THERMAL RELEASE DEVICE FOR SELF-CLOSING OF A FIRE DAMPER BASED ON A TRIGGER SIGNAL OR NON-TRACGER SIGNAL

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a thermal release device for triggering the automatic closing of a fire damper in an air duct. The thermal release device is designed for attachment to the air duct. It is also connectable or connected via a connecting cable comprising at least a first and second (electrical) line or wire to an actuator for closing the fire damper when a predeterminable duct air temperature limit is exceeded inside the air duct.

[0002] Such an air duct is intended, for example, for air conditioning a building or for smoke extraction in the event of a fire. The duct air temperature limit is typically within a temperature range of 65°C to 120°C, preferably within a range of 72°C to 95°C. Such an actuator is also referred to as a fire damper actuator.

[0003] Known thermal tripping devices are designed to interrupt a power supply line of the actuator that is looped through the thermal tripping device. The looped power supply line functions as a safety loop. Therefore, in the simplest case, the power supply to the actuator is interrupted by the tripping device.

[0004] Such a thermal release device is known from European patent application EP 3 104 518 A1 (see paragraph

[0050] ) or from international patent application WO 2010 / 099630 A1 (see paragraph on page 11).

[0005] From the applicant's subsequently published European patent application EP 3 782 704 A1, a thermal triggering device for triggering the automatic closing of a fire damper in an air duct by means of an actuator is known. In the simplest case, the actuator's power supply is interrupted by the triggering device. The triggering device is designed for attachment to the air duct. It is also configured to interrupt a trigger line of the actuator that is looped through the triggering device.The triggering device comprises an electronic control unit, a first temperature sensor connected thereto for detecting a duct air temperature value inside the air duct, a second temperature sensor connected thereto for detecting an ambient air temperature value outside the air duct, and an electrically controllable switching element connected downstream of the control unit for interrupting the power supply to the actuator if the duct air temperature limit or a predeterminable ambient air temperature limit is exceeded. According to the invention therein, the triggering device has a housing and a circuit carrier at least partially accommodated therein. The first and second temperature sensors are arranged on a first and second circuit carrier section. When properly mounted, the first temperature sensor is arranged inside the air duct and the second temperature sensor is arranged outside the air duct.

[0006] Fire damper actuators according to EN 15650 require a thermal release device that triggers the closure of the fire damper when temperatures rise, typically in the event of a fire, in the air duct or outside the air duct. Such a thermal release device is tested according to EN 10294-4 and, in the future, according to the international standard ISO 21925-1, Annex B, C, and D. A thermal fuse, either a fusible link or a bimetal, is typically used for this purpose, which interrupts the power supply to the actuator when temperatures rise. Consequently, the power supply for the actuator is routed via the known thermal release devices (see also FIG. 1 The actuator then automatically moves the fire damper into the safe closed position, e.g. using mechanical energy stored in the actuator (spring energy storage) or using stored electrical energy (capacitor, accumulator).

[0007] The known thermal release devices have the following disadvantages: A thermal release device implemented as a fuse, a so-called thermal fuse, has the property of interrupting the power supply to the actuator at a predetermined temperature limit. Such a thermal fuse is non-resettable. Typically, two such thermal fuses are connected in series, with the first thermal fuse located inside the air duct and the second thermal fuse located outside the air duct. If one of the thermal fuses reaches its respective temperature limit, the power supply to the actuator is interrupted, or in other words, the safety loop is opened.

[0008] A further disadvantage is that thermal fuses with different tripping limit temperatures must be provided for different applications and / or national standards. Another disadvantage is that thermal fuses can trip during transport or storage when the limit temperature is reached. The manufacturer often specifies a limit for the fuse's storage temperature in the data sheet.

[0009] In addition, if a thermal release device is designed as a fuse, production in SMD design is not possible, since the fuse would melt during soldering or during the soldering process (reflow soldering process, wave soldering process).

[0010] If a thermal tripping device has a manually resettable switch based on a bimetal, such a tripping device is manually resettable.

[0011] However, these tripping devices can also trip during transport or storage when the limit temperature is reached. Furthermore, such tripping devices are mechanically complex, extremely bulky, and expensive as components. Bimetal-based tripping devices can also trip during the soldering process. In this case, manual resetting may even be necessary during production.

[0012] Based on the prior art mentioned at the outset, it is an object of the invention to provide a more robust thermal release device.

[0013] Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a thermal release device that can be used more flexibly.

[0014] The object of the invention is achieved by the features of the main claim. Advantageous embodiments are recited in the dependent claims.

