Fire-protection sleeve

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fire-protection sleeve for a pipe. The fire-protection sleeve comprises a stack of strips which at least in part comprises an intumescent material, a first closure element and a second closure element. The first closure element is arranged on a first end of the stack of strips, and the second closure element is arranged on a second end of the stack of strips, which is situated opposite the first end. The first closure element and the second closure element can be locked with one another in such a way that the stack of strips forms an essentially closed contour. The stack of strips has a set length between the first end and the second end of the stack of strips and is exposed at least in part along the set length.

Description

[0001] Fire protection sleeve

[0002] The present invention relates to a fire protection sleeve for a pipe.

[0003] Fire collars are used to provide sealing solutions for pipes, particularly plastic pipes, that pass through walls. The goal is to seal the wall or ceiling penetration through which the pipe passes in the event of a fire, once the melted or burned pipe no longer provides a seal. To this end, fire collars contain an intumescent material. Intumescent materials have the property of expanding above a certain temperature limit. During expansion, the material foams and then chars, providing a thermally insulating, resistant layer. This allows the wall or ceiling penetration to be securely sealed in the event of a fire, preventing flames from spreading through the wall or ceiling penetration into adjacent rooms.

[0004] Since applications vary and plastic pipes of different diameters are generally used, endless sleeves, for example, are well known. Endless sleeves feature a strip of intumescent material that is cut to size by the user on-site during installation, depending on the diameter of the plastic pipe. On the one hand, this enables comparatively low production costs for the manufacturer, as they only need to produce an "endless strip." On the other hand, endless sleeves require a comparatively high amount of work for the user to obtain a suitable sleeve depending on the diameter of the respective plastic pipe.The effort increases even further if the manufacturer does not provide a suitable support structure, but instead the support structure, which in this case is arranged externally to the intumescent material, is realized using a metal strip that must also be cut to size by the user. In this case, the user must cut two tailor-made sections depending on the diameter of the plastic pipe. This often leads to a relatively high amount of offcuts and thus unwanted waste, as well as high costs, especially for inexperienced users.

[0005] As an alternative to endless sleeves, prefabricated sleeves are known. These consist of two sleeve elements that are placed around the pipe, fastened to one another, and each have a receiving space for the intumescent material. The sleeve elements can have holding structures by means of which the sleeve elements can be fixed to the wall. However, such sleeve elements are typically manufactured using punching and bending tools, whereby the sleeve manufacturer must keep different punching and bending tools on hand for different pipe diameters. For the manufacturer, the payback period for these tools is often very long, especially for pipe sizes that are not frequently installed. The comparatively small quantities that can be sold on the market therefore often do not justify the investment in such specialized and therefore cost-intensive tools.

[0006] A further complication with prefabricated sleeves is that the intumescent layer is usually arranged in multiple layers within the respective housing of the sleeve element. For the manufacturer, the increasing radius, measured from the center of the plastic tube, requires the different layers of intumescent material to have different lengths. Nevertheless, the individual layers must be assembled into a package in order to be placed in the receiving space, which typically requires a relatively large amount of manual labor and the use of additional materials such as adhesive tape. This further increases the manufacturing effort.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a fire protection collar by means of which the disadvantages of known fire protection collars can be eliminated or at least reduced. In particular, the respective wall or ceiling opening should be reliably closed if necessary. Preferably, the fire protection collar according to the invention should be associated with reduced expenditure for the user and the manufacturer. Particularly preferably, in particular for the user of the fire protection collar, apart from the usual installation expenditure, no additional

[0008] Manufacturing costs arise.

[0009] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claim. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent patent claims and the following description, each of which, individually or in (sub)combination, may represent aspects of the invention.

[0010] According to one aspect, a fire protection sleeve for a pipe is provided. The fire protection sleeve comprises a band package which at least partially comprises an intumescent material. The fire protection sleeve further comprises a first and a second closure element. The first closure element is arranged at a first end of the band package, and the second closure element is arranged at a second end of the band package opposite the first end. The first closure element and the second closure element can be closed together such that the band package forms a substantially closed contour. The band package has a package length between the first end and the second end of the band package and is at least partially exposed along the package length.

