CAP FOR SPRINKLERS AND HEAT-TriggerED NOZZLES

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a closure for sprinklers and nozzles with heat release for use in the field of firefighting, according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0002] Most fire protection systems, such as sprinkler systems in buildings, are automatically triggered by heat-sensitive elements in the event of a fire. This ensures high reliability, as they react directly to the heat generated by the fire and are independent of any external alarm signal or human intervention. Common heat-sensitive elements include fusible elements (see, for example, EP 1 515 780) or fragile glass vessels (see, for example, US 9,573,007). A major disadvantage of these devices is that they are only triggered after the room air has been heated by the fire and the heat-sensitive element has subsequently been heated by the heated room air. During this time, crucial minutes pass in which the fire can develop and spread.In addition, dangerous smoke can develop even during the initial burning phase, before the fire actually starts burning, and this smoke should be combated as quickly as possible, for example with a water mist. There are methods that enable almost immediate fire detection, e.g. using smoke sensors. EP 2 038 018 provides a closure for sprinklers and nozzles with heat triggering, whereby a smoke sensor or thermostat enables rapid fire detection. The nozzle is closed with a cover plate, which is firmly attached to the nozzle body by means of a melting trigger. In the event of a fire, the room temperature and the temperature of the melting elements rise until the melting elements melt, the cover plate is removed, and the nozzle is opened. In parallel, the melting triggers are arranged on heating elements that are controlled by the smoke sensor or thermostat.If the sensors detect a fire, the melting elements can be actively fused with the heating elements, opening the nozzle long before the melting elements can passively fuse due to the heated room air. Such systems thus combine two parallel triggering paths: early, active triggering through controlled heating after fire detection by sensors, and, if this fails, passive triggering through the heat generated by the fire. Another particularly advantageous feature of the device according to EP 2 038 018 is the compact design of the closure, which barely protrudes from the nozzle body and is therefore relatively easy to integrate into a ceiling or wall. In contrast, conventional sprinklers with fragile glass bulbs (see, for example, US 9,573,007) are always several centimeters long.

[0003] In practice, however, it has been shown that the melting temperature of the melt trigger can change over the years. This is due to the gradual deformation and change in the material structure of the melt body through creep due to the constant stress to which it is subjected. Replacement pages for pages 3 and 4 The melting trigger in EP 2038018 absorbs both the force of the structural component under tension and the compressive force of the pressurized extinguishing agent. Temperature and its fluctuations in the monitored space also play an important role in creep: For example, the deformation of the melting trigger is significantly accelerated at room temperatures above 30°C. Over the years, this can cause permanent deformation of the melting element and change the melting temperature of the melting trigger. After several years, the melting point may be higher than originally intended, causing the melting element to respond later; however, it may also be lower, causing the melting element to respond sooner. Both of these factors cause damage that was originally intended to be avoided with the use of such devices.In contrast, fragile glass bulbs are reliable and stable heat-sensitive elements that are also available on the market in various standard versions with different trigger temperatures.

[0004] WO2011107105A2 discloses a nozzle closed with a cover. This cover is connected to the nozzle body by a heat-sensitive material. In the event of a fire, the heat-sensitive material degrades due to the heat, the cover is released from the nozzle body, and the nozzle is thus activated.

[0005] The present invention now has the object of improving a closure for sprinklers and nozzles with heat release according to EP 2038018 in such a way that the compact design and the two parallel triggering paths (active by controlled triggering and passive by the heat generated by the fire) are retained, but the triggering mechanism is improved in such a way that the reliability, stability and invariability of the triggering temperature of the heat-sensitive element is ensured.

[0006] This object is achieved by a closure for sprinklers and nozzles with heat release having the features of patent claim 1. Further features and embodiments emerge from the dependent claims and their advantages are explained in the following description. In the drawings shows:

[0007] Figure 1a Closure for sprinklers and nozzles with widened outlet opening Figure 1b Closure for sprinklers and nozzles with distribution plate Figure 1c Closure for sprinklers and nozzles with preloading screw Figures 2a-b Detail of the detachable arrangement Figures 3a-b Detail of the connection Figure 4 Closure for sprinklers and nozzles with heat release through a breakable glass bulb Figure 5 Top view of the nozzle with heat release through a breakable glass bulb Figures 6a-b Bayonet-shaped groove Figure 7 Closure for sprinklers and nozzles with housing part

[0008] The figures represent possible embodiments, which are explained in the following description.

