WO2016012673A1

WO2016012673A1 - Module and system for monitoring a water dispensing device, and related water dispensing device

Info

Publication number: WO2016012673A1
Application number: PCT/FR2015/000159
Authority: WO
Inventors: Raphaël Marie Emeric Hervé PIOT; Rodolphe Serge THETIOT
Original assignee: Bayard
Priority date: 2014-07-21
Filing date: 2015-07-21
Publication date: 2016-01-28
Also published as: FR3023958A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a module (1) for monitoring a water dispensing device. Said module includes: - at least one sensor (8) for sensing a parameter value for operation or the status of the dispensing device; - a housing (13) containing means (14) for wirelessly transmitting said value of the parameter, said transmission means including a unit for transmitting messages within the ISM frequency band; and - means (13) for attaching the housing to the dispensing device. The monitoring module (1) is designed to adopt two different operational modes, namely: - an active mode, in which the transmission means (14) transmit messages and the monitoring module (1) uses less than 80 mA; and - a standby mode, in which the transmission means (14) does not send messages and the monitoring module (1) uses less than 1 mA. The invention also relates to the monitoring of water dispensing devices.

Description

MODULE AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A WATER DISPENSING DEVICE, AND WATER DISPENSING DEVICE THEREFOR

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the field of monitoring water dispensing devices such as fire, watering, irrigation, pavement, or irrigation poles, or mouths, in particular by performing readings of operating parameters or state of said devices.

The present invention relates more particularly to a monitoring module of a water distribution device, the kind of pole or mouth, fire, drawing, irrigation, pavement washing, and / or watering of roadway , the dispensing device comprising a water dispensing outlet, a valve selectively permitting or prohibiting the dispensing of water by said dispensing outlet, the monitoring module comprising:

at least one sensor of a value of an operating parameter or of a state of the dispensing device, said parameter being for example formed by the level of water in a chamber of the water distribution device,

a housing enclosing means for wireless transmission of said parameter value in the form of electromagnetic wave messages transmitted from inside the housing, said transmission means comprising a unit for transmitting electromagnetic wave messages in the radio frequency band; industrial frequency, scientific and medical IS,

means for fixing said housing to the water distribution device, the monitoring module being designed to adopt at least two distinct modes of operation, including an active mode. The present invention also relates to a monitoring system of a device for water distribution, of the kind post or mouth, fire, drawing, irrigation, washing of roadway, and / or watering of roadway, the distribution device comprising a water distribution outlet, a selectively enabling valve

G0PBEWW1 authorizing or prohibiting the dispensing of water through said dispensing outlet, the monitoring system comprising:

a monitoring module according to the invention, and

a system for receiving messages by electromagnetic waves emitted by the monitoring module, the reception system comprising a plurality of reception means that are distinct from one another and distributed so as to cover a predetermined geographical area including said monitoring module, in order to that the electromagnetic wave messages emitted by the latter can be received by the receiving means closest to said monitoring module.

The present invention finally relates to a water distribution device, the kind of pole or mouth, fire, drawing, irrigation, pavement washing, and / or watering of pavement, including a distribution outlet water, a valve selectively allowing or prohibiting the distribution of water through said dispensing outlet.

PRIOR ART

Legislation tends to evolve in a restrictive sense regarding the regulation of drinking water consumption. In particular, operators of drinking water networks are now required to optimize the performance of these water networks so that the latter exceeds 85%. This performance can be improved by reducing water losses such as leakage, water theft, and improper use of the water system. In the case of fire poles and other points of water drawn most often on public roads such as the mouths of washing or watering, it can thus be useful and necessary to monitor and measure these losses of water for the purpose of remedying it.

A first type of firewall monitoring module is already known that can be installed on an existing fire hydrant to monitor and record any water withdrawals made through it. This first type of known surveillance module, if it generally gives satisfaction, has the major disadvantage of requiring a local statement of information. recorded, so it is necessary to move near the monitored fire hydrant to retrieve the recorded information, which represents a cost and a substantial loss of time.

In order to overcome this drawback, it has been envisaged to provide the wireless transmission means of the recorded information, for example using an electromagnetic signal, to form a second type of monitoring module.

The means for emitting the electromagnetic signal of this second type of known surveillance module require a supply of electrical energy. Most of the time, it is difficult and / or expensive to connect the monitoring module to the power grid to power it. Therefore, it is necessary to use a reserve of limited battery-based electrical energy, which must be recharged or replaced regularly during local interventions on the monitoring module. Of course, each intervention of this type involves costs and a substantial loss of time.

In order to reduce the frequency of change or recharging of the electrical energy reserve, it is necessary that the means for emitting the electromagnetic signal are designed to consume as little energy as possible. In this second type of known surveillance module, it has therefore been proposed to use short-range signal transmission means, for example within a radius of about ten meters. In order to obtain the transmission of the signal over a longer distance, it has been proposed to associate this second type of known module with one or more repeaters placed outside the fire hydrant, close to said module, for example within a radius of a few meters. Each repeater can advantageously reissue itself a long-range signal corresponding to the short-range signal transmitted by the monitoring module. Indeed, each repeater can be placed high and away from any part of the fire hydrant, in particular metal, likely to disturb the signal, so as to be free to emit an electromagnetic signal of longer range with less energy consumption than if the emission of the electromagnetic signal was carried out directly from the fire hydrant. This association of a surveillance module emitting a short-range signal with the or repeaters (s) allows in fine to transmit a signa! over a long distance from said module to a receiver, via the repeater (s).

