Caps, flow path switching valves, and fire hydrants

Abstract

To provide a cap which can make compatible prevention of dropout from a channel selector valve and good operability for changing the position of the valve body of the channel selector valve.SOLUTION: A cap 3 is adaptable for a channel selector valve which can switch the flow of a fluid entered from one inflow path to either one of a first outflow path or a second outflow path. The cap includes a cap fixed part 320 that has a cylindrical lateral wall to be installed to the secondary side of the second outflow path and a cap movable part 310 that has a cylindrical lateral wall to be installed to the outer side in the upper part of the cap fixed part 320. By moving the cap movable part 310 in a vertical direction along the lateral wall of the cap fixed part 320, the valve body assembled in the channel selector valve is moved in a different position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a cap applied to a flow path switching valve, a flow path switching valve provided with this cap, and a fire hydrant provided with this flow path switching valve.

Background Art

[0002] The inventors of the present invention invented a safety cover (attachment) for a flow path switching valve disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-173296. As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-173296, the safety cover 3 has a configuration in which a substantially cylindrical side wall and a circular top wall are integrally formed of synthetic resin. As shown in FIG. 5 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-173296, the safety cover 3 is attached to the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2 and entirely covers the fitting 40.

[0003] A slit 301 extending parallel to the central axis and a vent hole 302 continuous with the upper end of the slit 301 are formed in the side wall of the safety cover 3. Although not shown, two slits 301 and vent holes 302 are formed at opposite positions on the side wall of the safety cover 3. The pair of slits 301 facilitates widening the side wall of the safety cover 3 when the safety cover 3 is attached to the fitting 40. The pair of slits 301 and vent holes 302 serve to allow air to flow inside and outside the safety cover 3.

[0004] An annular first convex portion 303A and a second convex portion 303B are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the side wall of the safety cover 3 at intervals. As shown in FIG. 6 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-173296, the interval between the first convex portion 303A and the second convex portion 303B is substantially equal to the vertical width of the stepped portion 43 of the fitting 40. By moving the safety cover​​​Such a safety cover 3 has the function of operating the movable member 60 of the flow path switching valve 2 to position the valve body 100 in a predetermined position. In other words, the safety cover 3 functions as an operating part for the valve body 100.

[0006] As shown in Figure 5 of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-173296, when the first protrusion 303A engages with the end face of the stepped portion 43, the top wall of the safety cover 3 pushes down the movable member 60. This causes the valve body 100 to exit the inlet 31 of the insertion pipe 30, opening both the first outflow passage 22 and the second outflow passage 23 of the valve body 20. As a result, the inside of the valve body 20 is opened to the atmosphere through the pair of slits 301 and vents 302 of the safety cover 3 (see the white arrows in Figure 5). In this way, the flow path switching valve 2 functions as an atmospheric release valve when the first protrusion 303A engages with the end face of the stepped portion 43.

[0007] As shown in Figure 6 of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-173296, when the second protrusion 303B engages with the end face of the stepped portion 43, the top wall of the safety cover 3 separates from the movable member 60, and the movable member 60 is pushed up by the biasing force of the spring 80. As a result, the valve body 100 enters the inlet 31 of the insertion pipe 30, closing only the second outflow passage 23 of the valve body 20. Consequently, the inflow passage 21 and the first outflow passage 22 of the valve body 20 are connected through the connecting port 24. As a result, the water supplied to the fire hydrant 1 shown in Figure 1 of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-173296 flows from the inflow passage 21 of the valve body 20 shown in Figure 6 to the first outflow passage 22, and is supplied to the fire hose 17 shown in Figure 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-173296 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The safety cover 3 described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-173296 has a problem in that it is prone to falling off the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2. Specifically, the safety cover 3 is integrally molded from a synthetic resin that can be elastically deformed. Furthermore, a pair of slits 301 extending parallel to the central axis are formed in the side wall of the safety cover 3. The pair of slits 301 make the side wall of the safety cover 3 more elastically deformable overall. As a result, it becomes easier to selectively engage the first protrusion 303A or the second protrusion 303B with the end face of the stepped portion 43 of the fitting 40, but on the other hand, the safety cover 3 is prone to falling off the fitting 40.

[0010] Furthermore, the safety cover 3 may be ejected from the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2 by the movable member 60 under water pressure. This problem can occur when the flow path switching valve 2 is in the state shown in Figure 5 of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-173296 while the fire hydrant 1 is in standby mode. That is, in the state shown in Figure 5 of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-173296, when water is supplied to the inlet passage 21 of the flow path switching valve 2, the water pressure at this time pushes the valve body 100 upward. As a result, the movable member 60 moves forcefully upward, ejecting the safety cover 3 from the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2. Thus, the safety cover 3 is highly likely to be ejected from the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2 and lost at the time firefighting operations begin.

[0011] One possible approach is to prevent the safety cover 3 from falling off by limiting the elastic deformation of its side walls. However, limiting the elastic deformation of the side walls of the safety cover 3 makes it difficult for the safety cover 3 to move vertically, which reduces the operability required to change the position of the valve body 100.

[0012] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a cap that can prevent detachment from the flow path switching valve and achieve good operability for changing the position of the valve body of the flow path switching valve, a flow path switching valve equipped with this cap, and a fire hydrant equipped with this flow path switching valve. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] (1) To achieve the above objective, the cap of the present invention is a cap applied to a flow path switching valve capable of switching the flow of fluid that has entered from one inlet passage to either a first outlet passage or a second outlet passage, comprising: a cap fixing portion having a cylindrical side wall that is attached to the secondary side of the second outlet passage; and a cap movable portion having a cylindrical side wall that is attached to the upper outside of the cap fixing portion, wherein an annular first locking portion protruding outward is formed above the cap fixing portion, and an opening at the upper end of the cap fixing portion is formed above the cap movable portion. A top wall is formed to cover the cap, and a contact portion projecting downward is formed in the center of the back surface of the top wall. Annular second and third locking portions projecting inward are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the side wall of the movable cap portion, spaced apart in the vertical direction. By moving the movable cap portion vertically along the side wall of the fixed cap portion, one of the second or third locking portions is selectively locked to the first locking portion, thereby moving the lower end of the contact portion to a different position, and the valve body incorporated in the flow path switching valve is moved to a different position according to the position of the lower end of the contact portion.

[0014] (2) Preferably, in the cap of (1) above, at least one vertically extending slit is formed in the side wall of the movable part of the cap.

[0015] (3) Preferably, in the cap of (1) above, at least one vertically extending slit is formed in the side wall of the cap fixing portion, and an annular fourth locking portion projecting inward is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the side wall.

