AUTOMATIC WATER EXTINGUISHER AND CORRESPONDING FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fire protection installations.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to an automatic water fire extinguisher including at least one clamp whose diameter adapts to several pipe diameters.

[0003] The invention makes it possible, in particular, to adapt in situ the fire extinguisher has several types of pre-existing pipes. ART ANTERIEUR

[0004] Fires are one of the leading causes of industrial accidents. Fire prevention is therefore a crucial issue for businesses and public venues. Indeed, any fire-related incident can cause significant material and human damage. Businesses are thus required to implement measures to prevent the risk of fire, as any failure to comply may result in legal action and penalties.

[0005] Typically, fire protection systems are equipment configured to detect, signal, and secure a given area. To achieve this, a fire protection system generally includes devices for detecting the presence of a fire, suppression devices configured to extinguish the fire, alarm devices configured to warn of the presence of a fire, and a control station that receives information from the detection devices and triggers the suppression and alarm devices in the event of a fire.

[0006] Among the various types of fire protection systems, pressurized water systems typically consist of a network of pipes deployed within the area to be protected. These pipes contain automatic water sprinklers, which most often perform both suppression and detection functions. To achieve this, automatic water sprinklers have a base with an opening, mounted on the pipe. This opening is held closed by a temperature-sensitive bulb or fuse. In the event of a fire, the temperature rise breaks the bulb or melts the fuse, allowing pressurized water to flow through the opening and spray the burning area. In some designs, the water stream strikes a deflector positioned directly opposite the opening of the automatic water sprinkler.This deflector allows the water flow to be widened and directed towards the burning area.

[0007] There are also variations of this system in which the extinguishers do not perform the detection function, but only the spray function. In this case, the pipes do not contain water under continuous pressure; rather, water is delivered to the extinguishers only when a fire has been detected. In these embodiments, the sprinklers do not have a bulb or fuse to block the flow of water.

[0008] To install automatic water fire extinguishers on pipes, one method involves welding a sleeve around an opening in the pipe. The automatic water extinguisher is then screwed onto the sleeve. However, the sleeve must be painted or galvanized to match the color of the rest of the pipe, which can only be done after welding and increases the overall cost of the installation.

[0009] To overcome these drawbacks, systems have been developed in which the sleeve is no longer fixed to the pipe by welding but via a support collar.

[0010] According to a first embodiment, the automatic water extinguisher is independent of the service collar. For example, document EP 0598151 describes a service collar with a connector for screwing an automatic water extinguisher onto the collar. The service collar has two parts. The first part, which supports the connector, is curved to conform to the shape of the upper portion of a pipe. The second part is a spring-loaded component that clips the service collar onto the pipe. Alternatively, the second part can also be a rigid, curved component.

[0011] According to a second embodiment, the automatic water extinguisher can be attached to the service collar. For example, document EP 3756733 describes a service collar comprising an upper part including the automatic water extinguisher and means for connecting it to the lower part(s). The upper part is curved to conform to the shape of the upper portion of a pipe. Alternatively, the upper part can also be flat, as illustrated in documents DE9106943 and GB8422476.

[0012] The lower part is a rigid piece with a curved shape, configured to fit the shape of the lower and / or lateral portion of the pipe.

[0013] According to a third embodiment, document DE 9106943 proposes the use of an automatic water fire extinguisher with a curved rigid piece equipped with threads at its ends and partially surrounding the pipe. The rigid piece is then held in place by nut-type adjustment means. However, this device does not allow the clamp to be adapted to the dimensions of the pipes.

[0014] In all cases, the curved shape of the first part and / or the second part is such that it is impossible to adapt it for another pipe diameter.

[0015] Indeed, there are no standards defining a standardized size for fire hydrant piping on which sprinklers are installed. Dimensions vary depending on requirements and manufacturers. For example, piping commonly found on the market has dimensions that vary within a range of standardized diameters between 25 and 125 mm, also designated by the acronyms "DN 25" or "DN 125".

[0016] Therefore, the systems described in the previous documents require prior knowledge of the pipe dimensions to correctly select the size of the support clamps. This system thus presents a lack of adaptability that can lead to additional costs and installation delays if the clamp dimensions are not suitable for the pipe dimensions.

[0017] Document BR 2020190152 describes a pipe clamp designed for use on a pipeline. The curved base has lateral slots for anchoring and locking a plastic Colson-type self-locking band. The self-locking band has a lug that secures it when engaged in one of the base's lateral slots, and the other end of the band has notches for adjusting the band's tightness in a second slot on the base.

[0018] However, due to the constraints applied to the band and the means of adjustment, this type of architecture is not suitable to withstand pressures of around ten bars and to pass the sealing tests imposed by existing fire standards.

[0019] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve is therefore to develop an automatic water fire extinguisher that can adapt to several existing pipe diameters. DESCRIPTION DE L'INVENTION

[0020] To solve this problem, the invention proposes developing an automatic water fire extinguisher comprising at least one hose clamp made of a flexible material, allowing it to adapt to the shape and size of the pipe. The invention is therefore the result of a discovery that these flexible hose clamps can replace the rigid clamps of the prior art without any loss of quality in the installations.

