Pneumatic control unit for multi-zone fire extinguishing systems, as well as multi-zone fire extinguishing system with the same.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pneumatic control device for multi-zone fire extinguishing systems. The invention further relates to a multi-zone fire extinguishing system comprising a plurality of fire characteristic detectors, each arranged in a zone of an object to be monitored, a fire alarm and / or extinguishing control center connected to the fire characteristic detectors in a signal-conducting manner, a number of extinguishing agent containers, a piping network connected to the extinguishing agent containers for transporting the extinguishing agent, the piping network having a number of zone valves, and a control pressure source, in particular a compressed gas container. The invention further relates to a quantity control module and an electrical control valve module for a multi-zone fire extinguishing system.

[0002] US 2,023,569 A describes a state-of-the-art fire extinguishing system for fighting fires in multiple rooms. The extinguishing agent is supplied from a single source located remotely from the rooms to the rooms by means of so-called selector valves, each of which is located on a wall of a room. The selector valves can be operated manually or alternatively by means of explosive plugs.

[0003] Multi-zone fire extinguishing systems (hereinafter also referred to as fire extinguishing systems) of the type described above are generally known. They are used, particularly in larger objects to be monitored, to supply several areas, also referred to as sectors, with extinguishing agent when needed. In practice, the areas to be monitored by the fire extinguishing systems often vary in size, so that when firefighting becomes necessary, different quantities of extinguishing agent must be provided depending on the area. Since it is impractical to design a dedicated fire extinguishing system for each area, a central storage of the extinguishing agent is generally provided, from which the control and interconnection with the control pressure source is implemented individually for each area using many individual components.

[0004] A disadvantage is that numerous installation steps are required on-site for the multitude of components used, and a complex pneumatic installation must be carried out. This results in lengthy assembly and repair work, as well as limited flexibility with regard to the control of the extinguishing agent quantity. However, it may be necessary to change the system configuration, for example if circumstances in individual areas change with regard to the extinguishing agent requirements, in order to change the allocated extinguishing agent quantity for an area. A high level of expert knowledge is required for the assembly and maintenance of the known multi-zone fire extinguishing systems. Due to the complexity, there is also a certain probability of error during assembly and significant space requirements. The same applies to the control effort of the system.

[0005] Against this background, the invention was based on the objective of providing a way to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages as far as possible in a multi-zone fire extinguishing system. In particular, the objective was to reduce installation costs and simplify the flexibility with regard to the allocation of extinguishing quantities to the individual zones of the multi-zone fire extinguishing system.

[0006] The invention solves the underlying problem by specifying a control device according to claim 1. The invention proposes a pneumatic control device for multi-zone fire extinguishing systems, with a control pressure inlet for connection to a control pressure source, in particular a compressed gas container, a number of first control pressure outlets for connection to a corresponding number of extinguishing agent containers, a number of second control pressure outlets for connection to a corresponding number of zone valves, and several functional modules, comprising a quantity control module for assigning a selection of the first number of control pressure outlets to a selection of the second control pressure outlets, and an electrical control valve module that can be controlled externally for selectively enabling or blocking the second control pressure outlets, in particular for this purpose being connectable to a fire alarm and / or extinguishing control center in a signal-conducting manner, wherein the functional modules are operatively connected to one another,and wherein the quantity control module has a plurality of first flow paths between the control pressure inlet and the first control pressure outlets and has a shut-off element in each first flow path, which can selectively assume a blocking state in which the respective first flow path is closed, or a release state in which the respective first flow path is open.

[0007] The invention presents, for the first time, a control unit that groups the various functions for allocating and controlling the release of extinguishing agent to the various areas into compact modules. The modular design offers the advantage that the control unit according to the invention can be preassembled and, in its preassembled state—i.e., when the modules are operatively connected—represents a single component from an installation perspective, in which many control functions are integrated. This not only ensures a compact combination of the various functions of the functional modules, but also enables time- and cost-saving installation. Furthermore, compared to the prior art, only a few external control signals are required to operate the control unit.

[0008] If, according to the invention, reference is made to a compressed gas container, this preferably means a compressed gas container filled with carbon dioxide, compressed air or nitrogen.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the functional modules are combined to form a structural unit.

[0010] The invention is advantageously further developed in that the control valve module comprises an electronic control unit that is connected to the fire alarm and / or extinguishing control center via a corresponding interface. The electronic control unit is preferably housed in the control valve module. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be designed as a plug-in control module that is reversibly and detachably connected to the control valve module.

