CONTROL DEVICE FOR OPERATION OF A FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fire extinguishing system comprising a control device for operating the fire extinguishing system according to the preamble of claim 1. Technological background

[0002] During a firefighting operation, the fire engine is first positioned and the source of the fire is first attacked with extinguishing fluid stored in a tank on the fire engine. This allows the firefighting operation to begin as quickly as possible. At the same time, since the tank only has a limited capacity and therefore only allows for a limited extinguishing time, another source of extinguishing fluid is sought. These are usually permanently installed hydrants, streams, or lakes. These offer an unlimited volume of extinguishing fluid. However, locating and connecting an appropriate source of extinguishing fluid to the fire engine's fire extinguishing system takes a certain amount of time.

[0003] Using the fire extinguishing nozzle at the end of the water hose, the firefighter fights the fire by spraying extinguishing fluid onto the fire source under high pressure. If the firefighter intends to retreat from the fire, the fire extinguishing nozzle can be activated in such a way that the extinguishing fluid no longer leaves the nozzle almost undisturbed, but rather forms a wall of extinguishing fluid that protects the firefighter from being harmed by flames and / or heat as they retreat. If the firefighter is no longer able to form a wall of extinguishing fluid due to an abrupt interruption of the extinguishing fluid supply, there is a significant risk to the firefighter's life and limb. Consequently, the firefighter must always be aware of how much extinguishing fluid remains in the tank and whether a connection to another source of extinguishing fluid is already established.Only in this way can it be guaranteed that the firefighter can withdraw from the fire in time if necessary.

[0004] During an operation, the risk can be further increased if one or more additional extinguishing nozzles, all supplied by a feed pump from the extinguishing fluid tank, are activated. This can cause the emptying rate of the extinguishing fluid tank to increase dramatically. This can result in the firefighter no longer having the necessary time to form the extinguishing fluid wall.

[0005] Extinguishing fluid is extinguishing water or a mixture of extinguishing water and an additive in the form of foam or similar. Printed state of the art

[0006] A control device for operating a fire extinguishing system according to the preamble of claim 1 is known, for example, from DE 689 02 671 T2. This known control device comprises a cable communication system with a transmission line positioned in the water hose for a communication connection between a firefighter standing at the leading end of the water hose and the operating personnel on the fire engine. The cable communication system is intended, in particular, to enable a voice connection. For this purpose, a receiver and a microphone are housed in the firefighter's helmet. The firefighter is thus exclusively dependent on cable communication with the operating personnel on the fire engine. This idea is therefore intended to improve voice communication between firefighter and operator.If this is not available for whatever reason, even at short notice, there is an increased risk for the firefighter at the source of the fire.

[0007] EP 990 453 A1 discloses a fire extinguishing device with a fire extinguishing gun connected to a high-pressure device via a hose. The end of the hose opposite the fire extinguishing gun is connected to two chambers via a three-way valve, one chamber containing foam-free extinguishing water, and the other chamber containing a water-foam mixture. An actuating device is provided on the fire extinguishing gun, which is connected to a base via an electrical cable integrated into the hose.

[0008] G 87 10 073.8 shows a foam proportioning device for firefighting with a foam agent tank, a water tank, and an inlet connection for a hydrant, lake, or river. A changeover valve with a pivoting shut-off valve is provided near the inlet connection.

[0009] US Pat. No. 7,987,916 B2 discloses a control device for a fire extinguishing system with a control panel mounted inside or outside a fire engine. Using the control panel, the firefighter can select different operating modes for the fire extinguishing system. The control device also includes a device for detecting the pressure of a feed pump connected to the tank. If the tank is empty, a warning signal is output to the operator on the control panel.

[0010] WO 95 / 07526 describes an electro-optical device for creating a realistic firefighting scene. The device includes a video camera that can be housed in a firefighter's helmet. The recorded data is transmitted to a data center. There, the transmitted data is combined with stored data, such as precise positioning data, to support firefighting operations.

[0011] DE 10 2008 004 785 A1 describes a portable system for protecting and guiding firefighters in buildings. The system includes, among other things, an infrared camera for recording thermal imaging data and a display unit. The display unit can be installed as a head-up display in the firefighter's helmet. The data is transmitted wirelessly directly from the thermal imaging camera to the head-up display.