[0015] According to the invention, the thermal release device comprises an electronic control unit and a first temperature sensor connected to the control unit for continuously detecting a duct air temperature value inside the air duct. The control unit has a first serial data interface. Alternatively, the thermal release device has a serial data interface connected to the control unit. The first serial data interface can be connected to an interface line as the third line of the connecting cable.

[0016] The control unit is configured to output a trigger signal at the first serial data interface if the duct air temperature value exceeds the duct air temperature limit. Alternatively, the control unit is configured to stop outputting a non-trigger signal at the first serial data interface if the duct air temperature value exceeds the duct air temperature limit.

[0017] The control unit is connected to a second temperature sensor for continuously detecting an ambient air temperature value outside the air duct. Alternatively, the control unit may have such a second temperature sensor. The control unit is configured to output the trigger signal at the first serial data interface or to stop the output of the non-trigger signal at the first serial data interface if the ambient air temperature value exceeds a predeterminable ambient air temperature limit.

[0018] The thermal release device comprises a housing and a circuit carrier arranged within the housing. The housing has a sensor opening for leading a first section of the circuit carrier out of the housing. The first temperature sensor is arranged outside the housing on the first circuit carrier section, and the second temperature sensor is arranged inside the housing on a second circuit carrier section. When the thermal release device is properly attached to the air duct, the first temperature sensor is arranged inside the air duct and the second temperature sensor is arranged outside the air duct.

[0019] The particular advantage of the invention is that a simple connecting cable can be used to connect the thermal release device to the actuator. In the simplest case, the connecting cable is an interface cable, in particular a serial interface cable, such as a USB or RS232 cable. Such an interface cable comprises at least two (signal) lines with a small cross-section, in particular a first line for a reference potential (ground), a second line for a supply voltage, and optionally a (signal) line as a third line for transmitting the release signal or the non-release signal at the first interface.

[0020] The "electronics" of the thermal tripping device according to the invention are supplied via the reference potential and supply voltage lines. The aforementioned lines are therefore signal lines. The supply voltage is preferably a (constant) direct voltage. Relative to the reference potential, it has voltage values ​​in the range of 3 V to 24 V, preferably 3.3 V or 5 V. In particular, the cable cross-section is designed for a maximum continuous current carrying capacity of 250 mA, preferably 100 mA. The length of such a connecting cable is in particular in the range of 1 m to 5 m. The connecting cable can also be unshielded.

[0021] In comparison, conventional solutions require a specially shielded, expensive connection cable, whose wires must be designed with the permissible current loads for both the forward current and the return current via the safety loop. Since the motor current for the actuator's operation is carried via the forward and return current wires, they have a cable cross-section for a maximum current carrying capacity of 0.5 A to 2 A.

[0022] The complex shielding, along with the corresponding ground or earth fault detection, is disadvantageously necessary to detect a possible melting of the forward and return conductors in the event of a fire. Otherwise, the safety loop would not be interrupted by such a short circuit. The fire damper would then fatally remain open.

[0023] A further advantage of the invention is that by transmitting a suitable, i.e., sufficiently secure or sufficiently non-tamperable, trigger signal from the thermal triggering device via the connecting cable to the actuator, a reliable triggering of the automatic closing of the fire damper by the actuator is possible. In particular, the control unit is configured to output the trigger signal repeatedly, preferably cyclically, at the first interface, for example, with a repetition frequency in a range of 0.1 Hz to 1 kHz, preferably in a range of 1 Hz to 100 Hz.

[0024] If, however, the control unit is configured to stop the output of a non-tripping signal at the first interface when the duct air temperature exceeds the limit value, this allows for a very reliable triggering of the automatic closing of the fire damper by the actuator based on the deadman's principle. Thus, any failure of the non-tripping signal, such as a stoppage of the output by the control unit, unplugging or cutting the connecting cable, or burning or melting the connecting cable in the event of a fire, will reliably trigger the automatic closing of the fire damper.

[0025] In particular, the control unit is configured to output the non-triggering signal repeatedly, preferably cyclically, at the first interface, such as with a repetition frequency in a range of 0.1 Hz to 1 kHz, preferably in a range of 1 Hz to 100 Hz.

[0026] The trigger signal as well as the non-trigger signal can be, for example, a sine or square wave signal with a predetermined frequency or a constant voltage level with a predetermined voltage value applied to the first interface. If the first interface is a data interface, in particular a serial data interface, the trigger signal and the non-trigger signal can be a sufficiently secure or sufficiently non-manipulable data signal. Such a data signal can comprise a predetermined sequence of data bits, such as 8 data bits such as "10011101" or 16 data bits such as "1001000101011100". Alternatively, the data signal can comprise a deterministically changing sequence of data bits. The serial data interface can be a UART / RS232 or USB data interface.

