Quick-release valve for a pressurized fire extinguishing fluid container, and fire extinguishing fluid container with the same

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fire extinguishing fluid container according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] According to the invention, the term "quick-opening valve" refers in particular to a gas cylinder quick-opening valve in accordance with DIN EN ISO 17871, or a corresponding standard. A quick-opening valve is understood to be any valve which, in contrast to conventional gas cylinder or other valves, must provide the pressurized fluid within a very short time. Quick-opening valves according to the invention are particularly preferably used on stationary pressurized fire extinguishing fluid containers.

[0003] Known quick-opening valves have a fire extinguishing fluid inlet and an extinguishing fluid outlet, as well as a flow chamber extending from the extinguishing fluid inlet to the extinguishing fluid outlet. To distinguish between a rest state of the extinguishing fluid container and a trigger state of the extinguishing fluid container, the known quick-opening valves have a valve piston and a valve seat, wherein the valve piston is movable back and forth between a release position and a closed position such that the valve piston and the valve seat are fluid-tight against each other in the closed position, and spaced apart from each other in the release position, so that the extinguishing fluid inlet and the extinguishing fluid outlet are fluid-conductingly connected to each other.

[0004] EP 0 033 062 A1 discloses a quick-opening device comprising a steel cylinder with an extinguishing fluid inlet and an extinguishing fluid outlet, wherein a closure element is arranged inside the steel cylinder. The closure element is held in a sealing locked position in an inlet area of ​​the device by means of a bursting cylinder.

[0005] US Patent 8,312,893 B2 relates to an axial resistance control valve for adjusting a fluid flow rate through the valve. The valve 10 has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a flow chamber extending between the fluid inlet and fluid outlet. Within the flow chamber is a piston housing within which a valve piston is movable back and forth between a closed position and a released position, with a piston head coupled to one end of the valve piston. The piston head is pressurized with air on both sides via control lines to control the valve piston position.

[0006] According to the invention, the term "valve" refers to devices that can be switched between the enabling and disabled positions non-destructively and reversibly, i.e., without replacing or repairing functional parts. Devices that separate the fluid-conducting connection by means of destructive bursting elements, such as bursting discs or the like, and that can only be reused after a single enabling operation and replacement of the destroyed bursting element, are not considered valves.

[0007] In conventional quick-release valves, the extinguishing fluid inlet and outlet are typically arranged at a right angle to each other. When the valve is triggered, the extinguishing fluid flowing from the reservoir is deflected by this angle before exiting the valve. In certain situations, this can cause a lateral impulse to be exerted on the reservoir to which the quick-release valve is attached, resulting in movement of the reservoir, or in the worst case, tipping over or uncontrolled spinning. This is considered a safety hazard.

[0008] Accordingly, the invention was based on the objective of improving a fire extinguishing fluid container of the type described above in such a way as to improve operational safety.

[0009] The invention solves the underlying problem in a fire extinguishing fluid container of the type described above, according to a first aspect, by designing the quick-opening valve according to claim 1. The fire extinguishing fluid inlet and outlet are oriented essentially parallel to each other. Preferably, the fire extinguishing fluid inlet and outlet are oriented coaxially to each other. The invention follows the approach that the stability, and in particular the operational reliability, of a fire extinguishing fluid container is improved if the fire extinguishing fluid exiting the quick-opening valve does not generate a lateral momentum relative to the longitudinal axis of the fire extinguishing fluid container. The longitudinal axis of the fire extinguishing fluid container is understood here to be the direction in which the fire extinguishing fluid exits the container.In standard fire extinguishing fluid containers, which are shaped like gas cylinders and are rotationally symmetrical, the axis of rotation is understood to be that which, when the quick-release valve is mounted on the container, is coaxial with the central axis of the extinguishing fluid inlet. The momentum generated by the extinguishing fluid exiting the quick-release valve, with the inlet and outlet aligned parallel, and especially coaxially, thus acts longitudinally along the container and is absorbed by the container's base. This largely prevents uncontrolled swirling or lateral movement of the container.

[0010] Preferably, the quick-opening valve has a restoring means which is operatively connected to the valve piston and is designed to apply a restoring force to the valve piston in the direction of the closed position.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the preferably provided restoring means comprises a spring, in particular a pre-tensioned spring.

[0012] According to the invention, the valve piston is arranged within the flow chamber and is movable essentially parallel, in particular coaxially, to the extinguishing fluid inlet and outlet. This results in a significant reduction in overall height compared to conventional quick-opening valves, since in conventional quick-opening valves the piston is at least partially located outside the flow chamber.