[0011] The fire protection collar designed in this way advantageously enables low manufacturing costs for the manufacturer and avoids any additional work for the installer or user, apart from the usual installation steps. Due to the locking elements arranged at opposite ends of the bench package and the fact that the band package is at least partially exposed between the locking elements, the fire protection collar does not require complex molded parts for which the manufacturer would have to provide cost-intensive punching or bending tools. Furthermore, the fact that the locking elements are arranged at the ends of the band package also provides cost-effective adaptability in production with regard to different pipe diameters, since if necessary only the length of the band package needs to be adjusted. The locking elements, however, do not need to be modified.Furthermore, the band package does not require laborious positioning in the receiving space of a sleeve element. Since the manufacturer can thus produce the fire protection sleeve even for different pipe diameters with relatively little effort, any on-site adjustments to the pipe diameter are also eliminated by the installer or user, with the exception of adjusting the package length. Another advantage for the installer is that the closure elements can also be fixed to one another, allowing the fire protection sleeve to form a closed contour and be placed around the pipe and arranged circumferentially. This simplifies installation. Both the manufacturing and installation costs are therefore low.

[0012] The strip package preferably comprises several separate, parallel strips along its length. Therefore, in the context of the present application, a strip package is understood to mean an arrangement of at least two layers, generally also multi-layered, of parallel strips. In particular, the strip package can comprise between two and eight, preferably between four and seven, generally separate strips. The number of layers of the strip package generally depends on the pipe diameter and thus the size of the wall or ceiling opening.

[0013] The bands are generally understood to be separate strip-shaped components. In this case, the strip-shaped components at least partially comprise the intumescent material. The strip-shaped components are arranged substantially parallel (stacked) to one another along their longitudinal direction and width and typically have the same strip widths perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Alternatively or cumulatively, the strip thicknesses of the strip-shaped components are also the same.

[0014] Optionally, the strips in the strip package can have different strip lengths along their longitudinal direction. After installation, the longitudinal direction is oriented parallel to the circumference of the pipe.

[0015] In this case, the closure elements have closure sections such that they can be secured to one another by means of at least one positive connection. This ensures a closed contour of the fire protection sleeve around the pipe after installation. In particular, the connection can additionally or alternatively be frictionally engaged. Furthermore, the connection can also be force-locked. Additionally or alternatively, spring-loaded securing components can also be provided to prevent the fixation from becoming loose.

[0016] In this case, the package length is understood to be the length of one band of the plurality of bands in the band package which is maximum with respect to the different bands.

[0017] Optionally, the respective closure element at least partially encloses the strap package at the respective end. Since the strap package comprises multiple straps, this means that each closure element encloses at least one strap of the strap package. Enclosing, in this case, means that the closure element is fixed to the strap being enclosed, for example, by means of a clamp connection or a hook connection. Optionally, each closure element can also enclose several generally separate straps of the strap package.

[0018] In a particular embodiment, first band ends of the bands of the band package, which define the package length, are arranged flush with one another at the first end of the band package, and second band ends of the bands, which define the package length and are opposite the first band ends, are also arranged flush with one another at the second end of the band package.

[0019] Optionally, each closure element can be used to enclose all of the generally separate bands of the band package at their respective ends. This enables a particularly stable design of the fire protection sleeve.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment, first band ends of the bands of the band package defining the package length are arranged flush relative to one another at the first end of the band package and the second band ends at the second end of the band package are arranged offset from one another along the package length.

[0021] Optionally, a closure element encloses all of the generally separate bands of the band package at the first end. In contrast, the complementary closure element in this embodiment only encloses a reduced number of the bands, in particular only one band, of the band package. In this embodiment, the fire protection collar has increased flexibility because at least some of the bands of the band package are only fixed at one end. This can be advantageous for complex and difficult installation situations. Generally, the band of the band package that, after installation, is arranged on the outside with regard to the radial distance from the pipe around which the fire protection collar is arranged is enclosed by both closure elements. However, this means that in the event of a fire, the outer band of the band package must absorb all of the intumescent forces of all bands in the band package.In this respect, the outer band must be capable of forcing the intumescent material, which expands in the event of a fire, radially toward the center of the fire protection collar so that the wall or ceiling opening provided for the pipe can be sealed. Therefore, in this design, at least the outer band of the band package can comprise a correspondingly designed carrier layer that provides sufficient strength. In general, all bands of the band package can, of course, comprise such a carrier layer, thus avoiding the need to manufacture different band types for the band package.

