Fire protection device for monitoring a fire protection area, fire protection system comprising such a fire protection device and corresponding method for monitoring the fire protection area

Abstract

Fire protection device (1) for monitoring a fire protection area, comprising: a control device (10) and a monitoring device (20), wherein the control device (10) is configured to move the monitoring device (20) along a navigation path in response to receiving a control signal, characterized by the fact that the fire protection device (1) comprises a first fastening element (11) and a second fastening element (12) which are configured to enable the monitoring device (20) to move along a first direction of movement and a second direction of movement in order to move the monitoring device (20) along the navigation path, wherein the monitoring device (20) is configured to perform at least one fire protection action when moving along the navigation path, wherein the fire protection device (1) further comprises a holding device (21) which is configured to hold the monitoring device (20) pivotably in the fire protection device (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fire protection device and a method for monitoring a fire protection area, as well as a fire protection system comprising the fire protection device. A fire protection device within the meaning of the invention is, in particular, a device by means of which a fire protection action can be carried out.

[0002] The term "fire protection action" is to be understood broadly here and encompasses any action that can be carried out for the purpose of (follow-up) fire protection. In particular, the term "carrying out a fire protection action" can include fighting, especially extinguishing, and / or containing and / or preventing fires, especially residual fires, the detection and / or verification of residual fire events, the initiation of appropriate follow-up measures, and similar activities. However, the fire protection action can also consist of informing a third party, especially the fire department, via the fire protection device, and the invention is not limited to specific fire protection devices for carrying out specific fire protection actions.

[0003] A fire protection zone, as defined here, is a spatially limited area within which the fire protection device can perform its fire protection actions. For example, a fire protection zone as defined in the invention could be a room or part thereof, several rooms, a building, several buildings, and / or an area that is to be monitored for fire protection purposes. In some embodiments, the fire protection zone may be, in particular, a warehouse, specifically a high-bay warehouse.

[0004] For this purpose, the present invention relates in particular to a fire protection device comprising a control device and a monitoring device wherein the control device is configured to move the monitoring device along a navigation path in response to receiving a control signal.

[0005] In this context, the term "control unit" refers specifically to a device by which the monitoring device can be moved along a navigation path. This navigation path can be determined by the control unit, whereby the term "determined" is to be understood broadly and can include, for example, reading a navigation path from a memory, calculating it based on sensor and / or map data, issuing manual or automatic control commands from an external unit, and similar actions.

[0006] In some embodiments, movement along the navigation path can also be understood as movement from a location to a dedicated destination. A destination can be one or more target positions. In particular, the destination can be a collection of target positions to which the monitoring device is moved in successive order by means of the control unit. The sequence in which the target positions are approached can be predetermined, in particular, by the previously defined navigation path.In some embodiments, this may mean that a target position which, starting from the location of the monitoring device, is closest to the location along the navigation path, is selected as the first target position, a further target position which, starting from the first target position, is then closest along the navigation path as the second target position, and so on.

[0007] In some embodiments, the order of the target positions can also be adjusted by the user. Furthermore, the user can delete and / or add target positions. In some embodiments, adding target positions can lead to a recalculation of the navigation path. In particular, in some embodiments, the user can also specify exactly one target position for the destination to which the monitoring device is directly moved by means of the control unit.

[0008] This embodiment therefore allows the user to specify that the monitoring device should specifically target a particular location within the monitoring area, especially because the user – particularly by means of an image transmission or from sensor measurements – has recognized that a residual fire might exist at this particular location.

[0009] A control signal within the meaning of the invention can be a manual control signal that is directly input into the fire protection device. In some embodiments, a control signal can be generated by a user pressing an activation button. This pressing then causes the control unit to move the monitoring device along the navigation path. Alternatively or additionally, the control signal can also be a signal transmitted by a control device. In some embodiments, the control signal can be transmitted automatically by the control device, for example, in response to a fire event and / or in response to user input and / or at predefined intervals. In some embodiments, the control signal can also originate from a remote control that is manually operated by a user.The fire protection device may, in particular, include a communication device for receiving the control signal, which is in communicative contact with the control device and / or a corresponding control processor.

[0010] A monitoring device within the meaning of the invention can be understood to be, in particular, a detection device such as a camera, especially an infrared camera, a sensor, especially a fire sensor, a combination of a camera and a sensor, or the like. In some embodiments, the monitoring device can be, in particular, a sensor with an arrangement of infrared sensor elements, preferably comprising a thermopile arrangement. In some embodiments, the monitoring device can further comprise or be connected to a fire-fighting device, such as an extinguishing device. This fire-fighting device can, in particular, be used for extinguishing residual fires.

[0011] Fire protection devices of the aforementioned type are known from the prior art in the form of unmanned vehicles for fire protection, such as fire protection drones or land-based fire protection robots. These fire protection devices are designed to move autonomously and / or remotely along a navigation path in response to a corresponding control signal and to perform a fire protection action at one or more target positions along the navigation path. In some cases, such a fire protection action may consist, in particular, of checking a fire protection area for any remaining fires. In such cases, a fire event has occurred that has triggered a fire protection system for the fire protection area.

[0012] A fire protection system of this type is understood to be, in particular, a system with a fire extinguishing fluid supply and multiple fire extinguishing fluid outlets. The fire extinguishing fluid supply can, in particular, comprise a network of pipes through which the fire extinguishing fluid is conveyed to the fire extinguishing fluid outlets. The fire extinguishing fluid outlets can be designed as nozzles, sprinklers, or similar devices.

[0013] In specific embodiments, the fire protection system is a sprinkler system comprising a network of pipes and multiple sprinklers. Under normal conditions, these sprinklers are sealed with a temperature-sensitive element, such as a glass ampoule filled with liquid. In the event of a fire, the liquid inside the glass ampoule heats up and expands. The ampoule ruptures, causing the sprinkler to open and the extinguishing fluid to escape. This triggers the individual sprinklers, similar to an internal triggering element.

[0014] In other embodiments, the fire protection system may also be a system that is triggered in response to a signal from a central device, such as a fire alarm and / or extinguishing control center, in which the extinguishing fluid outlets are triggered by a corresponding signal.

[0015] The fire suppression system is used to fight the fire within the fire protection zone. In many cases, such fire suppression by a fire suppression system is followed by subsequent fire protection measures, for example, by firefighters. For this to happen, the firefighters must enter the fire protection zone. However, this is only possible after the fire suppression system has been deactivated and the discharge of the extinguishing fluid has ceased.