[0016] (4) Preferably, the cap according to (3) further comprises a restraining ring attached to the outside of the side wall of the cap fixing portion, the restraining ring having a circular inner surface with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the side wall, and the difference between the inner diameter of the restraining ring and the outer diameter of the side wall of the cap fixing portion is smaller than the protruding length of the fourth locking portion, thereby limiting the amount of outward deformation of the side wall of the cap fixing portion to within the range of the difference.

[0017] (5) Preferably, in the cap of (4) above, a stopper is provided below the side wall of the cap fixing portion, which abuts against the restraining ring mounted on the outside of the side wall, and when the lower end of the restraining ring abuts against the stopper, all or part of the inner circumferential surface of the restraining ring is located between the fourth locking portion on the outside of the side wall of the cap fixing portion and the stopper.

[0018] (6) Preferably, the cap according to (5) further comprises a wire having a predetermined length, wherein the stopper is the head of a screw fastened to the lower side wall of the cap fixing portion, the screw fixing one end of the wire to the lower side wall of the cap fixing portion, and the other end of the wire being connected to the flow path switching valve.

[0019] (7) Preferably, in the cap of (1) above, the third locking portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the side wall of the movable cap portion, the second locking portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the side wall of the movable cap portion above the third locking portion, and a display portion is provided on the upper outer side of the side wall of the fixed cap portion that can visually indicate the position of the lower end of the movable cap portion.

[0020] (8) Preferably, in the cap according to (7) above, the display portion has a surface of a different color from the side wall of the cap fixing portion and a lower edge parallel to the contour of the lower end of the movable cap portion, and when the third locking portion is locked to the first locking portion, at least the lower portion of the display portion is not covered by the side wall of the movable cap portion, and when the second locking portion is locked to the first locking portion, the entire display portion is covered by the side wall of the movable cap portion.

[0021] (9) In order to achieve the above object, the flow path switching valve of the present invention is a flow path switching valve capable of switching the flow of fluid flowing in from one inflow path to either the first outflow path or the second outflow path, comprising a valve box provided therein with the inflow path, the first outflow path, and the second outflow path; a valve body capable of closing either the first outflow path or the second outflow path; a spring capable of closing the second outflow path on the valve body by an urging force along the central axis of the second outflow path; and a cap according to any one of the above (1) to (8) attached to the secondary side of the second outflow path.

[0022] (10) In order to achieve the above object, the fire hydrant of the present invention comprises the flow path switching valve described in the above (9).

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] The cap of the present invention comprises a cap fixed part and a cap movable part. The cap fixed part is attached to the secondary side of the second outflow path of the flow path switching valve. The cap movable part can be moved vertically along the side wall of the cap fixed part. With such a configuration, even when the cap fixed part is firmly fixed to the secondary side of the second outflow path of the flow path switching valve, it does not affect the vertical movement of the cap movable part at all. Therefore, according to the cap of the present invention, it is possible to prevent dropping from the flow path switching valve and to achieve both good operability for changing the position of the valve body of the flow path switching valve.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] Fig. 1(a) is a front view showing a fire hydrant according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1(b) is a schematic view showing the internal configuration of the fire hydrant. [Figure 2] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a flow path switching valve according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components of the flow path switching valve. [Figure 4]Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are front views showing a cap according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4(a) shows the state in which the cap's movable part is moved upward. Figure 4(b) shows the state in which the cap's movable part is moved downward. [Figure 5] Figure 5(a) is a plan view showing the movable part of the cap. Figure 5(b) is a front view showing the movable part of the cap. Figure 5(c) is a bottom view showing the movable part of the cap. Figure 5(d) is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 5(a). [Figure 6] Figure 6(a) is a plan view showing the cap fixing portion that constitutes the cap. Figure 6(b) is a front view showing the cap fixing portion. Figure 6(c) is a bottom view showing the cap fixing portion. Figure 6(d) is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 6(a). [Figure 7] Figure 7(a) is a plan view showing the restraint ring that constitutes the cap. Figure 7(b) is a front view showing the restraint ring. Figure 7(c) is a bottom view showing the restraint ring. Figure 7(d) is a cross-sectional view of the CC of Figure 7(a). [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the flow path switching valve and the cap when the fire hydrant is in standby mode. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the flow path switching valve and the cap of the fire hydrant during firefighting. [Figure 10] Figure 10(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling fitting of the inspection device used for inspecting the fire hydrant. Figure 10(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the flow path switching valve during inspection of the fire hydrant. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the cap of the present invention, a flow path switching valve equipped with this cap, and a fire hydrant equipped with this flow path switching valve will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] 1. Fire hydrant In Figure 1(a), the fire hydrant 1 of this embodiment is installed, for example, inside a road tunnel and is used for initial fire suppression in the event of a fire occurring inside the tunnel. The fire hydrant 1 comprises a fire hydrant door 10A, a fire extinguisher door 10B, and a maintenance door 10C. Inside the fire hydrant door 10A are various valves 15, 16, 19, 2, a fire hose 17, a fire nozzle 18, an inspection device 4, an opening / closing lever 15a, etc., as shown in Figure 1(b). The fire hydrant door 10A can be opened manually by operating the handle 11a. The fire hydrant door 10A opens, for example, from top to bottom, centered on the bottom edge of the door. The fire nozzle 18, connected to the fire hose 17, is detachably held on the back surface of the fire hydrant door 10A. The opening / closing lever 15a is also installed on the back surface of the fire hydrant door 10A. The various valves 15, 16, 19, and 2 inside the fire hydrant door 10A will be described later.

[0027] A fire extinguisher (not shown) is stored inside the fire extinguisher door 10B. The fire extinguisher door 10B can be opened manually by operating the handle 11b. The fire extinguisher door 10B opens, for example, from right to left, centered on the left edge of the door. Between the fire extinguisher door 10B and the maintenance door 10C, there is a red indicator light 12 and a reporting button 13. The red indicator light 12 is always lit, making it possible to identify the location of the fire hydrant 1 from a distance. When the reporting button 13 is pressed, a transmission signal is sent. This transmission signal is received by a receiver in a monitoring room (not shown) and processed as a signal to report a fire or accident.

[0028] Here, the various valves 15, 16, 19, and 2 shown in Figure 1(b) will be explained in accordance with the flow of water supplied from a pump (not shown). A fire hydrant connection port 14 is located on the right side of the fire hydrant 1. The water supplied from the pump is supplied to the fire hydrant 1 via piping (not shown) connected to the fire hydrant connection port 14.