[0021] Indeed, fire protection systems are subject to very stringent standards that require not only that the systems comply with regulations upon commissioning, but also that they maintain this compliance throughout their lifespan in order to be effective in the event of a fire. These standards regulate, in particular, the pressures that the system's components must withstand.

[0022] However, a person skilled in the art would naturally conclude that the flexible hose clamps of the invention present too great a risk of wear and deformation, particularly when subjected to the pressures of around 10 bar required in fire protection systems, for example, between 5 and 20 bar and preferably between 8 and 12 bar. A person skilled in the art would therefore have avoided using these hose clamps in sprinkler systems in order to limit safety risks.

[0023] Thus, the invention relates to an automatic water fire extinguisher intended to be mounted on an opening in a pipe, said pipe being part of an installation configured to contain water under a pressure of 5 to 20 bar, said fire extinguisher comprising: a one-piece base having a through hole, and a seal intended to ensure the watertightness of the connection between the opening of said pipe and the through hole of said base.

[0024] Such a fire extinguisher is characterized by the following: The base further comprises at least two anchor points, a temperature-sensitive through-hole sealing element configured to clear the through-hole, and the extinguisher comprises at least one clamp including: a strap designed to partially encircle the pipe, said strap cooperating with the base at said anchor points, and adjustment means independent of the base, allowing the length of at least one clamp to be adapted so that the extinguisher is suitable for mounting on pipes of different diameters. These adjustment means include a loop attached to one end of the strap, this loop having a housing into which another end of the strap is inserted. This other end of the strap is moved by a motion that compresses the strap around the pipe to obtain the desired strap compression tension.The strapping is secured within the housing by means of an action perpendicular to the length of the housing and the direction of movement of the strapping, so as to restrict the strapping's movement and maintain the desired compression tension around the pipe. The extinguisher is thus capable of withstanding pressures between 5 and 20 bar, and preferably between 8 and 12 bar.

[0025] In other words, the adjustment mechanisms allow the length of the pipe clamp to be adapted to the diameter of the pipe. For example, the clamp may be long enough to fit diameters between 25 and 50 mm.

[0026] To achieve this adaptability, the adjustment means can take the form of a loop, cooperating with notches made in the strip.

[0027] Furthermore, the adjustment mechanisms are independent of the base so that they can be positioned at a distance from it, thus better withstanding the pressure exerted on the pipe opening. Indeed, the further the adjustment mechanisms are from the base, the better the clamp resists elongation, deformation, and breakage.

[0028] Preferably, the adjustment means are installed diametrically opposite the pipe opening to best compensate for the pressure force exerted on the base from the pipe opening. The tension, being exerted around the pipe, is thus better distributed.

[0029] According to the invention, the base is monobloc, that is to say that the base is a piece formed in one piece, as opposed to a piece resulting from the assembly of several constituent elements, as described for example in document WO2018 / 014066. Given the high pressures exerted, the use of a monobloc base makes it possible to guarantee long-term resistance for a guaranteed operating period, for example for 5 or 10 years of operation.

[0030] The combination of the seal, the adjustment mechanisms, and the strap working with the base ensures a watertight connection between the pipe and the automatic fire extinguisher, as well as the adaptability of the clamp to different pipe diameters. The strap presses the base against the pipe, while the seal, positioned between the base and the pipe, is compressed. Under the tension of the strap on the base, the seal deforms to ensure a watertight seal around the pipe's penetration and to conform to the pipe's curvature. Thus, the seal, under the pressure of the base, absorbs any differences in curvature between the pipe and the base.In addition, the adjustment means make it possible to secure the strap in a position in which the joint is compressed so that the compression capacity of the joint also compensates for the lack of progressiveness of the fixing positions of the clamping means.

[0031] It follows that the traction exerted by the metal strip on the base, the modularity of the adjustment means and the deformation capacity of the joint make it possible to adapt the support device to pipes of varying diameters.

[0032] Furthermore, the adjustment mechanisms and the strapping are durable, meaning they do not deform or become misaligned over time. The connection therefore remains permanently watertight.

[0033] Furthermore, the combination of the adjustment means and the seal also allows the clamp length to be adapted to very small variations in the pipe diameter due to manufacturing tolerances. Indeed, among pipes of a given diameter, for example, 25 mm, the manufacturer's tolerance may allow a margin of + / - 1 mm within which the pipe diameter can vary. Preferably, the notches in the adjustment means have a sufficiently small pitch to allow adaptation to the manufacturer's tolerance.

[0034] The automatic water fire extinguisher can be positioned at any angle relative to the pipe, provided it is fixed at a pipe opening. For example, the automatic water fire extinguisher can be positioned above, below, or to the side of the pipe.

[0035] The length of the hose clamps corresponds to the usable portion of the clamp, which is intended to be positioned against the pipe walls. While a hose clamp may have a fixed total length, during adjustment, only a portion of the clamp is actually used to secure the automatic water extinguisher against the pipe. The unused portion can be cut off to avoid obstructing the extinguishing action of the automatic extinguisher.

[0036] Advantageously, such an automatic water fire extinguisher allows for a more compact installation. Indeed, the invention eliminates the need for a receiving sleeve for the automatic extinguisher. This configuration therefore reduces the height of the automatic water fire extinguisher. It can thus be more easily inserted into confined spaces, such as storage lockers or areas with low ceilings, for example.