[0016] Deactivating the fire suppression system carries the risk that not all fire sources have been extinguished by the firefighting operation. In such a case, this is referred to as residual fires or residual fire events. A residual fire event is defined here as the continued existence of a locally confined fire source within the fire protection area after the fire suppression operation, in particular the extinguishing operation, by the fire suppression system has been completed.

[0017] It is therefore desirable that the fire suppression system be deactivated only after the fire has been extinguished as completely as possible, i.e., when the number of residual fire events is zero or at least very low. Furthermore, in the event of residual fire events remaining after the system has been deactivated, it is desirable that firefighters be able to quickly detect the location of any remaining fire events upon entering the fire protection area and thus extinguish them if necessary.

[0018] Such detection, especially in the case of a still-activated fire suppression system, is often not so easy to accomplish. Detection of residual fires could, for example, be achieved by one or more surveillance cameras positioned at fixed locations within the fire protection zone to visually record a section of it. These cameras can be designed to be fire-resistant and therefore continue to transmit images of the fire protection zone even after the fire suppression system has been activated.

[0019] However, detecting residual fire events using a stationary surveillance camera is not always possible. Particularly in the case of tall and expansive spaces, such as warehouses, and specifically in the case of high-bay warehouses with very narrow access points and very high storage heights, precise and localized detection cannot be guaranteed, especially in convoluted and / or confined areas.

[0020] According to current technology, fire protection drones are most commonly used to monitor high-altitude and difficult-to-access locations. These state-of-the-art fire protection drones are primarily used for preventative fire protection. Their purpose is to fly over the fire protection zone to detect the onset of fires. However, the use of fire protection drones when a fire alarm system has been activated is not standard practice. This is because the flight path of such drones can be easily affected by external factors such as air currents, moving objects colliding with the drone, and similar influences.

[0021] During a fire suppression operation, the extinguishing fluid is discharged from the nozzles at high pressure. Depending on the type of nozzle, the operating pressure—that is, the pressure at which the extinguishing fluid is discharged—ranges from 5 to 20 bar or even higher. For example, the operating pressure of a K40 sprinkler is approximately 16 bar. At such an operating pressure, 160 liters of extinguishing fluid per minute can be discharged from the sprinkler. These quantities of extinguishing fluid would cause a fire suppression drone to crash. Therefore, fire suppression drones are unsuitable for detecting residual fires.

[0022] In this respect, DE 20 2014 003 113 U1 discloses a system for monitoring the space of a vertical roller storage system operated by an automatic bridge crane, in which rolls of material web are stored in stacks, wherein at least one linear smoke detector or a smoke aspiration system with several aspiration openings or a series of individual, point-shaped smoke aspiration detectors is attached to the crane bridge essentially transversely to the storage length.

[0023] Furthermore, US 2018 / 0111804A1 addresses a tunnel emergency response device comprising an arc-shaped frame, at least two fire extinguishing arms, and a transport unit. The arc-shaped frame moves along the tunnel axis on primary guide rails attached to the tunnel's inner surface. The fire extinguishing arms are located on the inside of the arc-shaped frame and move along this inner surface on secondary guide rails to extinguish fires within the tunnel. The transport unit comprises extendable arms and is housed in the upper portion of the arc-shaped frame. The extendable arms are movable both horizontally and vertically. The transport unit is rotatably connected to the upper portion of the arc-shaped frame to move vehicles within the tunnel from a primary to a secondary position, thus ensuring the safe and unimpeded movement of vehicles within the tunnel.

[0024] WO 00 / 61236A1 concerns a firefighting robot designed for use in tunnel firefighting. It is suspended from a chassis that runs on a monorail attached to the tunnel ceiling. An oleodynamic, telescopic piston allows the chassis to be lowered to the road surface. This feature enables the robot to overcome obstacles, rescue people, and transport the injured—without being obstructed by traffic—as well as to fight fires from below. To ensure continuous firefighting, the robot is connected to the fire suppression water supply line installed above the monorail via a 30-meter-long flexible pipe. This connection is made by an automated arm. A unit located beneath the cabin can be opened to create two stretchers for transporting people and the injured, and is equipped with oxygen masks. The cabin is fireproof and refrigerated.

[0025] Furthermore, US 2010 / 0018722A1 covers devices, systems, methods, computer-readable storage media, and other means for performing overhead maintenance work on machinery. This may involve the use of a work platform arrangement comprising one or more platforms, each platform having a bottom, a floor, and two or more guardrail support structures. The work platform arrangement may be suspended from one or more support structures mounted on the ceiling by means of a suspension system. One or more drive means may also be used to move the work platform arrangement or other devices (such as a lifting device) along a path defined by the support structure. The drive means may be automated and / or activated, for example, by commands generated by a central control processor.The central control processor, work platform arrangement and / or other devices may all contain computer-readable media containing instructions for performing various tasks - some examples of which are explained in this document.

[0026] Finally, DE 10 2010 015 530 A1 relates to a storage system, in particular a rack storage system, which has a plurality of storage areas arranged above and / or next to each other for goods that are stored and retrieved from an operating side of the rack, with an operating device for storing and retrieving the goods, which is movable by means of support elements in an operating plane located in front of the storage areas, with at least one drive for moving the operating device in the operating plane, with a control system that positions the operating device in front of a predetermined storage area with the help of the drive, and with a storage and retrieval device arranged on the operating device for storing and retrieving the goods onto and from the storage areas.To create a more energy-efficient storage system, it is proposed that the support elements be formed from several flexible tension members running in the operating plane, which attach to the operating device and hold the operating device in its position, and that the control system changes the respective lengths of the tension members accordingly to change the position of the operating device.

[0027] Against this background, the present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages and to provide a fire protection device that is particularly suitable for use in fire protection areas with limited space and high filling height, i.e., for example, high storage height of the objects to be monitored, especially during the release of an extinguishing fluid.

[0028] This problem is solved according to the invention in that the fire protection device comprises a first fastening element and a second fastening element which are configured to enable the monitoring device to be moved along a first direction of movement and a second direction of movement in order to move the monitoring device along the navigation path, wherein the monitoring device is configured to perform at least one fire protection action when moving along the navigation path, wherein the fire protection device further comprises a holding device which is configured to hold the monitoring device pivotably in the fire protection device.