However, the establishment of repeaters associated with a monitoring module may represent an additional cost of installation and maintenance, especially insofar as each repeater itself has a reserve of energy to recharge. In addition, each repeater generally forms an antenna visible from the outside, and therefore more likely to suffer damage or even to be stolen when placed in the public space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to remedy the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above and to propose a new monitoring module, a new monitoring system and a new distribution device. water which, while transmitting long-range wireless information, has a very low power consumption. Another object of the invention is to propose a new monitoring module, a new monitoring system and a new water distribution device whose maintenance is easy, and the information record facilitated.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new monitoring module, a new monitoring system and a new device for water distribution particularly discrete, relatively compact and robust.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new monitoring module, a new monitoring system and a new water distribution device particularly adapted to be placed in the public space, in this case being resistant to damage and theft. Another object of the invention is to propose a new monitoring module, a new monitoring system and a new inexpensive water distribution device. Another object of the invention is to propose a new monitoring module, a new monitoring system and a new water distribution device that is easy to set up.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new monitoring module, a new monitoring system and a new water distribution device that is particularly easy to manufacture and design.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new monitoring module, a new monitoring system and a new water distribution device particularly versatile and compatible with existing equipment. Another object of the invention is to propose a new monitoring module, a new monitoring system and a new water distribution device for remotely monitoring the state and / or operation of said water distribution device. effectively and discreetly.

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a monitoring module of a water distribution device, such as post or mouth, fire, drawing, irrigation, washing of the floor , and / or watering the pavement, the dispensing device comprising a water distribution outlet, a valve allowing selectively to allow or prohibit the distribution of water by said dispensing outlet, the monitoring module comprising :

a housing enclosing means for wireless transmission of said parameter value in the form of electromagnetic wave messages transmitted from inside the housing, said transmission means comprising a unit for transmitting electromagnetic wave messages in the radio frequency band; industrial frequency, scientific and medical ISM,

means for fastening said housing to the water distribution device, the monitoring module being designed to adopt at least two distinct modes of operation, including an active mode, and being characterized in that:

in the active mode, the transmission means emit messages by electromagnetic waves, and in which the monitoring module consumes electrical energy with an intensity of less than 80 mA, preferably less than 50 mA,

it furthermore comprises a sleep mode in which the transmission means do not emit messages by electromagnetic waves, and in which the monitoring module consumes electrical energy of an intensity of less than 1 mA, preferably less than 1 mA, at 0.1 mA.

The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by means of a monitoring system of a water distribution device, of the post or mouth type, of fire, of drawing, of irrigation, of washing of water. roadway, and / or sprinkler, the distribution device comprising a water distribution outlet, a valve selectively allowing or prohibiting the distribution of water by said dispensing outlet, the monitoring system comprising:

a monitoring module according to the invention, and

a system for receiving messages by electromagnetic waves emitted by the monitoring module, the reception system comprising a plurality of reception means that are distinct from one another and distributed so as to cover a predetermined geographical area including said monitoring module, in order to that the electromagnetic wave messages emitted by the latter can be received by the reception means closest to said monitoring module, the monitoring system being characterized in that the nearest receiving means is placed at a distance greater than 100 meters of the surveillance module, preferably greater than 300 meters.

Finally, the objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a water distribution device, such as post or mouth, fire, drawing, irrigation, pavement washing, and / or sprinkler system comprising a water distribution outlet, a valve selectively allowing or prohibiting the distribution of water by said dispensing outlet, and a monitoring module according to the invention.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent and will appear in more detail from a reading of the description given below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes, in which:

FIG. 1 represents, in a sectional side view, a monitoring module according to the invention provided with an upper cover and mounted on a first variant of a water distribution device; FIG. in a sectional side view, the monitoring module of Figure 1 provided with the upper cover and mounted on a second variant of a water dispensing device.

FIG. 3 illustrates, in a perspective view from above, the monitoring module of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the water distribution device of FIG. 1, the monitoring module being devoid of the upper cover,

FIG. 4 represents, in a perspective view from above, the monitoring module of FIGS. 1 to 3 provided with the upper cover,

FIG. 5 represents, in a perspective view from below, the lid of FIGS. 1 to 3, in which the transmission means of FIG. 4 are mounted,

FIG. 6 represents, in a schematic perspective view, transmission means of the monitoring module of FIGS. 1 to 5,

FIG. 7 illustrates, in a perspective view from below, the nose cap of FIG. 6; FIG. 8 represents, in a perspective view in longitudinal section, a base for fixing the monitoring module of FIGS. 6. BEST MODE OF REALIZING THE INVENTION

Figures 1 to 6 illustrate a preferred example of a monitoring module 1 according to the invention. The invention relates in this case to a monitoring module 1 of a water distribution device 2, of the post or mouth type, fire, drawing, irrigation, pavement washing, and / or pavement watering.

In general, the monitoring module 1 of the invention is designed to be attached to the distribution device 2, and installed within or on it, to enable said monitoring module 1 to pick up and lift information relating to the state, and / or the use, and / or the operation of the distribution device 2, and to transmit said information, as described below. The monitoring module 1 preferably comprises an onboard power reserve 10, for example a battery, intended for its own power supply, and preferably does not need to be connected to an electricity distribution network.

