Automatic water extinguisher and associated fire protection installation

Abstract

The invention relates to an automatic water extinguisher (100) intended to be mounted on an opening (42) of a pipeline (40), said extinguisher (100) comprising: a base (24A) having a through-hole (26), and a seal (28) intended for sealing the connection between the opening (42) and the through-hole (26). The base (24A) further comprises at least two anchoring points (25A), and the extinguisher (100) comprises at least one clamping collar (30) comprising: an elongate element (31) intended to partially surround the pipeline (40), said elongate element (31) cooperating with the base (24A) at said anchoring points (25A), and means (32) for adjusting the length of the at least one clamping collar (30) so that the extinguisher (100) is able to be mounted on pipelines (40) of different diameters.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: AUTOMATIC WATER FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND ASSOCIATED FIRE PROTECTION INSTALLATION

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of fire protection installations.

[0005] The invention relates in particular to an automatic water extinguisher including at least one clamping collar whose diameter adapts to several pipe diameters.

[0006] The invention makes it possible in particular to adapt the extinguisher in situ to several types of pre-existing pipes.

[0007] PREVIOUS ART

[0008] Fires are one of the leading causes of industrial accidents. Fire prevention is therefore a significant issue for businesses and public places. Indeed, any fire-related incident can cause considerable material and human damage. Companies are therefore required to implement measures to prevent the risk of fire; any failure to do so may result in legal action and penalties.

[0009] Traditionally, fire protection systems are equipment configured to detect, signal and secure a given area. To do this, a fire protection system generally includes devices for detecting the presence of a fire, inhibition devices configured to stop the fire, alert devices configured to warn of the presence of the fire and a control station receiving information from the detection devices and triggering the inhibition and alert devices in the event of a fire.

[0010] Among the different types of installations, fire protection installations using pressurized water typically include a network of pipes deployed within the area to be protected. The pipes include automatic water extinguishers, also known as "sprinkles," which most often perform both the inhibition function and the detection function. To achieve this, automatic water extinguishers have a base pierced with an opening, mounted on the pipe. This opening is kept closed by a temperature-sensitive bulb or fuse. In the event of a fire, the rise in temperature breaks the bulb or melts the fuse, which frees the passage of pressurized water, which spurts out through the opening to spray the burning area. In some embodiments, the flow of water strikes a deflector, positioned directly opposite the opening of the automatic water extinguisher.This deflector helps to widen and direct the flow of water towards the inflamed area.

[0011] There are also variants of this installation, in which the extinguishers do not perform the detection function, but only the sprinkler function. In this case, the pipes do not contain continuous pressurized water, but the water is fed to the extinguishers only when a fire has been detected elsewhere. In these embodiments, the sprinklers do not have a bulb or fuse to block the flow of water.

[0012] To attach automatic water extinguishers to pipes, there is a first system which consists of welding a sleeve around an opening made in the pipe. The automatic water extinguisher is then screwed onto the sleeve. However, it is necessary to paint or galvanize the sleeve to give it the same color as the rest of the pipe, which can only be done after welding, and increases the manufacturing process of the installation.

[0013] To overcome these drawbacks, systems have been developed in which the sleeve is no longer fixed to the pipe by welding but by means of a support collar.

[0014] According to a first embodiment, the automatic water extinguisher is independent of the support collar. For example, document EP 0598151 describes a support collar comprising a connector for screwing an automatic water extinguisher onto the collar. For this purpose, the support collar comprises two parts. The first part, supporting the connector, is curved in shape, to adapt to the shape of the upper portion of a pipe. The second part is a part having a spring effect and allowing the support collar to be clipped onto the pipe. Alternatively, the second part may also be a rigid part of curved shape.

[0015] According to a second embodiment, the automatic water extinguisher may be integral with the support collar. For example, document EP 3756733 describes a support collar comprising an upper part including the automatic water extinguisher and means for connection with the lower part(s). The upper part is curved in shape, in order to adapt to the shape of the upper portion of a pipe. Alternatively, the upper part may also be flat, as illustrated in documents DE9106943 and GB 8422476.

[0016] The lower part is a rigid piece of curved shape, configured to adapt to the shape of the lower and / or lateral portion of the pipe.

[0017] In any case, the curved shape of the first part and / or the second part is such that it is impossible to adapt it for another pipe diameter.

[0018] Indeed, there are no standards defining a standardized size for fire sprinkler pipes. Dimensions vary depending on needs and manufacturers. For example, pipes typically found on the market have dimensions that vary within a standardized diameter range of 25 to 125 mm, also referred to by the acronym "DN 25" or "DN 125".

[0019] Thus, the systems proposed by the previous documents require prior knowledge of the dimensions of the pipes in order to correctly choose the size of the support collars. This system therefore has a lack of adaptability which can cause additional costs and installation delays in the event that the dimensions of the collars are not adapted to the dimensions of the pipes.

[0020] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve is therefore to develop an automatic water extinguisher that can be adapted to several existing pipe diameters.

[0021] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] To solve this problem, the invention proposes to develop an automatic water extinguisher comprising at least one clamp made of a flexible material allowing it to be adapted to the shape and size of the pipe. The invention is therefore the result of a discovery according to which these flexible clamps can replace the rigid clamps of the prior art without loss of quality of the installations.