[0013] According to the invention, the quick-opening valve has a piston housing in which the valve piston is movably, and in particular displaceably, mounted. The piston housing is arranged in the flow chamber such that it is surrounded by extinguishing fluid when the valve piston is in the release position. A substantially annular flow channel is preferably formed between an outer wall of the flow chamber and the piston housing. Particularly preferably, the flow channel has a constant free cross-sectional area along its course, at least partially, and preferably over at least two-thirds of its length and / or circumference. The piston housing is further preferably connected to the valve body by means of at least one retaining web. The retaining web extends, in particular, through the otherwise annular flow channel.The retaining struts are preferably teardrop-shaped in the direction of flow to minimize flow resistance. Alternatively, an oval, parabolic, ellipsoidal, or cylindrical shape for the retaining struts is preferred.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the valve piston has a surface facing the extinguishing fluid inlet, which, in the release position, does not protrude from the surface of the piston housing surrounding the valve piston. The surface of the valve piston is preferably flush with the surrounding surface of the piston housing and, particularly preferably, transitions smoothly into the surface of the piston housing without any kinks. This ensures that the extinguishing fluid flowing into the quick-release valve in the open position can flow past the valve piston and the surrounding surface of the piston housing with as little turbulence as possible.

[0015] The surface of the valve piston facing the extinguishing fluid inlet is preferably convex. More preferably, the piston housing is partially or completely convex. Particularly preferably, the piston housing has a teardrop-shaped outer contour. This also follows the approach of designing the piston housing to be as flow-optimized as possible within the flow chamber.

[0016] This also results in a quick-opening valve, which has a very low pressure loss between the extinguishing fluid inlet and outlet, thus facilitating rapid application of the extinguishing fluid.

[0017] According to the invention, the valve piston is designed as a differential pressure piston. A differential pressure piston is understood to mean that the piston has a first and a second piston surface with different surface areas (projected in the direction of action of the piston), on which the same pressure acts, preferably by the two piston surfaces being located in spaces that are fluid-conducting and connected to each other. According to the invention, the valve piston is designed such that the surface of the valve piston facing the extinguishing fluid inlet is a first surface, and the valve piston has a second surface facing away from the extinguishing fluid inlet, which is larger than the first surface. The second surface defines a piston chamber that is connected to the extinguishing fluid inlet by means of a pressure equalization line. Due to the larger size of the second surface, a resulting force is exerted on the extinguishing fluid inlet.This corresponds to a force in the direction of the valve piston's closed position. The design of the valve piston as a differential pressure piston thus represents a preferred (additional) restoring means that enables reliable valve closure.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, the valve seat of the quick-opening valve has a radial seat surface, and the valve piston has a radial sealing element which is designed to be fluid-tight against the radial seat surface of the valve seat in the closed position.

[0019] The radial sealing element is preferably arranged completely within the piston housing in the release position of the valve body. This reliably prevents excessive wear of the radial sealing element and unintentional damage that could lead to blockages and malfunctions.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a pressure relief line is provided in the piston housing, extending from the side of the extinguishing fluid inlet to the side of the extinguishing fluid outlet, and is sealed against fluid passage by means of a pressure relief device. The pressure relief device is understood to be a safety device against overpressure.

[0021] According to a further development of the extinguishing fluid container according to the invention, the overpressure line is configured to discharge the overpressure towards the extinguishing fluid outlet after the overpressure safety device has been triggered. This makes it possible, after the overpressure safety device has been triggered, to discharge the extinguishing fluid contained in the container, to which the quick-opening valve according to the invention is mounted, not into the environment, but into the extinguishing agent path connected to the quick-opening valve, in particular a extinguishing fluid line. This prevents contamination of the environment and, if applicable, endangerment of persons located in the vicinity of the triggering overpressure safety device.

[0022] Preferably, the overpressure safety device is designed as a bursting element. For example, a bursting disc, bursting cap, bursting screw, or bursting socket is used as the bursting element. If a predetermined overpressure is exceeded at the extinguishing fluid inlet, the bursting element fails and releases the overpressure line, through which extinguishing fluid can then escape to the extinguishing fluid outlet, regardless of the position of the valve body.

[0023] Overpressure typically occurs when the extinguishing fluid container is heated significantly. Once a critical temperature is exceeded, the overpressure safety device is triggered, releasing extinguishing fluid towards the connected sprinkler system. This fluid can then be evenly distributed throughout the room via the sprinkler nozzles before the actual activation of the extinguishing system, for example by a triggering device, takes place.

