is several times larger than the cross-sectional area through which flow passes through the flushing channel (7, 7.1). [10] Flushing fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the outlet end of the rinsing outlet (9, 9.1) is connected to the base body (2, 21), in particular is molded onto it. [11] Flushing fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the inlet connection (3, 3.1) for connection to a liquid supply line has a connection thread designed as an external thread (6) and the outlet connection (4, 4.1) for connection to a liquid discharge has a connection thread designed as an internal thread (6). [12] Flushing fitting according to claim 11, characterized by that the two connecting threads (5, 6) are of the same thread size. [13] Standpipe for drinking water supply, comprising a standpipe lower part with a standpipe foot for connecting the standpipe lower part to a hydrant, in particular an underground hydrant, a standpipe upper part with the components provided for supply and a flushing fitting (1, 20) inserted between the standpipe lower part and the standpipe upper part according to one of claims 1 to 12.

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