[0023] Indeed, fire protection installations are subject to very stringent standards that require that the installations are compliant at the time of their commissioning, but also that they maintain this compliance throughout their life, in order to be effective in the event of a fire. These standards regulate in particular the pressures that the installation's components must withstand.

[0024] However, a person skilled in the art would naturally be led to think that the flexible clamps of the invention present too great a risk of wear and deformation, in particular when they are subjected to pressures of the order of 10 bars necessary in fire installations, for example between 5 and 20 bars and preferably between 8 and 12 bars. A person skilled in the art would thus have avoided using these clamps for the field of sprinklers in order to limit safety risks.

[0025] Thus, the invention relates to an automatic water extinguisher intended to be mounted on an opening of a pipeline, said pipeline forming part of an installation configured to contain water under a pressure of 5 to 20 bars, said extinguisher comprising:

[0026] - a single-piece base with a through hole, and

[0027] - a seal intended to ensure the watertightness of the connection between the opening of said pipe and the through hole of said base.

[0028] Such a fire extinguisher is characterized in that:

[0029] - the base also has at least two anchor points, and

[0030] - the extinguisher has at least one clamp comprising:

[0031] • an elongated element intended to partially surround the pipeline, said elongated element cooperating with the base at said anchoring points, and

[0032] • adjustment means independent of the base, allowing the length of at least one clamp to be adapted so that the extinguisher is suitable for mounting on pipes of different diameters.

[0033] In other words, the adjustment means allow the length of the clamp to be adapted to the diameter of the pipe. For example, the clamp may be long enough to accommodate diameters between 25 and 50 mm.

[0034] To achieve this adaptability, the adjustment means can be in the form of a loop, cooperating with notches made in the elongated element.

[0035] The adjustment means are also independent of the base in order to be positioned in an area distant from the base and thus be able to better withstand the pressure constraints exerted on the opening of the pipeline. Indeed, the further the adjustment means are from the base, the better the clamp resists elongation, deformation and rupture. Preferably, the adjustment means are installed diametrically opposite the opening of the pipeline, to best compensate for the pressure force exerted on the base, from the opening of the pipeline. The tension being exerted around the pipeline, it is thus better distributed.

[0036] According to the invention, the base is a single-piece, that is to say that the base is a part formed from a single piece, as opposed to a part resulting from the assembly of several constituent elements, as described for example in document WO2018 / 014066. Given the high pressures exerted, the use of a single-piece base makes it possible to guarantee lasting resistance for a guaranteed period of operation, for example for 5 or 10 years of operation.

[0037] The combination of the gasket, the adjustment means and the elongated element cooperating with the base, makes it possible to guarantee the tightness of the connection between the pipe and the automatic extinguisher as well as the adaptability of the clamp to different pipe diameters. Indeed, the elongated element makes it possible to press the base against the pipe while the gasket, inserted between the base and the pipe, is compressed. Under the traction of the elongated element on the base, the gasket deforms to guarantee the tightness of the base around the through hole of the pipe and to match the curvature of the pipe. Thus, the gasket under the pressure of the base makes it possible to absorb the differences in curvature between the pipe and the base.Furthermore, the adjustment means make it possible to secure the elongated element in a position in which the seal is compressed so that the compression capacity of the seal also compensates for the lack of progressiveness of the fixing positions of the clamping means.

[0038] It follows that the traction exerted by the elongated element on the base, the modularity of the adjustment means and the deformation capacity of the joint make it possible to adapt the support device to pipes of variable diameters.

[0039] Furthermore, the adjustment means and the elongated element are durable over time, that is to say they do not deform or become unstable over time. The connection therefore remains permanently watertight.

[0040] Furthermore, the combination of the adjustment means and the seal also makes it possible to adapt the length of the clamp to very small variations in the diameter of the pipe, due to manufacturing tolerances. Indeed, among pipes of a given diameter, for example for a diameter of 25 mm, the manufacturer's tolerance may provide a margin of + / - 1 mm within which the diameter of the pipe may vary. Preferably, the notches of the adjustment means have a sufficiently small pitch to allow adaptation to the manufacturer's tolerance.

[0041] The automatic water extinguisher can be positioned in any orientation relative to the pipe, as long as it is fixed at an opening in the pipe. For example, the automatic water extinguisher can be positioned above the pipe, below it, or to the side.

[0042] The length of the hose clamps corresponds to the useful portion of the clamps, which is intended to be positioned against the walls of the pipe. Indeed, a hose clamp may have a fixed total length, but when adjusting, only a portion of the clamp can be effectively used to hold the automatic water extinguisher against the pipe. The non-useful portion can optionally be cut off so as not to hinder the extinguishing generated by the automatic extinguisher.

[0043] Advantageously, such an automatic water extinguisher makes the installation more compact. Indeed, the invention makes it possible to do without the presence of a sleeve for receiving the automatic extinguisher. This configuration therefore makes it possible to reduce the height of the automatic water extinguisher. It can therefore be more easily inserted into small spaces, such as storage lockers, or restricted ceiling space for example.

[0044] Furthermore, clamps that can adapt to several pipe diameters make it possible to limit the number of different size references for clamps, which limits production costs. Furthermore, the adjustment of the clamps can be done in a substantially continuous manner, unlike the support clamps of the prior art which have a shape adapted to a single pipe diameter.

