EP2923737B1 - Fire extinguishing system for an aircraft - Google Patents

Fire extinguishing system for an aircraft Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2923737B1
EP2923737B1 EP15161127.4A EP15161127A EP2923737B1 EP 2923737 B1 EP2923737 B1 EP 2923737B1 EP 15161127 A EP15161127 A EP 15161127A EP 2923737 B1 EP2923737 B1 EP 2923737B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fire
fire extinguishing
outlet valve
control device
indicating
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
EP15161127.4A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2923737A1 (en
Inventor
Daniel Dreyer
Matthias Oberhauser
Philipp Schmidt
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
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Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
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Publication date
Application filed by Airbus Defence and Space GmbH filed Critical Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
Publication of EP2923737A1 publication Critical patent/EP2923737A1/en
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Publication of EP2923737B1 publication Critical patent/EP2923737B1/en
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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62CFIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C3/00Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places
    • A62C3/07Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places in vehicles, e.g. in road vehicles
    • A62C3/08Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places in vehicles, e.g. in road vehicles in aircraft
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62CFIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C37/00Control of fire-fighting equipment
    • A62C37/36Control of fire-fighting equipment an actuating signal being generated by a sensor separate from an outlet device
    • A62C37/44Control of fire-fighting equipment an actuating signal being generated by a sensor separate from an outlet device only the sensor being in the danger zone
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62CFIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C35/00Permanently-installed equipment
    • A62C35/02Permanently-installed equipment with containers for delivering the extinguishing substance
    • A62C35/11Permanently-installed equipment with containers for delivering the extinguishing substance controlled by a signal from the danger zone
    • A62C35/13Permanently-installed equipment with containers for delivering the extinguishing substance controlled by a signal from the danger zone with a finite supply of extinguishing material

