DE202020101087U1 - Extinguishing device for household appliances - Google Patents

Abstract

Extinguishing device (1) for an electrical household appliance (2) and in particular a dryer or a washing machine or the like with at least one appliance housing (3),
comprising at least one control device (4) and a sensor device (5) connected to it,
which identifies at least one smoke sensor (6) for the detection of smoke,
and at least one protective gas reservoir (7) which is at least partially filled with at least one protective gas (8) and at least one valve device (9) connected to the protective gas reservoir (7),
wherein the valve device (9) can be controlled by the smoke sensor (6) via the control device (4),
characterized,
that at least the smoke sensor (6) and the valve device (9) are arranged within the device housing (3),
so that when smoke (20) is detected, the device housing (3) is at least partially floodable with the protective gas (8).

Description

The present invention relates to a household extinguishing device, for. B. a fire in electrical household appliances such. B. to delete dryers, washing machines and the like. More.

In the case of dryers in particular, the risk of a fire developing is relatively great. The high temperatures in the dryer can lead to a short circuit in the electronics and / or to ignition of the laundry to be dried within the laundry drum. In addition, the high temperatures can cause circuits and controls to wear out faster, which can lead to short circuits.

Various extinguishing devices with a protective gas storage and a protective gas have become known from the prior art, which can be used flexibly to extinguish fires in the household or in the garden.

Various fire extinguishers have become known, which can also be stored in the household, in the basement or in the garage and which can be used to extinguish a fire. Inert gases can be used to displace the required oxygen. Or z. B. uses foams that smother the flame. The disadvantage of this is that the fire must first start and then be discovered and then only be extinguished by hand.

Alternatively, extinguishing systems with z. B. Sprinkler systems have become known that automatically let water escape when smoke is detected and thus begin extinguishing. Such systems work very satisfactorily. However, the high installation and maintenance costs are disadvantageous. In a private household, the costs often exceed the existing budget.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an improved extinguishing system for household appliances.

This object is achieved by an extinguishing device with the features of claim 1. Preferred developments and refinements of the invention result from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiment.

An extinguishing device according to the invention for a preferably electrical household appliance, in particular a dryer, with at least one appliance housing comprises at least one control device and a sensor device connected to it and in particular in operative connection. The sensor device has at least one smoke sensor for detecting smoke. In addition, the extinguishing device comprises at least one protective gas reservoir, which is filled with at least one protective gas (in particular at least partially), and at least one valve device which is connected to the protective gas reservoir and is operatively connected, the valve device being controllable by the smoke sensor for opening via the control device. The invention is characterized in that at least the smoke sensor and the valve device are arranged within the device housing, so that when smoke is detected, the device housing is at least partially floodable with the protective gas.

When smoke is detected by the smoke sensor, an alarm and an extinguishing process are triggered fully automatically. In addition, manual triggering is preferably also possible at the push of a button. The valve device is opened by the extinguishing process, so that the protective gas is led into the device housing. Additional functions can also be activated by the alarm.

In this case, a threshold value of the proportion of smoke in the total composition of the air at the smoke sensor within the device housing must preferably be exceeded, so that smoke is reliably and repeatedly detected by the smoke sensor.

During an extinguishing process, the protective gas is released into the environment by the valve device, so that when smoke is detected, the surrounding oxygen is at least locally displaced. The fire, embers and / or a source of fire are suffocated and the chemical chain reaction comes to a standstill.

The protective gas is under a high pressure within the protective gas storage and is released by opening the valve device. In the simplest case, the valve device is in the form of a nozzle, which can be closed by at least one diaphragm or one diaphragm unit.

The invention has many advantages. A major advantage is that a fire is prevented right from the start. A fire-extinguishing process is already advantageously triggered when smoke, embers or ignition is detected in the event of a short-circuit or local ignition of laundry in the laundry drum or a ventilation duct in which smoke is generated. For example, the origin of the fire is preferably nipped in the bud.

During an extinguishing process, the protective gas is used to develop the fire necessary oxygen displaced. The protective gas itself does not react with the embers of the highly reactive ignition. The protective gas prevents or prevents an environment in which a fire could develop and in particular spread. In addition, spreading to other devices, furniture or even the room or the entire building itself is effectively prevented.

As a result, the household appliance can be used again, particularly after a repair or even directly after the deletion process. The general function and / or in particular the functionality are generally retained.

In addition, it is extinguished directly at the place where the heat, embers or the chain reaction of the molecules arise. There is no unnecessarily large burden on the environment from the protective gas. The shielding gas is used or released in the smallest or smallest possible amount. In particular, this has no or only minimal influence on the living spaces of living beings, in particular humans and animals.

