Combined fire safety system for early detection of smoke and gas and fire protection

Abstract

The invention concerns a fire safety device, comprising at least one flow interface connector that opens in the space of the enclosure, means for sampling smoke and / or gas in the space of the enclosure, a centralised fire safety station comprising a tank of fire-extinguishing agent, a smoke detector and a gas detector associated with the means for sampling smoke and / or gas, and means for injecting the fire-extinguishing agent under pressure, fluid communication means extending between said flow interface connector and the centralised station, characterised in that the means for establishing fluid communication comprise a single pipe for transferring fluid between the means for sampling smoke and / or gas in the space of the enclosure and the smoke detector and the gas detector positioned in the centralised fire safety station, and for transferring fire-extinguishing agent from the tank of fire-extinguishing agent to the flow interface connector.

Description

GENERAL TECHNICAL FIELD AND PREVIOUS ART

[0001] The invention relates generally to fire safety systems, and more specifically to multi-point smoke detection and protection by extinguishing agent.

[0002] The invention finds advantageous application in modular environments, such as energy storage containers, steam or combustion turbine casings, or ship or submarine cabins, or long-haul and cargo plane holds, but also in more common places such as electrical rooms, data centers, clean rooms, computer rooms, or even restricted access nuclear areas, premises with strong electromagnetic influences.

[0003] A fire safety system typically includes a fire detection device, a gas detection device, and a protection device using extinguishing agents (water, inert or inhibitor gas, powder, etc.).

[0004] These different devices are typically installed independently by different suppliers, resulting in each device using its own network of cables and conduits.

[0005] The various devices are typically linked and controlled by a fire control panel, usually installed as a priority and linked to the fire detection system.

[0006] The installation of the devices is therefore costly in terms of time and manpower, in addition to being bulky because each device needs its own network of pipes and electrical cables.

[0007] In modular environments, typically a network of containers, technical buildings, or offices, multiple systems must be implemented to detect and protect the entire area. Each system must be connected to a secure power supply and a telecommunications device, which is itself connected to a central fire safety system.

[0008] Fire detection systems are typically installed in each module, with their information transmitted to the central system via electrical or electromagnetic connection. This detection method presents a major drawback in areas subject to strong electromagnetic fields, as these fields can interfere with the device's operation and reduce its reliability.

[0009] In addition, the maintenance of these point detection devices is recurring, which is a disadvantage when they are installed in premises with restricted access.

[0010] Known fire safety systems are described in documents WO 2009 / 132702 A1, GB 1 465 524 A and DE 198 58 877 A1. GENERAL PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] One aim of the invention is to simplify the installation of fire safety devices (detection and protection) and incidentally reduce their cost.

[0012] Another objective of the invention is to reduce the size of a fire protection device linked to a fire detection system.

[0013] Another goal is to protect a modular environment without multiplying the detection, control, and extinguishing agent storage devices.

[0014] Another objective of the invention is to reduce the impact of electromagnetic fields on the performance of detection systems.

[0015] Another objective of the invention is to reduce maintenance operations in modules when the system protects a modular environment.

[0016] According to one aspect, the invention provides a fire safety device for the volume of an enclosure, in accordance with claim 1.

[0017] In this way, the number of pipes is reduced, as detection and protection operations are carried out using a single pipe.

[0018] This reduction in the number of pipes decreases the complexity, duration and costs of installing such devices.

[0019] Furthermore, the size of such a system is greatly reduced.

[0020] A single system enables the detection and protection functions to be performed.

[0021] The detection and control components are centralized and placed in a protected environment, thereby reducing the influence of electromagnetic fields on the performance of the detection device.

[0022] The number of components in the modules is limited thanks to the centralization of detection elements, thus eliminating the need for communication between decentralized detection elements and the security station. Maintenance operations are therefore simplified.

[0023] Such a fire safety device is advantageously complemented by the various features taken alone or in combination which are stated in claims 2 to 11.

[0024] According to a second aspect, the invention proposes a modular assembly according to claim 12.