[0024] Preferably, the valve piston is designed as a hollow piston, and the overpressure line extends through the hollow piston. Thus, the hollow piston preferably forms part of the overpressure line. Alternatively or additionally, the hollow piston accommodates a supply piston, which is fluid-conducting and connected to the extinguishing fluid inlet. The overpressure safety device is preferably arranged at the end of the supply channel opposite the extinguishing fluid inlet, towards the extinguishing fluid outlet.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the piston housing has at least one receptacle for the movable valve piston, with the pressure relief line extending through the receptacle. In addition to the valve piston, the piston housing that accommodates the valve piston also has at least one section of the pressure relief line extending from the extinguishing fluid inlet towards the extinguishing fluid outlet. Preferably, the receptacle for the movable valve piston is designed as a pipe section by means of which the valve piston is guided movably in the longitudinal direction of the pipe section and moved from its closed position to its open position. Furthermore, the receptacle allows the extinguishing fluid present in the pressure relief line to be directed.

[0026] Preferably, the overpressure line has one or more line sections that run coaxially to the central axis of the valve piston and / or the piston housing. Preferably, the overpressure line is formed by a supply piston for the valve piston, a receptacle designed as a tubular body, and a retainer, particularly for the bursting element, within the overpressure line, the retainer also including at least one passage for the extinguishing fluid. Furthermore, it is provided that additional passages and bores are provided in a discharge body of the piston housing parallel to the retainer; in one embodiment, these also form sections of the overpressure line. This ensures the safe discharge of the extinguishing fluid after activation of the overpressure safety device.

[0027] By arranging and designing the overpressure line within the quick-opening valve, it is prevented that, after the overpressure safety device is triggered, movement impulses perpendicular to the flow direction of the extinguishing fluid flowing from the extinguishing fluid inlet towards the extinguishing fluid outlet of the quick-opening valve are generated within the valve. Even when the overpressure safety device is triggered, the expulsion of the extinguishing fluid towards the extinguishing fluid outlet then has no effect on the stability of the extinguishing fluid container.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, the quick-opening valve comprises a vent valve and a release mechanism controlling the vent valve. The vent valve and / or the release mechanism are angled laterally, preferably at right angles, relative to the direction of the extinguishing fluid inlet and outlet and are arranged on the valve body. The vent valve is mounted on the valve body in a vent channel. The lateral arrangement of the release mechanism and the vent valve results in a significantly reduced overall height. The release mechanism is preferably electrically, manually, pneumatically, or by a combination of several or all of these methods.

[0029] The quick-opening valve of the extinguishing fluid container according to the invention preferably further comprises a device for monitoring whether a release mechanism is installed. For example, the device is equipped with a mechanical limit switch monitoring system. Here, a mechanically movable push button is used to monitor whether the release mechanism is installed. During installation, the push button is deflected as soon as the release mechanism is mounted in the designated position. The push button position is monitored, for example, manually / visually and / or electronically.

[0030] The release mechanism is preferably mounted by means of a plug connection. The plug connection is secured, for example, by a cotter pin which is received in two, preferably semicircular, grooves. One of the grooves is formed in the release mechanism and the other on the valve body, preferably in a receptacle for the release mechanism. In the mounted position of the release mechanism, the grooves are arranged opposite each other so that the cotter pin can be inserted. Removing the release mechanism from the quick-opening valve then requires removing the cotter pin so that the two grooves can be moved relative to each other again.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the extinguishing fluid container, the quick-opening valve has a drain channel for releasing extinguishing fluid from the piston chamber towards the extinguishing fluid inlet of the quick-opening valve. The drain channel is aligned parallel to or at an acute angle to the extinguishing fluid inlet of the quick-opening valve, and a closure element is arranged in the drain channel, movable by gravity between a closed position and a released position. An acute angle is understood here to be an angle between the drain channel and the orientation of the extinguishing fluid inlet of > 0° and < 90°. The closure element is preferably freely movable, or at least freely displaceable, within the drain channel due to gravity.The combination of the drain channel's orientation and the provision of the movable closure element has the following technical effect: During horizontal transport of a fire extinguishing fluid container equipped with a quick-release valve, fire extinguishing fluid can accumulate in the piston chamber due to the fluid-conducting connection between the fluid inlet and the piston chamber. Without a drain channel, in extreme situations, the accumulating fire extinguishing fluid in the piston chamber can prevent the valve piston from opening completely, resulting in increased flow resistance and a consequent pressure loss in the quick-release valve. Without a drain channel, this would then create the risk of a reduction in the opening speed and thus a potential malfunction of the quick-release function.However, if the extinguishing fluid container is moved into an upright position after its potentially horizontal transport, which corresponds to the normal storage of the extinguishing fluid container at the place of use, the closing element sinks into the release position due to gravity and its own weight, in which the emptying channel is fluid-conducting and connected to the extinguishing fluid inlet.