[0029] According to the invention, a fire protection device is provided which can be permanently installed at a position within the fire protection zone. The monitoring device is then moved along the navigation path through the fire protection zone by means of the first and second mounting elements. For this purpose, the first and second mounting elements, on which the monitoring device is arranged, are controlled by the control unit in order to adjust the position of the monitoring device along a first direction of movement and a second direction of movement such that the coordinated movement along the individual directions of movement results in movement along the navigation path.

[0030] For this purpose, the fastening elements can be designed in various ways, for example, in the form of a guide rail and a crane, or in the form of two ropes or chains, with the control device being configured to control the guide rail and crane and / or the ropes or chains. In some embodiments, the fire protection device comprises, in particular, several ropes, each connected at one end to a winch, with the control device being configured to change the length of each individual rope independently of the others by means of the winches. Other embodiments of the control device and the fastening elements are also conceivable. The essential point here is only that the fastening elements are fixed in place and simultaneously allow the monitoring device to move along a first and a second direction of movement.

[0031] In some embodiments, the control unit comprises a control transmitter / receiver, and the first and second fastening elements also comprise a transmitter / receiver. The control unit sends a control signal, via the control transmitter / receiver, to the first and second fastening elements, allowing them to be controlled independently. This enables completely autonomous movement of the first and second fastening elements, thus allowing for precise maneuverability.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first and second fastening elements also comprise only a common transmitter-receiver which receives the control signal from the control device and moves both fastening elements in a coordinated manner to move the monitoring device along the navigation path.

[0033] In some embodiments, the control unit may be configured to adjust the navigation path in response to the detection of a heat source and / or other indication of a (residual) fire event. This adjustment of the navigation path may involve halting at the position where the fire event was detected. However, adjusting the navigation path may also mean that the control unit scans the area of ​​the location where the detection occurred more slowly and / or with greater precision. Other types of adjustment are also conceivable. In any case, the control unit is configured to adjust the control signal accordingly.

[0034] The first direction of movement is preferably vertical relative to a floor surface of the fire protection area, thus allowing the monitoring device to be moved up and down. The second direction of movement is preferably horizontal relative to a floor surface of the fire protection area, thus allowing the monitoring device to be moved parallel to the floor. Here, the first and second mounting elements can be used to move the monitoring device along the navigation path by means of the control device, so that the monitoring device is moved, so to speak, "perpendicular" to the floor surface. Alternatively or additionally, the first and second mounting elements can be used to move the monitoring device first along the first and then along the second direction of movement – ​​or vice versa.In this case, the objects to be monitored are preferably arranged vertically to the floor surface, such as a shelf, and the procedure is carried out parallel to the plane defined by this arrangement, so that the monitoring device can move to any position where objects may be located in the entire arrangement.

[0035] This method, employing two fixed mounting elements along the first and second directions of movement, allows the monitoring device to be moved with high precision along the navigation path. Since the first direction of movement enables navigation at height, this method allows the fire protection device to reach even high-altitude target locations. Furthermore, because the second direction of movement allows navigation parallel to the ground, the monitoring device can also be moved parallel to the ground in very narrow spaces using the second mounting element, provided there is sufficient room for the fire protection device itself.

[0036] The term "fire protection action" is to be understood broadly here and includes, in particular, the detection of fire characteristics along the navigation path, optionally also the initiation of residual fire extinguishing, the transmission of relevant information about the monitored areas to trained personnel, such as a fire department, the notification that a residual fire event has been detected, further information about the residual fire event, and similar actions. Performing a fire protection action along the navigation path is understood here to mean, in particular, carrying out the above action in response to the detection of a fire characteristic or similar. This detection preferably takes place at multiple target positions along the navigation path. The monitoring device is used, in particular, to monitor the fire protection area assigned to it, position by position, along the target path.

[0037] Thus, a fire protection device has been created that, on the one hand, enables precise navigation along the horizontal and, on the other hand, allows even high-lying destinations to be reached.

[0038] The fire protection device includes a holding device which is designed to hold the monitoring device pivotably within the fire protection device.

[0039] The monitoring device is designed to pivot vertically to the floor surface – i.e., upwards and downwards. For this purpose, the fire protection device can include a mounting device into which the monitoring device is inserted and in which it is pivotably held. Preferably, the monitoring device can be inserted into a socket or frame. The socket or frame can, in particular, include a weight that keeps the socket or frame always oriented towards the floor surface. If the monitoring device is firmly inserted into the frame or socket, its orientation will always remain in the position in which it was inserted. Preferably, this position of the monitoring device is parallel to the floor surface.

[0040] This arrangement ensures that the alignment of the monitoring device remains unchanged even if the control device is twisted or misaligned, and in particular remains parallel to the floor surface.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first fastening element comprises a first rope element and the second fastening element comprises a second rope element, wherein the control device is further configured to move the first and second rope elements independently of each other in order to enable the process along the first and second directions of movement.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second fastening elements comprise a first and a second rope element. A rope element can be understood to be a rope, chain, wire, or the like, the first end of which can be attached to the control device and the second end of which can be attached to a stationary support.

[0043] Preferably, the first cable element is mounted on a first winch as a stationary bracket. The first winch can be used to wind and unwind the cable element. This changes the length of the first cable element between the winch and the navigation device, thus enabling movement of the navigation device. The second cable element is mounted on a second winch as a stationary bracket. The second winch is used analogously to the first winch, also allowing movement of the navigation device.

[0044] Since the first and second rope elements are located on opposite sides of the navigation device, simultaneous but independent winding and unwinding of the rope elements from the first and second winches allows for coordinated movement in both directions. In this case, the two directions of movement are correlated.

[0045] The winch system preferably includes a transmitter-receiver for receiving a control signal from the control unit's transmitter-receiver and / or for transmitting its current setting—and thus the current position of the monitoring device—to the control unit's transmitter-receiver. The control unit can therefore control the winches individually and independently of each other by means of the control signal.

[0046] The winches can preferably be arranged on the ceiling or walls of the fire protection area to be monitored. In embodiments where the fire protection device is intended to monitor storage areas with high-bay racking, the winches can be arranged, in particular, at the upper end of the racking uprights. This allows a fire protection device to be permanently assigned to a specific high-bay racking system.

[0047] This arrangement ensures that the fire protection device is permanently fixed within the fire protection zone, and the monitoring unit is navigated solely by adjusting the lengths of the ropes, chains, or wires using the winches. This has the advantage that the fire protection device can be installed with relatively little space required.

