Actuating device for a shutoff device, particularly for a hydrant, hydrant system and water withdrawal fitting

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuating device (1) for a shutoff device, particularly for a hydrant, more particularly for an underground hydrant (2), comprising: an enabling unit (3), which is designed to enable or prevent the operation of a valve of the shutoff device; a control unit, which is connected to the enabling unit (3) and is designed to trigger the enabling unit (3) to enable the valve operation only after an enabling code has been authenticated; wherein: the control unit comprises a communication unit for reading in the enabling code; the enabling unit (3) acts on a valve spindle (5); the enabling unit (3) has a wrench attachment point (6) and a switchable coupling (7); wherein, in a first switching position, the coupling (7) torque-transmittingly connects the wrench attachment point (6) to the valve spindle (5) and, in a second switching position, the coupling disables the torque-transmitting connection between the wrench attachment point (6) and the valve spindle (5) at least in the direction of rotation (8) which opens the valve; and the enabling unit (3) has a drive (10) connected to the control unit and the drive (10) actuates the switchable coupling (7).

Description

[0001] Actuating device for a shut-off device, in particular a hydrant, hydrant system and water extraction fitting

[0002] The invention relates to an actuating device for a shut-off device, in particular for a hydrant, in particular for an underground hydrant, comprising a release unit designed to selectively enable or prevent the operation of a valve of the shut-off device, a control unit connected to the release unit and designed to control the release unit only after authentication of a release code to enable valve operation, wherein the control unit has a communication unit for reading the release code, wherein the release unit engages a valve spindle, wherein the release unit has a key attachment and a switchable coupling,In a first switching position, the clutch connects the key attachment to the valve spindle in a torque-transmitting manner, and in a second switching position, prevents the torque-transmitting connection between the key attachment and the valve spindle at least in the direction of rotation that opens the valve. The release unit has a drive connected to the control unit, the drive actuating the switchable clutch. Furthermore, the invention relates to a hydrant system comprising such an actuating device.

[0003] Water supply companies often face the problem that water extraction fittings (e.g., in the form of hydrant standpipes) are borrowed from third parties (e.g., to provide water supply at construction sites) and can be used uncontrolled in the pipeline network. There is also the risk that third-party water extraction fittings are used and the water supply company is not informed of the withdrawal. This causes billing problems. Furthermore, there is a risk of contamination and tampering with the pipeline network. For example, with underground hydrants, there is a constant risk of unauthorized access to the pipeline network, which also poses a potential threat, for example, from terrorist attacks.Today's underground hydrants can be easily opened and tampered with by anyone using tools from a hardware store (square drive), making it relatively easy for terrorists to deliberately contaminate or poison the drinking water network.

[0004] To protect hydrants, WO 2008 / 099102 A2 discloses a locking and unlocking device for hydrants, particularly underground hydrants. A locking means is provided which, in a locked position, blocks the movement of a valve on the hydrant that establishes the connection to the supply network.

[0005] In addition to protecting hydrants, effective protection of other shut-off devices has so far been limited. For example, valves on shut-off devices in other applications can easily be tampered with by unauthorized persons, endangering the safety of power plants, production facilities, and similar systems.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide an improved device that enables simple and safe securing of shut-off devices, especially hydrants, especially underground hydrants. Furthermore, an improved hydrant system with such a device is to be provided. Furthermore, an improved hydrant key is to be proposed.

[0007] This object is achieved by an actuating device having the features of claim 1, a hydrant system according to claim 7 and a hydrant key according to claim 14.

