DEVICE FOR MONITORING A HYDRANT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for monitoring a hydrant and a method for manufacturing such a device. The invention further relates to a method for monitoring a hydrant.

[0002] Monitoring devices for hydrants are known.

[0003] For example, EP 2 749 860 A1 discloses such a monitoring device with a signal unit with a detector unit for detecting the condition in a water pipe network and / or on the hydrant with a battery, a transmitting antenna and an antenna arranged externally on an attachment pipe of the hydrant.

[0004] WO 2007 / 012631 A1 discloses a monitoring arrangement for a fire hydrant, comprising an alarm element, an electronic signal generator with a transmitting antenna and a transmitting module, a power source, and a triggering element, wherein all of said elements are arranged in a protective cover. The alarm element is designed and arranged such that it is separated from a triggering element when the protective cover is opened. Furthermore, a switch (e.g., reed switch, proximity sensor, contact blade) is configured to detect said separation and subsequently establish an electrical connection between the power source and the alarm element. The signal generator is capable of emitting a signal indicating the opening of the protective cover of the extraction point.

[0005] US 7,980,317 B1 discloses a so-called "smart monitor" for a hydrant. It proposes an electronic monitoring device that performs various monitoring measures for the hydrant. A monitoring device is disclosed that is arranged in a monitor module on a hydrant's cover cap and performs various monitoring tasks. Data transmission can be provided via an RF transceiver for transmitting the data via GSM. An electronic monitoring unit is arranged in a module on a hydrant's cover cap, whereby activation of the hydrant is detected by turning an operating nut. A group of hydrants can thus be monitored via a web browser.

[0006] WO 2012 / 079498 A1 discloses a monitoring device for detecting water theft from a hydrant. The monitoring device comprises the following elements: an electronics unit, an antenna, and a battery, all of which are arranged beneath a cover cap of the hydrant. The electronics unit includes a Hall sensor that detects the spatial displacement of a magnet on a shaft relative to the Hall sensor.

[0007] US 8,614,745 B1 discloses a monitoring system for a fire hydrant that can detect fraudulent tampering with the fire hydrant. Disclosed is a device on a collar of the fire hydrant that is divided into four separate quadrants. The four quadrants are arranged at an upper portion of a fire hydrant body below an upper flange of the fire hydrant body. A television camera is installed in each of the quadrants, each television camera facing outward and having a field of view of at least 90 degrees.

[0008] WO 2011 / 159403 A1 discloses infrastructure monitoring devices with extensive sensor concepts designed to detect fraudulent manipulation of water distribution infrastructure (e.g. a hydrant).

[0009] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved device for monitoring a hydrant.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the object is achieved with a device for monitoring a hydrant, comprising: a detection device for detecting the activation of the hydrant; and a signaling device by means of which the activation of the hydrant can be wirelessly signaled, wherein the detection device and the signaling device can be arranged or are arranged in a closure element of the hydrant, wherein a standardized outgoing coupling of the hydrant can be closed by means of the closure element, characterized in that the detection device has two technically different sensors, wherein the activation of the hydrant (300) can be detected with at least one of the sensors, wherein a first sensor is designed as a position sensor for detecting a defined rotation of the closure element and wherein a second sensor is designed as a water sensor for detecting water within the hydrant, wherein the second sensor is designed as a capacitive sensor,which detects an approach of water to an electrode of the second sensor in a capacitive manner, whereby it is detected whether a cover element spaced from the electrode of the second sensor is in contact with air or at least partially with water.

[0011] In this way, efficient hydrant monitoring can be achieved while maintaining high system compatibility with existing hydrant systems. Existing hydrants can be easily retrofitted with the device with minimal effort, for example, by integrating it into a web-based monitoring network. Because the device detects any activation of the hydrant, a high level of operational reliability can be achieved.

[0012] According to a second aspect, the object is achieved by a method for producing a device for monitoring a hydrant, comprising the steps: Providing a detection device for detecting the activation of the hydrant; and providing a signaling device, wherein the detection device and the signaling device are designed such that they can be arranged or are arranged in a closure element for closing a standardized outlet coupling of the hydrant, wherein two technically different sensors are provided for the detection device, wherein the activation of the hydrant can be detected with at least one of the sensors, wherein a first sensor is provided as a position sensor for detecting a defined rotation of the closure element and wherein a second sensor is provided as a water sensor for detecting within the hydrant, wherein the second sensor is provided as a capacitive sensor that detects the approach of water to an electrode of the second sensor in a capacitive manner, wherein it is detected,whether a cover element spaced from the electrode of the second sensor is in contact with air or at least partially with water.