[0011] The functional modules of the control unit are preferably reversibly coupled to one another by means of at least one corresponding connector, in particular by means of a fluid-tight, fluid-conducting connection between the functional modules. Particularly preferably, the functional modules are designed to be pluggable. This enables extremely rapid and variably configurable prefabrication of the control unit for the respective application of the multi-zone fire extinguishing system.

[0012] Preferably, each shut-off element has a visual indicator that indicates the locked or released state. Particularly preferably, the shut-off element is designed as a plug-in element which, in particular in the manner of a quick-connector, can be inserted into a receiving socket of the quantity control module and can be locked in the quantity control module by means of a lock. Preferably, the shut-off element is designed such that, in a first orientation in the inserted state in the quantity control module, it defines the locked state, and in a second orientation in the inserted state in the quantity control module, it defines the released state. The shut-off element can, for example, be a non-return element mounted in a cylindrical sleeve.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment, the shut-off elements are designed as non-return elements that are inserted into a receiving bushing, with the first orientation of the non-return elements establishing the release position, and a second orientation establishing the blocking position. The receiving bushings are preferably formed in the distributor blocks.

[0014] In preferred embodiments, the first number of control pressure outlets comprises two or more outlets, and the second number of control pressure outlets also comprises two or more outlets.

[0015] In preferred embodiments, the shut-off elements are used in distribution blocks, wherein the distribution blocks are mounted adjacent to one another and have flow channels to the respective neighboring distribution blocks. The distribution blocks are preferably fluid-tight and reversibly detachably connected to one another, particularly preferably pluggable. The flow channels of neighboring distribution blocks are preferably each fluid-conductingly connected to one another and fluid-tight to the outside.

[0016] The distribution blocks are preferably designed such that each distribution block accommodates either two or three shut-off elements. By serially arranging several distribution blocks, any number of two or more flow channels can be combined on the control unit by selecting an appropriate number of blocks of two or three. At the same time, a very small number of parts can be used in production, which results in significant synergy effects in series production.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, the shut-off elements are arranged in a switching matrix with a first number of rows and a second number of columns. Preferably, the number of rows corresponds to the number of second control pressure outlets, while the number of columns corresponds to the number of first control pressure outlets.

[0018] Further preferably, the flow control module has flow channels for each row and also flow channels for each column. The (first) flow paths run between the control pressure inlet and the first outlets through these flow channels, and the shut-off elements are each arranged at an intersection between a row of flow channels and a column of flow channels to enable a transition from the respective rows to the respective columns in the release position and to block the transition in the blocking position.

[0019] In a second aspect, which is both an advantageous development of the first aspect and an independent subject matter, the invention relates to a control device for a multi-zone fire extinguishing system, with an electrical control valve module that can be connected in a signal-conducting manner to a fire alarm and / or extinguishing control center and can be controlled by means of the latter.

[0020] Preferably, the control valve module has the second control pressure outlets and a plurality of second flow paths between the control pressure inlet to the second control pressure outlets, wherein a control valve is provided for each of the second control pressure outlets, which control valve is arranged between the control pressure inlet and the second control pressure outlets and can be switched back and forth between a release position and a blocking position.

[0021] Preferably, the first and second flow paths run together in the control valve module up to the respective control valve and branch off from each other downstream of the control valve module.

[0022] Further preferably, the control valve module has a number of third flow paths and associated third control pressure outlets for connection to a corresponding number of alarm devices, in particular macrophones, wherein the third control pressure outlets branch off from the second flow path downstream of the control valves. The number of third control pressure outlets preferably corresponds to the number of second control pressure outlets, and thus to the number of areas to be monitored.

[0023] The control valve module preferably has a blocking element in each of the second flow paths downstream of the branch to the third control pressure outlets for individually blocking one, several or all of the second control pressure passages.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment, the control unit comprises an extinguishing agent release module as a further functional module, which is arranged adjacently downstream of the quantity control module and has a release valve for each first control pressure outlet, which release valve is preferably arranged upstream of the first control pressure outlets and can be switched back and forth between a release position and a blocking position. Adjacent arrangement is preferably understood to mean an immediately adjacent arrangement; in particular, the extinguishing agent release module is reversibly detachable and fluid-tightly connected to the control unit, particularly preferably by means of a plug connection.