[0025] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a fire safety method according to claim 13. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which: There figure 1 is a schematic representation of a modular environment equipped with a fire safety system according to the invention; The figure 2 is a 3D representation of a flow interface connector according to the invention; more specifically the figure 2a represents an automatic flow interface connector equipped with a heat-sensitive sealing element, the figure 2b represents a direct flow interface connector equipped with a cap-type sealing element; The figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional profile representation of a flux selector according to the invention; more specifically the Figures 3A and 3Brepresent the flow selector in the open position for gas and smoke detection on the one hand, and in the closed position for injecting an extinguishing agent on the other; The figure 4 is a schematic representation of an installation according to the present invention illustrating the internal components of a centralized substation according to the invention, as well as piping and flow interface connectors equipped with flow selectors according to the invention; more specifically the figure 4a represents a first embodiment comprising a single smoke analysis line, the figure 4b represents a second embodiment comprising two parallel smoke analysis lines; The figure 5 is a diagram of the operation of a first embodiment of the invention; more precisely the figure 5a represents a flow interface connector in the suction phase, the figure 5brepresents a flow interface connector in the extinguishing agent blocking phase, and the figure 5c represents a flow interface connector in the fire protection phase; The figure 6 is a diagram of the operation of a second embodiment of the invention; more particularly the figure 6a represents a flow interface connector in the suction phase, and the figure 6b represents a flow interface connector in the fire protection phase; The figure 7 is a diagram of the operation of a second embodiment of the invention; more particularly the figure 7a represents a flow interface connector in the suction phase, and the figure 7b represents a flow interface connector in the fire protection phase; The figure 8 is a diagram of the operation of a second embodiment of the invention; more particularly the figure 8arepresents a flow interface connector in the suction phase, and the figure 8b represents a flow interface connector in the fire protection phase; The figure 9 is a cross-sectional profile view of a flux selector according to the invention; The Figure 10 is a cross-sectional profile view of a flow selector according to the invention and highlights the method of integrating an air-capture nozzle; The figure 11 is a cross-sectional profile diagram representing the assembly method of an air capture nozzle in a quick-connect fitting; more specifically the figure 11a represents the quick grip in the disassembled position, the figure 11b represents the rapid engagement in the engaged position and unlocked element, and the figure 11c represents the quick engagement in the engaged position and the locked element; The figure 12 is a representation of an embodiment of the invention when adapted to an installation including a false ceiling. DESCRIPTION OF ONE OR MORE IMPLEMENTATION AND FULFILLMENT METHODS

[0027] The following embodiments relate to the case of a fire safety device 1 for an enclosure of a modular environment, an example of which is shown figure 1 However, this example is by no means exhaustive, as the fire safety system is suitable for any type of environment, modular or not.

[0028] The device includes a centralized fire safety station 2 linked to one or more pipes 6, on which one or more flow interface connectors 7 are assembled.

[0029] Pipes 6 extend between the central fire safety station 2 and a purge box 8 allowing the pipe 6 connected to it to be purged.

[0030] The fire safety device 1 being here installed on a modular structure 9 (or modular environment) comprising a plurality of modules 10, each of the modules is equipped with one or more flow interface connectors 7.

[0031] Each of the 6 pipes extending from the central fire safety station 2 forms a protection line 11.

[0032] A protection line 11 includes a flow interface connector 7 in several modules 10.

[0033] For reasons of reliability of the fire safety device 1, each module can be equipped with several flow interface connectors 7 belonging to separate protection lines 11.

[0034] In this way, if one of the protection lines 11 fails, the safety of the module 10 is still ensured by the flow interface connector 7 of another protection line 11.

[0035] For reasons of compactness of the device, in particular to avoid linking the central station to too many pipes 6, a protection line 11 includes a flow interface connector 7 in as many modules as possible.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, each module 10 includes a flow interface connector 7 for each of the three protection lines 11.

[0037] The number of protection lines 11 can vary depending on environmental requirements.

[0038] Equipped in this way, if an anomaly occurs in one of the modules 10, the gas or smoke rises along the pipes 6 to the central fire safety station 2. The appropriate detector triggers the release of the extinguishing agent which is directed into the pipes 6.

[0039] The gases and fumes in the pipes 6 will exit through the sprayers 12 of the activated flow interface connectors 7.

[0040] The extinguishing agent is then released into module 10 where the fault occurs, via the flow interface connectors 7 of this module 10.

[0041] With reference to the figure 2a , a flow interface connector 7 includes a sprayer 12, connected to the pipeline 6 via a fluid adapter 13, the fluid adapter 13 extending coaxially to the sprayer 12.

[0042] The fluidic adapter 13 comprises a generally hollow cylindrical body, an opening at both ends, and an opening located on its lateral surface. The lateral opening of the fluidic adapter 13 allows it to cooperate with a flow selector 14 extending transversely outward from the fluidic adapter 13.

