Improved water supply assembly for a rescue vehicle and rescue vehicle equipped with such water supply assembly

Abstract

Water supply assembly (5) for a tank assembly (7) for a rescue vehicle (1) comprising: a tank assembly (7) provided with a first tank (9) defining a first inner space (10) and a second tank (13) defining a second inner space (14); at least one input hydraulic coupling (19) for hydraulic connecting to a source (H) of water in pressure; at least one hydraulic output (26) for hydraulic connecting to an output device for ejecting a pressurized fluid; the hydraulic coupling (19) is fluidly connected to the first tank (9) by a first conduit (19, 19', 19" ) and to the second tank (13) by a second conduit (50, 50', 50" ); the water supply assembly (1) further comprises a separation device (29) in fluidic communication with the second inner space (14) and configured to allow a hydraulic bypass between the input hydraulic coupling (5) and the first inner space (10), without a direct physical fluidic communication between the input hydraulic coupling (5) and the first inner space (10).

Description

[0001] "IMPROVED WATER SUPPLY ASSEMBLY FOR A RESCUE VEHICLE AND RESCUE VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH WATER SUPPLY ASSEMBLY"

[0002] Cross-Reference to Related Applications This Patent Application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No. 102024000024669 filed on November 4, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention is related to a water supply assembly for a rescue vehicle, in particular for a firefighting vehicle such as a fire truck, and to a rescue vehicle equipped with such water supply assembly.

[0005] The present invention finds its preferred, although not exclusive, application in water supply assembly for a firefighting vehicle adapted to be fluidly connected to a public water supply, in particular a drinking water supply. Reference will be made to this application by way of example below, without however losing in generality.

[0006] Background of the Invention

[0007] As is known, rescue vehicles may be equipped with a tank for storing operational liquid that need to be used in rescue operations. An example of such rescue vehicle is a firefighting vehicle, for use in firefighting.

[0008] The water can be sucked from a public water supply for instance by means of a hydrant, sucked from natural sources such as lakes or rivers, or further sucked from the aforementioned tank that guarantees a reliable storage of water to supply the fire extinguishing solution.

[0009] In case of supply of water by a hydrant, the water is already, at least partially, pressurized and therefore the pumps of the vehicle need not, or only partially, to pressurize further the water. In case of supply of water by tank, river or lake, the water is instead pressurized by a pump to provide the fire extinguishing solution at outlet.

[0010] Most of the rescue vehicles are equipped with a water supply assembly to allow both the aforementioned configurations, i. e. they comprise a tank that can be filled by hydrants or other sources of water.

[0011] However, existing systems which enable tank operation in combination with a supply on the pressure side, such as the aforementioned one, are not suitable for complying with new standards that requires a strict separation between the drinking water, supplied by the public water supply and the not-drinking water, such as the ones contained downstream the tank and that may flow back during the use of the rescue vehicle.

[0012] The new standards are aimed to avoid any possible contamination of the public water supply by the chemical agents such as fire extinguishing agents or by contemned water from the water tank. Such new standards are for example listed in regulation DIN EN 1717.

[0013] In particular, according to the regulation DIN EN 1717, it is mandatory to ensure a free outlet between the source of the public water supply and the tank of the rescue vehicle and it is not allowed to directly fluidly connect the source of the public water supply with the tank of the rescue vehicle, to avoid the risk of contamination of the drinking water within the public water supply by the fire extinguishing solution contained in the tank of the rescue vehicle in the event of backflow.

[0014] Similar examples are disclosed in documents EP3944880 Al and CN21319238 U.

[0015] Therefore, the need is felt to provide a water supply assembly for a rescue vehicles that allows at the same time to comply with new regulation for separation of drinking water with respect to non-drinking waters and provide the same operative functionalities of existing water supply ass e mb lies.

[0016] An aim of the present invention is to satisfy the above-mentioned needs in a cost effective and optimized way.

[0017] Summary of the Invention

[0018] The aforementioned aim is reached by a water supply assembly and by a rescue vehicle as claimed in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are realized according to the claims depending on the independent claims.

[0019] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] For a better understanding of the present invention, a preferred embodiment is described in the following, by way of a non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

[0021] • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rescue vehicle realized according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

[0022] • Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a water supply realized according to the present invention; and

[0023] • Figures 3 to 9 are schematic illustrations representing different operation modes of the water supply illustrated in Figure 2. Detailed Description of the Invention With reference to figure 1, number 1 denotes as a whole a rescue vehicle such as a firefighting vehicle, in particular a fire truck.

[0024] As per se known, vehicle 1 comprises a body 2 movable on the ground by means of ground resting means 3, in particular wheels 3.

[0025] In addition, vehicle 1 comprises an engine or motor (not visible).