[0048] In some embodiments, the first winch can also be fixed in place, for example on the ceiling, walls, or shelf supports, with the second winch being mounted on a guide element, such as a guide rail, running parallel to the floor surface. Using the guide element, the second winch can be moved horizontally parallel to a plane in which the objects to be monitored are arranged, for example, parallel to a plane defined by a high-bay racking system. This allows, in the event of an obstacle in the area of ​​the plane, particularly in front of the high-bay racking, the second winch to be moved so that the first and second winches are on the same side of the obstacle, thus enabling the robot to be maneuvered without the risk of colliding with the obstacle.If, in this case, two fire protection devices are provided for the rack, with the first (fixed) side winch being located on opposite sides of the rack, it is possible to monitor the area around the obstacle, with the first fire protection device monitoring on one side and the second fire protection device monitoring on the other.

[0049] In some embodiments, the control unit is arranged on or in the monitoring device. In some embodiments, the control unit can also be arranged on or in one or both of the winches. The control unit can also be distributed across several components of the fire protection device, with the individual parts of the control unit being communicatively connected to each other.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, the first fastening element comprises a guide element extending along a horizontal and the second fastening element comprises a drive element movable along a vertical, wherein the control device is configured to move the vertically movable drive element along the vertical and along the horizontal on the guide element in order to enable movement along the first and second directions of movement.

[0051] Alternatively, the first and second movement elements can also be designed as a rail-mounted crane. For this purpose, the first mounting element preferably comprises a guide rail running parallel to the floor surface. This guide rail allows movement along the horizontal plane parallel to a plane in which the objects to be monitored are arranged, for example, parallel to a plane defined by a high-bay racking system. This horizontal movement preferably occurs in response to a control signal from the control unit. The guide rail can preferably be fixed to a ceiling or between two walls of the fire protection area. Here, too, this offers the advantage that no additional floor space needs to be created for the fire protection device.In some embodiments where the fire protection area includes a high-bay warehouse, the guide rail can also be arranged at an upper end of the high-bay warehouse.

[0052] Furthermore, to enable movement in height, i.e., along a vertical axis, the second fastening element comprises a drive element that can be moved along the vertical axis. The drive element is arranged at one end on the guide rail. In particular, the drive element can be embedded in the guide rail by means of a movable connecting piece, wherein the movable connecting piece is configured to move back and forth along the guide rail. The monitoring device is arranged at the other end of the drive element.

[0053] In some embodiments, the control device is arranged on or in the guide element. In some embodiments, the control device is arranged on or in the drive element. Here, too, the control device can be arranged on or in the monitoring device or distributed across several components of the fire protection device, with the individual parts of the control device being in communicative contact with each other.

[0054] In some embodiments, the drive element can be designed as a rope, chain, wire, or similar material. In this case, the movable connecting piece can include a winch that allows the length of the rope, chain, wire, etc., to be lengthened and shortened, thus moving the second end, at which the control device is located, vertically.

[0055] In some embodiments, both the drive element and the guide rail can be designed as rigid beams. This allows the monitoring device to be navigated very precisely and makes it less susceptible to external influences such as gusts of wind or drafts. In this case, the movable connecting piece can, in particular, include a sliding element that can move the drive element to adjust the vertical position of the second end, where the monitoring device is located. In this embodiment, it is therefore advantageous if the guide rail is positioned on the walls of the fire protection area in such a way that the drive element can be moved to the highest point that is to be monitored.

[0056] Preferably, the monitoring device comprises at least one fire sensor for determining a fire characteristic. In some embodiments, the fire sensor comprises an infrared sensor, in particular an infrared sensor with a thermopile arrangement. Possible fire characteristics include measured values ​​for smoke density or temperature, electromagnetic radiation from flames, concentration of combustion gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, or similar parameters.

[0057] When a fire characteristic is recorded, this can be done, in particular, to determine whether a limit value has been exceeded or fallen below, and / or to determine a gradient and / or a change in the fire characteristic. If several fire characteristics are recorded, the time course of these multiple fire characteristics can be determined. Alternatively or additionally, the multiple fire characteristics can be used to identify any patterns in the values ​​of the fire characteristic.

[0058] The fire characteristic analysis can be performed directly by the monitoring device. Alternatively or additionally, the fire characteristics and / or their analysis can be transmitted to and / or retrieved from a mobile user device. Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring device can be configured to transmit the fire characteristics to a central control device, such as a fire alarm control panel, extinguishing control panel, or similar, whereby the analysis of the fire characteristics is performed completely or partially by the central control device. In this case, the result of the analysis performed in the central control device can be transmitted back to the fire protection device, in particular the monitoring device. For this purpose, the fire protection device includes a communication device with at least one transmitter / receiver for communication with the central control device.Similarly, the central control device also includes a central communication unit with a corresponding transmitter / receiver for communication with at least one fire protection device.

[0059] This analysis of fire characteristics, their gradient and / or change and / or temporal progression and / or patterns makes it possible to determine whether residual fire events still exist within the fire protection area. In such cases, it can be decided, for example, not to deactivate the (activated) fire protection system yet, but to continue the extinguishing operation using the fire protection system. Alternatively or additionally, in response to the determination that residual fire events still exist, it can be decided to call in the appropriate fire service personnel to manually extinguish the locally contained residual fires.

[0060] The fire characteristics are recorded along the navigation path of the monitoring device. Preferably, the recording takes place at a plurality of predefined target positions along this navigation path. These target positions can be specified in the form of corresponding coordinates. Alternatively or additionally, the target positions can also be determined temporally by moving the monitoring device at a specific speed along the navigation path and recording the fire characteristics at predetermined time intervals. The at least one sensor can, in particular, also be designed as part of a fire sensor unit that includes multiple sensors for determining fire characteristics.

[0061] In some embodiments, the fire sensor includes an infrared sensor. The infrared sensor can, in particular, be equipped with a thermopile arrangement. A thermopile, in this context, is understood to be a component comprising several thermocouples. These thermocouples are arranged in pairs that are thermally parallel and electrically connected in series. The thermocouples are configured to measure a thermoelectric voltage. The thermopiles thus formed can be arranged in a matrix to constitute the thermopile assembly. In some embodiments, the matrix is, in particular, a 4x4, 8x8, or 16x16 matrix.

[0062] Thermopile arrangements are designed to detect the thermal radiation from objects and their surroundings, thereby generating thermal images of the detected objects. An advantage of using thermopile arrangements as infrared sensors is that, due to their wide opening angle of between 40° and 70°, particularly between 50° and 65°, and especially 60°, such infrared sensors are well-suited for large spatial areas, enabling grid-based scanning. This makes thermopile arrangements highly suitable infrared sensors for the present invention, which aims to scan large areas, such as high-bay warehouses, in a grid-based manner.

