Automatic water fire extinguishers and related fire protection equipment

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fire protection equipment. The invention is based in particular on an automatic water fire extinguisher which comprises at least one clamping collar, the diameter of which is adapted to several pipeline diameters. The invention in particular makes it possible to adapt the fire extinguisher in situ to some existing types of pipelines. [Background technology]

[0002] Fires are one of the main causes of industrial accidents. Therefore, preventing fires is a considerable challenge for companies and places that serve the public. Indeed, fire-related accidents can cause considerable property damage and injuries. Companies must therefore implement measures aimed at preventing the risk of fires and violations that may lead to legal proceedings and penalties.

[0003] Traditionally, a fire protection installation is an installation configured to detect, indicate, and secure a given zone. To do this, the fire protection installation generally comprises members for detecting the presence of a fire, suppression members configured to stop the fire, warning members configured to warn of the presence of a fire, and a control station that receives information from the detection members and triggers the suppression and warning members in the event of a fire.

[0004] Among different types of equipment, fire protection systems using pressurized water traditionally comprise a pipeline network deployed within the zone to be protected. The pipeline is often equipped with an automatic water extinguisher, also known as a "sprinkler," ensuring both suppression and detection functions. To achieve this, the automatic water extinguisher consists of a base with an opening pierced by the pipe, which is attached to the pipeline. This opening is kept closed by a temperature-sensitive valve or fuse. During a fire, an increase in temperature causes the valve to break or the fuse to melt, releasing the passage for pressurized water, which then sprays out of the opening and into the zone where the fire has entered. In certain embodiments, the water flow hits a deflector positioned directly opposite the opening of the automatic water extinguisher. This deflector allows the water flow to be expanded and directed toward the flame zone.

[0005] There are also variations of this installation, in which the extinguisher does not have a detection function, but only a spraying function. In this case, the pipeline does not contain continuously pressurized water, but the extinguisher is only supplied with water if a further fire is detected. In these embodiments, the sprinkler does not have any valves or fuses that allow the passage of water to be blocked.

[0006] One system for securing an automatic water extinguisher to a pipeline involves welding a sleeve around the opening in the pipeline. The extinguisher is then screwed onto the sleeve. However, the sleeve must be painted or plated to match the color of the rest of the pipeline, which can only be done after welding, making the process more expensive.

[0007] To overcome these drawbacks, systems have been developed in which the sleeve is secured onto the pipeline via a support collar rather than by welding.

[0008] According to a first embodiment, the automatic water fire extinguisher is independent of the support collar. For example, document EP 0598151 describes a support collar with a connector that allows the automatic water fire extinguisher to be screwed onto the collar. The support collar consists of two parts. The first part supports the connector and is curved to fit the shape of the upper part of the pipeline. The second part has a spring effect and allows the support collar to be clipped onto the pipeline. In a variant, the second part can also be a curved, rigid part.

[0009] According to a second embodiment, the automatic water extinguisher can be integrated into the support collar. For example, document EP 3756733 describes a support collar with an upper part containing the automatic water extinguisher and means for connecting the lower part. The upper part is curved so as to fit the shape of the upper part of the conduit. In a variant, the upper part can also be flat, as exemplified in documents DE9106943 and GB8422476.

[0010] The lower portion is a rigid curved portion that is configured to conform to the shape of the bottom and / or sides of the conduit.

[0011] In any case, the curved shape of the first and / or second part makes it impossible to adapt it to another pipeline diameter.

[0012] In fact, there are no standards that stipulate the standard size of fire protection pipelines in which sprinklers are installed. Dimensions vary depending on the needs and the manufacturer. For example, conventional commercially available pipelines have dimensions that vary within a standardized diameter range of 25 to 125 mm, also known as "DN 25" or "DN 125."

[0013] Therefore, the systems proposed in the prior art require prior knowledge of the pipeline dimensions to correctly select the size of the support collar, which can result in additional costs and installation delays if the support collar dimensions do not match the pipeline dimensions, resulting in a lack of adaptability. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] Therefore, the technical problem that the invention proposes to solve is to develop an automatic water fire extinguisher that can be adapted to several existing pipeline diameters. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] To solve this problem, the present invention proposes the development of an automatic water fire extinguisher equipped with at least one clamping collar made of a flexible material that allows it to be adapted to the shape and size of the pipeline.The invention is therefore the result of the discovery that these flexible clamping collars can replace the rigid collars of the prior art without compromising the quality of the installation.

[0016] In fact, fire protection equipment is subject to very restrictive standards which require it to be in compliance at the time of its commissioning and which require it to maintain this compliance throughout its life in order to be effective in the event of a fire. These standards, in particular, stipulate the pressures that the components of the equipment must be able to withstand.

[0017] However, a person skilled in the art would naturally consider that the risk of wear and deformation of the flexible clamping collars of the present invention is too high, especially when subjected to pressures of around 10 bar, for example between 5 and 20 bar, preferably between 8 and 12 bar, which are necessary in fire installations, and would therefore avoid using these clamping collars in the field of sprinklers in order to limit the safety risks.

