EP1095672B1 - Fire stop air vent - Google Patents

Abstract

The duct opening surround, designed to be fitted in a wall, consists of a collar (42) with a substantially semi-toroid rim (44) fitted against one side of the wall and a truncated conical section (46), and a cylindrical housing (50) surrounding the latter, with a shutter (48) interacting with the collar. The surround incorporates a ring (64) of a mouldable thermal insulation material between the collar and housing, forming a mechanical coupling for the two, which are otherwise not in contact or are connected by flexible lugs or a bayonet joint. The collar and housing can be made from sheet metal or plastic.

Description

The present invention relates to a ventilation opening firewall.

It is known that such systems are located at the outlet of ventilation ducts which are embedded in an orifice in the wall of a room or room and whose purpose is to close automatically in case of rising temperatures of the airflow that transits through the vent in one direction or the other between the room or room and the service spaces containing the ducts ventilation. The closure of the fire stop is used to close automatically the ventilation ducts in case of fire so to prevent the spread of fire and smoke and so that it does not emerge not fire-side flammable gases that could warm up above pre-set temperatures until ignition spontaneous.

In Figure 1 attached, there is shown such a mouth firebreak 10 mounted in an opening 13 of a wall 12. 12a represents the face of the wall 12 facing the room or the room and we have referenced 12b the face of the wall corresponding to the service spaces where are housed the ventilation ducts.

The fire mouth 10 consists essentially of a flange 16 formed mostly by a metal sheet which has a substantially shaped rim portion half-torus 18 pressed against the face 12a of the wall and a portion of frustoconical shape 20. The fire-rated mouth also has a substantially cylindrical tubular body 22 which serves in particular to its fixing in the ventilation duct not shown in the figure. A 22a end of the tubular body 22 is welded to the part frustoconical 20 of the flange 16 over a length sufficient to ensure the mechanical strength of the whole. The other end 22b of the body tubular 22 is made integral by a centering piece 24, a socket 26. Finally, the fire stop has a shutter 28 secured end of a rod 30 mounted in the sleeve 26. The rod 30 is associated with a return spring 32 and a trigger system 34 which releases the return spring 32 in case of elevation of temperature thus causing the closure of the fire stopper by application of the shutter 28 on the frustoconical portion 20 of the collar which thus serves as a valve seat.

The realization of the assembly constituted by the flange 16 and the tubular body 22 is a relatively high cost, in particular because the welding operation between the flange and the tubular body.

The realization of this set in one piece would be even more expensive because of the cost of deformation operations mechanics of the sheet that it requires.

There is therefore a real problem concerning the realization of the assembly constituted by the collar and the tubular body.

The realization of fire mouths of the type mentioned above (see for example FR-A-2 312 271) raises yet another problem.

According to current standards, the effectiveness of a fire stop and its compliance with these standards are determined in particular by measuring the temperature on the face 12a or 12b of the wall near the opening 13 in which is housed the mouth firewall, this being of course in the closed position, the wall considered being of course that which is opposed to the departure of the fire. According to these standards, when a temperature of up to 1040 ° C develops in the local to protect, it is necessary that the elevation of the temperature to the location indicated by the letter A or letter B does not exceed 140 ° C after a duration given after the birth of the fire. This condition is very difficult to hold that, by conduction through the wall 12, the elevation natural temperature of the face 12a or 12b of this wall opposite to that which is directly exposed to fire will reach a temperature of the order of 130 ° C. We understand that to meet the conditions of the norm, it is necessary that the opening 13 in which is introduced the mouth firewall does not allow the passage of a sensible heat flow fault what the temperature at point A or B could not be maintained less than the imposed value. The problem is all the more complex with solve that the temperature condition is actually about both ends of the firebreak mouth according to the side where the fire broke out.

Various solutions have already been proposed to solve this problem. second problem especially through the firebreak mouth described in the French patent 2,371,557. However, this type of fire stopper allows to respect the conditions imposed by the standard but it is relatively expensive.

A first object of the invention is to provide a mouth firebreak of the aforementioned type whose manufacturing cost be reduced.

To achieve this object, according to the invention, the fire barrier intended to be mounted in an opening in a wall having a first face and a second face, said mouth comprising a flange having a substantially half-torus-shaped rim intended to be applied against the first face of the wall, and a portion in the form of a truncated cone, an inner face and an outer face, a tubular body of cylindrical shape arranged around the frustoconical portion of the collar and placed at the inside said opening, said tubular body having a first edge facing the flange and a second edge, and an inner face and an outer face, and a shutter movably mounted in the assembly formed by the flange and the tubular body,
is characterized in that it further comprises an annular piece of a heat insulating and moldable material, said annular piece extending at least between the outer face of the flange and the inner face of the tubular body, said annular piece forming the connection mechanical between said flange and said tubular body.