[0013] According to a third aspect, the object is achieved by a method for monitoring a hydrant, comprising the steps: Detecting the activation of the hydrant by means of a detection device arranged in a closure element for closing a standardized outgoing coupling of the hydrant; wherein two technically different sensors are used for detection, wherein the activation of the hydrant can be detected with at least one of the sensors, wherein a first sensor is designed as a position sensor for detecting a defined rotation of the closure element and wherein a second sensor is designed as a water sensor for detecting within the hydrant, wherein the second sensor is designed as a capacitive sensor that capacitively detects the approach of water to an electrode of the second sensor, wherein it is detected whether a cover element spaced apart from the electrode of the second sensor is in contact with air or at least partially with water;and wireless signaling of the activation of the hydrant by means of a signaling device arranged in the hydrant's terminal element.

[0014] Advantageous further developments of the device are the subject of respective dependent claims.

[0015] An advantageous further development of the device is characterized in that the detection device and the signaling device can be arranged or are arranged in a standardized end element of the hydrant.

[0016] This advantageously allows the device to be used for all hydrants. This allows individual hydrants or even entire hydrant parks to be easily equipped or retrofitted with the monitoring device according to the invention.

[0017] An advantageous further development of the device is characterized in that the detection device and the signaling device can be arranged or are arranged in a standardized end element with B diameter of the hydrant.

[0018] In this way, any common hydrant type can be retrofitted with the proposed device, since each such hydrant typically has a standardized B-diameter closure element. This advantageously supports the cost- and time-saving retrofitting of entire, existing hydrant parks.

[0019] A further advantage of the water sensor is that it can be used to reliably check whether the hydrant column of the closed hydrant has been properly emptied and whether the hydrant is therefore in a frost-proof condition.

[0020] A further advantageous development of the device is characterized in that the signaling device has a radio module with which a radio-based message can be sent to a management device.

[0021] For example, a message can be transmitted to a database, optionally including the hydrant's parameters. The message can be sent in the form of an SMS, email, data packet, etc., allowing for a timely response to the hydrant's activation.

[0022] A further advantageous development of the device is characterized in that a GSM network and / or a UMTS network can be used to transmit the radio-based message.

[0023] In this way, the message can also be transmitted across mobile networks of different generations. Advantageously, existing mobile networks can be used for data transmission, eliminating the need for proprietary, separate receiving and transmitting stations.

[0024] A further advantageous development of the device provides for automatic access to multiple GSM radio networks (national roaming). This ensures reliable transmission of radio-based messages.

[0025] A further advantageous development of the device provides that the signaling device has an antenna.

[0026] The antenna can be used to provide efficient communication characteristics of the signaling device.

[0027] A further advantageous development of the device provides that the antenna is designed as a helix antenna.

[0028] In this way, an easy-to-implement antenna concept is provided which is cost-effective to implement and has good radiation characteristics.

[0029] A further advantageous development of the device provides that the helix antenna is designed to be multi-band capable.

[0030] In this way, the above-mentioned ability of the device to operate in different mobile networks is provided.

[0031] Further preferred developments of the device are characterized in that the antenna is designed as a rod antenna or as a PCB antenna or as a planar antenna.

[0032] This provides several alternative and different antenna concepts for the device. This allows for the implementation of the best possible antenna, adapted to different reception, transmission, and system conditions.

[0033] A further advantageous development of the device is characterized in that the planar antenna is designed as a metallic element arranged in a plastic part of the terminating element.

[0034] In this way, the terminating element can advantageously be used at least partially as an antenna.

[0035] A further advantageous development of the device provides that the device has a locating device.

[0036] This advantageously allows the position of the device to be detected, which simplifies maintenance and / or installation work on the hydrant.

[0037] The invention is described in detail below with further features and advantages using several figures. Identical or functionally equivalent elements have the same reference numerals. The figures are intended, in particular, to explain the principle of the invention and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For the sake of clarity, not all reference numerals are shown for all elements in all figures. Elements that are not essential to the invention are not explained in detail.