[0029] Inside the fire hydrant 1, the fire hydrant connection port 14 is connected in the following order: a fire hydrant valve 15, an automatic pressure regulating valve 16, a flow path switching valve 2, and an automatic drain valve 19. The fire hydrant valve 15 is opened and closed by an operator operating the on / off lever 15a. When the on / off lever 15a is operated from the closed position to the open position, the fire hydrant valve 15 becomes open. In conjunction with the operation of the on / off lever 15a at this time, a transmission signal is sent from a limit switch (not shown). This transmission signal is received by a receiver in a monitoring room (not shown), and the receiver sends a command signal to start the pump. Based on this command signal, the pump is started and the supply of water begins. As a result, the pressure in the piping increases. The automatic pressure regulating valve 16 automatically adjusts the pressure in the secondary piping to a specified range when the pressure in the primary piping fluctuates within a specified range. Water is supplied from the automatic pressure regulating valve 16 to the fire hose 17 via the flow path switching valve 2 and discharged from the fire nozzle 18. The automatic pressure regulating valve 16 automatically adjusts the pressure in the secondary piping so that the water discharge pressure from the fire extinguishing nozzle 18 is between 0.29 MPa and 0.35 MPa, for example, when the pressure in the primary piping fluctuates within the range of 0.47 to 1.77 MPa.

[0030] The automatic drain valve 19 is connected to the secondary piping of the automatic pressure regulating valve 16 and opens and closes automatically according to the water pressure in the piping. That is, when the fire hydrant 1 is in standby mode, the water pressure in the piping falls below a predetermined value, and the automatic drain valve 19 is in an open state. On the other hand, when the fire hydrant 1 is being used for firefighting or inspection, the water pressure in the piping rises above a predetermined value, and the automatic drain valve 19 is in a closed state. With this automatic drain valve 19, any remaining water in the piping is automatically drained after the fire hydrant 1 is used, keeping the piping dry.

[0031] 2. Flow path switching valve Next, the configuration of the flow path switching valve 2 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The flow path switching valve 2 has two functions. First, the flow path switching valve 2 functions as an inspection valve for inspecting the fire hydrant 1. Second, the flow path switching valve 2 functions as an atmospheric release valve for smoothly discharging residual water from the piping of the fire hydrant 1 and the fire hose 17.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the flow path switching valve 2 is mainly composed of a valve body 20, an insertion pipe 30, a fitting 40, a thrust ring 50, a movable member 60, a shaft 70, a spring 80, a stopper 90, and a valve body 100.

[0033] The valve body 20 contains an inlet passage 21, a first outlet passage 22, and a second outlet passage 23. A circular connecting port 24 is provided between the inlet passage 21 and the first outlet passage 22. The inlet passage 21 is connected to an automatic pressure regulating valve 16 shown in Figure 1(b). The first outlet passage 22 is connected to a hose fitting (not shown). A fire extinguishing hose 17 shown in Figure 1(b) is connected to this hose fitting. Water flowing into the valve body 20 from the inlet passage 21 flows into either the first outlet passage 22 or the second outlet passage 23 as the valve body 100 moves.

[0034] The central axis of the second flow path 23 of the valve body 20 is preferably inclined at 10° to 30° with respect to the vertical axis. In this embodiment, the central axis of the second outflow passage 23 is inclined at approximately 20° with respect to the vertical axis. The second outflow passage 23 and the connecting port 24 share a central axis, and the central axis of the connecting port 24 is also inclined at approximately 20° with respect to the vertical axis. The term "vertical axis" here refers to a virtual axis that intersects at 90° with the central axis of at least one of the inflow passage 21 and the first outflow passage 22.

[0035] The second outflow passage 23 of the valve body 20 is assembled with the aforementioned insertion pipe 30, fitting 40, push ring 50, movable member 60, shaft 70, spring 80, stopper 90, and valve body 100.

[0036] The insertion tube 30 is a substantially cylindrical tube having a small-diameter inlet 31 and a large-diameter outlet 32. The inlet 31 side of the insertion tube 30 is inserted into the second outflow passage 23 of the valve body 20. The inner diameter of the inlet 31 of the insertion tube 30 is equal to the opening diameter of the connecting port 24 of the valve body 20. A stopper 90 is housed inside the outlet 32 ​​of the insertion tube 30, and the inlet 41 of the fitting 40 is inserted into it. The space between the insertion tube 30 and the second outflow passage 23 is sealed by an O-ring 33. On the other hand, the space between the insertion tube 30 and the fitting 40 is sealed by an O-ring 34.

[0037] The insert fitting 40 constitutes the insertion opening of a plug-in type coupling fitting called the "Machino type." A push ring 50 is attached to the outside of the insert fitting. A flange 51 is provided on the outer circumference of the lower end of the push ring 50 to move the push ring 50 along the outer surface of the insert fitting 40. A stepped portion 43 is formed on the outer circumference of the outlet 42 of the insert fitting 40, which protrudes evenly in the diametrical direction and is capable of restricting the movement of the push ring 50.

[0038] The stopper 90 is made of a circular plate member and is sandwiched between the outlet 32 ​​of the insertion pipe 30 and the inlet 41 of the fitting 40. A circular through hole 91 is formed in the center of the stopper 90. The through hole 91 has an opening diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the shaft 70, and the shaft 70 is movably inserted through it. The shaft 70 inserted through the through hole 91 of the stopper 90 coincides with the central axis of the second outflow passage 23 of the valve body 20. In addition, three approximately fan-shaped water passage holes 92 are evenly formed in the stopper 90. Each water passage hole 92 is arranged radially with respect to the through hole 91. Water that flows into the insertion pipe 30 from the inflow passage 21 of the valve body 20 passes through each water passage hole 92 and flows out to the side of the fitting 40. The configuration of the stopper 90 is not particularly limited as long as it allows water to pass through and can stop the movement of the spring 80. For example, the stopper 90 may have a configuration in which a plurality of circular water passage holes 92 are formed radially around the insertion hole 91.

[0039] The movable member 60 is constructed by integrally forming an annular body 61, three support rods 62, a female threaded portion 63, and three guide pieces 64. The annular body 61 functions as a plunger. Each support rod 62 is arranged radially at a 120° angle to the annular body 61 and supports the female threaded portion 63 at the center of the annular body 61. Each support rod 62 forms three openings 65 for water to pass through. Each guide piece 64 is arranged at equal intervals on the back surface of the annular body 61, corresponding to each of the three support rods 62. The outer circumferential surface of each guide piece 64 is a curved surface with the same radius of curvature as the inner circumferential surface of the fitting 40.

[0040] The valve body 100 is a roughly disc-shaped component and functions as a piston. The diameter of the valve body 100 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the inlet 31 of the insertion pipe 30 and the opening diameter of the connecting port 24 of the valve body 20. This allows the valve body 100 to move in and out of the inlet 31 of the insertion pipe 30 and the connecting port 24 of the valve body 20. A female threaded portion 101 is provided at the center of the valve body 100. Three guide pieces 102 are integrally formed along the periphery of the annular upper surface of the valve body 100. Each guide piece 102 is arranged at equal intervals from one another. The outer circumferential surface of each guide piece 102 is a curved surface with the same radius of curvature as the inner circumferential surface of the inlet 31 of the insertion pipe 30. An O-ring 103 is fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 100 as a sealing member.