The water dispensing device 2 is generally intended to be placed outdoors, in a public space, and constitutes a water point that can be used for example by firefighters as a fire-fighting device, by roadmenders as a point of departure. water for cleaning a roadway, or by gardeners for watering and irrigation of green spaces. Of course, the water distribution device 2 may also be placed inside without departing from the scope of the invention. The water distribution device 2, in its preferred variants shown in the figures, advantageously forms a fire hydrant, also called hydrant or fire hydrant, and is intended to protrude from the ground to allow water supply to fire fighting devices. Alternatively, the water distribution device 2 may be formed by a mouth, that is to say a point of water drawing integrated into the ground, and accessible for example via an access opening normally closed by a hatch, a plate or a grill.

According to the invention, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dispensing device 2 comprises a water distribution outlet 3, a valve (not shown) that selectively allows or prohibits the dispensing of water. water through said dispensing outlet 3. The dispensing outlet 3 forms an orifice through which a flow of water is intended to be emitted from inside the dispensing device 2 to the outside. The dispensing outlet 3 is advantageously provided with connection means 4 to a garden hose, to a fire hose, or to equipment requiring any water supply. The valve is designed to move between an open position in which it communicates a water source and the distribution outlet 3, and a closed position in which it substantially hermetically blocks the communication between the water source and said 3. The valve is advantageously designed to be controlled by means of a manual control means 5, 6 formed for example by a control wheel 5 (as illustrated for example in FIG. 2) or by a control square 6 operable using a suitable tool (as shown for example in Figure 1). Of course, without departing from the scope of the invention, the control of the valve may be manual and / or automatic and / or motorized.

The dispensing device 2 preferably comprises a chamber 9, said chamber 9 containing, at least intermittently, water intended to feed the dispensing outlet 3, and in this case connecting the valve to the dispensing outlet 2, so that when the valve is open, the chamber is flooded with water to feed the dispensing outlet 2, and when the valve is closed, the chamber is drained of the water it contained. Preferably, the water distribution device 2 comprises a control shaft 7 of the valve forming for example a mechanical transmission connecting the manual control means 5, 6 to the valve, so that a rotation of the manual control means 5 , 6 causes the opening or closing of the valve, depending on the direction of rotation. The manual control means 5, 6 is advantageously directly integral with the control shaft 7, which is rotatable and extends along an axis of rotation XX 'substantially vertical with respect to the ground. Alternatively, the manual control means 5, 6 may be rotatable about another axis of rotation distinct from the axis of rotation X-X ', and for example be mechanically connected to the control shaft 7 by a return of angle (not shown). The control shaft 7 may in turn be rotatable about a non-vertical axis of rotation (not shown). Of course, a kinematic transmission chain of the force between the control shaft 7 and the valve may be implemented. According to the invention, the monitoring module 1 comprises at least one sensor 8 of a value of an operating parameter or state of the dispensing device 2.

The monitoring module 1 of the invention can thus be provided with one or more sensors 8 designed, for example, to transform a physical phenomenon, that is to say in this case the aforementioned parameter, into a signal electric. The sensor 8 is designed to detect an operating parameter or state of the dispensing device 2, said parameter being for example formed by the water level in the chamber 9 of the water dispensing device 2. In this case, the sensor is advantageously designed to detect the presence of water in the chamber 9 of the water distribution device 2, the value of this parameter being for example formed by a quantity in centimeters of water in said chamber 9 , or by :

a first state corresponding to a presence of water above a predetermined level, and

a second state corresponding to an absence of water above a predetermined level.

The presence of water in the chamber 9 above the predetermined level being preferably synonymous with an opening of the valve, and a water distribution via the dispensing outlet 3, such a sensor 8 advantageously makes it possible to detect the drawing or the absence of water drawing via the dispensing device 2.

The sensor 8, or at least one of the sensors 8, in the preferred variant of the invention, is designed to distinctly adopt a state E0 or a state E1 as a function of the value of the operating parameter or the state of the device 2, said sensor 8 being designed to substantially not consume electrical energy when it adopts the E0 state. The state E1 or E0 adopted by the sensor 8 advantageously reflects the value of the operating parameter, or the comparison of this value with respect to a predetermined threshold. Such a configuration thus saves electrical energy from the reserve of electrical energy 10, which is limited when the sensor adopts the state E0.

Preferably, the operating or state parameter is formed by the water level in the chamber 9 of the water dispensing device 2, said chamber being designed to contain, at least intermittently, water for supplying the dispensing outlet 3, the sensor 8 being adapted to adopt the state E1 when the water level exceeds a predetermined level, and the state E0 when the water level is below the predetermined level. Thus, according to this preferred configuration, the sensor 8 does not consume energy in the absence of water distribution, that is to say preferably most of the time. Preferably, the monitoring module 1 comprises a float water level sensor 8 intended to be placed in said chamber 9, making it possible to detect whether the water level exceeds said predetermined level or not. Advantageously, the float 1 of the sensor 8 is designed to float on the surface of the water of the chamber 9 so that its position corresponds to the level of the water in said chamber 9. The float 11 is preferably mounted in a sliding manner on a sliding rod 12 vertical to the ground of said sensor 8, so that said float 11 can flow along the slide rod 12 depending on the level of the water in the chamber 9. The float is for example equipped a magnet, designed to interact with a flexible blade switch of the sensor 8 (not shown), the flexible blade switch being substantially fixed, and for example integral with the slide rod 12. In this configuration, the switch The flexible blade is actuated by the magnet when the magnet is approached at a distance sufficiently close to said flexible blade switch. In this manner, the magnet and the flexible blade switch may be arranged so that said flexible blade switch is actuated when the level of water in the chamber 9 exceeds said predetermined level. The activation of the flexible blade switch then advantageously corresponds to the state E1 of the sensor, in which the flexible blade switch closes an electrical circuit for detecting the predetermined level of overrun, which is likely to consume more power. electrical energy from the electrical energy reserve 10.