It is understood that the mechanical connection between the collar and the tubular body is obtained by the annular piece of material thermally insulating, said collar and tubular body becoming then solidarity with each other. As will be explained later, this piece is preferably obtained by molding, the collar and the tubular body having parts which form "inserts" to inside said room. This connection mode is relatively expensive. In addition, this part makes it possible to produce the coating thermally insulating it is necessary to provide since this piece is made of a thermal insulating material.

According to a preferred embodiment, the collar and the tubular body are connected via the annular piece in insulating material without contact between the collar and the body tubular.

It is understood that, thanks to this mode of implementation, the second problem discussed above is also solved. In Indeed, the two parts, preferably metallic, constituted by the collar and the tubular body are not in contact with each other and are separated by a thermal insulating material. We understand that, it avoids the realization of a thermal bridge in the direction of the axis of the fire barrier which in the provisions of the prior art extend directly from the inner face of the wall to its outer face. Thanks to that provision, one can actually get a fireproof mouth that maintain the performance required by the standard in force while reducing the weight of insulating material and therefore the total weight of the mouth.

According to a preferred embodiment, the flange and / or said tubular body comprises a plurality of positioning members and of presolidarization of said flange and the tubular body.

As understood, this provision allows a prepositioning and presolidarization of the tubular body with respect to at the flange to produce the part made of thermal insulating material moldable. However, these prepositioning and presolidarisation make contact between these two pieces only on an extremely limited surface that is not likely to create a significant thermal bridge between the two parts, for example metallic, conductors of heat.

• on dispose ladite collerette dans un moule,
• on dispose ledit corps tubulaire autour de la partie tronconique de la collerette,
• on introduit ledit matériau thermiquement isolant sous forme non solide dans le moule de telle manière qu'il remplisse au moins l'intérieur du rebord de la collerette et l'espace compris entre la face externe de la portion tronconique de la collerette et la face interne dudit corps tubulaire, et
• on provoque la solidification dudit matériau isolant thermique, par quoi on obtient la solidarisation de ladite collerette et dudit corps tubulaire.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method of making a fire stopper of the type described above. The method of manufacturing a fire barrier according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

• said collar is placed in a mold,
• said tubular body is arranged around the frustoconical part of the collar,
• said thermally insulating material in non-solid form is introduced into the mold in such a way that it fills at least the inside of the flange of the collar and the space between the external face of the frustoconical portion of the flange and the internal face. said tubular body, and
• the solidification of said thermal insulating material is caused, whereby the fastening of said collar and of said tubular body is obtained.

• la figure 1 déjà décrite montre une bouche coupe-feu de type connu ;
• la figure 2a montre en coupe par un plan axial un premier mode de réalisation d'une bouche coupe-feu selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2b montre un deuxième mode de réalisation de la bouche coupe-feu ;
• la figure 3a montre en vue en élévation le corps tubulaire pour un troisième mode de réalisation de la bouche coupe-feu ;
• la figure 3b montre en coupe par un plan axial la collerette associée au corps tubulaire de la figure 3a ;
• la figure 4a montre une vue en perspective d'une collerette pour un quatrième mode de réalisation de la bouche coupe-feu ;
• la figure 4b montre en demi-coupe par un plan axial l'ensemble de la bouche coupe-feu dans un quatrième mode de réalisation ; et
• la figure 5 illustre un procédé de fabrication de la bouche coupe-feu.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear better on reading the following description of several embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples. The description refers to the appended figures, in which:

• FIG. 1 already described shows a fire stopper of known type;
• Figure 2a shows in section through an axial plane a first embodiment of a fire stopper according to the invention;
• Figure 2b shows a second embodiment of the fire barrier;
• Figure 3a shows in elevational view the tubular body for a third embodiment of the fire stopper;
• Figure 3b shows in section through an axial plane the flange associated with the tubular body of Figure 3a;
• Figure 4a shows a perspective view of a flange for a fourth embodiment of the fire barrier;
• FIG. 4b shows in half-section by an axial plane the assembly of the fire stopper in a fourth embodiment; and
• Figure 5 illustrates a method of manufacturing the fire barrier.

Referring first to Figure 2a, we will describe a first embodiment of the fire barrier. In this figure, we represented the flange 42 with its rim, for example in the form of half torus 44, intended to be applied on the inner face of the wall and its frustoconical portion 46 forming the seat of the movable shutter 48. also shown in this figure the tubular body 50 which has a cylindrical general shape, which surrounds the frustoconical portion 46 of the flange 42 and which preferably ends with a flat flange 52 to near the semi-toric portion 44 of the collar. We also represented a stirrup 54 secured to the collar 42 for centering a bushing 56 for guiding the rod 58 which is integral with the shutter 48.