[0026] With reference to Figure 1 and 2, vehicle 1 further comprises a water supply assembly 5 configured to be able to store water and to be fluidly connected to a public water supply, as described more in detail in the following.

[0027] Water supply assembly 5 comprises a tank assembly 7 configured to store a liquid, in particular water or any other similar fire extinguishing solution.

[0028] More in detail, tank assembly 7 comprises a first tank or main tank 9 configured to delimit an inner space 10 adapted to store a liquid.

[0029] First tank 9 preferably further comprises liquid overflow means 11 configured to allow the outlet of the liquid contained in first tank 9 should its level exceed a predetermined value, as per se known and therefore not further described.

[0030] In addition, tank assembly 7 comprises a second tank or buffer tank or break tank 13, separate and distinct from first tank 9. Second tank 13 is configured to delimit an inner space 14 adapted to store a liquid.

[0031] The volume of first tank 10 may be larger than the volume of second tank 13. The water filled inside the inner space 14 of second tank 13 is contained at a level L that is retrieved by level detection means 15. In particular, the level L is controlled to be lower with respect to a maximum level L X.

[0032] Second tank 13 preferably further comprises liquid overflow means 18 configured to allow the outlet of the liquid contained in second tank 13 should its level exceed said maximum level LMAX, as per se known and therefore not further described.

[0033] Preferably, liquid overflow means 18 comprise an outlet realized according to the DIN EN 1717 regulation.

[0034] In other words, liquid overflow means 18 preferably comprises an unobstructed free outlet and / or a free outlet with an unlimited overflow.

[0035] Preferably, water supply assembly 5 further comprises a hydraulic line or conduit 16 to fluidly connect first tank 9 and second tank 13 to each other.

[0036] In addition, water supply assembly 5 preferably comprises valve means 17 fluidly interposed on conduit 16.

[0037] Valve means 17 are preferably configured to allow the passage of fluid only from second tank 13 to first tank 9.

[0038] In addition, valve means 17 are preferably configured to allow the control of the flowrate of the liquid within conduit 16.

[0039] Preferably, valve means 17 comprise a proportional shutoff valve.

[0040] With reference to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, water supply assembly 5 comprises at least an input hydraulic coupling 19 that allows to the fluid connection to a source H of water such as a hydrant (not shown). In particular, the source H may comprise a source of drinking water such as a public water supply.

[0041] More in detail, source H may comprise a plurality of different sources of drinking water.

[0042] For example, source H may comprise one or more first pressurized sources H' of drinking water, such as hydrants or the like.

[0043] In addition, source H may comprise one or more second non-pressurized sources H' ’ of drinking water, such as lakes, rivers, tanks (separate and distinct from tank assembly 7 ) or the like.

[0044] In the described embodiment, the water supply assembly 5 preferably comprises at least two input hydraulic couplings 19 arranged in parallel to each other and both configured to be fluidly connected to source H.

[0045] In other words, the water supply assembly 5 preferably comprises a first input hydraulic coupling 19' and a second input hydraulic coupling 19' ’.

[0046] First input hydraulic coupling 19' may be configured to be fluidly connected to a pressurized source H' of a public water supply such a hydrant.

[0047] In addition, first input hydraulic coupling 19' may be configured to fluidly connect the source H' to tank assembly 7, via one or more conduit.

[0048] Second input hydraulic coupling 19' ’ may be configured to be fluidly connected to a non-pressurized source H' ’ of a public water supply, such as a non-drinking water source like a lake or a river, the tank of another vehicle or the like.

[0049] More in detail, as explained afterwards, second input hydraulic coupling 19' may be configured to fluidly connect the source H' ’ to the inlet of a hydraulic pump interposed between the same hydraulic coupling 19' and the tank assembly 7.

[0050] The input hydraulic coupling / s 19 can be realized as an opening configured to allow the mechanical coupling with a connection tube for connecting the latter with the source H, such as a hydrant.

[0051] For example, hydraulic coupling / s 19 may be fluidly connected to the corresponding sources H via hydraulic connectors 20.

[0052] The at least one input hydraulic coupling 19 is preferably fluidly connected via a respective conduit 21 to the top of first tank 9, thereby allowing the filling of inner space 10 of liquid.

[0053] In particular, each input hydraulic coupling 19 is fluidly connected via a respective conduit 21 to the top of first tank 9.

[0054] More in detail, first input hydraulic coupling 19' is preferably fluidly connected to first tank 9 via a first conduit 21', and second input hydraulic coupling 19' ’ is preferably fluidly connected to first tank 9 via a second conduit 21' '. Conduits 21' and 21' ’ are preferably arranged in parallel to each other.