[0037] Furthermore, pipe clamps that can adapt to multiple pipe diameters reduce the number of different clamp sizes required, thus lowering production costs. In addition, pipe clamps can be adjusted almost continuously, unlike prior art pipe clamps which are designed for a single pipe diameter.

[0038] Furthermore, the hose clamps of the invention allow the automatic water fire extinguisher to be adapted in situ, without having to predetermine the number and size of the collars. This allows for significant time savings and a considerable reduction in cost.

[0039] In one embodiment, the fire extinguisher comprises a single clamp and only two anchor points arranged on either side of the base.

[0040] Indeed, a person skilled in the art, believing that the flexible hose clamps of the invention present too high a risk of wear and deformation, would be led to increase the number of clamps to reinforce the structure. However, contrary to expectations, the invention allows the use of only a single hose clamp without increasing the risk of leaks, for example.

[0041] For the purposes of this invention, "anchor points" refer to the receiving elements of the base that allow the clamp to be secured when the clamp is tightened around the pipe. These anchor points may be openings or protrusions, such as lugs.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the anchor points are through openings oriented in a direction parallel to the main direction of the pipeline, the strap being mounted on the base by inserting at least one end of the strap into the through openings and forming a loop around the edges of said base.

[0043] According to the invention, the main direction of the pipeline corresponds to the direction parallel to the length of the pipeline.

[0044] Mounting the hose clamp on the base is simplified because the adjustment method is easily repeatable and requires few tools. For example, simply pass the strap through the two openings from bottom to top so that it encircles the pipe. The ends of the strap are then pulled from the top of the base and folded over the base's ends to tighten the hose clamp around the pipe. The strap ends are then brought together and secured using the adjustment mechanisms. This process generally speeds up the installation of automatic water fire extinguishers on pipes.

[0045] In practice, through openings can correspond to slots cut into the base. Alternatively, through openings can correspond to the space formed between the base and an axis attached to the base.

[0046] Preferably, the openings are arranged symmetrically with respect to a central axis of the base, thus reducing the risk of incorrect positioning of the automatic water extinguisher against the pipe opening.

[0047] According to another embodiment, the two ends of the strap are configured to cooperate with the anchor points arranged on either side of the base, so that the strap partially encloses the pipe after action on the adjustment means.

[0048] In practice, each anchor point has a housing delimited by two lugs, separated by a slot sized to allow the passage of the strap, the housing being intended to receive an axle fixed to one end of the strap, the lugs being intended to allow the insertion of the axles into the housings before action on the adjustment means and to block the extraction of said axles after action on the adjustment means.

[0049] Mounting the hose clamp onto the base is simplified because the adjustment method is easily reproducible and requires few tools. The strapping simply wraps around the pipe, and its ends, fitted with a pin, are secured in the slots on the base. The hose clamp is then adjusted to the pipe diameter using the adjustment mechanisms. This process generally makes installing automatic water fire extinguishers on pipes faster.

[0050] Alternatively, each anchor point includes a lug designed to cooperate with a hole made at the ends of the strapping.

[0051] The pipe clamp is mounted on the base by wrapping the metal band around the pipe so that its ends, which have a hole, are secured to the lugs on the base. The pipe clamp is then adjusted to the pipe diameter using the adjustment mechanisms.

[0052] The strapping is similar in shape to a ribbon. Alternatively, the strapping can be replaced by a cable, which is thinner but just as strong. Indeed, the invention allows the use of elongated elements (strapping, cable) with a reduced width without compromising the safety of the installations.

[0053] In practice, the strapping is formed from a metallic material, because surprisingly, the invention allows the use of different materials for the production of the strapping without compromising the safety of the installations.

[0054] Advantageously, the means for adjusting the length of at least one clamp include markings allowing the seal to be compressed to a predetermined rate.

[0055] This design facilitates the installation of the hose clamp and eliminates the risk of errors. The technician can rely on visual guides during installation, indicating the correct tightening point for optimal compression of the seal to prevent leaks, based on the diameter and operating pressure. Alternatively, these adjustment guides can be replaced by, or used in conjunction with, a device for measuring the hose clamp's tension setting.

[0056] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the adjustment means are fixed to one end of the strip.

[0057] Indeed, this method of embodiment allows the automatic fire extinguisher to be tightened onto the pipe by making a simple pulling movement of the free end of the strap.

[0058] A hose clamp with the above characteristics advantageously simplifies and reduces the time required to mount the automatic water fire extinguisher on the pipe.

[0059] However, the strap locking system could be different without affecting the proper functioning of the invention.

[0060] In certain embodiments of the invention, the automatic water extinguisher further comprises a temperature-sensitive sealing element for said through hole, configured to release the through hole when the temperature exceeds a threshold value so as to extract a flow of water from the pipe.

[0061] Advantageously, the automatic water fire extinguisher also includes a deflector fixed above said base and intended to spray the flow of water from the pipe.

[0062] These elements form the head of the automatic water fire extinguisher. The invention covers embodiments in which the brackets and the base form a monolithic block, onto which a deflector and a sealing element are attached. Alternatively, the invention also covers embodiments in which the head, formed by the brackets, the deflector, and the sealing element, is independent of the base.