[0008] By providing electrical contact surfaces on the key attachment, which are designed to transmit a current for actuating the drive and I or the release code to the control unit, a shut-off device equipped with the actuating device, in particular a hydrant equipped with the actuating device, in particular an underground hydrant equipped with the actuating device, can be secured in a simple and practical manner. Operation of the valve via the actuating device can be reserved only for persons who have the release code for access to the shut-off device, in particular the hydrant, in particular the underground hydrant.If the release code is not authenticated by the control unit, the release unit prevents the operation of the valve of the shut-off device secured with the actuating device, in particular of the hydrant, in particular of the underground hydrant, in such a way that the valve spindle cannot be rotated, at least in the opening direction. After successful authentication of the release code, however, the control unit activates the release unit in order to release the valve operation for operating the valve on the secured shut-off device, in particular on the hydrant, in particular on the underground hydrant. The key attachment (e.g. a conventional square), which is used to attach a hydrant key, for example, is connected to the switchable coupling after authentication, iein the first switching position, it is connected to the valve spindle in a torque-transmitting manner, so that the valve can be opened in the normal way by turning the hydrant key. In the second switching position of the coupling, the release unit prevents the torque-transmitting connection between the key attachment and the valve spindle, at least in the direction of rotation that opens the valve, in order to prevent operation of the valve if a release code has not been successfully authenticated. This means that the valve cannot be opened in the second switching position. Access to the shut-off device, in particular the hydrant, is blocked. The control unit controls the release unit so that the switchable coupling is in the first switching position when a valid release code is present.Otherwise, the switchable clutch is switched to the second switching position or remains in the second switching position to effectively prevent the valve from opening. This makes it possible to effectively and easily prevent tampering with shut-off devices, in particular with hydrants. In addition, the withdrawal of water from hydrants secured with the actuating device according to the invention can be better controlled. The electrical contact surfaces provide a connection to the key attachment of the release unit, via which, in addition to power to supply the drive, the release code for authentication can also be transmitted to the control unit. This means that the actuating device itself does not need to have its own power supply; instead, an external power supply for actuating the drive can be connected via the electrical contact surfaces on the key attachment of the release unit.In addition to transmitting power from an external power supply, the release code can also be transmitted, so that no separate contact surfaces are required.

[0009] The release code can be read very quickly and easily via the control unit's communication unit to enable valve operation, enabling intuitive valve operation. The release code stored in a data memory of the hydrant key is simply read by the control unit's communication unit for subsequent authentication.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the claims can also be combined with one another in any technologically expedient manner, thus revealing further embodiments of the invention.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the coupling prevents the torque-transmitting connection of the key attachment to the valve spindle in the second switching position in the direction of rotation that opens the valve and connects the key attachment to the valve spindle in a torque-transmitting manner in the direction of rotation that closes the valve. Due to the torque transmission of the coupling in the second switching position, at least in the direction of rotation that closes the valve, the valve of the shut-off device secured in this way, in particular of the hydrant secured in this way, can at least be closed via the key attachment even in the absence of authentication, i.e. without a valid release code. Water withdrawal via the hydrant can therefore be stopped at any time, even if there is no valid release code.Preventing only the opening of the valve in the second switching position takes into account the fact that the actuating device according to the invention does not actively close the hydrant valve unless a valid release code is present. This would also be undesirable. After a single opening, water supply should remain permanently possible. However, eliminating the torque transmission in the valve's opening direction ensures that the valve cannot be opened without authorization in the second switching position.

[0012] A particularly preferred embodiment provides that the clutch has two spring-loaded pawls pointing in the two opposite directions of rotation. Depending on the direction of rotation, one of the pawls engages with a toothed ring of the clutch via an actuating lever, and the other pawl is spaced apart from the toothed ring of the clutch. This simple principle, familiar from ratchets or wrenches in toolmaking, provides a particularly simple, automatically switchable clutch for the actuating device.

[0013] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention relates to the drive having an actuating element made of a shape memory alloy, wherein the actuating element is designed to actuate the switchable clutch when the alloy changes shape. The actuating element made of shape memory alloy allows a reliable, small, and economical drive for actuating the clutch to be realized. To change the shape of the alloy, only the temperature of the actuating element needs to be changed in order for the drive to automatically switch the clutch between the first and second switching positions. The temperature change is advantageously brought about by the current transmitted to the contact surfaces of the key attachment. The drive can thus be actuated via the external power supply connected to the contact surfaces on the key attachment.A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the drive is an electric servomotor, wherein the servomotor is designed to actuate the switchable clutch. The electric servomotor effects the necessary mechanical movement to easily switch the clutch back and forth between the switching positions. A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the release unit has a dome which is designed to sit on the valve spindle, wherein a bell of the release unit is arranged above the dome and is connected to the clutch, wherein the dome is designed to enable actuation of the valve spindle with a hydrant key independently of the clutch after removal of the bell.The option to remove the bell from the dome is intended for emergencies in which the operating mechanism malfunctions, allowing firefighters, for example, to easily operate the valve spindle with a hydrant wrench, independent of the coupling. Removing the bell from the dome destroys the operating mechanism, making any tampering easily detectable by the water supplier. By replacing the entire operating mechanism, the tampered hydrant can be made safe again.