[0043] The flow selector 14 comprises a generally cylindrical body 15, a front part 151 interfacing with the fluidic adapter 13 and a rear part 152 interfacing with the external environment.

[0044] The flow interface connector 7 is considered automatic because in this embodiment it includes a heat-sensitive bulb 301 which blocks the ejection of the extinguishing agent until it is subjected to an adequate temperature.

[0045] With reference to the figure 2b , the flow interface connector 7 is considered direct because it has a cap 303 ejected by the extinguishing agent when it is injected.

[0046] With reference to the figure 3a , the front faces 16 and rear faces 17 of the flow selector 14 are made to communicate fluidically by means of two internal channels, a front channel 18 coming from the front face 16 and a rear channel 19 coming from the rear face 17.

[0047] The front pipe 18 and the rear pipe 19 open into a central cylindrical chamber 20, forming an internal cavity in the flow selector 14.

[0048] The central chamber 20 includes within it a generally cylindrical valve 21 comprising a blind cavity 22, also cylindrical, a lateral wall 23 and a bottom 24.

[0049] An elastic element 25, here a spring, is fixed to the bottom 24 of the valve, and exerts a restoring force tending to push the valve 21 towards the front channel 18 of the flow selector 14 by bearing against a rear axial stop 26 made in the rear channel 19.

[0050] The bottom 24 of the valve 21 further includes a centering element 241, ensuring the positioning of the elastic element 25 relative to the bottom 24 of the valve 21.

[0051] The side wall 23 of the valve 21 cooperates with the front channel 18 of the flow selector 14, being partially inserted into the front channel 18. A front axial stop 27 allows the valve 21 to be held in a first stable position, said to be open.

[0052] The side wall 23 of the valve 21 has lateral perforations 28, allowing fluidic communication between the blind cavity 22 and the central chamber 20 when the valve 21 is in the open position against the axial stop before 27.

[0053] In this way, the front 18 and rear 19 pipes are in fluidic communication when the valve 21 is in the open position.

[0054] The central cavity 20 further comprises a first body 201 and a second body 202, delimited by an annular projection forming a guide ring 203.

[0055] This guide ring 203 centers the valve 21 in the central cavity 20 and guides the valve 21 in translation within the central cavity 20.

[0056] The guide ring 203 also includes holes 204, ensuring fluidic communication between the first body 201 and the second body 202 of the central cavity 20.

[0057] In normal operation, the flow selector 14 is in the open position as illustrated in the figure 3a The environment is thus put into fluidic communication with the pipe 6 via the fluidic adapter 13. The gaseous mixture of the environment thus passes through the flow selector 13 from the outside to go up the pipe 6 towards the centralized fire safety station 2 under the effect of a pressure differential.

[0058] When the pressure exerted against the valve 21 tends to compress the elastic element 25, the valve 21 moves until it reaches a second stable position, at least as long as the pressure level allows it, this position being said to be closed.

[0059] In the closed position as illustrated on the figure 3b , the bottom 24 of the valve 21 obstructs the rear pipe 19, being in contact with the mouth of the rear pipe 19 in the central chamber 20.

[0060] A sealing element 29, here an O-ring, is arranged around the perimeter of the rear pipe mouth 19 in the central chamber 20, so as to improve the sealing of the closed position of the valve 21 by cooperating with it.

[0061] In this way, the fluidic communication between the front 18 and rear 19 pipes of the flow selector 14 is interrupted when the valve 21 is in the closed position, i.e. when the pressure exerted on the valve 21 compresses the elastic element 25 sufficiently to obstruct the rear pipe 19.

[0062] In summary, the flow selector 14 comprises a front port 160 and a rear port 170 which open onto the front face 16 and rear face 17 respectively and communicate via an internal cavity. The cavity is formed of three coaxial sections 18, 19, and 20 of different cross-sectional areas. The transition between sections 20 and 19 forms a recess 290 directed towards the front port 160, which constitutes a valve seat cooperating with a shutter 21. The shutter 21 is located in the section 20 of the cavity with the largest cross-section. The shutter 21 is forced away from the seat 290 by an elastic element 25.

[0063] At rest, when the pressure applied to port 160 is low, the elastic element 25 keeps the shutter 21 away from the seat 290. The flow selector 14 is open as illustrated in the figure 3a A fluid stream can be drawn through the flow selector 14 to be directed to detectors 4 and 5 as illustrated in the figure 3a .