[0018] Thus, the present invention relates to an automatic water fire extinguisher intended to be mounted at the opening of a pipeline, said pipeline being adapted to contain water pressurized to between 5 and 20 bar, said extinguisher comprising: - a one-piece base having a through hole; and - a seal intended to seal the connection between the opening of the pipeline and the through-hole of the base.

[0019] Such extinguishers are: the base further comprises at least two fastening points; - The extinguisher is equipped with at least one clamping collar: The at least one clamping collar comprises: an elongated element intended to partially surround the pipeline, the elongated element cooperating with the base at the anchoring point; and and an adjustment means independent of the base, which makes it possible to adapt the length of at least one clamp collar so that the fire extinguisher can be mounted on pipelines of different diameters.

[0020] In other words, the adjustment means allows the length of the clamping collar to be adapted to the diameter of the pipeline, for example the collar may have a length sufficient to be adapted to a diameter of 25 to 50 mm.

[0021] To obtain this adaptability, the adjustment means may be presented in the form of a loop which cooperates with a notch made in the elongate element.

[0022] The adjusting means is located in a distal zone of the base and is therefore independent of the base in order to best be able to resist the constraints of the pressure exerted on the opening of the pipeline: indeed, the further the adjusting means is from the base, the more the clamping collar resists stretching, deformation and breaking.

[0023] Preferably, the adjusting means is installed diametrically opposite the opening of the pipeline to best compensate for the pressure exerted by the opening of the pipeline on the base, the tension forces acting on the periphery of the pipeline being therefore better distributed.

[0024] According to the invention, the base is one-piece, i.e., the base is one single formed part, as opposed to parts consisting of an assembly of several components, as described, for example, in document WO 2018 / 014066. In the case of high pressures, the use of a one-piece base can guarantee long-term resistance, for example with an operating guarantee period of 5 to 10 years.

[0025] The association of the seal, the adjusting means, and the elongated element cooperating with the base ensures the tightness of the connection between the pipeline and the automatic fire extinguisher, as well as the adaptability of the clamping collar to different pipeline diameters. In fact, the elongated element allows the base to be pressed against the pipeline, while the seal interposed between the base and the pipeline is compressed. Under the traction of the tensioning element on the base, the seal deforms, ensuring the base's sealing around the pipeline penetration and following the curvature of the pipeline. In this way, the seal under the pressure of the base can accommodate the difference in curvature between the pipeline and the base. Furthermore, the adjusting means allows the elongated element to be fixed in a position where the seal is compressed, so that the compressibility of the seal compensates for the lack of progress in the fixed position of the clamping means.

[0026] As a result, the traction force exerted by the elongated element on the base, the modularity of the adjustment means and the deformation capacity of the seal allow the base to be adapted to pipelines of various diameters.

[0027] Furthermore, the adjustment means and the elongate element are durable over time, i.e. they do not deform or malfunction over time, and the connection therefore remains durably sealed.

[0028] Furthermore, the association of the adjusting means with the seal also allows the length of the clamping collar to be adapted to very small variations in pipeline diameter due to manufacturing tolerances. In fact, for a given diameter pipeline, such as a 25 mm diameter, the manufacturer's tolerances may provide a margin of + / - 1 mm within which the pipeline diameter may vary. Preferably, the notches in the adjusting means have a pitch that is sufficiently small to allow adaptation to the manufacturer's tolerances.

[0029] Automatic water extinguishers can be positioned in any orientation relative to the pipeline, as long as they are secured to the pipeline opening. For example, automatic water extinguishers can be positioned above, below, or to the side of the pipeline.

[0030] The length of the clamping collar corresponds to the useful portion of the collar, which is intended to be placed against the pipeline wall. In fact, the clamping collar can have a fixed overall length, but during adjustment, only one portion of the collar can be effectively used to hold the automatic water extinguisher against the pipeline. The useless portion can be optionally cut off so as not to interfere with the extinguishing of the fire caused by the automatic water extinguisher.

[0031] Advantageously, such an automatic water fire extinguisher allows for a more compact installation. In fact, the invention allows for the absence of a sleeve for receiving the automatic fire extinguisher. This configuration therefore allows for the automatic fire extinguisher to be reduced in height. It can therefore be more easily inserted into reduced spaces, such as storage racks, or spaces under low ceilings.

[0032] Furthermore, the clamping collar can accommodate several pipeline diameters, thereby limiting the number of different collar sizes and limiting production costs. Furthermore, the clamping collar can be adjusted substantially continuously, as opposed to prior art support collars that are shaped to accommodate a single pipeline diameter.

[0033] Furthermore, the clamping collar of the present invention allows automatic water fire extinguishers to be fitted on-site without the need to pre-order the number and size of collars, which can result in significant time savings and cost reductions.

[0034] In one embodiment, the fire extinguisher comprises one single clamp collar and two fastening points located on either side of the base.