[0014] Furthermore, the invention relates to a hydrant system comprising an actuating device as described in more detail above and below, and a hydrant, in particular an underground hydrant, which has a fitting connection for connecting a water extraction fitting to the hydrant, and a valve whose spindle engages the release unit of the actuating device. Such a hydrant system comprises a hydrant that is excellently protected against tampering and unauthorized water withdrawal.

[0015] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the hydrant system is one characterized by a hydrant key that can be attached to the key hub and contains the release code in a form that can be read by the control unit. With such a hydrant key, the valve of the protected hydrant can be operated very easily, as usual. To do so, the hydrant key is simply attached to the key hub of the actuating device, and the valve spindle is rotated via the coupling of the release unit by turning the hydrant key. For the operator, there is no noticeable difference between operating hydrants with or without the actuating device according to the invention.

[0016] Such a release code in a form that can be read by the control unit can also be arranged on a key for operating another locking device.

[0017] An advantageous embodiment of the hydrant system provides that interface contacts are provided on the hydrant key for transmitting power from an energy storage device in the hydrant key and / or for transmitting an enable code assigned to the hydrant key from a data storage device in the hydrant key. A power supply for the actuating device can be very easily implemented via the energy storage device in the hydrant key. Furthermore, in addition to power, the enable code assigned to the hydrant key can also be transmitted from the data storage device to the control unit of the actuating device via the interface contacts, thus ensuring particularly intuitive operation of the hydrant system. The power supply via the hydrant key simplifies the design of the actuating device and the assembly effort for the hydrant system.Particularly in the case of poorly accessible underground hydrants, a mains connection would only be feasible with increased effort. The self-sufficient power supply via the energy storage device in the hydrant key ensures that tampering with the actuating device on or via a mains connection is impossible. A lithium-ion rechargeable battery, a battery, or even a capacitor can be used as the energy storage device in the hydrant key. Electrical energy is only required briefly at the moment the valve is opened to operate the control unit and for the switching process of the coupling. The actual opening movement of the valve is achieved, as is conventional, by the physical strength of the user using the hydrant key. Accordingly, only a small amount of electrical energy is required. An energy storage device with a comparatively low capacity, which can be easily accommodated in the hydrant key, is advantageous for this purpose.One or more valid release codes are expediently stored in the control unit so that authentication can be carried out very easily by comparing the read / entered release code with the stored release codes. The valid release codes can be stored once when the actuating device is manufactured, or subsequently by appropriate programming of the control unit by the utility company in whose water supply network the hydrant is located. The release codes stored in the control unit can be encrypted, e.g., by one-way encryption, so that the release codes cannot be read out by unauthorized access to the control unit. It is also conceivable that the control unit uses an algorithm by which release codes that can only be used once are implemented. In this embodiment, the hydrant can be equipped with a (e.g.,The release code (provided by the utility company) can only be opened once. After the opening has been completed, the release code loses its validity and can no longer be used to open the hydrant.

[0018] The invention advantageously allows each shut-off device or hydrant to be assigned an individual access code. This allows the utility, for example, to easily control who has access to which hydrant. Furthermore, access to shut-off devices, e.g., in power plants, production facilities, or drinking water systems, can also be easily controlled.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the hydrant system, the release code assigned to the hydrant key is changeable. By changing the assigned release code, release codes can be stored in a coding system, whereby the release code assigned to the hydrant key can be used to release individual hydrants in a hydrant system and / or one or more groups of hydrants in different hydrant systems. The release codes authorizing valve operation can be easily stored in the control unit of the actuating devices. An assigned release code on a key for operating a different shut-off device can also be changeable.By changing the assigned release code, release codes can be stored in a coding system, whereby the release code assigned to the key can be used to release individual shut-off devices and / or one or more groups of shut-off devices, for example in drinking water or wastewater systems, power plants or production plants.