The fire extinguishing device can in particular be arranged directly on the household appliance and in particular directly on the dryer. The smoke sensor and the valve device can advantageously be guided into the device housing. Existing openings on the device housing can also be used for this purpose. It is also possible to remove covers from unused buttons or control panels and to place the smoke sensor and valve device directly there.

It is also possible to provide small bores through which the smoke sensor and the valve device can be guided into the interior of the device housing.

In addition, the fire extinguishing device and the household appliance are not damaged by the protective gas during an extinguishing process or impaired in their further functionality. Due to the simple construction, the device is preferably inexpensive to manufacture and can also be serviced and checked by a layperson.

At least one smoke sensor is preferably connected wirelessly to the control device. A wireless connection can preferably be established via Bluetooth, ANT, GSM, ZigBee, radio, W-LAN. An infrared connection is also particularly suitable. At least a quick and, above all, simple arrangement of the smoke sensors can advantageously be achieved by the wireless connection. Cable connections can advantageously be prevented where laying cables is a hindrance and disturbance and can lead to malfunctions.

The extinguishing device according to the invention is preferably arranged essentially entirely within the appliance housing of the household appliance. In particular, the extinguishing device is arranged entirely within the device housing. The extinguishing device is particularly preferably completely integrated into the device housing. Advantageously, no holes have to be provided on or in the device housing. In addition, the extinguishing device can preferably be integrated into the device housing in a space-saving manner.

In an advantageous development, the protective gas accumulator is connected in a gas-tight manner to the valve device by means of at least one screw connection or a connection which can be exchanged and released by hand. As a result, the inert gas storage is inexpensive to replace. The inert gas storage can be quickly replaced by hand. The protective gas storage is advantageously at least partially designed as a cartridge or a cartridge.

Carbon dioxide is preferably present as a protective gas in the protective gas storage. Carbon dioxide effectively displaces the necessary oxygen from the fire that occurs during an extinguishing process. The fire is preferably smothered directly before it can develop a large flame and irreparably damage the household appliance. Carbon dioxide is particularly cheap and quasi inert. In small cartridges, which are used exclusively to flood the device housing of the household appliance and in particular the dryer, the protective gas is harmless and in particular not harmful to humans and animals.

The use of carbon dioxide as a protective gas guarantees that no residues of the extinguishing agent remain, especially on electronic components. The household appliance does not have to be cleaned separately after the deletion process. The electronics remain functional, except for a possible defect as the cause. In addition, carbon dioxide is very cheap. A cartridge or a cartridge preferably comprises an amount of less than 1 kg of carbon dioxide.

In addition, however, other protective gases or inert gases, such as helium, argon, nitrogen or mixtures of these protective gases can also be used. Additional protective gases or inert gases are possible.

The sensor device particularly preferably comprises two or more smoke sensors. These can preferably be arranged directly on the control device and are in particular in operative connection with the control device. A deletion process can preferably be carried out by each individual Smoke sensor or possibly only triggered by all smoke sensors together.

The individual smoke sensors can advantageously be distributed and / or arranged on or within the device housing such that improved detection is possible. In particular, the occurrence of a fire is prevented even better and, above all, more safely.

In an advantageous development, the control device comprises at least one programmable microcontroller unit. The microcontroller unit is in particular comprised, for example, of a Rasberry-Pi or an Arduino microcontroller, or the like. Improved control is advantageously achieved by using the microcontroller unit. In particular, a time delay after the detection of smoke and / or a specific query of the measurement signals of several smoke sensors or sensors of the sensor device are possible. The evaluated measurement signals are used to trigger the deletion process. An optimized control can preferably take place in this way. Faulty triggering or "non-triggering" of the fire extinguishing device is prevented.

The sensor unit advantageously comprises at least one temperature sensor and / or at least one flame sensor, which are particularly preferably connected to the control device. In this way, at least one additional measuring sensor is advantageously present, with which a flame or smoke can be detected. This preferably gives greater certainty that the extinguishing device really triggers in the event of a fire and / or that, in particular, incorrect triggering or the absence of tripping in the event of a fire is avoided. The individual measurement signals can be interpreted by a preferably available microcontroller.

In another preferred development, the control device comprises at least one power switching unit in order to switch off the power supply to the household appliance. In particular, the control device is connected in series with the household appliance. In this way, the power supply to the extinguishing device can be ensured, in particular even in the event of a conscious interruption in the power supply to the household appliance. The power switching unit preferably comprises at least one relay or relay control. A reignition is advantageously no longer possible. The control device particularly preferably comprises electrical standard connections (Schuko plug, Euro plug) for connection to the power supply and to the household appliance. In particular, the control device is interposed between the power supply and the household appliance.

