Mobile sprinkler system

Abstract

A mobile sprinkler system comprises a sprinkler pipe network (10) with sprinkler heads (20) and sprinkler hose (13) and a T-shaped distributor pipe (20) with a supply (21) for extinguishing water and two outlets (23, 24). The supply (21) has a first fire brigade coupling (22) for connecting to a hydrant (30), in particular a wall hydrant F. The first outlet (23) is connected to the sprinkler pipe network (10). The second outlet (24) serves for optionally connecting to a fire hose (33). Both the supply (21) and the second outlet (24) are provided with fire brigade couplings (22, 25), preferably Storz C.

Description

[0001] Mobile sprinkler system

[0002] The present invention relates to a mobile sprinkler system for temporary connection to a wall hydrant.

[0003] Sprinkler systems are automatic fire extinguishing systems installed inside buildings and designed to combat fires in their early stages. This prevents a fire from developing into a major blaze. Such sprinkler systems are often installed in special buildings, such as commercial buildings, department stores, hotels, industrial facilities, assembly halls, and underground parking garages; they are among the fire protection systems required by authorities and / or insurance companies. In the event of a fire, the prevention of major damage to buildings and inventory, and especially human casualties, can generally only be achieved with a sprinkler system.

[0004] Sprinkler systems can be installed as wet or dry systems. In wet systems, the sprinkler pipe network is completely filled with extinguishing water up to each individual sprinkler head. Dry systems, in which the sprinkler pipe network is only partially filled with water, namely up to the alarm valve station, are typically used where frost is to be expected. The different types and designs of sprinkler systems can also be divided into permanently installed stationary sprinkler systems and semi-stationary or mobile sprinkler systems. Where a fixed extinguishing system is not absolutely necessary or required, or in the event of a complete or partial decommissioning of a building-side sprinkler system, mobile sprinkler systems can be used as a replacement, as a supplement, or for a specific period of time. For example, the temporary installation of obstacles such as roofs, protective blankets, exhibition stands, scaffolding, etc.In buildings with sprinkler systems, stationary sprinkler systems are often ineffective, either completely or in part. This means that the affected areas of the building may not be used, or at least partially, for fire safety reasons; at least not without fire watchmen or fire safety services being on-site and monitoring the area for the duration of the disruption to the potential firefighting area. In the event of a fire, these people would then have to carry out the initial firefighting manually – a measure that would result in significant additional costs and, in the event of a fire, also endanger people.

[0005] A particular problem with mobile sprinkler systems is the supply of sufficient extinguishing water. Therefore, even a mobile sprinkler system must be connected to the building's water supply or to a hydrant if necessary. In the first case, this would interfere with the building's water supply and / or the permanently installed sprinkler system. In the second case, the occupied hydrant could no longer be used by the fire department, or the fire department would have to first disconnect the "interfering" mobile sprinkler system from the water supply at the beginning of the firefighting operation in order to connect their own hoses to the hydrant. For the state of the art, reference is made to DE 103 48 199 A1, DE 20 2020 005 140 U1, US 11 795 667 B1, and US / 2021 0 244 988 A1.

[0006] In view of the disadvantages of known mobile sprinkler systems described above, the technical problem is to propose an improved mobile sprinkler system which can be put into operation quickly and easily when necessary, while complying with all fire regulations, without hindering the fire brigades arriving shortly after a fire breaks out.

[0007] The solution to the problem is based on the basic idea that the mobile sprinkler system can be quickly and easily connected temporarily to a hydrant, in particular a wall hydrant, while still allowing the fire brigade to draw its extinguishing water from the same hydrant in the event of a fire.

[0008] The problem is solved by a mobile sprinkler system with the features of the first patent claim.

[0009] The mobile sprinkler system according to the invention comprises - in a manner known per se - a sprinkler pipe network with one or more sprinkler heads and a hose that supplies the sprinkler heads with extinguishing water; a T-distribution pipe with an inlet and two outlets, wherein a first fire brigade coupling is located at the inlet, which can be connected to a hydrant, in particular a wall hydrant, wherein the first outlet of the T-distribution pipe is connectable to the sprinkler pipe network, and wherein a second fire brigade coupling is located at the second outlet of the T-distribution pipe.