[0020] A preferred design of the hydrant system provides that the power transmitted from the energy storage unit of the hydrant key via the interface contacts supplies the drive of the release unit. The external power supply of the drive allows the switchable clutch to be moved to the desired switching position as needed after authenticating a release code.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the hydrant system, the interface contacts are arranged in a key receptacle of the hydrant key, wherein the key receptacle is designed to contact the key shoulder of the release device for valve operation. The arrangement of the interface contacts in the key receptacle of the hydrant key enables particularly intuitive operation of the hydrant system. Thus, the connection set up for transmitting power and release codes is simply implemented by contacting the interface contacts with the contact surfaces of the key receptacle. To do this, the hydrant key is simply placed with its key receptacle onto the key shoulder of the actuating device.

[0022] An advantageous embodiment of the hydrant system provides that the control unit is configured to write an identifier of the release unit into the data memory of the hydrant key upon authentication of an authorization code for enabling valve operation. Storing an identifier of the release unit in the data memory of the hydrant key makes it possible for water suppliers, after the hydrant key has been returned, to track which operating devices the hydrant key issued by the supplier was used on and how often.

[0023] Furthermore, the invention relates to a hydrant key as described above and in more detail below, which has an electrical energy storage device for storing power and a data storage device for storing release codes. The hydrant key comprises interface contacts for transmitting power from the energy storage device and / or for transmitting the release code from the data storage device. With such a hydrant key, the actuating device described above and in more detail below can be operated particularly easily.

[0024] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the drawings, which show an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Corresponding objects or elements are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures. They show:

[0025] Figure 1 hydrant system according to the invention,

[0026] Figure 2 side view,

[0027] Figure 3 top view,

[0028] Figure 4 Actuating device,

[0029] Figure 5 sectional view,

[0030] Figure 6 Detailed view of drive,

[0031] Figure 7 Detail view of coupling,

[0032] Figure 8 Hydrant key, and Figure 9 Detailed view of key holder.

