MODULAR CONNECTION DEVICE FOR WATER METERING STATION

Abstract

MODULAR CONNECTION DEVICE FOR WATER METERING STATION The present invention proposes an optimized connection device to facilitate its installation on a horizontal type water meter, in particular by means of a modular valve.In particular, the invention relates to a connection device (1) for a horizontal water meter, said device comprising at least one tap (200) comprising two angled parts (20, 30), each angled part (20, 30) comprising an inclined end (22, 32) intended for its connection to the meter or the water network, and a straight connecting end (21, 31), characterized in that: -the two straight ends (21, 31) of the angled parts (20, 30) are connected to each other by means of a watertight rotating link allowing a position of the tap (200) to be modulated; and -the tap (200) has a locked position in which the two inclined ends (22, 32) are oriented towards an axial and vertical center of the water meter, and an open position in which one of the inclined parts (22) is oriented towards said axial center and the other inclined part (32) is oriented towards a side opposite said axial center.

Description

Title of the invention: MODULAR CONNECTION DEVICE FOR WATER METERING STATION Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an improvement to connection devices, in particular for water metering stations. Prior art

[0002] Connection devices for water meters are known for connecting a water meter to inlet and outlet pipes of the water network. Horizontal water meters have a threaded inlet and outlet on each side of the meter, typically arranged at right angles to each other. Furthermore, the inlets of the inlet and outlet pipes of the water network are vertical and perpendicular to the inlet / outlet of the meter. It is therefore necessary to use an angled fitting to connect said meter to the water network.

[0003] The connection is however delicate because depending on the manufacturing tolerances of the threads, it is possible that the complete screwing does not coincide with a correct angular position of the pipes. Forced installation positions can lead to crushing of the face-type seals caught between the meter and the valve, and therefore to a risk of leaks and degradation of the seal over time.

[0004] Patent FR 2 850 445 in the name of the applicant proposes an optimized connection device for a horizontal water meter, in which an angled valve is connected to the meter by means of a rotating connecting ring allowing the valve to be mounted in several distinct angular positions. This ring is screwed on one side to the outlet or inlet of the meter and comprises cooperating means for retaining in translation with the valve along the axis of revolution of the ring, these retaining means allowing a relative rotation of the valve in at least one angular sector.

[0005] Although the connection of the tap is perfected, the installer's handling may appear complex during its first uses. In addition, there are always installation drawbacks linked to the size of the angled tap with partial freedom of rotation. Indeed, the face and unface of the tap must be done by quarter turns, which makes its installation or disassembly process tedious. The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks. Statement of the invention

[0006] The aim of the invention is to propose a connection device for a meter reliable and fast water in execution.

[0007] To this end, the invention proposes a water connection device for a water meter with horizontal outlets, said device comprising at least one tap comprising two bent parts, each bent part comprising an inclined end intended for its connection to the meter or to the water network, and a straight connecting end, characterized in that: • the two straight ends of the bent parts are connected to each other by means of a sealed rotary connection allowing the position of the valve to be modulated; and • the valve has a locked position in which the two inclined ends are oriented towards an axial and vertical center of the water meter, and an open position in which one of the inclined parts is oriented towards the axial center and the other inclined part is oriented towards a side opposite said axial center.

[0008] The invention thus proposes a valve comprising a modular angular position to facilitate its installation. In particular, its open position allows simplified connection of the valve to the horizontal outlets of the water meter because this position prevents the valve from being blocked with a body of the meter. The valve can therefore be tightened onto the horizontal outlets of the water meter by a simple rotational movement. When the valve has been correctly connected to the water meter, it is put in the locked and usable position for connection to the water network.

[0009] In one embodiment, the straight ends of the valve are fitted together and secured together by means of a pressure retaining ring.

[0010] For example, one of the straight ends is a male connecting end having at least one first outer groove for receiving said snap-on retaining ring, and the other straight end is a female connecting end having at least one window for exposing a section of said retaining ring when said bent portions are engaged.

[0011] According to the invention, one of the bent parts of the valve, called the upper bent part, is intended for its connection to the water meter and its inclined end is provided with a thread.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the connection device comprises a module for connection to the water network, and; • one of the bent parts of the valve, called the lower bent part, is intended for its connection to the water network and includes automatic connection means with said connection module in its inclined end, and; • said module comprises an inclined end receiving the inclined end of the lower angled part of the valve, and a straight end provided with a thread intended to be tightened onto an inlet or outlet of the water network.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the valve comprises at least one pair of stops cooperating to stop rotation between the bent parts in the locked position, each straight end of the bent parts comprising one of said stops, and in which said stops are preferably located substantially opposite the axial center of the water meter when the valve is in the locked position.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the valve comprises at least a second pair of stops cooperating to stop rotation between the bent parts in the open position, each straight end of the bent parts comprising one of said stops, and in which said pair of stops is preferably located substantially opposite the axial center of the water meter when the valve is in the open position.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the water connection device comprises a pair of taps provided respectively with a module for connection to the water network, and in which said connection device comprises a water stopcock between one of the taps and its module for connection to the water network.