[0025] In further preferred embodiments, the release valves of the control unit are pre-controlled by means of a delay valve, wherein the delay valve is preferably connectable by means of a fourth flow path by means of a control pressure supply, wherein further preferably the fourth flow path branches off from the first or second flow path.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, the control unit has a deployment / reserve switching module as a further functional module, which is preferably arranged downstream of the quantity control module, preferably adjacent downstream of the extinguishing agent release module, and is configured to fluidically connect the first outlets optionally to a number of deployment extinguishing agent containers or a number of reserve extinguishing agent containers. The connection is preferably made by means of a control pressure line. With regard to the deployment / reserve switching module, the adjacent arrangement is also preferably understood to mean a directly adjacent arrangement, in particular designed as a reversibly detachable, preferably plug-in connection, coupling that is fluid-tight to the outside.

[0027] The invention has been described above with reference to the control device according to the invention in several aspects. In a further aspect, however, the invention naturally also relates to multi-zone fire extinguishing systems of the type described above.

[0028] The invention achieves the underlying problem in a multi-zone fire extinguishing system of the type described above, in that the fire extinguishing system comprises a control unit that is signal-conductingly connected to the fire alarm and / or extinguishing control center and controlled by the latter, which control unit is designed according to one of the above-described preferred embodiments of the first or second aspect. The multi-zone fire extinguishing system utilizes the same advantages and preferred embodiments as the control unit according to the invention, which is why reference is made to the above explanations to avoid repetition.

[0029] In a further aspect, the invention relates to the quantity control module itself. In this regard, the invention proposes a quantity control module for a multi-zone fire extinguishing system, which is designed as a stand-alone device or alternatively is preferably configured to be operatively connected to one or more further functional modules to form a control unit according to one of the preferred embodiments described above, wherein the quantity control module is configured to assign a selection of a first number of control pressure outlets of the control unit to a selection of second control pressure outlets of the control unit, wherein the quantity control module has a plurality of (first) flow paths which, in the coupled state of the quantity control module on the control unit, are fluidically connected to the (first) control pressure outlets, and in each (first) flow path has a shut-off element which can optionally have a blocking state,in which the respective (first) flow path is closed, or can assume a release state in which the respective (first) flow path is open.

[0030] The quantity control module utilizes the same advantages and has the same preferred embodiments as the control unit and the multi-zone fire extinguishing system according to the aspects described above, so that reference is made to the above explanations to avoid repetition. Preferred embodiments of the control unit are also preferred embodiments of the quantity control module, and vice versa.

[0031] In a further aspect, the invention relates to the electrical control valve module itself. In this regard, the invention proposes an electrical control valve module for a multi-zone fire extinguishing system, which is designed as a stand-alone device or alternatively is preferably set up to be operatively connected to a pneumatic control device according to one of the preferred embodiments described above, wherein the control valve module is set up to be controlled externally to selectively release or block a number of second control pressure outlets of the control device, in particular to be connectable in a signal-conducting manner to a fire alarm and / or extinguishing control center, wherein the control valve module is preferably coupleable to a quantity control module of the control device.

[0032] The electric control valve module utilizes the same advantages and has the same preferred embodiments as the control unit and the multi-zone fire extinguishing system according to the aspects described above, so that reference is made to the above explanations to avoid repetition. Preferred embodiments of the control unit are also preferred embodiments of the electric control valve module, and vice versa.

[0033] In a further aspect, the invention proposes a method for installing a multi-zone fire extinguishing system, in particular according to one of the embodiments described above, comprising the steps: Providing a quantity control module, in particular according to one of the preferred embodiments described above, providing an electrical control valve module, in particular according to one of the preferred embodiments described above, operatively connecting the quantity control module and the electrical control valve module such that a control device is obtained, in particular according to one of the embodiments described above, and installing the control device thus formed in the multi-zone fire extinguishing system.

[0034] The method according to the invention particularly implements the above-described advantage of time and cost savings. The preferred embodiments of the aspects described above are also preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention, and vice versa, so that reference is made to the above statements to avoid repetition. The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the attached figures using a preferred embodiment. Herein: Fig. 1 a schematic flow diagram of a multi-zone fire extinguishing system according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic detailed view of a control unit according to Figure 1 , Fig. 3 a schematic flow diagram of the control unit according to Figure 2 , Fig. 4 a schematic spatial representation of the control unit for the control device according to the Figures 2 , 3, Fig. 5a,b different schematic spatial views of a control valve module for the control unit according to the Figures 2 to 4 , and Fig. 6 a schematic spatial representation of a distribution block for the control unit according to Figures 2 and 3 .

