EP3634586A1

EP3634586A1 - Control device for operating a fire extinguisher system

Info

Publication number: EP3634586A1
Application number: EP17752317.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Uwe Kirchner; Carsten Sauerbier
Original assignee: Idex Europe GmbH
Current assignee: Idex Europe GmbH
Priority date: 2017-07-28
Filing date: 2017-07-28
Publication date: 2020-04-15
Also published as: US20200230452A1; WO2019020191A1; AU2017424706B2; US11738222B2; AU2017424706A1; JP2020528811A; CA3070114A1; JP6968998B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device for operating a fire extinguisher system, wherein the fire extinguisher system comprises the following: at least one hose (3) having an extinguisher nozzle (4) arranged at the end of the hose (3) and to be operated by an operator, and by means of which a pressurised extinguishing fluid can be released; a conveying pump (5) for the pressurised conveying of the extinguishing fluid in the hose (3) towards the extinguisher nozzle (4); a first supply line (7) to the conveying pump (5) from a tank (8) of a fire extinguisher device, in particular a fire extinguisher vehicle (1); and a second supply line (9) to the conveying pump (5) from a stationary extinguishing fluid source (2), wherein a multi-port valve (10) is provided as a switch valve, connected upstream of the conveying pump (5), in the region of the first supply line (7) and second supply line (9).

Description

CONTROL DEVICE FOR OPERATING A FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a control device for operating a fire extinguishing system according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an extinguishing nozzle according to claim 10.

Technological background

In a fire extinguishing operation, the fire fighting vehicle is first brought into position and the fire is first fought with extinguishing fluid, which is located in a tank of the fire fighting vehicle. This allows the fire extinguisher to start as soon as possible. At the same time, since the tank allows only a limited volume and thus only a limited time of deletion, a further source of extinguishing fluid is sought. These are usually permanently installed hydrants, creek courses or lakes. These offer an unlimited volume of extinguishing fluid. However, locating and connecting a corresponding source of extinguishing fluid to the fire extinguishing system of the fire fighting vehicle takes some time.

With the fire extinguisher nozzle at the end of the water hose, the fire fighter combats the source of the fire, in which extinguishing fluid is sprayed onto the fire source under high pressure. If the firefighter intends to withdraw from the source of the fire, the fire extinguisher nozzle may be actuated such that the extinguishing fluid no longer leaves the fire extinguishing nozzle almost undistorted, but rather an extinguishing fluid wall is formed which protects the firefighter from being affected by flames and / or heat during their retreat , If the fireman is no longer able to form an extinguishing fluid wall due to an abrupt interruption of the extinguishing fluid supply, there is a considerable danger to the life and limb of the firefighter. As a result, the fire department Person always have knowledge of how much extinguishing fluid is still in the tank and whether a connection with another source of extinguishing fluid already "stands." This is the only way to ensure that the fire brigade can retire from the fire in good time.

In use, the risk can be increased even more by putting one or more additional extinguishing nozzles, all of which are supplied by a delivery pump from the extinguishing fluid tank, into operation. Because of this, the emptying speed of the extinguishing fluid tank can rise sharply abruptly. In this respect, it can happen that the fire brigade person no longer has the necessary time to form the extinguishing fluid wall.

Extinguishing fluid is extinguishing water or a mixture of extinguishing water and an additive in the form of foam or the like.

Printed prior art

A control device for operating a fire extinguishing system according to the preamble of claim 1 is known for example from DE 689 02 671 T2. This known control device comprises a cable communication system with a communication line positioned in the water hose for a communication link from a standing at the guide end of the water hose firefighter with the operator on the part of the fire truck. In particular, a speech connection is to be made possible with the cable communication system. For this purpose, a receiver and a microphone are housed in the helmet of the firefighter. The firefighter is thus reliant solely on the cable communication with the operator on the part of the fire truck. Consequently, this idea is intended to improve the voice communication between the fire fighter and the operator. If this is not available for whatever reason, even at short notice, there is an increased risk for the fire brigade person at the source of the fire. EP 990 453 A1 shows a fire-extinguishing device with a fire-extinguishing pistol which is connected to a high-pressure device via a hose. Via a three-way valve, the end of the hose opposite the extinguishing gun is connected to two chambers, the one chamber containing foam-free extinguishing water and the other chamber receiving a water-foaming agent mixture. On the extinguishing gun an actuating device is provided, which communicates with an integrated into the hose electrical line with a base. G 87 10 073.8 shows a Schaumzumischgerät for fire fighting with a foam tank, a water tank and an input port for a hydrant, lake or river. In the area of the input connection, a change-over valve with a pivotable shut-off flap is provided. From US 7,987,916 B2, a control device for a fire extinguisher with a mounted inside or on the outside of a fire truck control panel is known. With the control panel, the firefighter can select different modes of operation of the fire extinguisher. In addition, the control device comprises a device for detecting the pressure of a feed pump connected to the tank. If the tank is empty, a warning signal is issued to the operator on the control panel.