[0032] This allows any extinguishing fluid that may have accumulated in the piston chamber to drain through the discharge channel. However, if the quick-release valve is triggered by the release mechanism and the piston chamber is vented (and the valve piston is thereby moved into the release position), the sealing element is forced out of the release position and into the locked position due to the fluid pressure on the inlet side. The sealing element is designed to fit fluid-tight against a correspondingly shaped seat in the locked position. Preferably, the seat for the sealing element is designed as a conical surface, preferably in the discharge channel, and the sealing element is designed to be at least partially elastically deformable, for example, by means of an elastomer.The closure element is particularly preferably designed as a ball in order to achieve low-friction movement within the drainage channel with minimal risk of tilting.

[0033] In a further development, a pressure relief line is provided on the quick-opening valve in the piston housing. This line extends from the side of the extinguishing fluid inlet to the side of the extinguishing fluid outlet and is sealed against fluid passage by means of a pressure relief device. After the pressure relief device is triggered, the pressure is released towards the extinguishing fluid outlet. The invention is based on the finding that, upon triggering of the pressure relief device, no extinguishing fluid is released into the environment in the area of ​​the quick-opening valve, but is preferably discharged towards the extinguishing fluid outlet and thus into an extinguishing agent path downstream of the quick-opening valve, in particular into an extinguishing fluid line connected to the quick-opening valve.This prevents uncontrolled discharge outside the quick-release valve and the associated potential risk to people, as is the case with prior art designs. Furthermore, a critical pressure typically arises at the overpressure safety device when, for example, the extinguishing agent or fluid container is heated by a fire and thus additionally pressurized. The extinguishing agent or fluid flowing out after the overpressure safety device is triggered is then not discharged uncontrollably, but instead flows through the extinguishing fluid line into a connected sprinkler system, which then distributes the extinguishing fluid evenly into the room via the sprinkler nozzles. Preferably, the extinguishing fluid inlet and outlet are aligned essentially parallel to each other.

[0034] The quick-opening valve according to the second and third aspects further preferably comprises one, several or all of the preferred embodiments of the quick-opening valve described above according to the first.

[0035] The invention solves the underlying problem in a fire extinguishing fluid container designated above, which has a fire extinguishing fluid chamber, a fire extinguishing fluid outlet, and a quick-opening valve mounted on the fire extinguishing fluid outlet, by designing the quick-opening valve according to one of the preferred embodiments or aspects described above. Regarding the advantages and preferred embodiments of the fire extinguishing fluid container, reference is made to the above descriptions.

[0036] Preferably, the quick-opening valve has a valve body that is mounted inside the extinguishing fluid outlet of the extinguishing fluid container. Alternatively, the quick-opening valve has a valve body that is only partially mounted inside or outside the extinguishing fluid outlet, preferably by means of appropriate threads.

[0037] Preferably, a riser pipe is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the extinguishing fluid inlet of the quick-opening valve and is arranged within the extinguishing fluid chamber.

[0038] The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures, using a preferred embodiment as an example. The figures show: Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view through a quick-opening valve according to a preferred embodiment in a first operating state. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view through the quick-opening valve according to... Figure 1in a second operating state, Figure 3 shows a detailed view X of the quick-opening valve according to the Figure 1 and 2 , and Figure 4 a schematic cross-sectional view of a fire extinguishing fluid container with the quick-opening valve according to the Figures 1 to 3 .

[0039] In Figure 1 A quick-opening valve 1 is shown, which is designed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The quick-opening valve 1 has a valve body 2. A valve cover 3 is preferably attached to the valve body 2. The quick-opening valve 1 has a fire extinguishing fluid inlet 4 in the direction of an axis A and a fire extinguishing fluid outlet 5 in the direction of an axis B, wherein the fire extinguishing fluid outlet 5 is preferably formed on the valve cover 3 in this case. On the side of the fire extinguishing fluid inlet 4, the quick-opening valve 1 has a mounting section 6 for connecting a riser pipe 105 ( Figure 4). On the side of the extinguishing fluid outlet 5, the quick-opening valve 1 has a mounting section 7 for an extinguishing line. This mounting section 7 can optionally be formed on the outside or inside of the valve cover 3 or valve body 2. On the side of the extinguishing fluid inlet 4, there is also preferably a connection thread 8 for connecting an extinguishing fluid container 100 ( Figure 4 ) formed, and preferably a sealing element 9.