[0041] A configuration for operating the valve body 100 is formed by assembling the movable member 60, spring 80, and valve body 100 onto the shaft 70 inserted through the insertion hole 91 of the stopper 90.

[0042] Specifically, a spring 80 is attached to the outside of the portion of the shaft 70 above the stopper 90. With the spring 80 interposed, the female threaded portion 63 of the movable member 60 is screwed onto the first male threaded portion 71 provided at one end of the shaft 70. The spring 80 is held in a compressed state between the movable member 60 and the stopper 90. As a result, the spring 80 constantly generates a biasing force in the direction that pushes the movable member 60 upward. With the biasing force of the spring 80, more than half of the movable member 60 is exposed to the outside from the outlet 42 of the fitting 40.

[0043] On the other hand, the female thread portion 101 of the valve body 100 is screwed onto the second male thread portion 72 provided at the other end of the shaft 70. The valve body 100 is constantly subjected to the biasing force of the spring 80 via the shaft 70 and remains inside the inlet 31 of the insertion pipe 30. At this time, the O-ring 103 of the valve body 100 is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the inlet 31 of the insertion pipe 30. As a result, the inlet 31 of the insertion pipe 30 is closed by the valve body 100. In other words, in the free state of the movable member 60, which is not subjected to any force other than the biasing force of the spring 80, the second outflow passage 23 of the flow path switching valve 2 is closed by the valve body 100.

[0044] Then, a force opposing the biasing force of the spring 80 pushes the movable member 60 into the outlet 42 of the fitting 40, causing the valve body 100 to move downward together with the shaft 70. As a result, the valve body 100 exits the inlet 31 of the insertion pipe 30 and enters the connecting port 24 of the valve body 20. At this time, the O-ring 103 of the valve body 100 comes into close contact with the inner surface of the connecting port 24 of the valve body 20. As a result, the connecting port 24 of the valve body 20 is closed by the valve body 100. In other words, when the movable member 60 is pushed into the outlet 42 of the fitting 40, the second outflow passage 23 of the flow path switching valve 2 is opened and the first outflow passage 22 is closed. In this way, the outflow passage of the flow path switching valve 2 is switched from the first outflow passage 22 to the second outflow passage 23.

[0045] 3. Cap Next, the configuration of the cap 3 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7. The cap 3 is attached to the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2 and covers the fitting 40 completely (see Figures 8 and 9).

[0046] As shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), the cap 3 of this embodiment consists of a cap movable part 310, a cap fixing part 320, a restraining ring 330, a wire 340, a screw 341, and a washer 342. The cap movable part 310 is mounted on the upper outside of the cap fixing part 320. The restraining ring 330 is mounted on the outside of the side wall of the cap fixing part 320. Both the cap movable part 310 and the restraining ring 330 can move along the side wall of the cap fixing part 320 in the vertical direction shown in the figure. One end of the wire 340 is fastened to the lower side wall of the cap fixing part 320 by a screw 341. The other end of the wire 340 is connected to the washer 342.

[0047] The movable cap part 310, the fixed cap part 320, and the restraining ring 330 are each molded from synthetic resin. For example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used as the synthetic resin. Polyvinyl chloride is relatively light, highly durable, and has excellent flame retardancy. On the other hand, the wire 340 is made of stranded metal. For example, SUS304 is used as the metal that makes up the stranded wire. SUS304 has excellent corrosion resistance and durability, and is resistant to dirt.

[0048] 3.1 Movable part of the cap As shown in Figures 5(a) and (b), the movable cap portion 310 has a cylindrical side wall that is mounted on the upper outer side of the fixed cap portion 320. Above the movable cap portion 310, a top wall is formed that covers the opening at the upper end of the fixed cap portion 320.

[0049] As shown in Figures 5(b) and (c), four vertically extending slits 311 are formed in the side wall of the movable cap portion 310. The four slits 311 are spaced 90° apart from each other. The four slits 311 serve to facilitate the elastic deformation of the side wall of the movable cap portion 310 and to allow air to circulate inside and outside the movable cap portion 310. The total length of the four slits 311 is not particularly limited and is determined by considering the amount of elastic deformation of the side wall of the movable cap portion 310.

[0050] As shown in Figures 5(c) and (d), a cylindrical contact portion 312 protruding downward is formed in the center of the back surface of the top wall of the movable cap portion 310. The diameter of the contact portion 312 is smaller than the diameter of the upper opening of the cap fixing portion 320 shown in Figure 6(d). The contact portion 312 moves in and out of the upper opening of the cap fixing portion 320 when the movable cap portion 310, which is mounted on the cap fixing portion 320, is moved vertically. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the contact portion 312 contacts or moves away from the movable member 60 of the flow path switching valve 2, playing a role in moving the valve body 100 to different positions.

[0051] As shown in Figures 5(c) and (d), annular second and third locking portions 313 and 314, which protrude inward, are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the side wall of the movable cap portion 310, spaced apart in the vertical direction. The third locking portion 314 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the side wall of the movable cap portion 310. The second locking portion 313 is formed above the third locking portion 314 on the inner circumferential surface of the side wall of the movable cap portion 310.

[0052] The second locking portion 313 selectively engages with the first locking portion 324 of the cap fixing portion 320 shown in Figure 6(b). To facilitate the selective engagement with the first locking portion 324, the second locking portion 313 is composed of two inclined surfaces that are vertically symmetrical with respect to the horizontal centerline. These inclined surfaces make it easier for the third locking portion 314 to pass over the first locking portion 324 of the cap fixing portion 320 from both top to bottom and bottom to top. In other words, the operability for moving the cap movable portion 310 in the vertical direction is improved.

[0053] The third locking portion 314 acts as a stopper to prevent the movable cap portion 310 from falling off the cap fixing portion 320. The upper surface of the third locking portion 314 is a horizontal surface that abuts against the back surface of the first locking portion 324 of the cap fixing portion 320, as shown in Figure 6(b). The side surface of the third locking portion 314 is an inclined surface that slopes from the lower end of the side wall of the movable cap portion 310 toward the center. This inclined surface makes it easier for the third locking portion 314 to pass over the first locking portion 324 of the cap fixing portion 320 from top to bottom. In other words, it becomes possible to easily attach the movable cap portion 310 to the upper outside of the cap fixing portion 320. However, since the upper surface of the third locking portion 314 is a horizontal surface, the movable cap portion 310 does not easily come off the first locking portion 324 of the cap fixing portion 320.