[0016] In a non-limiting embodiment, the bent parts have an angle of 90°.

[0017] The invention also relates to a water station equipped with a connection device according to the invention.

[0018] Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the present invention will emerge from the description which follows, given for explanatory and in no way limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings. Presentation of the drawings

[0019] [Fig-1] A general view of a water metering station according to the state of the art.

[0020] [Fig.2] An exploded and perspective view of a water connection device according to the invention.

[0021] [Fig.3] An exploded view and following a longitudinal section of the valves of the invention: a) in the locked position, and b) in the open position.

[0022] [Fig.4] An exploded view and following a longitudinal section of the rac device water connection according to the invention.

[0023] Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0024] [Fig. 1] shows an example of a water metering station according to the state of the art and comprising a meter 2, a connection module 3 and connection fittings 6, 7 between the meter 2 and the module 3. According to this system, the The water inlet 100 and outlet 101 pipes are spaced slightly apart and are received on a lower face of the module. The module comprises a first chamber 103 connected downwards to the water inlet pipe and upwards to a first valve 6 bringing the water to the meter 2. At the outlet of the meter, the water passes into a second valve 7, possibly equipped with a stopcock 102, then passes into a second chamber 104 of the module and leaves the station via the pipe 101 to be distributed to the subscriber.

[0025] In the system of the prior art [Fig.l], the connection of the valve must be made by quarter turns to the meter 2 due to the bulk of a lower part of said valve. Indeed, said valve has a return extending towards the axial center of the meter, and preventing said valve from making a complete turn when it is screwed onto the inlet or outlet of the meter 2.

[0026] The present invention proposes an improved water connection device to facilitate its installation, in particular by means of modular tapware. Figures 2 and 4 illustrate a general view of the connection device 1 according to the invention, and [Fig.3] illustrates the modular tapware 200 of the invention. The water connection device 1 comprises meter inlet and outlet tapware 20 respectively comprising at least two bent parts 20, 30 with variable position. Each bent part 20, 30 has an inclined end 22, 32 intended for its connection to the meter or to the water network, and a straight connecting end 21, 31 determining an intermediate and modular part of the tapware 200.

[0027] The valve 200 of the invention is very advantageous in that it allows an angular position to be varied between the bent parts 20, 30 and so that the valve 200 can be aimed at the water meter by a mechanism of continuous rotation around the horizontal axis of the meter. Indeed, by modifying an angular position of the lower bent part 30, it is possible to avoid the valve being blocked with the body of the meter during its installation, and then return this lower bent part 30 to its position of use.

[0028] For this purpose, the straight ends 21, 31 are connected to each other in a rotatable manner and so that the valve 200 has a locked position [Fig. 3], incise a) and an open position [Fig. 3], incise b). In its locked position, the valve 200 has a general “C” shape and the two inclined ends 22, 32 are oriented towards a central reference axis, and corresponding to a vertical axis of the water meter (illustrated in dotted lines in [Fig. 3]). In its open position, one of the inclined parts 22 is oriented towards the central axis and the other inclined part 32 is oriented towards a side opposite said central axis.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, an upper bent portion 20 of the rob neteries is intended for its connection to the threaded horizontal outlets of the meter, and a lower bent part 30 is adjustable relative to said upper bent part. The inclined end 22 of the upper bent part 20 is therefore provided with a thread and an O-ring 23 for its connection to the threaded outlets of the water meter. On the other hand, the straight end 21 of said upper bent part 20 comprises complementary connection means with the straight end 31 of the lower bent part 30.

[0030] According to the embodiment illustrated [Fig.l] and [Fig.2], the straight end 21 of the upper bent part 20 is a male connecting end having external grooves, a first groove 25 for receiving a pressure retaining ring 29 (ie circlip) and a pair of grooves 26 for receiving seals. The straight end 31 of the lower bent part 30 is a female connecting end, receiving said upper bent part 20, and preferably, housing said retaining ring 29 at one or more windows 34 around an internal groove 35. It is thus possible to have access to said retaining ring 29 when the upper 20 and lower 30 bent parts are assembled, and so as to allow its possible disassembly.

[0031] The two bent parts 20, 30 are thus fitted together up to a shoulder 24 of the right end 21 of the upper bent part 20. In one embodiment, the upper bent part 20 and the lower bent part 30 comprise at least one pair of stops 27, 37 stopping the rotation of the rotary connection in the locked position at “C” of the valve. A first upper stop 27 is located at the shoulder 24 of the upper part of the valve facing the axial center of the meter, and stops a second external stop 37 located on the lower bent part 30 of the valve.

