Fire protection device for a cable connector
The fire protection device with a protective housing and intumescent elements addresses the inadequate thermal protection of cable connectors by channeling the intumescent material to reduce direct flame contact and radiation, maintaining connector integrity during a fire.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SPEEDINNOV
- Filing Date
- 2022-10-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing fire protection systems for cable connectors on railway vehicles, particularly those made of aluminum, fail to provide adequate thermal protection during a fire, leading to rapid integrity loss.
A fire protection device comprising a protective housing with an intumescent device and deflection elements that channels the expansion of the intumescent material towards the connector, reducing direct flame contact and thermal radiation, using a comb system of intumescent lamellae or a block of intumescent material.
Effectively protects cable connectors and the wall by limiting direct flame contact and reducing thermal radiation, ensuring the connectors maintain integrity during a fire.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Fire protection device for a cable connector
[0001] The present invention relates to a fire protection device intended to protect at least one cable connector mounted on a wall.
[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a fire protection device for a cable connector mounted on a wall of a railway vehicle. The cable is, for example, an electrical cable of safety equipment enabling the railway vehicle to operate with a fire on board.
[0003] It is known to place such safety equipment in enclosures with intumescent seals. However, this is not sufficient to ensure thermal protection of the connectors, which are generally made of aluminum and which rapidly lose their integrity in the event of a fire.
[0004] An object of the invention is to provide a fire protection device which makes it possible to effectively protect a cable connector and the wall on which the connector is fixed, in the event of a fire.
[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a fire protection device intended to protect at least one cable connector mounted on a wall, said device comprising:
[0006] - a protective housing intended to be mounted on the wall, the protective housing limiting an internal volume intended to receive at least part of the connector, the protective housing further defining a through opening extending in an opening plane, the through opening being in communication with the internal volume and intended for the passage of at least part of the connector,
[0007] - an intumescent device extending into the through opening,
[0008] - at least one first deflection element mounted on the protective housing and extending outward from the opening plane opposite the internal volume, and defining a first deflection surface oriented towards the through opening.
[0009] Thus, the protective housing limits direct contact of the flame with the wall and the connector. The housing also reduces thermal radiation on the wall and the connector. The intumescent device, which complements the protective housing, expands rapidly to seal the through-hole, and efficiently thanks to the presence of the first deflector, which channels the expansion of the intumescent device towards the connector. The housing also reduces the thermal radiation received by the connector by acting as a shield.
[0010] According to particular embodiments, the protection device comprises a or several of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:
[0011] - the intumescent device is formed by a system of combs comprising a plurality of intumescent lamellae, the comb system delimiting at least one passage intended for the passage of at least part of the connector;
[0012] - the protective case is made of steel;
[0013] - the through opening is rectangular;
[0014] - the first deflection element extends from a first edge of the opening slope;
[0015] - the first deflection surface extends substantially in a first plane of deflection, the first deflection plane and the opening plane forming between them a first deflection angle between 45° and 90°;
[0016] - the first deflection element comprises a layer of intumescent material, the layer of intumescent material being positioned opposite the through opening;
[0017] - the fire protection device includes a second deflection element ending with a second deflection surface oriented towards the through opening;
[0018] - in which the second deflection element extends from a second edge of the through opening, the second edge being opposite the first edge; and
[0019] - the first deflection element and the second deflection element are sy metric to each other with respect to a plane of symmetry substantially perpendicular to the opening plane.
[0020] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying figures, among which:
[0021] - [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a device according to the invention mounted on a wall, and
[0022] - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the device of [Fig.1] without a part of the protective housing to reveal the connector.
[0023] Fig. 1 represents a fire protection device 10 intended to protect at least one cable connector 12 mounted on a wall 14 according to the invention.
[0024] In the example illustrated by [Fig.1], the protective device 10 is intended to protect two cable connectors 12 mounted on the wall 14. Of course, the protective device 10 according to the invention can be intended to protect any number of cable connectors 12.
[0025] The wall 14 extends, for example, in a plane P. The plane P is, for example, an elevation plane substantially perpendicular to the extension plane (not shown) in which the floor of the railway vehicle extends. Alternatively, the plane P forms an angle of less than 90° with the extension plane, for example, between 30° and 75°.
[0026] The cable connector 12 is mounted on the wall 14, for example a wall of a railway vehicle, according to a connection direction C. The connection direction C is preferably substantially perpendicular to the plane P.
[0027] The cable is for example a cable (not shown) of a safety device (not shown) allowing the railway vehicle to be moved with a fire on board for at least a predetermined period, for example equal to 15 minutes.