[0055] Preferably, the water supply assembly 5 comprises valve means 22 fluidly interposed on conduit 21 and configured to allow the passage of fluid only from the input hydraulic coupling 19 to the first tank 9, and possibly vary such flow.

[0056] More in detail, valve means 22 preferably comprises a valve 22’ arranged along conduit 21' and a valve 22’ ’ arranged along conduit 21' '.

[0057] With reference to Figure 2, water supply assembly 5 preferably comprises pump means 24 fluidly connected via a conduit 25 to a hydraulic output 26, e. g. an opening configured to be connected to ejector means such as a nozzle to provide a flow F of fire extinguishing fluid.

[0058] As can be appreciated by Figure 2, pump means 24 can manage liquids coming from tank assembly 7 or from an external source H of water towards the hydraulic output 26.

[0059] More in detail, pump means 24 are preferably fluidly connected to tank assembly 7 by means of a conduit 27.

[0060] In particular, conduit 27 preferably fluidly connects the inner space 14 of second tank 13 with the inlet of pump means 24.

[0061] With reference to the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2, water supply assembly 5 preferably further comprise valve means 28 fluidly interposed between input hydraulic coupling 19' ’, inlet of pump means 24 and the tank assembly 7, in particular second tank 13.

[0062] Valve means 28 are preferably configured to allow the passage of fluid only from the input hydraulic coupling 19' or from tank assembly 7 towards the inlet of pump means 8.

[0063] In addition, valve means 28 are preferably configured to allow the control of the flowrate of the liquid directed towards inlet of pump means 24. Preferably, valve means 28 comprise a three-way regulation valve.

[0064] In addition, pump means 24 are preferably arranged along conduit 21', upstream valve means 22’.

[0065] With reference to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, water supply assembly 5 further comprises a separation device 29 in fluid communication with tank assembly 7 and configured to allow an alternative fluidic connection, i. e. a fluidic bypass, between input hydraulic couplings 19 and tank assembly 7, in particular the inner space 10 of first tank 9, without a direct physical fluidic communication between these latter.

[0066] Preferably, separation device 29 may be shaped / sized according to the AD type of regulation DIN EN 1717.

[0067] In particular, separation device 29 preferably comprises a housing 30 defining an inner space 31 in fluidic communication with inner space 14 of second tank 13 via a first opening 32.

[0068] More in detail, separation device 29 is preferably arranged on a portion of tank assembly 7 so that the first opening 32 is always placed above the maximum level LMAX of fluid stored in second tank 13 and / or above said liquid overflow means 18.

[0069] Preferably, separation device 29 is arranged on top of second tank 13. In particular, as show in Figure 2, separation device 29 is preferably arranged on the top of second tank 13 so that the first opening 32 has an opening axle that is substantially vertical.

[0070] In addition, inner space 31 of separation device 29 is in fluid communication with input hydraulic coupling 19 via a second opening 33 realized in housing 30. Preferably, second opening 33 is fluidly connected to conduit 21' and hydraulic coupling 19'.

[0071] More in detail, separation device 29 preferably comprises an inner pipe 34 extending within the inner space 31 of separation device 29 and fluidly connecting the inner space 31 of separation device 29 with second opening 33 and conduit 21' and 21''.

[0072] In addition, inner space 31 of separation device 29 is in fluid communication with outlet of pump means 24 and input hydraulic coupling 19' via a third opening 35 realized in housing 30. Preferably, third opening 35 is fluidly connected to conduit 21' '.

[0073] More in detail, separation device 29 comprises an inner pipe 36 extending within the inner space 31 of separation device 29 and fluidly connecting the inner space 31 of separation device 29 with third opening 35 and conduit 21' '.

[0074] Preferably, third opening 35 is arranged on top of second opening 33.

[0075] In addition, second opening 33 and / or third opening 35 are preferably arranged on top of first opening 32.

[0076] Preferably, second opening 33 and / or third opening 35 are sized / designed according to the AD type of regulation DIN EN 1717.

[0077] With reference to the example illustrated in Figure 2, inner space 31 of separation device 29 is in fluid communication also with inner space 10 of first tank 9 via a fourth opening 38 realized in housing 30. Preferably, fourth opening 38 is fluidly connected to inner space 10 of first tank 9 via a conduit 40.

[0078] More in detail, separation device 29 preferably comprises an inner pipe 39 extending within the inner space 31 of separation device 29 and fluidly connecting the inner space 31 of separation device 29 with fourth opening 38 and conduit 40.

[0079] In addition, inner space 31 of separation device 29 is further in fluid communication with inner space 10 of first tank 9 via a fifth opening 42 realized in housing 30. Preferably, fifth opening 42 is fluidly connected to inner space 10 of first tank 9 via a conduit 44.