[0040] The quick-opening valve 1 has a valve seat 10. In the Figure 1 In the shown closed state of the quick-opening valve 1, a radial sealing element 11 is in fluid-tight contact with the valve seat 10. The valve seat 10 is designed as a radial sealing seat. The radial sealing element 11 is essentially held in the valve piston 12 by a positive fit; see explanations regarding Figure 2 The valve piston 12 is located in the Figure 1shown locking position fluid-tight in contact with the valve seat 10.

[0041] The radial sealing element 11 has a secondary radial sealing element 11a on its radially inner side.

[0042] The valve piston 12 is arranged to be linearly movable within a piston housing 13. The piston housing 13 is connected to the valve body 2 by means of at least one retaining web 14. Preferably, the retaining web 14 is designed to optimize flow.

[0043] A flow chamber 15 is formed between the extinguishing fluid inlet 4 and the extinguishing fluid outlet 5. The piston housing 13 is arranged within the flow chamber 15 such that a substantially annular flow channel is formed between the piston housing 13 and the valve body 2, interrupted only by the at least one retaining web 14.

[0044] Inside the piston housing, a cover 17 is arranged, which defines a piston chamber 32 and seals it fluid-tight. A return element 18 in the form of a pre-tensioned spring is supported against the cover 17, which deflects the valve piston 12 in the direction of the shown locking position.

[0045] Inside the valve piston 12 is a supply piston 19. The supply piston 19 is fluid-conductingly connected to the extinguishing fluid inlet 4.

[0046] The supply piston 19 is slidably arranged in a receptacle 22, which in turn is attached to the cover 17. A safety device 20 against overpressure in the form of a rupture disc is arranged between the receptacle 22 and a retainer 21. A pressure equalization line 23a is provided in the supply piston 19, which connects the interior of the supply piston 19 to the piston chamber 32.

[0047] From the piston chamber 32, a vent channel 34 extends to a vent valve 16 mounted laterally on the valve body 2, which is closed in the position shown. Also located laterally and radially surrounding the vent channel is a receptacle 24 for a release device. The receptacle 24 has a quick-release fastener 25 for attaching a release device 50 ( Figure 4 ) on.

[0048] The valve piston 12 is designed as a differential pressure piston as follows: The valve piston 12 has a first piston surface 26 facing the extinguishing fluid inlet 4. Furthermore, the valve piston 12 has a second piston surface 27 facing the interior of the piston chamber 32. The area of ​​the second piston surface 27 projected perpendicular to the direction of the axis A of the extinguishing fluid inlet 4 is larger than the projected area of ​​the first piston surface 26. Since the piston chamber 32 is communicatively connected to the extinguishing fluid inlet 4 via the pressure equalization line 23a through the compound piston 19, a resultant force acts in the direction of the inlet when overpressure occurs. Figure 1 The locking position shown applies to the valve piston 12. This makes it possible to design the restoring means 18 to be comparatively weak, for example to protect against unwanted vibration.

[0049] The function of the overpressure safety device 20 is essentially as follows: If an impermissibly high overpressure is present at the extinguishing fluid inlet 4, the safety device 20 triggers and releases a fluid flow. Extinguishing fluid can flow through the supply piston 19 and passes through one or more passages 29 and one or more bores 35 in a discharge body 33 of the piston housing 13 to the extinguishing fluid outlet 5 of the quick-opening valve 1. This occurs regardless of the position of the valve piston 12 and the switching state of the vent valve 24. The extinguishing fluid escapes essentially in the direction of the Figure 2The arrows P6, P7, P8, and P9 shown indicate the direction of the safety device 20 in the event of its activation. The supply piston 19, the receptacle 22, and the retainer 21, together with the passages and bores 35 in the discharge body 33, form a pressure relief line 30 through which the extinguishing fluid flows from the side of the extinguishing fluid inlet 4 to the side of the extinguishing fluid outlet 5 if the safety device 20 is activated. With further reference to Figure 2 The operation of the quick-opening valve 1 is explained below. Starting from the closed state according to Figure 1 When the vent valve 24 is actuated, the pressure in the piston chamber 32 drops rapidly. The cross-section of the vent channel 34 is significantly larger than the cross-section of the pressure equalization line 23a. Consequently, the resulting force holding the valve piston 12 in the closed position is due to the differential pressure between the two piston surfaces 26, 27 ( Figure 1) no longer maintained, and the valve piston 12 moves out of the locked position according to Figure 1 into the release position according to Figure 2 back.