[0022] Optionally or cumulatively, each closure element has at least one fastening device by means of which the fire protection collar can be secured to an external receptacle. In particular, the fastening device can be configured so that the fire protection collar can be mounted on the wall, ceiling, or floor that has the wall or ceiling opening for the pipe to be sealed in the event of a fire.

[0023] Preferably, the fastening device can have at least one eyelet, an elongated hole or a corresponding section by means of which the respective closure element can be fixed to the external receptacle and which provides at least one degree of freedom with regard to positioning.

[0024] The fire protection sleeve can optionally have at least one mounting device that at least partially encloses and supports the band package between the first end and the second end. The mounting device can be considered an additional stabilizing device with which the generally separate bands of the band package are coupled together at specific points in the area of ​​the mounting device. Although the bands of the band package are generally separate, this advantageously forms a unit, thus simplifying handling.

[0025] Optionally, the mounting device can be moved along the length of the package. This allows for optimal positioning of the mounting device along the package length, particularly advantageously as needed.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the mounting device comprises at least one additional fastening device by means of which the fire protection sleeve can be secured to the external mount. The mounting device can therefore also contribute to securing the fire protection sleeve. The movable mounting device particularly advantageously ensures secure fastening at different relative positions along the length of the strip package.

[0027] Optionally, a plastic layer, in particular a foam layer, is arranged adjacent to the band package along the length of the package. The plastic layer is therefore arranged flat and parallel to the band package (stacked). When the fire protection sleeve is installed, the plastic layer can be arranged on the inside relative to the band package, in particular along the radial direction with respect to the center of the fire protection sleeve. This reduces the inner diameter of the fire protection sleeve. The plastic layer can then act as a buffer layer with respect to the pipe around which the fire protection sleeve is installed. With a suitable choice of material, the plastic layer creates frictional forces so that the fire protection sleeve is held in position more easily during the installation process. The plastic layer can have an appropriate thickness for this purpose.In addition, the plastic layer can be at least partially compressible to enable advantageous positioning during installation.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the length of the band package is dimensioned such that a circumferential gap is provided in the radial direction between the pipe around which the fire protection sleeve is arranged and the fire protection sleeve itself. To create the gap, the length of the closure elements can be taken into account. The length of the band package is preferably matched to the pipe diameter in order to provide a gap along the radial direction. The gap width, and thus also the length of the band package, can depend in particular on the pipe diameter.

[0029] For example, a distance of one centimeter can be provided around the pipe between the pipe and the fire protection collar. The distance can generally serve to ensure good thermal contact between the pipe and the fire protection collar. In addition, the fire protection collar is generally fixed to the wall, but the pipe can have a certain amount of play with regard to the respective opening. The distance therefore also serves to prevent damage to the components due to relative movement. In this embodiment, an at least partially compressible plastic layer with a thickness of 1.5 cm can then optionally be provided. Since the thickness of the plastic layer is greater than the nominal distance between the pipe and the fire protection collar in the installed state, the plastic layer provides a frictional connection with regard to the pipe, particularly if the plastic layer comprises a foam.This simplifies the positioning of the fire protection sleeve during the installation process.

[0030] Preferably, at least the closure elements, but in particular also the mounting device, comprise a metal. This prevents these components from melting prematurely in the event of a fire.

[0031] Optionally, the closure elements can be attached to the strap assembly by means of locking devices. These locking devices can include, in particular, hooks, clips, screws, rivets, adhesives, and similar connecting components. This ensures the positional accuracy of the closure elements with respect to the strap assembly.

[0032] The bands preferably have a carrier layer for the intumescent material. This means that the bands can each have at least two layers. The carrier layer can provide sufficient structural stability so that the intumescent material, when it expands in the event of a fire, is forced along the radial direction toward the center of the fire protection sleeve. The second layer can essentially comprise the intumescent material. Advantageously, the carrier layer of each band of the band package is arranged radially outward relative to the layer of intumescent material in the installed situation.