[0080] More in detail, separation device 29 preferably comprises an inner pipe 43 extending within the inner space 31 of separation device 29 and fluidly connecting the inner space 31 of separation device 29 with fifth opening 42 and conduit 44.

[0081] Preferably, fifth opening 42 is arranged on top of fourth opening 38.

[0082] In addition, fourth opening 38 and / or fifth opening 42 are preferably arranged on top or beside of first opening 32.

[0083] Preferably, fourth opening 38 and / or fifth opening 42 are sized / designed according to the AD type of regulation DIN EN 1717.

[0084] Advantageously, fourth opening 38 is arranged faced with respect to second opening 33.

[0085] More in detail, second opening 33 and fourth opening 38 are preferably concentric with each other, i. e. their centres are substantially at the same height measured at the position of the first opening 32.

[0086] Similarly, fifth opening 42 is arranged faced with respect to third opening 35.

[0087] More in detail, third opening 35 and fifth opening 42 are preferably concentric with each other, i. e. their centres are substantially at the same height measured at the position of the first opening 32.

[0088] In use, water coming from hydraulic coupling 19' can flow through conduit 21' and reach within inner space 10 of first tank 9 via second opening 33 and fourth opening 38 of separation device 29. In addition, in use water coming from hydraulic coupling 19' ’ can flow through conduit 21' ’ and reach within inner space 10 of first tank 9 via third opening 35 and fifth opening 42 of separation device 29.

[0089] With reference to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, inner pipe 34 extend from second opening 33 towards fourth opening 38 and terminates opened in the inner space 31 and inner pipe 39 extend from forth opening 38 towards second opening 33 and terminates opened in the inner space 31.

[0090] Similarly, inner pipe 36 extend from third opening 35 towards fifth opening 42 and terminates opened in the inner space 31 and inner pipe 43 extend from fifth opening 42 towards third opening 35 and terminates opened in the inner space 31.

[0091] In addition, separation device 29 is preferably configured such that inner pipe 34 and inner pipe 39 (in particular the distal ends of each pipe) are spaced by a free distance X extending along the longitudinal direction of pipes 34 and 39.

[0092] Separation is preferably further configured such that inner pipe 36 and inner pipe 43 are spaced by a free distance X extending along the longitudinal direction of pipes 36 and 43.

[0093] The technical effects associated with the aforementioned free distance X are the following:

[0094] • allow the passage of pressurized fluid coming from second opening 33 and / or fourth opening to respectively pipe 39 and / or 43 and conduits 40 and 44 "jumping" through the inner space 31 of separation device 29; and

[0095] • deny the possible return / back flow of water flowing back from conduits 40 and 44 and first tank 9, thereby leading the latter flow to fall down in inner space 13 of second tank 13 via first opening 32.

[0096] In order to facilitate the passage of pressurized fluid from pipes 34 and / or 36 to pipes 39 and / or 43 respectively, preferably the diameter of the terminal portion of pipe 39 and / or pipe 43 can be different from the remaining portion of these latter. In particular, the opened terminal portion of pipe 39 and / or pipe 43 is a tapered portion so as to have a terminal diameter greater than the terminal diameter of the respective facing pipe 34 and / or 36.

[0097] The dimension of said tapered portion and / or of said terminal portion diameter is configured to avoid the spreading of pressurized water coming from conduits 21 in inner space 31.

[0098] With reference to the example illustrated in Figure 2, water supply assembly 5 preferably further comprises a conduit or line 50 fluidly connecting the at least one input hydraulic coupling 19 with the top of second tank 13, thereby allowing the filling of inner space 14 of the same second tank 13 of liquid.

[0099] More in detail, conduit 50 preferably directly fluidly connects the at least one input hydraulic coupling 19 with the inner space 14 of second tank 13, i. e. it provides a direct physical connection between the at least one input hydraulic coupling 19 and the inner space 14 of second tank In particular, each input hydraulic coupling 19 is fluidly connected via a respective conduit 50 to the top of second tank 13.

[0100] More in detail, first input hydraulic coupling 19' is preferably fluidly connected to second tank 13 via a first conduit 50', and second input hydraulic coupling 19' ’ is preferably fluidly connected to second tank 13 via a second conduit 50' ’. Conduits 50' and 50' ’ are preferably arranged in parallel to each other.

[0101] Preferably, conduit 50' branches off conduit 21' and / or conduit 50' ’ branches off conduit 21' '.

[0102] More in detail, water supply assembly 5 preferably comprises valve means 52 ' fluidly interposed between input hydraulic coupling 19', conduit 21' and conduit 50'.

[0103] Valve means 52' are preferably configured to allow the passage of fluid only from the input hydraulic coupling 19' to the first tank 9 via conduit 21 ' and / or to the second tank via conduit 50'.

