EP2833979A2

EP2833979A2 - Fire damper

Info

Publication number: EP2833979A2
Application number: EP13731485.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Josip Barusic
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-04-02
Filing date: 2013-04-02
Publication date: 2015-02-11
Also published as: HRP20120288A2; WO2013150321A3; WO2013150321A2

Abstract

Fire damper as the technical solution according to the invention is based on a specially conceptualized new design characterized in that all component elements of the mechanism with which the housing of the fire damper is accomplished are made of a single-piece, that is made of a metal sheet strip that is sufficiently wide for a specific size of the damper, wherein the folding process is applied to form a profiled section as well as a flange (4.12). Within the same manufacture process perforations (4.9) are made by the cut-out procedure on the width of the belt of the metal sheet to achieve radically reduced heat transfer between two segments of the damper housing in axial direction, as well as coupling "combs" (4.5) for coupling in the angles of the metal sheet formed to the damper housing with the single (4.7) and the double (4.8) extensions of the "comb", and finally also the slots (4.15) in the side edges of the metal sheet the width of which is equivalent to the width of the flange. The cut-out procedure is implemented to make the openings (4.10) of appropriate sizes for the passage of the axis of the damper blade, the openings (4.11) for the coupling of two metal sheets of the formed housing of the damper, the openings (4.16) for fixing of the actuator of the damper and the openings (4.17) for fixing of the temperature sensor. After the foregoing procedures of folding and punching of the metal sheets are completed, the metal sheets treated in such manner are folded along the folding lines (4.6) X-X, Y-Y, Z-Z and W-W, by which the metal sheet is formed into the damper housing, and the two folded metal sheets with already existing openings 4.11 are finally coupled with rivets. The solution of the technical problem according to the invention also comprises the coupling of the sides of the housing according to the "comb" system to the belt edges (4.9) of the metal sheet with reduced heat transfer, which is accomplished by folding along the wall of the formed housing of the damper both the single (7.1) and the double (7.2) extensions of the "comb" in mutual engagement. Of special importance is the technical solution of the leverage mechanism (6.3) made of two elements, which is on the outer side at the housing wall, by which the axis of the actuating mechanism (6.1) the leverage mechanism (6.3) is coupled with the axis (6.2) of the damper blade.

Description

FIRE DAMPER

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical field

The invention concerned refers to a fire damper, i.e. the technical solution for the mechanism by which it is achieved that in the case of fire in a specific area the spreading of fire and smoke to the adjacent areas is reliably prevented.

The field of the art to which the invention refers is designated as A62C2 according to the International Patent Classification.

2. Technical problem

In the broadest sense, the technical problem, which is resolved by means of the invention concerned, is characterized by a fire damper designed in such manner that all elements of the mechanism, by which the housing of the fire damper is achieved, are integrated in one element, which is made from a metal sheet strip that is sufficiently wide for a specific size of the damper, in one manufacture step.

In this context, the design of the fire damper according to this invention resolves the technical problem of axial heat transfer between two segments of the damper housing, as well as the coupling of two angles of the metal sheet formed into the damper housing by „comb" system with mutually engaging single and double extensions.

Further, the technical problem of aerodynamic air flow in axial direction through the vents of the fire damper and the coupling of the axes of the actuating mechanism with the axis of the damper blade.

3. State of the art

It is well known that fire and smoke as the products of fire in multi-storey business and residential buildings as well as in large halls represent life-threatening risks for humans and harmful effects for the furniture and equipment. Long-lasting intense fires may compromise the structural integrity of the building as well. Even the generation of large quantities of smoke, usually preceding the outbreak of fire or accompanying the fire with certain intensity, is life-threatening for the humans and harmful for the furniture and equipment.

For this reason, fire protection is one of the six most important requirements that must be unconditionally fulfilled for structures. This requirement, aside from the undertaking that the structure must be planned and constructed in such manner that in the case of fire the requirement of structural integrity preservation is met, also implies the undertaking that in the case of fire in one area (room) of the specific building the spreading of fire and smoke from that area to adjacent areas or buildings is prevented.

It is therefore clearly understandable that fire protection must be accordingly included in the technical solution of a building as defined in the design of the building, and also includes instructions for the maintenance of the building during its use. The fulfillment of the requirements for achieving satisfactory fire protection in a building is reflected in the design for that building, according to which it is separated into sections which in terms of usage, organization, construction and in particular in terms of fire protection represent individual units called fire zones 1.4. For this purpose all relevant factors are considered which affect the degree of threat from fire in any particular fire zone, including but not limited to: type of the technological processes performed in them, types of materials manufactured, processed or stored in them and types of materials used for the construction.