WO 95/07526 shows an electro-optical device for creating a real mission scene in the field of fire fighting. The device includes a video camera that can be housed in the helmet of a firefighter. The recorded data is transmitted to a data center. There, the transmitted data with stored data, eg. B. exact position data, combined to support the Feuerlöscheinsatzes. DE 10 2008 004 785 A1 describes a portable system for the protection and orientation of firefighters in buildings. The system includes, among other things, an infrared camera for recording thermal image data and a display device. The display device can be used as a head-up display in the helmet Be housed firefighter. The data is transmitted directly from the thermal imager to the head-up display by radio.

From DE 20 2015 002 738 U1 a fire extinguisher with a extinguishing agent hose connected extinguishing gun is known, wherein the extinguisher a sensor in the form of a thermal imaging camera or other heat detection device is mounted and the optical axis of the sensor is approximately parallel to the nozzle axis of the extinguishing agent gun. The sensor can be connected via an antenna to a receiving device via a radio link. The receiving device can be either a display arranged on the extinguishing pistol or an image generating device carried by the firefighter on the helmet, to which the data is transmitted by radio link.

DE 35 17 284 C2 describes a device for dispensing a mixed with an additive extinguishing agent. The device comprises an extinguishing agent gun at the end of a hose line to which a button is arranged, with which the firefighter person operating the firing pistol can directly activate a premixer for adding additive to the extinguishing agent. The button is connected to a control device via lines positioned in the hose line.

In the control system for the fire service deployment described in US Pat. No. 8,418,773 B2, the firefighter person standing at the end of the hose line operates a display and operating panel which is connected by radio to a base station located on the firefighting vehicle. The display and control panel allows the fire fighter to control the supply of extinguishing agent alone, ie without the help of an additional person located on the fire truck. However, the transmission by radio is often subject to interference that can lead to a significant threat to the firefighter, especially if z. B. a fire is located within a building and reinforced concrete ceilings hinder radio transmission. The fire fighter has to switch off the tank when the tank is empty. Further, US 9,220,935 B2 discloses a nozzle for the fire service with a directly provided on the nozzle display for displaying different parameters. The display communicates with remote components. The display shows on the one hand the water volume in the water tank and on the other hand the water pressure in the supply line to the stationary water reservoir. The firefighter, knowing the amount of water, is forced to calculate from it the remaining time that elapses until the tank is empty. In addition, the tank deflation rate may increase suddenly if an additional extinguishing hose is supplied with extinguishing fluid through the tank. Also, the firefighter on the first extinguishing fluid hose does not know how intense the consumption of extinguishing fluid will be on the newly commissioned second extinguishing fluid hose.

Object of the present invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a new generic control device for operating a fire-extinguishing system which, with simple structural implementation, offers increased safety for the fire-fighter person located at the fire-extinguishing nozzle.

Solution to the Problem The above object is achieved by a control device according to claim 1 and a multi-way valve according to claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the control device according to the invention are claimed in the dependent claims. Characterized in that the first supply line to the tank and the second supply line to the stationary Loschfluidquelle are connected to a feed pump upstream multi-way valve, the switching of the extinguishing fluid flow from the tank to the stationary extinguishing fluid can be automated. As a result, it is no longer necessary manoeuvrable that the fire brigade person monitors valves in the supply lines of the feed pump and makes a shutdown of the respective inlets. The switchover can be carried out automatically with the multi-way valve without human intervention as an operator in the process.

Conveniently, the multi-way valve according to the invention is a pressure-controlled multiway valve.

The basic position of the multi-way valve connects the feed pump with the tank. In contrast, the multiway valve can be actuated via the pressure in the second supply line to the stationary fluid source at the multiway valve.

In the basic position of the multi-way valve, the tank is thus first emptied during operation of the fire extinguishing system and, if in the second supply of the specified pressure at the multi-way valve pending, the supply of extinguishing fluid from the tank switched to the stationary extinguishing fluid source.

Because the pressure present in the second supply line at the multi-way valve can be fixed with a separate pump, the pressure control of the multi-way valve can also be used if the extinguishing fluid originating from the stationary extinguishing fluid source is not under pressure (as in the case of a hydrant), but must be sucked. Conveniently, the switching of the multiway valve takes place at a pressure threshold, which is adjustable.