[0035] In Figure 1 A fire extinguishing system 100 is depicted, which is designed as a multi-zone fire extinguishing system. The fire extinguishing system 100 has a fire characteristic detector 101, which is connected in a signal-conducting manner to a fire alarm and / or extinguishing control center 103. The fire extinguishing system 100 further has a control pressure source 105, which is fluidly connected to a control unit 1 according to the invention. The control unit 1 is fluidly connected to the control pressure source 105 via a control pressure inlet 25. Furthermore, the control unit 1 has a number of first control pressure outlets 17 and a number of second control pressure outlets 19.

[0036] The first control pressure outlets 17 are each fluidly connected to a battery of extinguishing agent containers 107 or to pneumatically controllable valves on the extinguishing agent containers 107.

[0037] The second control pressure outlets 19 of the control unit 1 are each connected to a zone valve 111 in a signal-conducting manner. Each zone valve 111 is assigned to an area of ​​an object or building to be monitored by the multi-zone fire extinguishing system 100 and is controlled by the second control pressure outlets 19 of the control unit.

[0038] The extinguishing agent containers 107 are fluidly connected to the section valves 111 by means of a pipe network 109.

[0039] The fire extinguishing system further comprises a number of alarm means 113, which are also controlled by means of control pressure from the control unit 1 and are each assigned to one of the section valves 111.

[0040] If the fire characteristic detector 101 detects a fire in one of the areas affected by the zone valves 111, it sends a signal to the fire alarm and / or extinguishing control center 103, which in turn evaluates the signal from the fire characteristic detector 101. After evaluation, the fire alarm and / or extinguishing control center 103 controls the control unit 1 using an electrical signal. Control pressure is transmitted from the control pressure source 105 via the control unit 1 to a number of extinguishing agent containers 107 predefined on the control unit 1, whereupon these extinguishing agent containers open and release extinguishing agent via the piping network 109. In addition, one or more of the zone valves 111 are opened using the control pressure based on the presettings of the control unit, depending on the detection by the fire characteristic detector 101, in order to direct the extinguishing agent flowing into the piping network 109 to the corresponding area. Furthermore, thethe alarm means 113 associated with the section valves 111, for example macrophones, are triggered and preferably also supplied by control pressure from the control pressure source 105.

[0041] In Figure 1 Only one fire characteristic detector 101 is shown. Preferably, one or more fire characteristic detectors 101 are arranged in each of the zones of the multi-zone fire extinguishing system 100 and are connected to the fire alarm and / or extinguishing control center 103 in a signal-conducting manner.

[0042] The systematic structure of the control unit 1 is shown in Figure 2 shown in more detail. The control unit has a control valve module 7 as the first functional module, which has a plurality of control units 3 with a control valve housing 5. The second control pressure outlets 19 are formed on the control valve module 7 with a number n.

[0043] The control unit 1 further comprises a second functional module in the form of a quantity control module 9. The quantity control module 9 comprises a plurality of first distribution blocks 11 and second distribution blocks 13, wherein the distribution blocks 11, 13 each comprise a plurality of shut-off elements 15.

[0044] A total of m first control pressure outlets 17 are provided on the control unit 1, which are fluidly connected to the quantity control module 9. An extinguishing agent release module 21 and an operational / reserve switching module 23 are preferably interposed between the first control pressure outlets 17 and the quantity control module 9.

[0045] The functional modules 7, 9, 21, and 23 are preferably reversibly detachably coupled to the outside in a fluid-tight manner by means of plug-in connectors and are fastened to a base body 27 of the control unit 1. The distributor blocks 11, 13 within the quantity control module 9 are preferably positioned in a fluid-conducting manner relative to one another by means of fluid-conducting connecting pieces. The shut-off elements 15 are inserted into the valve blocks 11, 13 in the quantity control module 9, optionally in a shut-off position or a release position. In a release position, a fluid-conducting connection is established between the first control pressure outlets 17 and the second control pressure outlets 19, while in the shut-off position, such a fluid passage is prevented. The mxn matrix of shut-off elements 15 in the distributor blocks 11, 13 enables any assignment between the first control pressure outlets 17 and the second control pressure outlets 19.For each first control pressure outlet 17, one or more second control pressure outlets 19 can be assigned, and vice versa. This becomes even clearer in the following figures.