[0033] All features explained with regard to the various aspects can be combined individually or in (sub-)combination with other aspects.

[0034] The invention, as well as further advantageous embodiments and developments thereof, are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings. The features shown in the description and the drawings can be used individually or in any combination according to the invention. They show:

[0035] Fig. 1 is a simplified schematic representation of a fire protection sleeve according to an embodiment,

[0036] Fig. 2 is a simplified schematic representation of a belt package,

[0037] Fig. 3 is a simplified schematic representation of a closure element,

[0038] Fig. 4 is a simplified schematic representation of a

[0039] Fire protection sleeve according to another embodiment,

[0040] Fig. 5 is a simplified schematic representation of a

[0041] mounting device,

[0042] Fig. 6 a simplified schematic representation of a

[0043] Fire protection sleeve according to another embodiment, and

[0044] Fig. 7 is a simplified schematic representation of a

[0045] Fire protection sleeve according to another embodiment.

[0046] All features disclosed below with reference to the exemplary embodiments and / or the accompanying figure can be combined alone or in any sub-combination with features of the aspects of the present disclosure, including features of preferred embodiments, provided that the resulting combination of features is meaningful to a person skilled in the art. Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic representation of a fire protection sleeve 10 according to one embodiment. The fire protection sleeve 10 comprises a band package 12, which in turn has a plurality of bands 14. The bands 14 are generally arranged parallel to one another along the longitudinal direction of the band package 12. In particular, the bands 14 are generally arranged flat relative to one another, i.e., stacked, along the package length PL and the band package width PB according to their own width B.

[0047] The strip pack 12 has a pack thickness PD. The strips 14 of the strip pack 12 are arranged parallel to each other along the pack thickness PD.

[0048] The bands 14 are arranged essentially loosely with respect to each other with respect to the respective opposite surfaces along the longitudinal direction of the band package 12, i.e. without direct coupling to each other, so that gaps 13 are created between the bands 14.

[0049] The reason for the gaps 13 are the necessarily different band lengths of the separate bands 14. When the fire protection sleeve 10 is arranged around the pipe, different band lengths are required with respect to the parallel bands 14 due to the different radial distances from the center of the fire protection sleeve 10, so that the bands 14 are arranged adjacent to one another in the installation situation without gaps 13. The gaps 13 therefore only exist in the artificial, flat extension of the fire protection sleeve 10, which does not correspond to the installation situation, at least when the bands 14 of the band package 12 are flush with one another at the ends 18A, 18B.

[0050] The bands 14 of the band pack 12 are at least partially exposed between the first end 18A and the second end 18B. This means that the bands 14 are at least partially unsupported. Thus, they are not enclosed by other components at least partially along the pack length PL.

[0051] The fire protection sleeve 10 comprises a first closure element 16A and a second closure element 16B. The first closure element 16A is arranged at the first end 18A of the band package 12. The second closure element 16B is arranged at the second end 18B of the band package 12. With respect to the longitudinal direction of the band package 12, the first end 18A and the second end 18B are arranged opposite one another.

[0052] The respective closure elements 16A, 16B comprise

[0053] Fastening devices 20 by means of which the closure elements 16A, 16B can be fixed to an external receptacle.

[0054] Furthermore, the closure elements 16A, 16B have locking devices 22 by means of which they can be fixed to the band package 12.

[0055] The coordinate system 24 schematically illustrates the orientation of the length L, the width B and the thickness D both with respect to the bands 14 and with respect to the band package 12.

[0056] Figure 2 shows a simplified schematic representation of a belt pack 12. In this case, the belt pack 12 comprises four parallel belts 14A to 14D. According to this embodiment, the individual belts 14A to 14D have different belt lengths. The belt pack length PL of the belt pack 12 is determined by the length L of the belt 14A whose length L is maximum.

[0057] The bands 14A to 14D are arranged flush with one another at the first end 18A of the band package 12. Due to the different band lengths of the bands 14A to 14B, the ends of the bands 14A to 14D are arranged offset from one another at the opposite second end 18B of the band package 12, specifically along the longitudinal direction of the band package 12.