[0010] The mobile sprinkler system according to the invention can also be used in a building to be protected without a fixed sprinkler system; it can be easily and quickly temporarily connected to the nearest hydrant when there is a temporary local need for sprinkler protection.

[0011] The major advantage of the sprinkler system according to the invention is that the T-distribution pipe with a second outlet can either connect another mobile sprinkler system or leave this additional connection free for the approaching fire department, effectively replacing the occupied hydrant. The actual function of the hydrant is thus retained despite the temporary connection of the mobile sprinkler system, at least as long as the automatic extinguishing system has not been activated. If several hydrants are available, several mobile sprinkler systems can also be used to extinguish the fire simultaneously if necessary.

[0012] The mobile sprinkler system is preferably connected to a wall hydrant by connecting the fire service coupling at the inlet to the corresponding fire service coupling on the wall hydrant. If a hose is already connected to the fire service connection of the wall hydrant, it can be removed beforehand for temporary connection to the mobile sprinkler system. However, wall hydrants often have a free connection with a fire service coupling in addition to the coiled dry fire service hose, which can be easily opened using a handwheel.

[0013] The mobile sprinkler system according to the invention is particularly designed and suitable for connection to a type F wall hydrant. This type has a dual function: it serves both for rapid self-help and for the deployment of the fire brigade and therefore includes both a fire brigade coupling and a coiled, pressureless fire hose, which is detachably connected to the fire brigade coupling and thus removable.

[0014] The inlet of the T-distribution pipe can preferably be shut off, for example by a screw-down valve that is arranged either before or after the associated fire brigade coupling.

[0015] In recent years, wall hydrants have come under some criticism due to increased drinking water hygiene requirements. Nevertheless, existing wall hydrants are protected from illegal use as long as no abnormalities regarding drinking water hygiene are detected. To circumvent this problem, an advantageous and practical development of the sprinkler system according to the invention includes a check valve in the first outlet of the T-distribution pipe, i.e., the outlet used to feed extinguishing water into the sprinkler pipe network. This ensures that, once the supply is complete, no extinguishing water, potentially contaminated by the fire, flows back into the pipe network.

[0016] The second outlet of the T-distribution pipe can also be optionally shut off, preferably using a shut-off valve. This prevents the escape of extinguishing water if no fire hose is connected to this outlet of the T-distribution pipe.

[0017] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the sprinkler system according to the invention also comprises a compressed air tank, which is connected to the first outlet of the T-distribution pipe after the check valve. As long as the check valve is not opened by incoming extinguishing water, the positive pressure in the compressed air tank and the connected sprinkler pipe network can keep the entire sprinkler pipe network dry until the sprinkler system is activated. In this case, the sprinkler pipe network is designed as a dry system. The air pressure in the sprinkler pipe network is advantageously equal to or slightly higher than the water pressure in the T-distribution pipe and the riser pipe feeding it, on which the hydrant is located.

[0018] The sprinkler pipe network can comprise—in a manner known per se—one or more sprinkler pipes, each with one or more sprinkler heads, as well as a hose connecting at least one sprinkler pipe to the first outlet of the T-distribution pipe. Preferably, a sufficiently long, flexible hose is used; this can, for example, be a hose that can be rolled onto a reel, similar to the fire hose in a Type F wall hydrant.

[0019] To ensure that the mobile sprinkler system can automatically and promptly combat a fire in its early stages in the event of a fire, a flow meter can be optionally installed in the first outlet of the T-distribution pipe. If this detects a critical flow, it can trigger an alarm device or alarm bell to provide acoustic or visual notification of the likely incipient fire. The flow meter is preferably designed as a mechanical flow meter, particularly a vane-type flow meter. Compared to an electronic detector such as an ultrasonic flow meter, a mechanical flow meter has the significant advantage of operating very reliably and without failure, even in extreme heat and / or smoke conditions.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of the mobile sprinkler system, a shut-off valve is also located at the inlet, preferably upstream of the fire department coupling. This can, for example, be the manually openable valve on the wall hydrant.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, an additional shut-off valve is arranged in the first outlet of the T-distribution pipe. This enables independent operation of the two outlets.