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring device can also include a camera. This camera can be an optical camera, for example, a high-resolution digital camera, which captures one or more images of the navigation path and / or the target positions along the navigation path and transmits them to a display device where the images are shown to a user, such as monitoring personnel. The images can be one or more photographs and / or video sequences. Transmission can occur, for example, via a communication unit of the fire protection device. Alternatively or additionally, transmission can also occur via a communication device on the camera itself. Other embodiments are also conceivable.

[0064] The display device can be part of a central unit, with the transmitted images being received by a transmitter-receiver of the central unit. Alternatively or additionally, the display device can also be a separate display device that receives the images directly from the fire protection device. Alternatively or additionally, the fire protection device can also be configured to communicate with the central unit to transmit the images, with the central unit transmitting the images and / or analysis data to a separate display device. Further alternatives are also encompassed by the invention.

[0065] In some embodiments, the fire protection device may further include an extinguishing device, wherein the fire protection action includes residual fire suppression.

[0066] In some cases, it is advantageous if the fire protection device can not only verify whether the fire suppression carried out by the fire protection system was successful, but also combat any residual fire events itself, in particular control, contain, and / or extinguish them. For this purpose, the fire protection device may preferably include a fire suppression system that allows such a fire suppression action to be carried out as (part of) the fire suppression action. The fire suppression system is designed to store, supply, and / or dispense the extinguishing agent. In particular, the fire suppression system can be used to carry out a localized residual fire suppression action following the fire suppression action carried out by the fire protection system.

[0067] It is preferred that the fire protection device further comprises a communication device which is configured to receive the control signal from a central control device.

[0068] In some embodiments, the fire protection device is configured to communicate with a central control device in order to receive one or more control signals from it and in turn transmit signals to it.

[0069] The central control device can be, in particular, a building control device. Alternatively or additionally, the central control device can also be a fire alarm or extinguishing control center, or similar. The central control device can include a central communication unit configured to transmit the control signal to the communication unit of the fire protection system.

[0070] The control signal can, in particular, include a signal that causes the fire protection device to move the monitoring device along the navigation path by means of the control unit and the fastening elements. Specifically, the control signal can also include a signal that causes the fire protection device to move the monitoring device successively to several target positions along the navigation path, thus effectively "scanning" the fire protection area. In response to the control signal, the fire protection device can be configured to transmit the information about the fire protection zone, as determined by the monitoring device, to the central control device. For this purpose, the monitoring device can evaluate its determined parameters itself or delegate the evaluation to the central control device. The central control device can then use this information to carry out further fire protection actions, such as issuing information to firefighters as to whether entry into the fire protection zone is possible, and / or issuing a message indicating that residual fires still exist and where they are located, and / or similar processes.

[0071] According to a further preferred embodiment, the control signal includes a navigation indication that specifies the navigation path, wherein the control device is configured to automatically move the monitoring device along the navigation path based on the navigation indication.

[0072] Preferably, the control signal that causes the fire protection device to move the monitoring device along the navigation path includes a corresponding navigation indication. Based on the navigation indication, the monitoring device can then be moved along the navigation path by means of the control unit and the fastening elements, thus successively approaching the target positions located along the navigation path.

[0073] Alternatively or additionally, the fire protection device can also be configured to automatically determine the appropriate navigation path based on the navigation indication. In this case, the navigation indication can, for example, only specify that the area between a first location (e.g., the location of the monitoring device) and a second location (e.g., a destination to which the monitoring device is to be driven) should be scanned, and the control unit determines a suitable navigation path based on this information.

[0074] In a further preferred embodiment, the fire protection device further comprises at least one sensor which is configured to detect one or more obstacles along a navigation path of the monitoring device and to initiate an anti-collision action in response to the detection.

[0075] The fire protection device according to the invention can be used particularly in fire protection areas where there is little space for the monitoring device to move. In such cases, objects may be located along the predetermined navigation path with which the control unit, the monitoring device, and / or the fastening elements could collide. To prevent this, the fire protection device can further include a sensor configured to detect obstacles along the navigation path, such as objects, beams, or similar items. This sensor is preferably arranged on the monitoring device. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor can also be arranged on the first or second fastening element.In some embodiments, several sensors can also be provided, in particular one sensor can be arranged on each fastening element and one sensor on the monitoring device.

[0076] In response to the detection of an obstacle, the control unit can then initiate an anti-collision action. This can, for example, include terminating the process and issuing a warning signal. This warning signal can be issued directly at the fire protection device. Alternatively or additionally, the warning signal can also be transmitted to a central control device and displayed there. In some embodiments, the warning signal is transmitted via the communication device used to communicate with the central control device. Alternatively or additionally, transmission can also occur via a dedicated communication unit, such as a communication unit of the anti-collision sensor. In some embodiments, the warning signal can also be transmitted to and displayed on one or more separate display elements.

[0077] An anti-collision action can also include adjusting the navigation path such that, in response to the detection of an obstacle, the control unit recalculates the navigation path and corrects it to avoid a collision with the obstacle. In some embodiments, the correction can be stored in the fire protection device, so that, for example, a permanently existing obstacle is registered in the fire protection device.

[0078] It is still preferred that the fire protection device be configured to identify an object to be monitored by the monitoring device along the navigation path based on an object identification.

[0079] To determine the appropriate fire protection action for each situation, it can be advantageous to identify the objects threatened and / or affected by the fire. For this purpose, the monitoring device can include an identification unit that allows an object to be identified. This identification preferably takes place along the navigation path. In some embodiments, the identification occurs at the individual target positions along the navigation path.

[0080] Object identification can preferably be achieved through an indicator encompassed by the control signal. In such a case, the identification unit can be implemented as part of the communication unit and should be communicatively linked to it. For this purpose, the central control device preferably includes a database in which the objects located within the fire protection area are stored. In the case of a high-bay warehouse, for example, the inventory can be stored in the database, preferably correlated with a location indicator. This allows a specific stored item to be assigned to a specific position within the high-bay warehouse.

[0081] Alternatively or additionally, the identification unit can also include a barcode scanner, an RFID reader, or similar device. The objects to be identified then include a corresponding readable identifier such as a barcode, an RFID tag, or similar. As the monitoring device moves along the navigation path, it can identify the objects by reading the identifier and, if necessary, transmit this identification to the central control device.