[0033] An actuating device according to the invention is shown in Figure 1, designated by reference numeral 1. A pipe 4 of a hydrant 2 connects the hydrant to the water supply network. The hydrant 2 is closed at its top by an attachment with a passage for a valve spindle 5 (Figure 2). The actuating device 1 sits on this and, together with the hydrant 2, forms a hydrant system 11 according to the invention. The hydrant 2, designed as an underground hydrant 2, has a fitting connection 12 for connecting a water extraction fitting, such as a standpipe. Water can be drawn from the water supply network connected to the hydrant 2 via the fitting connection 12. To draw water, the valve of the hydrant 2 must be opened by turning the valve spindle 5 (Figure 2). To open the valve, the valve spindle 5 (Figure 2) must be turned in the opening direction 8 (Figure 3).The valve is closed by turning the valve spindle 5 (Fig. 2) in a closing direction 9 (Fig. 3) opposite to the opening direction 8 (Fig. 3). In order to protect the hydrant 2 against tampering and unauthorized water withdrawal, the actuating device 1 according to the invention is permanently coupled to the hydrant 2. This means that the actuating device 1 can advantageously only be detached from the hydrant 2 using special tools and / or by destroying the actuating device 1. The actuating device 1 has a release unit 3 designed to selectively enable or disable operation of the valve of the hydrant 2. The release unit 3 engages the valve spindle 5 (Fig. 2) of the hydrant 2 and advantageously covers it. As a result, the valve on the hydrant 2 can only be operated via the actuating device 1.Furthermore, the actuating device 1 has a control unit connected to the release unit 3 and designed to activate the release unit 3 only after authentication of an enable code to enable the valve control. Persons authorized to operate the hydrant valve receive such an enable code, which is checked by the control unit before valve operation is enabled by activating the release unit 3 if the enable code is valid. The valid enable codes can be stored in the control unit of the actuating device 1 and are advantageously specified by the manufacturer or the water supply company.The release codes can thus be stored in a coding system, whereby individual release codes can be provided to release individual hydrants 2 in a hydrant system 11 and / or further release codes can authorize the release of one or more groups of hydrants 2 in different hydrant systems 11. The control unit of the actuating device 1 has a communication unit for reading the release codes. The readable release code can be on a hydrant key for operating the valve via the actuating device 1. Advantageously, this release code can be changed so that the hydrant key can be configured for use on different hydrant systems 11. By changing the release codes on the hydrant key, a water supply company can release access to the water supply for individual hydrants 2 or specific hydrant groups when issuing the release codes.This allows access authorization for hydrants 2 to be precisely controlled using the operating device 1. Thus, when a hydrant key 20 (Fig. 8) is issued by the water supplier, the release code of the hydrant key 20 (Fig. 8) can be assigned as an identifier that authorizes the operation of a specific hydrant 2. The release code is preferably written into a data memory of the hydrant key 20 (Fig. 8) via software before use. The hydrant locations are stored in the software. Before use, the hydrant to be used is selected, and the appropriate identifier for the hydrant key 20 (Fig. 8) is determined and stored in the data memory. This access can then be blocked again.This solution also enables permanent access to the hydrants by fire brigade and rescue services, as water extraction valves can be issued for this purpose, which can, for example, be activated for all hydrants 2 in a municipality. In addition, it is possible to precisely track which hydrants 2 have been used by whom. This gives the water supply company transparency regarding activities in the pipe network. Furthermore, a usage profile can be used for future planning and design, allowing an optimal network structure to be calculated. Figure 2 shows that the release unit 3 is mounted on the valve spindle 5 of the hydrant 2 secured with the actuating device 1. The valve of the hydrant 2 can only be opened via the valve spindle 5 at the key attachment 6 of the release unit 3.The wrench extension 6 forms a simple, conical square to which the appropriate hydrant wrench 20 (Fig. 8) is applied to open the valve. The release unit 3 comprises a switchable coupling 7 (Fig. 7), which selectively establishes or breaks the connection between the wrench extension 6 and the valve spindle 5. For this purpose, the coupling 7 (Fig. 7) has at least two switching positions, wherein in a first switching position the coupling 7 connects the wrench extension 6 to the valve spindle 5 in a torque-transmitting manner, and in a second switching position prevents the torque-transmitting connection between the wrench extension 6 and the valve spindle 5, at least in the direction of rotation 8 (Fig. 3) that opens the valve. This allows the hydrant 2 to be easily secured via the actuating device 1.By controlling the coupling 7 through the control unit, operation of the hydrant valve can only be reserved for persons who have received an authorization code for authentication, which authorizes release of the valve operation. The release unit 3 prevents operation of the secured hydrant valve as long as a valid release code has not been authenticated by the control unit. However, if a valid release code is successfully authenticated, the control unit controls the release unit 3 to enable valve operation to actuate the valve on the secured hydrant 2. The release unit 3 has a drive 10 (Fig. 6) which is connected to the control unit, whereby the drive 10 (Fig. 6) actuates the switchable coupling 7 (Fig. 7). To operate the valve, the hydrant key can be turned on the key attachment 6.

[0034] To operate the valve, the release unit 3 engages the valve spindle 5 (Fig. 2) of the valve, as can be seen, for example, in Figure 5. Provided operation is enabled by the release unit 3, the valve can be rotated in the opening direction 8 shown in Figure 3 to open the valve by rotating the spindle 5 (Fig. 2). To do this, the hydrant key can be placed on the key attachment 6 of the release unit 3, and the key attachment 6 can be turned in the opening direction 8. In the closing direction 9 shown in Figure 3, the valve spindle 5 can be turned back using the hydrant key on the key attachment 6 to close the valve. As can be seen from Figures 1 to 3, electrical contact surfaces 15 are provided on the key attachment 6, here on the top side. These contact surfaces 15 are designed to transmit a current for actuating the drive 10 (Fig. 6).With the transmission of power from an external power supply, no separate power supply is required in the actuating device for automatic actuation of the drive. The contact surfaces 15 can also transmit the release code to the control unit. For this reason, no additional devices are required on the actuating device 1 for this purpose. Preferably, one of the contact surfaces 15 is designed as a central circle, and a second contact surface 15 is designed as a circular ring arranged around it. If these contact surfaces 15 are also located on the upper side of the key attachment 6, it does not matter which orientation the hydrant key 20 (Fig. 8) is coupled to the square key attachment 6.