[0032] Preferably, the valve 200 also comprises a second pair of stops stopping the rotary connection in the open position.

[0033] The invention is very advantageous in that the upper elbow portion 20 and the lower elbow portion 30 of the valves 200 can be assembled during its manufacture. Installation by the end user is therefore simplified and does not require tools or tedious movements. To connect each valve 200 to the meter, it will be sufficient to place the valve in the open position, by a simple rotation of the lower elbow portion 30. In the open position, the connection to the horizontal threaded outlets of the water meter is made by means of a rotational movement around the horizontal axis of said outlet, and so as to tighten the upper elbow portion 20 onto said threaded outlet. Installation therefore only requires simple rotational movements and without the need for a particular tool, both for the connection to the meter and for selecting a position of the valve 200.

[0034] According to the illustrated embodiment, the connection of the taps 200 to the water network is made by means of a connecting module 40. Said module also corresponds to a third bent part of the water connection device 1 and therefore comprises a straight part 41 and an inclined part 42. The straight part 41 of the module comprises a thread complementary to a thread of the inlet or outlet of the water network. During installation, the straight part of the module is therefore tightened onto an inlet or outlet of the water network and it is then connected to the taps by its inclined end 42.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the inclined end 41 of the module 40 receiving the lower elbow part 30 of the valve 200 comprises automatic connection means cooperating with the inclined end 32 of the lower elbow part 30. For example, the lower elbow part 30 is slid and clipped with the outlet of the inclined part 42 of the module 40. Of course, any other automatic connection means, and without the need for rotation, can be used to connect the modules and the valves.

[0036] This results in a valve with a variable angular position and allowing easy installation of said valve on a water meter with horizontal outlets and vertical water inlets.

Claims

Claims

1. Connection device (1) for a water meter with horizontal outlets, said device comprising at least one valve (200) comprising two bent parts (20, 30), each bent part (20, 30) comprising an inclined end (22, 32) intended for its connection to the meter or to the water network, and a straight end (21, 31) for connection, in which the two straight ends (21, 31) of the bent parts (20, 30) are connected to each other by means of a sealed rotary connection making it possible to modulate a position of the valve (200), characterized in that: - the valve (200) has a use position in which the two inclined ends (22, 32) are oriented towards an axial and vertical center of the water meter, and an installation position in which one of the inclined parts (22) is oriented towards said axial center and the other inclined part (32) is oriented towards a side opposite said axial center,and in that the valve comprises: - a pair of stops (27, 37) cooperating to stop rotation between the bent parts (20, 30) in the use position, each straight end (21, 31) of the bent parts comprising one of said stops (27, 37), and - a second pair of stops cooperating to stop rotation between the bent parts (20, 30) in the installation position, each straight end (21, 31) of the bent parts comprising one of said stops.,

2. A connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the straight ends (21, 31) of the fitting (200) are fitted and fixed together by means of a pressure retaining ring (29).

3. A connecting device according to claim 2, wherein one of the straight ends (21) is a male connecting end having at least one first outer groove (25) for receiving said snap-on retaining ring (29), and the other straight end (31) is a female connecting end having at least one window (34) for exposing a section of said retaining ring (29) when said bent portions (20, 30) are fitted together.

4. Connection device according to one of the preceding claims, in which one of the bent parts of the valve, called the upper bent part (20), is intended for its connection to the water meter and its inclined end (22) is provided with a thread.

5. Connection device according to one of the preceding claims comprising a module (40) for connection to the water network, and in which; - one of the bent parts of the valve, called the lower bent part (30), is intended for its connection to the water network and comprises automatic connection means with said connection module (40) in its inclined end (32), and; - said module (40) comprises an inclined end (42) receiving the inclined end (32) of the lower bent part (30) of the valve, and a straight end (41) provided with a thread intended to be tightened onto an inlet or an outlet of the water network.

6. A connection device according to any preceding claim, wherein said pair of stops (27, 37) cooperating to stop rotation between the bent portions (20, 30) in the use position is located substantially opposite the axial center of the water meter when the valve (200) is in the use position.

7. A connection device according to any preceding claim, wherein said second pair of stops cooperating to stop rotation between the bent portions (20, 30) in the installation position is located substantially opposite the axial center of the water meter when the valve is in the installation position.

8. Water connection device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a pair of taps provided respectively with a module for connection to the water network, and in which said connection device comprises a water stop valve (50) between one of the taps (200) and its module (40) for connection to the water network.

9. Water connection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bent parts (20, 30) have an angle of 0°

10. y\j Water station equipped with a connection device according to one of the preceding claims.

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