[0082] In some configurations, item identification can also be used for other applications, such as inventory management. For this purpose, the fire protection device can be preferably configured to retrieve the stock level of a warehouse from a database and compare it with the actual stock level by identifying the individual items – for example, using an RFID device.

[0083] In another embodiment, the fire protection device is set up to carry out the fire protection action based on the object identification.

[0084] In some implementations, object identification is used to adapt the fire protection action to the specific object, i.e., to carry it out in an object-specific manner. Object-specific implementation can, in particular, refer to selecting the appropriate extinguishing fluid in the case of residual fire suppression using extinguishing fluid. This selection can, for example, be stored in a memory of the fire protection device and / or the central control device. Alternatively or additionally, object-specific implementation can also include selecting the correct procedure for extinguishing operations, such as deciding not to extinguish aluminum if water is present as the extinguishing fluid in the fire protection device's extinguishing tank.In some embodiments, the object-specific initiation of the fire protection action can also include transmitting the object identification to fire service personnel, optionally together with a warning about potential problems and / or hazards. In some embodiments, the object-specific initiation of the fire protection action can also be a report indicating the location of any residual fire and which object is present.

[0085] In a further preferred embodiment, the communication device is further configured to receive a configuration signal, wherein the control device is configured to move the monitoring device to the destination at a predefined interval based on the configuration signal.

[0086] If, during a fire suppression operation carried out by the fire protection system, it is determined during the initial scan of the navigation path that residual fires still exist at too many locations within the fire protection zone, the fire protection system can remain active for a period of time and continue the fire suppression operation. In such a case, it can be advantageous for the fire protection device to scan the navigation path again. If, upon this second scan, it is again determined that too many residual fires still exist, the fire protection device can be prompted to move along the navigation path a third time. To ensure the most regular and consistent monitoring possible in such cases, a predetermined time interval can be entered into the central control device, specifying the time interval between the monitoring cycles.Furthermore, the central control device can receive input regarding the area to be monitored – either completely or partially – and / or the navigation path to be used, or similar information. This information is then compiled into a configuration signal and transmitted to the communication unit of the fire protection device.

[0087] The communication device receives the configuration signal and configures the control unit accordingly to perform follow-up monitoring at predetermined intervals in the event of a firefighting operation. The control unit can preferably be configured to move the monitoring device along the navigation path at each of these intervals. This process can preferably be automated.

[0088] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a fire protection system comprising at least one fire protection device according to the invention and a fire extinguishing fluid supply with a plurality of fire extinguishing fluid outlets configured to dispense fire extinguishing fluid in response to a fire. In a further embodiment, the fire protection system comprises a central control device configured to transmit the control signal and / or the configuration signal to the at least one fire protection device.

[0089] A fire extinguishing fluid supply with multiple extinguishing fluid outlets refers specifically to a fire protection system, such as a sprinkler system or a jet extinguishing system. The extinguishing fluid supply is provided via a pipe network that typically extends along the ceiling of the room protected by the fire protection system. Multiple extinguishing fluid outlets refer specifically to the sprinklers or nozzles used to discharge the extinguishing fluid.

[0090] In some embodiments, the fire protection system further comprises a central control device. The central control device is preferably configured to transmit the control signal and / or the configuration signal to the fire protection device or devices. In some embodiments, the central control device also serves as the central unit of the fire protection system. In this case, the central control device can adjust the control signal and / or the configuration signal based on information received via the central unit, such as the location of the fire outbreak or similar information.

[0091] In a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of a fire protection device according to the invention for monitoring a fire protection area and for carrying out a fire protection action.

[0092] According to the invention, the fire protection device can be used, in particular, for monitoring a fire protection area. In some embodiments, further uses are possible, such as using the fire protection device for inventory purposes. For this purpose, the fire protection device can preferably be configured to retrieve the stock level of a warehouse from a database and compare it with the actual stock level. For this purpose, the fire protection device can, in particular, include an identification unit comprising a reader such as an RFID reader or a barcode scanner. The reader can then be used to identify the items located in the warehouse and compare the stock level thus determined with the stock level in the database.

[0093] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for monitoring a fire protection area, which comprises the following steps: receiving a control signal in a control device; moving a monitoring device by means of the control device along a navigation path in response to the control signal, wherein the movement comprises moving along a first direction of movement and a second direction of movement by means of a first fastening element and a second fastening element of the control device; and performing a fire protection action while moving along the navigation path and / or at the destination.

[0094] The method according to the invention takes advantage of the benefits and preferred embodiments of the fire protection device and the fire protection system according to the invention. The preferred embodiments and further developments of the fire protection device and the fire protection system are therefore also preferred embodiments and further developments of the method, for which reason reference is made to the above explanations.

[0095] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures and preferred embodiments. These figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a stationary fire protection device for monitoring a fire protection area according to a preferred embodiment, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a fire protection system comprising at least one fire protection device according to Fig. 1 in a preferred embodiment, Fig. 3 A schematic representation of several fire protection devices for monitoring a fire protection area according to the embodiment of the Fig. 1, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the functioning of a fire protection device according to the invention.

[0096] The Fig. Figure 1 relates to a schematic representation of a stationary fire protection device 1 for monitoring a fire protection area. The fire protection device 1 comprises a control unit 10 with a control processor 15 and a mounting frame 16, a monitoring device 20, a fire extinguishing device 30, and a communication device 40.

[0097] The mounting frame 16 of the control unit 10 is connected to a first fastening element 11 and a second fastening element 12. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. In section 1, the first fastening element 11 and the second fastening element 12 are designed as rope elements. Alternatively, the fastening elements 11 and 12 can also be designed as chains or wires.

[0098] The first fastening element 11 is held by a first winch 13 and the second fastening element 12 by a second winch 14. The winches 13 and 14 are configured to change the length of the respective fastening elements 11 and 12. In the embodiment of the Fig. 1. The lengths of the fastening elements 11 and 12 are changed in response to a corresponding signal from the control unit 10, the signal preferably being generated by the control processor 15, which is configured to calculate the correct length change for the intended movement along a navigation path. The signal is preferably transmitted by the control unit to the transmitter receivers 131 of the first winch and 141 of the second winch. By changing the lengths, the control unit 10 is thus moved along a first direction of movement, which is perpendicular to the ground surface, and along a second direction of movement, which is horizontal, i.e., parallel to the ground surface, in order to move along a predetermined navigation path.