[0063] In other words, according to a first embodiment the base and the head, including the deflector, the stirrups and / or the sealing element, form a monolithic block.

[0064] According to a second embodiment, the base and the head, comprising the deflector, the brackets and / or the sealing element are independent, the head being attached to the base by screwing, by fitting into a grooved connection or by any other means of cooperation.

[0065] In another aspect, the invention relates to a fire protection installation including: at least one pipe with at least one opening, and at least one automatic water fire extinguisher as described above.

[0066] Preferably, the pipe is painted or pre-painted on both its internal and external surfaces; that is, the pipe has paint covering both its internal and external surfaces. The paint protects the pipe from damage, particularly that caused by rust.

[0067] The applied paint must allow for drilling and cutting without chipping, thus significantly reducing workshop production time. Indeed, the post-production painting phase, usually performed in existing processes, is eliminated.

[0068] Preferably, the pipe paint includes an epoxy polymer binder, which is particularly resistant to drilling and cutting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0069] The method of implementing the invention, as well as the resulting advantages, will become clear from the description of the embodiments that follow, supported by the attached figures in which: [ Fig 1 ] There figure 1 is a perspective view of a pipeline on which four automatic water fire extinguishers are fixed according to four different embodiments, [ Fig 2 ] there figure 2 is a perspective view of a pipeline on which four automatic water fire extinguishers are fixed according to four other different embodiments, [ Fig 3 ] there figure 3 is a front view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipe according to a first embodiment of the figure 1 , [ Fig 4 ] There figure 4 is a side view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the first embodiment of the figure 1 , [ Fig 5 ] There figure 5 is a top view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the first embodiment of the figure 1 , [ Fig 6 ] There figure 6 is a front view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipe according to a second embodiment of the figure 1 , [ Fig 7 ] There figure 7 is a side view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the second embodiment of the figure 1 , [ Fig 8 ] There figure 8 is a top view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the second embodiment of the figure 1 , [ Fig 9 ] There figure 9 is a front view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipe according to a third embodiment of the figure 1 , [ Fig 10 ] There figure 10 is a side view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the third embodiment of the figure 1 , [ Fig 11 ] There figure 11 is a top view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the third embodiment of the figure 1 , [ Fig 12 ] There figure 12 is a front view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to a fourth embodiment of the figure 1 , [ Fig 13 ] There figure 13 is a side view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the fourth embodiment of the figure 1 , [ Fig 14 ] There figure 14 is a top view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the fourth embodiment of the figure 1 , [ Fig 15 ] There figure 15 is a front view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to a fifth embodiment of the figure 2 , [ Fig 16 ] There figure 16 is a side view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the fifth embodiment of the figure 2 , [ Fig 17 ] There figure 17 is a top view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the fifth embodiment of the figure 2 , [ Fig 18 ] There figure 18 is a front view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to a sixth embodiment of the figure 2 , [ Fig 19 ] There figure 19 is a side view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the sixth embodiment of the figure 2 , [ Fig 20 ] There figure 20 is a top view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the sixth embodiment of the figure 2 , [ Fig 21 ] There figure 21 is a front view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to a seventh embodiment of the figure 2 , [ Fig 22 ] There figure 22 is a side view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the seventh embodiment of the figure 2 , [ Fig 23 ] There figure 23 is a top view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the seventh embodiment of the figure 2 , [ Fig 24 ] There figure 24 is a front view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to an eighth embodiment of the figure 2 , [ Fig 25 ] There figure 25 is a side view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the eighth embodiment of the figure 2 , [ Fig 26 ] There figure 26 is a top view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the eighth embodiment of the figure 2 , [ Fig 27 ] There figure 27 is a perspective view of the base of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipe and of the clamp according to a ninth embodiment of the invention, [ Fig 28 ] There figure 28 is a perspective view of the means of adjusting the clamp of the figure 27 , [ Fig 29 ] There figure 29 is a partial cross-sectional view of the adjustment means for the clamping collar of the figure 27 , [ Fig 30a ] There figure 30a is a cross-sectional view of a first stage of installation of an automatic water fire extinguisher according to a tenth embodiment of the invention, [ Fig 30b ] There figure 30b is a cross-sectional view of a second installation stage of an automatic water fire extinguisher according to a tenth embodiment of the invention, [ Fig 30c ] There figure 30c is a cross-sectional view of a third installation stage of an automatic water fire extinguisher according to a tenth embodiment of the invention, [ Fig 30d ] There figure 30d is a cross-sectional view of a fourth installation step of an automatic water fire extinguisher according to a tenth embodiment of the invention, [ Fig 31 ] There figure 31 is a perspective view from above of the base of an automatic water fire extinguisher according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention, [ Fig 32 ] There figure 32 is a front view of the base of the automatic water fire extinguisher of the figure 31 , And [ Fig 33 ] There figure 33 is a low-angle perspective view of the base of the automatic water fire extinguisher of the figure 31 . DESCRIPTION DES MODES DE REALISATION

[0070] As illustrated on the figures 1 et 2 automatic water fire extinguishers 100, 200, 300, 400, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 are mounted on a fire protection system comprising at least one pipeline 40.