[0046] While Figure 2 schematically shows the structural design of the control unit 1, is shown in Figure 3 a schematic flow diagram through the control unit 1 is shown.

[0047] In the illustrated switching position, the deployment / reserve switching module 23 is switched such that the extinguishing agent containers 107 are connected to the control unit 1 via the first control pressure outlets 17. By switching, it would be possible to fluidly connect a reserve instead of the extinguishing agent containers 107 to the first control pressure outlets 17.

[0048] The extinguishing agent release module 21 has a release valve 22 for each of the first control pressure outlets 17, which is controlled by the control pressure from the control pressure source 105, preferably after a delay by a delay valve 42.

[0049] On the side of the first control pressure outlets 19, Figure 3 The interior of the control valve module 7 is also shown in more detail. The control valve module 7 has a first flow path 29 for each second control pressure outlet 19 between the quantity control module 9 and the second control pressure outlets 19. The first flow path 29 is configured to transfer gas subjected to control pressure toward the quantity control module 9 and toward the first control pressure outlets 17.

[0050] The control valve module 7 further comprises a plurality of second flow paths 31 formed between the control pressure inlet 25 and the second control pressure outlets 19. For each of the second control pressure outlets 19, a control valve 33 is arranged in the second flow path 31. This control valve 33 enables fluid transport between the control pressure inlet 25 and the second control pressure outlets 19 in a release position and prevents fluid transport in a blocking position. The first and second flow paths 29, 31 extend together up to the respective control valve 33 and are designed to branch off from one another downstream of the second control valve 33.

[0051] The control valve module 7 further comprises a blocking element 37 for each of the second control pressure outlets 19, which can be switched back and forth between a release position (not shown) and a blocking position (shown). By closing the blocking elements 37, the opening of the section valves 111 by the control pressure from the control pressure source 105 can be prevented. This allows the alarm devices 113 to be triggered for testing purposes, thus enabling a functional test of those alarm devices and a verification of the correct allocation of the extinguishing agent quantities.

[0052] The alarm means 113 are preferably connected to the control unit 1 via a third control pressure outlet 35, which is supplied with control pressure from a third flow path 34. The third flow path 34 preferably branches off from the second flow path 31 downstream of the control valve 33.

[0053] The first control valve module 7 has a fourth flow path 41, which is fluidly connected to the first flow paths 29 downstream of the control valves 33 by means of a plurality of check valves 39. The check valves 39 prevent unwanted backflow. Control pressure is transported to the extinguishing agent release module 21 via the fourth flow path 41.

[0054] From the extinguishing agent release module 21, several flow channel columns, one for each first control pressure outlet 17, extend through the quantity control module 9 in the form of flow channels 45. The flow channels 45 arranged in columns open into the shut-off elements 15, from where they can be fluidly connected to flow channels 43 arranged in rows, depending on whether the respective shut-off element 15 is arranged in a blocking position (15b) or in a release position (15a).

[0055] The flow channels 43 arranged in rows begin in the first flow paths 29. If the extinguishing agent release module 21 for the flow channels 45 arranged in columns has been switched to the release position, control pressure (vertical relative to the alignment according to Figure 3) flow through the quantity control module 9. If the gas subjected to control pressure encounters a shut-off element 15b in the shut-off position, it cannot pass into one of the linearly arranged flow channels 43. However, the gas can enter any linearly arranged flow channel 43 in which a shut-off element is arranged in the release position 15a. Generally, only one row 43 is pressurized. However, it is entirely possible to pressurize several rows. Thus, any extinguishing agent containers 107 can be controlled by means of the first control pressure outlets 17, and one or more section valves 111 can be controlled by means of the first control pressure outlets 19.

[0056] The number m in the quantity control module 9 can be flexibly adapted to the number of extinguishing agent containers 107 to be stored, while the number n in the quantity control module 9 can be arbitrarily adapted to the number of section valves 111 to be controlled.

[0057] In Figure 4 The schematic structure of a control unit 3 of the control valve module 7 is shown. The control unit 3 has a connection screw 47, through which one or more signal cables are connected. The signal cables are connected via a connection board 49 in the control unit 3. The essential signal processing is implemented on a sensor board 51. The sensor board 51 is connected to a coil 57, which is also housed in a housing 59 of the control unit 3. To protect the parts from damage, the control unit 3 has a cover plate 63 for the connection board 49, as well as another cover plate 65 for the coil 59 and the sensor board 51.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 3 has a switching shaft 53 and an adapter shaft 55 for the blocking element 37.

