Fire protection device comprising a fire protection blanket

Abstract

The invention relates to a fire protection device comprising a fire protection blanket (3) which can be placed over a potentially burning object positioned in a parking space (5), in particular such as a battery-operated vehicle (6), in order to prevent the spread of fire starting from or across the object. The fire protection blanket (3) is compactly gathered, in particular rolled up and / or folded together, into a roll (32), is accommodated in a box-like housing (1) which is or can be mounted at the parking space (5), and is connected to a pull-out device (4) by means of which the fire protection blanket can be manually or automatically placed completely over the object in the event of a fire or risk of fire such that its side portions (31) rest completely or at least largely on the parking space floor on every side in order to prevent as much oxygen influx as possible.

Description

[0001] Fire protection device comprising a fire protection blanket

[0002] The invention relates to a fire protection device comprising a fire protection blanket which can be placed over a potentially burning object positioned on a parking space, such as a conventional or in particular a battery-operated vehicle, in order to counteract the spread of fire originating from the object or spreading to it, as well as to a method for preventing or suppressing a fire of an object positioned in this way.

[0003] A fire protection device of this type, comprising a fire blanket or extinguishing blanket, is disclosed in DE 20 2020 106 119 U1. The fire blanket is used to cover, in particular, a battery-powered vehicle, to isolate the fire and thus suppress further spread. The fire blanket is folded and stored in a transport box, and the fire protection device has an alarm device that detects when the transport box is removed from its storage location, triggering an alarm and requesting professional assistance, such as from the fire department. The fire blanket is designed to withstand the heat of the fire until professional assistance arrives. Positioning the fire blanket over the vehicle is a considerable effort, not least due to its relatively heavy weight, and valuable time is often lost before a fire is detected and contained.

[0004] CN 215 461 549 U shows a fire protection device that is mounted longitudinally above a vehicle, for example, in a garage. A fire protection blanket is combined into two longitudinally extending rolls, which are held in a central transition area longitudinally on a holding device with an electromagnet between two half-shells that automatically fold open laterally in the event of a fire, and spread out over a vehicle.

[0005] DE 20 2016 008 488 U1 shows a fire protection device with a fire blanket accommodated in a box, which can be removed through an opening in the lower part of the box without opening the box.

[0006] DE 20 2022 101 021 U1 shows a flame-retardant blanket for covering a motor vehicle with a surface element made of high-temperature fabric.

[0007] DE 10 2021 005 719 A1 discloses another fire protection device comprising at least one flexible fire blanket, which is provided with at least one lashing strap configured as an endless loop for securing the fire blanket. Using the lashing strap, the fire blanket can be easily and as needed, thus securing it to an object, for example.

[0008] DE 20 2019 106 371 U1 shows a fire blanket with a three-layer structure made of glass fabric and a second layer of bentonite arranged between them. This structure offers a sufficient compromise in terms of weight, rigidity, fire resistance, and gas tightness or filter effect. To facilitate handling, the fire blanket is proposed to be equipped with handling devices at the edges, such as loop-like handles made of webbing or edge banding. Fasteners, in particular hook-and-loop fasteners, are also attached to the edges. The fire blanket is intended to be versatile and effectively protect the surrounding area from the consequences of a lithium-ion battery burning out. Even such a fire blanket is not easy to handle with large-volume objects, such as motor vehicles.

[0009] DE 10 2016 225 871 A1 discloses a fire and smoke protection system with a self-expanding cover comprising a self-tensioning screen. The screen struts are formed by hose-like lines pressurized with a medium. A commercial vehicle with such a fire and smoke protection system is also proposed, for example, to shield transported goods in the event of fire or smoke development. The device can also be used for passenger cars, for example, in auto repair shops or underground garages. Such a setup is relatively complex, and the spatial conditions are often unfavorable.

[0010] DE 20 2013 102 471 U1 discloses a device for emergency supply in buildings, comprising a housing or the like in which emergency firefighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers or fire blankets, is provided. The housing is connected via a radio link to a smoke detector or alarm center for activating the emergency device.

[0011] DE 10 2020 102 191 A1 shows a device for detecting an emergency situation in the area of ​​a motor vehicle and a method by which a current value of a state variable of a battery of a vehicle is automatically determined in order to derive an environmental threat and, if necessary, to issue an emergency signal.