[0071] The pipeline 40 is configured to withstand pressures on the order of ten bars, for example between 5 and 20 bars and preferably between 8 and 12 bars. To achieve this, the pipeline 40 is preferably made of a material with good resistance to deformation properties, typically steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, copper or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride.

[0072] Furthermore, the diameter of the pipe 40 can vary, typically between 25 and 125 mm, also referred to by the acronym "DN 25" or "DN 125", depending on the needs related to the area to be protected, the dimensions of the installation and the positioning of the automatic fire extinguisher in relation to the water source.

[0073] As an example, the fire protection system may consist of a central framework of pipes. 40 of larger diameter and branches formed by smaller diameter pipes.

[0074] In order to integrate automatic water fire extinguishers 100, 200, 300, 400, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 of the invention, one or more openings 42 are stored in the pipes 40. The openings 42 For example, they are circular when viewed from above, with a diameter between 10 and 25 mm, also known by the acronyms "DN 10" or "DN 25". The diameter of the opening 42 It is sized according to the sprinkler head that will be chosen to extinguish the fire in the area to be protected. Furthermore, it has also been found that the invention can also be implemented for pipes from DN 32 to DN 40.

[0075] The distance separating two openings 42is generally regulated between 2 and 4.6 m. Similarly, an opening 42 must be at least 1 m away from any wall of the area to be protected. It has recently been observed that the distance between two openings 42 can be 0.9 m.

[0076] THE figures 1 et 2 illustrate several methods of implementing automatic water fire extinguishers 100, 200, 300, 400, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 according to the invention. All embodiments, however, share common elements. For example, with reference to figures 3 à 5 automatic water fire extinguishers 100, 200, 300, 400, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 are formed from a base 24A-24D, 2AH-24K a single piece, with a roughly flat parallelepiped shape and a thickness between 0.5 and 1.5 cm. Alternatively, the underside of the base 24E, 24G may exhibit a slight curvature, as illustrated on the figure 27 And 31-33. The curvature of the underside is chosen to match the curvature of the pipe. 40larger diameter to which the automatic water fire extinguisher can be fitted 500, 700. More recently, pedestals 24E, 24G exhibiting a thickness of 3 mm were observed.

[0077] The base 24A-24D, 2AH-24K can be obtained directly by a molding process, a material subtraction process such as machining or laser cutting, or by an additive process such as 3D printing.

[0078] The base 24A-24K It also features, for example, a through opening 26 with a diameter between 2 and 10 mm. The diameter can be larger without changing the invention, typically between 10 and 500 mm.

[0079] Advantageously a joint 28 is positioned opposite the underside of the base 24A-24K, typically between the base 24A-24K and the pipeline 40, so as to surround the openings 26 And 42 respectively of the base 24A-24K and the pipeline 40. For example, the joint 28 is a rubber O-ring with a thickness between 0.2 and 0.7 cm. Alternatively, for larger diameter pipes, the seal may have lips and a thickness between 0.5 and 3 cm.

[0080] The opening 26 of the base 24A-24 K is preferably sealed with a sealing element 23 Heat-sensitive, typically a glass bulb or a fuse designed to degrade when the temperature near the automatic water extinguisher is too high. 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 reaches a triggering threshold value, typically between 57 and 343°C.

[0081] There are several standards for the degradation temperature of light bulbs and / or fuses. These standards are notably recognizable by the color of the liquid inside the bulb. For example, the color red corresponds to a break-off temperature of 68°C. Advantageously, a deflector 22 is positioned opposite the opening 26 of the base 24A-24D, 24H-24K. The deflector 22 presents a shape similar to an umbrella or parasol, that is to say a circular surface, preferably curved, with the concave part positioned opposite the opening 26 so as to intercept a flow of water coming from the opening 26 and to redirect it towards the burning area. Alternatively, the deflector 22 may take any other form allowing for efficient dispersion of the water flow.

[0082] Advantageously, the perimeter of the deflector is equipped with fins. 21. The deflector22 is held in place by lateral stirrups 29, advantageously in pairs. The assembly is made, for example, of brass, bronze, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, or copper. A screw is, for example, fixed at the junction between the brackets. 29 and the deflector. The screw serves both to hold the deflector in place and to press against the sealing element. 23.

[0083] According to the embodiments illustrated on the figures 1 to 26 , the assembly formed by the deflector 22, the stirrups 29 and the sealing element 23, also called "head" 20, is attached to the base 24A-24D, 24H-24K.

[0084] In other embodiments, illustrated for example on the figure 27 And 31 à 33 the head 20, not shown, may be independent of the base 24E, 24G, that is to say, the head 20 can be placed on the base 24E, 24Gby aligning the through opening of the head 20 with the through opening 26 of the base 24E, 24G. For example, the head 20 may have a male portion with a thread or groove cooperating with a second thread or groove formed in the walls of the through opening 26 of the base 24E, 24G. The head 20 can thus be screwed or fixed via a grooved fitting onto the base 24E, 24G.

[0085] The hose clamp(s) 30 allow you to fix and hold the head 20 on the pipeline 40. Hose clamps 30include a long element, such as a strip with a width between 0.5 and 2 cm or a cable with a diameter between 0.2 and 1 cm. Alternatively, the long element can be a hose clamp made of a metallic material. Hose clamps 30 also include means of adjustment 32 the length and tightness of a hose clamp 30. The base 24A-24K may be fitted with one or more hose clamps 30 depending on the installation requirements and the diameter of the pipe 40.