[0045] In addition, the hose clamps of the invention allow the automatic water extinguisher to be adapted in situ, without having to plan the number and size of the clamps in advance. This saves time and reduces the cost price significantly.

[0046] In one embodiment, the extinguisher has a single clamp and only two anchor points arranged on either side of the base.

[0047] Indeed, the person skilled in the art, thinking that the flexible clamps of the invention present too great a risk of wear and deformation, would be led to multiply the number of clamps to reinforce the structure of the clamp. However, the invention makes it possible, against all expectations, to use only a single clamp without increasing the risks of leaks for example.

[0048] For the purposes of the invention, the "anchor points" correspond to the receiving elements of the base allowing the clamp to be fixed when the clamp is clamped around the pipe. These anchor points may correspond to openings or protrusions, such as lugs.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the anchoring points are through openings oriented in a direction parallel to the main direction of the pipeline, the elongate element being mounted on the base by inserting at least one end of the elongate element into the through openings and forming a loop around the edges of said base.

[0050] According to the invention, the main direction of the pipeline corresponds to the direction parallel to the length of the pipeline.

[0051] This makes it easier to install the hose clamp on the base because the adjustment method is easily reproducible and requires few tools. For example, simply pass through the two openings from bottom to top, so that the elongated element surrounds the pipe. The ends of the elongated element are then pulled from above the base and folded over the ends of the base to tighten the hose clamp around the pipe. The ends of the elongated element are then brought together and fixed by the adjustment means. This makes installing automatic water extinguishers on pipes faster overall.

[0052] In practice, the through openings may correspond to slots made in the base. Alternatively, the through openings may correspond to the space formed between the base and an axis attached to the base.

[0053] Preferably, the openings are arranged symmetrically with respect to a central axis of the base, thus reducing the risks of incorrect positioning of the automatic water extinguisher against the opening of the pipe.

[0054] According to another embodiment, the two ends of the elongate element are configured to cooperate with the anchoring points arranged on either side of the base, so that the elongate element partially encloses the pipe after action on the adjustment means. In practice, each anchoring point comprises a housing delimited by two lugs, separated by a slot sized to allow the passage of the elongate element, the housing being intended to receive a pin fixed to one end of the elongate element, the lugs being intended to allow the insertion of the pins into the housings before action on the adjustment means and to block the extraction of said pins after action on the adjustment means.

[0055] This makes it easier to install the clamp on the base because the adjustment method is easily reproducible and requires few tools. The elongated element simply surrounds the pipe and its ends, equipped with a pin, are locked into the base's housings. The clamp is then adapted to the pipe diameter using the adjustment means. This makes installing automatic water extinguishers on pipes faster overall.

[0056] Alternatively, each anchor point comprises a lug intended to cooperate with a hole provided at the ends of the elongated element.

[0057] The clamp is mounted on the base by fitting the elongated element around the pipe so that its ends, fitted with a hole, are locked onto the lugs of the base. The clamp is then adapted to the diameter of the pipe using the adjustment means.

[0058] The elongated element can take different forms. In a first form, the elongated element is a strip, that is, similar in shape to a ribbon. Alternatively, the elongated element is a cable, thinner but nonetheless just as strong. Indeed, the invention makes it possible to use elongated elements with reduced width without compromising the safety of the installations.

[0059] In practice, the elongated element is formed from a metallic material, because surprisingly, the invention allows the use of different materials for the production of the elongated element without compromising the safety of the installations.

[0060] Advantageously, the means for adjusting the length of the at least one clamping collar comprise marks making it possible to compress the seal at a predetermined rate.

[0061] This embodiment makes it easier to install the clamp and eliminates the risk of errors. The technician can rely on visual cues during installation, indicating how far to tighten the clamp so that the seal is optimally compressed to avoid leaks depending on the diameter and operating pressure. Alternatively, these adjustment marks can also be replaced by or combined with a device for measuring the clamp adjustment tension.

[0062] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the adjustment means are integral with one end of the elongated element. Indeed, this embodiment makes it possible to tighten the automatic extinguisher on the pipe by performing a simple pulling movement of the free end of the elongated element.

[0063] A clamp with the above characteristics advantageously simplifies and reduces the time required to install the automatic water extinguisher on the pipe.

[0064] However, the locking system of the elongated element could be different without this affecting the proper functioning of the invention.

[0065] In some embodiments of the invention, the automatic water extinguisher further comprises a sealing element for said through-hole sensitive to temperature and configured to release the through-hole when the temperature exceeds a threshold value so as to extract a flow of water from the pipe.

[0066] Advantageously, the automatic water extinguisher also includes a deflector fixed above said base and intended to spray the flow of water from the pipe.

[0067] These elements form the head of the automatic water extinguisher. The invention covers embodiments in which the brackets and the base form a monolithic block, onto which a deflector and a closure element will be attached. Alternatively, the invention also covers embodiments in which the head, formed by the brackets, the deflector and the closure element, is independent of the base.

[0068] In other words, according to a first embodiment the base and the head, comprising the deflector, the stirrups and / or the closing element form a monolithic block.

[0069] According to a second embodiment, the base and the head, comprising the deflector, the stirrups and / or the closure element are independent, the head being attached to the base by screwing, by fitting into a grooved connection or by any other means of cooperation.

[0070] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a fire protection installation including: - at least one pipe having at least one opening, and

[0071] - at least one automatic water extinguisher as described above.