[0054] 3.2 Cap fixing part As shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), the cap fixing portion 320 has a cylindrical side wall that is attached to the secondary side of the second outflow passage 23 of the flow path switching valve 2. Above the cap fixing portion 320, an annular first locking portion 324 is formed that protrudes outward.

[0055] As shown in Figures 6(b) and (c), four slits 321 extending in the vertical direction are formed in the side wall of the cap fixing portion 320. The four slits 321 are spaced 90° apart from each other. The four slits 321 serve to facilitate the elastic deformation of the side wall of the cap fixing portion 320 and to allow air to circulate inside and outside the cap fixing portion 320. The total length of the four slits 321 is not particularly limited and is determined by considering the amount of elastic deformation of the side wall of the cap fixing portion 320.

[0056] As shown in Figures 6(c) and (d), an annular fourth locking portion 325 protruding inward is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the side wall of the cap fixing portion 320. The fourth locking portion 325 locks onto the stepped portion 43 of the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2. To facilitate the attachment and detachment of the cap fixing portion 320 to the fitting 40, the fourth locking portion 325 is composed of two inclined surfaces that are vertically symmetrical with respect to the horizontal centerline. These inclined surfaces make it easier for the fourth locking portion 325 to pass over the stepped portion 43 of the fitting 40 from both top to bottom and bottom to top. In other words, the attachment and detachment of the cap fixing portion 320 to the fitting 40 is made easier. However, the cap fixing portion 320 is not easily detached from the stepped portion 43 of the fitting 40 by the restraining ring 330.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6(b), a display section 322 is provided on the upper outer side of the side wall of the cap fixing section 320, which is capable of visually indicating the position of the lower end of the cap movable section 310. The display section 322 has a surface of a different color from the side wall of the cap fixing section 320 and a lower edge parallel to the contour of the lower end of the cap movable section 310.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4(a), when the third locking portion 314 of the movable cap portion 310 is locked to the first locking portion 324 of the fixed cap portion 320, the lower half of the display portion 322 is not covered by the side wall of the movable cap portion 310. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4(b), when the second locking portion 313 of the movable cap portion 310 is locked to the first locking portion 324 of the fixed cap portion 320, the entire display portion 322 is covered by the side wall of the movable cap portion 310. In other words, the operator can intuitively grasp the state of the movable cap portion 310 based on whether or not the display portion 322 is visible.

[0059] Such a display unit 322 can be made, for example, by a sticker that can be attached to the side wall of the cap fixing unit 320. Alternatively, the display unit 322 may be painted in a different color from the side wall of the cap fixing unit 320. Furthermore, the display unit 322 may be provided by two-color molding of the side wall of the cap fixing unit 320 using synthetic resin of different colors.

[0060] 3.3 Restraint Rings As shown in Figures 7(a) to 7(d), the restraining ring 330 is a flanged annular member and is mounted on the outside of the side wall of the cap fixing portion 320. The restraining ring 330 has a circular inner surface with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the side wall of the cap fixing portion 320. The difference between the inner diameter of the restraining ring 330 and the outer diameter of the side wall of the cap fixing portion 320 is smaller than the protruding length of the fourth locking portion 325 described above. This limits the outward deformation of the side wall of the cap fixing portion 320 to within the range of the aforementioned difference. For example, suppose the protruding length of the fourth locking portion 325 is 1 mm. On the other hand, suppose the difference between the inner diameter of the restraining ring 330 and the outer diameter of the side wall of the cap fixing portion 320 is 0.5 mm. Under these conditions, the outward deformation of the side wall of the cap fixing portion 320 is limited to a maximum of 0.5 mm by the inner surface of the restraining ring 330. As a result, the fourth locking portion 325, which has a protruding length of 1 mm, can only deform outward by a maximum of 0.5 mm, and the locking between the fourth locking portion 325 and the stepped portion 43 of the fitting 40 is maintained.

[0061] The cap 3 is attached to the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2 with the restraining ring 330 moved above the side wall of the cap fixing portion 320. At this time, the lower part of the side wall of the cap fixing portion 320 elastically deforms outward without being restricted by the restraining ring 330. As a result, the fourth locking portion 325 of the cap fixing portion 320 easily overcomes the stepped portion 43 of the fitting 40 and locks into this stepped portion 43. Subsequently, by moving the restraining ring 330 below the side wall of the cap fixing portion 320, the outward elastic deformation of the side wall of the cap fixing portion 320 is restricted. As a result, the locking between the fourth locking portion 325 and the stepped portion 43 of the fitting 40 is maintained, and the cap 3 is firmly fixed to the fitting 40.

[0062] 3.4 Wires, screws, washers As shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), a wire 340 of a predetermined length is fixed below the side wall of the cap fixing part 320. The length of the wire 340 is preferably the protruding length of the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2 + α. α is the excess length of the wire 340 required to attach the cap 3 to the fitting 40, and is preferably a few centimeters. When the fire hydrant 1 transitions from standby to firefighting, even if the cap 3 is ejected from the fitting 40 by the movable member 60 under water pressure, the wire 340 can reduce the distance the cap 3 is ejected to a few centimeters. Also, when the fire hydrant 1 is inspected, the wire 340 prevents the cap 3 from being lost if it is removed from the fitting 40. The total length of the wire 340 is, for example, 25 cm.

[0063] One end of the wire 340 is fastened to the lower part of the side wall of the cap fixing portion 320 by a screw 341. This screw 341 acts as a stopper for positioning the restraint ring 330 described above. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, when the lower end of the restraint ring 330 contacts the screw 341, the entire inner surface of the restraint ring 330 is positioned between the fourth locking portion 325 and the screw 341 on the outside of the side wall of the cap fixing portion 320. As a result, the outward deformation of the side wall of the cap fixing portion 320 is limited by the inner surface of the restraint ring 330, and the locking between the fourth locking portion 325 and the stepped portion 43 of the insert fitting 40 is maintained.

[0064] The other end of the wire 340 is connected to a washer 342. This washer 342 is connected to the valve body 20 of the flow path switching valve 2. For example, the washer 342 is fastened by bolts to the flange of the inlet passage 21 or the first outlet passage 22 of the flow path switching valve 2.

[0065] 4. Condition of the cap and flow path switching valve Cap 3 is always attached to the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2, except when inspecting the fire hydrant 1. In other words, when the fire hydrant 1 is on standby or in operation, cap 3 is attached to the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2, and when the fire hydrant 1 is being inspected, cap 3 is removed from the fitting 40 and a short inspection hose is attached to the fitting 40.