[0099] In the embodiment of the Fig. In the embodiment of the control unit 10, a retaining frame 16 is provided which is configured to hold the monitoring device 20. For this purpose, the retaining frame 16 includes a holding device 21 which is configured to pivotably insert the monitoring device 20 into the retaining frame 16 of the control unit 10. Fig. 1. The holding device 21 is designed as a pivotable bearing for the monitoring device 20, the degree of freedom of which is selected such that the monitoring device 20 is always aligned along a horizontal line that is normal to the second direction of movement. This ensures that the monitoring device 20 can be reliably aligned in the direction of the objects to be monitored by means of the control device 10.

[0100] The monitoring device 20 includes a fire sensor 22. The fire sensor 22 is configured to determine one or more fire characteristics, in particular a temperature, at a plurality of target positions along the navigation path. For this purpose, the fire sensor 22 of the monitoring device 20 is aligned towards one or more objects to be monitored, for example, stored materials in a high-bay warehouse, and can thus determine the one or more fire characteristics on or in the immediate vicinity of the at least one object. The immediate vicinity is determined by the detection area of ​​the fire sensor 22. The larger the detection area, i.e., the area covered by the fire sensor 22 when aligned with the object, the greater the extent of the immediate vicinity.In some embodiments, the near range is in the range of 0 to 50 cm, more specifically in the range of 0 to 30 cm, and even more specifically in the range of 0 to 10 cm around the object.

[0101] The fire characteristics can be evaluated either directly by the fire protection device 1 or by a central control device communicating with the fire protection device 1. For communicating the fire characteristics (or evaluating them) to the central control device, the fire protection device 1 includes a communication unit 40.

[0102] The fire protection device 1 further comprises a sensor 30, which is configured to detect obstacles along the navigation path. In the specific embodiment of the Fig. In one embodiment, the sensor 30 is arranged on the mounting frame 16 of the control unit 10. In other embodiments, however, the sensor 30 can also be arranged on the monitoring device 20 and / or on one of the fastening elements 11 or 12. Further arrangements of the sensor 30 are also conceivable. The sensor 30 serves to prevent potential collisions during movement. If the sensor 30 detects an obstacle along the navigation path, it sends a corresponding signal to the control unit 10 to initiate an anti-collision action. In some embodiments, this anti-collision action consists, in particular, of terminating the movement along the navigation path. Alternatively or additionally, the anti-collision action can also include recalculating the navigation path, thereby circumventing the obstacle.

[0103] The Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a fire protection system 100 according to the invention comprising the fire protection device 1 according to the Fig. 1. Identical reference numerals signify identical elements. The fire protection system 100 therefore comprises the fire protection device 1 and a central control device 5. In the embodiment of the Fig. 2. The central control device 5 is designed as a fire alarm control panel. In other embodiments, however, the central control device 5 can also be designed as a building control panel, extinguishing control panel, or similar.

[0104] The central control device 5 comprises a central communication unit 51, a display 52 and a database 53. The central communication unit 51 is configured to communicate with the communication unit 40 of the fire protection device 1.

[0105] This communication can be bidirectional; that is, signals can be transmitted from the central communication unit 51 to the communication device 40 and signals can be transmitted from the communication device 40 to the central communication unit 51. In the embodiment of the Fig. 2. The central communication unit 51 transmits a control signal from the central control device 5, which causes the fire protection device 1 to move the monitoring device 20 along the navigation path through the fire protection area to be monitored by means of the control device 10. The navigation path is defined in the specific embodiment of the Fig. 2 from database 53. The control signal further includes an object identification of the objects located along the navigation path. Preferably, the objects are correlated with corresponding target positions along the navigation path, so that it can be determined at which target position each object is located.

[0106] In the embodiment of the Fig. 2. The fire protection area comprises a high-bay warehouse in which several high-bay racks are arranged as a racking arrangement 6. In response to the control signal, the monitoring device 20 of the fire protection device 1 is moved by the control unit 10 along the navigation path specified in the control signal between two high-bay racks in order to monitor the high-bay rack and the items located therein along this navigation path using the fire sensor 22. The fire characteristics determined by the fire sensor 22 along the navigation path are then transmitted by the communication device 40 to the central communication unit 51. The fire characteristics are then evaluated by a processor in the central control unit, and the evaluation is displayed on the display 52 of the central control unit 5.Alternatively or additionally, further information, such as infrared images or recordings from a camera, can also be displayed on the 52-inch display.

[0107] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of four fire protection devices 1, 1', 1'' and 1''' for monitoring a fire protection area in the form of a shelf arrangement 6. Here too, the same reference symbols again mean the same components.

[0108] The racking arrangement 6 comprises the high-bay racks 60a, 60b, and 60c. The fire protection devices 1 and 1' are configured to move the monitoring devices (not shown) between the high-bay racks 60a and 60b along the first and second directions of movement by means of the control unit 10, 10'. The monitoring device of fire protection device 1 is oriented towards high-bay rack 60a to monitor the items within this rack. The monitoring device of fire protection device 1' is oriented towards high-bay rack 60b to monitor the items within this rack. The two monitoring devices are thus oriented in opposite directions along a plane vertical to that formed by high-bay racks 60a and 60b, meaning they are facing each other.

[0109] In an alternative embodiment, the monitoring devices can also have a rotating unit that allows them to rotate by 180° so that, upon identification of a potential event by the first (opposite) monitoring device, which monitors a larger area of ​​the corresponding high-bay rack due to its greater distance and larger opening angle, the second monitoring device, which is located directly in front of the high-bay rack, can monitor a smaller area more accurately.

[0110] The fire protection devices 1'' and 1''' are configured to move the monitoring devices (not shown) between the high-bay racks 60b and 60c along the first and second directions of movement by means of the control devices 10'' and 10''', in order to move the monitoring devices 10'' and 10''' along their respective navigation paths. Here, too, the arrangement is chosen as for the fire protection devices 1 and 1'', namely such that the monitoring device of fire protection device 1'' is oriented towards high-bay rack 60b and the monitoring device of fire protection device 1''' is oriented towards high-bay rack 60c.

[0111] In the Fig. 3. The high-bay rack 60b is operated by two fire protection devices, 1 and 1''. This allows for better detection of any residual fire events, as a fire protection device on only one side of the high-bay rack 60b does not always accurately detect a possible (residual) fire event on the other side. It should be noted that the monitoring device of fire protection device 1 and the monitoring device of fire protection device 1''' can follow different navigation paths and can be moved independently of each other. However, coordinated movement is also conceivable. For this, the control units 10 and 10''' would have to be connected to each other.