[0064] Conversely, when the pressure applied to port 160 by the extinguishing agent creates a force on the shutter 21 greater than that exerted by the elastic element 25, the shutter 21 is pressed against the seat 290 and the flow selector 14 is closed as illustrated in the figure 3b The extinguishing agent present in the pipe 6 can then exit through the outlet sprayer 12 of the flow interface connector 7.

[0065] With reference to the figure 4a, in a first embodiment the pipe 6 opens into the central fire safety station 2 on two branches of pipes.

[0066] A first branch of pipes 61 of the central fire safety station 2 includes a two-way valve 31, a gas detection device 4 comprising a gas detector disposed in a sealed enclosure, and a smoke detection device 5.

[0067] The smoke detection device 5 includes a suction device, and is located downstream, in the direction of gas flow during a suction phase, relative to the gas detection device 4.

[0068] The bidirectional valve 31 allows the passage of fluids from the pipes 6 to the detection devices as long as the pressure of the fluids is below a certain threshold.

[0069] In this way, the smoke detectors 5 and gas detectors 4 are exposed to the gas mixture from the modules 10 during the gas aspiration caused by the smoke detection device 5.

[0070] When the pressure entering the first branch of the pipe 61 exceeds a certain threshold, typically during the release of the extinguishing agent, the two-way valve 31 obstructs the first branch of the pipe 61 under the effect of the pressure of the extinguishing agent, and thus protects the gas detectors 4 and smoke detectors 5.

[0071] For optimum operation, balancing the upstream / downstream pressure of the smoke and / or gas detection devices referenced 4 and 5 is desirable.

[0072] A return line 36 ensures the return of the continuously collected air and / or gas samples to the ambient environment from which they were taken, in order to equalize the pressures upstream and downstream of the detection devices. A safety logic module 34 is connected to two solenoid valves 35a, 35b located on either side of the smoke 5 and gas 4 detection systems, allowing these systems to be isolated when the situation requires it.

[0073] When the smoke detector 5 confirms a smoke detection, the safety logic module 34 controls the solenoid valve 35a located upstream of the detection devices during suction.

[0074] The solenoid valve 35a therefore switches from the first branch of the pipe 61 to a neutral inlet pipe 37 equipped with a differential pressure device 39, here a diaphragm.

[0075] The air drawn in via the neutral intake pipe 37, from an environment outside the monitored enclosure, then passes through the smoke detectors 5 and gas detectors 4 via an inter-detector pipe 40, and is then expelled outside the monitored enclosure via a secondary exhaust pipe 38.

[0076] A second branch of piping 62 of the central fire safety station 2 includes a non-return valve 33, and a pressurized extinguishing agent reservoir 3.

[0077] The check valve 33 is configured to prevent fluids from pipe 6 or the first branch of pipe 61 from flowing back towards the extinguishing agent tank 3.

[0078] When the smoke detector 5 confirms a fire situation (alarm confirmation), it triggers the injection of the extinguishing agent, contained in the tank 3, into the protection lines 11.

[0079] The two-way valve 31 closes under the pressure of the extinguishing agent, thus preventing the extinguishing agent from going back up into the first branch of pipe 61 of the central fire safety station 2 and damaging the smoke detectors 5 and gas detectors 4.

[0080] The extinguishing agent progresses to the flow interface connectors 7, the air contained being evacuated from these by the flow selectors 14. When the pressurized extinguishing agent arrives at the flow selector 14, it exerts pressure on the valve 21 which compresses the elastic element 25, the valve 21 passing into the closed position.

[0081] The extinguishing fluid can therefore only be ejected into the modules 10 through the sprayers 12.

[0082] With reference to the figure 4b , a second embodiment comprises two first branches of piping 61a, 61b, each being linked to two separate protection lines 11.

[0083] The protection lines 11 include elements similar to the first embodiment described above.

[0084] Each of the first two pipe branches 61a, 61b includes, from upstream to downstream in the direction of gas flow during the suction phase, a two-way valve 31a, 31b, a quick coupling 32 connected to the first pipe branches, a non-return valve 321a, 321b located on each of the pipes linking the first pipe branches 61a, 61b and the quick coupling 32, and a solenoid valve 35a located upstream of the smoke detector 5.

[0085] Each of the solenoid valves 35a allows switching from the first branch of the pipeline 61a, 61b on which it is located to a neutral inlet pipe 37 equipped with a diaphragm 39.

[0086] In this embodiment, the smoke detector 5 has two inputs 501a, 501b, each equipped with an independent detection module. Each of the first pipe branches 61a, 61b is therefore analyzed independently by the smoke detector 5.

