Shut-off device for connection to a water supply system, water supply system with shut-off device, and method for operating the shut-off device in the water supply system

Abstract

Illustrated and described is a shut-off device for connection to a water supply system and for limiting the flow of water in the water supply system through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1''), wherein: the shut-off device (1, 1', 1'') comprises a shut-off member (3, 3', 3'') for setting the water throughflow; the shut-off member (3, 3', 3'') has an actuation device (4, 4', 4'') so that an operator can adjust the shut-off member (3, 3', 3''); the shut-off device (1, 1', 1'') comprises a blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5'') for blocking and / or throttling the flow of water through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1''), in particular through the shut-off member (3, 3', 3''); no water pipe (7, 7'') or one that is devoid of branching is provided in the direct connection of the shut-off member (3, 3', 3'') and the blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5''); the blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5'') is designed for automatically prescribing a maximum flow of water through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1''), which varies as required in terms of time and / or location, independently of an actuation of the actuation device (4, 4', 4'') according to fixed specifications on the part of the water supplier and / or according to current operating parameters of the water supply system and / or according to forecast values relating to the water supply system. The shut-off device ensures that it is always possible to adjust the supply and demand of water in the water supply system in an expedient manner.

Description

[0001] Shut-off device for connection to a water supply system, water supply system with shut-off device and method for operating the shut-off device in the water supply system

[0002] The invention relates to a shut-off device for connecting to a water supply system and for limiting the flow of water from the water supply system through the shut-off device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a water supply system with a corresponding shut-off device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating the shut-off device in the water supply system.

[0003] Shut-off devices for water supply systems are already known from the prior art. Water supply systems typically have a variety of shut-off devices designed to limit the flow of water at a specific point within the water supply system. They can be located either between two pipe sections of the water supply system or at the end of a pipe within the water supply system.

[0004] Water suppliers use their water supply systems to provide water, particularly drinking water, to a large number of consumers. Consumers can withdraw water using various withdrawal devices, such as a house connection, a connection to a factory site, or a mobile withdrawal device such as a standpipe connected to a hydrant in the water supply system. Water withdrawal may be subject to contractual restrictions on quantity, location, and time, particularly when using a standpipe. Other connections to the water supply system are not subject to such restrictions. It is therefore difficult to always balance water supply and demand in a water supply system. This is particularly true in times of drought and heat waves, when there is an increased demand for water on the one hand and a reduced water supply on the other.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a shut-off device, a water supply system and a method for operating a shut-off device, each of the type mentioned at the outset, in order to always ensure an appropriate adjustment of the demand and supply of water in the water supply system.

[0006] This object is achieved according to claim 1 by a shut-off device for connecting to a water supply system and for limiting the flow of water of the water supply system through the shut-off device, wherein the shut-off device comprises a shut-off element for adjusting the flow of water, wherein the shut-off element has an actuating device for adjusting the shut-off element by an operator, wherein the shut-off device has a blocking and / or throttling device for blocking and / or throttling the flow of water through the shut-off device, in particular through the shut-off element, wherein no water line or a branch-free water line is provided in the direct connection of the shut-off element and the blocking and / or throttling device, wherein the blocking and / or throttling device is designed for automatically specifying a, as required temporally and / or locally varying,maximum flow of water through the shut-off device, regardless of the actuation of the actuating device, is designed according to fixed specifications by the water supplier and / or according to current operating parameters of the water supply system and / or according to forecast values ​​relating to the water supply system.

[0007] Furthermore, the object according to claim 8 is achieved by a water supply system for supplying a plurality of consumers with water having at least one shut-off device according to one of claims 1 to 7.The above-mentioned object is also achieved according to claim 11 with a method for operating a shut-off device, in which a water supplier makes a fixed specification and / or a specification dependent on current operating parameters of the water supply system and / or a specification dependent on predicted values ​​relating to the water supply system for the flow of water through the shut-off device, and in which a blocking and / or throttling device, based on the fixed specification and / or the specification dependent on current operating parameters of the water supply system and / or the specification dependent on predicted values ​​relating to the water supply system, specifies the maximum flow of water through the shut-off device, independently of an actuation by an operator of a shut-off element provided on the shut-off device and having an actuating device.