[0072] Preferably, the pipeline is painted or pre-painted on its internal and external faces, that is to say, the pipeline has paint covering its internal and external faces. The paint helps protect the pipeline from damage, particularly that caused by rust.

[0073] The applied paint must allow drilling and cutting without flaking, thus considerably reducing workshop manufacturing times. Indeed, the post-manufacturing painting phase usually carried out in known processes is eliminated. Preferably, the pipeline paint includes an epoxy polymer binder, which is particularly resistant during drilling and cutting.

[0074] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0075] The manner of carrying out the invention, as well as the advantages which result therefrom, will emerge clearly from the description of the embodiments which follow, supported by the appended figures in which:

[0076] [Fig 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pipeline on which four automatic water extinguishers are fixed according to four different embodiments,

[0077] [Fig 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a pipeline on which four automatic water extinguishers are fixed according to four other different embodiments,

[0078] [Fig 3] Figure 3 is a front view of an automatic water extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to a first embodiment of Figure 1,

[0079] [Fig 4] Figure 4 is a side view of a pipe-mounted water sprinkler according to the first embodiment of Figure 1, [Fig 5] Figure 5 is a top view of a pipe-mounted water sprinkler according to the first embodiment of Figure 1,

[0080] [Fig 6] Figure 6 is a front view of a pipe-mounted water sprinkler according to a second embodiment of Figure 1, [Fig 7] Figure 7 is a side view of a pipe-mounted water sprinkler according to the second embodiment of Figure 1,

[0081] [Fig 8] Figure 8 is a top view of a pipe-mounted water sprinkler according to the second embodiment of Figure 1, [Fig 9] Figure 9 is a front view of a pipe-mounted water sprinkler according to a third embodiment of Figure 1,

[0082] [Fig 10] Figure 10 is a side view of a pipe-mounted water sprinkler according to the third embodiment of Figure 1,

[0083] [Fig 11] Figure 11 is a top view of an automatic water extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the third embodiment of Figure 1,

[0084] [Fig 12] Figure 12 is a front view of an automatic water extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to a fourth embodiment of Figure 1,

[0085] [Fig 13] Figure 13 is a side view of a pipe-mounted water sprinkler according to the fourth embodiment of Figure 1, [Fig 14] Figure 14 is a top view of a pipe-mounted water sprinkler according to the fourth embodiment of Figure 1,

[0086] [Fig 15] Figure 15 is a front view of a pipe-mounted water sprinkler according to a fifth embodiment of Figure 2,

[0087] [Fig 16] Figure 16 is a side view of a pipe-mounted water sprinkler according to the fifth embodiment of Figure 2,

[0088] [Fig 17] Figure 17 is a top view of a pipe-mounted water sprinkler according to the fifth embodiment of Figure 2,

[0089] [Fig 18] Figure 18 is a front view of a pipe-mounted water sprinkler according to a sixth embodiment of Figure 2, [Fig 19] Figure 19 is a side view of a pipe-mounted water sprinkler according to the sixth embodiment of Figure 2,

[0090] [Fig 20] Figure 20 is a top view of a pipe-mounted water sprinkler according to the sixth embodiment of Figure 2, [Fig 21] Figure 21 is a front view of a pipe-mounted water sprinkler according to a seventh embodiment of Figure 2,

[0091] [Fig 22] Figure 22 is a side view of a pipe-mounted water sprinkler according to the seventh embodiment of Figure 2, [Fig 23] Figure 23 is a top view of a pipe-mounted water sprinkler according to the seventh embodiment of Figure 2,

[0092] [Fig 24] Figure 24 is a front view of a pipe-mounted water extinguisher according to an eighth embodiment of Figure 2,

[0093] [Fig 25] Figure 25 is a side view of a pipe-mounted water sprinkler according to the eighth embodiment of Figure 2,

[0094] [Fig 26] Figure 26 is a top view of a pipe-mounted water sprinkler according to the eighth embodiment of Figure 2,

[0095] [Fig 27] Figure 27 is a perspective view of the base of an automatic water extinguisher mounted on a pipeline and of the clamp according to a ninth embodiment of the invention,

[0096] [Fig 28] Figure 28 is a perspective view of the adjustment means of the clamp of Figure 27,

[0097] [Fig 29] Figure 29 is a partial sectional view of the adjustment means of the clamp of Figure 27, [Fig 30a] Figure 30a is a sectional view of a first step of installation of an automatic water extinguisher according to a tenth embodiment of the invention,

[0098] [Fig 30b] Figure 30b is a sectional view of a second step of installation of an automatic water extinguisher according to a tenth embodiment of the invention,

[0099] [Fig 30c] Figure 30c is a sectional view of a third step of installation of an automatic water extinguisher according to a tenth embodiment of the invention,

[0100] [Fig 30d] Figure 30d is a sectional view of a fourth step of installing an automatic water extinguisher according to a tenth embodiment of the invention,

[0101] [Fig 31] Figure 31 is a perspective view from above of the base of an automatic water extinguisher according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention, [Fig 32] Figure 32 is a front view of the base of the automatic water extinguisher of Figure 31, and

[0102] [Fig 33] Figure 33 is a perspective view from below of the base of the automatic water extinguisher of Figure 31.