[0050] The radial sealing element 11 is now concealed within the piston housing 13, and extinguishing fluid can enter the flow chamber 15 along arrows P1 and P2, flow around the at least one retaining rib 14, and finally exit the extinguishing fluid outlet 5 from the quick-opening valve in the direction of arrows P3 and P4, coaxially along axis B. Here, the advantage of a coaxial arrangement of the extinguishing fluid inlet 4, which is aligned along axis A, and the extinguishing fluid outlet 5, which is aligned along axis B, becomes particularly clear. The force generated by the discharge of the extinguishing fluid acts in the direction of the extinguishing fluid container. Provided that the extinguishing fluid container is also essentially coaxial with axis A or B, this force is transmitted directly to the base of the extinguishing fluid container, and no tilting moment or lateral movement of the container occurs.

[0051] In the open state, the (weak) restoring agent 18 is held in a compressed position due to the still prevailing overpressure on the side of the extinguishing fluid inlet 4. This state is maintained until almost all of the extinguishing fluid has escaped from the extinguishing fluid container. Only towards the end of the emptying process is the restoring agent 18 strong enough to release the valve piston 12 from its position. Figure 2 to push outwards in the position shown towards the locking position. The primary function of the return element 18, according to the invention, is to reliably close the quick-opening valve in a pressureless state or at only a slight residual pressure, in particular below 2 bar overpressure, preferably in the range of 1 bar + / - 30% overpressure, on the side of the extinguishing fluid inlet 4, in order to prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture into the interior of the extinguishing fluid container 100 ( Figure 4 to prevent.

[0052] Out of Figure 2It is further evident that the radial sealing element 11 has two projections 47. The valve piston 12 has a corresponding recess 48 for receiving the projections 47. The projections 47 and recess 48 interact in the form of an undercut that securely holds the radial sealing element 11 on the valve piston 12. Preferably, the piston housing 13 has a second pressure equalization line 23b by means of which the recess 48 and the radial sealing element 11 arranged in the recess 48 are pressurized from the radial inside with the pressure of the extinguishing fluid from the side of the extinguishing fluid inlet 4. The pressurization from this side ensures a contact pressure of the radial sealing element 11 against the valve seat 10 in the closed position. Figure 1To improve sealing in the radial direction, the secondary radial sealing element 11a is made of a more flexible material than the radial sealing element 11. The radial sealing element 11 is preferably made of graphite or a wear-resistant elastomer, for example polyurethane, while the secondary radial sealing element 11a is preferably made of a soft elastomer, for example EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) or NBR rubber (nitrile butadiene rubber).

[0053] Regarding the shape of the valve housing 13 in conjunction with the valve body 2, the following should be noted: In the Figure 2In the release position shown, the convexly curved surface 26 of the valve piston and the surrounding convexly curved surface 28 of the piston housing 13 transition as smoothly as possible into one another, so that no additional turbulence, or at least minimal turbulence, is generated as the extinguishing fluid flows past in the direction of arrows P1 and P2. The surface 28 extends smoothly over the outlet body 33 until the extinguishing fluid flow merges (arrows P3 and P4) into the valve cover 3. This helps to limit the flow resistance and thus the pressure loss between the extinguishing fluid inlet 4 and the extinguishing fluid outlet 5.

[0054] The in Figure 1 The hinted detail X is in Figure 3shown on an enlarged scale. A discharge channel 38 extends from the piston chamber 32 towards the extinguishing fluid inlet 4 (not shown) in the direction of an axis C. In the present embodiment, the axis C is parallel, preferably alternatively at an acute angle to the axes A and B. A conical seat 39 is formed in the discharge channel 38, as well as a closure element 37, which is substantially freely movable in the discharge channel 38. In this embodiment, the closure element 37 is designed as a partially elastic sphere, which is located in the Figure 3 The fluid-tight position shown is pressed against the conical seat 39 in the drain channel 38.

[0055] Provided that the pressure in the piston chamber 32 is equalized with the pressure at the extinguishing fluid inlet 4 (not shown), i.e., when the extinguishing fluid container is at rest, the closure element 37 sinks out of the position due to gravity. Figure 3The extinguishing fluid container is placed in an upright position as soon as it is brought into the position shown. Extinguishing fluid that has previously collected in the piston chamber 32, for example due to transport in a horizontal position, can then escape through the open discharge channel 38 towards the extinguishing fluid inlet 4. When the vent valve 16 is triggered ( Figure 1 , 2 The pressure in the piston chamber 32 drops rapidly, and the resulting pressure difference presses the closure element 37 against the conical seat 39, thus preventing unwanted backflow of extinguishing fluid during the triggering process. Pressure equalization in the resting state takes place via the pressure equalization line 23a in the supply piston 19. An annular gap is formed between the supply piston 19 and the valve piston 12, through which the extinguishing fluid can flow towards the fluid inlet 4.