[0027] The first temperature sensor is, in particular, a thermistor, i.e., a temperature-dependent electrical resistor. Such a thermistor preferably comprises a so-called PT100, PT500, or PT1000 platinum measuring resistor. The aforementioned platinum measuring resistors advantageously exhibit a temperature-dependent, linear resistance curve. Alternatively, the thermistor can be a so-called NTC (for Negative Temperature Coefficient) or a PTC (for Positive Temperature Coefficient).

[0028] The first temperature sensor is therefore not a temperature switch, as is the case with thermal fuses or bimetallic switches in the prior art. Rather, it is designed to provide an electrical resistance value associated with the detected temperature. Alternatively, the temperature sensor can be a digital temperature sensor that outputs a digital value associated with the detected temperature as an electrical signal.

[0029] The control unit is preferably a microcontroller. Such a microcontroller is a processor-supported electronic processing unit. Suitable program steps are or can be loaded onto the microcontroller and are executable by the microcontroller or its processor. The microcontroller has a preferably non-volatile electronic memory, such as a flash memory, in which the executable program routines are stored. In addition to the electronic memory, the processor, and RAM, the microcontroller typically has at least one of the following integrated hardware functional units: analog / digital converter, digital / analog converter, digital input / output unit, serial bus interface, timer, signal processor, watchdog, and temperature sensor.

[0030] Compared to the state of the art, this offers the advantage that the duct air temperature limit, i.e., the trigger temperature, can be variably adjusted. The duct air temperature limit can be stored in the electronic control unit, for example, as a data byte. This allows the same hardware to be configured for different applications, thus reducing the number of variants.

[0031] A further advantage lies in the resetability of the triggering device according to the invention compared to the irreversible thermal fuses of the prior art.

[0032] Compared to bulky bimetallic switches, the space required by the inventive tripping device is minimized. Resetting can be accomplished, for example, using a small button or microswitch.

[0033] In addition, the thermal release device advantageously prevents accidental activation during storage and transport. An automated, cost-effective soldering process can also be used to manufacture the release device.

[0034] In particular, according to a further embodiment, the control unit can be configured to output the trigger signal at the first interface or to stop the output of the non-trigger signal at the first interface if a temperature rise rate of the respective detected temperature value exceeds an associated predeterminable minimum temperature rise rate in the range of 10° / min, in particular of 20° / min.

[0035] By evaluating the respective temporal temperature rise, faster activation is possible, as it can then be anticipated that the duct air temperature limit or the ambient air temperature limit will soon be exceeded. This allows for a forecast of the subsequent temperature trend and early activation in the event of a sharp rise in temperature in the event of a fire.

[0036] The housing is preferably made of a temperature-resistant plastic, i.e., a plastic that is mechanically stable at temperatures up to 150°C. The circuit carrier is preferably a printed circuit board, such as a printed circuit board made of FR4 material.

[0037] By removing the first temperature sensor from the housing, a particularly simple design of the triggering device is possible. At the same time, a rapid response of the first temperature sensor to temperature changes in the air duct is ensured.

[0038] In particular, the housing encloses the circuit carrier essentially flatly, with a maximum housing depth of 4 cm, in particular 2.5 cm. This results in an extremely compact design of the triggering device according to the invention. In particular, the housing hermetically encloses the circuit carrier. The corresponding openings in the housing for the electrical connection of the trigger line, for leading out the section with the first temperature sensor, and for the manually operable switch are preferably sealed or closed to prevent dust and moisture from entering. The sensor opening can be closed, in particular, with a thermally conductive adhesive. Alternatively or additionally, the temperature sensor can be encapsulated in a thermally conductive cap.

[0039] In particular, two external, opposing snap elements are arranged or molded onto the housing of the thermal release device. The snap elements are designed such that, when the thermal release device is inserted into a geometrically coordinated slot-shaped opening in the air duct, they engage with the slot-shaped opening. This enables a particularly simple and, at the same time, mechanically stable attachment of the release device according to the invention to the air duct, i.e., to a wall of the air duct.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the electronic control unit is a microcontroller, which, when the triggering device is properly mounted on the air duct, is located on a section of the circuit board outside the air duct. The second temperature sensor is integrated into the microcontroller, preferably on the microcontroller's die. The microcontroller is programmed to continuously record an ambient air temperature value.