[0104] In addition, valve means 52 ' are preferably configured to allow the control of the flowrate of the liquid directed towards first tank 9 via conduit 21 ' and / or to the second tank via conduit 50'.

[0105] Preferably, valve means 52' comprise a solenoid three-way regulation valve configured to selectively allow the flow of the liquid provided by said input hydraulic coupling 19' alternatively towards conduit 21' or towards conduit 50'.

[0106] Conduit 52' ', on the other hand, preferably branches off from conduit 21' ’ downstream the outlet of pump means 24 and upstream valve means 22' '.

[0107] Preferably, the water supply assembly 5 comprises valve means 53 fluidly interposed on conduit 50 and configured to allow the passage of fluid only from the input hydraulic coupling 19 to the second tank 13, and possibly vary such flow.

[0108] More in detail, valve means 53 preferably comprises a valve 53' arranged along conduit 50' and a valve 53' ’ arranged along conduit 50' ’.

[0109] With reference to the schematic example of Figure 2, conduit 50 is preferably fluidly connected with the inner space 14 of second tank 13 according to an opening 55.

[0110] Opening 55 is preferably realized on the top of second tank 13, aside the opening 32 of separation device 29.

[0111] Preferably, conduit 50' is fluidly connected with the inner space 14 of second tank 13 by means of an opening denoted with 55'. Similarly, conduit 50' ’ is preferably fluidly connected with the inner space 14 of second tank 13 by means of an opening denoted with 55' ’.

[0112] The size of opening 55 is preferably larger than the size of the openings of separation device 29.

[0113] More in detail, the size of openings 55' and / or 55' ’ is preferably larger than the size of respectively opening 33 and / or opening 35.

[0114] In particular, opening 55 (i. e. openings 55' and / or 55' ’ ) is preferably shaped / sized according to the AA or AB type of regulation DIN EN 1717.

[0115] In other words, opening 55 preferably comprises an unobstructed free outlet and / or a free outlet with an unlimited overflow. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, valve means 16, 22, 28, 52 and / or 53 can be realized with respective electro-actuated valves or solenoid valves in order to manage the flow between the related conduits but avoiding any return flow.

[0116] With reference to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, water supply assembly 5 may further comprise an electronic control unit, not shown, which is connected to the aforementioned valve means 16, 22, 28, 52 and / or 53 and comprises elaboration means configured to control said valve means 16, 22, 28, 52 and / or 53, if realized with electroactuated valves or pump means 24 on the base of data:

[0117] • retrieved by a plurality of sensors configured to measure the flow in specific points of the water supply ass e mb 1 y 5,

[0118] • retrieved by level sensor means 15 related to level of water in second tank 13,

[0119] • indicating a request of the operators, e. g. an increasing or decreasing request of flow at hydraulic output 26.

[0120] The operation of the water supply assembly 5 according to the invention and described as above is the following.

[0121] Making reference to the exemplary embodiments of Figure 3, in a first mode of operation (tank operation mode), the input hydraulic couplings 19 are not coupled to the source H and there is enough water in tank assembly 7 to allow the operation of pump means 24. In such condition, the electronic control unit preferably controls valve means 28 to fluidly connect tank assembly 7 with the inlet of pump means 24 and further controls pump means 24 to provide an amount of water flow at hydraulic output 26 to ensure a requested flow.

[0122] In addition, in the first mode of operation, electronic control unit may control valve 16 to fluidly connect the inner spaces 10 and 14 of first tank 9 and second tank 13 to each other.

[0123] With reference to Figure 4, in a second possible mode of operation, (integrated water supply mode with full buffer) supposing that the second tank 13 is full, the input hydraulic coupling 19' is coupled to the source H and all the flow provided by source H is sent to separation device 29 and to first tank 9 via conduit 21'.

[0124] Accordingly, electronic control unit controls valve means 52, 22', 22 ' ’, 53' and 53' ’ to avoid passage of fluid towards conduit 50 to second tank 13.

[0125] The fluid then passes inside separation device 29 via first opening 33 and inner pipe 35 and is ej ected towards the opposite inner pipe 39 thereby allowing the flow to pass towards third opening 38, conduit 40 and to reach the inner space 10 of first tank 9.

[0126] Thanks to the tapered portion of inner pipe 39, the possible spreading of water flow is collected inside the same inner pipe 39.

[0127] If, for any reason, there would be a return or back flow of water from the inner space 10 of first tank 9 towards separation device 29, the fluid will pass into inner pipe 39 but will not have sufficient pressure to "jump" towards the facing inner pipe 34 and therefore will pass into inner space 32 of separation device 29 and to tank 2 through opening 14.

[0128] Should the level of water within second tank 13 exceed the maximum level LMAX, this would be exhausted via liquid overflow means 18.