Each fire zone shall be fenced in all directions towards the adjacent fire zones or areas with wall and ceiling elements 1.1. of satisfactory fire resistance. Each specific fire zone is equipped with a special inlet 1.2 and outlet 1.2 ducts for air conditioning or ventilation, with several fire zones frequently connected with an appropriate air conditioning or ventilation duct system.

At the positions where the inlet 1.2 and outlet 1.3 ducts for air conditioning or ventilation go through the ceilings or walls separating the adjacent fire zones the fire dampers 1.2.1 and 1.3.1 shall be installed, which in the case of fire in any of the fire zones are intended to shut off automatically the air flow in the inlet and outlet ducts for air conditioning and ventilation leading to the adjacent fire zones, areas or buildings. The fire dampers are installed in concrete openings in the wall or in the ceiling or in walls made of light construction materials as well as in other positions.

The fire dampers or their basic mechanisms and components have a specific fire- resistance degree, which means that with fire dampers of appurtenant class of reaction to fire it is achieved that for a certain time, for instance 30, 60, 90 minutes, the passage of fire and smoke through the damper is prevented, as well as the increase of temperature exceeding the permitted temperature limits, for instance 180° C, on the side of the damper that is not exposed to fire.

In such manner the resistance measure for each specific fire damper is defined, according to which it is ensured that at creation of smoke, increased heat or fire in one of the fire zones not only all fire dampers adjacent to the fire zones in which no smoke, increased heat or fire occurred close automatically but also the duration period of such occurrences without harmful consequences for the operation of the fire dampers.

The basic mechanisms and components of the fire damper are the housing 2.1 with the sides 2.11 of the damper, locking blade 2.2 of the damper, axis 2.3 of the damper blade and the actuating mechanism of the damper.

The design of the fire dampers with width B, height H and length L of the fire damper housing vent, included in the known state of the art, is realized in such manner that each of the four sides of the damper housing 2.11 is performed in such manner that the appropriate metal sheets, of which the sides are made, are appropriately coupled with each other, preferably with rivets at the joints 3.1.

The sides of the fire damper housing 2.1 are preferably designed in such manner that their length in axial direction is equal to the length of the damper 2.11 , but there are also designs with two or more axial segments 2.8, in which cases the segments are mutually coupled and fixed with segment flanges 2.9. The fire dampers include locking blades 2.2, which are arranged on the axis 2.3, facilitating the operation of the actuating mechanism of the damper with provided areas for arranging the seal 5.4 as well as an expansion tape 5.5, providing safe sealing of the damper in closed position of the blades, i.e. of the damper.

In patent literature (DE10 2009 013 678, JP 2008 132244, EP 1 570 881 , US6, 105,678, GB 2 350 295) the different solutions to the technical problem are mostly boiled down to the variations of the previously described technical solution.

In all solutions according to the state of the art the unresolved problem is the large number of component elements of the housing of the fire damper, which causes the increase of the price and the increase of the weight of the housing of the fire damper. Additionally, the structure of the elements is complex not only for manufacture but also for maintenance.

To date I am not aware in the current state of the art, in particular in patent literature, of any complete solution of the stated technical problem in the broader sense, in particular in relation to all aspects referred to above in the technical problem.

4. The essence of the invention

The solution of the technical problem described above has been achieved by the new design of the fire damper according to the invention, especially by the integrated one- piece profiled housing, i.e. the integrated one-piece design of all component elements of the mechanism with which the housing of the fire damper is accomplished.

The essence of the technical solution according to the invention implies that all component elements of the mechanism accomplishing the housing of the fire damper are integrated in one single element which is made from a metal sheet strip that is sufficiently wide that when the profiled section of the metal sheet is designed in a folding procedure the width is 4.1 , and with the design of the flange 4.12 with the folding procedure this width is 4.2, which corresponds to the length L of the damper housing.

Aside from the design of the flange 4.12, as well as of the profiled aerodynamic piece 4.14 with the folding procedure of a section of the metal sheet of the housing, within the scope of the same manufacture process, perforations 4.9 are made by the cut-out procedure on the width of the belt of the metal sheet to achieve radically reduced heat transfer between two segments of the damper housing, as well as the coupling of two angles of the metal sheet formed into the damper housing as well as coupling „combs" 4.5 for coupling in the angles of the metal sheet formed to the damper housing with the single 4.7 and the double 4.8 extensions of the "comb", and finally also the slots 4.15 in the side edges of the metal sheet the width of which is equivalent to the width of the flange.