[0012] DE 20 2015 002 738 U1 discloses a fire extinguisher with a fire extinguisher gun connected via an extinguishing agent hose. A sensor in the form of a thermal imaging camera or other heat detection device is mounted on the fire extinguisher gun, with the sensor's optical axis running approximately parallel to the nozzle axis of the fire extinguisher gun. The sensor can be connected via an antenna to a receiver via a radio link. The receiver can be either a display mounted on the fire extinguisher gun or an image generation device worn by the firefighter on their helmet, to which the data is transmitted via a radio link.

[0013] DE 35 17 284 C2 describes a device for dispensing an extinguishing agent mixed with an additive. The device comprises an extinguishing agent gun at the end of a hose line, on which a button is located. This button allows the firefighter operating the gun to directly activate a premixer for adding additive to the extinguishing agent. The button is connected to a control device via lines positioned in the hose line.

[0014] In the control system for fire service operations described in US 8,418,773 B2, the firefighter standing at the end of the hose line operates a display and control panel which is connected wirelessly to a base station on the fire engine. The display and control panel enables the firefighter to control the supply of extinguishing agent alone, i.e. without the assistance of an additional person on the fire engine. However, radio transmission is often subject to interference which can pose a significant risk to the firefighter, particularly if, for example, a fire is located inside a building and reinforced concrete ceilings impede radio transmission. The firefighter must switch off the tank when the tank is empty.

[0015] Furthermore, US 9,220,935 B2 discloses a nozzle for fire service use with a display provided directly on the nozzle for showing various parameters. The display is capable of communication with remote components. The display shows, on the one hand, the water volume in the water tank and, on the other hand, the water pressure in the supply line to the stationary water reservoir. Knowing the water quantity, the firefighter is forced to calculate the remaining time until the tank is empty. Furthermore, the emptying rate of the tank can suddenly increase if an additional fire hose is supplied with extinguishing fluid via the tank. Furthermore, the firefighter at the first fire hose does not know how intensively the extinguishing fluid consumption will be at the newly commissioned second fire hose.

[0016] US 2012 / 0061108 A1 discloses a control system for tank firefighting vehicles. The control system includes a base component coupled to a pump via a communication link. A tank and a fluid source are connected to the pump via two separate lines, which each have a valve.

[0017] A compressed air-foam fire extinguishing system with a control console is described in US Pat. No. 6,973,975 B1. The compressed air-foam fire extinguishing system is mounted on a pickup truck and includes a manually operated two-way valve, which is connected on the inlet side to a water tank and a supply line for connection to an external water source, such as a lake. The outlet of the two-way valve is connected to a water pump. The two-way valve connects the water pump either to the water tank or, when switched, to the external water source.

[0018] US 2012 / 0132445 A1 discloses a flow recording system for firefighting vehicles that automatically records flow events. The flow recording system includes a control device that has various flow and / or pressure sensors. The firefighting vehicle includes an internal water tank and an internal pump that directs water from the internal water tank to hoses. Additionally, the internal water tank can be filled from a hydrant, while the internal pump draws water from the internal water tank.

[0019] DE 88 08 931 U1 describes a fire extinguishing device with a two-part tank for holding an extinguishing fluid. Both tank halves can be connected via a 3-way valve to a high-pressure pump, which is connected to a high-pressure cleaner.

[0020] US 2005 / 0252664 A1 discloses a dry sprinkler system that is vacuumed and dry when the sprinklers are not activated. The dry sprinkler system includes a spring-loaded three-way valve connected to a first and a second water source. The three-way valve includes a valve seat comprising a spring-loaded hinge assembly that seals off the water supply from the first water source to the three-way valve when the second water source applies pressure to the three-way valve via a supply line. If the water pressure in this supply line drops, the three-way valve opens, allowing water to flow from the first water source to the sprinklers. At no time does water flow from the second water source to the sprinklers via the three-way valve.

[0021] CN 202355740 U discloses a three-wheeled firefighting vehicle comprising a tank, a booster pump, and two three-way valves. In the event of a fire, the booster pump builds up pressure in a water reservoir located outside the firefighting vehicle. This causes water to flow from the reservoir through a first three-way valve into the tank and from there via a second three-way valve to a fire sprinkler.