[0035] In fact, those skilled in the art would consider that the risk of wear and deformation of the flexible clamp collar of the present invention would be too high, leading to doubling the number of clamp collars to reinforce the clamp collar structure, but the present invention, for example, makes it possible to use only one clamp collar, contrary to all presumptions, without increasing the risk of leakage.

[0036] In the sense of the present invention, "fixing points" correspond to receiving elements on the base, which allow the clamping collar to be fixed when it is around the pipeline. These fixing points can correspond to openings or expansions, such as lugs.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the anchoring point is a through-opening oriented in a direction parallel to the main direction of the pipeline, and the elongated element is attached to the base by inserting at least one end of the elongated element into the through-opening and by forming a loop around the boundary of said base.

[0038] According to the invention, the main direction of the pipeline corresponds to the direction parallel to the length of the pipeline.

[0039] This facilitates the installation of the clamping collar on the base, as the adjustment method is easily reproducible and requires fewer tools. For example, it is sufficient to pass the elongated element through the two openings from bottom to top, encircling the pipeline. The ends of the elongated element are then pulled from the top of the base and folded over the ends of the base to clamp the clamping collar around the pipeline. The ends of the elongated element are then brought back together and secured by the adjustment means. The installation of the automatic water fire extinguisher on the pipeline is thus significantly accelerated.

[0040] In practice, the through opening can correspond to a slot made in the base, or in a variant, to a space formed between the base and a shaft mounted on the base.

[0041] Preferably, the opening is made symmetrical relative to the central axis of the base, thus making it possible to reduce the risk of incorrect positioning of the automatic fire extinguisher relative to the opening of the pipeline.

[0042] According to another embodiment, the two ends of the elongated element are configured to cooperate with fastening points arranged on either side of the base, so that the elongated element partially surrounds the pipeline after acting on the adjustment means.

[0043] In practice, each fastening point comprises a housing separated by two lugs separated by a slot dimensioned to allow the passage of an elongated element, the housing intended to receive a shaft fixed to the end of the elongated element, the lugs intended to allow the insertion of the shaft into the housing before acting on the adjusting means and to block the extraction of said shaft after acting on the adjusting means.

[0044] This facilitates the installation of the clamping collar on the base, as the adjustment method is easily reproducible and requires fewer tools. It is sufficient for the elongated element to surround the pipeline and its end with the axis to be blocked within the housing of the base. The clamping collar is then adapted to the diameter of the pipeline via the adjustment means. This significantly speeds up the installation of the automatic water fire extinguisher on the pipeline. In a variant, each fastening point comprises a lug intended to cooperate with a hole provided in the end of the elongate element.

[0045] The clamping collar is mounted on the base by fitting an elongated element around the pipeline so that its end with the hole fits over the lug on the base, and the clamping collar is then adapted to the diameter of the pipeline via an adjusting means. The elongated elements can take different forms. In a first form, they are strips, i.e. similar to bands. In a variant, the elongated elements are cables, which are thin but resistant. In fact, the invention allows the use of elongated elements, the width of which is reduced, without compromising the safety of the installation.

[0046] In practice, the elongated elements are made of metallic material. Surprisingly, the invention makes it possible to use different materials for manufacturing the elongated elements without compromising the safety of the installation.

[0047] Advantageously, the means for adjusting the length of at least one clamping collar comprise markers making it possible to compress the seal at a predetermined rate.

[0048] This embodiment makes it possible to facilitate the installation of the clamping collar and eliminate the risk of errors. The technician can rely on visual markers during the actual installation, indicating how far to clamp the clamping collar to optimally compress the seal to prevent leakage according to the diameter and operating pressure. In a variant, these adjustment markers can be replaced by or associated with an instrument for measuring the adjustment tension of the clamping collar.

[0049] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the adjustment means is integral with the end of the elongate element.

[0050] In fact, this embodiment makes it possible to achieve clamping of the automatic fire extinguisher on the pipeline by making a simple movement of pulling on the free end of the elongated element.

[0051] A clamping collar having the above-mentioned characteristics makes it possible to advantageously simplify and reduce the time required for the installation of an automatic water fire extinguisher on a pipeline.

[0052] However, the system for blocking the elongate elements can be different without impairing the correct operation of the invention.

[0053] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the automatic water extinguisher further comprises an element for blocking said through-hole, which is sensitive to the temperature of the water main and is configured to open the through-hole and extract a water flow from the pipeline when the temperature exceeds a threshold value.

[0054] Advantageously, the automatic water extinguisher also comprises a deflector fixed above said base and intended to spray the water flow coming from the pipeline.

[0055] These elements form the head of the automatic water extinguisher. The invention covers embodiments in which the stirrup and the base form an integral block on which the deflector and blocking element are mounted. Alternatively, the invention also covers embodiments in which the head formed by the stirrup, deflector and blocking element is separate from the base.

[0056] In other words, according to the first embodiment, the base and the head with the deflector, stirrup and / or blocking element form a monolithic block.