[0059] The control unit 3 is configured to perform the following functions: The control unit 3 is configured to activate the coil 57, and / or to monitor the correct seating of the control unit 3 on the control device 1, and / or to monitor the "operation" position of the blocking element 37 at the respective control pressure outlet, and / or to monitor the "blocked" position of the blocking element 37.

[0060] The control unit 3 interacts with the blocking element 37 such that the switching shaft 53 is mechanically actuated via the control unit 3. Preferably, an optical indicator is provided on the housing 59 of the control unit, by means of which the position of the switching shaft 53 can be read. Optionally, this can be implemented in the form of an electrical display in conjunction with a miniature switch on the circuit board.

[0061] Via the coil 57, the control unit 3 interacts with a servo nozzle 77 of the control valve module 7 according to the Figures 5a , btogether.

[0062] In Figure 5a , bThe control valve housing 5 of the control valve module 7 is shown in a transparent representation. The control valve 33 is housed within the control valve housing, the function of which is controlled by the coil 57 of the control unit 3. The control unit 3 is connected to the servo nozzle 77 by means of a sealing seat 73 and a plug 75, and the control valve 33 is housed in a housing 5 and closed by a housing cover 79. By actuating the coil 57, the plug 75 is pulled away from the servo nozzle 77, and the control gas reaches the control piston 81 via pressure channels. This presses the control piston rod 83 onto a sealing ball 69 and pushes it away from the seal 85. Also housed inside the control valve housing 5 is a control ball 87, which can be moved back and forth between a release position and a blocking position by means of a control ball switching shaft 88.The control ball is preferably controlled by means of the adapter shaft 55 of the blocking element. Based on the . Figures 5a , b The functionality of the control valve module is explained below.

[0063] When control pressure is applied to the control valve module 7 (arrow a), it initially contacts a sealing ball 69 inside the control valve 33. Simultaneously, the pressurized control gas is supplied to the other control units 3 of the control valve module 7 via a flow channel (in the direction of arrow n) ( Figure 5b ). Additionally, the pressurized control gas is also supplied to the servo nozzle 77.

[0064] When the coil of control unit 3 is activated, plug 75 is moved against seal seat 73 and opens a control channel (arrow e) via servo nozzle 77. The pressurized control gas now flows to control piston 81 (arrow f), which acts on control piston rod 83, pushing back sealing ball 69 and opening an inlet channel (in the direction of arrow b). Control gas can then flow via this control channel (arrow j) to the respective alarm devices 113 or via blocking element 37 in the direction of the second control pressure outlets 19 to the section valves 111 (arrows g, h, i). If flooding of the section valves 111 via the second control pressure outlets 19 is to be prevented, control ball actuating shaft 88 is actuated to move control ball 87 into a blocking position.

[0065] In addition, control gas flows (in the direction of arrow m) into the quantity control module 9 and from there to the extinguishing agent release module 21 depending on the position of the shut-off elements 15.

[0066] In addition, the check valve 39 is pressurized with control pressure. The check valve 39 is held in place by a clamping nut 93. The fluid movement past the check valve 39 is indicated by the arrows k,L.

[0067] The basic functionality of the quantity control module 9 is illustrated using a distribution block in Figure 6 Control pressure flows into the distribution block (in the direction of arrow a) from the control valve module 7. The Figure 6The shut-off element 15 shown on the left is in the release position 15a, which is visible from the outside by an optical indicator 90a. Control pressure can therefore enter the column-shaped flow channel 94 (in the direction of arrows c, h). At the same time, the control gas flows through the row-shaped flow channel 96 to the next shut-off element, which, however, is arranged in the blocking position 15b, optionally indicated by a second optical indicator 90b. Therefore, fluid flow in the direction of arrows d, g is not possible. The control gas exits the housing 97 of the distribution block (in the direction of arrow b) to the next distribution block.