[0041] The particular advantage here is that a separate temperature sensor as a component is dispensed with. This simplifies the circuit design of the triggering device according to the invention. In particular, the microcontroller has a chip housing, preferably a plastic or ceramic housing. The chip housing is connected to the housing of the thermal triggering device in a heat-conducting manner, in particular by means of a contact-type heat-conducting connection. The chip housing can, for example, be directly adjacent to the housing of the triggering device. For improved heat transfer, a thermally conductive paste can be introduced between the chip housing and the housing of the triggering device, analogous to the improved heat dissipation with a heat sink.

[0042] According to a further embodiment, the triggering device has a manually operable switch, in particular a push-button, that is electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit is configured to stop the preferably repeated output of the triggering signal at the first interface when the thermal triggering device is in the triggered state and after actuation of the switch, or to preferably repeatedly output the non-triggering signal at the first interface. The binary switching state of the switch can then be read by means of the control unit. The switch can be manually operated by a user, for example, from the outside of the housing of the thermal triggering device. This makes it particularly easy to reset the thermal triggering device.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to output the trigger signal, preferably repeatedly, at the first interface in the non-triggered state of the thermal triggering device and after actuation of the switch, for (test-based) triggering of the automatic closing of the actuator or to stop the preferably repeated output of the non-triggering signal at the first interface.

[0044] Finally, the control unit can additionally be configured to stop the preferably repeated output of the trigger signal at the first interface after a further actuation of the switch or to resume the preferably repeated output of the non-trigger signal at the first interface.

[0045] This makes it easy to test the thermal release device for its functionality.

[0046] According to a further embodiment, the triggering device has an optical display element, in particular an LED. The optical display element can be controlled at least indirectly by the control unit. The control unit is configured or programmed to control the optical display element to illuminate continuously or flash when the thermal triggering device is triggered. Alternatively, the control unit can be configured to control the optical display element to illuminate continuously when the thermal triggering device is not triggered. This enables a direct status output to the thermal triggering device.

[0047] According to a further embodiment, the control unit is configured to output a current duct air temperature value and / or current ambient air temperature value and / or optionally the switching state of the switch connected to the control unit as data at the first interface or data interface.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to receive data present at the first interface or the first data interface and originating from a second interface or a second data interface of the actuator, wherein the data comprises an updated duct air temperature limit value and / or an updated ambient air temperature limit value and / or updated minimum temperature rise rates and / or, if appropriate, a lighting state to be output to the optical display element by means of the control unit. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to replace the duct air temperature limit value and / or ambient air temperature limit value and / or the minimum temperature rise rates stored in the control unit with the updated duct air temperature limit value and / or with the updated ambient air temperature limit value and / or with the updated minimum temperature rise rates.

[0049] The first conductor can also be the shielding of the connecting cable itself. The connecting cable can therefore also be a coaxial cable.

[0050] The object of the invention is further achieved by an arrangement comprising an actuator configured for automatically closing a fire damper in an air duct and a thermal release device according to the invention. The actuator is connected to the thermal release device via a connecting cable. The actuator further comprises a control device and a downstream motor driver for an electric motor of the actuator. The control device of the actuator is configured to output control commands to the motor driver at least for opening and automatically closing the fire damper connected to the actuator. The electronic control device has a second interface or is connected to such an interface.In addition, the electronic control device is configured to output control commands to the motor driver for automatically closing the fire damper connected to the actuator upon receipt of a trigger signal at the second interface or in the absence of a non-trigger signal at the second interface.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the arrangement, the first and second interfaces each comprise a mutually compatible data interface, in particular a serial data interface, preferably a UART / RS232 or USB data interface.

[0052] Finally, according to a further embodiment, the actuator has a return spring for automatically closing the connected fire damper when the thermal release device is triggered. The control device of the actuator is configured to receive the trigger signal or the non-trigger signal and to disconnect the power supply of the motor driver, i.e., the current or voltage supply of the motor driver, upon receipt of the trigger signal or in the absence of the non-trigger signal.

[0053] The above-described properties, features, and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more readily understood in connection with the following description of the embodiments, which are explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. Herein, in schematic representation: FIG 1 schematically shows the structure of a thermal release device with two series-connected thermal fuses according to the prior art for interrupting the power supply of an actuator, FIG 2 schematically shows the structure of an exemplary thermal release device with an electronic control unit and with two temperature sensors as well as an arrangement according to the invention, FIG 3 an embodiment of the exemplary thermal release device with a data transmission option between the release device and the actuator according to the invention, FIG 4 a sectional view through an exemplary thermal release device according to the invention transverse to the flow direction in an air duct, and FIG 5 a sectional view through the thermal release device according to FIG 4 along the FIG 4 registered viewing direction V.