The extinguishing device advantageously comprises at least one communication device which is connected to the control device. In particular, the communication device is at least partially accommodated within the control device. The communication device can be used to establish a communication connection and / or to notify a specific contact person in particular when a deletion process is triggered and / or in particular when smoke is detected. In addition, it is also possible for the fire service and / or a private security / rescue service to be alerted directly. For this purpose, the communication device can preferably comprise a GSM module, a Bluetooth module, a radio module and / or an infrared communication module.

In an advantageous development, the extinguishing device comprises at least one signal device which is connected to the control device and is used to emit at least one sound signal and / or at least one light signal in the event of an alarm. The signal device particularly preferably comprises at least one siren and / or a loudspeaker for emitting the sound signal. In addition, the signal device comprises in particular at least one flash light and / or at least one flash light for emitting at least one light signal. A function of the signal device is advantageously controlled by the control device.

In an advantageous development, the control device comprises at least one test unit. The control device preferably comprises at least one reset unit. The function of the extinguishing device can be checked simply and effectively by a layperson using the test unit. A residual unit makes it possible, especially for a layperson, to re-arm the extinguishing device automatically after an alarm. This is particularly useful in the case of an age-related cartridge change and / or, for example, after a move, when the extinguishing device is to be put into operation again. Manual triggering is also possible using the test / reset button.

A household appliance in the sense of this application can also comprise a stove, a dishwasher, a mixer, an iron, a steam cooker, a television or computer or the like, or can be designed as such or a similar device.

Further advantages and features of the present invention result from the exemplary embodiments which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

• 1 zeigt eine rein schematische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Löschvorrichtung, die innerhalb eines Trockners angeordnet und daran aufgenommen ist;
• 2 bis 8 rein schematische Schaltskizzen einer möglichen Ausführungsform elektrischer Schaltungen der Löschvorrichtung.

The figures show:

• 1 shows a purely schematic view of an extinguishing device according to the invention, which is arranged within a dryer and received thereon;
• 2nd to 8th purely schematic circuit diagrams of a possible embodiment of electrical circuits of the extinguishing device.

1 shows a schematic view of an extinguishing device according to the invention 1 that are essentially entirely within the device housing 3rd of the household appliance 2nd is arranged. The home appliance 2nd is here as a dryer 2nd executed.

The dryer 2nd has an operating device 17th on. The control device 17th is included the power connection of the dryer 2nd and serves the desired program for drying the laundry 19th to select. Via the control device 17th especially the engine 23 which over the drive belt 22 the laundry drum 21 turns, and the heating element 18th the dryer 2nd controlled. Inside the laundry drum 21 here is laundry 19th includes smoke in the present embodiment 20th develops what indicates an emerging fire.

The control device 4th the extinguishing device 1 is over the connector 16 connected or connectable to the power grid. Here the control device points 4th a microcontroller unit 10th , on which a smoke sensor 6 , a temperature sensor 13 and a flame sensor 13 are connected or arranged to detect a possible fire and are in operative connection with the control device 4th stand. The signals from the sensors of the sensor device 5 are here through the microcontroller unit 10th evaluated. In the present exemplary embodiment, an erasing process is triggered when the measurement signal from one of the sensors of the sensor device 5 a predetermined threshold regarding the smoke it contains 20th the measurement air, the temperature or the conductivity of the flame. Here the smoke sensor solves 5 a deletion process of the extinguishing device 1 through the rising smoke 20th .

The microcontroller unit 10th forms the central device of the control device 4th and the extinguishing device 1 . By detecting the smoke 20th the laundry 19th will be the one to the microcontroller unit 10th connected valve device 9 controlled to open. The inert gas storage 7 is by a screw connection with the valve device 9 connected gastight.

The inert gas storage can 7 in the event of maintenance or after a deletion process, it can also be replaced cheaply by a layperson. The inert gas storage 7 is designed here as a compressed gas cartridge.

In the present case, the device housing 3rd through the protective gas 8th flooded. The fire that arises in or on the laundry displaces the oxygen required for the further development of the fire. The fire is smothered immediately before it spreads and spreads all over the dryer 2nd can pass over.