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a fire extinguishing system for an aircraft.
  • the fire extinguishing system comprises a fire detector for detecting fire, a first container containing a pressurized fire extinguishing medium with a switchable first outlet valve for discharging the fire extinguishing medium from the first container, a second container containing a pressurized fire extinguishing medium with a switchable second outlet valve for the outlet of the Fire extinguishing medium from the second container, wherein the first outlet valve and the second outlet valve can each be switched into the closed and open states.
  • the fire extinguishing system comprises a line system connecting the first and second outlet valves with at least one outlet opening, the at least one outlet opening being arranged and designed for discharging the fire extinguishing medium into a predetermined area of the aircraft.
  • the invention further relates to an integrated display and input element for such a fire extinguishing system, a method for operating such a fire extinguishing system, and an aircraft with such a fire extinguishing system.
  • Fire extinguishing systems of the generic type are known (see, for example, " Fundamentals of aircraft technology in theory and practice ", Vol. II, Chapter 16, 1992 edition, Verlag TÜV Rheinland GmbH ). They are used in particular to fight fires from engine fires and from fires in cargo holds (English “cargo compartment”) of aircraft.
  • Such a system for extinguishing a fire in the engine typically comprises at least three operating elements in the cockpit of the aircraft: a first operating element for stopping a fuel supply and, if necessary, for capping other supply lines to and from the engine, a second operating element for the manually triggered release of a fire extinguishing agent in the engine a first container, and a third control element for the manually triggered release of a fire extinguishing agent in the engine from a second container.
  • the presence of a fire is detected by a fire detector arranged in the engine and signaled acoustically and optically by an output unit in the cockpit.
  • Such a typical fire extinguishing system therefore requires multiple handling and checking of the fire signaling or operating several control elements over a period of at least 30 - 60 s.In an emergency situation with fires, however, time is valuable and should not be wasted on monitoring and operating the fire extinguishing system . Furthermore, it must be stated that incorrect operation of fire extinguishing systems can occur in emergency situations despite intensive pilot training.
  • the fire extinguishing system comprises at least one extinguishing agent reservoir with an activatable closure means which, in an activated state, enables the extinguishing agent to flow out of the extinguishing agent reservoir, and a supply line connected to the closure means and at least one outlet opening, with which the extinguishing agent can be fed from the extinguishing agent reservoir to the outlet opening to spread it there for fire fighting.
  • the fire extinguishing system further comprises a control unit which is connected to the closure means and a manually operated input means and can be activated by the closure means.
  • the fire extinguishing system comprises one or more sensor systems by means of which a current aircraft state can be determined, the control unit being designed and set up in such a way that the closure means is activated depending on the current flight state present at the time the input is actuated.
  • a fire extinguishing system for an aircraft is known.
  • the fire extinguishing system comprises several containers with a fire extinguishing agent that can be directed to one of several fire fighting zones via valves.
  • the release of the fire extinguishing agent from a container is initiated by manually pressing a pressure switch.
  • the fire extinguishing agent is released from a further filled container by repeatedly pressing the pressure switch.
  • the object is therefore to further develop a generic fire extinguishing system for an aircraft in such a way that operating errors of the fire extinguishing system are avoided and the time required to operate the fire extinguishing system is reduced.
  • the fire extinguishing system comprises a fire detector for detecting fire, a first container containing a pressurized fire extinguishing medium with a switchable first outlet valve for discharging the fire extinguishing medium from the first container, and a second container containing a pressurized fire extinguishing medium with a switchable second outlet valve for the outlet the fire extinguishing medium from the second container.
  • the first outlet valve and the second outlet valve can each be switched into the "closed” and "open” states.
  • the fire extinguishing system comprises a line system connecting the first and second outlet valves with at least one outlet opening, the at least one outlet opening being arranged and designed for discharging the fire extinguishing medium into a predetermined area of the aircraft.
  • All fire extinguishing agents that are known today and can be used in aviation can be used as fire extinguishing media.
  • the line system advantageously comprises several outlet openings which are arranged in corresponding flammable areas of the aircraft (engine, APU (auxiliary turbine), cargo area, etc.).
  • the proposed fire extinguishing system is characterized in that there is an integrated display and input element that displays a fire alarm and the current status of the first and second outlet valves, and with which a control device is activated by manual input, the control device with the fire detector, the display and input element, and the first and the second exhaust valve is connected.
  • the control device is designed and set up in such a way that it can be activated by manual input only after a fire alarm triggered by the fire detector has been displayed by the display and input element.
  • t 0 the time of activation of the control unit
  • ⁇ t 1 is a predetermined period of time.
  • the fire extinguishing medium of the first container is discharged via the line system and the outlet opening into the area of the aircraft in which the fire detector has detected the fire.
  • the fire extinguishing medium of the first container is discharged via the line system and the outlet opening into the area of the aircraft in which the fire detector has detected the fire.
  • Switching the outlet valves from the “open” state to the “closed” state is advantageously carried out by means of a maintenance measure and requires a reconfiguration of the fire extinguishing system.
  • the time period ⁇ t 1 is advantageously selected in the range between 5 to 30 s and is in particular 10 s or 15 s or 20 s or 25 s.
  • the time period ⁇ t 2 is advantageously selected in the range between 10 to 40 s and is in particular 20 s or 25 s s or 30 s or 35 s.
  • the integrated display and input element significantly reduces the space required for installation in the cockpit compared to the known fire extinguishing system with the associated display and operating elements. Furthermore, there is only one input element with which an automated fire extinguishing process is initiated by a one-time operation.
  • the advantage of the proposed system is that, in the case of a fire alarm triggered by the fire detector and displayed by the display and input element, only one input is required to initialize an automated control of the fire extinguishing system, the current state of the fire extinguishing system always being displayed. The time required to operate the fire extinguishing system is therefore considerably reduced, operating errors are avoided and the space required for integrating the operating and display elements in the cockpit is considerably reduced. This is accompanied advantageously by a reduction in the mass or weight of the fire extinguishing system.
  • the display and input element for displaying a fire alarm advantageously comprises at least one light source, for example a light bulb, an LED or a light guide Decouples light from a light source to display the fire alarm in the display and input element.
  • the fire alarm is preferably displayed with a red light.
  • the display and input element is designed as a button, the button having: a button surface area that can be illuminated to display a fire alarm (preferably red), a first optical display unit arranged in the illuminated button surface to display the current status of the first outlet valve, a second optical display unit arranged in the illuminated button surface to display the current status of the second outlet valve, and a protective device to prevent unintentional or unintentional actuation of the button.
  • the protective device is advantageously designed as a cap which, if necessary, is secured with a further mechanical safety device (safety wire, locking element, etc.).
  • the first and the second optical display unit each have a two-color LED or two single-color LEDs.
  • the state of the respective outlet valve can thus be displayed, for example, in such a way that the state “outlet valve closed” is displayed in green and the state “outlet valve open” is displayed in red.
  • the status of the outlet valves is advantageously only displayed if the control device has been activated beforehand. This enables the so-called “Dark Cockpit Philosophy" to be implemented.
  • the lighting means for displaying a fire alarm is advantageously switched on and off with a frequency between 1 Hz and 5 Hz, in particular with 2 Hz or 3 Hz.
  • One embodiment of the fire extinguishing system is characterized in that the first and the second container each have a sensor for determining a current filling pressure of the fire extinguishing medium.
  • the control device is designed and set up in such a way that, depending on the switching state of the first and the second outlet valve, a congruence check is carried out between the current (switching) states of the outlet valves and the currently determined filling pressures, and if an expected congruence is not determined, a Warning indication by the display and Input element is output.
  • the "outlet valve closed” state also has an associated or corresponding filling pressure, ie a filling pressure that is congruent to it, in particular a filling pressure that corresponds to a container filled with fire extinguishing medium.
  • the "outlet valve open” state also has an assigned or corresponding filling pressure, ie a filling pressure that is congruent to it, in particular that corresponds to a container from which the fire extinguishing medium has been released. If the state of the respective outlet valve does not match the recorded filling pressure of the respective container, a warning display of the display and input element is activated.
  • the warning display can, for example, be an LED, preferably an LED that lights up yellow.
  • the fire detector is preferably arranged in the aircraft in such a way that it can detect a fire in an engine or an auxiliary power unit (APU) or in a cargo hold of the aircraft.
  • the control device is preferably designed and set up in such a way that after it has been activated by the control device, the following is automatically initiated: stopping a fuel supply to the respective engine, and / or switching off one or more electrical generators of the respective engine, and / or stopping a bleed air supply from the respective engine to a passenger cabin or cargo area.
  • the fire can be stopped by stopping the fuel supply to the affected engine.
  • the further measures listed can prevent or limit the effect of the fire on the aircraft and, if applicable, the passengers and crew.
  • the display and input element is advantageously designed in such a way that the status: "Control device activated" is visually displayed. This can be done with a corresponding LED, for example in green.
  • the assigned display and input element has a corresponding light source, for example an LED.
  • the control device is advantageously designed and set up in such a way that once the control device has been activated, it can be withdrawn by a further input in the display and input element, for example by pressing the button again. In this way, the cockpit crew can stop the automatic deletion process again.
  • This renewed input advantageously requires a predefined input pattern, for example one specific sequence of key actuations per time or a key actuation that lasts a predetermined time, for example 3 s or 5 s.
  • the invention further relates to a display and input element for a fire extinguishing system, as stated above, which is designed as a button.
  • the button has: a button surface area that can be illuminated to display a fire alarm, a first optical display unit arranged in the illuminated button surface to display the current status of the first outlet valve, a second optical display unit arranged in the illuminated button surface to display the current status of the second outlet valve, and a protective device to prevent unintentional actuation of the button.
  • the invention finally relates to a method for operating a fire extinguishing system for an aircraft, the fire extinguishing system comprising a fire detector for detecting fire, a first container containing a pressurized fire extinguishing medium with a switchable first outlet valve for discharging the fire extinguishing medium from the first container, and a comprises pressurized fire extinguishing medium containing second container with a switchable second outlet valve for discharging the fire extinguishing medium from the second container.
  • the first outlet valve and the second outlet valve can each be switched into the "closed” and "open” states.
  • the fire extinguishing system comprises a line system connecting the first and the second outlet valve with at least one outlet opening, the at least one outlet opening being arranged and designed for discharging the fire extinguishing medium into a predetermined area of the aircraft, as well as an integrated display and input element, which is connected through the Fire detector triggered fire alarm and the current state of each of the first and second outlet valve, and with which a control device is activated by a manual input, wherein the control device is connected to the fire detector, the display and input element, and the first and the second outlet valve.
  • the control device is designed and set up in such a way that it can be activated by manual input only after a fire alarm has been displayed by the display and input element.
  • the method comprises of the following steps.
  • Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the proposed fire extinguishing system fire extinguishing system for an aircraft.
  • the fire extinguishing system comprises a fire detector 111 for detecting fire in an engine 112 of the aircraft.
  • auxiliary turbine APU
  • Corresponding fire detectors are known to the person skilled in the art.
  • the fire extinguishing system comprises a first container 101 containing a pressurized fire extinguishing medium with a switchable first outlet valve 107 for discharging the fire extinguishing medium from the first container 101, and a second container 102 containing a pressurized fire extinguishing medium with a switchable second outlet valve 108 for discharging the Fire extinguishing medium from the second container 102, wherein the first outlet valve 107 and the second outlet valve 108 can each be switched into the "closed” and "open” states.
  • Sensors 105 and 106 are arranged in the first and second containers, respectively, with which a filling pressure of the respective fire extinguishing medium is detected.
  • the fire extinguishing system comprises a line system 109 connecting the first 107 and second 108 outlet valves with at least one outlet opening 110, the at least one outlet opening 109 being arranged and designed for discharging the fire extinguishing medium into a predetermined area of the aircraft.
  • an integrated display and input element 103 which displays a fire alarm and the current status of the first 107 and second 108 outlet valves and with which a control device 104 can be activated by manual input, the control device 104 with the fire detector 111, the display and input element 103, the sensors 105 and 106, and the first 107 and the second 108 outlet valve is connected.
  • the control device 104 is set up so that its activation by manual input is only possible after a fire alarm triggered by the fire detector 111 has been displayed by the display and input element 103.
  • the control device 104 controls the displays output by the display and input element 103.
  • Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the display and input element 103 in plan view, ie in the view in which a pilot has the display and input element 103 installed Condition in the cockpit.
  • the display and input element comprises a button 201 for manual input, a surface of the button 201 that can be illuminated to display a fire alarm, a first optical display unit with displays 204a-c for displaying the current status of the first outlet valve 107, a second optical display unit with displays 205a -c to display the current state of the second outlet valve 108, and a protective device 202 to prevent unintentional actuation of the button 201.
  • the protective device is designed as a cap 202, which is hinged to hinges 203 and consists of a first actuation of the display and input element 103 Position (as in Fig. 2 shown) can be folded into a second, which enables operation of the display and input element 103.
  • the depicted display and input element 103 each has individual light-emitting diodes LEDs (204a-c, 205a-c, 207) that can be controlled by the control unit 104.
  • the green LED 204a shows the state: first valve 107 "closed”.
  • the green LED 205a shows the state: second valve 108 "closed”.
  • the red glowing LED 204b shows the state: first valve 107 "open”.
  • the red glowing LED 205b shows the status: second valve 108 "closed”.
  • the yellow glowing LED 204c indicates a warning that indicates that there is no congruence between the filling pressure of the fire extinguishing medium in the first container 101 and the state of the first valve 101.
  • the yellow glowing LED 205c indicates a warning, which indicates that there is no congruence between the filling pressure of the fire extinguishing medium in the second container 101 and the state of the second valve 102.
  • the LED 207 can light up either green or red. If it lights up green, it indicates that the control unit 104 has been activated. If it lights up red, it indicates that the activation of the control device 104 has been withdrawn and thus the automatic sequence of method steps initiated thereby has been stopped.
  • the surface that can be illuminated has, in particular, the inscription "FIRE Push", which can only be recognized when a fire alarm is triggered and is displayed accordingly.
  • Fig. 1 it is assumed that no such fire alarm is triggered by the fire detector 111, so that all LEDs and the lighting of the area 201 are off, which corresponds to the so-called "black panel philosophy". It should be noted in this regard that the LEDs or the lighting of the surface 201 are active when the LEDs shown as circles are filled in black or when the writing “FIRE PUSH” can be seen.
  • the Fig. 3a -f show a sequence of the display states of the display and input element 103 according to FIG Fig. 2 after activation of the control unit.
  • Fig. 3a all LEDs and the button surface 201 are illuminated. This state is generated in the context of a so-called "Annunciator Panel Test", which is used to verify that all the lamps on displays in the cockpit are working.
  • Figure 3b the display state of the display and input element 103 is shown when no fire is detected and no system test is carried out. Here all the lighting means of the display and input element 103 are off.
  • the button surface 201 is illuminated in red ( Figure 3c ).
  • the button surface 201 is illuminated by flashing at a frequency of 2 Hz.
  • the protective cap 202 is folded into a position in which the button 201 can be operated. This state of the protective cap 202 is also shown in FIG Figure 3c shown.
  • the control device 104 is activated by pressing the button 201 once. Immediately after activation, the in Fig. 3d Display state shown. The LEDs 204a and 205a light up green. Which means that the first 107 and the second 108 valve are in the closed state. There in Fig. 3d If the LEDs 204c and 205c do not light up, this means that the fire extinguishing agent is present in the containers 107 and 108 with sufficient filling pressure. Furthermore, the LED 207 lights up green, which indicates that the control device 104 is activated and thus the automatic sequence of automatic steps is activated. After the activation of the control device 104, the flashing of the button surface 201 changes to a continuous light. In one embodiment, pressing the button 201 also cuts off the fuel supply to the engine 112, the power supply between the engine 112 and the aircraft, and the bleed-air line for cabin printing.
  • the first valve 107 is automatically opened when the fire detector 111 still detects fire, so that its fire extinguishing agent can be sent via the lines 109 and the outlet opening 110 enters the engine 112 in order to extinguish the fire there.
  • ⁇ t 1 10 s. Since the state of the first valve 107 changes from "closed” to "open", the display state of the display and input element 103 also changes in that the green LED 204a goes out and the red LED 204b lights up (see Fig. 3e ).
  • This display state thus indicates that the first container 107 does not contain any fire extinguishing agent, while the second container 108 has unchanged fire extinguishing agent with a sufficient filling pressure.
  • the LED 204a can also flash green in the time segment in which the fire extinguishing agent leaves the first container 107, and only when there is no longer any fire extinguishing agent in the first container, can be switched off and the red illuminated LED 204b can be switched on.
  • Fig. 4 shows a representation of a flow chart after activation of the control device, as has already been explained above.
  • the flow chart comprises the self-explanatory steps 401 to 405.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Fire-Extinguishing By Fire Departments, And Fire-Extinguishing Equipment And Control Thereof (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Feuerlöschsystem für ein Luftfahrzeug. Das Feuerlöschsystem umfasst einen Feuerdetektor zum Detektieren von Feuer, einen ein unter Druck stehendes Feuerlöschmedium enthaltenden ersten Behälter mit einem schaltbaren ersten Auslassventil zum Auslass des Feuerlöschmediums aus dem ersten Behälter, einen ein unter Druck stehendes Feuerlöschmedium enthaltenden zweiten Behälter mit einem schaltbaren zweiten Auslassventil zum Auslass des Feuerlöschmediums aus dem zweiten Behälter, wobei das erste Auslassventil und das zweite Auslassventil jeweils in die Zustände geschlossen und offen schaltbar sind. Weiterhin umfasst das Feuerlöschsystem ein das erste und das zweite Auslassventil mit zumindest einer Auslassöffnung verbindendes Leitungssystem, wobei die zumindest eine Auslassöffnung zum Ausbringen des Feuerlöschmediums in einen vorgegebenen Bereich des Luftfahrzeugs angeordnet und ausgebildet ist. Die Erfindung betrifft weiterhin ein integriertes Anzeige- und Eingabeelement für ein ebensolches Feuerlöschsystem, ein Verfahren zum Betrieb eines ebensolchen Feuerlöschsystems, sowie ein Luftfahrzeug mit einem ebensolchen Feuerlöschsystem.The invention relates to a fire extinguishing system for an aircraft. The fire extinguishing system comprises a fire detector for detecting fire, a first container containing a pressurized fire extinguishing medium with a switchable first outlet valve for discharging the fire extinguishing medium from the first container, a second container containing a pressurized fire extinguishing medium with a switchable second outlet valve for the outlet of the Fire extinguishing medium from the second container, wherein the first outlet valve and the second outlet valve can each be switched into the closed and open states. Furthermore, the fire extinguishing system comprises a line system connecting the first and second outlet valves with at least one outlet opening, the at least one outlet opening being arranged and designed for discharging the fire extinguishing medium into a predetermined area of the aircraft. The invention further relates to an integrated display and input element for such a fire extinguishing system, a method for operating such a fire extinguishing system, and an aircraft with such a fire extinguishing system.