[0057] According to a second embodiment, the base and head with the deflector, stirrup and / or blocking element are independent, and the head is mounted on the base by means of a screw fastening, interlocking in a grooved connector or any other interlocking means.

[0058] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: at least one pipeline having at least one opening, and - fire protection equipment, comprising at least one automatic water extinguisher as described above.

[0059] Preferably, the pipeline is a painted or pre-painted pipeline on its interior and exterior surfaces, i.e., the pipeline comprises paint covering its interior and exterior surfaces, which can protect the pipeline from deterioration, particularly due to rust.

[0060] The application of the coating allows for spall-free piercing and cutting, significantly reducing production time on the shop floor, and in fact eliminating the post-production coating step that is typically performed with known methods.

[0061] Preferably, the pipeline coating comprises an epoxy polymer binder that is particularly resistant to piercing and cutting. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0062] The manner in which the invention is achieved, as well as the advantages arising therefrom, will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments, with the support of the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pipeline to which four automatic water fire extinguishers according to four different embodiments are fixed. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pipeline to which four automatic water fire extinguishers according to four different embodiments are fixed. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view of the automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 is a top view of the automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on the pipeline according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1; FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view of the automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the second embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a side view of the automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the second embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 1. FIG. 4 is a top view of the automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on the pipeline according to the second embodiment of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a front view of the automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the third embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a side view of the automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the third embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a top view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the third embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a front view of the automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on the pipeline according to the fourth embodiment of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a side view of the automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on the pipeline according to the fourth embodiment of FIG. [Figure 14]FIG. 10 is a top view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the fourth embodiment of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 5 is a front view of the automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the fifth embodiment of FIG. 2. [Figure 16] FIG. 5 is a side view of the automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the fifth embodiment of FIG. [Figure 17] 2. FIG. 5 is a top view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the fifth embodiment of FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a front view of the automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the sixth embodiment of FIG. 2. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a side view of the automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the sixth embodiment of FIG. 2. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a top view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the sixth embodiment of FIG. 2. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a front view of the automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on the pipeline according to the seventh embodiment of FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a side view of the automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on the pipeline according to the seventh embodiment of FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a top view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the seventh embodiment of FIG. 2. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a front view of the automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on the pipeline according to the eighth embodiment of FIG. 2. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a side view of an automatic water fire extinguisher mounted on a pipeline according to the eighth embodiment of FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a top view of an automatic water fire extinguisher attached to a pipeline according to the eighth embodiment of FIG. 2. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the base and clamp collar of an automatic water fire extinguisher attached to a pipeline according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an adjustment means for the clamp collar of FIG. 27. [Figure 29]FIG. 28 is a partial cross-sectional view of the adjustment means of the clamp collar of FIG. 27. [Figure 30a] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a first step in installing an automatic water fire extinguisher according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30b] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a second step of installing an automatic water fire extinguisher according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30c] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a third step of installing an automatic water fire extinguisher according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30d] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth step of installing an automatic water fire extinguisher according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the base of an automatic water fire extinguisher according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a front view of the base of the automatic water fire extinguisher of FIG. 31. [Figure 33] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the base of the automatic water fire extinguisher of FIG. 31 viewed from below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0063] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the automatic water fire extinguishers 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 , 800 , 900 , 1000 , 1100 are mounted to a fire protection installation comprising at least one pipeline 40 .

[0064] The pipeline 40 is configured to support a pressure of about 10 bar, for example, 5 to 20 bar, preferably 8 to 12 bar. To do this, the pipeline 40 is preferably made of a material with good deformation resistance properties, typically steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, copper, or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride.

[0065] Furthermore, the diameter of the pipeline 40 can vary between 25 and 125 mm, typically also called "DN 25" or "DN 125", according to the needs of the linked zone to be protected, the dimensions of the installation and the positioning of the automatic fire extinguisher relative to the water source.

[0066] As an example, the fire protection system may be formed by a central pipeline framework 40 of larger dimensions and branches formed by pipelines of smaller diameter. To integrate the automatic water fire extinguishers 100, 200, 300, 400, 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 of the present invention, one or more openings 42 are made in the pipeline 40. The openings 42 may be, for example, circular in top view with a diameter of 10 to 25 mm, also referred to as "DN 10" or "DN 25." The diameter of the openings 42 is dimensioned according to the sprinkler head selected for fire extinguishing in the zone to be protected. Furthermore, it has been observed that the present invention can also be implemented in pipelines with DN 32 to DN 40.

[0067] The distance separating two openings 42 is generally adjusted between 2 and 4.6 m. Likewise, the openings 42 must be at least 1 m away from the wall of the zone to be protected. It has recently been observed that the distance separating two openings 42 can be as much as 0.9 m.