The flow of the air through the fire damper in the belt 9.1 takes place at an accelerated speed, which is conditioned by the profiled aerodynamic section 4.14.

The cut-out procedure is implemented to make the openings 4.10 of appropriate sizes for the passage of the axis of the damper blade, the openings 4.11 for the coupling of two metal sheets of the formed housing of the damper, the openings 4.16 for fixing of the actuator of the damper and the openings 4.17 for fixing of the temperature sensor.

After the foregoing procedures of folding and punching of the metal sheets are completed, the metal sheets treated in such manner are folded along the folding lines 4.6: X-X, Y-Y, Z-Z i W-W, by which the metal sheet is formed into the damper housing, and the folded metal sheets with already existing openings 4.11 are finally coupled with rivets.

The solution of the technical problem according to the invention includes the coupling of the sides of the housing according to the "comb" system to the belt edges 4.9 of the metal sheet with reduced heat transfer, which is accomplished by folding along the wall of the formed housing of the damper both the single 7.1 and the double 7.2 extensions of the "comb" in mutual engagement.

During the previously described forming of the housing of the fire damper a stuffing box 5.3 is installed which provides space 5.4 to house the seal as well as the space 5.5. to house the expansion tape.

Of special importance is the technical solution of the leverage mechanism 6.3 with an arm 8.1 of the actuator axis and an arm 8.2 of the axis of the damper blade, which is arranged on the outer side at the housing wall, by which the axis of the actuating mechanism 6.3 is coupled with the axis 6.2 of the damper blade.

5. Short description of the drawings

Fig. 1.: Examples of the fire zones in a specific building

Position 1.1 : Partition wall of the fire zone;

Position 1.2: Air flow through the inlet duct of the ventilation and air

conditioning;

Position 1.2.1 Fire damper in the inlet duct of the ventilation and air

conditioning;

Position .3 Air flow through the outlet duct of the ventilation and air

conditioning;

Position 1.3.1 Fire damper in the outlet duct of the ventilation and air

conditioning;

Position 1.4: Fire zone

Fig. 2.: View of the fire damper in open position

Position 2.1 : Housing of the damper;

Position 2.2: Locking blade of the damper;

Position 2.3: Axis of the damper blade;

Position 2.4: Width (B) of the fire damper housing vent;

Position 2.5: Outer flange of the housing of the damper;

Position 2.6: Flow direction through the fire damper;

Position 2.7: Axial segment of the side of the damper housing;

Position 2.8: Metal sheet of the segment of the damper housing;

Position 2.9: Segment flange of the damper housing;

Position 2.10: Height (H) of the fire damper housing vent;

Position 2.11 : Length (L) of the housing vent and of the sides of the fire

damper; Fig. 3.: Side view of the fire damper housing

Position 3.1 : Joints of the metal sheets of the lateral sides of the damper housing;

View of the single/piece damper housing in unfolded form

Position 4.1 : Width of the metal sheet with performed metal sheet profiling, before the design of the flange of the damper housing;

Position 4.2: Width of the metal sheet with performed metal sheet profiling and with the design of the flange of the damper housing, which correlates with the length (Lj) of the vent of the single-piece housing;

Position 4.3 Width (Bj) of the single-piece housing;

Position 4.4 Height (Hj) of the single-piece housing;

Position 4.5 Coupling„comb" for the coupling in the angles of the formed metal sheet into the damper housing;

Position 4.6: Folding lines X-X, Y-Y, Z-Z i W-W for forming of the metal sheet in the damper housing;

Position 4.7 Single extension of the„comb";

Position 4.8 Double extension of the„comb";

Position 4.9 Width of the metal sheet belt with perforations for the reduction of the heat transfer;

Position 4.10: Opening for the passage of the axis of the damper blade;

Position 4.11 : Openings for the coupling of two metal sheets of the formed damper housing;

Position 4.12 Section of the metal sheet formed into the flange;

Position 4.13 Inner side of the housing damper;

Position 4.14 Profiled aerodynamic section of the metal sheet of the damper housing;

Position 4.15: Slot in the side edge of the metal sheet with the width of the flange;

Position 4.16: Openings for fixing the actuator mechanism of the damper; Position 4.17: Openings for fixing the temperature sensor;

Fig. 5.: Side view of the formed single-piece housing of the damper

Position 5.1 : Damper blade in open position;

Position 5.2: Damper blade in closed position;

Position 5.3: Stuffing box;

Position 5.4: Space to house the seal;

Position 5.5: Space to house the expansion tape;