[0028] Connector 12 is preferably an electrical connector. Connector 12 is a male connector or a female connector cooperating respectively with a female or male connector of the wall 14.
[0029] Alternatively, connector 12 is a hydraulic connector.
[0030] The connector 12 comprises a main body 16 and a sleeve 18 connected to the main body 16. The main body 16 is, for example, metallic, for example made of aluminum.
[0031] According to the invention, the fire protection device 10 comprises a protective housing 20, an intumescent device 22 and at least one first deflection element 24.
[0032] The protective housing 20 is mounted on the wall 14, for example by screwing. The protective housing 20 delimits an internal volume 26 ([Fig.2]) receiving at least part of the connector 12, and in particular at least the main body 16 of the connector 12. For example, the protective housing 20 comprises a plurality of partitions 28 fixed to each other and to the wall 14.
[0033] The protective housing 20 is, for example, metallic, advantageously made of steel. This limits direct contact with the flame and reduces thermal radiation on the wall 14 and on the connector 12.
[0034] The protective housing 20 further defines a through-opening 30 in communication with the internal volume 26, intended for the passage of at least part of the connector 12. In the illustrated example, the through-opening 30 allows the passage of the sleeve 18 of the connectors 12. Preferably, the through-opening 30 extends in an opening plane PO. Even more preferably, the through-opening 30 extends opposite the wall 14 along the connection direction C. The opening plane PO is, for example, substantially perpendicular to the connection direction C and substantially parallel to the plane P of the wall 14. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 1], the through-opening 30 is substantially rectangular. The through opening 30 is delimited by an upper edge 32 and a lower edge 34, opposite the upper edge 32. The through opening 30 is further delimited by two lateral edges 36 connecting the upper edge 32 to the lower edge 34.Alternatively, the through opening 30 is substantially circular, elliptical or of any other shape.
[0035] The intumescent device 22 extends into the through-hole 30. In other words, The intumescent device 22 expands primarily in a plane substantially coinciding with the plane of the opening. The intumescent device 22 is capable of expanding when subjected to a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature, particularly in the event of a fire. The temperature is, for example, between 140°C and 200°C, for example 170°C.
[0036] For example, the intumescent device 22 is formed by a comb system 38 comprising a plurality of intumescent lamellae 40. The intumescent lamellae 40 delimit openings in communication with the internal volume 26. The comb system 38 delimits at least one passage intended for the passage of at least a part of the connector(s) 12, and in particular of the sleeve(s) 18. In the illustrated example, the intumescent lamellae 40 extend parallel to each other, between the upper edge 32 and the lower edge 34 of the through opening 30.
[0037] Alternatively, the intumescent device 22 is formed by an intumescent grid delimiting the passage(s) for the connector(s). Alternatively still, the intumescent device 22 is formed by a block of homogeneous intumescent material, i.e., without openings communicating with the internal volume 26. The block of intumescent material delimits only the passage(s) for the connector(s).
[0038] Thus, in the event of a fire, the intumescent device 22 is able to expand and seal the through opening 30.
[0039] The first deflection element 24 is mounted on the protective housing 20. For example, the first deflection element 24 is mounted on the protective housing 20 by screwing. Alternatively, the first deflection element 24 is welded to the protective housing 20. The first deflection element 24 projects beyond the protective housing 20 in the connection direction C. In particular, the first deflection element 24 projects beyond the through-opening 30 opposite the internal volume 26. In the illustrated example, the first deflection element 24 extends from a first edge 42 of the through-opening 30, and in particular from the upper edge 32 of the through-opening 30.
[0040] The first deflection element 24 defines a first deflection surface S1 oriented towards the through opening 30. The first deflection surface SI extends in a first deflection plane DI forming a first deflection angle al with the opening plane PO between 45° and 90°.
[0041] The first deflection element 24 allows the expansion of the intumescent device 22 to be channeled to optimize the protection of the connector 12, by focusing the expansion towards the through opening 30 and the connector 12.
[0042] The first deflection element 24 is preferably metallic, advantageously made of steel. The first deflection element 24 comprises a first oriented face 44 towards the through opening 30 and a second face 46, opposite the first face 44. The first face 44 defines the first deflection surface SI.
[0043] Advantageously, the first deflection element 24 comprises a layer of intumescent material 48 fixed to the first face 44. The layer of intumescent material 48 then defines the first deflection surface SL. In the event of a fire, the layer of intumescent material 48 then expands towards the through opening 30 and towards the connector 12. For example, the layer of intumescent material 48 is a layer of intumescent paint applied to the first face 44 of the first deflection device 24.