[0086] The means of adjustment 32 are independent of the base 24A-24K.

[0087] According to a first example, the means of adjustment 32 can also be independent of the long, thin element of the hose clamp 30.They can consist of one or more added pieces that can be fixed or fitted onto the long element in order to hold it in place.

[0088] As illustrated on the figures 27 to 29 the hose clamp 30 may take the form of a metal strip 31 and the means of adjustment may include a loop 33A, independent of the strapping 31, including a dwelling 35 in which the ends of the strapping 31 are inserted. Self-drilling screws 34 allow piercing through different thicknesses of strapping 31. Advantageously, the loop 33A presents an opening 36 allowing the lower portion of the screw body to be accommodated 34.

[0089] Thus, the elongated element can be directly adapted to the diameter and tolerance of a pipeline. 40by creating the necessary opening for the seal 28 The pipe must be compressed to an optimal compression ratio, and the connection between the pipe and the automatic extinguisher must be as airtight as possible. The adjustment is customized, and the adjustment possibilities are virtually continuous.

[0090] Alternatively, in an embodiment not shown in the figures, the longitudinal element can be a metal strip with regularly spaced openings along its length. To allow the longitudinal element to be directly adapted to the diameter and tolerance of a pipe, the spacing between the openings is preferably less than or equal to the manufacturer's tolerance. Typically, if the pipe has a diameter of 25 mm and the tolerance is + / - 1 mm, the spacing between the openings is less than or equal to 1 mm. This allows the seal to be compressed to an optimal compression ratio, and the connection between the pipe and the automatic fire extinguisher is made as watertight as possible.

[0091] In order to fix the base 24E on the pipeline 40, This one is positioned on the opening 42 of the pipeline 40,so that the head brackets are aligned with the length of the pipe 40 so that the water spurts out in a direction perpendicular to the main direction D of the pipeline 40. The two ends of the strapping 31 are inserted, in an upward motion, through anchor points, which are marked by lateral openings. 25E so that the strapping 31 surrounds the pipe 40. The ends of the strapping 31 are then fired from the top of the base 24E and folded over the ends of the base 24E to tighten the hose clamp 30 around the pipeline 40. The ends of the strapping 31 are then brought together, thus forming a loop around each edge of the base 24E. The ends of the strapping 31 are then fixed together by the adjustment means 32.

[0092] Thus, as illustrated on the figure 29 , the loop 33A is positioned on a first layer of strapping 31. The ends of the strapping 31 are then folded down and inserted into the housing 35 of the loop 33A, then tightened so as to effectively hold the base 24E on the pipeline 40. To do this, the ends of the strapping 31 protrude on each side of the dwelling 35 over a length of at least 1 cm. The ends of the strapping 31 thus overlap at the level of the body 37 of the loop 33A. The screw 34 is finally inserted at the level of this overlap and pierces the two thicknesses formed by the ends of the strapping 31.

[0093] Alternatively, as illustrated on the figures 30a to 30d the means of adjustment 32can be attached to one end of the band. Thus, the hose clamp 30 may take the form of a metal strip 31 and the means of adjustment may include a loop 33B including a dwelling 35, attached to the end of the strap 31.

[0094] The accommodation 35 can take the form of a tube with a parallelepiped cross-section, designed to allow the passage of part of the metal strip 31. In addition, fastening methods, such as a self-drilling screw 34, can be placed on the housing 35, perpendicular to the length of the tube and to the direction of movement of the strip 31 inside the tube, so as to restrict the movement of the metal strip 31 when it is compressed around the pipe 40 and inserted into the tube.

[0095] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the fastening means include a ball contained within the tube and designed to prevent the movement of the linear element. To achieve this, the tube has a variable cross-section. Typically, the tube's cross-section narrows from dimensions larger than the ball's diameter to dimensions substantially equal to the ball's diameter. Thus, as the linear element slides within the tube, the ball is drawn in a direction opposite to the element's insertion direction, towards the narrower section of the tube, where it becomes trapped. The ball thereby also prevents the linear element from moving.

[0096] In the method of implementation of figures 30a-30d the spaces 25F of the base 24F are used to create fastening points for the strapping 31. To do this, as illustrated on the figure 30a the end of the strap 31not equipped with the loop 33B is inserted according to a first movement M1 to surround a first fixing point of the base 24F. This movement M1 is achieved by inserting the strapping 31 in space 25F from the top face of the base 24F up to the underside of the base 24F until the strapping 31 arrives along the pipeline 40.

[0097] The steel band 31 is then moved around the pipe 40 up to the second fixing point of the base 24F. As illustrated on the figure 30b the steel band 31 is then introduced into space 25F following the movement M2 to surround the second fixing point of the base 24F. This movement M2 is achieved by inserting the strapping 31 in space 25F from the underside of the base 24Fup to the top face of the base 24F until the strapping 31 arrives along the pipeline 40.

[0098] The steel band 31 is then introduced into the loop 33B following the movement M3, illustrated on the figure 30c The hose clamp 30 is then compressed around the pipe 40 by pulling on the end of the strap 33 after its passage through the loop housing 33B, according to the movement M4.