[0129] In addition, in the second mode of operation, valve means 16 may be open to allow liquid exchange between first tank 9 and second tank 13.

[0130] With reference to Figure 5, in a third possible mode of operation (integrated water supply mode with empty buffer), supposing that the second tank 13 is not full, the input hydraulic coupling 19' is coupled to the source H and all the flow provided by source H is sent directly to second tank 13 via conduit 50'.

[0131] Accordingly, electronic control unit controls valve means 52, 22', 22 ' ’, 53' and 53' ’ to avoid passage of fluid towards conduit 21 and separation device 29 and to directly fluidly connect the input hydraulic coupling 19' with the inner space 14 of second tank 13 via opening 55', so that the fluid provided by input hydraulic coupling 19' may flow directly within second tank 13.

[0132] Since the opening 55' is comparatively larger than opening 33 in separation device 29, this allows to draw a larger flowrate of water from source H, i. e., from the hydrant, and therefore control pump means 24 may be driven to provide at outlet a higher flowrate of the extinguishing solution.

[0133] Also in the second mode of operation the requirements of regulation DIN EN 1717 are satisfied, as second tank 13 is provided with liquid overflow means 18 realized according to the AA type of the same regulation DIN EN 1717.

[0134] Making reference to Figure 6, it is shown a fourth possible mode of operation (external mode tank filling), to fill tank assembly from source H. In the fourth mode of operation the input hydraulic coupling 19' is coupled to the source H and all the flow provided by source H is sent to separation device 29 and to first tank 9 via conduit 21'.

[0135] Accordingly, electronic control unit controls valve means 52, 22', 22 ' ’, 53' and 53' ’ to avoid passage of fluid towards conduit 50 to second tank 13.

[0136] The fluid then passes inside separation device 29 via first opening 33 and inner pipe 35 and is ej ected towards the opposite inner pipe 39 thereby allowing the flow to pass towards third opening 38, conduit 40 and to reach the inner space 10 of first tank 9.

[0137] Thanks to the tapered portion of inner pipe 39, the possible spreading of water flow is collected inside the same inner pipe 39.

[0138] If, for any reason, there would be a return or back flow of water from the inner space 10 of first tank 9 towards separation device 29, the fluid will pass into inner pipe 39 but will not have sufficient pressure to "jump" towards the facing inner pipe 34 and therefore will pass into inner space 32 of separation device 29 and to tank 2 through opening 14.

[0139] Should the level of water within second tank 13 exceed the maximum level LMAX, this would be exhausted via liquid overflow means 18.

[0140] Further, in the fourth mode of operation, valve means 28 prevent fluid to flow towards pump means 24 and the same pump means 24 are off.

[0141] Making reference to Figure 7 (internal model tank filling), it is shown a fifth possible mode of operation, to fill first tank 10 from input hydraulic coupling 19' ’ and / or second tank 13. In the fifth mode of operation the input hydraulic coupling 19' ’ is coupled to the source H and all the flow provided by source H is sent to separation device 29 and to first tank 9 via conduit 21' '.

[0142] Accordingly, electronic control unit controls valve means 52, 22', 22 ' ’, 53' and 53' ’ to avoid passage of fluid towards conduit 50 to second tank 13.

[0143] The fluid then passes inside separation device 29 via second opening 35 and inner pipe 36 and is ej ected towards the opposite inner pipe 43 thereby allowing the flow to pass towards fifth opening 42, conduit 44 and to reach the inner space 10 of first tank 9.

[0144] Thanks to the tapered portion of inner pipe 43, the possible spreading of water flow is collected inside the same inner pipe 43.

[0145] If, for any reason, there would be a return or back flow of water from the inner space 10 of first tank 9 towards separation device 29, the fluid will pass into inner pipe 43 but will not have sufficient pressure to "jump" towards the facing inner pipe 36 and therefore will pass into inner space 32 of separation device 29 and to tank 2 through opening 14.

[0146] Should the level of water within second tank 13 exceed the maximum level LMAX, this would be exhausted via liquid overflow means 18.

[0147] Further, in the fifth mode of operation, valve means 28 may fluidly connect the inlet of pump means 24 with second tank 13 and / or input hydraulic coupling 19' ’ and may control pump means 24 to provide pressurized liquid towards first tank 9 towards separation device 29.

[0148] With reference to Figure 8, in a sixth mode of operation (suction operation), water may be sucked by pump means 24 from input hydraulic coupling 19' ’ and provided to hydraulic output 26.

[0149] Accordingly, electronic control unit controls valve means 52, 22', 22 ' ’, 53' and 53' ’ to avoid passage of fluid towards tank assembly 7 and control valve means 28 to fluidly connect the inlet of pump means 24 with input hydraulic coupling 19' ’.