Conveniently, the multi-way valve is a multi-way valve whose pressure-dependent switching point is determined by an elastic element, for example a spring, and / or by magnetic means. Alternatively, the multi-way valve can also have a motor drive, which can be controlled by the controller when the switching conditions occur. Conveniently, if necessary, the switching position of the multi-way valve in a display located in the area of the extinguishing nozzle or this serving firefighter display can be displayed.

Preferably, a return line from the feed pump to the tank can be provided, which makes it possible for a certain percentage of the delivered quantity of extinguishing fluid to be fed back into the tank during the extraction of extinguishing fluid from the stationary extinguishing fluid source, whereby this during the extinguishing operation can be replenished. Characterized in that the multi-way valve is connected via control line means with a serving as an operation center controller, the switching position of the multi-way valve can be monitored centrally and / or even controlled if necessary. The multi-way valve is advantageously designed as a switching valve.

The present invention, also claimed in juxtaposed, relates to a multi-way valve for a control device for operating a fire extinguishing system with a first extinguishing fluid connection for connection to a extinguishing fluid line to a tank of a fire extinguishing device, in particular a fire fighting vehicle, - a second extinguishing fluid connection for connection an extinguishing fluid line to a stationary extinguishing fluid source in the area of the fire-extinguishing device, in particular the fire-extinguishing vehicle, a third quench fluid port for connection to a quench fluid line to a feed pump.

Description of the invention with reference to embodiments

Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are explained below with reference to drawings. 1 shows a greatly simplified illustration of a typical situation of a fire service when fighting a fire;

Fig. 2 is a highly simplified schematic diagram of a controller according to the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a highly simplified schematic representation of the area of

Communication bridge between the extinguishing nozzle and the display provided in the helmet of the firefighter; Fig. 4 is a highly simplified schematic representation of the use of a Mehrwegumschaltvenils in the switching position promotion of extinguishing fluid from the tank (Fig. 4a) and in the switching position promotion of extinguishing fluid on the stationary extinguishing fluid source (Fig. 4b), and

Fig. 5 is a greatly simplified schematic representation of the display in the entrained by the firefighter person display.

Fig. 1 shows a typical firefighting situation in combating a fire that has broken out in a basement of a building. After the arrival of the fire engine 1, a firefighter goes with the hose 3 in the basement of the building and sets on the extinguishing nozzle 4 Loschfluid for immediate fire fighting. The extinguishing fluid is from a in the fire truck 1 located tank. This makes it possible to start immediately after the arrival of the fire fighting vehicle 1 with the fight against the fire. At the same time looking for more firefighters in the area for an unlimited extinguishing fluid source 2, such. B. a hydrant, a lake 27 or a watercourse. This can take a considerable amount of time. Once an unlimited extinguishing fluid source has been found, it is connected via a supply line to the fire engine 1. The hose 3 located at the source of the fire can then be supplied with extinguishing fluid from the unlimited extinguishing fluid source.

For fire fighting a plurality of hoses are usually provided in a fire engine 1, which can also be used simultaneously as needed. In FIG. 1, for the sake of clarity, only a second hose with an extinguishing nozzle arranged at its end is shown. This extinguishing nozzle is operated by another firefighter.

For firefighters, the firefighter person can set the extinguishing nozzle 4 manually so that the extinguishing fluid releases the extinguishing nozzle 4 with a small opening angle. As a result, a maximum extinguishing effect on the fire can be achieved. However, if the fire spreads despite the fire fighting and threatens the firefighter, the firefighter can manually adjust the extinguishing nozzle 4 so that the extinguishing fluid releases the extinguishing nozzle 4 with a very large opening angle. This allows the firefighter to protect himself from fire and / or high heat and leave the building safely. Both modes of operation of the extinguishing nozzle 4 are shown schematically in FIG. If there is an unforeseen interruption of the supply of extinguishing fluid, the fire brigade person can suddenly reach a life-threatening situation, since they can no longer release extinguishing fluid with a very large opening angle for their protection.

Fig. 2 shows a simplified schematic diagram representation of the control device according to the invention. The components surrounded by the dashed line are preferably in the area of the fire extinguishing device, ie in the area of the fire-fighting vehicle 1. The components comprise a controller 1 1 with a plurality of control and / or signal lines (dotted lines), which are in communication with different functional components of the overall system. In particular, the tank 8 for providing extinguishing fluid directly on the fire fighting vehicle 1 is shown. The tank 8 is connected via a first supply line 7 with the feed pump 5, z. B. a centrifugal pump, in conjunction.