[0054] FIG 1 shows schematically the structure of a thermal release device with the structure of a known thermal release device 10 with two series-connected thermal fuses 6, 7 for interrupting the power supply of an actuator 1.

[0055] The reference number 8 designates a connecting cable with a forward line HL and a return line RL for connecting the triggering device 10 to the actuator 1 via its electrical connection 3. FIG 1 It can be seen that when one of the thermal fuses 6, 7 is triggered, the power supply to the actuator 1 is interrupted along the path power supply connection 2, control unit SE of the actuator 1, outgoing line HL, both thermal fuses 6, 7, return line RL, electric motor of the actuator 1, control unit SE and back to the power supply connection 2. V IN denotes an input voltage applied there. The actuator 1 acts in a known manner on a fire damper 4 in an air duct 5 in order to close it automatically after triggering. ϑ a denotes an ambient air temperature outside the air duct 5, and ϑ i denotes a duct air temperature inside the air duct 5 shown.

[0056] FIG 2 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary thermal release device 10 with an electronic control unit 14 (microcontroller) referred to as "logic" and with two temperature sensors 16, 17. The latter are connected to the control unit 14. The first temperature sensor 16, such as an NTC or PTC, is provided for continuously detecting a duct air temperature value θ i inside the air duct 5.

[0057] The triggering device 10 has an electrical connection 3 for connecting a connecting cable 8. The opposite end of the connecting cable 8 is in turn provided for connection to an electrical connection 3 of an actuator 1. The actuator 1 is designed or provided to close the fire damper 4 when a predeterminable duct air temperature limit value θ Gi inside the air duct 5 is exceeded. Alternatively, the connecting cable 8 can be firmly routed through a housing of the triggering device 10 in a sealed manner. The connecting cable 8 comprises a first line M, typically a ground or reference potential line, and a second line VS, typically a supply voltage line. A constant DC voltage for the electrical supply of the thermal triggering device 10 according to the invention is preferably present between the two lines M, VS.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the invention, the electronic control unit 14 has a first interface D1, in particular a serial data interface. This first interface D1 is connected to a further line DL of the connecting cable 8, i.e. to an interface line DL as the third line of the connecting cable 8. Typically, the connecting cable 8, in addition to the first, second and third lines M, VS, DL, also comprises a cable sheath enclosing them as mechanical protection. The control unit 14 is configured or programmed to output a trigger signal SIG at the first interface D1 or to stop the output of a non-trigger signal BEAT at the first interface D1 if the duct air temperature value θ i exceeds the duct air temperature limit value θ Gi.

[0059] In the example of FIG 2 The control unit 14 is also configured to continuously record an ambient air temperature value θ a outside the air duct 5 detected by the second temperature sensor 17. The control unit 14 is then configured to output the trigger signal SIG at the first interface D1 or to stop the output of the non-trigger signal BEAT at the first interface D1 when the ambient air temperature value θ a exceeds a predeterminable ambient air temperature limit value θ Ga. In the simplest case, the control unit 14 forms a series circuit of the two temperature sensors 16, 17, as in FIG 1 described, logically. It is thus triggered when the detected duct air temperature value θ i exceeds the preset duct air temperature limit value θ Gi OR when the detected ambient air temperature value θ a exceeds the preset ambient air temperature limit value θ Ga.

[0060] Alternatively, the control unit 14 can be configured to output the trigger signal SIG at the first interface D1 or to stop the output of the non-trigger signal BEAT at the first interface D1 if, for example, the sum of the two temperature values ​​θ i , θ a exceeds a sum temperature limit value.

[0061] In the example of FIG 2 the control unit 14 is additionally configured to output the trigger signal SIG at the first interface D1, preferably independently of the magnitude of the detected temperature values ​​θ i , θ a , or to stop the output of the non-trigger signal BEAT at the first interface D1, if a predeterminable minimum temperature rise rate θ' Gi , θ' Ga of 10° / min, in particular of 20° / min, of the respective detected temperature value θ i , θ a is exceeded.

[0062] Further alternatively, the control unit 14 can be configured to output the trigger signal SIG at the first interface D1 or to stop the output of the non-trigger signal BEAT at the first interface D1 if the detected duct air temperature value θ i exceeds the predeterminable duct air temperature limit value θ Gi AND the predeterminable minimum temperature rise rate θ' Gi for the duct air temperature ϑ i OR if the detected ambient air temperature θ a exceeds the predeterminable ambient air temperature limit value θ Ga AND the predeterminable minimum temperature rise rate θ' Gi for the ambient air temperature ϑ a .