[0066] 4.1 When a fire hydrant is on standby The fire hydrant 1 shown in Figure 1(b) is in a state where it can release water from the fire extinguishing nozzle 18 at any time by an operator operating the opening / closing lever 15a from the closed position to the open position. The state of the cap 3 and the flow path switching valve 2 when the fire hydrant 1 is in standby mode is shown in Figure 8.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8, when the fire hydrant 1 is in standby mode, the movable cap portion 310 of the cap 3 is moved downward. This state is maintained by the second locking portion 313 of the movable cap portion 310 engaging with the first locking portion 324 of the fixed cap portion 320. Furthermore, the fact that the movable cap portion 310 is moved downward can be intuitively understood in Figure 4(b) because the indicator portion 322 of the fixed cap portion 320 is covered by the side wall of the movable cap portion 310 and cannot be seen. In other words, the operator can intuitively understand that the flow path switching valve 2 is in the state shown in Figure 8 because the indicator portion 322 is not visible.

[0068] When the cap's movable part 310 is moved downward, the contact portion 312 of the cap's movable part 310 pushes down the movable member 60 of the flow path switching valve 2. As a result, the valve body 100 inside the valve casing 20 exits from the inlet 31 of the insertion pipe 30, opening both the first outflow passage 22 and the second outflow passage 23 of the valve casing 20. Consequently, the inside of the valve casing 20 is opened to the atmosphere through a total of eight slits 311, 321 formed in the cap 3 (see the white arrows in Figure 8). In this way, when the cap's movable part 310 is moved downward, the flow path switching valve 2 functions as an atmospheric release valve.

[0069] For example, after firefighting operations using the fire hydrant 1 are completed, the worker stops the discharge of water from the fire hose 17 by operating the opening / closing lever 15a from the open position to the closed position. Then, the remaining water is drained from the fire hose 17, which is several tens of meters long. At this time, the worker moves the movable part 310 of the cap 3 downwards, causing the flow path switching valve 2 to function as an atmospheric release valve. As a result, when the worker lifts the fire hose 17 to drain the remaining water, air is sent into the fire hose 17 from the flow path switching valve 2, ensuring smooth drainage of the remaining water. The worker only needs to operate the movable part 310 of the cap 3 once, after the firefighting operations are completed.

[0070] 4.2. When using a fire hydrant to extinguish a fire The state of the flow path switching valve 2 during firefighting at fire hydrant 1 is shown in Figure 9. When a fire occurs, the flow path switching valve 2 switches from a state in which it functions as an atmospheric release valve as shown in Figure 8 to a state in which it closes the second outlet passage 23 for inspection as shown in Figure 9.

[0071] As described above, when the fire hydrant 1 is in standby mode, the valve body 100 of the flow path switching valve 2 functions as an atmospheric release valve as shown in Figure 8. That is, the movable cap portion 310 of the cap 3 is moved downward, and the second locking portion 313 of the movable cap portion 310 locks with the first locking portion 324 of the fixed cap portion 320. At this time, the contact portion 312 of the movable cap portion 310 pushes down the movable member 60 of the flow path switching valve 2. As a result, the valve body 100 opens both the first outflow passage 22 and the second outflow passage 23 of the valve body 20.

[0072] If a fire occurs while the flow path switching valve 2 is in the state shown in Figure 8, the worker operates the opening / closing lever 15a of the fire hydrant 1 from the closed position to the open position. As a result, water supplied from the pump passes through the automatic pressure regulating valve 16 and the flow path switching valve 2, is supplied to the fire hose 17, and discharged from the fire nozzle 18.

[0073] Here, the two gray arrows in Figure 9 indicate the flow of water through the flow path switching valve 2. Water supplied from the pump flows into the valve body 20 from the inlet passage 21 of the flow path switching valve 2, passes through the connecting port 24, and flows out to the first outlet passage 22. The pressure of the water at this time pushes the valve body 100 upward. This movement of the valve body 100 is transmitted to the movable member 60 via the shaft 70, and the movable member 60 moves the contact portion 312 of the cap movable part 310 upward. As a result, the locking of the second locking portion 313 of the cap movable part 310 is released, and the third locking portion 314 locks onto the stepped portion 43 of the fitting 40. This closes the second outlet passage 23 for inspection, and connects the inlet passage 21 and the first outlet passage 22 through the connecting port 24. Therefore, the water supplied from the pump to the fire hydrant 1 flows from the inlet passage 21 of the valve box 20 to the first outlet passage 22 and is supplied to the fire hose 17.

[0074] The fact that the cap movable part 310 is in an upward position can be intuitively understood in Figure 4(a) because the indicator part 322 of the cap fixing part 320 is visible without being covered by the side wall of the cap movable part 310. In other words, by looking at the indicator part 322, the operator can intuitively understand that the flow path switching valve 2 is in the state shown in Figure 9.

[0075] 4.3 Changing the state of the flow path switching valve when a fire hydrant is in standby mode. Furthermore, when the fire hydrant 1 is in standby mode, the flow path switching valve 2 may be in the state shown in Figure 9. In this case, the flow path switching valve 2 will be in the state shown in Figure 9 both when the fire hydrant 1 is in standby mode and when it is in fire-fighting mode. When the fire hydrant 1 transitions from standby mode to fire-fighting mode, the valve body 100 of the flow path switching valve 2 does not move at all, maintaining the state in which the second outflow passage 23 for inspection is closed.

[0076] After the firefighting operation using the fire hydrant 1 is completed, the worker moves the movable cap part 310 of the cap 3 downward to set the flow path switching valve 2 to the state shown in Figure 8, thereby enabling it to function as an atmospheric release valve. This allows air to be supplied into the fire hose 17 from the flow path switching valve 2 when the worker lifts the fire hose 17 to drain any remaining water, ensuring smooth drainage of the remaining water. Subsequently, the worker moves the movable cap part 310 of the cap 3 upward to return the flow path switching valve 2 to the state shown in Figure 9.

[0077] 4.4 When inspecting fire hydrants The fire hydrant 1 shown in Figure 1(b) is required to undergo periodic inspections. However, as mentioned above, the fire hose 17 used for actual firefighting is several tens of meters long. Therefore, if the fire hose 17 is used to inspect the fire hydrant 1, it takes a great deal of time and effort to return the fire hose 17 to its original state and store it inside the fire hydrant 1. For this reason, an inspection device 4, as shown in Figure 10(a), is used to inspect the fire hydrant 1.

[0078] In Figure 10(a), the inspection device 4 of this embodiment includes coupling fittings (401-406), an inspection hose 500, and an inspection nozzle (not shown). The inspection hose 500 is short, only a few meters long, allowing for easy draining of residual water and winding up.

[0079] The coupling fittings (401-406) of the inspection device 4 correspond to the insertion fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2 and constitute the receiving port of the "Machino type" insert coupling fitting described above. This coupling fitting comprises a receiving fitting 401, a tightening ring 402, multiple claws 403, a claw seat 404, an insertion port 405, and a rubber band 406.