[0087] The samples from the first two pipe branches 61a, 61b are communicated to the gas detector 4 through a single inter-detector pipe 40, the gas detector 4 then ejecting them into the enclosure 10 through the reflux line 36.

[0088] Each of the first pipe branches 61a, 61b is linked to the second pipe branch 62 via a conduit having a non-return valve 33a, 33b.

[0089] This embodiment allows the fire protection device to be triggered on an action threshold or on an action threshold equation while increasing the covered area of ​​the detection zone.

[0090] With reference to the figure 5a , in the detection phase, the air from the monitored environment is drawn through the flow selector 14 and then routed to the central station via the pipes 6.

[0091] With reference to the figure 5b In the event of smoke detection, the extinguishing agent is injected into the pipes 6 and circulates to the flow interface connectors 7.

[0092] The pressurized extinguishing agent remains blocked in the flow interface connectors 7 due to the obstruction of the sprayers 12 by the thermosensitive bulbs 301.

[0093] With reference to the figure 5c , when the temperature in a module 10 reaches a critical threshold, for example under the effect of a fire, the heat-sensitive bulb 30 bursts and thus releases the extinguishing agent.

[0094] In this way, the extinguishing agent is not released in modules 10 where there is no fire.

[0095] In a variant represented in figure 6a , the obstruction element 30 comprises a plurality of plugs 302.

[0096] When gas or smoke is detected, the extinguishing agent is injected into the pipes 6.

[0097] With reference to the figure 6b , the pressurized extinguishing agent expels the 302 plugs and is sprayed into the protected environment.

[0098] A link can connect the caps 302 to the sprayer 12 so that they can be reused after the system is triggered.

[0099] In a second variant represented figure 7a , the obstruction element 30 has a cap 303 covering the sprayer 12.

[0100] With reference to the figure 7b , the pressurized extinguishing agent ejects the cap 303 when injected into the pipes 6, thus being sprayed into the protected environment.

[0101] A link can connect cap 303 to pipe 6, so that it can be reused after the system is triggered.

[0102] In a third variant represented figure 8a , the fluidic adapter 13 can be made up of two assembled parts, allowing an obstruction disc 304 to be placed between the two parts.

[0103] With reference to the figure 8b The injection of the extinguishing agent into the pipes 6 causes the obstruction discs 304 to rupture when sufficient pressure is reached. The debris from the obstruction disc 304 remains trapped in the fluid adapter 13.

[0104] With reference to the figure 9 , the body 15 of the flow selector 14 may include a flow limiter 41.

[0105] The flow limiter 41 allows a singular pressure loss to be generated in the flow of the fluid between the centralized fire safety station 2 and the monitored environment.

[0106] This pressure drop is configured to compensate for the regular pressure drops caused by the flow of fluid in pipe 6.

[0107] When a pipeline 6 has several flow interface connectors 7, and therefore several sampling points allowing monitoring of several disjoint enclosures or remote areas of the same enclosure, the different flow interface connectors 7 are located at different pipeline distances from the central fire safety station 2.

[0108] These pipe lengths generate regular pressure losses, and differences in pipe lengths cause disparities in these pressure losses.

[0109] Therefore, during a detection phase, the flow rate aspirated through the different flow interface connectors 7 would be different depending on their distance from the centralized fire safety station 2.

[0110] In order to compensate for these disparities in pressure losses suffered by the flows of the different flow interface connectors 7 of a pipeline 6, flow limiters can be located at the flow selectors 14.

[0111] This allows the same flow rate to be drawn at each flow interface connector 7, thus ensuring the same detection power at every point of the monitored enclosure(s).

[0112] The rear part 152 may include a rear connecting element 42 having a threaded portion for assembling it to the body 15 of the flux selector 14.

[0113] A positioning element 43 is located in this rear connecting element 42 so as to position the flow limiter 41 in the rear connecting element 42, the flow limiter 41 then being held in position when the rear connecting element 42 is assembled to the body 15.

[0114] The front part 151 includes an assembly element 44, in this specific case a threaded fitting, configured to connect the body 15 of the flow selector 14 to the fluidic adapter 13.

[0115] With reference to the Figure 10 , the rear part 152 of the flow selector 14 may also include an air capture nozzle 45, assembled to the rear connection element 42 by a quick plug 46 at its end in interface with the monitored medium.

[0116] The 45 air capture nozzle can be straight or have an upward or downward angled bend.