[0103] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0104] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, automatic water extinguishers 100, 200, 300, 400, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 are mounted on a fire protection installation comprising at least one pipe 40. The pipe 40 is configured to withstand pressures of the order of ten bars, for example between 5 and 20 bars and preferably between 8 and 12 bars. To do this, the pipe 40 is preferably made of a material having good deformation resistance properties, typically steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, copper or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride. Furthermore, the diameter of the 40 pipe can vary, typically between 25 and 125 mm, also called by the acronym "DN 25" or "DN 125", depending on the needs related to the area to be protected, the dimensions of the installation and the positioning of the automatic extinguisher in relation to the water source.

[0105] For example, the fire protection installation may be formed from a central skeleton of larger diameter pipes 40 and branches formed by smaller diameter pipes.

[0106] In order to integrate the automatic water extinguishers 100, 200, 300, 400, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 of the invention, one or more openings 42 are provided in the pipes 40. The openings 42 are for example circular in top view, with a diameter between 10 and 25 mm, also called according to the acronym “DN 10” or “DN 25”. The diameter of the opening 42 is sized according to the sprinkler head which will be chosen for extinguishing the area to be protected. In addition, it has also been found that the invention can also be implemented for pipes from DN 32 to DN40. The distance separating two openings 42 is generally regulated between 2 and 4.6 m. Similarly, an opening 42 must be at least 1 m from a wall of the area to be protected. It has recently been found that the distance separating two openings 42 can be 0.9 m.

[0107] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate several embodiments of automatic water extinguishers 100, 200, 300, 400, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 according to the invention. All the embodiments, however, have common elements. For example, with reference to Figures 3 to 5, the automatic water extinguishers 100, 200, 300, 400, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 are formed from a single-piece base 24A-24D, 2AH-24K, having a substantially flat parallelepiped shape with a thickness of between 0.5 and 1.5 cm. Alternatively, the underside of the base 24E, 24G may have a slight curvature, as illustrated in Figure 27 and 31-33. The curvature of the underside is chosen to accommodate the curvature of the larger diameter pipe 40 on which the automatic water extinguisher 500, 700 may be fitted. More recently, bases 24E, 24G having a thickness of 3 mm have been observed.

[0108] The 24A-24D, 2AH-24K base can be directly obtained by a molding process, a material subtraction process such as machining or laser cutting or even by an additive process such as 3D printing.

[0109] The base 24A-24K further has, for example, a through opening 26 with a diameter of between 2 and 10 mm. The diameter can be larger without changing the invention, typically between 10 and 500 mm.

[0110] Advantageously, a seal 28 is positioned opposite the lower face of the base 24A-24K, typically between the base 24A-24K and the pipe 40, so as to surround the openings 26 and 42 respectively of the base 24A-24K and of the pipe 40. For example, the seal 28 is a rubber O-ring with a thickness of between 0.2 and 0.7 cm. Alternatively, for pipes of larger diameter, the seal may include lips and have a thickness of between 0.5 and 3 cm.

[0111] The opening 26 of the base 24A-24 K is preferably closed by a heat-sensitive closing element 23, typically a glass bulb or a fuse configured to degrade when the temperature in the vicinity of the automatic water extinguishers 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 reaches a trigger threshold value, typically between 57 and 343°C. There are several standards for the degradation temperature of bulbs and / or fuses. These standards are notably recognizable by the color of the liquid contained in the bulb. For example, the red color corresponds to a trigger temperature of 68°C.

[0112] Advantageously, a deflector 22 is positioned opposite the opening 26 of the base 24A-24D, 24H-24K. The deflector 22 has a shape similar to an umbrella or parasol, that is to say a circular surface, preferably curved, the concave part of which is positioned opposite the opening 26 so as to intercept a flow of water coming from the opening 26 and redirect it towards the inflamed area. Alternatively, the deflector 22 may have any other shape allowing effective dispersion of the flow of water.

[0113] Advantageously, the periphery of the deflector is provided with fins 21. The deflector 22 is held by lateral stirrups 29, advantageously two in number. The assembly is for example made of brass, bronze, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium or copper. A screw is for example fixed at the junction between the stirrups 29 and the deflector. The screw makes it possible both to hold the deflector and to press on the closing element 23.

[0114] According to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 26, the assembly formed by the deflector 22, the stirrups 29 and the closing element 23, also called “head” 20, is integral with the base 24A-24D, 24H-24K.

[0115] In other embodiments, illustrated for example in Figure 27 and 31 to 33, the head 20, not shown, can be independent of the base 24E, 24G, that is to say that the head 20 can be attached to the base 24E, 24G by aligning the through opening of the head 20 with the through opening 26 of the base 24E, 24G. For example, the head 20 can have a male portion having a thread or a groove and cooperating with a second thread or a groove formed in the walls of the through opening 26 of the base 24E, 24G. The head 20 can thus be screwed or fixed by means of a grooved connection on the base 24E, 24G.

[0116] The clamp(s) 30 make it possible to fix and maintain the head 20 on the pipe 40. The clamps 30 comprise an elongated element, such as for example a strip with a width of between 0.5 and 2 cm or a cable with a diameter of between 0.2 and 1 cm. Alternatively, the elongated element may be a “serflex” type clamping element, made of a metallic material. The clamps 30 also comprise means 32 for adjusting the length and tightening of a clamp 30. The base 24A-24K may be provided with one or more clamps 30 depending on the needs of the installation and the diameter of the pipe 40. The adjustment means 32 are independent of the base 24A-24K.