[0063] "OR" here means Boolean OR or logical OR, and "AND" means Boolean AND or logical AND.

[0064] The mentioned temperature limit values ​​θ Gi , θ Ga and minimum temperature rates θ' Gi , θ' Ga can be stored electronically in the microcontroller 14, e.g. as a variable of the data type Float.

[0065] Further according to the invention, the thermal triggering device 10 has a manually operable switch 15 electrically connected to the control unit 14. This switch is preferably a push-button. The control unit 14 is also configured, in the triggered state of the thermal triggering device 10, i.e., when the fire damper 4 is closed, and after actuation of the switch 15, to stop the preferably repeated output of the trigger signal SIG at the first interface D1 or to preferably repeatedly output the non-triggering signal BEAT at the first interface D1.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the invention, the control unit 14 is configured to output the trigger signal SIG, preferably repeatedly, at the first interface D1 in the non-triggered state of the triggering device 10, i.e., when the fire damper 4 is open, and after actuation of the switch 15, for (test-wise) triggering the automatic closing of the actuator 1 or to stop the preferably repeated output of the non-triggering signal BEAT at the first interface D1.

[0067] In this way, a functional test of the thermal tripping device 10 according to the invention is possible. A light-emitting diode (LED) as an optical display unit can be controlled to light continuously or flash accordingly to indicate the operating status of the tripping device 10. Alternatively, a sounder, a beeper, or a vibrating element can be used. In the present example, the optical display unit LED and the switch 15 are combined into a separate functional unit HMI. This particularly simply implemented human-machine interface HMI communicates internally with the microcontroller 14. The detection of the switching state of the switch 15 and the electrical control of the optical display unit LED thus occur indirectly with respect to the microcontroller 14.

[0068] FIG 3 shows an embodiment of the exemplary thermal release device 10 with a data transmission option between the release device 10 and the actuator 1 according to the invention.

[0069] Compared to the previous FIG 2 The triggering device 10 has a modulator / demodulator unit MD connected between the first (data) interface D1 of the electronic control unit 14 and the first line M, or in this example, the second line VS of the connecting cable 8, which is configured to modulate the trigger signal SIG or the non-trigger signal BEAT. The trigger signal SIG or the non-trigger signal BEAT is provided to the modulator / demodulator unit MD on the input side by the first data interface D1.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, the electronic control unit 14 can be configured to transmit (first) data DAT, which are stored in the control unit 14 of the triggering device 10 or can be read externally by the latter, to the actuator 1 by means of modulation by the modulator of the modulator / demodulator unit MD via the trigger line 8. The data DAT to be transmitted to the actuator 1 can comprise a current duct air temperature value θ i and / or a current ambient air temperature value θ a and / or, if applicable, a switching state of the switch 15 connected to the control unit 14.

[0071] Alternatively or additionally, the electronic control unit 14 can be configured to receive data DAT present at the first (data) interface D1 and originating from a second (data) interface D2 of the actuator 1. This (second) data DAT can comprise an updated duct air temperature limit value θ Gi , an updated ambient air temperature limit value θ Ga , updated minimum temperature rise rates θ' i , θ' a , and / or, if appropriate, a lighting state to be output to the optical display element LED by means of the control unit 14. The electronic control unit 14 is then configured to replace the duct air temperature limit value θ Gi , ambient air temperature limit value θ Ga and / or the minimum temperature rise rates θ' i , θ' a previously stored in the control unit 14 with the respectively updated duct air temperature limit value θ Gi , ambient air temperature limit value θ Ga and / or minimum temperature rise rates θ' i , θ' a.

[0072] The received (first) data DAT can be evaluated by the control device SE of the actuator 1 for parameterizing the actuator 1 and, if necessary, forwarded via a network interface (not shown), e.g., to a higher-level control unit. The same applies in reverse, i.e., from the higher-level control unit or from the control device SE of the actuator 1 to the control unit 14 of the thermal release device 10 according to the invention.

[0073] FIG 4 shows a sectional view through an exemplary thermal release device 10 according to the invention transverse to the flow direction in an air duct 5. As the FIG 4 shows, the triggering device 10 has a housing 12 which encloses a circuit carrier 11 (see also FIG 5 Two snap elements 18 are molded into the housing 12, so that, in the properly inserted state of the thermal release device 10 shown, the housing 12 can mechanically and securely latch into a wall of the air duct 5 with a geometrically coordinated slot-shaped opening SL. A first temperature sensor 16, in particular a PT1000, is applied to the "lower" section 19 of the circuit carrier 11 shown. This circuit carrier section 19 protrudes from an opening OF in the housing 12 and is thus directly surrounded by the duct air in the air duct 5. Arranged on the circuit carrier 11 are a microcontroller as an electronic control unit 14, a switch 15 designed as a pushbutton, an optical display unit implemented as a light-emitting diode (LED), and a second temperature sensor 17. The latter can also already be integrated into the microcontroller 14 shown.The last-mentioned components 15, LED, 17 are electrically connected to the microcontroller 14.