[0035] Figure 4 shows a side view of the actuating device 1. Here, a sectional plane AA is drawn, to which Figure 5 gives a sectional view.

[0036] Figure 5 shows that the release unit 3 has a dome 13 that is placed on the valve spindle 5 and firmly connected to it. A bell 14 of the release unit 3 is arranged above this dome 13 and comprises the key attachment 6 for the hydrant key. The bell 14 is arranged above the dome 13 in such a way that it cannot be removed without being destroyed. The actuating device 1 can additionally be encapsulated laterally so that tampering with the release unit 3 can be prevented. Figure 5 also shows that the release unit 3 has a dome 13 that is placed on the valve spindle 5. The dome 13 can be firmly connected to the valve spindle 5 via a split pin or similar. A bell 14 of the release unit 3 is arranged above the dome 13. This bell 14 is coupled to the dome 13 via the coupling 7.In emergencies, the bell 14 can be removed from the dome 13 by destroying the actuating device 1. The dome 13 can then be used to actuate the valve spindle 5 with a hydrant key, independently of the coupling 7.

[0037] Figure 6 shows a detailed view of the drive 10. The drive 10 has an actuating element 19 made of shape memory alloy. As a result, the actuating element 19 is designed to actuate the switchable clutch 7 when the alloy changes shape. The actuating element 19 engages an actuating lever 18, via which the clutch 7, also shown in Figure 6, can be switched. As can be seen in Figure 6, the actuating element 19 lies in a circular guide 23, so that it can be arranged in a space-saving manner in the actuating device 1. In the exemplary embodiment, the control unit of the actuating device 1 is arranged on a circuit board 24 in the shape of a segment of a circle.

[0038] The coupling 7 shown can establish the connection between the key attachment 6 of the bell 14 and the dome 13 on the valve spindle 5 (Fig. 5). This closes the torque-transmitting connection between the key attachment 6 (Fig. 5) and the valve spindle 5 (Fig. 5) for operating the valve through the coupling 7 shown, so that the operation of the valve is released by the release unit 3.

[0039] Figure 7 shows a detailed view of the clutch 7. As can be seen, the clutch 7 has two spring-loaded pawls 16. The springs 25 of the clutch 7 press the pawls 16 towards a toothed ring 17 of the clutch 7. The pawls 16 point in the two opposite directions of rotation 8, 9 (Fig. 3), whereby, depending on the direction of rotation 8, 9, one of the pawls 16 engages with the toothed ring 17 of the clutch 7 via the actuating lever 18 and the other pawl 16 is held at a distance from the toothed ring 17 of the clutch 7 against the spring force of the springs 25. Using the drive described above, the actuating lever 18 can be moved very easily for automatic engagement of the clutch 7. In the second switching position of the clutch 7, the release unit 3 can release the torque-transmitting connection between the key attachment 6 (Fig. 5) and the valve spindle 5 (Fig. 5) at least in the direction of rotation 8 opening the valve (Fig.3) to prevent the valve from opening if a release code has not been successfully authenticated. In this second switching position, the bell 14 rotates freely on the dome 13 of the release unit 3 when the key attachment 6 (Fig. 5) is turned in the opening direction 8 (Fig. 3). Thus, the coupling 7 can prevent the torque-transmitting connection between the key attachment 6 (Fig. 5) and the valve spindle 5 (Fig. 5) with the second switching position in the valve-opening direction 8 (Fig. 3).

[0040] Preferably, however, the coupling 7 can establish the torque-transmitting connection between the key attachment 6 (Fig. 5) and the valve spindle 5 (Fig. 5) in the second switching position at least in the direction of rotation 9 (Fig. 3) which closes the valve, even in the absence of authentication, so that the valve of the protected hydrant 2 (Fig. 1) can at least be closed even without a valid release code. The operation of the valve, which is possible in the second switching position without authentication of a release code, is limited to closing the valve. For this purpose, the coupling 7 establishes a connection between the key attachment 6 (Fig. 1) and the valve spindle 5 only when there is a rotation in the direction of rotation 9 (Fig. 3) which closes the valve, or maintains this connection in this direction of rotation 9 (Fig. 3) (like a freewheel). When the key attachment 6 is turned in the direction of rotation 9 (Fig.3) the pawls 16 engage with the teeth 26 of the toothed ring 17 attached to the dome 13, so that the valve can always be closed.