Preferably, there is no contact between the collar 42 and the tubular body 50 which are both preferably made of sheet metal metal which can be steel or aluminum. In particular, observes that in zone 60, there is preferably a space between the end of the frustoconical portion 46 of the collar and the end of the cylindrical portion of the tubular body 50. The annular space 62 limited by the outer face of the tapered portion 46 and the inner face of the body tubular 50 and occupied by a portion of an annular piece 64 made in a moldable thermal insulating material. The same goes for the limited volume by the semi-ring portion 44 of the collar which is filled by the portion 66 of the annular piece. Also preferably, this annular insulating part covers the rear face 52a of the flange 52 of the tubular body 50. The flange 52 being completely embedded in the mouldable thermal insulating material, during solidification of said insulating material, said rim 52 forms an insert which reinforces the mechanical connection obtained between the flange 42 and the tubular body 50.

We understand that we obtain an easy connection of the collar and tubular body.

We also understand that thanks to this provision, no only there is no contact between the pieces, preferably made of the collar and the tubular body, but between these two parts, we interpose a thickness of thermal material insulating. It is therefore understood that between the semi-toric portion 44 of the collar that is in contact with the zone at very high temperature and the posterior end 50a of the tubular body 50, there is no bridge thermally conducive to promoting thermal conduction between the two faces of the wall in which is mounted fireproof mouth.

As will be explained in more detail later, that the annular piece made of thermal insulating material 62, 66 is obtained by molding with a suitable material of the two pieces made by the collar and the tubular body arranged relatively parts 42 and 50 would be partly inserts, in particular by the presence of the flange 52, the groove 70 and / or the stirrup 54 located on the flange 42, which are each likely to be all or in embedded part in the thermal insulating material 62.

In order to further improve thermal insulation, it is possible to provide that the tubular body 50 is perforated and preferably is provided on the outer face of this body at least one annular groove 70 for the setting up a seal between this tubular body and the opening in the wall or duct.

FIG. 2b shows a variant embodiment which differs from the embodiment of FIG. 2a only in that the piece of thermal insulation material also covers the face external 50b of the tubular body 50. That part of the annular piece which is referenced 72 has a reduced thickness. We understand that this arrangement helps to avoid body heat radiation tubular 50. Preferably, when producing by molding the portion 72 of the annular part, we reserve at least one throat ring 74 for the establishment of a seal.

As has already been stated, according to the invention, there is no preferably no contact between the flange 42 and the tubular body 50 to avoid thermal bridges. Moreover, as we will explain more in detail later, the annular piece of thermally material insulation is obtained by molding. To maintain the relative position of the flange and tubular body during molding operations it is possible to use means for maintaining the tubular body with respect to the collar. However, it is easier to foresee means of prepositioning and presolidarization of the tubular body 50 by report to the flange 42 for their implementation in the mold.

FIGS. 3a and 3b show a first mode of prepositioning and presolidarisation. This is a system to bayonet which is formed on the one hand by two inclined slots 80 and 82 made in the tubular body 50 and two lugs integral with the flange 42 which are, for example, extensions 84 and 86 of the stirrup 54.

This bayonet system makes it possible to preposition the collar 42 with respect to the tubular body 50, the final joining being performed by molding the annular piece into thermally insulating material. In addition, after solidification of the material thermally insulating, said extensions 84 and 86 of the stirrup 54, all as said stirrup 54, constitute inserts for reinforcing the mechanical fastening of the flange 42 with the tubular body 50.

It should be emphasized that the contact surface between the lugs 84 and 86 and the edge of the slots 80 and 82 is very small and does not constitute a significant thermal bridge.

In FIGS. 4a and 4b, a variant of FIG. positioning system and presolidarization. It is constituted by two resilient tabs 88 and 90 attached to the frustoconical portion 46 of the flange 42, for example, by welding points. The extremities elastic tongues rest on the inner face of the body In addition, said resilient tongues 88 and 90 form preferably, inserts that increase the resistance mechanics of the integral assembly formed by the flange 42, the body tubular 50 and the insulating material 62.

It goes without saying, however, that one would not go beyond the invention if the 50b edge of the tubular body 50 was supported on the inner face of the flange 44 of the collar. In this case, the thermal bridge between the collar and the tubular body, although existing, is very small compared known embodiments, since this thermal bridge is limited to contact between the edge 50b of the tubular body and the inner face of the rim of the collar.