[0117] According to a first example, the adjustment means 32 can also be independent of the elongate element of the clamping collar 30. They can consist of one or more added parts which can be fixed or fitted onto the elongate element in order to hold it in place.

[0118] As illustrated in Figures 27 to 29, the clamping collar 30 may be in the form of a metal strip 31 and the adjustment means may include a loop 33A, independent of the strip 31, comprising a housing 35 in which the ends of the strip 31 are inserted. Self-drilling screws 34 make it possible to pierce the different thicknesses of strip 31. Advantageously, the loop 33A has an opening 36 making it possible to receive the lower portion of the body of the screw 34.

[0119] Thus, the elongated element can be directly adapted to the diameter and tolerance of a 40 pipe by creating the necessary opening so that the seal 28 is compressed with an optimal compression ratio and the connection between the pipe and the automatic extinguisher is made as watertight as possible. The adjustment is made "to measure" and the adjustment possibilities are almost continuous.

[0120] Alternatively, in an embodiment not shown in the figures, the elongate element may be a metal strip comprising openings arranged regularly and closely together along the elongate element. In order for the elongate element to be directly adapted to the diameter and tolerance of a pipe, the pitch between the openings is preferably less than or equal to the manufacturer's tolerance. Typically, if the pipe has a diameter of 25mm and the tolerance is + / - 1mm, the pitch between the openings is less than or equal to 1mm. Thus, the joint can be compressed with an optimal compression ratio, and the connection between the pipe and the automatic extinguisher is made as watertight as possible.

[0121] In order to fix the base 24E on the pipe 40, it is positioned on the opening 42 of the pipe 40, so that the stirrups of the head are aligned with the length of the pipe 40 so that the water spurts in a direction perpendicular to the main direction D of the pipe 40. The two ends of the strip 31 are inserted, in an upward movement, through the anchor points, materialized by lateral openings 25E so that the strip 31 surrounds the pipe 40. The ends of the strip 31 are then pulled from above the base 24E and folded over the ends of the base 24E to tighten the clamp 30 around the pipe 40. The ends of the strip 31 are then brought together, thus forming a loop around each edge of the base 24E. The ends of the strip 31 are then fixed together by the adjustment means 32.

[0122] Thus, as illustrated in Figure 29, the loop 33A is positioned on a first thickness of strip 31. The ends of the strip 31 are then folded down and inserted into the housing 35 of the loop 33A, then tightened so as to effectively hold the base 24E on the pipe 40. To do this, the ends of the strip 31 protrude on each side of the housing 35 over a length of at least 1cm. The ends of the strip 31 thus overlap at the level of the body 37 of the loop 33A. The screw 34 is finally inserted at the level of this overlap and pierces the two thicknesses formed by the ends of the strip 31.

[0123] Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 30a to 30d, the adjustment means 32 may be integral with one end of the strip. Thus, the clamping collar 30 may be in the form of a metal strip 31 and the adjustment means may include a loop 33B comprising a housing 35, fixed to the end of the strip 31.

[0124] The housing 35 may take the form of a tube of parallelepiped section, intended to allow the passage of a part of the metal strip 31. Furthermore, fixing means, such as a self-drilling screw 34, may be placed on the housing 35, perpendicular to the length of the tube and to the direction of movement of the strip 31 in the tube, so as to restrict the movements of the strip 31 when it is compressed around the pipe 40 and inserted into the tube.

[0125] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the fixing means include a ball contained in the tube and intended to block the movements of the elongate element. To do this, the tube has a variable section. Typically, the section of the tube narrows from dimensions greater than the diameter of the ball to dimensions substantially equal to the diameter of the ball. Thus, when the elongate element slides in the tube, the ball is driven in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion of the elongate element, towards the part of the tube with reduced dimensions, where it is blocked. The ball thus also blocks the elongate element.

[0126] In the embodiment of Figures 30a-30d, the spaces 25G of the base 24G are used to create attachment points for the strap 31. To do this, as illustrated in Figure 30a, the end of the strap 31 not provided with the loop 33B is inserted according to a first movement M1 to surround a first attachment point of the base 24F. This movement M1 is carried out by inserting the strap 31 into the space 25F from the upper face of the base 24F to the lower face of the base 24F until the strap 31 arrives along the pipe 40.

[0127] The strip 31 is then moved around the pipe 40 to the second attachment point of the base 24F. As illustrated in FIG. 30b, the strip 31 is then introduced into the space 25F following the movement M2 to surround the second attachment point of the base 24F. This movement M2 is carried out by inserting the strip 31 into the space 25F from the lower face of the base 24F to the upper face of the base 24F until the strip 31 arrives along the pipe 40.

[0128] The strap 31 is then introduced into the loop 33B following the movement M3, illustrated in Figure 30c. The clamp 30 is then compressed around the pipe 40 by pulling on the end of the strap 33 after it has passed into the housing of the loop 33B, according to the movement M4.

[0129] In certain embodiments, when the desired compression tension of the strip 31 is obtained, means for fixing the strip 31 in the housing can be inserted into the loop 33C by means of an action in a direction M5, perpendicular to the length of the housing 35, as illustrated in FIG. 30d. Subsequently, the remaining end of the strip 31 protruding from the loop 33C can optionally be cut.