Gattungsgemäße Feuerlöschsysteme sind bekannt (vgl. hierzu bspw. " Grundlagen der Luftfahrzeugtechnik in Theorie und Praxis", Bd. II, Kap. 16, Auflage 1992, Verlag TÜV Rheinland GmbH ). Sie dienen insbesondere zur Feuerbekämpfung von Triebwerksbränden und von Bränden in Laderäumen (engl. "cargo-compartment") von Luftfahrzeugen. Ein solches System zum Löschen eines Feuers im Triebwerk umfasst typischerweise zumindest drei Bedienelemente im Cockpit des Luftfahrzeugs: ein erstes Bedienelement zum Stoppen einer Kraftstoffzufuhr und ggf. zum Kappen anderer Versorgungsleitungen zum und vom Triebwerk, ein zweites Bedienelement zur manuell getriggerten Freisetzung eines Feuerlöschmittels im Triebwerk aus einem ersten Behälter, und ein drittes Bedienelement zur manuell getriggerten Freisetzung eines Feuerlöschmittels im Triebwerk aus einem zweiten Behälter. Das Vorhandensein eines Feuers wird von einem im Triebwerk angeordneten Feuerdetektor erkannt und durch eine Ausgabeeinheit im Cockpit akustisch und optisch signalisiert.Fire extinguishing systems of the generic type are known (see, for example, " Fundamentals of aircraft technology in theory and practice ", Vol. II, Chapter 16, 1992 edition, Verlag TÜV Rheinland GmbH ). They are used in particular to fight fires from engine fires and from fires in cargo holds (English "cargo compartment") of aircraft. Such a system for extinguishing a fire in the engine typically comprises at least three operating elements in the cockpit of the aircraft: a first operating element for stopping a fuel supply and, if necessary, for capping other supply lines to and from the engine, a second operating element for the manually triggered release of a fire extinguishing agent in the engine a first container, and a third control element for the manually triggered release of a fire extinguishing agent in the engine from a second container. The presence of a fire is detected by a fire detector arranged in the engine and signaled acoustically and optically by an output unit in the cockpit.

Ein solches typisches Feuerlöschsystem erfordert somit ein mehrmaliges Befassen und Checken der Feuersignalisierung bzw. ein Bedienen mehrerer Bedienelemente über einen Zeitraum von mindestens 30 - 60 s. In Notsituation mit Bränden ist Zeit aber wertvoll und sollte nicht mit dem Monitoring und der Bedienung des Feuerlöschsystems vertan werden. Weiterhin muss konstatiert werden, dass in Notsituationen Fehlbedienungen auch von Feuerlöschsystemen trotz intensiven Pilotentrainings durchaus vorkommen.Such a typical fire extinguishing system therefore requires multiple handling and checking of the fire signaling or operating several control elements over a period of at least 30 - 60 s.In an emergency situation with fires, however, time is valuable and should not be wasted on monitoring and operating the fire extinguishing system . Furthermore, it must be stated that incorrect operation of fire extinguishing systems can occur in emergency situations despite intensive pilot training.

Aus der EP 2 399 649 A2 ist ein Feuerlöschsystem für ein Flugzeug bekannt. Das Feuerlöschsystem umfasst mindestens einen Löschmittelspeicher mit einem aktivierbaren Verschlussmittel, das in einem aktivierten Zustand ein Ausströmen des Löschmittels aus dem Löschmittelspeicher ermöglicht, und eine mit dem Verschlussmittel und mindestens einer Auslassöffnung verbundene Zufuhrleitung, mit der das Löschmittel aus dem Löschmittelspeicher der Auslassöffnung zuführbar ist, um es dort zur Feuerbekämpfung auszubringen. Das Feuerlöschsystem umfasst weiterhin eine mit dem Verschlussmittel und einem manuell betätigten Eingabemittel verbundene Steuereinheit, die durch das Verschlussmittel aktivierbar ist. Weiterhin umfasst das Feuerlöschsystem ein oder mehrere Sensorsysteme, mittels denen ein aktueller Flugzeugzustand ermittelbar ist, wobei die Steuereinheit derart ausgeführt und eingerichtet ist, dass das Verschlussmittel abhängig von dem im Zeitpunkt einer Betätigung des Eingabe mittels vorliegenden aktuellen Flugzustands aktiviert wird.From the EP 2 399 649 A2 a fire extinguishing system for an aircraft is known. The fire extinguishing system comprises at least one extinguishing agent reservoir with an activatable closure means which, in an activated state, enables the extinguishing agent to flow out of the extinguishing agent reservoir, and a supply line connected to the closure means and at least one outlet opening, with which the extinguishing agent can be fed from the extinguishing agent reservoir to the outlet opening to spread it there for fire fighting. The fire extinguishing system further comprises a control unit which is connected to the closure means and a manually operated input means and can be activated by the closure means. Furthermore, the fire extinguishing system comprises one or more sensor systems by means of which a current aircraft state can be determined, the control unit being designed and set up in such a way that the closure means is activated depending on the current flight state present at the time the input is actuated.

Aus der US 4,482,018 A ist ein Feuerlöschsystem für ein Flugzeug bekannt. Das Feuerlöschsystem umfasst mehrere Behälter mit einem Feuerlöschmittel, das über Ventile zu einer von mehreren Feuerbekämpfungszonen geleitet werden kann. Die Freigabe des Feuerlöschmittels aus einem Behälter wird durch manuelles Drücken eines Druckschalters initiiert. Dabei wird durch wiederholtes manuelles Drücken des Druckschalters das Feuerlöschmittel aus jeweils einem weiteren gefüllten Behälter freigegeben.From the U.S. 4,482,018 A a fire extinguishing system for an aircraft is known. The fire extinguishing system comprises several containers with a fire extinguishing agent that can be directed to one of several fire fighting zones via valves. The release of the fire extinguishing agent from a container is initiated by manually pressing a pressure switch. The fire extinguishing agent is released from a further filled container by repeatedly pressing the pressure switch.

Es besteht daher die Aufgabe ein gattungsgemäßes Feuerlöschsystem für ein Luftfahrzeug derart weiterzuentwickeln, dass Bedienfehler des Feuerlöschsystems vermieden werden und der zur Bedienung des Feuerlöschsystems notwendige Zeitaufwand verringert wird.The object is therefore to further develop a generic fire extinguishing system for an aircraft in such a way that operating errors of the fire extinguishing system are avoided and the time required to operate the fire extinguishing system is reduced.

Die Erfindung ergibt sich aus den Merkmalen der unabhängigen Ansprüche. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen und Ausgestaltungen sind Gegenstand der abhängigen Ansprüche. Weitere Merkmale, Anwendungsmöglichkeiten und Vorteile der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung, sowie der Erläuterung von Ausführungsbeispielen der Erfindung, die in den Figuren dargestellt sind.The invention results from the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments and refinements are the subject matter of the dependent claims. Further features, possible applications and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description, as well as the explanation of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are shown in the figures.

Ein vorrichtungsgemäßer Aspekt der Aufgabe ist mit Feuerlöschsystem für ein Luftfahrzeug gelöst. Das Feuerlöschsystem umfasst einen Feuerdetektor zum Detektieren von Feuer, einen ein unter Druck stehendes Feuerlöschmedium enthaltenden ersten Behälter mit einem schaltbaren ersten Auslassventil zum Auslass des Feuerlöschmediums aus dem ersten Behälter, und einen ein unter Druck stehendes Feuerlöschmedium enthaltenden zweiten Behälter mit einem schaltbaren zweiten Auslassventil zum Auslass des Feuerlöschmediums aus dem zweiten Behälter. Das erste Auslassventil und das zweite Auslassventil sind dabei jeweils in die Zustände "geschlossen" und "offen" schaltbar. Weiterhin umfasst das Feuerlöschsystem ein das erste und das zweite Auslassventil mit zumindest einer Auslassöffnung verbindendes Leitungssystem, wobei die zumindest eine Auslassöffnung zum Ausbringen des Feuerlöschmediums in einen vorgegebenen Bereich des Luftfahrzeugs angeordnet und ausgebildet ist. Als Feuerlöschmedium kommen alle heute bekannten und der Luftfahrt einsetzbaren Feuerlöschmittel in Betracht. Das Leitungssystem umfasst vorteilhaft mehrere Auslassöffnungen, die in entsprechenden feuergefährlichen Bereichen des Luftfahrzeugs (Triebwerk, APU (Hilfsturbine), Cargo-Bereich etc.) angeordnet sind.One aspect of the object according to the device is achieved with a fire extinguishing system for an aircraft. The fire extinguishing system comprises a fire detector for detecting fire, a first container containing a pressurized fire extinguishing medium with a switchable first outlet valve for discharging the fire extinguishing medium from the first container, and a second container containing a pressurized fire extinguishing medium with a switchable second outlet valve for the outlet the fire extinguishing medium from the second container. The first outlet valve and the second outlet valve can each be switched into the "closed" and "open" states. Furthermore, the fire extinguishing system comprises a line system connecting the first and second outlet valves with at least one outlet opening, the at least one outlet opening being arranged and designed for discharging the fire extinguishing medium into a predetermined area of the aircraft. All fire extinguishing agents that are known today and can be used in aviation can be used as fire extinguishing media. The line system advantageously comprises several outlet openings which are arranged in corresponding flammable areas of the aircraft (engine, APU (auxiliary turbine), cargo area, etc.).