[0038] The device according to the invention comprises the device both in a state not arranged in the closure element ("attachable state") and in a state arranged in the closure element ("intended attachment position").

[0039] Disclosed device features result analogously from corresponding method features, and vice versa. This means that features, technical advantages, and embodiments relating to the device for monitoring a hydrant result analogously from corresponding features, technical advantages, and embodiments relating to the method for producing a device for monitoring a hydrant and corresponding features, technical advantages, and embodiments relating to the method for monitoring a hydrant, and vice versa.

[0040] The wording "or" used below includes in particular the wording "and / or".

[0041] In the figures shows: Fig. 1 and 2 are sectional views of a cover capsule of a hydrant with an embodiment of the device according to the invention; Fig. 3 and 4 are perspective sectional views of the arrangement of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 5 an exploded view of the arrangement of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 6 shows an above-ground hydrant with a standardized fixed coupling and a cover capsule arranged thereon with the device according to the invention; Figs. 7 to 10 show schematic representations of different antenna concepts for the device according to the invention; and Fig. 11 shows a schematic sequence of an embodiment of a method for producing a device for monitoring a hydrant. Description of embodiments

[0042] The unauthorized use of hydrants is increasingly presenting water suppliers with major challenges. On the one hand, this distorts water balances, making it difficult to determine losses. On the other hand, improper operation of hydrants often leads to consequential damage that is more serious than the theft of the water itself. Another issue to consider is the hygiene risks to drinking water pipes when construction machinery is connected directly to hydrants without a safety valve.

[0043] Numerous passive security elements for hydrants are known, for example, in the form of seals or safety caps, which cannot be operated with a standardized operating key. The disadvantage is that a seal does not prevent the hydrant from being used, and special keys can be easily copied.

[0044] A core idea of ​​the invention is to create an electronic device that makes it easy to detect the opening or activation of a hydrant and to signal it wirelessly to a higher-level unit.

[0045] The term "hydrant" refers to complete above-ground hydrants for firefighting according to ÖNORM EN 14384, including the associated national specifications according to ÖNORM F 2010, and complete underground hydrants for firefighting according to ÖNORM EN 14339, as well as all corresponding standardization regulations of other countries (e.g., DIN 3222 Part 1, etc.). The term "standardized outlet coupling" refers to both a "standardized fixed coupling" of an above-ground hydrant and a "standardized claw coupling" of an underground hydrant.

[0046] A standardized end element is understood to mean, in particular, a B-cover capsule made of grey cast iron or aluminium alloy in accordance with DIN 14318 or a blind coupling in accordance with DIN 14312.

[0047] Compared to known systems, the proposed device has the advantage that it can be integrated into a hydrant closure element, preferably a standardized hydrant closure element designed to close a standardized hydrant outlet coupling. This allows existing systems to be easily and cost-effectively upgraded and / or retrofitted with the device. Entire hydrant parks can thus be cost-effectively upgraded or retrofitted with the device, advantageously saving hydrant operators (e.g., municipal waterworks) considerable effort and expense.

[0048] As a result, the device advantageously makes it possible to detect both authorized and unauthorized activation of the hydrant and wirelessly signal this to a higher-level unit (e.g., a municipal waterworks). Once activation of the hydrant is detected, appropriate measures can be taken, e.g., to apprehend the perpetrator, verify that the hydrant has been properly closed, etc.

[0049] Fig. 1 shows, in principle, a sectional view of an embodiment of the proposed device 100, which is arranged in a closure element 20, preferably in a standardized closure element 20 for closing a standardized fixed coupling of an above-ground hydrant. A signaling device can be seen, preferably in the form of a mobile radio module 4 (e.g., a GSM module, UMTS module, LTE module, etc.), which is supplied with electrical energy by a power supply device 5, preferably a battery (e.g., a Li-ion cell). The signaling device is functionally connected to an antenna 1, by means of which a radio-based signal is sent when the hydrant is activated, e.g., in the form of an SMS, email, message via an app, data packet, etc.

[0050] Furthermore, two technologically differently designed sensors 6, 7 are provided, each of which responds to different events in connection with the commissioning of the hydrant and then initiates the transmission of the radio-based signal.

[0051] The first sensor 6 is designed as a position or inclination sensor. The first sensor 6 is intended to detect a defined movement or rotation of the closure element 20. For this purpose, the position sensor detects a movement of the closure element 20, e.g., in the form of a defined rotation, such as occurs when the closure element 20 is opened.