[0058] In general, the tapes 14A to 14D have at least a two-layer structure. A first layer of a tape acts as a carrier layer, whereas the second layer comprises at least partially an intumescent material.

[0059] Figure 3 shows a simplified schematic representation of a closure element 16. The closure element 16 in this case has locking devices 22 designed as hooks. The locking devices 22 can extend at least partially through the strap package 12 in the installed situation. The strap package 12 then rests on the support surface 26. The end 18 of the strap package 12 lies at least partially flush with the abutment surface 30. According to this embodiment, the locking devices 22 can then be bent in the direction of the abutment surface 30 and covered by a cover section 28, which can also be bent, so that the risk of injury is minimized. The strap package 12 is then enclosed by the closure element 16 through the interaction of the cover section 28 and the support surface 26 with the aid of the locking devices 22.

[0060] Advantageously, the locking devices 22 and the cover section 28 can bend back (bend up) in the event of a fire. This ensures that these components can be pushed back by the intumescence in the event of a fire to provide more space for the expansion of the fire protection sleeve 10.

[0061] The closure element 16 further comprises a closure section 32, which can interact with a corresponding closure section 32 of another closure element 16. In particular, the closure sections 32 can interact in such a way that an at least positive-locking fixation of the closure elements 16 to one another is ensured, thereby ensuring a closed contour of the fire protection sleeve 10. The closure sections 32 therefore ensure easy installation of the fire protection sleeve 10, since they can be opened to provide the possibility of positioning the fire protection sleeve 10 around the pipe. The closure sections 32 can then interact and ensure fixation of the fire protection sleeve 10 with respect to the pipe.

[0062] The fastening device 20 comprises in this case an elongated hole 33 to simplify the positioning of the closure element 16 on the external receptacle.

[0063] In general, the closure element 16 is made of a metallic material.

[0064] The closure element 16 in this case does not have a complex geometry, thus avoiding the need for costly punching and bending tools during production. In particular, the closure element 16 is also suitable for different fire protection collars 10 depending on the respective pipe diameter. Therefore, only one type of closure element 16 needs to be manufactured. The closure element 16 is universally applicable to all pipe sizes.

[0065] Figure 4 shows a simplified schematic representation of a fire protection sleeve 12 according to another embodiment. Only differences from the previous embodiment are discussed here.

[0066] The first closure element 16A is arranged at a first end 18A of the band package 12, the bands 14 of which are arranged flush with one another at this first end 18A.

[0067] In contrast, the second closure element 16B is arranged at the second end 18B of the band package 12, the bands 14 of which terminate offset from one another at this second end 18B.

[0068] This arrangement allows gaps 13 to be avoided. Nevertheless, the different band lengths of the bands 14 of the band package 12 ensure that no additional gaps arise during installation of the fire protection sleeve 10. The offset between the bands 14 along the longitudinal direction of the band package 12 in the region of the second end 18B of the band package 12 is selected such that it corresponds to the respective length difference between adjacent bands 14, which in the installation situation is caused by the different radial distances from the center of the fire protection sleeve 10.

[0069] The present configuration offers advantages in terms of storage capacity, as the required space along the package thickness PD is reduced compared to the case of belts 14 arranged flush on both sides of the belt package 12 at the opposite ends 18A, 18B. The required storage space is therefore reduced.

[0070] In the present case, the fire protection sleeve 10 additionally has a further fastening device 34, which is provided by a mounting device 36. The mounting device 36 provides an additional coupling of the bands 14 of the band package 12 between the first end 18A and the second end 18B. Figure 5 shows a simplified schematic representation of a mounting device 36. The mounting device 36 has, in a known manner, an elongated hole 33 in the region of the fastening device 34, which simplifies the positioning of the mounting device 36 on the external receptacle.

[0071] Furthermore, the mounting device 36 has two clamping sections 38A, 38B arranged in pairs. In the installed situation, the band package 12 rests against the contact surface 40 of the mounting device 36 and the clamping sections 38A, 38B encompass the band package 12. The distance between the clamping sections 38A, 38B and the contact surface 40 therefore corresponds to the package thickness PD. Corresponding to the clamping sections 38A, 38B, the

[0072] The mounting device 36 has a third clamping section 42 that can be bent at a bend line 44 to be arranged on the opposite side relative to the contact surface 40 with respect to the then enclosed band package 12. The band package 12 is then enclosed by the mounting device 36.