[0008] The invention is based on the idea of ​​using shut-off devices to control water withdrawal from the water supply system. The water supplier can use the shut-off device, the water supply system, or the method according to its own specifications to limit and / or completely prevent the withdrawal of water from the water supply system by the consumer. This is useful for coordinating the supply and demand of water in the water supply system, for example, if the consumer wishes to withdraw water from the water supply system beyond a contractual agreement and / or if the water demand cannot be fully met due to a water shortage.

[0009] For this purpose, the shut-off device must be connected to the water supply system so that the water in the water supply system flows through the shut-off device at one point. The operator can adjust the shut-off device by operating the actuating device located on the shut-off device, thus independently adjusting the water flow through the shut-off device. The operator can be a consumer or an employee of the water supplier. The shut-off device therefore also includes a blocking and / or throttling device that automatically sets a maximum water flow through the shut-off device according to the water supplier's specifications, regardless of whether the actuating device is operated.Even if the operator opens the shut-off device to its maximum, only a reduced amount of water, determined by the blocking and / or throttling device, can flow through the shut-off device. No or only a branch-free line is provided in the direct connection between the shut-off device and the blocking and / or throttling device.

[0010] The maximum water flow through the shut-off device is set based on fixed specifications from the water supplier and / or current operating parameters of the water supply system and / or forecast values ​​relating to the water supply system. The blocking and / or throttling device checks the specification from the water supplier and, based on this, specifies the maximum water flow through the shut-off device. A fixed specification can, for example, be a time-dependent specification for the maximum water flow through the shut-off device. The maximum flow can be set based on current operating parameters of the water supply system, for example, using a water pressure-dependent specification. Likewise, forecast values ​​such as a forecast water demand in the water supply system can be used to specify a maximum water flow through the shut-off device.

[0011] In this way, a maximum water flow through the shut-off device can be specified in real time. The water supplier does not need to actively intervene if a specified value is not met, as the blocking and / or throttling device can regulate the water flow through the shut-off device as needed without any further action by the water supplier. The blocking and / or throttling device can have a control unit that assumes control based on the water supplier's specifications. Based on the water supplier's specifications, the control unit can calculate control signals to limit the water flow through the shut-off device.

[0012] Limiting the flow of water through the shut-off device can be helpful if the consumer violates the contractual agreements agreed upon between the water supplier and the consumer. For example, if the consumer draws water from the water supply system during a time window in which water should not be drawn according to the contractual agreement, the shut-off device can limit water withdrawal in real time without the water supplier having to take action.

[0013] Furthermore, the invention can increase the reliability of the water supply system without requiring a fundamental expansion of the system. If the water supply cannot be easily ensured, the water flow can be reduced.

[0014] In theory, water withdrawal at each individual local withdrawal point can be limited to varying degrees using its own shut-off device. This ensures that each local withdrawal point is supplied with water, albeit in a reduced amount compared to normal. This prevents excessive water withdrawal from local withdrawal points connected to the beginning of a water pipe in the water supply system during peak demand. This could result in the withdrawal points connected to the end of a water pipe in the water supply system no longer being adequately supplied with water. Alternatively or additionally, water distribution within the water supply system in the event of a water shortage can be achieved using one or more shut-off devices located centrally within the water supply system.In this case, water withdrawal is collectively limited for all withdrawal devices downstream of the shut-off device in the direction of water flow. For example, water withdrawal can be limited for an entire city district with a single, appropriately arranged shut-off device. With the appropriate arrangement of shut-off devices, it can be ensured that all city districts are supplied with sufficient water without causing the water supply to collapse in individual districts.

[0015] Controlling water distribution through multiple shut-off devices arranged in the water supply system is usually less complex than limiting withdrawal at each individual withdrawal device with a shut-off device. Furthermore, water withdrawal can be limited by a shut-off device arranged centrally in the water supply system for all withdrawal devices downstream of the shut-off device in the direction of water flow, even if these devices themselves are not equipped with a corresponding shut-off device. Retrofitting an existing water supply system with the appropriate technology is easier if shut-off devices are only arranged centrally in the water supply system and not every individual withdrawal device is equipped with a shut-off device.

[0016] When limiting water withdrawal in the event of a water shortage, it may be useful to consider defined constraints for shut-off devices assigned to individual withdrawal devices. For example, critical infrastructure buildings such as hospitals should always be supplied with sufficient water. It may therefore be appropriate under certain circumstances to limit the flow through individual shut-off devices to varying degrees in the event of a water shortage. The blocking and / or throttling device should be designed and / or positioned in such a way that the operator of the shut-off device, particularly if operated by a consumer, cannot tamper with the blocking and / or throttling device in order to counteract the limitation of the water flow by the shut-off device as specified by the water supplier.