[0022] US Pat. No. 5,764,463 discloses a fire extinguishing system with a water pump. The water pump has an inlet connected to a raw water reservoir. The pump pumps the water from the raw water reservoir under pressure through a distributor into a hose. Furthermore, the fire extinguishing system includes two foam agent tanks, each associated with a three-way valve. Foam agents stored in the foam agent tanks can be alternately fed to the distributor via the three-way valves using a foam pump, so that they mix with the water. Object of the present invention

[0023] The object of the present invention is to provide a new generic control device for operating a fire extinguishing system, which, with a simple structural implementation, offers increased safety for the firefighter located at the fire extinguishing nozzle. Solution to the task

[0024] The above object is achieved by a fire extinguishing system according to claim 1. Expedient embodiments of the fire extinguishing system according to the invention are claimed in the dependent claims.

[0025] Because the first supply line to the tank and the second supply line to the stationary extinguishing fluid source are connected to a multi-way valve upstream of the feed pump, the switching of the extinguishing fluid flow from the tank to the stationary extinguishing fluid source can be automated. This eliminates the need for firefighters to monitor valves in the feed pump supply lines and shut off the respective inlets. The multi-way valve allows for automatic switching, without requiring human operator intervention.

[0026] According to the invention, the multi-way valve is a pressure-controlled multi-way valve.

[0027] The basic position of the multi-way valve connects the feed pump to the tank. In contrast, the multi-way valve is designed to be controlled by the pressure present in the second supply line to the stationary fluid source at the multi-way valve.

[0028] In the basic position of the multi-way valve, the tank is initially emptied during operation of the fire extinguishing system and, when the specified pressure is present at the multi-way valve in the second supply line, the supply of extinguishing fluid is switched away from the tank to the stationary extinguishing fluid source.

[0029] Because the pressure in the second supply line at the multi-way valve can be determined with a separate pump according to the invention, the pressure control of the multi-way valve can also be used when the extinguishing fluid originating from the stationary extinguishing fluid source is not under pressure (as is the case with a hydrant, for example), but has to be sucked in.

[0030] According to the invention, the multi-way valve switches at a pressure threshold value which is adjustable.

[0031] The multi-way valve is expediently a multi-way valve whose pressure-dependent switching point is determined by an elastic element, e.g. a spring, and / or by magnetic means.

[0032] Alternatively, the multi-way valve can also have a motor drive that can be controlled by the controller when the switching conditions occur.

[0033] If necessary, the switching position of the multi-way valve can also be conveniently displayed on a display located in the area of ​​the extinguishing nozzle or by the firefighter operating it.

[0034] Preferably, a return line from the feed pump to the tank can be provided, which allows a certain percentage of the extinguishing fluid quantity delivered to be fed back into the tank during the extinguishing operation from the stationary extinguishing fluid source, whereby the tank can be refilled during the extinguishing operation.

[0035] According to the invention, the multi-way valve is connected via control lines to a controller serving as the operations center. This allows the switching position of the multi-way valve to be centrally monitored and / or even controlled if necessary.

[0036] The multi-way valve is advantageously designed as a switching valve. Description of the invention based on exemplary embodiments

[0037] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 is a highly simplified representation of a typical fire service situation when fighting a fire; Fig. 2 is a highly simplified schematic representation of a control device according to the present invention; Fig. 3 is a highly simplified schematic representation of the area of ​​the communication bridge between the extinguishing nozzle and the display provided in the firefighter's helmet; Fig. 4 is a highly simplified schematic representation of the use of a multi-way switching valve, specifically in the switching position for supplying extinguishing fluid from the tank ( Fig. 4a ) and in the switching position delivery of extinguishing fluid via the stationary extinguishing fluid source ( Fig. 4b ), and Fig. 5 a highly simplified schematic representation of the display in the display carried by the firefighter.