Preferably, jointly or alternatively, the sensor 8, or another of the sensors 8 of the monitoring module 1, may be designed to capture an operating parameter formed by a displacement of the water distribution device 2 with respect to an initial position, the sensor being designed to adopt the state E1 when the water dispensing device 2 is moved relative to the initial position, and the state E0 when it is not substantially displaced with respect to the initial position. In this advantageous situation, the sensor 8 makes it possible to detect any displacement, and / or rotation, and / or overturning, and / or shock, of the dispensing device 2. By "overturning" is meant the tilting of the water distribution device 2 when it advantageously forms a fire hydrant. In this situation, the sensor 8 makes it possible, for example, to detect whether the dispensing device 2 has been hit by a vehicle or dismounted as a result of an act of malicious intent. In any case, in this preferred case, the sensor 8 does not consume energy in the E0 state, that is to say, most of the time, when the distribution device 2 has not suffered any shock. , and / or no displacement, and / or no rotation, and / or no reversal, which saves the energy of the electrical energy reserve 10.

Advantageously, the monitoring module comprises a displacement sensor (not shown) formed by an accelerometer and for sensing the displacement of the dispensing device 2, and / or its rotation, and / or its overturning, and / or a shock against the latter. Of course, it is possible to envisage that the monitoring module 1 comprise other types of sensors 8, for example:

a temperature sensor prevailing within the chamber 9 or in the vicinity of the distribution device 2, whose state E0 corresponds to a temperature higher than the melting point of the water, and the state E1 corresponds to a lower temperature at the melting point of the water, and / or

a sensor for detecting an incoherence between the open or closed state of the valve and the presence of water in the chamber 9, which could reflect a defect in the emptying of the chamber 9, or a leakage of the valve, whose state E0 corresponds to an absence of inconsistency, and the state E1 corresponds to the presence of an inconsistency.

The monitoring module 1 according to the invention also comprises a housing 13 enclosing wireless transmission means 14 of said parameter value in the form of electromagnetic wave messages emitted from inside the housing 13. The monitoring module 1 is thus designed to emit an electromagnetic signal via the transmission means 14 represented for example in FIG. 6, of the radio signal type, which translates the value of the parameter as it has been picked up by said at least one 8. The transmission means 14 of the invention are designed to emit in particular messages by electromagnetic waves reflecting the state of the sensor 8 associated with a given moment of capture, for example the state E0 or E1.

Preferably, the transmission means comprise a memory, so that the transmission means 14 are designed to record in said memory a series of states of the sensor 8, or parameter values, associated with respective given times.

Alternatively, the transmission means 14 are designed to transmit the value of the parameter as soon as it is picked up by the sensor 8. In particular, the transmission means 14 are designed to emit a message by electromagnetic waves when the sensor 8 passes to the sensor. E1 state, and not to emit an electromagnetic wave message when the sensor 8 is in the E0 state. In this case, optionally, the transmission means 14 additionally transmit a control message by waves, for example every four hours, independently of the state of the sensor 8, in order to testify to their correct operation (indeed, in the case a failure of the monitoring module 1, the control messages will no longer be issued).

In particular, in order to save electrical energy, the messages by electromagnetic waves are therefore advantageously emitted by the transmission means 14 only if necessary, in this case when the sensor 8 detects an event, and optionally to testify to the good state of running the monitoring module 1.

The transmission means 14 are designed for example to transmit messages by electromagnetic waves at given times, for example regularly, for example a message every four hours. Alternatively, the transmission means 14 may be designed to emit messages by electromagnetic waves on command. In this case, or for other reasons, the monitoring module 1 is preferably equipped with a reception means without wire adapted to receive messages in the form of electromagnetic waves corresponding to commands, configuration data of said monitoring module 1, or other.

The housing 3 of the invention advantageously forms a protective shell of the transmission means 14, and is designed to envelop them, to surround them, in order to protect them in particular from inclement weather, damage from outside, acts of malice, etc. . The housing 13 is referential designed to be discrete, and to conceal the transmission means 14, and is for example opaque for this purpose.

According to the invention, the monitoring module 1 comprises fixing means 16 of said housing 13 to the water distribution device 2. The fixing means 16 make it possible to bring the housing 13, and more generally the monitoring module 1, onto the dispensing device 2, advantageously dismountable or removable so that it can easily be replaced or disassembled, for example in the case of breakdown. The fixing means 16 are advantageously formed by orifices intended to receive fastening screws of said casing 13 on the dispensing device 2.

The housing 3, if preferably rigidly and rigidly encloses the transmission means 14, is also permissive electromagnetic wave messages transmitted by the transmission means 14 from the inside. For this purpose, all or part of the housing 13 is preferably made of material permeable to electromagnetic waves, in particular to said electromagnetic wave messages, preferably made of a polymer material, for example a mixture of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polycarbonate (ABS / PC). Other materials both permeable to electromagnetic waves and protectors for the transmission means 14 may be used without departing from the scope of the invention, including non-conductive plastic materials, composite materials or mixtures of materials.

As shown in the figures, the housing 13 preferably comprises:

a fixing base 20 (as illustrated for example in FIG. 8) through which it is intended to rest on and to be fixed to the water dispensing device 2, and an upper cover 21 (as illustrated for example in FIG. 5) made of said material permeable to electromagnetic waves and closing the housing 13.