[0130] In addition, the strip may also have notches or grooves for accommodating or locking the adjustment means 32.

[0131] Advantageously, the clamping collar 30 also has markings making it possible to adapt the tightening to the pressure and diameter prevailing in the pipe 40.

[0132] There are several embodiments for attaching the clamp 30 to the base 24A-24K...

[0133] As illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, in a first embodiment, the base 24A has a parallelepiped shape with bevels at the corners. The base 24A has a length of between 2 and 10 cm and a width of between 2 and 5 cm. The length of the base 24A is intended to be positioned in a direction perpendicular to the main direction D of the pipe 40. The base 24A has at its ends two lateral grooves 25A formed in the thickness of the base 24A, of substantially parallelepiped shape and intended to allow the passage of the strip 31 of the clamping collar 30.

[0134] As illustrated in Figures 6 to 8, in a second embodiment, the base 24B has a parallelepiped shape with a length of between 4 and 10 cm and a width of between 4 and 10 cm. The length of the base is intended to be oriented in a direction perpendicular to the main direction D of the pipe 40. The base 24B has a central groove of parallelepiped shape as well as two lateral recesses for receiving and fixing the stirrups 29. In addition, the base 24B has at its ends two grooves 25B, formed in the thickness of the base 24B, of substantially parallelepiped shape and intended to allow the passage of the strip 31 of the clamping collar 30.

[0135] As illustrated in Figures 9 to 11, in a third embodiment, the base 24C has a parallelepiped shape with a length of between 2 and 10 cm and a width of between 2 and 5 cm. The length of the base is intended to be oriented in a direction perpendicular to the main direction D of the pipe 40. The base 24C has anchoring points formed by two recesses making it possible to create openings 25C. The end of the recesses comprises two axes 43. Thus, the strip 31 of the clamp 30 passes through the openings 25C and forms a loop around the axes 43.

[0136] As illustrated in Figures 12 to 14, in a fourth embodiment, the base 24D has a parallelepiped shape with a length of between 2 and 8 cm and a width of between 2 and 5 cm. The length of the base 24D is intended to be oriented in a direction perpendicular to the main direction D of the pipeline 40.

[0137] The base 24D further has means for fixing two pins 43 attached to either side of the base 24D. The pins 43 are anchoring points of the clamping collar 30, positioned so as to leave a free space 25D between the edges of the base 24D and the pins 43. This space 25D is intended to allow the passage of the strip 31 of the clamping collar 30, the latter then being able to form a loop around the pins 43.

[0138] As illustrated in Figures 15 to 17, in a fifth embodiment, the base 24H comprises two anchoring points 25H, on either side of the base 24H. Each anchoring point 25H comprises a housing 49 having a depth of between 0.3 and 1 cm and dimensioned to accommodate an axle 47 with a length of between 0.5 and 4 cm and a diameter of between 0.1 and 1 cm. In this fifth embodiment, the housing 49 extends over the entire width of the base 24H. The housing 49 is bordered by two parallelepipedal-shaped lugs 48. Preferably, the upper portion has a beveled or rounded shape to allow the movement of the axle 47 to be guided towards the housing 49 when the two axles 47 are installed in the anchoring points 25H. The two lugs 48 are separated by a slot, sized to allow the passage of the cable 39, and to retain the axis 47 when tightening the cable 39 around the pipe 40.Thus, when the cable 39 is stretched around the pipe 40, the axis 47 is fixed in the housing 49, retained by the lugs 48.

[0139] As illustrated in Figures 18 to 20, in the sixth embodiment, the housing 49 of the anchoring points 251 can have a smaller depth without causing the extraction of the axis 47. The width of the slot can also be adapted to the width of the elongate element 31. In the sixth embodiment, the slot is sized to allow the passage of a strip 31.

[0140] As illustrated in Figures 21 to 23, in a seventh embodiment, the base 24J has anchoring points 25J comprising a lug 50 intended to cooperate with a hole provided at the ends of the elongate element 31. In order to mount the elongate element on the base 24J, the holes of the elongate element 31 are inserted on the lugs 50 so as to also surround the pipe 50, then the clamping collar 30 is adapted to the diameter of the pipe via the adjustment means 32.

[0141] As illustrated in Figures 24 to 26, in an eighth embodiment, the base 24K has a housing 49 bordered by two lugs 48 separated by a slot, sized to allow the passage of the width of the elongate element 31. The slot is covered with a plate connecting the two lugs 48, thus creating a space with a thickness of between 0.05 and 0.2 cm, not allowing the passage of the axis 47, but only that of the elongate element 31. Thus, in order to insert the elongate element 31, the axis 49 must first be removed, then the terminal portion of the elongate element 31 is inserted into the slot covered with the plate. The axle 47 is then fixed to the end of the elongate element 31, for example by sliding it into a loop created at the end of the elongate element 31. Finally, the axle 47 is inserted into the housing 49. The axle 47 cannot therefore be extracted from the housing 49 because it is blocked by the presence of the plate.

[0142] As illustrated in Figure 27, in a ninth embodiment of the invention, the base 24E comprises grooves 25E formed in the thickness of the base 24E. A bore 46 is also formed on the lower portion of the grooves 25E allowing the groove to open onto the outside. This bore 46 allows the strip 31 to better adapt to the shape of the pipe 40.