[0017] In a first particularly preferred embodiment of the shut-off device, the blocking and / or throttling device has a time-detection device and / or a location-detection device, wherein the blocking and / or throttling device is designed to specify the maximum water flow through the shut-off device according to fixed temporal and / or local specifications. A time-detection device is helpful, for example, if the consumer and the water supplier have agreed on a time window for withdrawing water from the water supply system using a withdrawal device. Outside of the time window, the blocking and / or throttling device can limit the water flow through the shut-off device assigned to the consumer's withdrawal device.A location detection device is particularly relevant for mobile withdrawal devices such as standpipes, through which significant amounts of water can otherwise be withdrawn from any location in the water supply system, especially via hydrants. By comparing the location determined by the location detection device with a permitted location, the blocking and / or throttling device can locally limit water withdrawal from a withdrawal device if necessary.

[0018] The blocking and / or throttling device preferably has a flow detection device for detecting the current and / or cumulative flow of water through the shut-off device, wherein the blocking and / or throttling device is designed to specify the maximum flow of water through the shut-off device according to fixed specifications relating to the detected current and / or cumulative flow. The water supplier can use the flow detection device to ensure that excessive water is not withdrawn from the water supply system. The automatic specification of the maximum flow of water through the shut-off device depending on the current and / or cumulative flow does not require manual intervention by the water supplier. The flow detection device can be arranged upstream or downstream of the shut-off device, which can be actuated by the operator, in the direction of water flow.

[0019] As a side effect, the blocking and / or throttling device equipped with the flow detection device can be used to detect a pipe burst downstream of the shut-off device in the direction of water flow in the event of a particularly strong water flow through the shut-off device. In the event of a pipe burst, an uncontrolled discharge of water can be prevented by the shut-off device blocking and / or throttling the water flow.

[0020] The time recording device, the location recording device and the flow recording device, if present, are connected to the control unit of the blocking and / or throttling device so that it can process the measured values ​​as required.

[0021] The blocking and / or throttling device can expediently be brought into a position that completely blocks the flow of water through the shut-off device and / or into at least one position that throttles the flow of water through the shut-off device and / or into at least one position that completely releases the flow of water through the shut-off device. In this way, the blocking and / or throttling device either has no influence on the flow, reduces the flow, or interrupts the flow. The blocking and / or throttling device can be designed as a shut-off device upstream or downstream of the shut-off element in the direction of flow of the water through the shut-off device. With the aid of this shut-off device, the flow of water through the shut-off device can be limited without having to influence the shut-off element that can be operated by the operator.Alternatively, the blocking and / or throttling device can be designed and arranged to actuate the shut-off element, in particular the actuating device. In this embodiment, no additional shut-off device is necessary. Accordingly, the control unit of the blocking and / or throttling device controls either the shut-off device or the shut-off element, depending on the embodiment.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment of the shut-off device, the blocking and / or throttling device has a receiving and / or transmitting device for receiving and / or transmitting signals. The transmitting and / or receiving can take place, for example, via mobile communications, WLAN, Bluetooth, and / or a signal line. Using the receiving and / or transmitting device, the water supplier can transmit new specifications for the water flow through the shut-off device to the blocking and / or throttling device at any time and from any location. This allows specifications to be changed in real time. Alternatively or additionally, current operating parameters or forecast values ​​relating to the water supply system collected centrally in the water supply system can be transmitted to the blocking and / or throttling device and processed there.It may also be useful to send operating parameters recorded at the shut-off device to a central control device of the water supplier via the transmitting device.

[0023] With these measured values, the water supplier is able to obtain information about the current water flow through the individual shut-off devices. Future demands can be more accurately forecasted using this data. Furthermore, the analysis of this data can help centrally identify pipe bursts in the water supply system.

[0024] Particularly preferably, the shut-off device is designed as a standpipe for connection to a hydrant and for withdrawing water from a hydrant through the standpipe. Hydrants are provided at regular intervals in water supply systems, by means of which water can be withdrawn from the water supply system using a standpipe. Consumers such as the fire department, street cleaning companies, or organizers of large festivals use standpipes to gain access to the water supply system via a hydrant. A shut-off device according to the invention, designed as a standpipe, enables the water supplier to control the withdrawal of water by such consumers and, if necessary, to limit it.