[0068] Figures 1 and 2 show several embodiments of automatic water fire extinguishers 100, 200, 300, 400, 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 according to the present invention. However, all embodiments share common elements. By way of example, referring to Figures 3-5, automatic water fire extinguishers 100, 200, 300, 400, 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 are formed with one-piece bases 24A-24D, 2AH-24K having a flat, approximately parallelepiped shape and a thickness of 0.5-1.5 cm. In a variant, the underside of bases 24E and 24G can have a slight curvature, as illustrated in Figures 27 and 31-33. The curvature of the underside is selected to accommodate the curvature of larger-diameter pipelines 40 that can accommodate automatic water fire extinguishers 500 and 700. More recently, bases 24E and 24G with a thickness of 3 mm have been observed.

[0069] The bases 24A-24D, 24H-24K can be obtained directly by molding methods, by subtracting material such as machining or laser cutting, or by additive methods such as 3D printing.

[0070] The bases 24A-24K further have through openings 26, for example, with a diameter of 2 to 10 mm. The diameter can be larger without changing the invention, and is typically 10 to 500 mm.

[0071] Advantageously, the seal 28 is disposed facing the underside of the base 24A-24K, typically between the base 24A-24K and the pipeline 40, surrounding the opening 26 in the base 24A-24K and the opening 42 in the pipeline 40, respectively. By way of example, the seal 28 is a rubber O-ring 0.2-0.7 cm thick. Alternatively, for larger diameter pipelines, the seal may include a lip and have a thickness of 0.5-3 cm.

[0072] The openings 26 in the bases 24A-24K are shut off by a thermal shutoff element 23, which is preferably a glass bulb or fuse configured to degrade when the temperature in the vicinity of the automatic water fire extinguisher 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 reaches a trigger threshold, typically between 57-343°C.

[0073] There are several temperature standards for degrading valves and / or fuses. These standards are recognizable, particularly in the color of the fluid contained in the valve. As an example, red corresponds to a trigger temperature of 68°C.

[0074] Advantageously, deflectors 22 are arranged facing the openings 26 of the bases 24A-24D, 24H-24K. The deflectors 22 have a shape similar to an umbrella or parasol, i.e. a circular surface, preferably a curved shape, the recesses of which are arranged facing the openings 26 so as to intercept the water flow coming from the openings 26 and redirect it towards the combustion zone. In a variant, the deflectors 22 can have any other shape allowing an effective distribution of the water flow.

[0075] The deflector is advantageously provided with fins 21 around its periphery. The deflector 22 is held by side stirrups 29, advantageously two of them. The assembly is made, for example, from brass, bronze, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium or copper. A screw is, for example, fixed at the joint between the stirrups 29 and the deflector. This screw holds the deflector and allows the blocking element 23 to be pressed against it.

[0076] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 26, the assembly formed by the deflector 22, also called "head" 20, the stirrup 29 and the blocking element 23 is integrated with the bases 24A-24D, 24H-24K.

[0077] For example, in other embodiments shown in Figures 27 and 31 through 33, the head 20 may be independent of the base 24E, 24G, although this is not shown. That is, 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 groove that cooperates with a second thread or groove formed in the wall of the through opening 26 of the base 24E, 24G. Thus, the head 20 can be screwed or secured by a grooved connector on the base 24E, 24G.

[0078] The clamping collar 30 allows the head 20 to be fixedly held on the pipeline 40. The clamping collar 30 consists of an elongated element, for example a strip with a width of 0.5 to 2 cm or a cable with a diameter of 0.2 to 1 cm. In a variant, the elongated element can be a "Selflex" type clamping element made of metal material. The clamping collar 30 also has length and tightening adjustment means 32. The base 24A-24K can be provided with one or more clamping collars 30 depending on the installation needs and the diameter of the pipeline 40.

[0079] The adjustment means 32 is independent of the bases 24A-24K.

[0080] According to a first example, the adjustment means 32 can also be independent of the elongated elements of the clamping collar 30. They can consist of one or more attachment parts that can be fixed or interlocked onto the elongated elements to hold them in place.

[0081] As shown in Figures 27 to 29, the clamping collar 30 can be presented in the form of a metal strip 31, and the adjustment means, independent of the strip 31, can comprise a loop 33A with a housing 35 into which the end of the strip 31 is inserted. A self-tapping screw 34 allows different thicknesses of the strip 31 to be inserted. Advantageously, the loop 33A has an opening 36 which allows the lower part of the body of the self-tapping screw 34 to be received.

[0082] The elongated element can therefore be adapted directly to the diameter and tolerances of the pipeline 40 by making the necessary openings so that the seal 28 is compressed at the optimum compression rate and the connection between the pipeline and the automatic fire extinguisher is as sealed as possible. The adjustment is made "bespoke" and the adjustment options are almost continuous.

[0083] In a variant, not shown in the drawings, the elongated element is a metal strip with regularly spaced openings along the elongated element. The spacing between the openings is preferably equal to or less than the manufacturer's tolerances, so that the elongated element can be directly adapted to the diameter and tolerances of the pipeline. Typically, for a pipeline with a diameter of 25 mm and a tolerance of + / - 1 mm, the spacing between the openings is 1 mm or less. This allows the seal to be compressed at an optimal compression rate, ensuring the connection between the pipeline and the automatic fire extinguisher is as tight as possible.