[0052] The second sensor 7 is designed as a capacitive water sensor that capacitively detects the approach of water to an electrode of the second sensor 7. The capacitive water sensor comprises two electrodes, with a measurement being performed on air or water. It is detected whether a cover element 30 spaced apart from the electrode of the second sensor 7 is in contact with air or at least partially with water.

[0053] The device 100 can advantageously be integrated into a standardized cover capsule according to DIN 14318 or a standardized blind coupling according to DIN 14312. This advantageously allows any above-ground hydrant according to EN 14384 to be equipped or retrofitted with the monitoring device according to the invention. The device 100 can also advantageously be integrated into a cover capsule for closing a claw coupling of an underground hydrant.

[0054] In this way, entire hydrant parks can be equipped with the device according to the invention in a simple and cost-effective manner. Preferably, the device, including all components, can be integrated into a closure element 20 with a B diameter ("B cover capsule"). This also supports the device's ability to be integrated into all hydrants, because common hydrant types generally have at least one B outlet coupling, which is closed with a B cover capsule. The cost of retrofitting the hydrant with the device according to the invention can therefore advantageously be kept very low.

[0055] The complete arrangement of the device within the end element 20 supports discreet monitoring of the hydrant.

[0056] Advantageously, all components of the device 100—i.e., the power supply device 5, electronic components including the circuit board 3, sensors 6, 7, the mobile radio module 4, and the antenna 1—are arranged or can be arranged in the closure element 20. This advantageously ensures good radiation characteristics of the antenna 1 and good protection for the entire device. This advantageously makes it possible to equip a hydrant with only a single device and enable complete monitoring. This is achieved by the position sensor being activated if the closure element is rotated (e.g., using an operating key for above-ground hydrants according to ÖNORM F 2012).

[0057] In the event that the hydrant is put into operation by rotating a closure element 20 without the device 100, the water level inside the hydrant rises as a result of the operation and the second sensor 7 of the device 100 arranged in the non-rotated closure element 20 detects the rising water level.

[0058] The result is a simple and complete monitoring of the hydrant during commissioning.

[0059] The two technologically different sensors 6, 7 ensure that only a single device 100 is required for monitoring each hydrant.

[0060] In case of detection of the hydrant being put into operation, a radio-based GSM message is transmitted to a central management or communication device (not shown in figures), which records, for example, the time of commissioning and other technical data of the hydrant.

[0061] When commissioning the hydrant, it may also be provided that a test signal is sent to the central management device, whereby a field strength of the radio signal sent by the signalling device is recorded.

[0062] During initial installation, it may also be provided that the device is initially switched to active mode by means of an external magnet and a reed switch or contact 17 arranged on a circuit board of the second sensor 7. For this purpose, the external magnet interacts with the reed switch 17 without contact, so that the reed switch 17 triggers an initial transmission of the radio-based signal to the management device.

[0063] This advantageously supports the protection of the energy supply device 5 because the first sensor 6 does not undesirably trigger each time vibrations occur during transport of the device and thus initiates undesirable transmissions of radio-based messages.

[0064] Advantageously, during commissioning, it is possible to transfer the latest firmware from the management device to the device. This makes it easy to keep the firmware of electronic components of the device 100 up-to-date at all times.

[0065] Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that the device 100 transmits a radio-based status signal to the management device at regular intervals (e.g. monthly) in the idle state, with which, for example, a battery status is transmitted, whereby it can be recognized that the monitoring device is still in a functional state.

[0066] Advantageously, it can also be provided that, in the event that activation of the hydrant has been detected, a defined time (e.g., a few minutes) is waited until the device 100 becomes sensitive again. In this way, multiple transmissions of radio-based messages during the same activation process of the hydrant, and thus unnecessary electrical energy consumption, can be avoided.

[0067] The energy supply device 5 (e.g. a battery) is dimensioned such that it supplies the device 100 with electrical energy over a defined minimum period of time or is designed for a defined number of radio-based signalings.

[0068] As a result, entire hydrant parks can be monitored easily and efficiently. This includes the detection of both authorized and unauthorized activation of hydrants, with the higher-level authority being able to perform an inspection of the hydrant after each activation.