[0025] Alternatively, the shut-off device is designed as a junction point for the water supply system and for the flow of water from one part of the water supply system into an adjacent part of the water supply system. A shut-off device designed as a junction point connects at least two pipelines in the water supply system, so that water flows from the pipeline upstream of the shut-off device into the shut-off device and then into the pipeline downstream of the shut-off device. The junction point can also connect one upstream pipeline with several downstream pipelines, or vice versa.If the shut-off device designed as a node is located at a branch from which an entire district is supplied with water, the amount of water provided to the district can be regulated by specifying a maximum water flow through this node. Accordingly, a shut-off device designed as a node for the water supply system is particularly suitable for centrally regulating water distribution in cases of water shortages, since such a shut-off device can collectively limit the water flow to the intake facilities downstream of the node.

[0026] It is also possible to design the shut-off device as a consumer end connection for withdrawing water from the water supply system at a consumer end point of the water supply system. For example, the shut-off device can be designed as a service connection. A shut-off device designed as a service connection allows water withdrawal to be limited for a single consumer. If a large number of shut-off devices designed as consumer end connections are provided in the water supply system, water withdrawal can also be regulated decentrally in the event of a water shortage. This makes it particularly easy to consider specific constraints for each consumer end connection.

[0027] In a first particularly preferred embodiment of the water supply system, at least one central monitoring and / or control device is provided, for example as a central control device, and at least one communication unit connected to the monitoring and / or control device for receiving and / or transmitting signals. The monitoring and / or control device can be used to monitor the water withdrawals at the individual withdrawal devices and / or any operating parameters of the water supply system and / or environmental parameters. Furthermore, the monitoring and / or control device can also be designed, with the aid of its communication unit, to send information to a receiving and / or transmitting device of the shut-off device, according to which the blocking and / or throttling device blocks and / or throttles the water flow.

[0028] Advantageously, at least one measuring point is provided in the water supply system for measuring operating parameters of the water supply system and / or environmental parameters. The measuring point is preferably equipped with a communication device for transmitting signals so that, for example, the measured values ​​recorded at the measuring point can be sent to the central monitoring and / or control device and / or the at least one shut-off device. Water pressure is of particular interest as an operating parameter of the water supply system. The current water pressure is a good indicator for assessing whether there is a water shortage in the water supply system. If the water pressure drops below a certain minimum water pressure, a bottleneck in the water supply can be concluded.Weather data such as temperature, precipitation and air pressure can also be of great relevance as environmental parameters for regulating the water supply system.

[0029] In a first particularly preferred embodiment of the method, a time recording device determines a time, which the blocking and / or throttling device compares with a time window specified by the water supplier. If a time outside the time window is identified, the blocking and / or throttling device blocks and / or throttles the flow of water through the shut-off device. This embodiment is particularly relevant for mobile shut-off devices such as a standpipe. When a water supplier rents a standpipe to a consumer, contractual agreements are sometimes made regarding a time for water withdrawal. Using a time recording device can ensure that water withdrawal only takes place within agreed time windows.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, a location detection device determines a location, which the blocking and / or throttling device compares with a permissible location specified by the water supplier. If the location does not match the permissible location, the blocking and / or throttling device blocks and / or throttles the flow of water through the shut-off device. A GPS sensor is preferably used as the location detection device. Effective control of the shut-off device can also be achieved by using a flow meter to measure the mass flow of water through the shut-off device, the blocking and / or throttling device comparing the mass flow with a maximum permissible mass flow specified by the water supplier, and if the maximum permissible mass flow is exceeded, the flow of water through the shut-off device is blocked and / or throttled.In addition to monitoring contractual agreements, this method can be used to identify a pipe burst downstream of the shut-off device. If a strong, prolonged flow of water through the shut-off device occurs, a pipe burst can be identified and the water flow through the shut-off device can be blocked and / or throttled.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the flow meter can measure a cumulative water flow through the shut-off device, which the blocking and / or throttling device compares with a maximum permissible cumulative flow specified by the water supplier. If the maximum permissible cumulative flow is exceeded, the blocking and / or throttling device blocks and / or throttles the water flow through the shut-off device. This is particularly relevant if the water withdrawal at a specific withdrawal device is subject to a specification regarding a maximum permissible water quantity.