[0068] The shut-off elements 15a,b are held in the assembly position by a lock ring 99. Changing from the locked position to the released position is easily achieved by removing the lock ring 99 and reinserting the shut-off elements in positions 15a,b in reverse. The receiving bushing 92, which holds the shut-off elements 15, allows insertion in both orientations. List of reference symbols

[0069] 1 Control unit 3 Control unit 5 Control valve housing 7 Control valve module 9 Flow control module 11 Distribution block (first) 13 Distribution block (second) 15 Shut-off element 15a Shut-off element, release position 15b Shut-off element, blocking position 17 Control pressure outlet (first) 19 Control pressure outlet (second) 21 Extinguishing agent release module 22 Release valve 23 Use / standby switchover module 25 Control pressure inlet 27 Base body 29 Flow path (first) 31 Flow path (second) 33 Control valve 34 Flow path (third) 35 Control pressure outlet (third) 37 Blocking element 39 Check valve 41 Flow path (fourth) 42 Delay valve 43 Flow channel row 45Flow channel gap 47Connection screw connection 49Connection board 51Sensor board 53Switching shaft (blocking valve) 55Adapter shaft (blocking valve) 57Coil 59Housing 61Hexagon nut 63Cover plate (board) 65Cover plate (sensor,Coil) 69Sealing ball 71Spacer sleeve 73Seal seat 75Plug 77Servo nozzle 79Control housing cover 81Control piston 83Control piston rod 85Seal 87Control ball 88Control ball switching shaft 89Sealing bolt 90a,bOptical indicator 91Valve sleeve 92Holding bush 93Clamping nut 94Flow channel gap 95Plug 96Flow channel row 97Housing (distribution block) 99Lock ring 100Multi-zone fire extinguishing system 101Fire characteristic detector 103Fire alarm and / or extinguishing control panel 105Control pressure source 107Extinguishing agent container 109Pipe network 111Zone valve 113Alarm means mNumber of first control pressure outlets nNumber of second control pressure outlets,

Claims

1. A pneumatic control device (1) for multi-zone fire extinguishing installations, comprising a control pressure access (25) for connection to a control pressure source (105), in particular a pressurised gas container, a number (m) of first control pressure discharges (17) for connection to a corresponding number of extinguishing agent containers (107), a number (n) of second control pressure discharges (19) for connection to a corresponding number of zone valves (111), and a plurality of function modules (7, 9) including - a quantity control module (9) for the association of a selection of the first number of control pressure discharges (17) with a selection of the second control pressure discharges (19), and - an electrical control valve module (7) which is controllable from the exterior for selectively opening or closing the second control pressure accesses (19) and which can be connected in particular in relation thereto in signal-conducting relationship to a fire alarm and / or extinguishing control station (103), wherein the function modules (7, 9) are operatively connected together, and wherein the quantity control module (9) has a plurality of first flow paths (29) between the control pressure access (25) and the first control pressure discharges (17) and in each first flow path (29) has a shut-off element (15) which can selectively adopt a closed state in which the respective first flow path (29) is closed or an open state in which the respective first flow path (29) is opened.

2. A control device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the function modules are assembled to form a unit.

3. A control device as set forth in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each shut-off element (15) has an optical indicator (90a, b) which displays the closed and / or open state (15b, 15a).

4. A control device as set forth in one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of first control pressure discharges (17) includes two or more discharges and the number of second control pressure discharges (19) includes two or more discharges.

5. A control device as set forth in one of claims 3 through 4, wherein the shut-off elements (15) are fitted in distributor blocks (11, 13) wherein the distributor blocks (11, 13) are mounted in mutually adjoining relationship and have flow passages (94, 96) to the respectively adjacent distributor blocks (11, 13), wherein preferably each distributor block (11, 13) accommodates either two or three shut-off elements (15).

6. A control device as set forth in one of claims 3 through 5, wherein the shut-off elements (15) are arranged in a switching matrix having (n) rows and (m) columns, wherein preferably the quantity control module (9) for each row has flow passages (96) and for each column flow passages (94), wherein preferably the first flow paths (29) pass between the control pressure access (25) and the first discharges (17) through said flow passages (94, 96), and preferably the shut-off elements (15) are respectively arranged at an interface between a row having a flow passage (96) and a column having a flow passage (94) in order in the open position to enable a transfer from the row into the column and in the closed position to block the transfer.

7. A control device as set forth in one of the preceding claims, wherein the shut-off elements (15) are in the form of non-return valves (39) which are fitted into a receiving socket (92), wherein a first orientation (15a) of non-return elements (15) produces the open position and a second orientation (15b) produces the closed position.