[0038] Fig. 1shows a typical fire service situation when fighting a fire that has broken out in the basement of a building. After the arrival of the fire engine 1, a firefighter goes into the basement of the building with the hose 3 and releases extinguishing fluid via the extinguishing nozzle 4 for immediate firefighting. The extinguishing fluid is drawn from a tank located in the fire engine 1. This makes it possible to start fighting the source of the fire immediately after the arrival of the fire engine 1. At the same time, other firefighters search the surrounding area for an unlimited source of extinguishing fluid 2, such as a hydrant, a lake 27 or a watercourse. This can take a considerable amount of time. As soon as an unlimited source of extinguishing fluid has been found, it is connected to the fire engine 1 via a supply line.The hose 3 located at the source of the fire can then be supplied with extinguishing fluid from the unlimited extinguishing fluid source.

[0039] For firefighting, a fire engine 1 is usually equipped with several hoses, which can be used simultaneously if necessary. Fig. 1 For the sake of clarity, only a second hose with a fire extinguishing nozzle at its end is shown. This nozzle is operated by another firefighter.

[0040] To fight a fire, the firefighter can manually adjust the extinguishing nozzle 4 so that the extinguishing fluid is released through the extinguishing nozzle 4 at a small opening angle. This allows maximum extinguishing effect on the fire source. However, if the fire source spreads despite firefighting efforts and threatens the firefighter, the firefighter can manually adjust the extinguishing nozzle 4 so that the extinguishing fluid is released through the extinguishing nozzle 4 at a very large opening angle. This allows the firefighter to protect themselves from fire and / or extreme heat and to leave the building safely. Both operating modes of the extinguishing nozzle 4 are available in Fig. 1 shown schematically. If there is an unexpected interruption in the supply of extinguishing fluid, the firefighter can suddenly find themselves in a life-threatening situation, as they can no longer release the extinguishing fluid with a very large opening angle to protect themselves.

[0041] Fig. 2shows a simplified schematic diagram of the control device of the fire extinguishing system according to the invention. The components surrounded by the dashed line are preferably located in the area of ​​the fire extinguishing device, i.e., in the area of ​​the fire engine 1. The components comprise a controller 11 with a plurality of control and / or signal lines (dotted lines) that are connected to various functional components of the overall system. Shown in particular is the tank 8 for providing extinguishing fluid directly at the fire engine 1. The tank 8 is connected to the feed pump 5, e.g., a centrifugal pump, via a first supply line 7.

[0042] In addition, a second supply line 9 is provided, which is connected to a supply line and supplies the feed pump 5 with extinguishing fluid from the stationary extinguishing fluid source 2.

[0043] The first supply line 7 and the second supply line 9 open into a preferably pressure-controlled multi-way valve 10 which is connected upstream of the feed pump 5. The multi-way valve 10 thus ensures, depending on the pressure present at the second supply line 9, a switching of the supply flow to the feed pump 5 from the tank 8 to the stationary extinguishing fluid source 2. The pressure control 30 of the multi-way valve 10 is in Fig. 2 only shown schematically.

[0044] The hose 3, at the end of which is a portable extinguishing nozzle 4, is supplied with extinguishing fluid via the feed pump 5. For the sake of clarity, only a single additional hose with extinguishing nozzle is Fig. 2shown. However, depending on requirements, a plurality of extinguishing nozzles and associated hoses, which are supplied with extinguishing fluid via the feed pump 5, can also be provided. In the area of ​​each supply line to the extinguishing nozzle, there is a valve 31, 32, which is connected to the controller 11 via a control and / or signal line and can be actuated via the controller 11.

[0045] The output of the feed pump 5 is also connected to a return line 33, via which, also controlled by a valve 34 connected to the controller 11, extinguishing fluid from the stationary extinguishing fluid source 2 can be returned to the tank 8 in order to refill it.

[0046] Reference numeral 29 denotes a feed pump control device, or a so-called "pressure governor." This is capable of adjusting the pump output to the required extinguishing fluid output. If, for example, a pressure drop occurs due to the activation of an additional hose or nozzle, the feed pump control device 29 controls the pump output in such a way that the latter is increased in order to adjust the extinguishing fluid delivery pressure in the respective hose back to the previous level.