[0012] DE 10 2017 213 408 A1 presents an autonomous loading and extinguishing vehicle that includes, among other things, a fire extinguishing system. The present invention is based on the object of providing a fire protection device of the type mentioned above that offers the most effective possible containment of the spread of fire in an object parked in a parking space, in particular a battery-powered vehicle, and of specifying a highly effective fire protection method.

[0013] This object is achieved in a fire protection device with the features of claim 1 or by the method according to claim 13. According to the invention, the fire protection blanket is compactly combined into a bale, in particular folded and / or rolled up on a shaft, accommodated in a box-like housing that can be mounted or is mounted on the parking space, and connected to a pull-out device by means of which it can be laid manually or automatically completely over the object in the event of a fire or fire hazard, so that its side sections rest completely on the parking space floor all around, in order to prevent any oxygen flow as far as possible and thus insulate the vehicle as best as possible.

[0014] The method provides for the fire protection ceiling to be pulled out of the housing over the object manually or automatically using a pull-out device and then lowered.

[0015] With these features, the fire protection device offers simple manual operation in the event of a fire or a detected fire hazard, or even automatic activation by extending the fire blanket or extinguishing blanket completely over the object positioned in the parking space, such as, in particular, an electric battery-powered vehicle, and placing the fire blanket with its edge sections completely or at least largely around the object, effectively preventing the spread of the fire until a firefighting crew or the fire department arrives and takes over further firefighting. The measures according to the invention thus contribute significantly to efficient and early firefighting.

[0016] An advantageous embodiment of the fire protection device housing mounted or mountable at the parking space consists in that the housing, which is mounted or mountable with its longitudinal axis in particular transversely or at right angles to the vehicle's longitudinal direction, is provided with a wall section concealing a pull-out opening extending longitudinally of the housing, which can be automatically moved away in the event of a fire hazard in response to an opening signal triggered manually or by a sensor arrangement to release the pull-out opening. Firstly, the fire protection blanket and the associated mechanism are protected and accommodated in the housing in a vandal-proof manner, and secondly, when required, they can be released for use easily and without delay. For example, the wall section can be designed as a downwardly folding lid extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing or as a sliding cover.

[0017] In order to move the fire protection blanket out of the housing, it is advantageous that the fire protection blanket is rolled up or folded and accommodated in the housing and connected to extraction means.

[0018] An advantageous embodiment for installation at the parking space for use on the object, in particular a vehicle, consists in that the housing is mounted in the extension direction in front of the object above the object on a parking space boundary, in particular a wall or ceiling, that deflection means are attached behind and above the object on a supporting part and that two extraction means, in particular in the form of pull cables running laterally and above the object in the extension direction, are connected to the fire protection ceiling and guided around the deflection means, whereby the fire protection ceiling can be extended in the extension direction over the entire length of the object and can then be laid down with edge sections on the floor of the parking space.The fire blanket, which is pulled over the building, then lowers its side sections into a slack position on the ground of the parking space due to its flexibility and weight, largely preventing airflow from the surrounding area to the building. The side sections of the fire blanket, as well as the front and rear sections, are designed to be large enough to rest on the ground surrounding the parking space.

[0019] To ensure the fire blanket can be quickly laid down on the ground, it is advantageous to have a separating device for separating a connection of the pull-out devices from the fire blanket or for cutting the pull-out devices. After separating the pull-out devices from the fire blanket or cutting the pull-out devices themselves, the fire blanket can fall unhindered onto the object or vehicle, and its side sections can rest on the ground around the vehicle.

[0020] An advantageous design for the automatic operation of the fire protection device is that the extension device for automatically extending the fire protection blanket, which is particularly connected to a control device, is coupled to a drive device that can be activated manually or in response to a signal from one or more fire detectors. When triggered by a sensor signal in the event of a fire, the fire protection blanket is positioned as required above the object even without human intervention, but can still be adjusted by a user if necessary. At the same time, the signal can be used to trigger an alarm (e.g., acoustic, visual, or radio-transmitted) or to connect to the fire alarm system (BMA) - if available - in order to alert a fire protection assistant or the fire department to fight the fire.There are various options for providing the drive energy for the drive device, for example, an electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical energy source, in particular one having a spring arrangement, is provided to provide the drive energy for the drive device. The presence of a self-sufficient energy source that remains functional even in the event of a fire and in particular even without electrical power is advantageous, such as a pre-tensioned mechanical spring arrangement whose stored energy is released upon triggering an activation signal, for example, by the alarm signal or manual actuation, in order to actuate the drive device, for example, to extend the extension means via the deflection means to position the fire protection ceiling above the object.