8. A control device as set forth in one of the preceding claims, wherein the control valve module (7) has the second control pressure discharges (19), a plurality of second flow paths (31) between the control pressure access (25) and the second control pressure discharges (19) and for each of the second control pressure discharges (19) a control valve (33) which is arranged between the control pressure access (25) and the second control pressure discharges (19) and is reciprocatingly switchable between an open position and a closed position, wherein preferably the first and second control paths (29, 31) extend jointly to the respective control valve (33) in the control valve module (7) and branch from each other downstream thereof.

9. A control device as set forth in claim 8, wherein the control valve module (7) has a number of third flow paths (34) and connected thereto third control pressure discharges (35) for connection to a corresponding number of alarm means (113), in particular Makrofons, and wherein the third control pressure discharges (35) branch from the second flow path (31) downstream of the control valves (33).

10. A control device as set forth in claim 8 or 9, wherein the control valve module (7) in each of the second flow paths (31) downstream of the branching to the third flow paths (34) has a blocking element (37) for selectively shutting off one, more or all of the second control pressure discharges (19).

11. A control device as set forth in one of the preceding claims comprising a fire extinguishing release module (21) as a further function module, which is arranged in adjoining relationship downstream of the quantity control module (9), and for each first control pressure discharge (17) has a release valve (22) which is preferably arranged upstream at the first control pressure discharges (17) and is reciprocatingly switchable between an open position and a closed position, wherein preferably the release valves (22) are pilot-controlled by means of a delay valve (42), wherein the delay valve can preferably be connected to a control pressure supply by means of a fourth flow path (41), wherein further preferably the fourth flow path (41) branches from the first or second flow path (29, 31).

12. A control device as set forth in one of the preceding claims comprising a service / reserve switching module (23) as a further function module, which is arranged preferably downstream at the quantity control valve, preferably in adjoining relationship downstream of the extinguishing agent release module (21), and is adapted to fluid-conductingly connect the first control pressure discharges (17) selectively to a number of service extinguishing agent containers (107) or a number of reserve extinguishing agent containers.

13. A multi-zone fire extinguishing installation (100) comprising a plurality of fire identification detectors (101) which are respectively arranged in a region of an object to be monitored, a fire alarm and / or extinguishing control station (103) connected in signal-conducting relationship to the fire identifier detectors (101), a number of extinguishing agent containers (107), a piping network (109) connected to the extinguishing agent containers (107) for transporting the extinguishing agent, wherein the piping network (109) has a number of zone valves (111), and a control pressure source (105), in particular a pressurised gas container, and characterised by a control device (1) which is in accordance with one of the preceding claims and is connected to the fire alarm and / or extinguishing control station (103) in signal-conducting relationship and is controlled thereby.

14. A quantity control module (9) for a multi-zone fire extinguishing installation (100) which is adapted to be operatively connected to one or more further function modules to give a control device (1) as set forth in one of the claims 1 through 12, wherein the quantity control module (9) - is adapted to associate a selection of a first number of control pressure discharges (17) of the control device (1) with a selection of second control pressure discharges (19) of the control device (1), wherein the quantity control module (9) - has a plurality of first flow paths (29) which in the coupled state of the quantity control module (9) to the control device are fluid-conductingly connected to the first control pressure discharges (17), and - in each first flow path (29) it has a shut-off element (15) which can selectively assume a closed state in which the respective first flow path (29) is closed or an open state in which the respective first flow path (29) is opened.

15. An electrical control valve module (7) for a multi-zone fire extinguishing installation (100), that is adapted to be operatively connected to one or more further function modules to provide a pneumatic control device (1) as set forth in one of claims 1 through 12, wherein the control valve module (7) - is adapted to be controlled from the exterior for selectively opening or closing a number of second control pressure discharges (19) of the control device (1), and can be connected in particular in signal-conducting relationship in relation thereto to a fire alarm and / or extinguishing control station (103), wherein the control valve module (7) is coupled to a quantity control module (9) of the control device as set forth in claim 14.

16. A method of installing a multi-zone fire extinguishing installation (100), in particular as set forth in claim 13, including the steps: - providing a quantity control module (9), in particular as set forth in claim 14, - providing an electrical control valve module (7), in particular as set forth in claim 15, - operatively connecting the quantity control module (9) and the electrical control valve module (7) to provide a control device (1) as set forth in one of claims 1 through 12, and - installing the control device (1) in the multi-zone fire extinguishing installation (100).