The upper cover 21 is preferably provided to be able to be opened without dismantling the fastening base 20 of the dispensing device 2, in order to facilitate the maintenance of the monitoring module 1. The upper cover 21 is advantageously removably secured to the base fastening means 20 by means of fastening elements 15 of the upper cover 21. The fixing elements 15 are advantageously formed by screwing points 5 of the upper cover 21 on the fixing base 20. According to a characteristic of the The transmission means 14 comprise a unit for transmitting messages by electromagnetic waves in the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) frequency band.

The electromagnetic wave message transmitting unit is adapted to emit electromagnetic wave radiation encoding the electromagnetic wave messages. Radiated electromagnetic waves are emitted in the ISM frequency band, which is for example governed by the European standard EN 55011, the European R & TTE directive, or the FCC regulation in the United States. The emission of the electromagnetic messages in such a frequency band thus has the advantage of being able to be emitted at great range while causing a particularly low energy consumption of the emission unit, unlike an emission in the GSM, GPRS, 3G or 4G frequency bands, significantly more energy-intensive.

For example, the electromagnetic wave messages may be transmitted in a frequency band used by the SigFox network, such as an ultrashort frequency band ("ultra narrow band"), for example at 868 MHz. Each message sent can for example be coded according to a numerical code, formed of bytes. To reduce the energy consumption of the monitoring module 1 relating to the emission of the electromagnetic wave message, said message is advantageously designed to be as small as possible, but still high enough to contain the value of the signal. parameter. Each message is preferentially issued within a frame, and is of a weight less than 100 bytes, or even less than 50 bytes, or even less than 20 bytes. Thus, the message advantageously contains information of the state of the sensor 8 representative of the value of the parameter at given times rather than actual numerical values of said parameter. With such a design, it is possible to envisage the implementation of a relatively low energy reserve 10, which is capable of being able to supply the monitoring module 1 for a relatively long period of time, for example. example over several years, so that the maintenance of said monitoring module 1 of the invention is easy and inexpensive. In addition, the monitoring module 1 is preferably designed to adopt at least two distinct modes of operation, including:

an active mode in which the transmission means 14 emit messages by electromagnetic waves, and in which the monitoring module 1 consumes electrical energy of an intensity of less than 80 mA, preferably less than 50 mA,

a standby mode in which the transmission means 14 do not emit messages by electromagnetic waves, and in which the monitoring module 1 consumes an electrical energy of an intensity of less than 1 mA, preferably less than 0.1 my. In standby mode, the monitoring module 1 consumes advantageously less energy than active mode, and preferably consumes an electrical energy of an intensity less than 0.05 mA.

The transition from the active mode to the standby mode and / or vice versa from the standby mode to the active mode can be carried out under the action of a command, the reception means of the monitoring module 1 being for example designed to receive a command from putting standby mode or active mode of said monitoring module.

The monitoring module 1 also preferably comprises an automatic means for switching from the active mode to the standby mode, and / or conversely from the standby mode to the active mode. For example, at the end of a predetermined time, or when the memory is full, the monitoring module 1 is designed to switch from standby mode to active mode to send the parameter values stored in memory as messages by electromagnetic waves, and empty said memory. Once said messages are sent, the monitoring module 1 is designed to automatically return to standby mode to save the energy of the energy reserve.

Preferably, the monitoring module 1 switches from the standby mode to the active mode when the sensor switches from the E0 state to the E1 state, in order to emit a message by electromagnetic waves testifying to this change of state.

Preferably, said transmission means 14 comprise an antenna 18 transmitting messages by electromagnetic waves, the latter being enclosed within the housing 13. The transmission antenna 18 allows, in a conventional manner, to improve the range and the transmission radius of the electromagnetic wave messages of the transmission means 14 transmitted from the message transmission unit. It is placed in the case 13 in order to be protected by the latter while emitting the messages by electromagnetic waves through said casing 13. The transmission antenna 18 preferably extends along a longitudinal axis YY 'oriented vertically relative to on the ground, so as to provide omnidirectional radiation, at least radially to the longitudinal axis YY 'of said transmission antenna 18, otherwise substantially spherical. Preferably, the transmission antenna 18 is placed parallel to the control shaft 7 and at a distance from the latter, so that its longitudinal axis YY 'is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X ~ X' of said Actually, the control shaft 7 is advantageously made of a metallic material likely to disturb or block the electromagnetic radiation of the transmission antenna 18, the parallel arrangement of the latter with respect to said control shaft 7 makes it possible to optimize and reduce the portion of the radiation absorbed by said control shaft 7. In order to allow the integration of a sufficiently long transmission antenna 18, the outer wall 19 of the housing 13, and in this case the cover upper 21, preferably has a vertical lateral protrusion 25 designed to accommodate the transmission antenna 18, as shown for example in FIGS. As illustrated in the figures, and in particular in FIG. 6, the transmission means 14 are preferably formed by an electronic card 17 enclosed in the casing 13, the electronic card 17 comprising a coding unit of the value of the parameter captured by the sensor 8 in the form of said messages by electromagnetic waves, the transmission antenna 18 protruding from said electronic card 17. The transmission means 14, and in particular the electronic card 17, the transmission antenna 18, are advantageously covered a layer of protective material, preferably substantially moisture-tight, for example a resin. The electronic card 17, and more generally the transmission means 14, are preferably integral with the upper cover 21 for example by means of screw tabs 22 so that the disassembly of said upper cover 21 can be used to extract at the same time the transmission means 14 of the monitoring module, and in particular without detaching the fixing base 20 from the distribution device 2.