View of the single-piece housing of the damper, formed, with closed damper

Position 6.1 Axis of the actuator mechanism;

Position 6.2 Axis of the damper blade;

Position 6.3 Leverage mechanism;

Position 6.4 Detail of the„comb" of coupled two metal sheets of the formed housing;

Fig. 7.: View of the detail„comb" of coupled two metal sheets of the formed housing;

Position 7.1 : Single extension of the„comb", engaged with the double extension of the„comb", folded along the wall of the formed

damper housing;

Position 7.2: Double extension of the„comb", engaged with the single

extension of the "comb", folded along the wall of the formed damper housing;

Fig. 8.: View of the leverage mechanism arms

Position 8.1 : Arm of the damper actuator axis;

Position 8.2: Arm of the damper blade axis;

Fig. 9.: View of the air flow through the fire damper

Position 9.1 : Constriction area of the damper vent

6. Method for the realization of the invention

The realization of the technical solution according to the invention, i.e. the fire damper, is achieved by using common materials and implementing common technological processes of mechanical processing of metals and by creating impermeable sealing joints.

Application of the technical solution according to the invention is possible primarily on the industry related to the manufacture of various types of fire dampers.

The manufacture of all components of the solution according to the invention is realized by usual well-known technological processes that have been implemented over several decades.

7. industrial applicability of the invention

This invention finds its industrial application in the field of the manufacture of fire dampers and their use within the scope of the construction industry.

The industrial applicability of the invention is evident from the description and the very essence of the invention, which is additionally explained in the described method of its realization. The industrial applicability of the invention, apart from being undisputable, particularly indicates that the technical solution according to the invention represents a better, more reliable and more economical alternative solution in relation to the already existing solutions which are contained in the state of the art or implemented globally in the manufacture of the fire dampers and their use.

In the industrial application of the invention the simple forms of the components of the fire damper mechanism find their full expression, which represents a crucial advantage in their design by using metal processing technologies.

The assembly of the fire dampers in the buildings as well as their disassembly is exceptionally easy and simple and performed in a very short time, due to which their long life-cycle, indicated advantages during maintenance and replacement of parts represent their unique characteristics.

Further advantages of the technical solution according to the invention can be found in the fact that the application of the invention is possible in all fire damper sizes.

Claims

1. Fire damper, comprising an axis, damper blades and damper housing, characterized in that all component elements of the mechanism with which the housing of the fire damper is accomplished are made of a single-piece, wherein the single-piece housing is made of a metal sheet strip that is sufficiently wide that when the profiled section of the metal sheet is designed in a folding procedure the width is (4.1), and with the design of the flange (4.12) with the folding procedure this width is (4.2), which corresponds to the length L of the damper housing.

2. Fire damper according to claim 1 , characterized in that within the same manufacture process perforations (4.9) are made by the cut-out procedure to the width of the belt of the metal sheet to achieve radically reduced heat transfer between two segments of the damper housing in axial direction.

3. Fire damper according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that within the same manufacture process coupling„combs" (4.5) for coupling in the angles of the metal sheet formed to the damper housing with the single (4.7) and the double (4.8) extensions of the "comb", and finally also the slots (4.15) in the side edges of the metal sheet the width of which is equivalent to the width of the flange, wherein the cut-out procedure is implemented to make the openings (4.10) of appropriate sizes for the passage of the axis of the damper blade, the openings (4.11) for the coupling of two metal sheets of the formed housing of the damper, the openings (4.16) for fixing of the actuator of the damper and the openings (4.17) for fixing of the temperature sensor.

4. Fire damper according to any of the previous claims, charachterized in that the metal sheets treated in such manner are folded along the folding lines (4.6) X-X, Y-Y, Z-Z i W-W, wherein the metal sheet of the housing is formed and the already existing openings (4.11) are finally coupled by rivets with the two folded sections, as well as attaching of an elbow piece for the coupling of the flanges at positions where the ends of the flanges come into contact.

5. Fire damper according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the leverage (6.3) made of two pieces is arranged on the outer side at the housing wall, by which the axis of the actuating mechanism (6.1) is by the arms (8.1) and (8.2) of the leverage mechanism coupled with the axis (6.2) of the damper blade.

6. Method of coupling of the sides of the fire damper housing according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that it is carried out by the "comb" system at the belt edges (4.9) of the metal sheet along the folding lines (4.6) X-X, Y-Y, Z-Z and W-W, i.e. along the edges, which is accomplished by by folding along the wall of the formed housing of the damper both the single (7.1) and the double (7.2) extensions of the "comb" in mutual engagement