[0084] To secure the base 24E on the pipeline 40, it is placed over the opening 42 of the pipeline 40 so that the stirrups of the head are aligned with the length of the pipeline 40, so that water sprays in a direction perpendicular to the main direction D of the pipeline 40. The two ends of the strip 31 are inserted through the fastening points, moving from bottom to top, as realized by the side openings 25E, so that the strip 31 surrounds the pipeline 40. The ends of the strip 31 are then pulled from the top of the base 24E and folded over the ends of the base 24E, clamping the clamping collar 30 around the pipeline 40. The ends of the strip 31 are then brought back together, thus forming loops around each edge of the base 24E. The ends of the strip 31 are then secured together by the adjustment means 32.

[0085] Thus, as illustrated in Figure 29, the loop 33A is positioned over the thickness of the first strip 31. The ends of the strip 31 are then folded and inserted into the housing 35 of the loop 33A, which is then clamped to effectively hold the base 24E on the pipeline 40. To do this, the ends of the strip 31 pass through each side of the housing 35 for a length of at least 1 cm. The ends of the strip 31 are thus overlapped over the body 37 of the loop 33A. A self-tapping screw 34 is finally inserted into this overlap, piercing the two thicknesses formed by the ends of the strip 31.

[0086] In a variant such as that shown in Figures 30a to 30d, the adjustment means 32 can be integral with the end of the strip. Thus, the clamping collar 30 can be presented in the form of a metal strip 31, and the adjustment means can comprise a loop 33B including a housing 35 fixed to the end of the strip 31.

[0087] The housing 35 may also have the form of a tube of parallelepiped cross section, intended to allow passage of part of the metal strip 31. Furthermore, fixing means such as self-tapping screws 34 may be arranged on the housing 35 perpendicular to the length of the pipe and perpendicular to the direction of movement of the strip 31 relative to the pipe, to restrict movement of the strip 31 when compressed around the pipeline 40 and inserted into the housing.

[0088] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the fixing means comprises a ball housed within the tubular housing and intended to block the movement of the elongated element. To achieve this, the housing has a variable cross-section. Typically, the cross-section of the housing narrows from a dimension larger than the diameter of the ball to a dimension substantially equal to the diameter of the ball. Thus, while the elongated element slides within the tube, the ball is driven in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the elongated element toward the reduced-size portion of the Howe nuisance, where it is blocked. Thus, the ball also blocks the elongated element.

[0089] In the embodiment of Figures 30a-30d, the space 25F in the base 24F is used to create an anchoring point for the strip 31. To do this, as illustrated in Figure 30a, the end of the strip 31 without the loop 33B is inserted in a first movement M1 so as to surround the first anchoring point in the base 24F. This movement M1 is performed to insert the strip 31 into the space 25F from the upper surface of the base 24F to the lower surface of the base 24F, and along the pipeline 40 until the strip 31 reaches it.

[0090] In this way, the strip 31 moves around the pipeline 40 to the second fixing point on the base 24F. In this way, as shown in Figure 30b, the strip 31 is introduced into the space 25F in accordance with the movement M2 so as to surround the second fixing point on the base 24F. This movement M2 inserts the strip 31 into the space 25F from the lower surface of the base 24F to the upper surface of the base 24F, and continues along the pipeline 40 until the strip 31 reaches it.

[0091] The strip 31 is thus introduced into the loop 33B according to the movement M3 shown in Figure 30c. The clamping collar 30 is then compressed around the pipeline 40 according to the movement M4 by pulling the end of the strip 31 into the housing of the loop 33B after its passage.

[0092] In one embodiment, once the compressive tension of the strip 31 is obtained, the means for securing the strip 31 in the housing can be inserted into the loop 33C by action in a direction M5 perpendicular to the length of the housing 35, as shown in Figure 30d. The remaining end of the strip 31 that has passed through the loop 33C can then be optionally separated.

[0093] Furthermore, the strip may also have notches or grooves that allow it to receive or block the adjustment means 32 .

[0094] Advantageously, the clamp collar 30 also has markers to allow the clamp to be adapted to the pressure and diameter of the pipeline 40 .

[0095] There are embodiments that allow clamp collars 30 to be attached to bases 24A-24K.

[0096] As illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, in the first embodiment, the base 24A has a parallelepiped shape with beveled corners. The base 24A has a length of 2 to 10 cm and a width of 2 to 5 cm. The length of the base 24A is located in a direction perpendicular to the main direction D of the pipeline 40. The base 24A has, at its ends, two side grooves 25A made in the thickness direction of the base 24A and has a roughly parallelepiped shape, intended to allow the passage of the strip 31 of the clamping collar 30.