[0032] Advantageously, a measuring point also records the current water pressure in the water supply system. The blocking and / or throttling device compares the measured water pressure with a minimum water pressure specified by the water supplier and, if the minimum water pressure is undershot, blocks and / or throttles the water flow through the shut-off device. This design variant is particularly relevant for ensuring a high level of supply security, since, as already explained above, the controlled distribution of water in the water supply system can begin when the minimum water pressure is undershot.

[0033] The blocking and / or throttling device can block and / or throttle the flow of water through the shut-off device by means of a shut-off device arranged upstream or downstream of the shut-off element in the direction of water flow through the shut-off device. In this design variant, the blocking and / or throttling device has its own shut-off device. Alternatively, the blocking and / or throttling device can block and / or throttle the flow of water through the shut-off device by actuating the shut-off element. This is preferably achieved by the blocking and / or throttling device acting on an actuating device of the shut-off element.

[0034] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, a receiving and / or transmitting device of the blocking and / or throttling device receives signals. These signals can be, for example, current operating data of the water supply system and / or forecast values ​​relating to the water supply system and / or new specifications from the water supplier. Furthermore, it can be useful for the receiving and / or transmitting device of the blocking and / or throttling device to send signals such as operating parameters of the shut-off device. In this way, the shut-off device can communicate with a central monitoring and / or control device of the water supply system. It is also possible for multiple shut-off devices to exchange data with one another.

[0035] Security of supply can be particularly well ensured if a forecast module forecasts future water demand in the water supply system based on historical data and / or current data and the water supplier provides at least one forecast-dependent specification for water withdrawal from the water supply system. When using historical water data to forecast future water demand, time-dependent water demands from the past should be used preferentially, as water demand is subject to strong seasonal fluctuations. In summer, comparatively more water is withdrawn from the water supply system than in the winter months. In addition, fluctuations throughout the day are also common. Weather data is particularly suitable as current data, as general water demand is highly weather-dependent.

[0036] The forecasting module allows future water demands to be taken into account when controlling the water supply system. For example, if a sharp increase in water demand is forecast during a heat wave, a target could be defined for the maximum water mass flow to be withdrawn at individual withdrawal points. In this case, water could be withdrawn from the individual withdrawal points at a comparatively reduced water pressure. This could prevent a situation in which the water demand at the withdrawal points of critical infrastructure buildings, such as a hospital, cannot be fully met.

[0037] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing which merely illustrates exemplary embodiments. The drawing shows

[0038] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a shut-off device according to the invention in a schematic representation,

[0039] Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a shut-off device according to the invention in a schematic representation,

[0040] Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a shut-off device according to the invention in a schematic representation and Fig. 4 shows a water supply system with the inventive

[0041] Shut-off devices in a schematic representation.

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a shut-off device 1. The shut-off device 1 shown in Fig. 1 is designed as a consumer end connection and comprises a connection device 2 for connecting to a water supply system and a shut-off element 3. The shut-off element 3 has an actuating device 4 that can be operated by an operator. This actuating device 4 can, for example, be designed as a water tap that the operator can turn on to draw water from the water supply system. The water flows in a flow direction F from the connection device 2 to the shut-off element 3.

[0043] To limit the flow of water through the shut-off device 1 according to the specifications of the water supplier, a blocking and / or throttling device 5 is provided. The blocking and / or throttling device 5 has a shut-off device 6, by means of which the flow of water through the shut-off device 1 can be limited. For this purpose, the shut-off device 6 can be brought into a position that completely blocks the flow of water through the shut-off device 1, into a position that throttles the flow of water through the shut-off device 1, and into a position that completely releases the flow of water through the shut-off device 1. A branch-free water line 7 is provided in the direct connection between the shut-off device 6 of the blocking and / or throttling device 5 and the shut-off element 3.

[0044] In addition to the shut-off device 6, the blocking and / or throttling device 5 has a control unit 8, which is provided for controlling the shut-off device 6. The control unit 8 stores the water supplier's specifications for specifying a maximum water flow through the shut-off device 1, which varies as needed over time and / or location, independent of an actuation of the actuating device 4. The control unit 8 can, on the basis of these

[0045] Calculate and transmit control signals for the shut-off device 6. The control signals are then implemented in the shut-off device 6.

[0046] To measure the water flow through the shut-off device 1, a measuring device 9 comprising several detection devices is provided, which is arranged between the connection device 2 and the shut-off element 3. The measuring device 9 comprises a time detection device 10 for determining a point in time, a location detection device 11 for determining a geographical position of the shut-off device 1, and a flow detection device 12 for measuring the current and / or cumulative water flow through the shut-off device 1. However, not all of these detection devices need to be provided.