Das vorgeschlagenen Feuerlöschsystem zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass ein integriertes Anzeige- und Eingabeelement vorhanden ist, das einen Feueralarm und den aktuellen Zustand jeweils des ersten und des zweiten Auslassventils anzeigt, und mit dem ein Steuergerät durch eine manuelle Eingabe aktiviert wird, wobei das Steuergerät mit dem Feuerdetektor, dem Anzeige- und Eingabeelement, und dem ersten und dem zweiten Auslassventil verbunden ist. Das Steuergerät ist dabei derart ausgeführt und eingerichtet, dass dessen Aktivierung durch eine manuelle Eingabe erst nach dem Anzeigen eines durch den Feuerdetektor getriggerten Feueralarms durch das Anzeige- und Eingabeelement möglich ist. Nach dessen erfolgter Aktivierung schaltet das Steuergerät automatisch zu einer Zeit t1 = t0 + Δt1 das erste Auslassventil in den Zustand "offen", sofern der Feuerdetektor zur Zeit t1 noch Feuer detektiert, wobei t0 die Zeit der Aktivierung des Steuergeräts und Δt1 eine vorgegebene Zeitdauer ist. Dadurch wird das Feuerlöschmedium des ersten Behälters über das Leitungssystem und die Auslassöffnung in den Bereich des Luftfahrzeugs ausgebracht, in dem der Feuerdetektor das Feuer erkannt hat. Weiterhin schaltet das Steuergerät anschließend automatisch zu einer Zeit t2 = t1 + Δt2 das zweite Auslassventil in den Zustand "offen", sofern der Feuerdetektor zur Zeit t2 noch Feuer detektiert, wobei Δt2 eine vorgegebene Zeitdauer ist. Dadurch wird das Feuerlöschmedium des ersten Behälters über das Leitungssystem und die Auslassöffnung in den Bereich des Luftfahrzeugs ausgebracht, in dem der Feuerdetektor das Feuer erkannt hat. Ein Umschalten der Auslassventile vom Zustand "offen" in den Zustand "geschlossen" erfolgt vorteilhaft durch eine Wartungsmaßnahme und erfordert eine Rekonfiguration des Feuerlöschsystems.The proposed fire extinguishing system is characterized in that there is an integrated display and input element that displays a fire alarm and the current status of the first and second outlet valves, and with which a control device is activated by manual input, the control device with the fire detector, the display and input element, and the first and the second exhaust valve is connected. The control device is designed and set up in such a way that it can be activated by manual input only after a fire alarm triggered by the fire detector has been displayed by the display and input element. After activation, the control unit automatically switches the first outlet valve to the "open" state at a time t 1 = t 0 + Δt 1 , provided the fire detector still detects fire at time t 1 , where t 0 is the time of activation of the control unit and Δt 1 is a predetermined period of time. As a result, the fire extinguishing medium of the first container is discharged via the line system and the outlet opening into the area of the aircraft in which the fire detector has detected the fire. Furthermore, the control unit then automatically switches the second outlet valve to the "open" state at a time t 2 = t 1 + Δt 2 , provided that the fire detector still detects fire at time t 2 , with Δt 2 being a predetermined period of time. As a result, the fire extinguishing medium of the first container is discharged via the line system and the outlet opening into the area of the aircraft in which the fire detector has detected the fire. Switching the outlet valves from the “open” state to the “closed” state is advantageously carried out by means of a maintenance measure and requires a reconfiguration of the fire extinguishing system.

Die Zeitdauer Δt1 wird vorteilhaft im Bereich zwischen 5 bis 30 s gewählt und beträgt insbesondere 10 s oder 15 s oder 20 s oder 25 s. Die Zeitdauer Δt2 wird vorteilhaft im Bereich zwischen 10 bis 40 s gewählt und beträgt insbesondere 20 s oder 25 s oder 30 s oder 35 s.The time period Δt 1 is advantageously selected in the range between 5 to 30 s and is in particular 10 s or 15 s or 20 s or 25 s. The time period Δt 2 is advantageously selected in the range between 10 to 40 s and is in particular 20 s or 25 s s or 30 s or 35 s.

Durch das integrierte Anzeige- und Eingabeelement reduziert sich der zum Einbau erforderliche Platzbedarf im Cockpit im Vergleich zu den bekannten Feuerlöschsystem mit den zugehörigen Anzeige- und Bedienelementen erheblich. Weiterhin ist nur noch ein Eingabeelement vorhanden, mit dem durch einmalige Bedienung ein automatisierter Feuerlöschvorgang initiiert wird. Der Vorteil des vorgeschlagenen Systems liegt insbesondere darin, dass bei einem durch den Feuerdetektor getriggerten und durch das Anzeige- und Eingabeelement angezeigten Feueralarm lediglich eine Eingabe zur Initialisierung einer automatisiert ablaufenden Steuerung des Feuerlöschsystems erforderlich, wobei der aktuelle Zustand des Feuerlöschsystems immer aktuell angezeigt wird. Die zur Bedienung des Feuerlöschsystems erforderliche Zeit wird daher erheblich reduziert, Fehlbedienungen werden vermieden und der Platzbedarf zur Integration der Bedien- und Anzeigeelemente im Cockpit wird erheblich reduziert. Damit einher geht vorteilhaft eine Verringerung der Masse bzw. des Gewichts des Feuerlöschsystems.The integrated display and input element significantly reduces the space required for installation in the cockpit compared to the known fire extinguishing system with the associated display and operating elements. Furthermore, there is only one input element with which an automated fire extinguishing process is initiated by a one-time operation. The advantage of the proposed system is that, in the case of a fire alarm triggered by the fire detector and displayed by the display and input element, only one input is required to initialize an automated control of the fire extinguishing system, the current state of the fire extinguishing system always being displayed. The time required to operate the fire extinguishing system is therefore considerably reduced, operating errors are avoided and the space required for integrating the operating and display elements in the cockpit is considerably reduced. This is accompanied advantageously by a reduction in the mass or weight of the fire extinguishing system.

Vorteilhaft umfasst das Anzeige- und Eingabeelement zur Anzeige eines Feueralarms zumindest ein Leuchtmittel, bspw. eine Glühbirne, eine LED oder einen Lichtleiter, der Licht von einer Lichtquelle zur Anzeige des Feueralarms im Anzeige- und Eingabeelement auskoppelt. Die Anzeige des Feueralarms erfolgt vorzugsweise mit Rotlicht.The display and input element for displaying a fire alarm advantageously comprises at least one light source, for example a light bulb, an LED or a light guide Decouples light from a light source to display the fire alarm in the display and input element. The fire alarm is preferably displayed with a red light.

In einer besonders vorteilhaften Ausführungsform ist das Anzeige- und Eingabeelement als Taster ausgeführt, wobei der Taster aufweist: einen zur Anzeige eines Feueralarms (vorzugsweise rot) beleuchtbaren Tasteroberflächenbereich, eine in der beleuchtbaren Tasteroberfläche angeordnete erste optische Anzeigeeinheit zur Anzeige des aktuellen Zustands des ersten Auslassventils, eine in der beleuchtbaren Tasteroberfläche angeordnete zweite optische Anzeigeeinheit zur Anzeige des aktuellen Zustands des zweiten Auslassventils, und eine Schutzvorrichtung zur Verhinderung eines ungewollten bzw. unbeabsichtigten Betätigens des Tasters. Die Schutzvorrichtung ist vorteilhaft als Kappe ausgebildet, die ggf. mit einer weiteren mechanischen Sicherung (Sicherungsdraht, Verriegelungselement etc.) gesichert ist.In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the display and input element is designed as a button, the button having: a button surface area that can be illuminated to display a fire alarm (preferably red), a first optical display unit arranged in the illuminated button surface to display the current status of the first outlet valve, a second optical display unit arranged in the illuminated button surface to display the current status of the second outlet valve, and a protective device to prevent unintentional or unintentional actuation of the button. The protective device is advantageously designed as a cap which, if necessary, is secured with a further mechanical safety device (safety wire, locking element, etc.).

Die erste und die zweite optische Anzeigeeinheit weisen in einer Ausführungsform jeweils eine zweifarbige LED oder zwei einfarbige LEDs auf. Somit kann der Zustand des jeweiligen Auslassventils bspw. derart angezeigt werden, dass der Zustand "Auslassventil geschlossen" in grüner Farbe und der Zustand "Auslassventil offen" in roter Farbe angezeigt wird. Vorteilhaft wird der Zustand der Auslassventile nur dann angezeigt, wenn zuvor das Steuergerät aktiviert wurde. Dadurch kann die sogenannte "Dark Cockpit Philosophy" umgesetzt werden.In one embodiment, the first and the second optical display unit each have a two-color LED or two single-color LEDs. The state of the respective outlet valve can thus be displayed, for example, in such a way that the state “outlet valve closed” is displayed in green and the state “outlet valve open” is displayed in red. The status of the outlet valves is advantageously only displayed if the control device has been activated beforehand. This enables the so-called "Dark Cockpit Philosophy" to be implemented.

Um die Aufmerksamkeit der Cockpitcrew gezielt auf die Anzeige eines vom Feuerdetektor getriggerten Feueralarms zu lenken, wird vorteilhaft das Leuchtmittel zur Anzeige eines Feueralarms mit einer Frequenz zwischen 1 Hz und 5 Hz insbesondere mit 2 Hz oder 3 Hz an- und aus-geschaltet.In order to draw the attention of the cockpit crew specifically to the display of a fire alarm triggered by the fire detector, the lighting means for displaying a fire alarm is advantageously switched on and off with a frequency between 1 Hz and 5 Hz, in particular with 2 Hz or 3 Hz.

Eine Ausgestaltung des Feuerlöschsystems zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass der erste und der zweite Behälter jeweils einen Sensor zur Ermittlung eines aktuellen Fülldrucks des Feuerlöschmediums aufweisen. Das Steuergerät ist in dieser Ausgestaltung derart ausgeführt und eingerichtet, dass abhängig vom Schaltzustand des ersten und des zweiten Auslassventils eine Kongruenzprüfung zwischen den aktuellen (Schalt-) Zuständen der Auslassventile und den aktuell ermittelten Fülldrücken erfolgt, und sofern nicht eine erwartete Kongruenz ermittelt wird, eine Warnanzeige durch das Anzeige- und Eingabeelement ausgegeben wird. Bei dieser Kongruenzprüfung wird abhängig vom erfassten Zustand des Auslassventils ermittelt, ob dem Zustand "Auslassventil geschlossen" auch ein zugeordneter bzw. damit übereinstimmender Fülldruck, d.h. ein dazu kongruenter Fülldruck vorliegt, insbesondere ein Fülldruck der einem mit Feuerlöschmedium gefüllten Behälter entspricht. Beziehungsweise wird ermittelt, ob dem Zustand "Auslassventil offen" auch ein zugeordneter bzw. damit übereinstimmender Fülldruck, d.h. ein dazu kongruenter Fülldruck vorliegt, insbesondere der einem Behälter entspricht, aus dem das Feuerlöschmedium freigesetzt wurde. Sofern der Zustand des jeweiligen Auslassventils nicht mit dem erfassten Fülldruck des jeweiligen Behälters übereinstimmt wird eine Warnanzeige des Anzeige- und Eingabeelements aktiviert. Die Warnanzeige kann bspw. eine LED, vorzugsweise eine gelb leuchtende LED sein.One embodiment of the fire extinguishing system is characterized in that the first and the second container each have a sensor for determining a current filling pressure of the fire extinguishing medium. In this embodiment, the control device is designed and set up in such a way that, depending on the switching state of the first and the second outlet valve, a congruence check is carried out between the current (switching) states of the outlet valves and the currently determined filling pressures, and if an expected congruence is not determined, a Warning indication by the display and Input element is output. In this congruence check, depending on the detected state of the outlet valve, it is determined whether the "outlet valve closed" state also has an associated or corresponding filling pressure, ie a filling pressure that is congruent to it, in particular a filling pressure that corresponds to a container filled with fire extinguishing medium. In other words, it is determined whether the "outlet valve open" state also has an assigned or corresponding filling pressure, ie a filling pressure that is congruent to it, in particular that corresponds to a container from which the fire extinguishing medium has been released. If the state of the respective outlet valve does not match the recorded filling pressure of the respective container, a warning display of the display and input element is activated. The warning display can, for example, be an LED, preferably an LED that lights up yellow.