[0099] In some embodiments, when the desired compression tension of the strip 31 is obtained, means of fixing the strapping 31 can be inserted into the loop in the housing 33C by means of an action in a direction M5, perpendicular to the length of the dwelling 35, as illustrated on the figure 30dSubsequently, the remaining end of the strapping 31 extending from the loop 33C may possibly be cut.

[0100] In addition, the band may also have notches or grooves to accommodate or lock adjustment means 32.

[0101] Advantageously, the hose clamp 30 It also features markings to allow the tightening to be adjusted to the pressure and diameter present in the pipe. 40.

[0102] There are several ways to attach the hose clamp. 30 at the base 24A-24K.

[0103] As illustrated on the figures 3 to 5 In a first embodiment, the base 24A It has a parallelepiped shape with beveled corners. The base 24AIt has a length between 2 and 10 cm and a width between 2 and 5 cm. The length of the base 24A is intended to be positioned in a direction perpendicular to the main direction D of the pipeline 40. The base 24A features two lateral grooves at its ends 25A made within the thickness of the base 24A, roughly parallelepiped in shape and designed to allow the passage of the strip 31 of the hose clamp 30. As illustrated on the figures 6 to 8 , in a second embodiment, the base 24B It has a parallelepiped shape with a length between 4 and 10 cm and a width between 4 and 10 cm. The length of the base is intended to be oriented in a direction perpendicular to the main direction. D of the pipeline 40. The base 24BIt features a central parallelepiped-shaped groove and two lateral recesses for accommodating and securing the stirrups. 29. Furthermore, the base 24B It has two grooves at its ends 25B, made within the thickness of the base 24B, roughly parallelepiped in shape and designed to allow the passage of the strip 31 of the hose clamp 30. As illustrated on the figures 9 to 11 , in a third embodiment, the base 24C It has a parallelepiped shape with a length between 2 and 10 cm and a width between 2 and 5 cm. The length of the base is intended to be oriented in a direction perpendicular to the main direction. D of the pipeline 40. The base 24C It features anchor points formed by two recesses, allowing for the creation of openings. 25C. The ends of the recesses have two axes43. Thus, the band 31 The hose clamp 30 passes through the openings 25C and forms a loop around the axes 43.

[0104] As illustrated on the figures 12 to 14 , in a fourth embodiment, the base 24D It has a parallelepiped shape with a length between 2 and 8 cm and a width between 2 and 5 cm. The length of the base 24D is intended to be oriented in a direction perpendicular to the main direction D of the pipeline 40.

[0105] The base 24D It also presents means for fixing two axes 43 brought back on either side of the base 24D. The axes 43 are anchor points for the hose clamp 30, positioned so as to leave a space 25D free between the edges of the base 24D and the axes 43. This space 25Dis intended to allow the passage of the strip 31 of the hose clamp 30, this can then form a loop around the axes 43.

[0106] As illustrated on the figures 15 to 17 , in a fifth embodiment, the base 24H has two anchor points 25H, on either side of the base 24H. Each anchor point 25H includes accommodation 49 having a depth between 0.3 and 1 cm and sized to accommodate an axle 47 with a length between 0.5 and 4 cm and a diameter between 0.1 and 1 cm. In this fifth embodiment, the housing 49 extends across the entire width of the base 24H. The accommodation 49 is bordered by two spurs 48 parallelepiped in shape. Preferably, the upper portion has a beveled or rounded shape to guide the movement of the axis 47towards the accommodation 49 during the installation of the two axes 47 in the anchor points 25H. The two spurs 48 are separated by a slot, sized to allow the cable to pass through 39, and to retain the axis 47 when tightening the cable 39 around the pipeline 40. Thus, when the cable 39 is stretched around the pipeline 40, the axis 47 is fixed in the housing 49, held in place by the spurs 48.

[0107] As illustrated on the figures 18 to 20 In the sixth embodiment, the dwelling 49 anchor points 25I may present a shallower depth without necessarily resulting in the extraction of the shaft 47. The width of the slot can also be adapted to the width of the elongated element. 31.In the sixth embodiment, the slot is sized to allow the passage of a strap 31.

[0108] As illustrated on the figures 21 to 23 , in a seventh embodiment, the base 24J presents anchor points 25J including a spur 50 designed to cooperate with a hole made at the ends of the elongated element 31. In order to mount the long element onto the base 24J, the holes in the elongated element 31 are inserted onto the lugs 50 so as to also surround the pipe 50, then the hose clamp 30 is adapted to the diameter of the pipe via the adjustment means 32.

[0109] As illustrated on the figures 24 to 26 , in an eighth embodiment, the base 24K presents a dwelling 49 bordered by two spurs 48separated by a slot, sized to allow passage of the width of the elongated element 31. The slot is covered by a plate connecting the two lugs. 48, creating a space with a thickness between 0.05 and 0.2 cm, preventing the passage of the shaft 47, but only that of the elongated element 31. Thus, in order to insert the elongated element 31, the axis 49 must first be removed, then the terminal portion of the elongated element 31 is inserted into the slot covered by the plate. The axle 47 is then attached to the end of the long element 31, for example by sliding it into a loop created at the end of the long element 31. Finally, the axis 47 is inserted into the housing 49. The axis 47 therefore cannot leave the accommodation 49 because it is blocked by the presence of the plate.