[0112] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 3. Thus, for each side of a high-bay rack 60a, 60b, 60c on which items are stored—but not for the rear sides facing the walls—a separate fire protection device 1, 1', 1'' and 1''' is provided, wherein each of the monitoring devices of the fire protection devices 1, 1', 1'' and 1''' can be moved independently of one another. Each of these monitoring devices can be controlled either autonomously, by means of automatic control by a central control device and / or manually via a respective control unit 10, 10', 10'' and 10'''. A combination of manually controllable and autonomously operating fire protection devices is also encompassed by the invention.

[0113] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the operation of a fire protection device 1 according to the invention. The control unit 10, comprising the mounting frame 16 with the monitoring device 20, is held by the first fastening element 11 and the second fastening element 12. In the embodiment of the Fig. 4 again designed as rope elements. Alternatively, the fastening elements 11, 12 can also comprise chains or similar and / or be designed as such. The length of the first fastening element 11 can be changed using the winch 13. The length of the second fastening element 12 can be changed using the winch 14.

[0114] As a target position along the navigation path, the fire protection device 1 is to move to the object 61 in the shelf 60a. For this purpose, the fire protection device 1 receives a corresponding control signal from the central control device 5 with a navigation indication and, optionally, an object identification. In response to the control signal, the control unit 10 determines the navigation path and the plurality of target positions along this navigation path, including the target position of the object 61 in the imaginary coordinate system of the shelf 60a, which is located in the Fig. 4 is schematically represented as an h,l coordinate system.

[0115] The control unit 10 then uses this information to determine how to operate the winches 13 and 14 in order to move the monitoring device 20 located within the control unit 10 along the navigation path. Following this determination, the control unit 10 transmits the information via the communication device 40 (in the Fig. (4 not shown) sends a corresponding control signal to the first winch 13 and the second winch 14, each of which has a corresponding receiver for receiving the control signal. In response to the control signal, the first winch 13 and the second winch 14 then move such that the first and second fastening elements 11, 12 have a corresponding length ratio in order to move the monitoring device 20 along the navigation path to the individual target positions.

[0116] The control device 10 and the monitoring device 20 are thus moved along the first direction of movement by a value Δh and along the second direction of movement by a value Δl. Since the two directions of movement in the embodiment of the Fig. Since 5 are correlated with each other, this leads to a navigation path along arrow B.

[0117] In this way, a fire protection device 1 can be provided which enables monitoring of a fire protection area even under adverse external conditions such as extinguishing fluid dispensed under high pressure, since the fixed installation of the fire protection device and the movement of the monitoring device by means of appropriate fastening elements enable reliable movement along a navigation path. Reference symbol list 1 fire protection device 10 Control unit 11 First fastening element 12 Second fastening element 13 First winch 131 Transmitter receiver of the first winch 14 Second winch 141 Transmitter receiver of the second winch 15 Control processor 16 mounting frames 20 Monitoring device 21 Holding device 22 fire sensor 40 Communication device 5 Central control device 51 Central Communication Unit 52 Display 53 database 6 Shelf arrangement 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d High-bay racking 61 Item 100 fire protection system

Claims

[1] Fire protection device (1) for monitoring a fire protection area, comprising: a control device (10) and a monitoring device (20), wherein the control device (10) is configured to move the monitoring device (20) along a navigation path in response to receiving a control signal, characterized by , that the fire protection device (1) comprises a first fastening element (11) and a second fastening element (12) which are configured to enable the monitoring device (20) to move along a first direction of movement and a second direction of movement in order to move the monitoring device (20) along the navigation path, wherein the monitoring device (20) is configured to perform at least one fire protection action when moving along the navigation path, wherein the fire protection device (1) further comprises a holding device (21) which is configured to hold the monitoring device (20) pivotably in the fire protection device (1). [2] Fire protection device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first fastening element (11) comprises a first rope element, and the second fastening element (12) comprises a second rope element, and wherein the control device (10) is further configured to move the first and second rope elements independently of each other in order to enable movement along the first and second directions of movement. [3] Fire protection device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first fastening element (11) comprises a guide element extending along a horizontal plane, and the second fastening element (12) comprises a drive element movable along a vertical plane, and wherein the control device (10) is set up to move the vertically movable drive element along the vertical and along the horizontal on the guide element in order to enable movement along the first and second directions of movement. [4] Fire protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring device (20) comprises at least one fire sensor (22) for determining a fire characteristic. [5] Fire protection device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the fire sensor (22) comprises an infrared sensor, in particular an infrared sensor with a thermopile arrangement. [6] Fire protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a communication device (40) which is configured to receive the control signal from a central control device (5). [7] Fire protection device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control signal includes a navigation indication that specifies the navigation path; and the control unit (10) is set up to move the monitoring unit (20) automatically along the navigation path based on the navigation indication. [8] Fire protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one sensor (30), wherein the sensor (30) is configured to detect one or more obstacles along the navigation path and to initiate an anti-collision action in response to the detection. [9] Fire protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fire protection device (1) is configured to identify an object (61) to be monitored by the monitoring device (20) along the navigation path based on an object identification. [10] Fire protection device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the fire protection device (1) is configured to perform the fire protection action based on the object identification. [11] Fire protection device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the communication device (40) is further equipped to receive a configuration signal, wherein The control unit (10) is set up to repeatedly move the monitoring unit (20) along the navigation path at a predefined interval based on the configuration signal. [12] Fire protection system (100), comprising: at least one fire protection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and a fire extinguishing fluid supply with a plurality of fire extinguishing fluid outlets that are set up to dispense fire extinguishing fluid in response to a fire event. [13] Fire protection system (100) according to claim 12, further comprising: a central control device (5) wherein the central control device (5) is configured to transmit the control signal and / or a configuration signal to the at least one fire protection device (1). [14] Methods for monitoring a fire protection area, characterized by the steps: Receiving a control signal in a control device (10), Moving a monitoring device (20) by means of the control device (10) along a navigation path in response to the control signal, wherein the moving comprises a procedure along a first direction of movement and a second direction of movement by means of a first fastening element (11) and a second fastening element (12) of a fire protection device (1), wherein the monitoring device (20) is pivotably held in the fire protection device (1); and Performing a fire safety action while moving along the navigation path. [15] Use of a fire protection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for monitoring a fire protection area and for carrying out a fire protection action.

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