[0073] Figure 6 shows a simplified schematic representation of a fire protection sleeve 10 according to another embodiment. Only differences from the previous embodiments are discussed here.

[0074] The mounting device 36 provides an additional coupling of the bands 14 of the band package 12 to one another in a coupling area 46 of the band package 12. This simplifies the installation of the fire protection sleeve 10 because the gaps 13 are therefore limited perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the width of the band package 12. Generally, the mounting device 36 is displaceable along the longitudinal direction of the band package 12, which is indicated here by the arrow 48. This displaceability further simplifies the installation of the fire protection sleeve 10 because the mounting device 36 can be positioned as needed. Of course, the fire protection sleeve 10 can also have additional mounting devices 36.

[0075] Figure 7 shows a simplified schematic representation of a fire protection sleeve 10 according to another embodiment. Only differences from the previous embodiment are discussed here. The fire protection sleeve 10 now additionally has a plastic layer 50. The plastic layer 50 comprises a foam 52 and, depending on the installation situation, is arranged inwardly relative to the band package 12 along the radial direction of the fire protection sleeve 10 and parallel to it.

[0076] The foam 52 of the plastic layer 50 is compressible and can exert frictional forces on the pipe around which the fire protection collar 10 is to be installed. These frictional forces prevent the fire protection collar 10 from accidentally sliding along the pipe before the fire protection collar 10 is secured to an external mount, for example, by means of fastening devices 20, 34. This simplifies installation.

[0077] Reference may be made to quantities and numbers in this disclosure. Unless expressly stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered limiting, but rather as examples of the possible quantities or numbers in connection with this disclosure. In this context, the term "plurality" may also be used in this disclosure to refer to a quantity or number. In this context, the term "plurality" means any number greater than one, e.g., two, three, four, five, etc. The terms "about," "approximately," "near," etc., mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Fire protection collar (10) for a pipe comprising a tape pack (12) having at least partially an intumescent material, a first and a second closure element (16A, 16B), wherein the first closure element (16A) is arranged at a first end (18A) of the tape pack (12) and wherein the second closure element (16B) is arranged at a second end (18B) of the tape pack (12) opposite the first end (18A), wherein the first closure element (16A) and the second closure element (16B) can be closed together in such a way that the tape pack (12) forms a substantially closed contour, characterized in that the tape pack (12) has a pack length (PL) between the first end (18A) and the second end (18B) of the tape pack (12) and is at least partially exposed along the pack length (PL).

2. Fire protection collar (10) according to claim 1 characterized in that the respective closure element (16A, 16B) at least partially encloses the band package (12) at the respective end (18A, 18B).

3. Fire protection collar (10) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that each closure element (16A, 16B) has at least one fastening device (20) by means of which the fire protection collar (10) can be fixed to an external receptacle.

4. Fire protection collar (10) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the band package (12) has several separate, parallel arranged bands (14) along the package length (PL).

5. Fire protection collar (10) according to claim 4 characterized in that the bands (14) have different band lengths (L).

6. Fire protection collar (10) according to claim 4 or 5 characterized in that first band ends of the bands (14) defining the package length (PL) are arranged flush with each other at the first end (18A) of the band package (12), and that the second ends of the tapes (14) defining the packet length (PL) and opposite the first tape ends are also arranged flush with each other at the second end (18B) of the tape packet (12), or that the second ends of the tapes at the second end (18B) of the tape packet (12) are arranged offset from each other along the packet length (PL).

7. Fire protection collar (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises at least one mounting device (36) which at least partially encloses and retains the tape bundle (12) between the first end (18A) and the second end (18B).

8. Fire protection collar (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the mounting device (36) is displaceable along the bundle length (PL).

9. Fire protection collar (10) according to claim 7 or 8 characterized in that the mounting device (36) has at least one additional fastening device (34) by means of which the fire protection collar (10) can be fixed to the external receptacle.

10. Fire protection collar (10) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that a plastic layer (50) is arranged adjacent to the tape package (12) along the package length (PL).

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