[0041] When the key attachment 6 (Fig. 3) is rotated in the direction of rotation 8 (Fig. 3) that opens the valve, the coupling 7 prevents the connection of the key attachment 6 (Fig. 3) to the valve spindle 5 (Fig. 2) in the absence of authentication by either not establishing the connection via the locking pawls 16 or by breaking this connection. This effectively prevents operation of the valve without appropriate authorization via an access code via the coupling 7 of the release unit 3.

[0042] The release unit 3 is preferably controlled by the control unit via a drive 10 (Fig. 6), which actuates the switchable clutch 7 (Fig. 6) of the release unit 3. For this purpose, the drive 10 (Fig. 2) adjusts the position of the actuating lever 18 so that the pawls 16, which are articulated on the bell 14, can be brought into engagement with the teeth 26 of the toothed ring 17 in order to establish the first switching position of the clutch 7. The drive 10 (Fig. 3) can also move the pawls 16 out of engagement with the teeth 26 of the toothed ring 17 by displacing or rotating the actuating lever 18 relative to the bell 14 of the release unit 3 in order to switch the clutch 7 into the second switching position.

[0043] Figure 8 shows what appears to be an ordinary hydrant key 20 at first glance. However, the hydrant key 20 shown is specifically designed for use on the previously described actuating device 1 (Fig. 1).

[0044] This can be seen in Figure 9, which shows a sectional view of the special key receptacle 22 of the hydrant key 20 according to Figure 8. Here, it can be seen that two interface contacts 21 are arranged on the hydrant key 20 in the area of ​​the key receptacle 22. These interface contacts 21 serve to transmit power from an energy storage device of the hydrant key 20, which is preferably arranged in the rod 27 (Fig. 8) of the hydrant key 20. In addition, an enable code assigned to the hydrant key 20 can be transmitted from a data memory of the hydrant key 20 to an actuating device 1 (Fig. 1) as described above via the interface contacts 21. Figure 9 shows that the interface contacts 21 have tips aligned in the direction of the key receptacle 22. With these tips, even when the contact surfaces 15 (Fig. 1) on the key attachment 6 (Fig.1 ) a secure connection can be established. The interface contacts 21 are preferably spring-loaded. For the power and / or data transmission of the release code, the hydrant key 20 with the key receptacle 22 is simply coupled to the key attachment 6 (Fig. 1 ) of the actuating device 1 (Fig. 1 ). The power and data transmission can then be activated, preferably via a switch button 28 on the handle 29 of the hydrant key 20. In this way, the current flow for actuating the coupling 7 (Fig. 7) and for supplying the control unit of the actuating device 1 (Fig. 1 ) can be activated via the energy storage device in the hydrant key 20 coupled to the key attachment 6 (Fig. 1 ). The release code stored in the data memory of the hydrant key 20 can thus also be transmitted via the interface contacts 21 and the contact surfaces 15 (Fig. 1 ) of the key attachment 6 (Fig. 1 ). This allows the actuating device 1 (Fig.1 ) secured shut-off device 2 (Fig. 1 ) can be operated as usual with the hydrant key 20 after authentication of the release code. Preferably, the hydraulic key 20 has a display in the area of ​​the handle 29 (Fig. 8), which can signal the successful or failed authentication of a release code by the control unit of the coupled actuating device 1 (Fig. 1 ).