[0047] The data collected by the measuring device 9 regarding the water flow through the shut-off device 1 are transmitted to the control unit 8. This allows the control unit 8 to compare the water supplier's specified values ​​with the corresponding measured values.

[0048] The blocking and / or throttling device 5 has a receiving and / or transmitting device 13 which is connected to the control unit 8. The receiving and / or transmitting device 13 is designed for data exchange with other entities. For example, the measured values ​​recorded at the shut-off device 1 can be transmitted to a central monitoring and / or control device 14 (not shown in Fig. 1) or to other shut-off devices 1 in the water supply system. Furthermore, the water supplier can transmit new default values ​​to the blocking and / or throttling device 5 at any time using the receiving and / or transmitting device 13. This is done, for example, with the central monitoring and / or control device 14. Fig. 2 schematically shows a second embodiment of a shut-off device 1'. In contrast to the one shown in Fig.In this exemplary embodiment, the blocking and / or throttling device 5' does not have its own shut-off device 6 in the shut-off device 1 shown in Fig. 1. To limit the flow of water through the shut-off device 1', the blocking and / or throttling device 5' is designed such that it can act directly on the actuating device 4', which can be actuated by the operator. For this purpose, the control unit 8' is connected to the shut-off device 3'. The further structure corresponds to the first exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

[0049] Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a shut-off device 1". The shut-off device 1" is designed as a node. The shut-off device 1" is connected to the water supply system such that it is arranged between a pipe 15 arranged upstream of the shut-off device 1" in the flow direction of the water F and four pipes 16 arranged downstream of the shut-off device 1". The pipes 16 arranged downstream of the shut-off device 1" each lead to a plurality of shut-off devices 1, 1*. The shut-off devices 1, 1' are not shown in Fig. 3 for the sake of clarity.

[0050] To connect the pipes 15, 16 to the shut-off device 1", the shut-off device 1" has a first connection device 17 and a second connection device 18. The first connection device 17 connects the pipe 15 located upstream of the shut-off device 1" to the shut-off device 1". The second connection device 18 connects the four pipes 16 located downstream of the shut-off device 1" to the shut-off device 1".

[0051] A blocking and / or throttling device 5" of the shut-off device 1" comprises a shut-off element 3" having an actuating device 4" that can be actuated by an operator. Furthermore, the blocking and / or throttling device 5" has a shut-off device 6" arranged upstream of the shut-off element 3" in the flow direction of the water F. With the shut-off device 6", the flow of water through the shut-off device 1" can be completely blocked, throttled, or completely opened. The shut-off device 6" of the blocking and / or throttling device 5" and the shut-off element 3" are connected to a branch-free line 7". In addition to the shut-off device 6", the blocking and / or throttling device 5" comprises a control unit 8" that controls the shut-off device 6" by calculating, among other things, control signals for the shut-off device 6" to limit the flow of water through the shut-off device 1".The control signals calculated by the control unit 8" are transmitted to the shut-off device 6" and implemented there, so that the water flow through the shut-off device 1" can be limited. With a limited flow, less water flows than in the normal state from the pipe 15 located upstream of the shut-off device 1" to the four pipes 16 located downstream of the shut-off device 1".

[0052] A measuring device 9" is arranged behind the shut-off device 6" in the flow direction of the water F. The measuring device 9" comprises a time recording device 10", a location recording device 11", and a flow recording device 12". The measuring device 9" is connected to the control unit 8" so that the measured values ​​​​collected at the measuring device 9" can be taken into account when controlling the shut-off device 6".

[0053] The blocking and / or throttling device 5" of the shut-off device 1" has a receiving and / or transmitting device 13" which is connected to the control unit 8" of the blocking and / or throttling device 5".

[0054] Data can be sent and / or received using the receiving and / or transmitting device 13". For example, it may be expedient to transmit the values ​​measured at the measuring device 9" to the central monitoring and / or control device 14. Furthermore, the water supplier can transmit new specifications to the control unit 8" via the receiving and / or transmitting device 13" and make additional measured values ​​measured in the water supply system available to the blocking and / or throttling device 5". For example, it may be advantageous if a water pressure measured in the water supply system is transmitted to the blocking and / or throttling device 5" of the shut-off device 1".The blocking and / or throttling device 5" can then limit the flow of water through the shut-off device 1" if a minimum water pressure is undershot in order to prevent a failure of the mains water supply in individual parts of the water supply system.