[0074] In the left part of the FIG 3 For example, a cable grommet KT is molded onto the housing 12. The connecting cable 8 is routed through this cable grommet KT through another housing opening KO or cable grommet opening. Its individual electrical lines M, VS, DL each contact a contact surface 13 on the circuit board 11.

[0075] B denotes a housing width, but without the cable grommet KT shown. The housing width B is preferably in the range of 4 to 8 cm.

[0076] FIG 5 shows a sectional view through the thermal release device 10 according to FIG 4 along the FIG 4 registered viewing direction V. In this illustration, the particularly compact design of the thermal tripping device 10 according to the invention can be seen. L denotes a housing length and T a housing depth. The housing length L is preferably in the range 8 to 15 cm. The housing depth T is preferably in the range 1.5 to 4 cm. A sensor length denoted by SL describes the length of the circuit carrier section 19 led out of the housing 12 with the first temperature sensor 16 applied thereto. The sensor length SL is in particular in the range 0.2 to 5 cm, preferably in the range 0.3 to 1.5 cm.

[0077] As the FIG 4As further shown, the LED illuminates through a transparent window in the housing 12. The button 15 can be manually operated from the outside of the housing 12. The entire housing 12 preferably encloses the circuit carrier 11 in a dust- and moisture-tight, particularly hermetically sealed manner.

Claims

1. Thermal trigger device for triggering an automatic closure of a fire damper (4) in an air channel (5), wherein the thermal trigger device (10) is embodied for attachment to the air channel (5) and can be connected to an actuator (1), via a connecting cable (8) comprising at least one first and second line (M ,VS), for closing the fire damper (4) if a predeterminable channel air temperature limit value (θGi) inside the air channel (5) is exceeded, - wherein the thermal trigger device (10) has an electronic control unit (14) and a first temperature sensor (16) connected to the control unit (14) for continuously detecting a channel air temperature value (θi) inside the air channel (5), - wherein the control unit (14) has a first serial data interface (D1) or wherein the thermal trigger device has a first serial data interface (D1) connected to the control unit (14), - wherein the first serial data interface (D1) can be connected to an interface line (DL) as a third line of the connecting cable (8), - wherein the control unit (14) is set up to output a trigger signal (SIG) at the first serial data interface (D1) if the channel air temperature limit value (θGi) is exceeded by the channel air temperature value (θi) or to stop the output of a non-trigger signal (BEAT) at the first serial data interface (D1), - wherein the control unit (14) is connected to a second temperature sensor (17) for continuously detecting an ambient air temperature value (θa) outside of the air channel (5) or has one such (17), wherein the control unit (14) is set up to output the trigger signal (SIG) at the first serial data interface (D1) if a predeterminable ambient air temperature limit value (θGa) is exceeded by the ambient air temperature value (θa) or to stop the output of the non-trigger signal (BEAT) at the first serial data interface (D1) and, - wherein the thermal trigger device (10) has a housing (12) and a circuit carrier (11) arranged in the housing (12), wherein the housing (12) has a sensor opening (OF) for guiding a first section (19) of the circuit carrier (11) out of the housing (12), wherein the first temperature sensor (16) is arranged outside of the housing (12) on the first circuit carrier section (19) and the second temperature sensor (17) is arranged inside the housing (12) on a second circuit carrier section, wherein when the thermal trigger device (10) is correctly attached to the air channel (5), the first temperature sensor (16) is arranged inside the air channel (5) and the second temperature sensor (17) is arranged outside the air channel (5).

2. Thermal trigger device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting cable (8) provided for connection of the actuator (1) comprises a reference potential line (M) as the first line and a supply voltage line (VS) as the second line for supplying electrical power to the trigger device (10).

3. Thermal trigger device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (14) is set up to output the trigger signal (SIG) at the first serial data interface (D1) or to stop the output of the non-trigger signal (BEAT) at the first serial data interface (D1) if a temperature increase rate of the respectively detected temperature value (θi, θa) exceeds an associated predeterminable minimum temperature increase rate (θ'Gi, θ'Ga) in the range of 10° / min, in particular 20° / min.