[0150] Lastly, making reference to Figure 9, in a seventh mode of operation (cleaning mode), conduit 21 may be flushed after the end of operation or after tank assembly 7 filling.

[0151] More in detail, contaminated water (category 5 according to regulation DIN EN 1717 ) contained within tank assembly 7 may be sucked through a bypass line 100, processed into drinking water (category 1 according to regulation DIN EN 1717 ) via a cleaning unit 110 and fed again into conduit 21, unit cleaning of the same conduit.

[0152] Bypass line 100 and cleaning unit 110 may be part of vehicle 1 or may be separate and distinct from vehicle 1 and selectively connectable to vehicle 1.

[0153] In view of the foregoing, the advantages of a water supply assembly 5 and to the related rescue vehicle 1 according to the invention are apparent.

[0154] The proposed water supply assembly 5 is able to meet the requirements of the DIN EN 1717 regulation, as second tank 13 and the related free outlet 18 are realized according to the AA type, and therefore there is provided a suitable free outlet between the tank assembly 7 and the public network supply of drinkable water.

[0155] In addition, since the requirements of the DIN EN 1717 regulation are already met by the second tank 13, the separation device may be realized smaller and configured to meet less strict isolation requirements, thereby allowing to reduce the dimensions of the water supply assembly 5 and reduce the installation space needed on rescue vehicle 1.

[0156] Moreover, thanks to the second tank 13 provided with a bigger inlet opening, it is possible to accommodate and suck within second tank 13 the maximum flowrate the hydrants are able to provide. This also allows to run pump means 24 at their maximum flowrate, thereby increasing the flowrate of extinguishing solution provided at outlet by vehicle 1.

[0157] Thanks to the proposed water supply assembly 5, it is further possible to provide a versatile and automatic water supply assembly that allows all known possible modes of operation, as known in the art, but, at the same time, complies with the requirements of new regulations for separating drinking and non-drinking water.

[0158] The proposed system is compact and can be easily managed either by the operator or in an automatic way by an electronic control unit according to the request of flow at hydraulic output 26.

[0159] The proposed separation device 29 and the second tank 13 further allow a free inlet separation between the drinking and non-drinking water side of the tank 2 in an economic and easy to manufacture manner.

[0160] As said, the proposed water supply assembly 5 allows to provide many different operational configuration to provide flow to hydraulic output 9 and / or filling the tank 2.

[0161] In addition, according to the proposed supply assembly there is no need to provide any folding intermediate container between the hydrant and the main tank 9 of the vehicle 1, and it simply enough to fluidly connect the hydrant with the tank assembly 7, with the obvious advantages that this entails. Indeed, in operation, this allows for a drastic time saving and for a drastic reduction in the spaces needed at the job site, and moreover avoid impacts on traffic.

[0162] It is clear that modifications can be made to the described water supply assembly 5 which do not extend beyond the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0163] For example, the separation device 29 may be realized in other different ways or not provided with the proposed pipes 34, 36, 39 and 43.

[0164] The design and shape of tank assembly 7, and also the number of tanks, conduits and openings mentioned in the description may be varied according to the typology and dimension of the rescue vehicle. Clearly, other operational elements may be provided in addition to the disclosed water supply assembly 5 and the electronic control unit may use data retrieved by many other sensors to control the operation of the water supply assembly 5.

Claims

CLAIMS1. - Water supply assembly ( 5 ) for a rescue vehicle ( 1 ), said water supply assembly ( 5 ) comprising:• a tank assembly ( 7 ) provided with a first tank ( 9 ) defining a first inner space ( 10 ) for storing a liquid and a second tank ( 13 ) defining a second inner space ( 14 ), separate from said first inner space ( 10 ),• at least one input hydraulic coupling ( 19 ) for hydraulic connecting to a source (H) of water in pressure,• at least one hydraulic output ( 26 ) for hydraulic connecting to an output device for ej ecting a pressuri zed fluid;wherein said at least one input hydraulic coupling ( 19 ) is fluidly connected to said first tank ( 9 ) by a first conduit ( 21, 21 ', 21 ' ' ) and to said second tank ( 13 ) by a second conduit ( 50, 50 ', 50 ' ’ );said water supply assembly ( 1 ) further comprising a separation device ( 29 ), which is fluidly interposed between said first tank ( 9 ) and said first conduit ( 21 ), is in fluidic communication with the second inner space ( 14 ) of said second tank ( 13 ) and is configured to allow a hydraulic bypass between said at least one input hydraulic coupling ( 5 ) and the first inner space ( 10 ) of said first tank ( 9 ), without a direct physical fluidic communication between said at least one input hydraulic coupling ( 19 ) and the first inner space ( 10 ) of said first tank ( 9 ),wherein said separation device ( 29 ) comprises:• a housing ( 30 ) defining a third inner space ( 31 ) in fluidic communication with the second inner space ( 14 ) of said second tank ( 13 ) via a first opening ( 32 ),• at least a second opening ( 33, 35 ) in fluid communication with said first conduit ( 21 ) and with said at least one input hydraulic coupling ( 19 ), and • at least one third opening ( 38, 42 ) in fluid communication with the first inner space ( 10 ) of said first tank ( 10 ) by means of a third conduit ( 40, 44 ), wherein said at least one second opening ( 33, 35 ) i s arranged facing said at least one third opening ( 38, 42 ) so that the pressuri zed liquid coming from said first conduit ( 21 ) can flow within the first inner space ( 10 ) of said first tank ( 9 ) by j umping from said at least one second opening ( 33, 35 ) to said at least one third opening ( 38, 42 ).