[0055] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a section of a water supply system with several shut-off devices 1, 1", 1". The shut-off devices 1", designed as nodes, each connect upstream and downstream pipelines 14, 15, by means of which water can be directed to a plurality of shut-off devices 1, 1' designed as consumer end connections. A shut-off device 1" designed as a node can also be connected to a group 19 of shut-off devices 1, 1'. When the water flow is limited by the shut-off devices 1" designed as nodes, the water flow to the corresponding groups 19 of shut-off devices 1, 1' is collectively limited.

[0056] The water supply system also includes the central monitoring and / or control device 14, from which all operating parameters of the water supply system can be centrally monitored. The monitoring and / or control device 14 is equipped with a communication unit 20 for receiving and / or transmitting signals, allowing it to communicate with the shut-off devices 1, 1', 1", for example, to exchange measured values. Furthermore, a measuring point 21 for measuring operating parameters is arranged in the water supply system. Among other things, water pressure is measured at this measuring point 21. Another measuring point 22 is located outside the water supply system to measure environmental parameters such as weather data.Both measuring points 21, 22 are equipped with a communication device 23 for transmitting signals so that the measured values ​​collected there can be transmitted to the shut-off devices 1, 1', 1" and / or to the central monitoring and / or control device 14.

[0057] Reference symbol

[0058] 1, 1', 1" shut-off device

[0059] 2, 2' connection device

[0060] 3, 3', 3" shut-off device

[0061] 4, 4', 4" actuator

[0062] 5, 5', 5" blocking and / or throttling device

[0063] 6.6" shut-off device

[0064] 7, 7', 7" branch-free water pipe

[0065] 8, 8', 8" control unit

[0066] 9, 9', 9" measuring device

[0067] 10, 10', 10" time recording device

[0068] 11, 11', 11" location detection device

[0069] 12, 12', 12" flow detection device

[0070] 13, 13', 13" Receiving and / or transmitting device of the shut-off device 1, 1',

[0071] 1"

[0072] 14 Monitoring and / or control device

[0073] 15, 16 Pipelines

[0074] 17 first connection device

[0075] 18 second connection device

[0076] 19 Group of shut-off devices 1, 1'

[0077] 20 Communication unit of the monitoring and / or control device

[0078] 14

[0079] 21, 22 measuring point

[0080] 23 Communication device of the measuring point 21, 22

[0081] F Direction of water flow

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. Shut-off device for connecting to a water supply system and for limiting the flow of water from the water supply system through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1"), wherein the shut-off device (1, 1', 1") comprises a shut-off element (3, 3', 3") for adjusting the flow of water, wherein the shut-off element (3, 3', 3") has an actuating device (4, 4', 4") for adjusting the shut-off element (3, 3', 3") by an operator, wherein the shut-off device (1, 1', 1") has a blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5") for blocking and / or throttling the flow of water through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1"), in particular through the shut-off element (3, 3', 3"), wherein in the direct connection of the shut-off element (3, 3', 3") and the blocking and / or Throttle device (5, 5', 5") no or a branchless water line (7, 7") is provided, wherein the blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5',5") is designed for the automatic specification of a maximum flow rate of water through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1"), which may vary as required in time and / or location, independently of any actuation of the actuating device (4, 4', 4") according to fixed specifications from the water supplier and / or according to current operating parameters of the water supply system and / or according to forecast values ​​concerning the water supply system.

2. Shut-off device according to claim 1, characterized in that the blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5") comprises a time recording device (10, 10', 10") and / or a location recording device (11, 11', 11") and that the blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5") is configured to limit the maximum to specify the flow of water through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1") according to fixed time and / or location specifications.

3. Shut-off device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5") has a flow detection device (12, 12', 12") for detecting the current and / or cumulative flow of water through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1") and that the blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5") is configured to specify the maximum flow of water through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1") according to fixed specifications regarding the detected current and / or cumulative flow.

4. Shut-off device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5") can be brought into a position that completely blocks the flow of water through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1") and / or that the blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5") can be brought into at least one position that throttles the flow of water through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1") and / or that the blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5") can be brought into at least one position that completely releases the flow of water through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1").

5. Shut-off device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5") is designed as a shut-off device (6, 6") upstream or downstream of the shut-off element (3, 3', 3") in the flow direction (F) of the water through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1") or that the blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5") is designed and arranged for actuating the shut-off element (3'), in particular the actuating device (4').