[0117] The choice of the orientation of the air capture nozzle 45 depends on the configuration of the respective orientations of the airflows and the flow selector 14.

[0118] For example, a flow selector 14 placed horizontally in an enclosure in which the air circulates by natural convection will have an air capture nozzle 45 angled downwards, so that the air flows naturally towards the flow selector 14.

[0119] In another example, a flow selector 14, located in a ventilated environment in which the air moves in a given direction, will have an air capture nozzle 45 oriented so that its orifice is located facing the direction of airflow.

[0120] With reference to the figure 11a , the quick grip 46 comprises a fixed element 47, a retractable element 48 and a movable obstacle 49.

[0121] The retractable element 48 cooperates with the fixed element 47 so as to move the movable obstacle 49 according to the position of the retractable element 48, allowing the air capture nozzle 45 to be put and held in position relative to the fixed element 47.

[0122] The fixed element 47 comprises a front portion 50, a central portion 51, a rear portion 52, and a cavity 53 passing through the fixed element from one side to the other.

[0123] The front portion 50 includes assembly elements 54, for example a thread, so as to ensure its assembly to the rear connecting element 42.

[0124] The rear portion 52 is generally cylindrical, and has a diameter smaller than the central portion 51.

[0125] The rear portion has holes configured to position the movable obstacle 49, allowing only radial movement of the latter.

[0126] The retractable element 48 extends concentrically to the rear portion 52 externally to it.

[0127] The retractable element 48 has an external cylindrical profile, its internal profile comprising, from front to back, a skirt 481, a shoulder 482, a narrow cylindrical bearing surface 483, a conical portion 484, a wide cylindrical bearing surface 485, and a stop 486.

[0128] An elastic element 55 is compressed between the central portion 51 of the fixed element 47 and the shoulder 482 of the retractable element 48, thereby opposing the forward movement of the retractable element 48.

[0129] The skirt 481 is configured to cover this elastic element 55 regardless of the position of the retractable element 48 relative to the fixed element 47.

[0130] The narrow cylindrical span 483, the conical portion 484 and the wide cylindrical span 485 are configured to radially move the movable obstacle 49 when moving forward or backward the retractable element 48.

[0131] The movable obstacle 49 may include a series of balls housed in the holes in the rear portion 52 of the fixed element 47.

[0132] With reference to the figure 11b , during the forward movement of the retractable element 48, the movable obstacle 49 moves radially outwards to position itself against the wide cylindrical span 485.

[0133] The stop 486 limits the axial forward movement of the retractable element 48 by coming into contact with the movable obstacle 49.

[0134] The movable obstacle 49 therefore has an internal diameter configured to allow the insertion or removal of the air capture nozzle 45 in the fixed element 47.

[0135] With reference to the figure 11c , when the air capture nozzle 45 is in position in the fixed element 47, the elastic element 55 pushes the retractable element 48 backwards.

[0136] During the rearward movement of the retractable element 48, the conical portion 484 radially displaces the movable obstacle 49 inwards to place it against the narrow cylindrical bearing 483.

[0137] The movable obstacle 49 cooperates with a groove 451 made in the air capture nozzle 45 so as to achieve the assembly of the fixed element 47 and the air capture nozzle 45.

[0138] With reference to the figure 12 , in the case of an installation configuration in which the sampling points are located away from the pipes 6, for example in the case of a false ceiling, the flow interface connector 7 sprayer 12 and the air capture nozzle 42 can be connected to the flow selector 14 via flexible hoses.

[0139] In particular, the sprayer 12 is connected to the flow interface connector 7 via a braided hose 56 configured to withstand high pressures.

[0140] The air capture nozzle 45 can be connected to the flow selector 14 via a flexible hose 57. Operating modes

[0141] The fire safety device 1 described is implemented by a process comprising several modes of operation. Surveillance Mode

[0142] A first mode, called Surveillance, controls the fire safety device 1 so as to draw air from the environment to be protected through the flow interface connectors 7 to the central fire safety station 2, via the pipes 6.

[0143] The air samples are checked by the smoke detector 5 and the gas detector 4, then returned to the medium via the reflux line 36.

[0144] When smoke is detected, an alarm is triggered at a first threshold, the system continues to draw air from the area to be protected.

[0145] When a smoke detection on a threshold alarm (alarm confirmation) is triggered, the system switches to isolation mode. Fire protection mode

[0146] When the alarm confirmation is triggered and the system is isolated, it switches to fire protection mode.

[0147] It emits an audible and visual evacuation alarm for a given duration before activating the protective device releasing the extinguishing agent.