[0080] The receiving bracket 401 has a tip with an inner diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the stepped portion 43 of the insertion bracket 40 shown in Figure 2. The tightening ring 402 is mounted on the outside of the tip of the receiving bracket 401 and has a tip with an inner diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the stepped portion 43 of the insertion bracket 40. Each claw 403 rests on a claw seat 404 provided between the tip of the receiving bracket 401 and the tip of the tightening ring 402. Each claw 403 is movable in the diametrical direction of the tip of the receiving bracket 401. The insertion port 405 is integrally provided at the rear of the receiving bracket 401 and is inserted into the inspection hose 500. The rubber band 406 is attached to the outer circumference of the tightening ring 402.

[0081] As shown in Figure 10(b), when inspecting the fire hydrant 1, the coupling fittings (401-406) of the inspection device 4 are plugged into the insertion fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2. This switches the outflow passage of the flow path switching valve 2 from the first outflow passage 22 to the second outflow passage 23.

[0082] In other words, when the coupling fittings (401-406) of the inspection device 4 are plugged into the insertion fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2, the inner surface of the receiving fitting 401 pushes the movable member 60 into the outlet 42 of the insertion fitting 40, causing the valve body 100 to move downward together with the shaft 70. This opens the second outflow passage 23 of the flow path switching valve 2 and closes the first outflow passage 22. In this way, the outflow passage of the flow path switching valve 2 is switched from the first outflow passage 22 during firefighting to the second outflow passage 23 during inspection. Therefore, the water supplied from the pump to the fire hydrant 1 flows from the inflow passage 21 of the valve body 20 to the second outflow passage 23 and is supplied to the inspection hose 500 (see the two gray arrows in Figure 10(b)).

[0083] As soon as the switching operation of the outflow passage of the flow path switching valve 2 described above is completed, each claw 403 of the coupling fittings (401-406) engages with the end face of the stepped portion 43 of the insert fitting 40. This firmly maintains the insert-type connection between the coupling fittings (401-406) and the insert fitting 40.

[0084] The plug-in connection between the coupling fittings (401-406) and the insertion fitting 40 is released by moving the push ring 50 along the outer surface of the insertion fitting 40. That is, when the push ring 50 is moved upward, the tip of the push ring 50 comes into contact with the inclined surface of each claw 403. As a result, each claw 403 retracts in the diametrical direction of the tip of the insertion fitting 40, and the engagement between each claw 403 and the stepped portion 43 is released. By removing the coupling fittings (401-406) from the insertion fitting 40, the movable member 60 is pushed up by the biasing force of the spring 80. As a result, the outflow passage of the flow path switching valve 2 is switched from the second outflow passage 23 during inspection to the first outflow passage 22 during firefighting.

[0085] After removing the connecting fittings (401-406) from the insert fitting 40, the cap 3 is attached to the insert fitting 40 by engaging the fourth locking portion 325 of the cap fixing portion 320 with the end face of the stepped portion 43 of the insert fitting 40, as shown in Figure 8. At this time, the second locking portion 313 of the cap movable portion 310 is engaged with the first locking portion 324 of the cap fixing portion 320. As a result, the flow path switching valve 2 functions as an atmospheric release valve as shown in Figure 8.

[0086] After the inspection of fire hydrant 1 is completed, the water pressure in the piping falls below a predetermined value, and the automatic drain valve 19 opens. As a result, any remaining water in the fire hydrant 1's piping is discharged through the automatic drain valve 19. At this time, the flow path switching valve 2 functions as an atmospheric release valve, and air is supplied into the fire hydrant 1's piping. This ensures that any remaining water is smoothly discharged from the fire hydrant 1's piping.

[0087] 5. Effects of the cap As described above, the cap 3 of this embodiment, by comprising a cap movable part 310, a cap fixing part 320, a restraining ring 330, a wire 340, a screw 341, and a washer 342, provides the first to fourth effects described below.

[0088] Firstly, the cap fixing portion 320 is attached to the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2. The cap movable portion 310 can be moved vertically along the side wall of the cap fixing portion 320. With this configuration, even if the cap fixing portion 320 is firmly fixed to the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2, it does not affect the vertical movement of the cap movable portion 310 at all. Therefore, according to the cap 3 of this embodiment, the cap fixing portion 320 can be firmly fixed to the fitting 40 by the restraining ring 330, and it is possible to reliably prevent it from falling off the flow path switching valve 2. Furthermore, regardless of the fixing of the cap fixing portion 320, good operability of the cap movable portion 310 is maintained, and it is possible to easily change the position of the valve body 100 of the flow path switching valve 2.

[0089] Secondly, the display unit 322 provided on the side wall of the cap fixing unit 320 makes it possible to visually indicate the position of the lower end of the cap movable unit 310. With this configuration, the operator can intuitively grasp the state of the cap movable unit 310 based on whether or not the display unit 322 is visible. In other words, the operator can intuitively grasp the state of the flow path switching valve 2 based on whether or not the display unit 322 is visible.

[0090] Thirdly, when the fire hydrant 1 transitions from standby mode to firefighting mode, even if the cap 3 is ejected from the fitting 40 by the movable member 60 under water pressure, the wire 340 can reduce the distance the cap 3 is ejected to a few centimeters. Furthermore, even if the cap 3 is removed from the fitting 40 during inspection of the fire hydrant 1, the wire 340 reliably prevents the loss of the cap 3.

[0091] Fourth, the screw 341, which fastens one end of the wire 340 to the side wall of the cap fixing portion 320, acts as a stopper for positioning the restraint ring 330. This screw 341 positions the entire inner surface of the restraint ring 330 between the fourth locking portion 325 and the screw 341 on the outside of the side wall of the cap fixing portion 320. As a result, the outward deformation of the side wall of the cap fixing portion 320 is limited by the inner surface of the restraint ring 330, and the locking between the fourth locking portion 325 and the stepped portion 43 of the insert fitting 40 is maintained. In other words, the cap fixing portion 320 is firmly fixed to the insert fitting 40.

[0092] 6. Effects as an atmospheric release valve In this embodiment, the flow path switching valve 2 can be positioned to open both the first outflow passage 22 and the second outflow passage 23 by attaching the cap 3 of this embodiment to the fitting 40 of the second outflow passage 23, thereby allowing the valve body 100 to function as an atmospheric release valve.