[0110] As illustrated on the figure 27 , in a ninth embodiment of the invention, the base 24E features grooves 25E made within the thickness of the base 24E. A bore 46 is also provided on the lower portion of the grooves 25E allowing the groove to open to the outside. This bore 46 allows the band 31 to better adapt to the shape of the pipe 40.

[0111] As illustrated on the figures 31 to 33 , in an eleventh embodiment, the base 24G can be reported on the pipeline 40 before the fire extinguisher is fixed to the base 24G. In this embodiment, the base 24G It has a roughly hexagonal shape, with a length between 2 and 8 cm and a width between 2 and 5 cm. The length of the base 24Gis intended to be oriented in a direction perpendicular to the main direction D of the pipeline 40.

[0112] The base 24G It also features two pairs of lateral grooves 25G spaced on either side of the base 24G within the thickness of the base 24G, roughly parallelepiped in shape and designed to allow the passage of two hose clamps 30. Ideally, the grooves should be spaced 1 to 3 cm apart. This type of base 24G is particularly suitable in cases where the fire extinguisher has a head 20 grooved base 24G, for example, for pipes 40 of large diameter, typically greater than DN 50.

[0113] The assembly of the two clamps 30 is carried out in the same manner as described in figures 17a-17d, the hose clamps 30which can be mounted simultaneously or one after the other.

[0114] In conclusion, the invention makes it possible to develop an automatic water fire extinguisher that can adapt to all existing pipe diameters.

Claims

1. Automatic water extinguisher (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) intended to be mounted on an opening (42) of a pipeline (40), said pipeline (40) forming part of an installation configured to contain water under a pressure of between 5 and 20 bars, said extinguisher (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) comprising: - a one-piece base (24A-24K) having a through-hole (26), - a seal (28) intended to seal the connection between the opening (42) of said pipeline (40) and the through-hole (26) of said base (24A-24K), and - a blocking element (23) for the through-hole (26) sensitive to temperature and configured to release said through-hole (26), characterised in that: - the base (24A-24K) further comprises at least two anchoring points (25A-25K), and - the extinguisher (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) comprises at least one clamping collar (30) comprising: • a strip (31) made of a flexible material intended to partially surround the pipeline (40), said strip (31) cooperating with the base (24A-24K) at said anchoring points (25A-25G), and • adjustment means (32), independent of the base (24A-24K), making it possible to adapt the length of the at least one clamping collar (30) so that the extinguisher (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) is able to be mounted on pipelines (40) of different diameters ; said adjustment means (32) comprising a loop integral with one end of the strip (31) and comprising a housing (35) in which another end of the strip (31) is inserted, said other end of the strip (31) being displaced by a movement (M4) compressing the strip (31) around the pipeline so as to obtain a desired compression tension of the strip (31), fastening means for the strip (31) in the housing (35) being inserted in the loop by means of an action in a direction (M5) perpendicular to the length of the housing (35) and to the direction of displacement of the strip (31), so as to restrain the displacements of the strip (31) and to maintain said desired compression tension of the strip (31) around the pipeline (40), said extinguisher (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) being able to withstand pressures of between 5 and 20 bars and, preferably between 8 and 12 bars.

2. Extinguisher according to claim 1, characterised in that the extinguisher (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) comprises one single clamping collar (30) and only two anchoring points (25A-25K) disposed either side of the base (24A-24K).

3. Extinguisher according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the anchoring points (25A-25G) are through openings oriented in a direction parallel to the main direction (D) of the pipeline (40), the strip (31) being mounted on the base (24A-24G) by inserting at least one end of the strip (31) in the through openings and by forming a loop around the borders of said base (24A-24G).

4. Extinguisher according to claim 3, characterised in that the through openings are slots made in the base (24A-24G).

5. Extinguisher according to claim 3, characterised in that the through openings correspond to the space formed between the base (24A-24G) and an axis (47) of the base (24A-24G).

6. Extinguisher according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the strip (31) is formed in a metal material.

7. Extinguisher according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the clamping collar (30) has visual markers indicating the clamping position for which the seal (28) is optimally compressed as a function of the diameter of the pipeline (40) and the service pressure.

8. Extinguisher according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that it further comprises a deflector (22) fixed above said base (24A-24K) and intended to spray the water flow coming from the pipeline (40).

9. Extinguisher according to claim 8, characterised in that the base (24A-24K) and the head (20), comprising the deflector (22), the stirrups (29) and / or the blocking element (23) form a monolithic block.

10. Extinguisher according to claim 8, characterised in that the base (24A-24G) and the head (20), comprising the deflector (22), the stirrups (29) and / or the blocking element (23) are independent, the head (20) being mounted on the base (24A-24K) by screwing.

11. Extinguisher according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the fastening means for the strip (31) are of the self-drilling screw (34) and / or ball in a variable-section tube type.

12. Fire protection installation including: - at least one pipeline (40) having at least one opening (42), and - at least one extinguisher (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) according to one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Fire protection installation according to claim 12, characterised in that the pipeline (40) is a pipeline painted or pre-painted on its internal and external faces.

14. Installation according to claim 13, characterised in that the painting of the pipeline (40) comprises an epoxide polymer binder.