Preferably, some of the sensors 8 are placed directly within the housing 13, preferably on the electronic card, such as the temperature sensor, or the displacement sensor, that is to say the accelerometer. Other sensors 8 will advantageously be placed on the outside of the housing 13, and placed for example within the chamber 9, especially in the case of the water level sensor, and connected for example using of a connector of the cable type to the electronic card 17. Of course, other sensor arrangements can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Preferably, the reserve of electrical energy 10 is placed within the housing 13 away from the transmission antenna 18, insofar as said energy reserve is also likely to disturb or block the electromagnetic radiation of the transmission antenna 18.

The housing 13 advantageously comprises an outer wall 19 designed to remotely surround said control shaft 7 at least over a majority of the circumference of the latter when the housing 13 is fixed on the dispensing device 2. The housing 13 thus has the shape of a ring surrounding the control shaft 7 and / or the control means, so that said shaft of control 7 passes through the housing 13. The integration of the housing 13 to the dispensing device 2 is thus particularly discrete and compact, especially in the case where the dispensing device 2 is a fire hydrant. Preferably, the top cover 21 is provided with a first shaft-passing hole 23, the fixing base 20 being provided with a second shaft-passing hole 24, so that the control shaft 7 can passing through the housing 13 through the first shaft passage hole 23 and the second shaft opening 24. The conjunction of the two shaft passage holes 23, 24 advantageously forms a passage channel shaft 23, 24 within the housing, forming the center of the general crown shape of the latter. The shaft passage channel preferably forms a portion of the outer wall 19 of the housing 13, and is advantageously moisture-proof from the vicinity of the control shaft 7 to protect the transmission means 14. Preferably , the fixing base 20 forms a closure cap of the water dispensing device 2, making it possible to seal the chamber 9 of said dispensing device 2, and is for example made of a metallic material. The monitoring module 1 is thus particularly versatile, and for example adapt to the existing closure caps of the water distribution devices. Alternatively, the monitoring module 1 may be provided with a custom closure cap adapted to the opening of the chambers 9 of the distribution devices 2. Thus, the monitoring module 1 may include, or not understand, the base 20. In any event, this design allows the monitoring module to be particularly integrated with the distribution device 2, in a discrete manner.

The casing 13 having such a configuration can thus advantageously be placed at the top of the water distribution device 2, or at least in a portion situated in height, in order to improve the omnidirectional character and the range of the radiation of the transmission means. 14. In general, whether the housing 13 is designed to surround the control shaft 7 or not, said housing 13 is advantageously designed to cap the water distribution device 2 at its upper part and to be reported by the fastening means 6.

Preferably, the housing 13 extends longitudinally from said fixing base 20 to said upper cover 21 over a height Hb of housing, and extends transversely over a width Lb greater than the height Hb, preferably at least two times greater, so that the housing 13 has a generally flattened shape. The width Lb preferably corresponds to the diameter of the fixing base 20, and the height Hb to the length of the shaft passage channel, and / or the upper cover 21. The height Hb advantageously corresponds to the maximum height of the latter, and may for example correspond to the distance separating the fastening base 20 at the top of the vertical lateral protrusion 25. The casing 13 thus has a compact shape and is able to follow or follow the curves of the dispensing device 2 on which it is installed, so as to integrate in a particularly discreet manner, or even likely to be considered aesthetic.

Preferably, the casing 13 is of sufficiently compact shape to be disposed on the dispensing device 2 away from a nose cap 26 of said dispensing device 2, as illustrated for example in FIGS. 1 and 7. nose cap 26 preferably forms an opaque protective cover made of a material allowing the passage of electromagnetic waves. Preferably, the housing 13 is sufficiently compact to fit the shape of the existing nose caps 26. Preferably, the manual control means 5, 6 protrudes from the top of the nose cap 26 and passes therethrough, especially when it is a control square 6.

Similarly, the housing 13 is of sufficiently compact shape to be disposed on the dispensing device 2 away from an outer case 27 of said dispensing device 2, as shown for example in Figure 2. The outer trunk 27 preferably forms an opaque protective outer envelope of the distribution device 2, and made of a material allowing the passage of electromagnetic waves. The outer case preferably contains the manual control means 5, 6 especially in the case where the latter forms a control wheel 5. Preferably, the housing 13 is compact enough to adapt to the shape of existing external boxes 27.

Advantageously, the transmission antenna 18 is enclosed within the housing 13 so as to be closer to the outer wall 19 than to the control shaft 7. The distance between the transmission antenna 18 and the control shaft 7 is thus maximum, so that the portion of the space in which the electromagnetic radiation is disturbed by the control shaft 7 is reduced to the maximum. Preferably, the transmission antenna 8 is substantially placed against, or at a very short distance from, the outer wall 19. The outer wall 19 is advantageously formed at least in part by the material permeable to electromagnetic waves described above.

Preferably, the transmission antenna 18, the control shaft 7 and the electrical energy reserve 10 are placed:

- for example in this order, and

- so as to be aligned in a plane, for example substantially vertical.

Thus, the omnidirectional radiation of the transmission antenna 18 is advantageously disturbed by the control shaft 7 and the energy reserve in only one direction of the space corresponding to the alignment plane of these three elements.