[0009] The proposed closure for sprinklers and nozzles with heat activation is suitable for use with misting nozzles and / or sprinklers. The nozzle consists of a nozzle body 1, which can be connected to an extinguishing agent supply 2 of a fire protection system and mounted on a ceiling 3 or wall 3 of a building ( Figures 1a-c ). The nozzle body 1 has an outlet channel 11 through which the extinguishing agent flows out with pressure and speed during use. The diameter and profile of the outlet channel 11 are adapted to the pressure present in the fire protection system, the desired speed for extinguishing, and the desired distribution of the extinguishing agent. It is advantageous if the outlet channel 11 has an expanded outlet opening ( Figure 1a ) or is equipped with a fixed or retractable distribution plate ( Figure 1b). In the standby position, the outlet channel 11 is tightly closed with a seal 4, which is pressed against the outlet opening of the outlet channel 11 by means of a cover 5 and is held in this closed position. The seal 4 can be pre-tensioned with a pre-tensioning screw 8 or with another suitable mechanism. In the embodiment of the Figure 1c The seal 4 is connected to the cover 5 via a preload screw 8 such that, by rotating the preload screw 8, the cover 5 and the seal 4 are spread apart, and the seal 4 is pressed and preloaded against the outlet opening of the outlet channel 11. The cover 5 is detachably connected to the nozzle body 1 and is detached therefrom in the event of a fire, after which the seal 4 is washed away due to the pressure of the extinguishing agent in the fire protection system, thus putting the nozzle into operation.

[0010] The basis of the invention is the fastening type and the detachment mechanism of the cover 5, which is fastened to the nozzle body 1 in such a way that the heat-sensitive element in the standby position does not absorb the complete pressure forces of the compressed seal 4 and the pressurized extinguishing agent of the extinguishing system Replacement pages for pages 6 to 10 has to absorb the entire material, but only part of it. In this case, the heat-sensitive element can be placed under less pressure or tension by means of an actuating element, e.g. a spring or a magnet, in order to trigger the closure. For closures with a fusible element, this reduces the gradual deformation and change in the material structure of the fusible element due to creep. Generally speaking, it allows more freedom in positioning the heat-sensitive element in the closure, thereby making it possible to provide nozzles with a much more compact design. For closures with fragile glass bulbs, the glass bulb can, for example, be oriented at right angles to the axis of the outlet channel 11 in order to provide a particularly compact nozzle.

[0011] According to the invention, the cover 5 is arranged inside the nozzle body 1 and is attached to the nozzle body 1 at least two points, for example diametrically opposite in the case of a round cover 5 ( Figures 1a-c). At least one of the fastenings between the cover 5 and the nozzle body 1 is a detachable arrangement 6, and at least one other fastening between the cover 5 and the nozzle body 1 is a connection 7. The heat-sensitive element is integrated into the at least one detachable arrangement 6 such that the detachable arrangement 6 is released when the heat-sensitive element is triggered, while the at least one connection 7 merely represents an additional fastening of the cover 5 to the nozzle body 1. The forces acting on the cover 5 are thus distributed between the at least one detachable arrangement 6 and the at least one connection 7, so that each detachable arrangement 6 only has to absorb a portion of these forces. In the event of a fire, the detachment can be triggered either passively, i.e., directly due to the heat of the fire, or actively by targeted heating of the heat-sensitive element, with the ejection of the cover 5 occurring in the following steps: 1. When the heat-sensitive element is triggered, the at least one detachable assembly 6 is detached, leaving the cover 5 connected to the nozzle body 1 only by the at least one connection 7; 2. Due to the pressurized extinguishing agent in the extinguishing system, the seal 4 is ejected from the outlet opening of the outlet channel 11 and the cover 5 from the nozzle body 1, thus activating the nozzle; 3. Since one side of the cover 5 is still held back by the connection 7, the cover 5 moves around the connection 7; 4. Due to this movement, the cover 5 falls out of the connection 7 at a certain angle, which can also be very small, so that the cover 5 is then completely detached from the nozzle body 1; 5. The seal 4, together with the cover 5, is pushed away by the extinguishing agent jet, so that the operation of the nozzle is not hindered and no "shadow" is caused in the spray pattern.