[0097] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, in the second embodiment, the base 24B has a parallelepiped shape with a length of 4 to 10 cm and a width of 4 to 10 cm. The length of the base is oriented perpendicular to the main direction D of the pipeline 40. The base 24B has a central parallelepiped groove and two side recesses for receiving and fixing the stirrup 29. The base 24B also has two grooves 25B at its ends, each formed to the same thickness as the base 24B, giving it an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape and allowing the strip 31 of the clamp collar 30 to pass through.

[0098] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, in the third embodiment, the base 24C has a parallelepiped shape with a length of 2 to 10 cm and a width of 2 to 5 cm. The length of the base is oriented perpendicular to the main direction D of the pipeline 40. The base 24C has fastening points formed by two recesses, which allow the creation of an opening 25C. The ends of the recesses have two axes 43. Therefore, the strip 31 of the clamping collar 30 passes through the opening 25C and forms a loop around the axes 43.

[0099] 12 to 14, in the fourth embodiment, the base 24D has a parallelepiped shape with a length of 2 to 8 cm and a width of 2 to 5 cm. The length of the base 24D is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the main direction D of the pipeline 40.

[0100] The base 24D further comprises means for fixing two shafts 43 attached to either side of the base 24D. The shafts 43 are the fixing points of the clamping collar 30 and are arranged so as to leave a free space 25D between the edge of the base 24D and the shafts 43. This space 25D is intended to allow the strip 31 of the clamping collar 30 to pass through, thus allowing it to form a loop around the shafts 43.

[0101] As shown in Figures 15-17, in a fifth embodiment, the base 24H includes two anchoring points 25H, one on each side of the base 24H. Each anchoring point 25H includes a housing 49 having a depth of 0.3-1 cm, a length of 0.5-4 cm, and a diameter of 0.1-1 cm, and receives a shaft 47. In this fifth embodiment, the housing 49 extends across the entire width of the base 24H. The housing 49 is bordered by two parallelepiped-shaped lugs 48. Preferably, the upper portion has a beveled or rounded shape to allow for guiding the movement of the two shafts 47 toward the housing 49 during installation of the two shafts 47 at the anchoring points 25H. The two lugs 48 are separated by a slot sized to allow passage of the cable 39 and to retain the shaft 47 during clamping of the cable 39 around the pipeline 40. Thus, when the cable 39 is tensioned around the pipeline 40 , the shaft 47 is held by the lug 48 and fixed within the housing 49 .

[0102] 18-20, in a sixth embodiment, the housing 49 of the fastening point 25I can have a lower depth, not allowing for the extraction of the shaft 47. The width of the slot can further be adapted to the width of the elongated element 31. In the sixth embodiment, the slot is sized to allow the passage of the strip 31.

[0103] 21 to 23, in the seventh embodiment, the base 24J has fastening points 25J comprising lugs 50 intended to cooperate with holes provided in the ends of the elongated elements 31. To mount the elongated elements on the base 24J, the holes of the elongated elements 31 are inserted over the lugs 50, also surrounding the pipeline 50, and then the clamping collar 30 is adapted to the diameter of the pipeline via the adjustment means 32.

[0104] As shown in Figures 24-26, in the eighth embodiment, the base 24K has a housing 49 bordered by two lugs 48 separated by a slot sized to allow the elongated element 31 to pass through. The slot is covered by a plate connecting the two lugs 48, thus creating a space 0.05-0.2 cm thick that only allows the elongated element 31 to fit through, rather than allowing the shaft 47 to pass through. Therefore, to insert the elongated element 31, the shaft 49 must first be removed, and then the end of the elongated element 31 is inserted into the slot covered by the plate. The shaft 47 is then secured to the end of the elongated element 31, for example, by slipping it into a loop formed at the end of the elongated element 31. Finally, the shaft 47 is inserted into the housing 49. The shaft 47 cannot be extracted from the housing 49 because it is blocked by the presence of the plate.

[0105] 27, in a ninth embodiment of the present invention, the base 24E includes a groove 25E formed in the thickness of the base 24E. A bore 46 is formed in the bottom of the groove 25E, allowing the groove to open outward. This bore 46 allows the strip 31 to best conform to the shape of the pipeline 40.

[0106] As illustrated in Figures 31 to 33, in an eleventh embodiment, the base 24G can be attached to the pipeline 40 before the fire extinguisher is fixed on the base 24G. In this embodiment, the base 24G has a generally hexagonal shape with a length of 2 to 8 cm and a width of 2 to 5 cm. The length of the base 24G is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the main direction D of the pipeline 40.

[0107] The base 24G further has two pairs of approximately rectangular parallelepiped grooves 25G on both sides of the base 24G in the thickness direction of the base 24G, and the grooves 25G allow two clamp collars 30 to pass through. Preferably, the grooves are spaced 1 to 3 cm apart. This type of base 24G is particularly employed when the fire extinguisher has a grooved head 20 attached to the base 24G, for example, for a pipeline 40 usually having a diameter larger than DN50.

[0108] The attachment of the two clamping collars 30 is performed in the same manner as described in Figures 17a to 17d, and the clamping collars 30 can be attached simultaneously, one after the other. In conclusion, the present invention makes it possible to develop an automatic water fire extinguisher that is adaptable to all existing pipeline diameters.