[0143] As illustrated in Figures 31 to 33, in an eleventh embodiment, the base 24G can be attached to the pipe 40 before the extinguisher is fixed to the base 24G. In this embodiment, the base 24G has a substantially hexagonal shape with a length of between 2 and 8 cm and a width of between 2 and 5 cm. The length of the base 24G is intended to be oriented in a direction perpendicular to the main direction D of the pipe 40.

[0144] The base 24G further has two pairs of lateral grooves 25G arranged on either side of the base 24G in the thickness of the base 24G, of substantially parallelepipedal shape and intended to allow the passage of two clamping collars 30. Preferably, the grooves are spaced 1 to 3 cm apart. This type of base 24G is particularly suitable in the case where the extinguisher has a grooved head 20 attached to the base 24G, for example for pipes 40 of large diameter, typically greater than DN50. The mounting of the collars of the two clamps 30 is carried out in the same way as described in figures 17a-17d, the clamping collars 30 being able to be mounted simultaneously or one after the other.

[0145] In conclusion, the invention makes it possible to develop an automatic water extinguisher that can be adapted to all existing pipe diameters.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Automatic water fire extinguisher (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) intended to be mounted on an opening (42) of a pipe (40), said pipe (40) being part of an installation configured to contain water under a pressure between 5 and 20 bar, said fire extinguisher (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) comprising: - a one-piece base (24A-24K) with a through hole (26), and - a seal (28) intended to ensure the watertightness of the connection between the opening (42) of said pipe (40) and the through hole (26) of said base (24A-24K), characterized in that: - the base (24A-24K) also includes at least two anchoring points (25A-25K), and - the fire extinguisher (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) includes at least one hose clamp (30) comprising: • a long, narrow element (31, 39) intended to partially surround the pipeline (40), said long, narrow element (31, 39) cooperating with the base (24A-24K) at said anchor points (25A-25G), and • adjustment means (32), independent of the base (24A-24K), allowing the length of at least one clamping collar (30) to be adapted so that the fire extinguisher (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) is suitable for mounting on pipes (40) of different diameters.

2. Fire extinguisher according to claim 1, characterized in that the fire extinguisher (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) comprises a single clamping collar (30) and only two anchoring points (25A-25K) arranged on either side of the base (24A-24K).

3. Fire extinguisher according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the anchor points (25A-25G) are through openings oriented in a direction parallel to the main direction (D) of the pipe (40), the long element (31, 39) being mounted on the base (24A-24G) by inserting at least one end of the long element (31, 39) into the through openings and forming a loop around the edges of said base (24A-24G).

4. Fire extinguisher according to claim 3, characterized in that the through openings are slots formed in the base (24A-24G) 5. Fire extinguisher according to claim 3, characterized in that the through openings correspond to the space formed between the base (24A-24G) and an axis (47) of the base (24A-24G).

6. Fire extinguisher according to claim 2, characterized in that the two ends of the long element (31, 39) are configured to cooperate with the anchor points (25H-25K) arranged on either side of the base (24H-24K), so that the long element (31, 39) partially encloses the pipe (40) after action on the adjustment means (32).

7. Fire extinguisher according to claim 6, characterized in that each anchor point (25H-25K) has a housing (49) delimited by two lugs (48), separated by a slot dimensioned to allow the passage of the longitudinal element (31, 39), the housing (49) being intended to receive an axle (47) fixed to one end of the longitudinal element (31, 39), the lugs (48, 50) being intended to allow the insertion of the axles (47) into the housings (49) before action on the adjustment means (32) and to block the extraction of said axles (47) after action on the adjustment means (32).

8. Fire extinguisher according to claim 6, characterized in that each anchor point (25H- 25K) includes a lug (50) intended to cooperate with a hole provided at the ends of the long element (31, 39).

9. Fire extinguisher according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the long element (31) is a strip.

10. Fire extinguisher according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the long element (39) is a cable.

11. Fire extinguisher according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the long element (31, 39) is formed in a metallic material.

12. Fire extinguisher according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the means for adjusting the length of at least one clamping collar (30) have markings allowing the seal (28) to be compressed at a predetermined rate.

13. Fire extinguisher according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the adjustment means (32) are integral with one end of the long element (31, 39).

14. Fire extinguisher according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it further comprises a temperature-sensitive sealing element (23) for said through hole (26) configured to release the through hole (26).

15. Fire extinguisher according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it further comprises a deflector (22) fixed above said base (24A-24K) and intended to spray the flow of water from the pipe (40).

16. Fire extinguisher according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the base (24A-24K) and the head (20), comprising the deflector (22), the brackets (29) and / or the sealing element (23) form a monolithic block.

17. Fire extinguisher according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the base (24A-24G) and the head (20), comprising the deflector (22), the brackets (29) and / or the sealing element (23), are independent, the head (20) being attached to the base (24A-24K) by screwing.

18. Fire protection system including: - at least one pipe (40) having at least one opening (42), and - at least one fire extinguisher (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) according to one of claims 1 to 17.

19. Fire protection installation according to claim 18, characterized in that the pipe (40) is a pipe painted or pre-painted on its internal and external faces.

20. Installation according to claim 19, characterized in that the pipe paint (40) comprises an epoxy polymer binder.

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