Der Feuerdetektor ist vorzugsweise derart im Luftfahrzeug angeordnet, dass durch ihn ein Feuer in einem Triebwerk oder einem Hilfstriebwerk (APU = engl. Auxiliary Power Unit) oder einem Laderaum des Luftfahrzeugs detektierbar ist. Das Steuergerät ist vorzugsweise derart ausgeführt und eingerichtet, dass nach dessen Aktivierung durch das Steuergerät automatisch veranlasst wird: ein Stoppen einer Treibstoffzufuhr zu dem jeweiligen Triebwerk, und/oder eine Abschaltung eines oder mehrerer elektrischer Generatoren des jeweiligen Triebwerks, und/oder ein Stoppen einer Zapfluftzufuhr vom jeweiligen Triebwerk in eine Passagierkabine oder in einen Cargo-Bereich. Durch das Stoppen der Treibstoffzufuhr zu dem betroffenen Triebwerk kann das Feuer gestoppt werden. Durch die weiteren angeführten Maßnahmen kann eine Auswirkung des Feuers auf das Luftfahrzeug und ggf. die Passagiere und Crew verhindert oder begrenzt werden.The fire detector is preferably arranged in the aircraft in such a way that it can detect a fire in an engine or an auxiliary power unit (APU) or in a cargo hold of the aircraft. The control device is preferably designed and set up in such a way that after it has been activated by the control device, the following is automatically initiated: stopping a fuel supply to the respective engine, and / or switching off one or more electrical generators of the respective engine, and / or stopping a bleed air supply from the respective engine to a passenger cabin or cargo area. The fire can be stopped by stopping the fuel supply to the affected engine. The further measures listed can prevent or limit the effect of the fire on the aircraft and, if applicable, the passengers and crew.

Vorteilhaft ist das Anzeige- und Eingabeelement derart ausgeführt, dass Status: "Steuergerät aktiviert" optisch angezeigt wird. Dies kann mit einer entsprechenden LED bspw. in grüner Farbe. Hierzu verfügt das zugeordnetes Anzeige- und Eingabeelement über ein entsprechendes Leuchtmittel, bspw. eine LED.The display and input element is advantageously designed in such a way that the status: "Control device activated" is visually displayed. This can be done with a corresponding LED, for example in green. For this purpose, the assigned display and input element has a corresponding light source, for example an LED.

Vorteilhaft ist das Steuergerät derart ausgeführt und eingerichtet, dass eine einmal erfolgte Aktivierung des Steuergeräts durch eine weitere Eingabe in das Anzeige- und Eingabeelement, bspw. durch ein erneutes Betätigen des Tasters, zurücknehmbar ist. So kann die Cockpitcrew die automatische Ausführung des Löschvorgangs wieder stoppen. Vorteilhaft erfordert diese erneute Eingabe ein vorgegebenes Eingabemuster, bspw. eine bestimmte Abfolge von Tastenbetätigungen pro Zeit oder eine Tastenbetätigung, die eine vorgegebene Zeit andauert, bspw. 3 s oder 5 s. So kann verhindert werden, dass die Ausführung des Löschvorgangs unabsichtlich zurückgenommen wird.The control device is advantageously designed and set up in such a way that once the control device has been activated, it can be withdrawn by a further input in the display and input element, for example by pressing the button again. In this way, the cockpit crew can stop the automatic deletion process again. This renewed input advantageously requires a predefined input pattern, for example one specific sequence of key actuations per time or a key actuation that lasts a predetermined time, for example 3 s or 5 s.

Die Erfindung betrifft weiterhin ein Anzeige- und Eingabeelement für ein Feuerlöschsystem, wie vorstehend ausgeführt, das als Taster ausgeführt ist. Der Taster weist dabei auf: einen zur Anzeige eines Feueralarms beleuchtbaren Tasteroberflächenbereich, eine in der beleuchtbaren Tasteroberfläche angeordnete erste optische Anzeigeeinheit zur Anzeige des aktuellen Zustands des ersten Auslassventils, eine in der beleuchtbaren Tasteroberfläche angeordnete zweite optische Anzeigeeinheit zur Anzeige des aktuellen Zustands des zweiten Auslassventils, und eine Schutzvorrichtung zur Verhinderung eines ungewollten Betätigens des Tasters.The invention further relates to a display and input element for a fire extinguishing system, as stated above, which is designed as a button. The button has: a button surface area that can be illuminated to display a fire alarm, a first optical display unit arranged in the illuminated button surface to display the current status of the first outlet valve, a second optical display unit arranged in the illuminated button surface to display the current status of the second outlet valve, and a protective device to prevent unintentional actuation of the button.

Die Erfindung betrifft schließlich ein Verfahren zum Betrieb eines Feuerlöschsystems für ein Luftfahrzeug, wobei das Feuerlöschsystem einen Feuerdetektor zum Detektieren von Feuer, einen ein unter Druck stehendes Feuerlöschmedium enthaltenden ersten Behälter mit einem schaltbaren ersten Auslassventil zum Auslass des Feuerlöschmediums aus dem ersten Behälter, und einen ein unter Druck stehendes Feuerlöschmedium enthaltenden zweiten Behälter mit einem schaltbaren zweiten Auslassventil zum Auslass des Feuerlöschmediums aus dem zweiten Behälter umfasst. Dabei sind das erste Auslassventil und das zweite Auslassventil jeweils in die Zustände "geschlossen" und "offen" schaltbar. Weiterhin umfasst das Feuerlöschsystem ein das erste und das zweite Auslassventil mit zumindest einer Auslassöffnung verbindendes Leitungssystem, wobei die zumindest eine Auslassöffnung zum Ausbringen des Feuerlöschmediums in einen vorgegebenen Bereich des Luftfahrzeugs angeordnet und ausgebildet ist, sowie ein integriertes Anzeige- und Eingabeelement, das einen durch den Feuerdetektor getriggerten Feueralarm und den aktuellen Zustand jeweils des ersten und des zweiten Auslassventils anzeigt, und mit dem ein Steuergerät durch eine manuelle Eingabe aktiviert wird, wobei das Steuergerät mit dem Feuerdetektor, dem Anzeige- und Eingabeelement, und dem ersten und dem zweiten Auslassventil verbunden ist. Das Steuergerät ist derart ausgeführt und eingerichtet, dass dessen Aktivierung durch eine manuelle Eingabe erst nach dem Anzeigen eines Feueralarms durch das Anzeige- und Eingabeelement möglich ist. Das Verfahren umfasst durch folgende Schritte aus.The invention finally relates to a method for operating a fire extinguishing system for an aircraft, the fire extinguishing system comprising a fire detector for detecting fire, a first container containing a pressurized fire extinguishing medium with a switchable first outlet valve for discharging the fire extinguishing medium from the first container, and a comprises pressurized fire extinguishing medium containing second container with a switchable second outlet valve for discharging the fire extinguishing medium from the second container. The first outlet valve and the second outlet valve can each be switched into the "closed" and "open" states. Furthermore, the fire extinguishing system comprises a line system connecting the first and the second outlet valve with at least one outlet opening, the at least one outlet opening being arranged and designed for discharging the fire extinguishing medium into a predetermined area of the aircraft, as well as an integrated display and input element, which is connected through the Fire detector triggered fire alarm and the current state of each of the first and second outlet valve, and with which a control device is activated by a manual input, wherein the control device is connected to the fire detector, the display and input element, and the first and the second outlet valve. The control device is designed and set up in such a way that it can be activated by manual input only after a fire alarm has been displayed by the display and input element. The method comprises of the following steps.

Nach einer erfolgten Aktivierung des Steuergeräts zu einer Zeit t0 durch eine manuelle Eingabe in das Anzeige- und Eingabeelement erfolgt zu einer Zeit t1 = t0 + Δt1 ein automatisches Schalten des ersten Auslassventils in den Zustand "offen" durch das Steuergerät, sofern der Feuerdetektor zur Zeit t1 noch Feuer detektiert, wobei Δt1 eine vorgegebene Zeitdauer ist. Anschließend erfolgt zu einer Zeit t2 = t1 + Δt2 ein automatisches Schalten des zweiten Auslassventils in den Zustand "offen" durch das Steuergerät, sofern der Feuerdetektor zur Zeit t2 noch Feuer detektiert, wobei Δt2 eine vorgegebene Zeitdauer ist.After the control device has been activated at a time t 0 by manual input into the display and input element, the control device automatically switches the first outlet valve to the "open" state at a time t 1 = t 0 + Δt 1, if the fire detector still detects fire at time t 1 , where Δt 1 is a predetermined period of time. Subsequently, at a time t 2 = t 1 + Δt 2 , the control device automatically switches the second outlet valve to the "open" state, provided that the fire detector still detects fire at time t 2 , with Δt 2 being a predetermined period of time.

Weitere Vorteile, Merkmale und Einzelheiten ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung, in der - gegebenenfalls unter Bezug auf die Zeichnung - zumindest ein Ausführungsbeispiel im Einzelnen beschrieben ist. Gleiche, ähnliche und/oder funktionsgleiche Teile sind mit gleichen Bezugszeichen versehen.Further advantages, features and details emerge from the following description in which - possibly with reference to the drawing - at least one exemplary embodiment is described in detail. Identical, similar and / or functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference symbols.

Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
schematisierte Darstellung einer Ausführungsform des vorgeschlagenen Feuerlöschsystems,
Fig. 2
eine Ausführungsform des Anzeige- und Eingabeelements
Fig. 3a-f
eine Abfolge der Anzeigen des Anzeige- und Eingabeelements gemäß Fig. 2 nach einer Aktivierung des Steuergeräts, und
Fig. 4
Darstellung eines Ablaufplans nach Aktivierung des Steuergeräts.
Show it:
Fig. 1
schematic representation of an embodiment of the proposed fire extinguishing system,
Fig. 2
an embodiment of the display and input element
Figures 3a-f
a sequence of displays of the display and input element according to Fig. 2 after activation of the control unit, and
Fig. 4
Representation of a flow chart after activation of the control unit.

Fig. 1 zeigt eine schematisierte Darstellung einer Ausführungsform des vorgeschlagenen Feuerlöschsystems Feuerlöschsystem für ein Luftfahrzeug. Das Feuerlöschsystem umfasst einen Feuerdetektor 111 zum Detektieren von Feuer in einem Triebwerk 112 des Luftfahrzeugs. Das Triebwerk kann auch eine Hilfsturbine (Auxiliray Power Unit = APU) sein. Entsprechende Feuerdetektoren sind dem Fachmann bekannt. Weiterhin umfasst das Feuerlöschsystem einen ein unter Druck stehendes Feuerlöschmedium enthaltenden ersten Behälter 101 mit einem schaltbaren ersten Auslassventil 107 zum Auslass des Feuerlöschmediums aus dem ersten Behälter 101, und einen ein unter Druck stehendes Feuerlöschmedium enthaltenden zweiten Behälter 102 mit einem schaltbaren zweiten Auslassventil 108 zum Auslass des Feuerlöschmediums aus dem zweiten Behälter 102, wobei das erste Auslassventil 107 und das zweite Auslassventil 108 jeweils in die Zustände "geschlossen" und "offen" schaltbar sind. In dem ersten bzw. zweiten Behälter sind Sensoren 105 und 106 angeordnet, mit denen ein Fülldruck des jeweiligen Feuerlöschmediums erfasst wird. Weiterhin umfasst das Feuerlöschsystem ein das erste 107 und das zweite 108 Auslassventil mit zumindest einer Auslassöffnung 110 verbindendes Leitungssystem 109, wobei die zumindest eine Auslassöffnung 109 zum Ausbringen des Feuerlöschmediums in einen vorgegebenen Bereich des Luftfahrzeugs angeordnet und ausgebildet ist. Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the proposed fire extinguishing system fire extinguishing system for an aircraft. The fire extinguishing system comprises a fire detector 111 for detecting fire in an engine 112 of the aircraft. The engine can also have an auxiliary turbine (Auxiliray Power Unit = APU) be. Corresponding fire detectors are known to the person skilled in the art. Furthermore, the fire extinguishing system comprises a first container 101 containing a pressurized fire extinguishing medium with a switchable first outlet valve 107 for discharging the fire extinguishing medium from the first container 101, and a second container 102 containing a pressurized fire extinguishing medium with a switchable second outlet valve 108 for discharging the Fire extinguishing medium from the second container 102, wherein the first outlet valve 107 and the second outlet valve 108 can each be switched into the "closed" and "open" states. Sensors 105 and 106 are arranged in the first and second containers, respectively, with which a filling pressure of the respective fire extinguishing medium is detected. Furthermore, the fire extinguishing system comprises a line system 109 connecting the first 107 and second 108 outlet valves with at least one outlet opening 110, the at least one outlet opening 109 being arranged and designed for discharging the fire extinguishing medium into a predetermined area of the aircraft.

Weiterhin ist ein integriertes Anzeige- und Eingabeelement 103 vorhanden, das einen Feueralarm und den aktuellen Zustand jeweils des ersten 107 und des zweiten 108 Auslassventils anzeigt und mit dem ein Steuergerät 104 durch eine manuelle Eingabe aktivierbar ist, wobei das Steuergerät 104 mit dem Feuerdetektor 111, dem Anzeige- und Eingabeelement 103, den Sensoren 105 und 106, und dem ersten 107 und dem zweiten 108 Auslassventil verbunden ist. Das Steuergerät 104 ist dazu eingerichtet, dass dessen Aktivierung durch eine manuelle Eingabe erst nach dem Anzeigen eines durch den Feuerdetektor 111 getriggerten Feueralarms durch das Anzeige- und Eingabeelement 103 möglich ist. Weiterhin dass, das Steuergerät 104 nach dessen Aktivierung automatisch zu einer Zeit t1 = t0 + Δt1 das erste Auslassventil 107 in den Zustand offen schaltet, sofern der Feuerdetektor 111 zur Zeit t1 noch Feuer detektiert, wobei t0 die Zeit der Aktivierung des Steuergeräts 104 und Δt1 eine vorgegebene Zeitdauer ist, und das Steuergerät 104 anschließend automatisch zu einer Zeit t2 = t1 + Δt2 das zweite Auslassventil 108 in den Zustand offen schaltet, sofern der Feuerdetektor 111 zur Zeit t2 noch Feuer detektiert, wobei Δt2 eine vorgegebene Zeitdauer ist. Das Steuergerät 104 steuert die vom Anzeige- und Eingabeelement 103 ausgegebenen Anzeigen.Furthermore, there is an integrated display and input element 103 which displays a fire alarm and the current status of the first 107 and second 108 outlet valves and with which a control device 104 can be activated by manual input, the control device 104 with the fire detector 111, the display and input element 103, the sensors 105 and 106, and the first 107 and the second 108 outlet valve is connected. The control device 104 is set up so that its activation by manual input is only possible after a fire alarm triggered by the fire detector 111 has been displayed by the display and input element 103. Furthermore, after its activation, the control device 104 automatically switches the first outlet valve 107 to the open state at a time t 1 = t 0 + Δt 1 , provided that the fire detector 111 still detects fire at time t 1 , where t 0 is the time of activation of the control device 104 and Δt 1 is a predetermined period of time, and the control device 104 then automatically switches the second outlet valve 108 to the open state at a time t 2 = t 1 + Δt 2 , provided that the fire detector 111 still detects fire at time t 2, where Δt 2 is a predetermined period of time. The control device 104 controls the displays output by the display and input element 103.

Fig. 2 zeigt eine Ausführungsform des Anzeige- und Eingabeelements 103 in Aufsicht, d.h. in der Ansicht, in der ein Pilot das Anzeige- und Eingabeelement 103 im eingebauten Zustand im Cockpit sieht. Das Anzeige- und Eingabeelement umfasst einen Taster 201 zur manuelle Eingabe, eine zur Anzeige eines Feueralarms beleuchtbaren Oberfläche des Tasters 201, eine erste optische Anzeigeeinheit mit Anzeigen 204a-c zur Anzeige des aktuellen Zustands des ersten Auslassventils 107, eine zweite optische Anzeigeeinheit mit Anzeigen 205a-c zur Anzeige des aktuellen Zustands des zweiten Auslassventils 108, und eine Schutzvorrichtung 202 zur Verhinderung eines ungewollten Betätigens des Tasters 201. Schutzvorrichtung ist als Kappe 202 ausgeführt, die an Scharnieren 203 angelenkt ist und aus einer eine Betätigung des Anzeige- und Eingabeelements103 verhindernden ersten Stellung (wie in Fig. 2 dargestellt) in eine zweite klappbar ist, die eine Bedienung des Anzeige- und Eingabeelements103 ermöglicht. Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the display and input element 103 in plan view, ie in the view in which a pilot has the display and input element 103 installed Condition in the cockpit. The display and input element comprises a button 201 for manual input, a surface of the button 201 that can be illuminated to display a fire alarm, a first optical display unit with displays 204a-c for displaying the current status of the first outlet valve 107, a second optical display unit with displays 205a -c to display the current state of the second outlet valve 108, and a protective device 202 to prevent unintentional actuation of the button 201. The protective device is designed as a cap 202, which is hinged to hinges 203 and consists of a first actuation of the display and input element 103 Position (as in Fig. 2 shown) can be folded into a second, which enables operation of the display and input element 103.

Das abgebildete Anzeige- und Eingabeelement103 weist jeweils einzelne vom Steuergerät 104 ansteuerbare Leuchtdioden LEDs (204a-c, 205a-c, 207) auf. Die grün leuchtende LED 204a zeigt den Zustand: erstes Ventil 107 "geschlossen" an. Die grün leuchtende LED 205a zeigt den Zustand: zweites Ventil 108 "geschlossen" an. Die rot leuchtende LED 204b zeigt den Zustand: erstes Ventil 107 "offen" an. Die rot leuchtende LED 205b zeigt den Zustand: zweites Ventil 108 "geschlossen" an. Die gelb leuchtende LED 204c zeigt eine Warnung an, die angibt, dass keine Kongruenz zwischen Fülldruck des Feuerlöschmediums im ersten Behälter 101 und dem Zustand des ersten Ventils 101 vorliegt. Die gelb leuchtende LED 205c zeigt eine Warnung an, die angibt, dass keine Kongruenz zwischen Fülldruck des Feuerlöschmediums im zweiten Behälter 101 und dem Zustand des zweiten Ventils 102 vorliegt. Die LED 207 kann wahlweise grün oder rot leuchten. Leuchtet sie grün, zeigt sie an, dass das Steuergerät 104 aktiviert wurde. Leuchtet sie rot zeig sie an, dass die Aktivierung des Steuergeräts 104 zurückgenommen wurde und somit die dadurch initiierte automatische Abfolge von Verfahrensschritten gestoppt ist.The depicted display and input element 103 each has individual light-emitting diodes LEDs (204a-c, 205a-c, 207) that can be controlled by the control unit 104. The green LED 204a shows the state: first valve 107 "closed". The green LED 205a shows the state: second valve 108 "closed". The red glowing LED 204b shows the state: first valve 107 "open". The red glowing LED 205b shows the status: second valve 108 "closed". The yellow glowing LED 204c indicates a warning that indicates that there is no congruence between the filling pressure of the fire extinguishing medium in the first container 101 and the state of the first valve 101. The yellow glowing LED 205c indicates a warning, which indicates that there is no congruence between the filling pressure of the fire extinguishing medium in the second container 101 and the state of the second valve 102. The LED 207 can light up either green or red. If it lights up green, it indicates that the control unit 104 has been activated. If it lights up red, it indicates that the activation of the control device 104 has been withdrawn and thus the automatic sequence of method steps initiated thereby has been stopped.