Referring now to Figure 5, a mode will be described. preferred manufacturing of the fire stopper by molding.

To make the fire barrier, we use a mold that has a lower base 100 and an inner portion substantially frustoconical 102. The flange 42 is placed on the base 100 and around the internal part 102. Then, the tubular body 50 is placed in position suitable. If prepositioning means exist, the body tubular is held in place by its connection with the flange 42. the opposite case, it is necessary to provide a support means, not shown, for maintain the tubular body 50 in the ad hoc position. In particular, all the elements likely to constitute inserts, such as flange 52, the yoke 54, the lug 84 and / or the tabs 88 and 90 are positioned in order to be at least partially covered with thermal insulator. Then, we put in place the cylindrical external part 104 of the mold. The thermally insulating material is then introduced into the mold in its non-solid form.

After taking the insulating material, we obtain the piece 62 which adheres to both the outer face of the frustoconical portion and to the face internal of the tubular body 50, and which thus ensures the mechanical connection between the flange 42 and the tubular body 50. In particular, when the aforementioned elements which may constitute inserts are coated with insulating material, they reinforce the mechanical connection obtained between the collar 42 and the tubular body 50. It is then possible to unmold the fire mouth.

In the previous description, we have more particularly considered the case where the flange and the tubular body are metallic. he goes of course we would not go beyond the invention if these pieces were made in a plastic material such as PVC.

In addition, the surface of the collar and / or the tubular body could have significant roughness or crevices to increase the adhesion of the insulating material and thus increase the resistance of the mechanical connections obtained between the piece 62 and the collar and respectively the tubular body, said flange and said tubular body being all the more solidarity.

Claims (10)

1. Fire-stop aperture intended to be mounted in an opening formed in a wall having a first face and a second face, the said aperture comprising a collar (42) having a substantially semi-toroidal rim (44) intended to be applied against the first face of the wall and a part (46) in the form of a truncated cone, an inside face and an outside face, a cylindrical tubular body (50) arranged around the part of the collar in the form of a truncated cone and positioned inside the said opening, the said tubular body (50) presenting a first edge turned towards the collar and a second edge, and an inside face and an outside face, and an obturator (48) mounted moveably in the assembly formed by the collar and the tubular body, is characterised by the fact that it also comprises an annular piece (64) made of a thermally insulating and mouldable material, the said annular piece extending at least between the outside face of the collar (42) and the inside face of the tubular body (50), the said annular piece (64) forming the sole mechanical connection between the said collar (42) and the said tubular body (50).
2. Fire-stop aperture as described in claim 1, characterised by the fact that there is no contact between the collar (42) and the said tubular body (50).
3. Fire-stop aperture as described in claim 2, characterised by the fact that the said collar (42) and/or the said tubular body (50) includes a plurality of organs for positioning and/or pre-attachment of the said collar and the said tubular body.
4. Fire-stop aperture as described in claim 3, characterised by the fact that the part of the collar in the form of a truncated cone comprises at least two elastic tabs (88, 90) protruding from the outside face of the said portion in the form of a truncated cone, the ends of the said tabs co-operating elastically with the inside face of the said tubular body (50) to position and pre-attach the said tubular body (50) relative to the said collar (42).
5. Fire-stop aperture as described in claim 3, characterised by the fact that the part of the said collar (42) in the form of a truncated cone and the said tubular body (50) include a plurality of lugs (84, 86) and a plurality of slots (80, 82) to form a bayonet system.
6. Fire-stop aperture as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised by the fact that the said tubular body (50) is perforated.
7. Fire-stop aperture as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised by the fact that the outside face of the said tubular body (50) includes at least one annular groove (70) and a seal mounted in the said groove.
8. Fire-stop aperture as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised by the fact that the said annular part (64) made of thermally insulating material covers the outside face (50b) of the said tubular body (50).
9. Fire-stop aperture as described in claim 8, characterised by the fact that the portion of the annular piece (72) which covers the outside face (50b) of the tubular body (50) includes at least one annular groove (74) and by the fact that a seal is mounted in the said groove.
10. Process for manufacture of a fire-stop aperture as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised by the fact that it comprises the following steps:

    the said collar (42) is arranged in a mould,

    the said tubular body (50) is arranged around the part (46) of the collar (42) in the form of a truncated cone,

    the said thermally insulating material is introduced into the mould in non-solid form in such a manner that it fills at least the inside of the semi-toroidal portion of the collar and the space between the outside face of the portion of the collar in the form of a truncated cone and the inside face of the said tubular body,

    the said thermally insulating material is made to solidify, thus attaching the said collar and the said tubular body.

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