[0069] An embodiment not shown in the figures provides that underground hydrants can also be monitored in the manner explained above, in which case the device 100 according to the invention is arranged in a preferably standardized cover cap for closing a standardized claw coupling of the underground hydrant.

[0070] Fig. 2 shows an enlarged view of section A of Fig. 1 .

[0071] Fig. 3 shows a perspective cross-sectional view through a proposed closure element 20 of a hydrant, in which a device 100 with all components is arranged.

[0072] The circuit board 3, on which electronic components and the mobile radio module 4 are arranged, is visible. Furthermore, the first sensor 6 for detecting the rotation of the terminating element 20 is arranged on the circuit board 3. An electrical connection line to the coiled spring antenna or helix antenna 1 is visible, with the electrical connection line being routed within an insulating element 8.

[0073] The insulating element 8 has suitable geometric dimensions and a suitable ohmic resistance, which provides suitable electrical insulation properties for electrically insulating the antenna 1 from the antenna module 2. The insulating element 8 is preferably formed from a suitable plastic material, e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and thus forms a PTFE socket that centers or supports the connecting line of the antenna 1 within the antenna module 2. In this way, the insulating element 8, together with the antenna module 2, which is preferably made of brass, seals the antenna 1 from the environment, thereby advantageously improving the operating conditions for the antenna 1.

[0074] A reed switch 17 is preferably arranged at a central position on a circuit board of the second sensor 7. This reed switch is used to switch the device 100 into active mode upon contactless interaction with an external magnet (not shown) shortly before the device 100 is mounted in the termination element 20. Upon this event, a first message is wirelessly transmitted to the management device.

[0075] The antenna 1 is protected by a sheathing element 9 of the terminating element 20. The sheathing element 9 is preferably made of a plastic material and can be fixed in the aluminum material of the terminating element 20 by means of a snap closure. The winding of the antenna 1 has suitable pitches, thereby realizing favorable electromagnetic radiation behavior of the antenna 1. Preferably, the helix antenna has at least two different pitches, thereby realizing radiation in at least two mobile radio frequency ranges. In this way, multi-band capability is realized for the helix antenna, so that it can operate in mobile radio networks of several generations (e.g., GSM, UMTS, LTE, etc.).

[0076] In a variant not shown, the casing element 9 has an internal thread with which it can be screwed to the antenna module 2.

[0077] Fig. 4 shows the arrangement of Fig. 3 in a perspective sectional view from below. The mobile radio module 4 arranged on the circuit board 3 and functionally connected thereto can be seen, as well as one of at least two fixing elements 11 (e.g., screws) with which the circuit board 3 is fixed to the antenna module 2. The cover element 30, after being screwed to the end element 20, provides a cavity in which the entire device 100 for monitoring the hydrant is arranged in a well-protected manner.

[0078] Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of the device 100. For the sake of clarity, the mobile radio module 4 arranged on the circuit board 3 and other electronic components arranged on the circuit board 3 are not shown. A first sealing element 10 can be seen, preferably in the form of a flat gasket for sealing the end element 20 with the standardized output coupling (not shown). Also visible is a second sealing element 12 (e.g., in the form of an O-ring) for sealing the cover element 30 with the end element 20. A securing element 13, preferably in the form of a snap ring, serves to fix the position of the second sensor 7.

[0079] When screwed together, the closure element 20 forms a pressure-tight unit with the cover element 30, in which the device 100 for monitoring the hydrant is protected. It can be seen that the plastic covering element 9 can be inserted into a projection of the closure element 20, thus creating a triangular engagement element for applying an operating key to rotate the closure element 20.

[0080] The second sensor 7 in the form of a circuit board with two oppositely arranged electrode surfaces is arranged below the energy supply device 5 and detects water ingress into the hydrant without contact between water and the second sensor 7 capacitively through the cover element 30. In this case, an approach of water to the second sensor 7 is detected due to the hydrant being put into operation.

[0081] A further embodiment of the device 100, not shown in the figures, provides for it to have a preferably GPS-based locating device. Using the locating device, the hydrant can be easily located (e.g., for the purpose of commissioning or servicing the device 100).

[0082] In a further preferred embodiment of the device 100 not shown in the figures, it is provided that the signaling device sends an initialization message to the management device during installation and in this way a signal strength of the signal emitted by the signaling device can be determined.