[0022] In order to ensure the best possible compatibility with the fire brigade's extinguishing equipment, the fire brigade couplings on the inlet and the second outlet of the T-pipe distributor advantageously correspond to the fire brigade coupling of the hydrant or wall hydrant to which the system can be temporarily connected using a flexible fire hose.

[0023] Storz couplings are the most commonly used fire service couplings in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The Storz coupling, patented by G. Storz in 1882, is a symmetrical hermaphrodite coupling. This means that the connecting fittings are identical on the coupling side and can be connected in any way, eliminating the need to worry about the internal and external threads. This makes connecting and disconnecting the mobile sprinkler system quick and easy for both operators and fire departments.

[0024] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the attached single figure. The highly simplified schematic drawing shows a mobile sprinkler system according to the invention. This comprises a sprinkler pipe network 10, a T-distribution pipe 20, and a compressed air tank 40. A wall hydrant 30 Type F is also schematically indicated.

[0025] The sprinkler pipe network 10 here comprises four sprinkler pipes 11, each with two sprinkler heads 12. The sprinkler pipes 11 are connected to each other and to the T-distribution pipe 20 by a flexible, pressure-resistant hose 13. It is understood that other numbers of sprinkler pipes are also possible.

[0026] The central element of the sprinkler system is the T-distribution pipe 20. This is made of metal and is formed in one piece. The T-distribution pipe 20 has an inlet and two outlets: an inlet 21 for extinguishing water, a first outlet 23 connected to the sprinkler pipe network 10, and a second outlet 25 at the free end, opposite the inlet 21.

[0027] The T-distribution pipe 20 essentially consists of a short pipe section, the beginning and end of which form the inlet 21 (left) and the second outlet 24 (right), respectively, and a pipe socket running perpendicular to this, the free end of which forms the first outlet 23 (top). The inlet 21 has a first fire service coupling 22, and the second outlet 24 at the opposite end of the pipe is also equipped with a similar fire service coupling 25. These fire service couplings 22 and 25 are not necessarily, but preferably, size C Storz couplings.

[0028] The inlet 21 of the T-distribution pipe 20 is temporarily connected to a Type F wall hydrant 30. The wall hydrant 30 is located on a riser 31 and has a valve 32 with a handwheel, which can be used to open the riser 31. The T-distribution pipe 20 is connected via the (first) fire service coupling 22 on the inlet 21. In particular, a valve 32 with a safety strap can be provided to protect against unauthorized operation. The second outlet 25 of the T-distribution pipe 20 can also be shut off using a second shut-off valve 27.

[0029] In the first outlet 23 of the T-distribution pipe 20 there is a check valve 26 so that the extinguishing water fed in can only flow into the sprinkler pipe network 10 but not out.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, an additional shut-off valve 28 is provided between the T-distribution pipe 20 and the check valve 26. This (optional) additional shut-off valve 28 enables operation of the mobile sprinkler system independently of a fire hose 33 connected to the second fire service coupling 25. This additional shut-off valve 28 enables independent, parallel, or targeted operation of the two outlets by the fire service, thus avoiding negative influences during the fire service's firefighting operation. In particular, a shut-off valve 28 with a safety strap can be provided to protect against unauthorized operation.

[0031] The sprinkler system also includes a compressed air tank 40, which is connected to the first outlet 23 of the T-distribution pipe 20 by means of a short pressure hose 41, specifically here at the very end of the pipe socket forming the first outlet 23, between the check valve 26 and the sprinkler hose 13. As a result, the sprinkler pipe network 10 remains dry as long as no extinguishing water is fed in.

[0032] An additional pressure relief valve 42 can optionally be provided for the system in the area of ​​the compressed air tank 40. This pressure relief valve 42 enables or simplifies the disassembly of a pressurized (air) system after use without triggering a sprinkler head. Forced opening or even destruction of a component during disassembly can be avoided.

[0033] In the first outlet 23 of the T-distribution pipe 20 there is a flow meter

[0034] 29, which here is designed as a mechanical impeller meter. As soon as extinguishing water flows through the T-distribution pipe 20, the flow is detected by the flow meter 29 to trigger an alarm bell (not shown).

[0035] As shown in the illustration, a flexible fire hose 33, or alternatively a fire hose, is connected to the second outlet 24 of the T-distribution pipe 20 via the second fire service coupling 25. This fire hose 33 was previously taken from the wall hydrant 30, to whose fire service coupling the T-distribution pipe 20 is currently connected via the fire service coupling 25.