2. - Water supply assembly according to claim 1, wherein said second conduit ( 50, 50 ', 50 ' ’ ) directly fluidly connects the second inner space ( 14 ) of said second tank ( 13 ) with said at least one input hydraulic coupling ( 19 ).

3. - Water supply assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said second tank ( 13 ) is provided with liquid overflow means ( 18 ) configured to allow the free outlet of the liquid contained in said second tank ( 13 ) should its level exceed a maximum level (LMAX).

4. - Water supply assembly according to claim 3, wherein said liquid overflow means ( 18 ) comprises a free outlet reali zed according to the AA or AB type of the DIN EN 1717 regulation.

5. - Water supply assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said separation device ( 29 ) is carried by said tank assembly ( 7 ) so that said first opening ( 32 ) is placed above said maximum level LMAXand / or said liquid overflow means ( 18 ).

6. - Water supply assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one second opening (33, 35) and / or said at least one third opening (38, 42 ) are realized according to the AD of the DIN EN 1717 regulation.

7. Water supply assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said separation device (29) comprises at least one first pipe ( 34, 36) extending from said at least one second opening ( 33, 35) and terminating in fluid communication with said third inner space (31 ) and at least one second pipe ( 39, 43) extending from said at least one third opening ( 38, 42 ) and terminating in fluid communication with said third inner space (31 ), said at least one first pipe (34, 36) and at least one second pipe (39, 43) being faced one with respect to the other and being distanced of a predetermined distance (X) along their longitudinal axis direction.

8. - Water supply system according to claim 7, wherein said distance (X) is dimensioned to allow the passage of liquid from said at least one first pipe (34, 36) towards said at least one second pipe ( 38, 42 ) and the discharge of return flow of liquid from said at least one second pipe (38, 42 ) in said third inner space ( 13), without allowing the return flow of liquid from said at least one second pipe (38, 42 ) towards said at least one first pipe (34, 36).

9. - Water supply assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said second tank ( 13) is provided with a fourth opening (55), which fluidly connects said second inner space ( 14 ) with said second conduit (50), and comprises a free outlet realized according to the AA or AB type of the DIN EN 1717 regulation.

10. - Water supply assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a fourth conduit ( 16 ) to fluidly connect said first tank ( 9 ) with said second tank ( 13 ) and first valve means ( 17 ) fluidly interposed on said fourth conduit ( 16 ).

11. - Water supply assembly according to any of the preceding claims comprising second valve means ( 22 ', 22 ’ ’, 53 ', 53 ' ’ ) fluidly interposed respectively between said at least one input hydraulic coupling ( 19 ', 19 ' ’ ) and said separation device ( 29 ) along said first conduit ( 21 ', 21 ' ' ) and between said at least one input hydraulic coupling ( 19 ', 19 ' ’ ) and said second tank ( 13 ) along said second conduit ( 50 ', 50" ),said second valve means ( 22, 52, 53 ) being configured to allow the passage of fluid only from said input hydraulic coupling ( 19 ', 19" ) towards said separation device ( 29 ) and / or said second tank ( 13 ) and to regulate such passage of fluid through, respectively, said first conduit ( 21 ', 21" ) and said second conduit ( 50 ', 50" ).

12. - Water supply assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising third valve means ( 52 ' ), which are fluidly interposed between said at least one input hydraulic coupling ( 19 ’ ), said first conduit ( 21 ' ) and said second conduit ( 50 ' ),said third valve means ( 52 ' ) comprising a three-way regulation valve configured to selectively allow the flow of the liquid provided by said at least one input hydraulic coupling ( 19 ' ) alternatively towards said first conduit ( 21 ’ ) or towards said second conduit ( 50 ' ).

13. - Rescue vehicle ( 1 ) comprising:• a body (2 ) movable on the ground by means of ground resting means (3), and• a water supply assembly (5) realized according to any of the preceding claims.

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