[0083] Fig. 6 shows an elevational view of a hydrant 300 with a standardized outlet coupling 310 in the form of a standardized fixed coupling, which is closed with the proposed closure element 20. For the sake of clarity, the components of the device 100 within the closure element 20 are not shown.

[0084] The following are based on the Figuren 7 bis 10 several alternative antenna concepts for the device 100 are briefly explained.

[0085] Fig. 7 shows, in principle, an antenna 1 designed as a rod antenna. The rod antenna can be easily attached to the enveloping element 9 along the extended axis of the terminating element 20. This advantageously allows an antenna 1 with good radiation characteristics to be realized in a simple manner.

[0086] Fig. 8 schematically shows another antenna in the form of a prefabricated antenna element that is soldered onto a thin, approximately 1 mm to approximately 2 mm thick antenna circuit board 15, with the antenna element being electrically powered by a thin RF cable 14. In this way, only a minor intervention in the standardized termination element 20 is required to implement the antenna 1, requiring only a small-diameter hole for the RF cable 14. The antenna element 1 is preferably overmolded using a potting compound. In this way, an integrated SMD chip antenna is realized.

[0087] Fig. 9 shows another variant of an antenna element with a high-frequency feed through an RF line 14. In the right section of Fig. 8 The antenna element can be seen arranged on the outside of the termination element 20. As a result, a planar antenna 1 arranged in the termination element 20 can be realized.

[0088] Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of another antenna concept, wherein the terminating element 20 in this case is made at least partially of plastic material. The antenna 1 can be designed, for example, as a metal stamping, a wire mesh, or an antenna circuit board (not shown) and placed within the plastic material. The radiation from the antenna 1 occurs through the plastic material of the terminating element 20. In this way, a good radiation characteristic for the antenna 1 can be realized.

[0089] A concentrically formed section 20a of the termination element 20, which is made of plastic material, is indicated. A sealing plane 16 indicates a functional separation of the sections 20a from the remaining metallic termination element 20. This also advantageously allows the antenna 1, including the associated electronics, to be implemented on an antenna circuit board 15 (not shown).

[0090] In this alternative, the parts subject to high mechanical stress (round thread, actuating triangle) can be made of metal. The outer area 20a forms a protective ring for the claws of the fixed coupling and protects them from contamination.

[0091] The electrical power consumption of device 100 is advantageously dimensioned such that proper operation of device 100 is possible over a defined period of time (e.g., at least approximately eight years) and / or such that a defined number of hydrant activations can be detected and signaled. For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that the power supply device 5 is promptly replaced if the voltage drops below a defined electrical threshold.

[0092] Fig. 11 shows a basic flow diagram of a method for manufacturing a device for monitoring a hydrant.

[0093] In a step 200, a detection device for detecting the commissioning of the hydrant 300 is provided.

[0094] In a step 210, a signaling device is provided, wherein the detection device and the signaling device are designed such that they can be arranged or are arranged in a closure element 20 for closing a standardized outgoing coupling 310 of the hydrant 300, wherein two technically different sensors 6, 7 are provided for the detection device, wherein at least one of the sensors 6, 7 can detect the start-up of the hydrant 300, wherein a first sensor 6 is provided as a position sensor for detecting a defined rotation of the closure element 20 and wherein a second sensor 7 is provided as a water sensor for detecting within the hydrant 300, wherein the second sensor 7 is provided as a capacitive sensor which detects the approach of water to an electrode of the second sensor 7 in a capacitive manner, wherein it is recognizedwhether a cover element 3 spaced from the electrode of the second sensor 7 is in contact with air or at least partially with water.

[0095] The execution of the two steps 200 and 210 can advantageously be interchanged.

[0096] In summary, the invention proposes an electronic monitoring device for a hydrant that provides an efficient and cost-effective concept for monitoring hydrants and is suitable for equipping and / or retrofitting any type of hydrant. Advantageously, the proposed monitoring device allows even very old hydrant parks to be cost-effectively retrofitted with the device, thus easily bringing them to a high level of safety. This advantageously supports the long and safe operation of hydrant parks.