[0044] Advantageously, the protective device 10 includes a second deflection element 50 mounted on the protective housing 20. For example, the second deflection element 50 is screwed onto the protective housing 20. Alternatively, the second deflection element 50 is welded onto the protective housing 20. The second deflection element 50 projects beyond the protective housing 20 in the connection direction C. In particular, the second deflection element 50 projects beyond the through-hole 30. In the illustrated example, the second deflection element 50 extends from a second edge 52 of the through-hole 30, opposite the first edge 42. In particular, in the illustrated example, the second deflection element 50 extends from the lower edge 34 of the through-hole 30.
[0045] The second deflection element 50 defines a second deflection surface S2 oriented towards the through opening 30. The second deflection surface S2 extends in a second deflection plane D2 forming a second deflection angle a2 with the opening plane PO between 45° and 90°.
[0046] The second deflection element 50 allows the expansion of the intumescent device 22 to be channeled to optimize the protection of the connector 12 and the wall 14, by focusing the expansion towards the through opening 30 and the connector 12.
[0047] The second deflection element 50 is preferably metallic, advantageously made of steel. The second deflection element 50 comprises a first face 54 oriented towards the through opening 30 and a second face 56, opposite the first face 54. The first face 54 defines the second deflection surface S2.
[0048] Advantageously, the second deflection element 50 comprises a layer of intumescent material 48 fixed to the first face 54. The layer of intumescent material 48 then defines the second deflection surface S2. In the event of a fire, the layer of intumescent material 48 then expands towards the through opening 30 and towards the connector 12. For example, the layer of intumescent material 48 is a layer of intumescent paint applied to the first face 54 of the second deflection device 50.
[0049] Preferably, the first deflection element 24 and the second deflection element 50 are arranged on either side of a plane substantially perpendicular to the opening plane PO. Preferably, the first deflection element 24 and the second deflection element 50 are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane of symmetry substantially perpendicular to the opening plane PO.
[0050] According to another embodiment (not shown), the fire protection device comprises at least a third deflection element and a fourth deflection element. The third and fourth deflection elements are mounted on the protective housing 20 and define, respectively, a third and a fourth deflection surface. These surfaces are oriented towards the through opening 30. It is understood that the third and fourth deflection elements may have the same characteristics as the first and second deflection elements 24, 50.
[0051] The fire protection device 10 according to the invention is particularly advantageous. Indeed, the protective housing 20 limits direct contact of the flame with the wall 14 and the connector 12. The protective housing 20 also reduces thermal radiation on the wall 14 and the connector 12. In the event of a fire, the intumescent device 22 expands rapidly to seal the through opening 30, and effectively thanks to the presence of the first deflector 24 which channels the expansion.
Claims
Demands
1. A fire protection device (10) for protecting at least one cable connector (12) mounted on a wall (14), said device (10) comprising: - a protective housing (20) for mounting on the wall (14), the protective housing (20) delimiting an internal volume (26) for receiving at least part of the connector (12), the protective housing (20) further delimiting a through-opening (30) extending in an opening plane (PO), the through-opening (30) being in communication with the internal volume (26) and intended for the passage of at least part of the connector (12), - an intumescent device (22) extending in the through-opening (30), - at least one first deflection element (24) mounted on the protective housing (20) and projecting from the opening plane (PO) opposite the internal volume (26), and defining a first deflection surface (SI) oriented towards the through opening (30).
2. Device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the intumescent device (22) is formed by a comb system (38) comprising a plurality of intumescent lamellae (40), the comb system (38) delimiting at least one passage for the passage of at least a part of the connector (12).
3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protective housing (20) is made of steel.
4. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the through opening (30) is rectangular.
5. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first deflection element (24) extends from a first edge (42) of the through opening (30).
6. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first deflection surface (SI) extends substantially in a first deflection plane (Dl), the first deflection plane (Dl) and the opening plane (PO) forming between them a first deflection angle (al) between 45° and 90°.
7. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first deflection element (24) comprises a layer of intumescent material (48), the layer of intumescent material (48) being positioned opposite the through opening (30).
8. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fire protection device (10) comprises a second deflection element (50) defining a second deflection surface (S2) oriented towards the through opening (30).
9. Device (10) according to claim 8, wherein the second deflection element (50) extends from a second edge (52) of the through opening (30), the second edge (52) being opposite the first edge (42).
10. Device (10) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first deflection element (24) and the second deflection element (50) are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane of symmetry substantially perpendicular to the opening plane (PO).