[0012] According to the invention, the heat-sensitive element is arranged within the nozzle body 1 and is also arranged either within the cover 5 or on the inner side of the cover 5 facing the outlet channel 11.

[0013] It is important that the detachable arrangements 6 and the connection 7 are arranged in such a way that the separation of the detachable arrangement 6 enables the mentioned movement of the cover 5 away from the nozzle body until the latter is completely separated.

[0014] In the following, possible design variants of the detachable arrangement 6 and the connection 7 are explained in more detail with reference to Figures 2a-d and 3a-c.

[0015] The Figure 2ashows a possible embodiment of the detachable arrangement 6 comprising a melting body 61 or an explosive 63. The melting body 61 or explosive 63 establishes the connection between the cover 5 and the nozzle body 1. The melting body 61 can be a metal alloy, a plastic, or an adhesive. The selected material must ensure the firm connection between the nozzle body 1 and the cover 5 only against a fraction of the forces of the stressed seal 4 and the pressurized extinguishing agent. Furthermore, the material must melt within a relatively narrow temperature range that can be reliably defined over the years so that the melting body melts completely within the shortest possible time when the lower limit of this temperature range is reached. In the event of a fire, the melting body 61 is passively heated by the heat generated by the fire until it melts and the cover 5 detaches.To actively trigger the closure, the invention provides for actively heating the melting body 61 by means of a controlled electrical resistance or induction heating element. The resistance element can be the melting body 61 itself if it is made of conductive material. In an alternative embodiment, the controlled electrical resistance or induction heating element is arranged next to the melting body 61, and the generated heat is transferred to the melting body 61 by conduction or radiation.

[0016] The Figure 2bshows another embodiment of the detachable arrangement 6 comprising a fastening element 62 and an explosive 63. The fastening element 62, for example a special screw or an adhesive, establishes the connection between the cover 5 and the nozzle body 1. When the explosive 63 detonates, the cover 5 is detached from the nozzle body 1. This can occur, for example, by breaking off the fastening element 62, which may have a predetermined breaking point, or by locally destroying the edge of the cover 5. In the event of a fire, the explosive 63 is passively heated by the heat generated by the fire until it spontaneously detonates. To actively trigger the closure, the explosive 63 can be actively heated by means of a controlled electrical resistance or induction heating element. Alternatively, the electrical element could also trigger the explosive 63 with an electrical pulse, as in an airbag detonator, or with a spark.

[0017] The Figure 3a shows a possible embodiment of the connection 7, wherein the edge of the cover 5 simply engages in a second recess 13 of the nozzle body 1. This simple fastening method firmly holds the cover 5 but does not prevent its ejection once the detachable assembly 6 is removed. To make the cover 5 easier to attach to the nozzle body 1 and at any angle, the second recess 13 can also simply be a circumferential groove 13.

[0018] In the Figure 3b a further possible embodiment of the connection 7 is shown, wherein the nozzle body 1 has a hook which engages in a recess of the cover 5.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment of the closure, the releasable arrangement 6 comprises a latch 65 and a heat-sensitive element, which is arranged in the lid 5 behind the latch and holds the latch 65 in the closed position. A melting body 61 or an explosive 63 can be used as the heat-sensitive element. If a fragile glass vessel 64 is used as the heat-sensitive element, this can be arranged horizontally, i.e., perpendicular to the axis of the outlet channel 11, in order to save space and provide the most compact arrangement possible. The glass vessel 64 can be arranged in the nozzle body 1 or, as for example Figure 4shows, are integrated into the cover 5. This is particularly advantageous because the glass bulb 64 breaks upon activation, and the cover 5 is ejected anyway. In more complex arrangements, e.g., in a sprinkler with a distribution plate, certain parts of the arrangement can also be designed to be extendable. It is advantageous for all arrangements if they are designed to be as compact and space-saving as possible.