[0148] During the evacuation procedure, a step is taken to isolate the gas detection devices 4 and smoke detection devices 5, in order to avoid injecting pressurized extinguishing agent into them.

[0149] The safety logic module 34 controls the switching of the solenoid valves 35, breaking the fluidic communication between the first branch of piping 61 and the gas detectors 4 and smoke detectors 5.

[0150] The switching of the solenoid valves 35 puts the gas detection devices 4 and smoke detection devices 5 into fluidic communication with the neutral intake line 37 and the secondary exhaust line 38.

[0151] The extinguishing agent, for example a water / nitrogen mixture, flows through the pipes 6 to the flow interface connectors 7. The flow selector 14 blocks the flow of the extinguishing agent via port 170 beyond a pressure exceeding a certain threshold, here being 8 bars, and allows this flow via the sprayer 12. Unclogging Mode

[0152] In this mode, the gas and smoke detection device isolation step is activated as soon as this mode is active.

[0153] This mode allows an operator to manually inject pressurized gas from a quick fitting 32, located in the central fire safety station 2, via a pressure regulator with relief valve and non-return valve which allows the flow of air fluid in one direction only, allowing, in the pipes 6 at a pressure lower than the threshold pressure of the flow selectors 14, so as to eject dust and particles from the pipes 6.

[0154] Unclogging dust from pipes 6 requires that the purge valves 8 be open.

[0155] The dust removal from the flow selectors 14 requires that the purge valves 8 be closed.

[0156] A non-return valve 33 prevents the pressurized unclogging flow from flowing back into the extinguishing agent tank 3.

[0157] The safety logic module 34 controls the closing of the solenoid valves 35 in order to isolate the gas detection systems 4 and smoke detection systems 5 and thus prevents pressurized gas from rising into the detection systems.

[0158] The safety logic module 34 causes the switching of the solenoid valves 35 and thus puts the gas detection systems 4 and smoke detection systems 5 into fluidic communication with the neutral intake line 37 and the secondary exhaust line 38.

[0159] This mode allows in particular the cleaning of the pipes 6 after an activation of the fire protection mode, the waste being evacuated to the purge boxes 8.

[0160] The process implemented can be expressed in terms of steps.

[0161] A detection stage, during which the fire safety device 1 draws air from the module 10 through the flow selectors 14 of the flow interface connectors 7, the air then being routed through the pipes 6 to the smoke detectors 5 and gas detectors 4 in the central fire safety station 2, the air being analyzed by the smoke detectors 5 and gas detectors 4.

[0162] A fire protection step, triggered by the detection of smoke in the air analyzed in the centralized fire safety station 2, during which the smoke detector(s) 5 causes the injection of an extinguishing agent into the pipes 6, from the centralized fire safety station 2 to the flow interface connectors 7.

Claims

1. Fire safety device (1) for the volume of an enclosure, comprising ∘ at least one flow interface connector (7) which opens into the volume of the enclosure, ∘ means for sampling smoke and / or gas in the volume of the enclosure, ∘ a centralised fire safety station (2) comprising an extinguishing agent reservoir, a smoke detector (5) and a gas detector (4) associated with the means for sampling smoke and / or gas, and means for injecting the extinguishing agent under pressure, ∘ fluid communication means extending between said flow interface connector (7) and the centralised station (2) the fluid communication means comprising a single pipe (6) to ensure: - on the one hand, the transfer of fluid between the smoke and / or gas sampling means in the volume of the enclosure and the smoke detector (5) and the gas detector (4) located in the centralised fire safety station (2), and - on the other hand, the transfer of extinguishing agent from the extinguishing agent reservoir (3) to the flow interface connector (7), characterised in that the flow interface connector (7) comprises: ∘ a flow interface connector sprayer (12), ∘ a fluidic spray adapter (13), connecting the sprayer (12) to the pipe (6), and ∘ means for collecting smoke and / or gas from the enclosure, these means comprising a flow selector (14) connected to the spray fluidic adapter (13) or to the pipe (6), the flow selector (14) being configured to be in an open position allowing fluids to pass through the flow selector (14) between the enclosure volume and the centralised fire safety station (2) or in a closed position blocking the passage of fluids through the flow selector (14).

2. Fire safety device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the centralised station (2) comprises at least two pipe branches, a first branch (61) comprising a non-return valve (33) and a pressurised extinguishing agent reservoir (3), a second branch (62) comprising a bidirectional valve (31), the gas detector (4) and the smoke detector (5), the bidirectional valve (31) being configured to allow fluid to flow in both directions and to block fluid flow in one direction when the pressure of the fluid exceeds a certain threshold.