[0056] After the Figures 1 to 3In the figures where a quick-opening valve 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown in isolation, the quick-opening valve 1 is shown in the figures in Figure 4 The illustration shows a fire extinguishing fluid container 100. The fire extinguishing fluid container 100 has a fire extinguishing fluid chamber 101 in which a pressurized fire extinguishing fluid is stored. Furthermore, the fire extinguishing fluid container has a fire extinguishing fluid outlet 103, which is connected to the corresponding port of a quick-opening valve 1 according to the invention. A riser pipe 105 is attached to the fire extinguishing fluid inlet 4 of the quick-opening valve 1 and extends into the fire extinguishing fluid chamber 101. Alternatively, the riser pipe 105 could also be attached to the fire extinguishing fluid container 100 itself.

[0057] In the Figures 1 to 3The following parts were not shown previously, but are shown here assembled with the quick-release valve 1: A release device 50 is attached to the vent valve 24 by means of the quick-release fastener 25, preferably by means of a cotter pin-secured plug connection. Furthermore, a monitoring device 49 for checking the presence of the release device 50 is mounted on the quick-release valve 1.

[0058] As can be seen from Figure 4As can be clearly seen, the coaxial arrangement of the extinguishing fluid inlet 4 and extinguishing fluid outlet 5 of the quick-opening valve 1 (see axes A and B) creates an arrangement in which the extinguishing fluid leaves the quick-opening valve 5 in the same direction as it leaves the extinguishing fluid container 100. This largely prevents lateral movement impulses. Furthermore, the lateral mounting of the release mechanism 50 results in a very compact design, which is further enhanced by housing the valve piston 12 inside the flow chamber 15. Reference symbol list

[0059] 1 Quick-opening valve 2 Valve body 3 Valve cover 4 Fire extinguishing fluid inlet 5 Fire extinguishing fluid outlet 6 Mounting section riser pipe 7 Mounting section fire extinguishing line 8 Connection thread fire extinguishing fluid tank 9 Seal for fire extinguishing fluid tank 10 Valve seat 11 Radial sealing element 11a Secondary radial sealing element 12 Valve piston 13 Piston housing 14 Retaining bridge 15 Flow chamber 16 Vent valve 17 Cover 18 Reset mechanism 19 Supply piston 20 Safety device against overpressure 21 Hold-down device 22 Receptacle 23a,b Pressure equalization line 24 Receptacle for release device 25 Quick-release fastener for release device 26 First piston surface 27 Second piston surface 28 Surface of piston housing 29 Passage 30 Overpressure line 32 Piston chamber 33 Exhaust body 34 Venting duct 35 Bore 37 Closure element 38 Drainage duct 39 Conical seat 47 Projection 48 Recess 49 Monitoring device 50 Triggering device 100 Extinguishing fluid container 101 Extinguishing fluid chamber 103 Extinguishing fluid outlet Extinguishing fluid container 105 Riser pipe A, B, C Axes X Detail

Claims

1. An extinguishing fluid vessel (100), having - an extinguishing fluid chamber (101), - an extinguishing fluid outlet (103), and - a quick-opening valve (1) which is installed at the extinguishing fluid outlet (103), the quick-opening valve (1) having - an extinguishing fluid inlet (4), - an extinguishing fluid outlet (5), - a flow chamber (15) which extends from the extinguishing fluid inlet (4) to the extinguishing fluid outlet (5), - a valve piston (12), - a valve seat (10), wherein the valve piston (12) is configured to be switched reversibly back and forth between a release position and a shut-off position such that the valve piston (12) and the valve seat (10), in the shut-off position, bear against one another in fluid-tight fashion and, in the release position, are spaced apart from one another such that the extinguishing fluid inlet (4) and the extinguishing fluid outlet (5) are in fluid communication with one another, wherein the valve piston (12) is arranged within the flow chamber (15) and is configured to move substantially parallel, in particular coaxially, with respect to the extinguishing fluid inlet (4) and extinguishing fluid outlet (5), and - a piston housing (13) in which the valve piston (12) is mounted movably, in particular slidingly, wherein the piston housing (13) is arranged in the flow chamber (15) such that the extinguishing fluid flows around the piston housing when the valve piston (12) is in the release position, wherein the extinguishing fluid inlet (4) and the extinguishing fluid outlet (5) are oriented substantially parallel to one another, wherein the valve piston (12) is designed as a differential pressure piston, wherein a surface of the valve piston (12) facing toward the extinguishing fluid inlet (4) is a first surface, and the valve piston (12) has a second surface facing away from the extinguishing fluid inlet (4) and delimiting a piston chamber (32) connected to the extinguishing fluid inlet (4) by means of a pressure equalization line (23a).