Claims

1. 1. An automatic water fire extinguisher (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) intended to be mounted at an opening (42) of a pipeline (40), said pipeline (40) forming part of an installation configured to contain water pressurized between 5 and 20 bar, the extinguisher (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) comprising: - a one-piece base (24A-24K) having a through hole (26); - a seal (28) for sealing the connection between the opening (42) of the pipeline (40) and the through-hole (26) of the base (24A-24K), - said base (24A-24K) further comprises at least two fastening points (25A-25K); - said fire extinguisher (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) comprises at least one clamping collar (30); The at least one clamp collar (30) an elongated element (31, 39) intended to partially surround a pipeline (40), said elongated element (31, 39) cooperating with said base (24A-24K) at anchorage points (25A-25G); and an adjustment means (32) that is independent of the base (24A-24K), and that allows the length of the at least one clamp collar (30) to be adapted to allow the fire extinguisher (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) to be attached to pipelines (40) of different diameters; The adjusting means (32) comprise a housing (35) into which both ends of the elongated elements (31, 39) are inserted, at least one end of which is moved by a movement (M4) that presses the elongated elements (31, 39) against the pipeline (40), and a screw (34) that fixes both ends of the elongated elements (31, 39) together to obtain a tension that compresses the elongated elements (31, 39), the tension being able to withstand a pressure between 5 and 20 bar. Automatic water extinguisher.

2. 2. The automatic water fire extinguisher according to claim 1, characterized in that the fire extinguisher (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) comprises one single clamp collar (30) and two fastening points (25A-25K) arranged on both sides of the base (24A-24K).

3. 3. The automatic water fire extinguisher according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fastening points (25A-25G) are through-openings oriented in a direction parallel to the main direction (D) of the pipeline (40), and the elongated elements (31, 39) are attached to the base (24A-24G) by inserting at least one end of the elongated elements (31, 39) into the through-opening and forming a loop around the border of the base (24A-24G).

4. 4. The automatic water fire extinguisher according to claim 3, characterized in that said through openings are slots provided in said bases (24A-24G).

5. The automatic water fire extinguisher according to claim 3, characterized in that the through opening is a space formed between the base (24A-24G) and a shaft (47) provided on the base (24A-24G).

6. 3. The automatic water fire extinguisher according to claim 2, characterized in that the two ends of the elongated elements (31, 39) are configured to cooperate with fastening points (25H-25K) arranged on either side of a base (24H-24K), so that the elongated elements (31, 39) partially surround the pipeline (40) after action of the adjusting means (32).

7. 7. An automatic water fire extinguisher according to claim 6, characterized in that each fastening point (25H-25K) comprises a housing (49) separated by two lugs (48) formed on the base (24H-24K) and separated by a slot sized to allow the passage of an elongated element (31, 39), the housing (49) intended to receive a shaft (47) fixed to the end of the elongated element (31, 39), the lugs (48, 50) having a shape that allows the insertion of the shaft (47) fixed to the end of the elongated element (31, 39) into the housing (49) before acting on the adjusting means (32) and that blocks the extraction of the shaft (47) from the housing (49) after acting on the adjusting means (32).

8. 7. An automatic water fire extinguisher according to claim 6, characterized in that each fastening point (25H-25K) comprises a lug (50) intended to cooperate with a hole provided in the end of said elongate element (31, 39).

9. An automatic water fire extinguisher according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the elongated element (31) is a strip.

10. An automatic water fire extinguisher according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the elongated element (39) is a cable.

11. An automatic water fire extinguisher according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the elongated elements (31, 39) are made of metallic material.

12. 12. An automatic water fire extinguisher according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the length adjustment means (32) of the at least one clamp collar (30) comprises a marker that allows the seal (28) to be compressed at a predetermined speed.

13. 13. An automatic water fire extinguisher according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the adjustment means (32) are integral with the ends of the elongate elements (31, 39).

14. 14. An automatic water fire extinguisher according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a blocking element (23) for blocking the through hole (26), the blocking element (23) being temperature sensitive and configured to open the through hole (26).

15. An automatic water 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 water flow coming from said pipeline (40).

16. 16. An automatic water fire extinguisher according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the base (24A-24K) and the head (20) are one unitary block, with deflectors (22), stirrups (29) and / or shut-off elements (23).

17. 16. An automatic water fire extinguisher according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the base (24A-24G) and the head (20) are provided with deflectors (22), stirrups (29) and / or blocking elements (23) that are independent of each other, and the head (20) is attached to the base (24A-24K) by means of screw fastenings.

18. at least one pipeline (40) having at least one opening (42); and Fire protection installation comprising at least one automatic water fire extinguisher (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. 19. Fire protection installation according to claim 18, characterized in that the pipeline (40) is a pipeline whose inner and outer surfaces are painted or pre-painted.

20. 20. The fire protection system of claim 19, wherein the coating of the pipeline (40) comprises an epoxy polymer binder.

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