[0047] Reference number 26 in Fig. 2denotes a further pump which is intended to determine the pressure conditions in the second supply line 9 from the stationary extinguishing fluid source 2 to the feed pump 5, provided that a non-pressurized extinguishing fluid source 2 has been found. The pump 26 is preferably a type of air pump or suction pump, which is intended to influence the pressure conditions in the second supply line 9 in such a way that extinguishing fluid flows, for example, from a lower-lying lake or watercourse via the supply line 9 to the multi-way valve 10 (which may also be located higher up). The pressure conditions created by the pump 26 in the second supply line 9 at the inlet to the multi-way valve 10 are used to trigger the switching process of the same. This allows the control device to switch over automatically as soon as a local extinguishing fluid source 2 has been found and connected to the fire extinguishing system.

[0048] As from Fig. 2 As can be seen further, the controller 11 is connected via control line means 12 to a radio device 13 connected to the control line 12 in the region of the extinguishing nozzle 4. The control line means 12 can either be attached to the hose 3 on its sheathing or integrated into the hose wall. The control line means 12 is preferably an electrical conductor for transmitting electrical signals, data and / or for supplying power. The radio device is preferably a radio module for data transmission between transmitter and receiver over short distances, such as WPAN or WLAN. This type of radio transmission technology aims to preferably cover the working area around the radio device 13.

[0049] Furthermore, a radio device 14 is provided to be carried by the firefighter operating the extinguishing nozzle 4, which is capable of receiving the radio signals 15 transmitted by the radio device 13 and displaying them on a display 16, preferably in the form of a head-up display, carried by the firefighter operating the extinguishing nozzle 4. This establishes only a very short transmission path for the data via radio directly in the work area of ​​the firefighter, which is therefore significantly less susceptible to interference. Fig. 2 In the embodiment of the present invention shown, data transmission is carried out only in one direction, as is shown by the Fig. 2 visible directional arrow of the radio signals 15.

[0050] If the display 16, as in Fig. 2, designed as a head-up display in the helmet 6 of the firefighter, this offers the firefighter during operations particularly good visibility with regard to information originating from the operations center, especially under often difficult viewing conditions, which are caused, for example, by poor lighting conditions, smoke, soot or the like.

[0051] To supply data to the radio device 13, a battery (not shown) can be provided on or near the extinguishing nozzle 4. Alternatively, the radio device 13 can also be supplied with electrical energy via the control means 12 or via additional electrical energy-carrying lines (also not shown) that also run in or on the hose 3.

[0052] Preferably, the information displayed in the display 16 can be displayed, preferably simultaneously, in a display 17 of the fire extinguishing device or of the fire engine 1, so that the operator of the fire engine simultaneously sees the data or information transmitted to the firefighter at the extinguishing nozzle 4.

[0053] Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of the communication bridge between the extinguishing nozzle 4 and the display 16. A data interface 18 can be provided, which allows for an additional cable connection from the control line 12 to the display 16. For this purpose, at least one, preferably two plug-in contact connections 18a, 18b can be provided as the data interface 18. The additional data interface 18 serves only as a backup position in case of emergency.

[0054] The display 16 provided as a head-up display in the helmet 6 of the firefighter is connected via a (in Fig. 3The short radio transmission bridge in the area of ​​the extinguishing nozzle 4, according to the invention, makes it easy to provide additional data transmission via a communication cable 19 as a backup position.

[0055] In a further embodiment, the invention also enables bidirectional data transmission between the first and second radio devices 13 and 14, respectively. Preferably, in addition to data for display on the display 16, voice files can also be transmitted from the firefighter operating the extinguishing nozzle 4 to the controller 11 and / or voice files can be transmitted from the firefighter at the controller 11 to the firefighter at the extinguishing nozzle 4.

[0056] The representation according to Fig. 4ashows the switching position of the multi-way valve 10 when the feed pump 5 is supplied with extinguishing fluid from the tank 8. The supply of extinguishing fluid from the tank 8 must be maintained until the feed pump 5 is supplied via a stationary extinguishing fluid source 2. This can be either a permanently installed hydrant 28 or a lake 27 or a stream, river, or the like.