[0021] It is advantageously provided that an electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic or mechanical energy source, in particular having a spring arrangement, is present to provide the drive energy of the drive device.

[0022] Furthermore, for the purpose of extending and positioning the fire protection ceiling, it is advantageous for the drive device to be connected to the extension means.

[0023] A further advantageous design and function is that the drive device is designed for rotating drive and is provided with a winding device or a means of conveying the pull-out means that exert a tensile force. Such means that can exert a tensile force on the pull-out means include, for example, friction rollers that transport the pull-out means.

[0024] Further advantageous measures for firefighting include the fire protection ceiling being made of high-performance material, which, according to the manufacturer's specifications, is designed for temperatures up to 1,500 °C continuous exposure (>24 hours) or up to 2,500 °C maximum exposure (approx. 15 minutes). Advantageous adaptation options to local conditions or different object dimensions are achieved by providing a height and / or width adjustment device (H, W, H + W), which allows the housing to be mounted or mounted at the installation location with height and / or width adjustment.

[0025] In the method, an advantageous procedure is that the pull-out device for pulling out has pull-out means coupled to the fire protection ceiling, in particular pull ropes, which are guided over deflection elements and are severed in the event of a fire to lower the pulled-out fire protection ceiling.

[0026] The invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a fire protection device arranged at a vehicle parking space.

[0028] The exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1 schematically depicts a parking space 5 with an object positioned thereon and a fire protection device mounted on the parking space, with which the object potentially exposed to fire can be largely protected from the spread of fire, for example, until a fire protection assistant or the fire department arrives. The object in this case is a vehicle, in particular a vehicle 6 powered electrically by means of a battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery). The parking space 5 can be, for example, a parking space in a garage, such as an underground garage or carport, or a charging station for charging the battery.

[0029] At a front boundary, such as a solid wall, or a partition wall constructed, for example, from struts, which in the case of a forward-parked vehicle is located in front of the vehicle, a cassette-like or box-like, elongated housing 6 is attached horizontally (with respect to the direction of gravity or geodetically), for example via a height adjustment device H and / or width adjustment device B, preferably at least at the height of the top of the object or the vehicle 6, which extends approximately across the width of the vehicle 6 or the possible parking space of the vehicle 6. A fire protection blanket 3 (also referred to as a fire blanket) is accommodated in the housing 1, which is compressed into a bale 32, for example rolled up or alternatively folded. The fire protection blanket usually has a standard size of 6 x 8 m. In the embodiment shown in Fig.1, the fire protection blanket 3 is largely pulled out of the housing 1 over the vehicle 6 and beyond its rear section (in the pull-out direction Z), and the flexible, relatively heavy fire protection blanket 3 hangs down with lateral sections 31 adjoining an upper section 30 on both sides, which are, for example, folded inwards in the rolled-up or folded state for accommodation in the housing 1. It is also conceivable to design the housing 1 to be narrower in its longitudinal extent than, for example, a vehicle 6, or to design it to be adjustable in its longitudinal extent to adapt to different parking space widths, and to adapt the fire protection blanket 3 in its width to the longitudinal extent of the housing 1, for example by folding it once or multiple times in the longitudinal direction, in order to accommodate it therein.

[0030] A pull-out device 4 is provided for pulling out the fire protection blanket 3. This has pull-out means, in particular in the form of two lateral pull cables 40, and the pull-out means are coupled to the fire protection blanket 3 in order to pull the fire protection blanket 3 out over the vehicle via the pull-out means in the event of an impending or already existing fire situation. The pull-out means run over a guide device arranged above the rear of the parking space or the rear of the vehicle, which is in particular provided with a deflection device having deflection means 41 such as a curved deflection track or deflection pulleys. The pulling force for pulling out the fire protection blanket 3 can be applied manually by one or more operators by engaging the pull-out means or, preferably, by means of a drive device 2. The drive device 2 can, for example,in the region of the deflection means 41 or, preferably, on or in the housing 1, wherein the deflection of the extraction means takes place via the deflection means 41.