Die beleuchtbare Oberfläche weist insbesondere die Beschriftung "FIRE Push" auf, die nur dann zu erkennen ist, wenn ein Feueralarm ausgelöst ist und entsprechend angezeigt wird. In Fig. 1 wird angenommen, dass kein solcher Feueralarm durch den Feuerdetektor 111 getriggert ist, so dass alle LEDs und die Beleuchtung der Fläche 201 aus sind, was der sogenannten "Black-Panel-Philosophie" entspricht. Es sei hierzu angemerkt, dass die LEDs bzw. die Beleuchtung der Fläche 201 dann aktiv sind, wenn die als Kreise dargestellten LEDs schwarz ausgefüllt sind, bzw. wenn die Schrift "FIRE PUSH" zu erkennen ist.The surface that can be illuminated has, in particular, the inscription "FIRE Push", which can only be recognized when a fire alarm is triggered and is displayed accordingly. In Fig. 1 it is assumed that no such fire alarm is triggered by the fire detector 111, so that all LEDs and the lighting of the area 201 are off, which corresponds to the so-called "black panel philosophy". It should be noted in this regard that the LEDs or the lighting of the surface 201 are active when the LEDs shown as circles are filled in black or when the writing “FIRE PUSH” can be seen.

Die Bezugszeichen der Fig. 2 gelten im nachfolgenden auch für die Figuren 3a-f.The reference symbols of the Fig. 2 apply in the following also to the Figures 3a-f .

Die Fig. 3a -f zeigen eine Abfolge der Anzeige-Zustände des Anzeige- und Eingabeelements 103 gemäß Fig. 2 nach einer Aktivierung des Steuergeräts. In Fig. 3a sind alle LEDs und die Tasterfläche 201 beleuchtet. Dieser Zustand wird im Rahmen eines sogenannten "Annunciator Panel Tests" erzeugt, der dazu dient, zu verifizieren, dass alle Leuchtmittel von Anzeigen im Cockpit funktionieren. In Fig. 3b ist der Anzeige-Zustand des Anzeige- und Eingabeelements 103 dargestellt, wenn kein Feuer detektiert wird und kein Systemtest erfolgt. Hier sind alle Leuchtmittel des Anzeige- und Eingabeelements 103 aus.the Fig. 3a -f show a sequence of the display states of the display and input element 103 according to FIG Fig. 2 after activation of the control unit. In Fig. 3a all LEDs and the button surface 201 are illuminated. This state is generated in the context of a so-called "Annunciator Panel Test", which is used to verify that all the lamps on displays in the cockpit are working. In Figure 3b the display state of the display and input element 103 is shown when no fire is detected and no system test is carried out. Here all the lighting means of the display and input element 103 are off.

Wird vom Feuerdetektor 111 ein Feuer detektiert so wird in die Tasterfläche 201 rot beleuchtet ( Fig. 3c ). Die Beleuchtung der Tasterfläche 201 erfolgt hierbei durch ein Blinken mit einer Frequenz von 2 Hz. Nachdem die Crew die Feuerwarnung erkannt hat, wird die Schutzkappe 202 in eine Stellung geklappt, in der der Taster 201 bedient werden kann. Dieser Zustand der Schutzkappe 202 ist ebenfalls in Fig. 3c dargestellt.If a fire is detected by the fire detector 111, the button surface 201 is illuminated in red ( Figure 3c ). The button surface 201 is illuminated by flashing at a frequency of 2 Hz. After the crew has recognized the fire warning, the protective cap 202 is folded into a position in which the button 201 can be operated. This state of the protective cap 202 is also shown in FIG Figure 3c shown.

Durch einmaliges Drücken des Tasters 201 wird das Steuergerät 104 aktiviert. Unmittelbar nach der Aktivierung ergibt sich der in Fig. 3d dargestellte Anzeige-Zustand. Die LEDs 204a und 205a leuchten grün. Was bedeutet dass das erste 107 und das zweite 108 Ventil im Zustand geschlossen sind. Da in Fig. 3d die LEDs 204c und 205c nicht leuchten, bedeutet dies, dass das Feuerlöschmittel mit ausreichend Fülldruck in den Behältern 107 und 108 vorhanden ist. Weiterhin leuchtet die LED 207 grün, was anzeigt, dass das Steuergerät 104 aktiviert ist und somit die automatische Abfolge von automatischen Schritten aktiviert ist. Nach der Aktivierung des Steuergeräts 104 geht das Blinken der Taster-Fläche 201 in ein kontinuierliches Leuchten über. In einer Ausführungsform wird durch das Drücken des Tasters 201 auch die Zufuhr des Kraftstoffs zum Triebwerk 112, die Stromversorgung zwischen Triebwerk 112 und Luftfahrzeug sowie die Bleed-Air Leitung zur Kabinenbedruckung gekappt.The control device 104 is activated by pressing the button 201 once. Immediately after activation, the in Fig. 3d Display state shown. The LEDs 204a and 205a light up green. Which means that the first 107 and the second 108 valve are in the closed state. There in Fig. 3d If the LEDs 204c and 205c do not light up, this means that the fire extinguishing agent is present in the containers 107 and 108 with sufficient filling pressure. Furthermore, the LED 207 lights up green, which indicates that the control device 104 is activated and thus the automatic sequence of automatic steps is activated. After the activation of the control device 104, the flashing of the button surface 201 changes to a continuous light. In one embodiment, pressing the button 201 also cuts off the fuel supply to the engine 112, the power supply between the engine 112 and the aircraft, and the bleed-air line for cabin printing.

Nach einer Zeit t1 = Δt1 + t0 nach der Aktivierung des Steuergeräts zur Zeit t0 erfolgt ein automatisches Öffnen des ersten Ventils 107 dann, wenn der Feuerdetektor 111 noch Feuer erkennt, so dass dessen Feuerlöschmittel über die Leitungen 109 und die Auslassöffnung 110 in das Triebwerk 112 gelangt, um dort das Feuer zu löschen. Vorliegend ist Δt1 = 10 s. Da sich der Zustand des ersten Ventils 107 dabei von "geschlossen" auf "offen" ändert, ändert sich auch der Anzeige-Zustand des Anzeige- und Eingabeelements 103, indem die grün leuchtende LED 204a erlischt und die rot leuchtende LED 204b aufleuchtet (siehe Fig. 3e ). Dieser Anzeige-Zustand gibt also an, dass der erste Behälter 107 kein Feuerlöschmittel enthält, während der zweite Behälter 108 unverändert Feuerlöschmittel mit einem ausreichenden Fülldruck aufweist. In einer Ausgestaltung kann die LED 204a in dem Zeitabschnitt, in dem das Feuerlöschmittel des ersten Behälter 107 verlässt auch grün blinken, und erst wenn kein Feuerlöschmittel mehr im ersten Behälter vorhanden ist, ausgeschaltet werden und die rote leuchtende LED 204b angeschaltet werden.After a time t 1 = Δt 1 + t 0 after the activation of the control device at time t 0 , the first valve 107 is automatically opened when the fire detector 111 still detects fire, so that its fire extinguishing agent can be sent via the lines 109 and the outlet opening 110 enters the engine 112 in order to extinguish the fire there. In the present case, Δt 1 = 10 s. Since the state of the first valve 107 changes from "closed" to "open", the display state of the display and input element 103 also changes in that the green LED 204a goes out and the red LED 204b lights up (see Fig. 3e ). This display state thus indicates that the first container 107 does not contain any fire extinguishing agent, while the second container 108 has unchanged fire extinguishing agent with a sufficient filling pressure. In one embodiment, the LED 204a can also flash green in the time segment in which the fire extinguishing agent leaves the first container 107, and only when there is no longer any fire extinguishing agent in the first container, can be switched off and the red illuminated LED 204b can be switched on.

Wird das Feuer durch die vorstehende Maßnahme gelöscht, d.h. der Feuerdetektor 111 erkennt kein Feuer im Triebwerk 112, dann wird der automatische Ablauf durch das Steuergerät 104 gestoppt und die Beleuchtung der Taster-Oberfläche 201 ausgeschaltet. Wird durch diese Maßnahme das Feuer jedoch nicht gelöscht, d.h. der Feuerdetektor 111 erkennt weiterhin Feuer im Triebwerk 112, dann wird vom Steuergerät 104 zu einer Zeit t2 = t1 + Δt2 das zweite Ventil 108 automatisch geöffnet. Vorliegend ist Δt1 = 15 s. Enthält dann auch der zweite Behälter kein Feuerlöschmittel mehr, dann ergibt sich der in Fig. 3f dargestellte Anzeige-Zustand. Es sei angemerkt, dass solange der Feuerdetektor 111 Feuer erkennt, die Taster-Fläche 201 kontinuierlich beleuchtet wird. Demzufolge zeigt der Anzeige-Zustand von Fig.3f an, dass trotz des Ausbringens von Feuerlöschmittel aus dem ersten und dem zweiten Behälter, das Feuer nicht gelöscht werden konnte.If the fire is extinguished by the above measure, ie the fire detector 111 does not detect a fire in the engine 112, the automatic sequence is stopped by the control device 104 and the lighting of the button surface 201 is switched off. However, if this measure does not extinguish the fire, ie the fire detector 111 continues to detect fire in the engine 112, then the control unit 104 automatically opens the second valve 108 at a time t 2 = t 1 + Δt 2. In the present case, Δt 1 = 15 s. If the second container then no longer contains any fire extinguishing agent, then the in Fig. 3f Display state shown. It should be noted that as long as the fire detector 111 detects fire, the button surface 201 is continuously illuminated. Accordingly, the display state of FIG Fig.3f indicates that the fire could not be extinguished despite the application of fire extinguishing agent from the first and second containers.

Fig. 4 zeigt eine Darstellung eines Ablaufplans nach Aktivierung des Steuergeräts, wie er bereits vorstehend erläutert wurde. Der Ablaufplan umfasst die selbsterklärenden Schritte 401 bis 405. Fig. 4 shows a representation of a flow chart after activation of the control device, as has already been explained above. The flow chart comprises the self-explanatory steps 401 to 405.