3. Fire safety device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the flow interface connector (7) comprises at least one obstruction element (30) configured to obstruct the spray nozzle (12) of the flow interface connector (7) as long as certain physical quantities to which the obstruction element (30) is subjected do not reach a certain threshold.

4. Fire safety device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the obstruction element (30) comprises at least one plug (302) or cap (303) configured to be ejected by the pressure applied to them by the extinguishing agent when it is injected.

5. Fire safety device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the flow interface connector (7) is automatic and the obstruction element (30) comprises at least one heat-sensitive bulb (301) configured to burst and release the extinguishing agent when subjected to a predefined temperature.

6. Fire safety device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow selector (14) comprises: - a front pipe (18), - a rear pipe (19), - a front port (160), - a rear port (170) connected fluidically by the front pipe (18) and the rear pipe (19), and - a central chamber (20), the pipes (18, 19) opening into the central chamber (20), the central chamber (20) comprising a valve (21) connected to an elastic element (25) supported on a rear axial stop (26) at one of the ports (16, 17), the elastic element (25) exerting a restoring force tending to move the valve (21) away from the opening (16, 17) at which the elastic element (25) is supported, the elastic element (25) being configured to be compressed beyond a certain level of pressure exerted by a fluid on the valve (21) in the direction of compression of the elastic element (25), causing one of the pipes (18, 19) to be obstructed by the valve (21) and interrupting the passage of fluid through the flow selector (14).

7. Fire safety device (1) according to claim 6, in which the front port (160) interfaces with the fluidic adapter (13) of the flow interface connector (7) or directly with the pipe (6), the rear port (170) interfaces with the environment outside the device, the rear port (170) comprising the rear axial stop (26) allowing the elastic element (25) to bear against it, the valve (21) thus being configured to obstruct the flow selector (14) when the pressure in the pipe (6) exceeds a certain threshold.

8. Fire safety device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the flow selector (14) comprises a flow limiter (41) configured to generate a pressure drop in a fluid flow between the centralised fire safety station (2) and the volume of the enclosure.

9. Fire safety device (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the valve (21) is cylindrical in shape, comprising: ∘ a side wall (23), ∘ a bottom (24) to which the elastic element (25) is attached, ∘ a cylindrical blind cavity (22), ∘ a plurality of lateral holes (28) passing through its side wall (23) and providing fluid communication between the blind cavity (22) and the central chamber (20) of the flow selector (14), and in that the side wall (23) of the valve (21) cooperates with the front pipe (18), such that when the valve (21) is in the open position, the fluid can only pass through the side holes (28) in the valve (21) to flow from the rear opening (170) to the front opening (160), and when the valve (21) is in the closed position, it obstructs the rear pipe (19) of the flow selector (14) so as to block the transfer of fluids between the front (160) and rear (170) ports and vice versa.

10. Fire safety device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the centralised station (2) further comprises a secondary branch of pipes, this secondary branch of pipes comprising a quick connector (32) configured to allow the injection of pressurised gas from outside the centralised station (2) into the pipes (6), the non-return valve (31) being configured to prevent a fluid from flowing back along the main pipework branch (61) towards the extinguishing agent reservoir (3).

11. Fire safety device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) comprises a plurality of protection lines (11) connected to the centralised station (2), each protection line (11) comprising a single pipe (6), the pipe (6) being a pipe on which a plurality of flow interface connectors (7) are mounted.

12. Modular assembly equipped with a fire safety device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the modular assembly comprising a plurality of modules (10), each module (10) comprising at least one flow interface connector (7), and in that two flow interface connectors (7) of the same module (10) do not belong to the same protection line (11).

13. Fire safety method for at least one enclosure by means of a fire safety device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises at least two steps: - a detection step, during which the fire safety device (1) draws in air contained in the enclosure (10) through the flow selector(s) (14) of the flow interface connector(s) (7), the air then being conveyed by the associated duct (6) to a smoke detector (5) and / or gas detector (4) in the centralised station (2), where the air is analysed by the smoke detector (5) and / or gas detector (4); - a fire protection stage, triggered by the detection of smoke in the air analysed in the centralised station (2), during which the gas detector (4) and / or smoke detector (5) causes an extinguishing agent to be injected into the duct (6), from the centralised station (2) to the flow interface connector (7).

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