[0093] Therefore, according to the flow path switching valve 2 of this embodiment, there is no need to provide a dedicated atmospheric release valve to smoothly discharge residual water in the piping of the fire hydrant 1 and in the fire hose 17, and the number of valves and pipes constituting the fire hydrant 1 can be reduced. In addition, when the fire hydrant 1 is in standby mode, the valve body is positioned to open both the first outflow passage 22 and the second outflow passage 23, so the O-ring (sealing member) 103 of the valve body 100 does not adhere to the inner circumferential surface of the first outflow passage 22 and the second outflow passage 23, and the lifespan of the O-ring 103 is extended.

[0094] 7. Function and effect as an inspection valve In this embodiment, the flow path switching valve 2 allows for manual operation of a movable member 60 exposed to the outside from the outlet 42 of the fitting 40. This allows for confirmation of the switching operation of the valve body 100 without disassembling the flow path switching valve 2, and also allows for visual inspection of the condition of the shaft 70, spring 80, and stopper 90. Furthermore, it is possible to access the inside of the fitting 40 via the movable member 60, allowing for internal cleaning without disassembling the flow path switching valve 2.

[0095] In this embodiment, the flow path switching valve 2 has a shaft 70, a spring 80, and a stopper 90, which are components for moving the valve body 100. None of these components are located within the flow path connecting the inlet passage 21 and the first outlet passage 22 of the valve body 20. As a result, none of the shaft 70, spring 80, and stopper 90 are exposed to the water flow during firefighting from the fire hydrant 1, thus preventing pressure loss.

[0096] The fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2 in this embodiment is compatible with the socket of a "Machino-type" plug-in connector, which is common as a fire-fighting connector. This makes it possible to use a general-purpose connector as is for the inspection device. Furthermore, the fitting 40 of the flow path switching valve 2 can be plug-in connected to fire-fighting equipment other than inspection devices that has a socket for a "Machino-type" plug-in connector. Therefore, the use of the flow path switching valve 2 is not limited to the inspection of fire hydrants 1, but can be used in a variety of fire-fighting equipment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 1. Fire hydrant 10A Fire Hydrant Door 10B Fire extinguisher door 10C Maintenance Door 11a, 11b handle 12 Red indicator light 13. Report button 14 Fire hydrant connection port 15. Fire hydrant valve 15a Opening / closing lever 16 Automatic pressure regulating valve 17. Fire hose 18. Fire extinguishing nozzle 19 Automatic drain valve 2. Flow path switching valve 20 valve boxes 21 Inflow channel 22 1st outflow channel 23 2nd outflow channel 24 Contact points 30 Insertion tube 31 Inlet 32 Outlet 33, 34 O-ring (sealing component) 40 Insertion fittings 41 Inlet 42 Outlet 43 Step part 50 Push rings 51 Flange 60 Movable member 61 Ring-shaped body 62 Support rod 63 Female thread section 64 guide pieces 65 Opening 70 shaft 71 First male thread section 72 Second male thread section 80 Spring 90 Stopper 91 Through hole 92 Water passage holes 100 valve bodies 101 Female thread section 102 Guide piece 103 O-ring 3 caps 310 Cap movable part 311 Slit 312 Contact part 313 Second locking part 314 Third locking part 320 Cap fixing part 321 Slit 322 Display section (sticker) 323 holes 324 First locking part 325 Fourth locking part 330 Restraint Ring 340 wire 341 screws 342 Washer

Claims

1. A cap applicable to a flow path switching valve that can switch the flow of fluid entering from one inlet passage to either a first outlet passage or a second outlet passage, A cap fixing part having a cylindrical side wall is attached to the secondary side of the second outflow passage, The cap movable part has a cylindrical side wall that is attached to the upper outer side of the cap fixing part, Above the cap fixing portion, an annular first locking portion is formed that protrudes outward. A top wall is formed above the movable cap portion, covering the opening at the upper end of the fixed cap portion. A contact portion projecting downward is formed in the center of the back surface of the top wall. Annular second and third locking portions projecting inward are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the side wall of the movable cap portion, spaced apart in the vertical direction. A cap characterized in that, by moving the movable part of the cap vertically along the side wall of the cap fixing part, one of the second or third locking part is selectively locked to the first locking part, thereby moving the lower end of the contact part to a different position, and the valve body incorporated in the flow path switching valve is moved to a different position according to the position of the lower end of the contact part.

2. The cap according to claim 1, wherein at least one vertically extending slit is formed in the side wall of the movable part of the cap.

3. The cap according to claim 1, wherein at least one vertically extending slit is formed in the side wall of the cap fixing portion, and an annular fourth locking portion projecting inward is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the side wall.

4. The cap fixing portion is further equipped with a restraining ring attached to the outside of the side wall, The restraining ring has a circular inner surface having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the side wall, The cap according to claim 3, wherein the difference between the inner diameter of the restraining ring and the outer diameter of the side wall of the cap fixing portion is smaller than the protruding length of the fourth locking portion, thereby limiting the amount of outward deformation of the side wall of the cap fixing portion to within the range of the difference.

5. The cap according to claim 4, wherein a stopper is provided below the side wall of the cap fixing portion, which abuts against the restraining ring mounted on the outside of the side wall, and when the lower end of the restraining ring abuts against the stopper, all or part of the inner circumferential surface of the restraining ring is located between the fourth locking portion and the stopper on the outside of the side wall of the cap fixing portion.

6. The wire further comprises a wire having a predetermined length, The stopper is the head of a screw fastened to the lower part of the side wall of the cap fixing portion. The screw secures one end of the wire to the lower part of the side wall of the cap fixing portion. The cap according to claim 5, wherein the other end of the wire is connected to the flow path switching valve.

7. The third locking portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the side wall of the movable part of the cap, The second locking portion is formed above the third locking portion on the inner circumferential surface of the side wall of the movable part of the cap, The cap according to claim 1, wherein a display portion is provided on the upper outer side of the side wall of the cap fixing portion, which is capable of visually indicating the position of the lower end of the movable part of the cap.

8. The display portion has a surface of a different color from the side wall of the cap fixing portion, and a lower edge parallel to the contour of the lower end of the movable cap portion. When the third locking portion is locked to the first locking portion, at least the lower portion of the display portion is not covered by the side wall of the movable cap portion. The cap according to claim 7, wherein when the second locking portion is locked to the first locking portion, the entire display portion is covered by the side wall of the movable portion of the cap.

9. A flow path switching valve capable of switching the flow of fluid entering from one inlet passage to either a first outlet passage or a second outlet passage, A valve body having the inlet passage, the first outlet passage and the second outlet passage inside, A valve body capable of closing either the first outflow passage or the second outflow passage, A spring capable of closing the second outflow passage by a biasing force along the central axis of the second outflow passage, A flow path switching valve characterized by comprising a cap according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is attached to the secondary side of the second outflow passage.

10. A fire hydrant characterized by being equipped with a flow path switching valve as described in claim 9.

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