[0057] If a hydrant 28 is present, the second inlet 9 of the feed pump 5 is connected to the connection of the hydrant 28. For example, extinguishing water from a hydrant has a pressure of approximately 3 bar. Thus, after opening the hydrant 28, the extinguishing water will be supplied at this pressure to the multi-way valve 10 via the second supply line 9. The pressure causes the multi-way valve 10 to switch from the Fig. 4a into the Fig. 4bswitching position shown. Depending on requirements, it may be appropriate for the pump 26 to adjust the pressure generated in the second inlet 9 to the required pressure or pressure range.

[0058] However, the pump 26 is particularly important when no hydrant 28 is available, but only a body of water, such as a lake 27. In this case, the water surface of the lake is often lower than the fire engine 1, so that by activating the pump 26, the pressure conditions in the second supply line 9 are influenced in such a way that the extinguishing water from the lake 27 can reach the feed pump 5 via the multi-way valve 10.

[0059] For pressure control 30 of the multi-way valve 10, an elastic element 25, e.g. a spring, can be provided, by means of which the multi-way valve 10 in the Fig. 4ashown switching position is held preloaded. Alternatively or additionally, a magnetic element (not shown) can also be provided for pressure control of the multi-way valve 10.

[0060] The representation in Fig. 5 The display 16, preferably a head-up display, in the firefighter's helmet 6 shows the following information. The display 16 can conveniently display the following information individually or in any combination: the current fill level 20 of the tank 8 with extinguishing fluid, the remaining time 21 for the release of extinguishing fluid from the tank 8, a status indication 22 relating to the existence of a delivery connection of extinguishing fluid from the stationary extinguishing fluid source 2 to the fire extinguishing device, a status indication 22 relating to the non-existence of a delivery connection of extinguishing fluid from the stationary extinguishing fluid source 2 to the fire extinguishing device, a status indication 23 relating to the existence and / or non-existence of a radio connection and / or an alarm signal 24 and / or the switching position of the multi-way valve 10. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0061] 1 Fire engine 2 Stationary extinguishing fluid source 3 Hose 4 Extinguishing nozzle 5 Feed pump 6 Helmet 7 First supply line 8 Tank 9 Second supply line 10 Multi-way valve 11 Controller 12 Control line 13 First radio module 14 Second radio module 15 Radio signals 16 Display 17 Display 18 Data interface 18a Plug-in connection 18b Plug-in connection 19 Communication cable 20 Current fill level 21 Remaining time 22 Status indicator feed connection 23 Status indicator radio connection 24 Alarm signal 25 Spring-elastic element 26 Pump 27 Lake 28 Hydrant 29 Feed pump control 30 Pressure control 31 Valve 32 Valve 33 Return line 34 Valve

Claims

1. Fire extinguishing system comprising a control device for operating the fire extinguishing system, wherein the control device comprises the following: a controller (11), which serves as an operations centre, wherein the first extinguishing system comprises the following: at least one hose (3) having an extinguishing nozzle (4) arranged at the end of the hose (3) and by means of which an extinguishing fluid conveyed under pressure can be released, a conveying pump (5) for conveying, under pressure, the extinguishing fluid in the hose (3) towards the extinguishing nozzle, a first supply line (7) to the conveying pump (5) from a tank (8) of a fire extinguishing device, in particular a fire engine (1), a second supply line (9) to the conveying pump (5) from a stationary extinguishing fluid source (2), wherein a multi-port valve (10) connected upstream of the conveying pump (5) is provided in the region of the first supply line (7) and second supply line (9), characterized in that the multi-port valve (10) is pressure-controlled, the multi-port valve (10) is connected to the controller (11) via control line means, the multi-port valve (10) can be controlled using the pressure prevailing at the multi-port valve (10) in the second supply line (9), the pressure prevailing at the multi-port valve (10) in the second supply line (9) can be determined using a pump (26), and the multi-port valve (10) switches over at a pressure threshold value and the pressure threshold value is adjustable.

2. Fire extinguishing system according to Claim 1, characterized in that there is a flow connection (basic position) between the tank (8) and the pump (5) in the loaded state of the multi-port valve (10).

3. Fire extinguishing system according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the switching position of the multi-port valve (10) can be displayed.

4. Fire extinguishing system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multi-port valve (10) is a switching valve.