4. Thermal trigger device according to claim 1, wherein two exterior, opposing snap-fit elements (18) are arranged on or moulded to the housing (12) of the thermal trigger device (10), wherein the snap-fit elements (18) are embodied such that these latch with the slot-shaped opening (SL) when the thermal trigger device (10) is slid into a geometrically attuned slot-shaped opening (SL) in the air channel (5).

5. Thermal trigger device according to claim 4, wherein the electronic control unit (14) is a microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller (14) is located on a section of the circuit carrier (11) which lies outside of the air channel (5) when the trigger device (10) is attached correctly to the air channel (5), wherein the second temperature sensor (17) is integrated in the microcontroller (14) and wherein the microcontroller (14) is programmed to continuously detect an ambient air temperature value (θa).

6. Thermal trigger device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the trigger device (10) has a manually actuatable switch (15) which is electrically connected to the control unit (14), in particular a button, - wherein the control unit (14) is set up to stop the preferably repeated output of the trigger signal (SIG) at the first serial data interface (D1) in the triggered state of the trigger device (10) and after actuating the switch (15), or to preferably repeatedly output the non-trigger signal (BEAT) at the first serial data interface (D1), and / or - wherein the control unit (14) is set up to preferably repeatedly output the trigger signal (SIG) at the first serial data interface (D1) in order to trigger the automatic closure of the actuator (1) in the non-triggered state of the trigger device (10) and after actuating the switch (15), or to stop the preferably repeated output of the non-trigger signal (BEAT) at the first serial data interface (D1).

7. Thermal trigger device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the trigger device (10) has an optical display element (LED), in particular an LED, wherein the optical display element (LED) can be actuated at least indirectly by the control unit (14), and wherein the control unit (14) is set up to actuate the optical display element (LED) in the triggered state of the thermal trigger device (10) in a permanently lit or flashing manner or is set up to actuate the optical display element (LED) in the non-triggered state of the thermal trigger device (10) in a permanently lit manner.

8. Thermal trigger device according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the control unit (14) is set up to output a current channel air temperature value (θi) and / or current ambient air temperature value (θa) and / or possibly the switching state of the switch (15) connected to the control unit (14) as data (DAT) at the first serial data interface (D1), and / or - wherein the control unit (14) is set up - to receive data (DAT) originating from a second serial data interface (D2) of the actuator (1) and present at the first serial data interface (D1), wherein the data (DAT) comprises an updated channel air temperature limit value (θGi), an updated ambient air temperature limit value (θGa), updated minimum temperature increase rates (θ'i, θ'a) and / or possibly a lighting state to be output to the optical display element (LED) by means of the control unit (14), and - to replace the channel air temperature limit value (θGi), ambient air temperature limit value (θGa) and / or the minimum temperature increase rates (θ'i, θ'a) stored in the control unit (10) with the updated channel air temperature limit value (θGi), with the updated ambient air temperature limit value (θGa) and / or with the updated minimum temperature increase rates (θ'i, θ'a).

9. Thermal trigger device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first serial data interface (D1) comprises a UART / RS232 or USB data interface.

10. Arrangement comprising an actuator (1), set up for automatic closure of a fire damper (4) in an air channel (5), and comprising a thermal trigger device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the actuator (1) is connected to the thermal trigger device (10) by way of a connecting cable (8), - wherein the actuator (1) comprises a control facility (SM) and a downstream motor driver (MT) for an electric motor of the actuator (1), - wherein the control device (SM) is set up to output control commands (CTR) to the motor driver (MT) at least to open and to automatically close the fire damper (4) connected to the actuator (1) and - wherein the electronic control device (SM) has a second serial data interface (D2) or is connected to one such and is moreover set up to output control commands (CRT) for automatically closing the fire damper (4) connected to the actuator (1) to the motor driver (MT) when a trigger signal (SIG) is received at the second serial data interface (D2) or a non-trigger signal (BEAT) is omitted at the second serial data interface (D2).

11. Arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the first and second serial data interface (D1, D2) comprise in each case a data interface, preferably a UART / RS232 or USB data interface, which are compatible with one another.

12. Arrangement according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the actuator (1) has a return spring for automatically closing the connected fire damper (4) in the triggered state of the thermal trigger device (10) and wherein the control device (SM) of the actuator (1) is set up to receive the trigger signal (SIG) or the non-trigger signal (BEAT) and to switch off an energy supply of the motor driver (MR) upon receipt of the trigger signal (SIG) or when the non-trigger signal (BEAT) is omitted.