[0045] - List of reference symbols -

[0046] Reference symbol list

[0047] 1 actuating device

[0048] 2 fire hydrants

[0049] 3 Release unit 4 Pipe

[0050] 5 valve spindle

[0051] 6 Key approach

[0052] 7 Clutch

[0053] 8 opening direction of rotation 9 closing direction of rotation

[0054] 10 Drive

[0055] 11 Hydrant system

[0056] 12 fitting connection

[0057] 13 Cathedral 14 Bell

[0058] 15 contact surfaces

[0059] 16 pawls

[0060] 17 Toothed ring

[0061] 18 Operating lever 19 Operating element

[0062] 20 hydrant keys

[0063] 21 interface contacts

[0064] 22 Key holder 23 Guide

[0065] 24 boards

[0066] 25 springs

[0067] 26 teeth

[0068] 27 Rod 28 Switch button

[0069] 29 Handle

[0070] - Patent claims -

Claims

Patent claims 1. Actuating device (1) for a shut-off device, in particular for a hydrant, in particular for an underground hydrant (2), comprising a release unit (3) designed to selectively enable or disable the operation of a valve of the shut-off device, a control unit connected to the release unit (3) and designed to actuate the release unit (3) only after authentication of a release code to enable valve operation, wherein the control unit has a communication unit for reading the release code, wherein the release unit (3) engages a valve spindle (5), and wherein the release unit (3) has a key lug (6) and a switchable clutch (7).wherein the clutch (7) in a first switching position connects the key end (6) to the valve spindle (5) in a torque-transmitting manner and in a second switching position prevents the torque-transmitting connection between the key end (6) and the valve spindle (5) at least in the direction of rotation (8) opening the valve, wherein the release unit (3) has an actuator (10) which is connected to the control unit, wherein the actuator (10) actuates the switchable clutch (7), characterized in that electrical contact surfaces (15) are provided on the key end (6) which are designed to transmit a current for actuating the actuator (10) and / or the release code to the control unit.

2. Actuating device (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the coupling (7) prevents the torque-transmitting connection of the key end (6) with the valve spindle (5) in the second switching position in the direction of rotation (8) opening the valve and connects the key end (6) with the valve spindle (5) in a torque-transmitting manner in the direction of rotation (9) closing the valve.

3. Actuating device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the clutch (7) has two spring-loaded pawls (16) has pawls that point in the two opposite directions of rotation (8, 9), wherein, depending on the direction of rotation (8, 9), one of the pawls (16) engages with a toothed ring (17) of the clutch (7) and the other pawl (16) is spaced apart from the toothed ring (17) of the clutch (7) via an actuating lever (18).

4. Actuating device (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive (10) has an actuating element (19) made of a shape memory alloy, wherein the actuating element (19) is designed to actuate the switchable clutch (7) when the shape of the alloy changes.

5. Actuating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the drive is an electric actuator motor, wherein the actuator motor is designed to actuate the switchable clutch (7).

6. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release unit (3) has a dome (13) which sits on the valve spindle (5), wherein a bell (14) of the release unit (3) is arranged above the dome (13) which is connected to the coupling (7), wherein the dome (13) is designed to allow the valve spindle (5) to be actuated with a hydrant key independently of the coupling (7) after removal of the bell (14).

7. Hydrant system (11) comprising an actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, and a hydrant, in particular an underground hydrant (2), which has a fitting connection (12) for connecting a water extraction fitting to the hydrant (2), and a valve, on the spindle (5) of which the release unit (3) of the actuating device (1) engages.

8. Hydrant system (11) according to claim 7, characterized by a hydrant key (20) which can be attached to the key attachment (6) and contains the release code in a form readable by the control unit.

9. Hydrant system (11) according to claim 8, characterized in that interface contacts (21) are provided on the hydrant key (20) for transmitting current from an energy storage device of the hydrant key (20) and / or for transmitting a release code assigned to the hydrant key (20) from a data storage device of the hydrant key (20).

10. Hydrant system (11) according to claim 9, characterized in that the release code assigned to the hydrant key (20) is changeable.

11. Hydrant system (11 ) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the hydrant system (11 ) is configured to supply the current transferred from the energy storage of the hydrant key (20) via the interface contacts (21 ) to the drive (10) of the release unit (3).

12. Hydrant system (11) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the interface contacts (21) are arranged in a key receptacle (22) of the hydrant key (20), wherein the key receptacle (22) is designed to contact the key end (6) of the release device (3) for valve operation.

13. Hydrant system (11) according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the control unit is configured to write an identifier of the release unit (3) to the data memory of the hydrant key (20) when an authorization code is authenticated to enable valve operation.

14. Hydrant key (20) comprising an electrical energy storage device for storing electricity and a data storage device for storing release codes, wherein the hydrant key (20) includes interface contacts (21) for transferring electricity from the energy storage device and / or for transferring the release code from the data storage device. - Summary -

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