[0031] The drive device 2 is driven, for example, by an electric motor, pneumatically, hydraulically, or mechanically, with the energy source preferably being assigned to the fire protection device so that the drive device is independently supplied with energy in the event of a fire. An advantageous embodiment consists in the drive energy being stored mechanically in a spring arrangement, for example by means of coil springs. To extend the fire protection blanket 3, the extension means, for example the traction cables 40 running laterally in the longitudinal direction of the fire protection blanket in the extension direction or laterally above the parking space or vehicle 6, can be wound up by means of a winding device 20 of the extension device 4. The fire protection blanket 3 is unwound, for example, from a winding device within the housing 1 or unfolded from a folded bale.

[0032] The fire protection blanket 3 is protected in a safe state, preferably enclosed on all sides in the housing 1. In order to be able to spread it quickly over the object, in particular vehicle 6, in the event of a fire hazard or fire, a wall section is attached to its front side facing the parking space 5 or vehicle 6. This wall section opens quickly in response to a trigger signal and conceals a pull-out opening. This wall section is designed, for example, as a hinged flap that pivots downwards due to gravity, or alternatively, for example, as a slider or opens upwards using spring force. The opening signal can be triggered, for example, manually by a user of the fire protection device or automatically by means of a sensor arrangement 11 that detects a fire hazard or fire in order to release the pull-out opening.The control of an actuator device for releasing the wall section covering the pull-out opening takes place in particular by means of a control device 10. For example, the opening signal is triggered in response to a signal from a fire detector, whereupon the pull-out device 4 or the drive device 2 is / are released or activated.

[0033] As soon as the fire blanket 3 is extended over the object or vehicle 6, it must be lowered over the object or vehicle 6 so that its edge sections rest on the ground 51 around the vehicle in order to optimally exclude the supply of oxygen to the area of ​​the object below the blanket, at least until a fire protection assistant or the fire department arrives (after, for example, 5 to 20 minutes). The fire blanket should provide a high level of protection against the spread of fire for at least such a period of time and can be left over the object even after the fire department arrives until the fire is extinguished or the "thermal runaway" has ended.

[0034] The fire protection blanket 3 is designed to meet high fire protection requirements. For example, it has a special coating and is made of a highly temperature-resistant material based on silicates or graphite. This also makes the flexible blanket relatively heavy. In order to quickly lower the extended blanket over the object, a separating device 42 is provided, particularly in the area of ​​the rear deflection means 41, such as a cutting device with which the extension means, in particular the traction cables 40, are severed or separated from the fire protection blanket 3. In the rear and front areas, the fire protection blanket 3 overlaps the object or vehicle 6 sufficiently so that, after lowering, it rests or clings loosely to the ground 51 with the surrounding sections, also due to its weight.A separating device can also be provided in the front area, or the front edge of the fire protection blanket 3 can be loosely accommodated in the housing 6, allowing the extended fire protection blanket 3 to simply lower to the floor. If additional positioning is required, this can still be done by the users. For example, auxiliary personnel can be alerted acoustically, visually, and / or via a wireless alarm system via the fire detector.

[0035] In a first embodiment, the fire protection device presented here allows manual positioning of the fire protection blanket 3 over a potentially burning object, in particular a vehicle 6 in a parking space 5. The fire protection blanket 3 is located for storage in the housing 1 or a wall cassette, which is mountable or mounted on a wall 50 of the parking space 5. In this embodiment, the fire protection blanket 3 is positioned by a user or firefighter over the potentially endangered or already burning vehicle 6. Subsequently, the fire protection blanket 3 can be slightly adjusted by the user if necessary, taking their own protection into account. In this expansion stage, the fire protection device functions completely mechanically and is largely self-sufficient, with additional manual operating interventions being provided, such asa trigger signal to open the cassette and / or pull out the fire protection ceiling 3 using the pull-out device 4.

[0036] In a second variant, the opening of the housing or cassette can be triggered manually or automatically, for example, and the extraction process can be initiated by manual operation, but then runs automatically and autonomously via the extraction device 4 and drive device 2.