[0020] In the version according to Figure 4The connection 7 simply consists of a second recess 13, in which an edge of the lid 5 engages. The detachable assembly 6 comprises the glass bulb 64 and a latch 65, which engages in a first recess 12. To make the lid 5 easier to attach to the nozzle body 1 and at any angle, the first recess 12 and the second recess 13 can simply form two separate circumferential grooves 12, 13, or even a common circumferential groove 12 / 13. For easy attachment of the lid 5 and simultaneous pressing of the seal 4 against the outlet channel 11, the first and second recesses 12, 13 could also form bayonet-shaped grooves ( Figures 6a-b). The latch 65 is movable in the cover 5 between two positions: a closed position in which the front end of the latch 65 engages in the first recess 12, and an open position in which the front end of the latch 65 does not engage in the first recess 12. The cover 5 has an internal cavity 51 into which the rear part of the latch 65 engages. An actuating element 66 acts on the latch 65 and on the cover 5 in such a way that the latch 65 is always pressed towards the open position. Depending on the design variant of the closure, a spring, a magnet or simply a weight can be used as the actuating element 66. In the design variant of the Figure 4For example, a spring 66 is arranged between a thickening of the bolt and a wall of the inner cavity 51. In the standby position, the bolt 65 is held in the closed position against the force of the actuating element 66 by means of a heat-sensitive and breakable glass bulb 64. In the embodiment of the Figure 4 the glass bulb 64 is arranged between a wall of the inner cavity 51 and the rear end of the latch 65, thus preventing movement of the latch 65 from the closed position to the open position.

[0021] Another possible embodiment provides that the cover 5 is pre-assembled and integrated into a housing part 9, whereby this housing part 9 is then designed in such a way that it can be easily inserted into the nozzle body 1. For example, an external thread of the housing part 9, which can be screwed into the corresponding counter thread of the nozzle body 1, would be possible ( Figure 7 ).

[0022] The glass bulb 64 can preferably be a conventional, commercially available, heat-sensitive and breakable glass bulb for fire sprinklers. The glass bulb 64 ensures the passive activation of the closure: In the event of a fire, the room air and the glass bulb 64 are heated until the glass bulb 64 bursts when a defined temperature is exceeded. For the active activation of the closure, the invention provides for the glass bulb 64 to be actively heated by means of a controlled electrical resistance or induction heating element. The electrical resistance or induction element can be a coil wound around the glass bulb 64 or a linear section applied to its surface. In the preferred embodiment, the glass bulb is completely or partially coated with a resistance heating material.This ensures a larger contact area between the heating material and the glass bulb 64, thus promoting heat conduction from the heating element to the glass bulb. As soon as the glass bulb 64 no longer holds the latch 65 in the closed position, the actuating element 66 pulls it into the open position. From this moment on, the lid 5 is tilted away from the nozzle body 1 by the pressure of the extinguishing agent in the outlet channel 11.

[0023] The energy required for heating / triggering the melting body 61, the explosive 63 and / or the glass bulb 64 comes either from an external energy source, e.g. via an electrical line, or from its own energy source, e.g. from an integrated battery. The heating of the heat-sensitive element is controlled by an intelligent controller connected to one or more fire sensors 14, e.g. a smoke sensor or a thermostat. The intelligent controller is, for example, a microprocessor or a computer. In addition or instead, the intelligent controller can also receive an external fire alarm or instruction, e.g. from a central control point. The intelligent control offers the option of sensors triggering an alarm first and only after a defined time does the nozzle actually react by deploying extinguishing agent.For example, a sensor triggers an alarm when toxic smoke endangers people, without immediately activating the nozzle and the entire extinguishing system and thus causing subsequent damage.