[0097] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. List of reference symbols

[0098] 1 Antenna 2 Antenna module 3 Circuit board 4 Mobile radio module 5 Battery 6 1st sensor 7 2nd sensor 8 Insulating element 9 Enclosure element 10 1st sealing element 11 Fixing element 12 2nd sealing element 13 Securing element 14 RF cable 15 Antenna circuit board 16 Sealing layer 17 Reed switch 20 End element 20a Section 30 Cover element 100 Device 200...210 Process steps 300 Hydrant 310 Standardized outgoing coupling A Section

Claims

1. A device (100) for monitoring a hydrant (300), comprising: - a detection device for detecting commissioning of the hydrant (300); and - a signaling device by means of which commissioning of the hydrant (300) can be signaled wirelessly, wherein the detection device and the signaling device can be arranged or are arranged in a terminating element (20) of the hydrant (300), wherein, by means of the terminating element (20), a standardized output coupling (310) of the hydrant (300) can be closed, wherein the detection device comprises two technically different sensors (6, 7), wherein with at least one of the sensors (6, 7) commissioning of the hydrant (300) can be detected, characterized in that a first sensor (6) is formed as a position sensor for detecting a defined twist of the terminating element (20), wherein a second sensor (7) is formed as a water sensor for detecting water within the hydrant (300), wherein the second sensor (7) is formed as a capacitive sensor with two electrodes, which detects an approach of water to an electrode of the second sensor (7) in a capacitive manner, wherein it is detected as to whether a cover element (30) spaced apart from the electrode of the second sensor (7) contacts air or contacts water at least partly.

2. The device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection device and the signaling device can be arranged or are arranged in a standardized terminating element (20) of the hydrant (300).

3. The device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the detection device and the signaling device can be arranged or are arranged in a standardized terminating element (20) with B-diameter of the hydrant (300).

4. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signaling device comprises a radio module (4) by means of which a radio-based message can be sent to a management device.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that a GSM network and / or an UMTS network can be used for transmission of the radio-based message.

6. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signaling device comprises an antenna (1).

7. The device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the antenna (1) is formed as a helix antenna.

8. The device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the helix antenna is formed as a multiband capable antenna.

9. The device (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the antenna (1) is formed as a rod antenna or as a PCB antenna or as a planar antenna.

10. The device (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the planar antenna is formed as a metallic element arranged in a plastic part of the terminating element (20).

11. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (100) comprises a locating device.

12. A method for manufacturing a device (100) for monitoring a hydrant (300) comprising the steps: - providing a detection device for detecting commissioning of the hydrant (300); and - providing a signaling device, wherein the detection device and the signaling device are formed such they can be arranged or are arranged in a terminating element (20) for closing a standardized output coupling of the hydrant (300), wherein two technically different sensors (6, 7) are provided for the detection device, wherein commissioning of the hydrant (300) can be detected with at least one of the sensors (6, 7), wherein a first sensor (6) is provided as a position sensor for detecting a defined twist of the terminating element (20) and wherein a second sensor (7) is provided as a water sensor for detecting water within the hydrant (300), wherein the second sensor (7) is provided as a capacitive sensor with two electrodes, which is detecting an approach of water to an electrode of the second sensor (7) in a capacitive manner, wherein it is detected as to whether a cover element (30) spaced apart from the electrode of the second sensor (7) contacts air or contacts water at least partly.

13. The method for monitoring a hydrant (300) comprising the steps: - detecting commissioning of the hydrant (300) by means of a detection device which is arranged in a terminating element (20) for closing a standardized output coupling (310) of the hydrant (300), wherein two technically different sensors (6, 7) are used for detection, wherein commissioning of the hydrant (300) can be detected with at least one of the sensors (6, 7), wherein a first sensor (6) is formed as a position sensor for detecting a defined twist of the terminating element (20) and wherein a second sensor (7) is formed as a water sensor for detecting water within the hydrant (300), wherein the second sensor (7) is formed as a capacitive sensor with two electrodes, which is detecting an approach of water to an electrode of the second sensor (7) in a capacitive manner, wherein it is detected as to whether a cover element (30) spaced apart from the electrode of the second sensor (7) contacts air or contacts water at least partly, and - wireless signaling of commissioning of the hydrant (300) by means of a signaling device arranged in the terminating element (20) of the hydrant (300).

14. The method according to claim 13, furthermore comprising the step: - transmitting a test signal of the signaling device to a communication device during initial commissioning of the hydrant (300).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein localization of the hydrant (300) is carried out by means of a locating device of the hydrant (300).