2. The extinguishing fluid vessel (100) as claimed in claim 1, having a resetting means (18, 26, 27) which is operatively coupled to the valve piston (12) and which is configured to apply a resetting force to the valve piston (12) in the direction of the shut-off position.

3. The extinguishing fluid vessel (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the extinguishing fluid inlet (4) and the extinguishing fluid outlet (5) are arranged coaxially.

4. The extinguishing fluid vessel (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the piston housing (13) is fixedly connected to the valve body (2) preferably by means of at least one holding web.

5. The extinguishing fluid vessel (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve piston (12) has a surface (26) facing towards the extinguishing fluid inlet (4) and which, in the release position, does not protrude from the surface (28) which surrounds the valve piston (12), of the piston housing, wherein preferably, that surface (26) of the valve piston (12) which faces toward the extinguishing fluid inlet (4) is convexly curved..

6. The extinguishing fluid vessel (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the piston housing (13) is partially or entirely convexly curved, preferably has a droplet-shaped outer contour, and / or wherein the flow chamber (15) is partially or entirely concavely curved, preferably correspondingly to the convex curvature of the piston housing (13).

7. The extinguishing fluid vessel (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve seat (10) has a radial seat surface, and the valve piston (12) has a radial sealing element (11) which is designed to bear in fluid-tight fashion against the radial seat surface of the valve seat (10) in the shut-off position.

8. The extinguishing fluid vessel (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the radial sealing element (11) preferably has at least one axially extending projection (47), and the valve piston (12) has at least one corresponding, axially extending recess (48) in which the projection (47) is received, wherein the recess (48) further preferably is connected by means of a pressure equalization line (23b) to the extinguishing fluid inlet (4).

9. The extinguishing fluid vessel (100) as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the radial sealing element (11) is arranged entirely within the piston housing (13) when the valve body (12) is in the release position.

10. The extinguishing fluid vessel (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an overpressure line (30) is provided in the piston housing (13), extending from the side of the extinguishing fluid inlet (4) to the side of the extinguishing fluid outlet (5) and being closed off against fluid leakage by means of an overpressure safety device (20), wherein preferably, the overpressure line (30) is designed to relieve the overpressure towards the extinguishing fluid outlet (5) upon triggering of the overpressure safety device (20), and / or - the overpressure safety device (20) is a rupturing element, preferably a rupturing disk, which is arranged in a section of the overpressure line (30), and / or - the valve piston (12) is a hollow piston, and the overpressure line (30) extends through the hollow piston, and / or - wherein the piston housing (13) has at least one receptacle (22) for the movable valve piston, wherein the overpressure line (30) extends through the receptacle (22), and / or - wherein the overpressure line (30) has one or more line sections which extend(s) coaxially with respect to the central axis of the valve piston (12) and / or of the piston housing (13).

11. The extinguishing fluid vessel (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, having a ventilation valve (24), and a triggering device (50) which controls the ventilation valve (24), wherein the ventilation valve and / or the triggering device are arranged on the valve body so as to be laterally angled, preferably at right angles, relative to the direction of the extinguishing fluid inlet (4) and of the extinguishing fluid outlet (5).

12. The extinguishing fluid vessel (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, having a unit (49) for monitoring whether a triggering device (50) has been installed.

13. The extinguishing fluid vessel (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the triggering device (50) is installed by means of a plug-in connection.

14. The extinguishing fluid vessel (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the valve piston (12) has an evacuation channel (38) for the drainage of extinguishing fluid from the piston chamber (32) in the direction of the extinguishing fluid inlet (4) of the quick-opening valve (1), - the evacuation channel (38) is oriented parallel, or at an acute angle, relative to the extinguishing fluid inlet (4) of the quick-opening valve (1), and, - in the evacuation channel (38), there is arranged a closure element (37) which is movable back and forth between a shut-off position and a release position by means of gravitational force in the direction of the release position.

15. The extinguishing fluid vessel (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the quick-opening valve (1) has a valve body (2) which is installed internally in the extinguishing fluid outlet (103), and / or wherein a riser pipe (105) is in fluid communication with the extinguishing fluid inlet (4) of the quick-opening valve (1) and is arranged within the extinguishing fluid chamber.