Obwohl die Erfindung im Detail durch bevorzugte Ausführungsbeispiele näher illustriert und erläutert wurde, so ist die Erfindung nicht durch die offenbarten Beispiele eingeschränkt und andere Variationen können vom Fachmann hieraus abgeleitet werden, ohne den Schutzumfang der Erfindung, die in den Ansprüchen definiert wird, zu verlassen. Es ist daher klar, dass eine Vielzahl von Variationsmöglichkeiten existiert. Es ist ebenfalls klar, dass beispielhaft genannte Ausführungsformen wirklich nur Beispiele darstellen, die nicht in irgendeiner Weise als Begrenzung etwa des Schutzbereichs, der Anwendungsmöglichkeiten oder der Konfiguration der Erfindung aufzufassen sind. Vielmehr versetzen die vorhergehende Beschreibung und die Figurenbeschreibung den Fachmann in die Lage, die beispielhaften Ausführungsformen konkret umzusetzen, wobei der Fachmann in Kenntnis des offenbarten Erfindungsgedankens vielfältige Änderungen beispielsweise hinsichtlich der Funktion oder der Anordnung einzelner, in einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform genannter Elemente vornehmen kann, ohne den Schutzbereich zu verlassen, der durch die Ansprüche definiert wird.Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in more detail by preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is not restricted by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by the person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention, which is defined in the claims. It is therefore clear that there is a multitude of possible variations. It is also clear that the exemplary embodiments mentioned are really only examples that are not in any way intended to limit the scope of protection, the possible applications or the configuration of the Invention are to be understood. Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without the To leave the scope of protection defined by the claims.

BezugszeichenReference number

101101
erster Behälterfirst container
102102
zweiter Behältersecond container
103103
Anzeige- und EingabeelementDisplay and input element
104104
SteuergerätControl unit
105, 106105, 106
Sensor zur Erfassung des FülldrucksSensor for recording the filling pressure
107107
erstes Ventilfirst valve
108108
zweites Ventilsecond valve
109109
Leitung für das FeuerlöschmittelLine for the fire extinguishing agent
110110
AuslassöffnungOutlet opening
111111
FeuerdetektorFire detector
112112
Triebwerk oder APUEngine or APU
201201
Taster / Taster-OberflächeButton / button surface
202202
Schutzkappeprotective cap
203203
ScharniereHinges
204a-c204a-c
LEDs zur Anzeige des Zustandes des ersten Behälters bzw. des ersten VentilsLEDs to display the status of the first container or the first valve
205a-c205a-c
LEDs zur Anzeige des Zustandes des zweiten Behälters bzw. des zweiten VentilsLEDs to display the status of the second container or the second valve
206206
Oberseite des Anzeige- und EingabeelementsTop of the display and input element
207207
zweifarbige LED zur Anzeige des Aktivierungszustandes des Steuergerätstwo-color LED to indicate the activation status of the control unit
401-405401-405
VerfahrensschritteProcedural steps

Claims (14)

  1. Fire extinguishing system for an aircraft, with
    - a fire detector (111) for detecting fire,
    - a first container (101), containing pressurized fire extinguishing medium, with a switchable first outlet valve (107) for letting out the fire extinguishing medium from the first container (101),
    - a second container (102), containing pressurized fire extinguishing medium, with a switchable second outlet valve (108) for letting out the fire extinguishing medium from the second container (102), wherein the first outlet valve (107) and the second outlet valve (108) are each switchable into the closed and open states,
    - a system of lines (109) connecting the first outlet valve (107) and the second outlet valve (108) to at least one outlet opening (110), wherein the at least one outlet opening (109) is arranged and designed for delivering the fire extinguishing medium into a predetermined area of the aircraft,
    characterized in that there is an integrated indicating and inputting element (103), which indicates a fire alarm and the current state respectively of the first outlet valve (107) and the second outlet valve (108), and with which a control device (104) can be activated by a manual input, wherein the control device (104) is connected to the fire detector (111), the indicating and inputting element (103), and the first outlet valve (107) and the second outlet valve (108),
    wherein the control device (104) is configured and set up in such a way that:
    - its activation by a manual input is only possible after the indication of a fire alarm triggered by the fire detector (111) by the indicating and inputting element (103),
    - after its activation, the control device (104) automatically switches the first outlet valve (107) into the open state at a time t1 = t0 + Δt1 as long as the fire detector (111) still detects fire at the time t1, where t0 is the time of the activation of the control device (104) and Δt1 is a predetermined time period, and
    - the control device (104) subsequently automatically switches the second outlet valve (108) into the open state at a time t2 = t1 + Δt2, as long as the fire detector (111) still detects fire at the time t2, where Δt2 is a predetermined time period.
  2. Fire extinguishing system according to Claim 1,
    in which the indicating and inputting element (103) for indicating a fire alarm comprises a lighting means.
  3. Fire extinguishing system according to Claim 1 and 2,
    in which the indicating and inputting element (103) comprises:
    - a pushbutton (201) for manual input,
    - a surface of the button (201) that can be illuminated for indicating a fire alarm,
    - a first optical indicating unit (204a-b) for indicating the current state of the first outlet valve (107),
    - a second optical indicating unit (205a-b) for indicating the current state of the second outlet valve (108), and
    - a protective device (202) for preventing unwanted actuation of the button (201).
  4. Fire extinguishing system according to Claim 3,
    in which the protective device (202) is formed as a cap.
  5. Fire extinguishing system according to Claim 3 or 4, in which the first optical indicating unit (204a-b) and the second optical indicating unit (205a-b) each have a two-coloured LED or two single-coloured LEDs.
  6. Fire extinguishing system according to one of Claims 2 to 5,
    in which the lighting means for indicating a fire alarm is switched on and off with a frequency of between 1 Hz and 5 Hz, in particular with 2 Hz or 3 Hz.
  7. Fire extinguishing system according to one of Claims 1 to 6,
    in which the time period Δt1 lies in the range between 5 and 30 s and is in particular 10 s or 15 s or 20 S.
  8. Fire extinguishing system according to one of Claims 1 to 7,
    in which the time period Δt2 lies in the range between 10 and 40 s and is in particular 20 s or 25 s or 30 s or 35 s.
  9. Fire extinguishing system according to one of Claims 1 to 8,
    in which the first container (101) and the second container (102) each have a sensor (105, 106) for ascertaining the current filling pressure of the fire extinguishing medium, and the control device (104) is configured and set up in such a way that, dependent on the switching state of the first outlet valve (107) and the second outlet valve (108), a congruence check between the current switching states of the outlet valves (107, 108) and the currently ascertained filling pressures is performed, and unless an expected congruence is ascertained, a warning indication (204c, 205c) is output by the indicating and inputting element (103).
  10. Fire extinguishing system according to one of Claims 1 to 9,
    in which the fire detector (111) is arranged in such a way that a fire in an engine or auxiliary engine (112) of the aircraft can be detected by it, and the control device (104) is configured and set up in such a way that, after its activation by the control device (104), the following is automatically instigated:
    - stopping of a fuel supply to the respective engine (112), and/or
    - switching off of one or more electrical generators of the respective engine (112), and/or
    - stopping of a bleed air supply from the respective drive (112) into a passenger cabin or into a cargo area.
  11. Fire extinguishing system according to one of Claims 1 to 10,
    in which the status: "control device activated" is visually indicated in the indicating and inputting element (103) by means of an indicator (207).
  12. Fire extinguishing system according to one of Claims 1 to 11,
    in which the control device (104) is configured and set up in such a way that a performed activation of the control device (104) can be retracted by a further input into the indicating and inputting element (103) .
  13. Aircraft with a fire extinguishing system according to one of Claims 1 to 12, in which the at least one outlet opening (110) is arranged in an engine or auxiliary engine (112), a passenger space or a cargo space of the aircraft and the integrated indicating and inputting element (103) is arranged in the cockpit of the aircraft.
  14. Method for operating a fire extinguishing system for an aircraft, wherein the fire extinguishing system comprises:
    - a fire detector (111) for detecting fire,
    - a first container (101), containing pressurized fire extinguishing medium, with a switchable first outlet valve (107) for letting out the fire extinguishing medium from the first container (101),
    - a second container (102), containing pressurized fire extinguishing medium, with a switchable second outlet valve (108) for letting out the fire extinguishing medium from the second container (102), wherein the first outlet valve (107) and the second outlet valve (108) are each switchable into the closed and open states,
    - a system of lines (109) connecting the first outlet valve (107) and the second outlet valve (108) to at least one outlet opening (110), wherein the at least one outlet opening (110) is arranged and designed for delivering the fire extinguishing medium into a predetermined area of the aircraft,
    - an integrated indicating and inputting element (103), which indicates a fire alarm triggered by the fire detector (111) and the current state respectively of the first outlet valve (107) and the second outlet valve (108), and with which a control device (104) can be activated by a manual input, wherein the control device (104) is connected to the fire detector (111), the indicating and inputting element (103), and the first outlet valve (107) and the second outlet valve (108),
    wherein the control device (104) is configured and set up in such a way that its activation by a manual input is only possible after the indication of a fire alarm by the indicating and inputting element (103), with the following steps:
    - after an activation of the control device (104) has taken place at a time t0, an automatic switching of the first outlet valve (107) into the open state is performed by the control device (104) at the time t1 = t0 + Δt1, as long as the fire detector (111) still detects fire at the time t1, where Δt1 is a predetermined time period, and
    - subsequently, an automatic switching of the second outlet valve (108) into the open state is performed by the control device (104) at a time t2 = t1 + Δt2, as long as the fire detector (111) still detects fire at the time t2, where Δt2 is a predetermined time period.
EP15161127.4A 2014-03-27 2015-03-26 Fire extinguishing system for an aircraft Active EP2923737B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102014104302.2A DE102014104302A1 (en) 2014-03-27 2014-03-27 Fire extinguishing system for an aircraft

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EP2923737A1 EP2923737A1 (en) 2015-09-30
EP2923737B1 true EP2923737B1 (en) 2021-10-13

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EP15161127.4A Active EP2923737B1 (en) 2014-03-27 2015-03-26 Fire extinguishing system for an aircraft

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DE (1) DE102014104302A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102017128486A1 (en) * 2017-11-30 2019-06-06 Airbus Operations Gmbh An aircraft and method for controlling an extinguishing agent concentration in a cargo hold

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4351394A (en) * 1979-12-28 1982-09-28 Enk William A Method and system for aircraft fire protection
US4482018A (en) * 1981-11-25 1984-11-13 William A. Enk Fire protection system for aircraft
RU2389521C2 (en) * 2005-01-12 2010-05-20 Иклипс Эйвиейшн Корпорейшн Fire suppression systems
DE102010025054A1 (en) * 2010-06-25 2011-12-29 Airbus Operations Gmbh Fire extinguishing system for an aircraft and method for fighting fires in an aircraft

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EP2923737A1 (en) 2015-09-30

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