6. Shut-off device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5") has a receiving and / or transmitting device (13, 13', 13") for receiving and / or transmitting signals, in particular via mobile communications, WLAN, Bluetooth and / or a signal line.

7. Shut-off device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the shut-off device (1, 1', 1") is designed as a standpipe for connecting to a hydrant and drawing water from a hydrant through the standpipe, or that the shut-off device (1, 1', 1") is designed as a node for the water supply system and for the flow of water from one part of the water supply system into an adjacent part of the water supply system, or that the shut-off device (1, 1', 1") is designed as a consumer end connection, in particular as a house connection, for drawing water from the water supply system at a consumer end point of the water supply system.

8. Water supply system for supplying a plurality of consumers with water, comprising at least one shut-off device (1, 1', 1") according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Water supply system according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one monitoring and / or control device (14) and at least one communication unit (20) connected to the at least one monitoring and / or control device (14), preferably for communication with a receiving and / or transmitting device (13, 13', 13") of the at least one shut-off device (1, 1', 1"), is provided.

10. Water supply system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that at least one measuring point (21, 22) is provided for measuring operating parameters of the water supply system, in particular the water pressure, and / or environmental parameters, in particular weather data, and that, preferably, the measuring point (21, 22) is equipped with a communication device (23) for sending signals, preferably relating to the operating parameters and / or environmental parameters, to the central monitoring and / or control device (14) and / or to the at least one shut-off device (1, 1', 1").

11. Method for operating a shut-off device (1, 1', 1") according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in particular in a water supply system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein a water supplier makes a fixed setting and / or a setting dependent on current operating parameters of the water supply system and / or a setting dependent on forecast values ​​concerning the water supply system for the flow of water through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1") and wherein a blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5") is operated based on the fixed setting and / or the setting dependent on current operating parameters of the water supply system and / or the setting dependent on forecast values ​​concerning the water supply system, independently of the actuation of a shut-off element (3, 3') having an actuating device (4, 4', 4") provided on the shut-off device (1, 1', 1").3") by an operator specifies the maximum flow of water through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1").

12. Method according to claim 11, wherein a time recording device (10, 10', 10") determines a time point, The blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5") compares the time with a time window specified by the water supplier and, if a time outside the time window is identified, blocks and / or throttles the flow of water through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1").

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a location detection device (11, 11', 11") determines a location, the blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5") compares the location with a permissible location specified by the water supplier, and if the location does not match the permissible location, blocks and / or throttles the flow of water through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1").

14. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein a flow sensing device (12, 12', 12") measures a mass flow rate of the flow of water through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1"), the blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5") compares the mass flow rate with a maximum permissible mass flow rate specified by the water supplier and, if the maximum permissible mass flow rate is exceeded, blocks and / or throttles the flow of water through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1").

15. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the flow sensing device (12, 12', 12") measures a cumulative flow of water through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1"), the blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5") compares the measured cumulative flow with a maximum permissible cumulative flow specified by the water supplier, and if the maximum permissible cumulative flow is exceeded, the flow of water through the Shut-off device (1, 1', 1") blocks and / or throttles.

16. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein a measuring point (21) detects a current water pressure in the water supply system, the blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5") compares the measured water pressure with a minimum water pressure specified by the water supplier, and, if the minimum water pressure is undershot, restricts the flow of water through the Shut-off device (1, 1', 1") blocks and / or throttles.

17. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5") blocks and / or throttles the flow of water through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1") by means of a shut-off device (1, 1', 1") upstream or downstream of the shut-off element (3, 3") in the flow direction (F) of the water through the shut-off device (1, 1', 1") and / or by actuating the shut-off element (3'), in particular the actuating device (4').

18. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein a receiving and / or transmitting device (13, 13', 13") of the blocking and / or throttling device (5, 5', 5") receives signals, in particular current operating data of the water supply system and / or forecast values ​​relating to the water supply system and / or new specifications of the water supplier, and / or transmits signals, in particular operating parameters of the shut-off device (1, 1', 1").

19. Method according to one of claims 11 to 18, wherein a forecasting module forecasts a future water demand in the water supply system based on historical data, in particular time-dependent water demands, and / or based on current data, in particular weather data, and the water supplier makes at least one forecast-dependent specification for the water withdrawal from the water supply system.

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