Preferably, the fastening means 16 of the housing 13 are designed to allow the housing 13 to be fixed to the water distribution device 2 in a manner that can be oriented about a substantially vertical axis with respect to the ground, preferably according to at least two different orientations, so that the direction of the space in which the radiation of the transmission antenna 8 is disturbed can be oriented. In this case, particularly advantageously, the upper cover 21 can be mounted on the fastening base 20 in a number of orientations, the fastening elements 15 being regularly arranged in a circle in order to offer several mounting possibilities suitable for providing orientations. different upper cover 21 vis-à-vis the fixing base 20 according to the possibility of mounting chosen. In particular, the fixing elements 15 are formed by three screwing points distributed according to an equilateral triangle, or more.

The characteristics of the monitoring module 1 previously described allow that, or at least contribute to allow that, despite the fact that the transmission means 14 emit electromagnetic radiation of relatively low power, the electromagnetic wave messages can be emitted to a receiver placed at a relatively high distance, which facilitates the recording of information. Therefore, the energy consumption of the transmission means 1 is particularly low, so that the consumption of the energy reserve 10 is reduced, to optimize the frequency of maintenance operations to renew said energy reserve 10, for example by reloading or replacing. The information record being performed remotely, the monitoring of the dispensing device 2 is particularly discreet and effective.

The invention also relates as such to a monitoring system of a water dispensing device 2 such as that described above for example, of the kind post or mouth, fire, drawing, irrigation, for washing a roadway, and / or for watering the roadway, the distribution device 2 comprising a water distribution outlet 3, a valve that selectively enables or prohibits the dispensing of water by said dispensing outlet 3.

The monitoring system of the invention comprises a monitoring module 1 such as that described above, which is advantageously fixed to the distribution device 2 by means of the fixing means 16.

The monitoring system of the invention also comprises a system for receiving messages by electromagnetic waves emitted by the monitoring module 1. The reception system preferentially forms an array of relay antennas connected to a telecommunication network, for example wired. Optionally, the monitoring system comprises a plurality of water distribution devices with monitoring modules according to the above, the monitoring modules being designed to form or contribute to also form the system for receiving messages by electromagnetic waves, for example by being equipped with means for receiving messages by electromagnetic waves from other monitoring modules, in order to retransmit and transmit said messages by electromagnetic waves.

The receiving system comprises a plurality of receiving means separate from each other and distributed to cover a predetermined geographical area including said monitoring module 1, so that the messages by waves electromagnetic emitted by the latter can be received by the receiving means closest to said monitoring module 1. The separate reception means are advantageously formed by said relay antennas, or other wireless receivers, and are distributed on a field, or a geographical space, so as to be able to receive the messages by electromagnetic waves emitted within the geographical area covered. In order for the reception system to be able to receive the electromagnetic wave messages from the monitoring module 1, the latter is positioned in the predetermined geographical zone so that at least one (if not more) of the reception means can receive the messages by electromagnetic waves emitted by said monitoring module 1.

Preferably, the receiving means may be designed either to repeat and amplify the signal to transmit it to another receiving means, or to directly transmit the signal to the telecommunication network.

According to the invention, the nearest receiving means is placed at a distance greater than 100 meters from the monitoring module 1, preferably greater than 300 meters. In other words, the reception system forms a network of reception means whose meshes are of a size greater than 100 meters, preferably 300 meters. Indeed, the transmission means 14 being designed to transmit in the ISM frequency band, the receiving means can be advantageously placed at a relatively high distance from the monitoring module 1, for example at a distance greater than 500 meters, or even greater than 1 kilometer. In particular, the monitoring system of the invention advantageously does not include repeaters placed at a distance less than 100 meters from the monitoring module 1. For the purposes of the invention, the term ". nearest receiving means »the receiving means which is arranged to receive the electromagnetic wave messages transmitted by the first monitoring module 1, or with the highest reception power.

According to such a configuration, the implementation of the monitoring system of the invention is inexpensive while being effective and discrete, the receiving means being few and far distance from each other. Advantageously, the monitoring system comprises means for making available on the internet the value of the operating or status parameter received by the reception system in the form of messages by electromagnetic waves, so that it is particularly easy monitor and verify the condition and operation of the water dispensing device.

The invention finally relates as such to a water distribution device 2, of the kind post or mouth, fire, drawing, irrigation, pavement washing, and / or watering of pavement, comprising a water distribution outlet 3, a valve selectively allowing or prohibiting the water distribution by said dispensing outlet 3, and a monitoring module 1 as described above.

The dispensing device 2 is advantageously in accordance with the foregoing description, and preferably constitutes a fire, road washing or watering pole.

Alternatively, the dispensing device 2 can form a fire hydrant, washway or watering.

POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

The invention finds its industrial application in the design, manufacture and use of monitoring modules of water distribution devices provided with a valve selectively allowing or prohibiting the distribution of water.

Claims

Monitoring module (1) of a distribution device (2) of water, the kind of pole or mouth, fire, drawing, irrigation, pavement washing, and / or watering of pavement, the dispensing device (2) comprising a water dispensing outlet (3), a valve selectively permitting or prohibiting the dispensing of water through said dispensing outlet (3), the monitoring module (1) ) including:

- At least one sensor (8) of a value of an operating parameter or state of the dispensing device (2), said parameter being for example formed by the water level in a chamber (9) of the device distribution (2) of water,

a housing (13) enclosing wireless transmission means (14) for said parameter value in the form of electromagnetic wave messages transmitted from inside the housing (13), said transmission means comprising a transmission unit electromagnetic wave messages in the ISM industrial, scientific and medical frequency band,

means (16) for fixing said housing (13) to the water distribution device (2),

the monitoring module (1) being designed to adopt at least two distinct modes of operation, including an active mode, and being characterized in that:

in the active mode, the transmission means (14) emit messages by electromagnetic waves, and in which the monitoring module (1) consumes electrical energy of an intensity of less than 80 mA, preferably less than 50 mA,

it furthermore comprises a standby mode in which the transmission means (14) do not emit messages by electromagnetic waves, and in which the monitoring module (1) consumes an electric energy of an intensity less than 1 mA, preferably less than 0.1 mA.