[0024] If some components (the energy source, the intelligent control, the fire sensors 14, or the heat-sensitive element) are located in the lid 5 and others in the nozzle body 1, the nozzle must be provided with means for establishing electrical contact between the nozzle body 1 and the lid 5. In one possible embodiment of the invention, this electrical contact is established, on the one hand, by the detachable arrangement 6 and, on the other hand, by the connection 7. For this purpose, in the embodiment with a glass bulb 64 in the lid 5, the second recess 13, the part of the edge of the lid 5 engaging therein, the first recess 12, and the latch 65 could comprise an electrically conductive material, be made of electrically conductive material, or be coated with electrically conductive material.

Claims

1. Closure for nozzles with heat-triggered release, with a nozzle body (1) and an outlet channel (11), wherein a seal (4) sealing off the outlet channel (11) is arranged on the nozzle body (1) above the outlet channel (11) wherein the seal (4) is pressed against the outlet channel (11) by a cover (5) and held in the closed position, wherein the cover (5) is detachably attached to the nozzle body (1) and is actively or passively removed in the event of a fire, wherein the cover (5) is connected to the nozzle body (1) with at least two attachments and is arranged inside of the nozzle body (1), a first attachment is a detachable arrangement (6) and a second attachment is a connection (7) around which the cover (5) is movable, the detachable arrangement (6) comprises at least one heat-sensitive element and is released upon active or passive triggering of the heat-sensitive element, the heat-sensitive element being arranged inside of the nozzle body (1) and either inside of the cover (5) or on the inner side of the cover (5) facing the outlet channel (11).

2. Closure according to claim 1, characterised in that a non-movable distribution plate is arranged in the outlet channel (11) of the nozzle body (1).

3. Closure according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one fire sensor (14) is attached to the nozzle body (1).

4. Closure according to claim 1, characterised in that the cover (5) is integrated in a housing part (9) which is screwed onto the nozzle body (1) with a thread and to which at least one fire sensor (14) is attached.

5. Closure according to claim 1, characterised in that the cover (5) falls out of the connection (7) from a certain angle of movement and is thus completely detached from the nozzle body (1).

6. Closure according to claim 1, characterised in that the detachable arrangement (6) comprises a melting body (61) which connects the cover (5) to the nozzle body (1), melts in the event of fire and detaches the cover (5) from the nozzle body (1).

7. Closure according to claim 1, characterised in that the detachable arrangement (6) comprises a fastening element (62) and an explosive (63) which is detonated in the event of fire and detaches the cover (5) from the nozzle body (1).

8. Closure according to claim 7, characterised in that the fastening element (62) is a special screw with a predetermined breaking point or an adhesive.

9. Closure according to claim 1, characterised in that the detachable arrangement (6) comprises a heat-sensitive and fragile glass vessel (64).

10. Closure according to claim 9, characterised in that the glass vessel (64) is arranged in the cover (5) substantially at right angles to the axis of the outlet channel (11).

11. Closure according to claim 10, characterised in that the detachable arrangement (6) comprises a latch (65) which is movable in the cover (5) between two positions: a closed position in which the front end of the latch (65) engages in a first recess (12) of the nozzle body (1) or rests against a first stop of the nozzle body (1), and an open position in which the front end of the latch (65) does not engage in the first recess (12) or does not rest against the first stop.

12. Closure according to claim 11, characterised in that the cover (5) comprises an actuating element (66) which acts on the latch (65) and on the cover (5) in such a way that the latch (65) is always pressed or pulled towards the open position, wherein the glass vessel (64) holds, in the standby position, the latch (65) in the closed position against the force of the actuating element (66).

13. Closure according to claim 6 or 7 or 9, characterised in that to actively trigger the nozzle, the heat-sensitive element is actively heated by means of a controlled electrical resistance or induction heating element.

14. Closure according to claim 13, characterised in that the active heating of the heat-sensitive element is controlled by an intelligent control system.

15. Closure according to claim 14, characterised in that the intelligent control system is connected to or can communicate with one or more fire sensors (14) and / or with an external control point from which the intelligent control system receives fire reports and / or instructions for triggering the extinguishing in the event of a fire.

16. Closure according to claim 1, characterised in that the heat-sensitive element is only triggered passively and a second heat-sensitive element is only triggered actively.