[0037] In a third embodiment, automatic triggering of the extension device 4 and operation by means of the drive device 2 under triggering by a sensor arrangement 11 and a control device 10 are provided, with an at least largely self-sufficient design, with or without the supply of external energy, optionally also with redundant means. The fire protection device thus offers advantageous protective measures against the risk of fire or in the event of a fire breaking out, in particular in a vehicle 6 powered electrically by a battery, such as a lithium-ion battery. In the latter embodiment, it is also advantageously provided that the start of the extension process of the fire protection ceiling 5 takes place via automatic actuation by means of the sensor arrangement 11, whereby, for example, a two-detector dependency or a dependency with additional detectors and an adaptation to the customer's requirements for fully automatic control or regulation can be available.For this purpose, an interface to a charging station or wallbox can be advantageously provided to de-energize it in the event of a triggering event. This design variant functions, for example, fully automatically in communication with vehicle 6 and / or a further automated sensor system.

Claims

Claims 1. Fire protection device comprising a fire protection blanket (3) that can be placed over a potentially burning object, such as in particular a battery-powered vehicle (6), positioned on a parking space (5) in order to counteract the spread of fire from or onto the object, characterized in that the fire protection blanket (3) is compactly bundled into a ball (32), in particular rolled up and / or folded, contained in a box-like housing (1) that can be mounted or is mounted on the parking space (5) and is connected to a pull-out device (4) by means of which it can be manually or automatically placed completely over the object in the event of fire or fire hazard, so that it rests completely or at least largely all around on the parking space floor with side sections (31) in order to prevent oxygen inflow as far as possible.

2. Fire protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (1 ) is provided with a wall section covering an extension opening, which in case of fire danger can be moved away automatically upon an opening signal triggered manually or by means of a sensor arrangement (11 ) to release the extension opening.

3. Fire protection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fire protection blanket (3) is rolled up or folded and received in the housing (1) and is connected with pull-out means.

4. Fire protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that the housing (1 ) is mounted in the extension direction in front of the object above it on a parking space boundary, in particular a wall, that deflection means are attached behind and above the object on a support element, and that two extension means, in particular in the form of pull cables (40), are connected laterally and above the object in the extension direction to the fire protection ceiling (3) and guided around the deflection means, whereby the fire protection ceiling (3) can be extended in the extension direction over the entire length of the object and subsequently laid down with edge sections on the floor (51) of the parking space (5).

5. Fire protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that a separating device (42) is provided for laying the fire protection blanket (3) on the floor (51) behind the object to separate a connection of the pull-out means from the fire protection blanket (3) or the pull-out means themselves.

6. Fire protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extension device (4), in particular connected with a control device (10), for automatically extending the fire protection ceiling with a A drive device (2) is coupled, which can be activated manually or upon a signal from a fire detector. A fire protection device according to claim 6, characterized in that an electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical energy source, in particular a spring arrangement, is provided to supply the drive energy to the drive device (2). A fire protection device according to claim 7, characterized in that the energy source is arranged on or in the housing (1). A fire protection device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the drive device (2) is connected to the pull-out means. A fire protection device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the drive device (2) is designed as a rotary drive and is provided with a winding device (10) or a traction force-exerting through-drive for the pull-out means.Fire protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fire protection ceiling is made of high-performance material - which is designed for temperatures up to 1,500 °C continuous load (>24 h) and / or up to 2,500 °C maximum load capacity (up to approx. 15 min). Fire protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a height and / or width adjustment device (H, B, H + B) is provided, by means of which the housing is or can be mounted at the parking space in a height- and / or width-adjustable manner. Method for preventing or suppressing a fire originating from or spreading to an object, in particular a vehicle (6), positioned at a parking space, in which a fire protection blanket (3) housed in a housing (1) as a rolled-up or folded bale (32) is released and spread over the object with edge sections placed on the ground, characterized in that the fire protection blanket (3) is manually or automatically extended from the housing (1) over the object by means of a pull-out device (4) and then lowered.Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the extension device (4) for extending the fire protection ceiling (3) has extension means coupled to the fire protection ceiling (3), in particular pull ropes (40), which are guided over deflection elements and are cut in case of fire to lower the extended fire protection ceiling (3).

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