Here, carbon dioxide is used as a protective gas 8th Application, which in the protective gas storage 7 is stored and through the opening of the valve device 9 into the device housing 3rd the dryer 2nd is expelled. The volume of the protective gas 8th of the inert gas storage 7 is on the device housing 3rd adjusted so that the device housing 3rd is completely flooded. The oxygen is through the system-inherent slots and gaps on the device housing 3rd displaced to the outside. The valve device 9 has the shape of a nozzle around the protective gas 8th particularly efficient and above all without emitting particularly loud noise.

In addition, the control device 4th via a power switching unit 12th , which is designed here as a relay. Through the power switching unit 12th when a deletion process is triggered, the power supply becomes more precise to the operating device 17th switched off. As a result, re-igniting of the laundry is preferred here 19th and / or the dryer in general by further supply of heat by the heating element 18th prevented.

The control device 4th also has a communication facility 13 . Through the communication facility 13 the integrated GSM module makes an emergency call directly to the nearest fire department. In addition, the control device 4th via a signaling device 14 . Through the signaling device 14 an alarm sound is emitted here by a siren, so that people who are nearby are warned and the fire is pointed out. In addition, the control device 4th still via a test and reset unit 15 . Through the test and reset unit 15 can the function or error-free operation of the extinguishing device 1 by pressing the test / reset button 24th getting tested. In addition, the extinguishing device 1 by pressing the test / reset button 24th after a deletion or after changing the protective gas storage 7 be brought into focus again. By pressing the test / reset button 24th manual deletion is still possible.

The 2nd to 8th show several different embodiments of possible electrical circuits, which are within the quenching device 1 Can find application. In 2nd a rectifier circuit is shown. 3rd shows two capacitor circuits. In 4th is a possible embodiment of the circuit for the smoke sensor 5 illustrated. 5 shows the connections on the microcontroller 10th . 6 shows the circuit of the valve device 9 . In 7 is a possible circuit for the power switching unit 12th shown. In 8th a possible circuit diagram for the mains circuit is shown. The existing abbreviations are generally used in electrical engineering and are therefore generally used and understandable without a detailed explanation.

An extinguishing device according to the invention should preferably be attachable to washing machines or tumble dryers or the like in order to be able to extinguish them immediately in the event of smoke and in particular in the event of a fire or fire and to prevent them from re-igniting. The extinguishing device should preferably be inexpensive and maintainable even for the layperson.

The invention is particularly intended to achieve a fire on z. B. a cable or motor windings, to measure very quickly by the rising smoke and to extinguish the fire, especially when it arises or afterwards.

Reference list

1

Extinguishing device

2nd

Household appliance, dryer

3rd

Device housing

4th

Control device

5

Sensor device

6

Smoke sensor

7

Inert gas storage

8th

Shielding gas

9

Valve device

10th

Microcontroller unit

11

Temperature / flame sensor

12th

Power switching unit

13

Communication device

14

Signaling device

15

Test / reset unit

16

plug

17th

Control device

18th

Heating element

19th

Laundry

20th

smoke

21

Laundry drum

22

Drive belt

23

engine

24th

Test / reset button

Claims (12)

Extinguishing device (1) for an electrical household appliance (2) and in particular a dryer or a washing machine or the like with at least one appliance housing (3), comprising at least one control device (4) and a sensor device (5) connected to it, which has at least one smoke sensor (6 ) for the detection of smoke, and at least one protective gas storage (7), which is at least partially filled with at least one protective gas (8), and at least one valve device (9) connected to the protective gas storage (7), the valve device (9) being connected via the control device (4) can be controlled by the smoke sensor (6), characterized in that at least the smoke sensor (6) and the valve device (9) are arranged within the device housing (3), so that when smoke (20) is detected, the device housing (3) is at least partially floodable with the protective gas (8). Extinguishing device (1) after Claim 1 , At least one smoke sensor (6) being wirelessly connectable to the control device (4). Extinguishing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged substantially completely within the device housing (3). Extinguishing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective gas reservoir (7) is gas-tightly connected to the valve device (9) by means of a screw connection. Extinguishing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein carbon dioxide is included as a protective gas in the protective gas storage (7). Extinguishing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (5) comprises two or more smoke sensors (6). Extinguishing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (4) comprises at least one programmable microcontroller unit (10). Extinguishing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor unit (5) comprises at least one temperature sensor (11) and / or at least one flame sensor (11). Extinguishing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (4) comprises at least one power switching unit (12) with which at least the power supply to the household appliance (2) can be switched off. Extinguishing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (4) comprises at least one communication device (13) which can be used to establish a communication connection. Extinguishing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (4) comprises at least one signal device (14) which can be used to emit a sound signal and / or light signal. Extinguishing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (4) comprises at least one test unit (15) and / or at least one reset unit (15).

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