[0036] The second outlet 24 and the second fire department coupling 25 thus form a "replacement" for the fire department connection of the wall hydrant F (not shown), to which the mobile sprinkler system is already connected. In terms of flow, the entire mobile sprinkler system is thus looped between the wall hydrant 30 and the fire hose 33. This allows both the mobile sprinkler system to be connected to the same hydrant at the same time, and the first-arriving fire department can still find a free connection, if necessary after removing the fire hose 33.

[0037] The invention has been comprehensively described and explained with reference to the drawings and the description. The description and explanation are to be understood as exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other embodiments or variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon use of the present invention and upon careful analysis of the drawings, the disclosure, and the following claims.

[0038] In the claims, the words "comprising" and "having" do not exclude the presence of further elements. The undefined article "a" or "an" does not exclude the presence of a plurality. A single part, element, or unit can perform the functions of several of the units recited in the claims. The mere reciting of some measures in several different dependent claims should not be understood to mean that a combination of these measures cannot also be used advantageously. Reference signs in the claims are not to be understood as limiting.

[0039] Reference symbol

[0040] 10 Sprinkler pipe network

[0041] 11 Sprinkler pipe

[0042] 12 sprinkler head

[0043] 13 Hose

[0044] 20 T-distribution pipe

[0045] 21 Feed-in

[0046] 22 first fire brigade coupling (on 21)

[0047] 23 first exit (of 20)

[0048] 24 second exit (of 20)

[0049] 25 second fire brigade coupling (on 24)

[0050] 26 Check valve (in 23)

[0051] 27 Shut-off valve

[0052] 28 additional shut-off valve

[0053] 29 flow meters

[0054] 30 wall hydrant

[0055] 31 riser

[0056] 32 valve

[0057] 33 fire hose

[0058] 40 compressed air tanks

[0059] 41 Pressure hose

[0060] 42 Pressure relief valve

Claims

Patent claims 1. A mobile sprinkler system, comprising a sprinkler pipe network (10) with at least one sprinkler head (12) and a hose (13) which supplies the sprinkler head with extinguishing water; a T-distribution pipe (20) with an inlet (21) for extinguishing water and two outlets (23, 24), wherein the inlet (21) of the T-distribution pipe (20) has a first fire brigade coupling (22) which can be connected to a hydrant (30), in particular a wall hydrant, the first outlet (23) of the T-distribution pipe (20) is connected to the sprinkler pipe network (10), and the second outlet (24) of the T-distribution pipe (20) has a second fire brigade coupling (25).

2. Mobile sprinkler system according to claim 1, wherein the feed (21) of the T-distribution pipe (20) can be shut off.

3. Mobile sprinkler system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a check valve (26) is located in the first outlet (23) of the T-distribution pipe (20).

4. Mobile sprinkler system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second outlet (24) of the T-distribution pipe (20) can be shut off.

5. Mobile sprinkler system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a compressed air tank (40) which can be connected to the first outlet (23) of the T-distribution pipe (20) such that the air pressure in the sprinkler pipe network (10) is equal to or slightly higher than the water pressure in the T-distribution pipe (20).

6. Mobile sprinkler system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sprinkler pipe network (10) comprises at least one sprinkler pipe (11) with one or more sprinkler heads (12).

7. Mobile sprinkler system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sprinkler pipe network (10) comprises a hose (13) which connects the first outlet (23) of the T-distribution pipe (20) to the sprinkler pipe(s) (11).

8. Mobile sprinkler system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a flow meter (29), in particular a vane meter, is located in the first outlet (23) of the T-distribution pipe (20) in order to control an alarm device.

9. Mobile sprinkler system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fire brigade coupling (22) and the second fire brigade coupling (24) correspond to the fire brigade coupling of the hydrant (30).

10. Mobile sprinkler system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fire brigade coupling (22) and / or the second fire brigade coupling (24) are designed as Storz couplings, in particular a size C Storz coupling.

11. Mobile sprinkler system according to one of the preceding claims, with a further shut-off valve (28) in the first outlet (23) of the T-distribution pipe (20).

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