Monitoring module (1) according to the preceding claim characterized in that the sensor (8) is designed to distinctly adopt a state E0 or a state E1 depending on the value of the operating parameter or state of the device of distribution (2), said sensor (8) being designed to substantially not consume electrical energy when it adopts the state E0.

Monitoring module (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said operating parameter or state is formed by:

the level of water in a chamber (9) of the water distribution device (2), said chamber (9) being designed to contain, at least intermittently, water intended to supply the dispensing outlet (3), the sensor (8) being adapted to adopt the state E1 when the water level exceeds a predetermined level, and the state E0 when the water level is below the predetermined level, and / or

a displacement of the water distribution device (2) with respect to an initial position, the sensor being designed to adopt the state E1 when the water distribution device (2) is displaced relative to the initial position, and the state E0 when it is substantially not displaced with respect to the initial position.

Monitoring module (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises:

a float water level sensor (8) intended to be placed in said chamber (9), making it possible to detect whether the water level exceeds said predetermined level or not, and

- A displacement sensor formed by an accelerometer and for sensing the displacement of the dispensing device (2).

Monitoring module (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said transmission means (14) transmit messages by electromagnetic waves, said messages containing information of the state of the sensor (8) representative of the value of the parameter at given times rather than actual numerical values of said parameter.

Monitoring module (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said transmission means (14) transmit messages by waves electromagnetic signals, said messages being transmitted within a frame of a weight less than 100 bytes. - Monitoring module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitoring module (1) also comprises an automatic means of switching from active mode to standby mode, and / or vice versa from the standby mode. active mode. - Monitoring module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that ies said transmission means (14) comprise an antenna transmission (18) messages by electromagnetic waves, the latter being enclosed within the housing ( 13). - Monitoring module (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, the water distribution device (2) comprising a control shaft (7) of the valve, the housing (13) comprises an outer wall (19). ) adapted to remotely surround said control shaft (7) at least over a majority of the circumference thereof when the housing (13) is attached to the dispensing device (2), the transmission antenna (18) being enclosed within the housing (13) so as to be closer to the outer wall (9) than the control shaft (7). - Monitoring module (1) according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the transmission antenna (18) extends along a longitudinal axis (Υ-Υ ') oriented vertically relative to the ground. -Module monitoring (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that it comprises an on-board power supply (10), for example a battery, for its own power supply, being placed at within the housing (13) away from the transmission antenna (18). - Monitoring module (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the transmission means (14) are formed by an electronic card (17) enclosed in the housing (13), the electronic card ( 17) comprising a coding unit of the parameter value sensed by the sensor (8) in the form of said electromagnetic wave messages, the transmission antenna (18) projecting from said electronic card (17).

13 - Monitoring module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all or part of the housing (13) is made of material permeable to electromagnetic waves, in particular to said messages by electromagnetic waves, preferably in one polymeric material, for example a mixture of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polycarbonate ABS / PC.

14 - Monitoring module (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the housing (13) comprises:

a fixing base (20) through which it is intended to rest on, and to be fixed to, the water distribution device (2), and

- An upper cover (21) made of said material permeable to electromagnetic waves and closing the housing (13). 15 - Monitoring module (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the housing (13) extends longitudinally from said fixing base (20) to said upper cover (21) on a housing height Hb, and extends transversely over a width Lb greater than the height Hb, preferably at least two times greater. 16-surveillance module (1) according to any one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that the fastening base (20) forms a closure cap of the water dispensing device (2), for sealing tightly a chamber (9) of said dispensing device (2), said chamber (9) containing, at least intermittently, water for supplying the dispensing outlet (3).

17 - Monitoring module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (13) is designed to cap the water distribution device (2) at its upper part and to be reported by the fastening means (16). - Monitoring module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means (16) of the housing (13) are designed to allow fixing the housing (13) on the dispensing device (2). ) of water steerably about a substantially vertical axis relative to the ground, preferably in at least two different orientations. - Monitoring system of a distribution device (2) of water, of the kind post or mouth, fire, drawing, irrigation, washing of roadway, and / or watering of roadway, the device dispensing device (2) comprising a water dispensing outlet (3), a valve selectively allowing or prohibiting the dispensing of water by said dispensing outlet (3), the monitoring system comprising:

a monitoring module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, and

a system for receiving messages by electromagnetic waves emitted by the monitoring module (1), the reception system comprising a plurality of reception means that are distinct from one another and distributed so as to cover a predetermined geographical zone including said module of monitoring (1), so that the electromagnetic wave messages transmitted by the latter can be received by the receiving means closest to said monitoring module (1),

the monitoring system being characterized in that the nearest receiving means is located at a distance greater than 100 meters from the monitoring module (1), preferably greater than 300 meters. - Monitoring system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises means for making available on the internet the value of the operating parameter or state received by the receiving system in the form of messages by electromagnetic waves. - Dispensing device (2) of water, of the kind post or mouth, fire, drawing, irrigation, washing of roadway, and / or watering of pavement, including a distribution outlet (3) of water, a valve selectively allowing or prohibiting the water supply by said outlet of distribution (3), and a monitoring module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17. - Dispensing device (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it constitutes a fire hydrant, washing, or watering.