In addition, a second supply line 9 is provided which communicates with a supply line and supplies the delivery pump 5 with extinguishing fluid from the stationary extinguishing fluid source 2.

The multi-way valve 10 thus provides depending on the pressure applied to the second supply line 9 for switching the inflow to the feed pump 5 from the tank 8 the stationary Loschfluidquelle 2. The pressure control 30 of the multi-way valve 10 is shown in Fig. 2 only schematically.

About the feed pump 5, the hose 3, at the end of which is a portable extinguishing nozzle 4, supplied with extinguishing fluid. For clarity, only a single additional hose with extinguishing nozzle in Fig. 2 is shown. However, a plurality of extinguishing nozzles and associated hoses, which are supplied with extinguishing fluid via the feed pump 5, can also be provided as required. In the area of each supply line to the extinguishing nozzle there is a valve 31, 32, which in each case communicates with the controller 1 1 via a control and / or signal line and can be actuated via the controller 11.

The output of the feed pump 5 is also connected to a return line 33, via which, also controlled by a connected to the controller 1 1 valve 34, extinguishing fluid of the stationary Loschfluidquelle 2 can be returned to the tank 8 to replenish it. Numeral 29 designates a pump control device or a so-called "pressure governor", which is able to adapt the pump output to the required discharge quantity of extinguishing fluid, for example by causing a further hose or a further extinguishing nozzle to start a pressure drop , the pumping control means 29 controls the pumping power so as to raise the latter to adjust the discharge pressure of the purge fluid in the respective hose to the previous dimension. Reference numeral 26 in Fig. 2 denotes another pump which is provided with the pressure ratios in the second feed line 9 from the stationary extinguishing-fluid source 2 to the feed pump 5, provided that a non-pressurized extinguishing-fluid source 2 has been found the second supply line 9, the pressure conditions d erart to influence that Loschfluid example, from a deeper sea or watercourse on the supply line 9 to (possibly Also located higher) multi-way valve 10 flows out. The created by the pump 26 pressure conditions in the second supply line 9 at the entrance to the multi-way valve 10 are used for the initiation of the same switching operation. As a result, an automatic switching of the control device can take place as soon as a local extinguishing fluid source 2 has been found and connected to the fire extinguishing device.

As is further apparent from FIG. 2, the controller 1 1 is connected via control line means 12 to a radio device 13 connected to the control line 12 in the region of the extinguishing nozzle 4. The control line means 12 can either be attached to the hose 3 on the sheathing or be integrated into the hose wall. The control line 12 is preferably an electrical conductor for the transmission of electrical signals, data and / or power. The radio device is preferably a radio module for data transmission between transmitter and receiver over a short distance, such as WPAN or WLAN. These Type of radio transmission technology aims to cover preferably the work area around the radio device 13 around.

Furthermore, one of the extinguishing nozzle 4 serving firefighter mitzu- leading radio device 14 is provided, which is able to receive the radio 13 emitted by the radio signals 15 and in one of the extinguishing nozzle 4 serving firefighter mitzuführenden display 16, preferably in shape a head-up display. As a result, only a very short transmission path of the data by radio is justified directly in the work area of the fire brigade person, who has a considerably lower susceptibility to interference due to this. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 2, a data transmission is made only in one direction, as illustrated by the apparent from Fig. 2 direction arrow of the radio signals 15.

If the display 16, as shown in FIG. 2, is designed as a head-up display in the helmet 6 of the firefighter, this provides the firefighter in the field with particularly good visibility in relation to information originating from the operations center, especially under often difficult conditions Sehverhältnis- sen, the z. B. due to poor lighting conditions, smoke, soot or the like.

For data supply of the radio device 13, a (not shown) battery can be provided at the extinguishing nozzle 4 or in the area thereof. Alternatively, the radio device 13 via the control means 12 or via (also not shown) additional electrical energy-carrying conduit means which also run in or on the tube 3, are supplied with electrical energy. Preferably, the information displayed in the display 16, preferably at the same time, can be displayed in a display 17 of the fire-extinguisher or of the fire-extinguishing vehicle 1, so that the operator at the fire Wehrfahrzeug at the same time sees the firefighter at the extinguishing nozzle 4 transmitted data or information.

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the communication bridge between the extinguishing nozzle 4 and the display 16. In this case, a data interface 18 may additionally be provided, which additionally allows a cable connection to be made from the control line 12 to the display 16. For this purpose, at least one, preferably two plug-in contact connections 18a, 18b may be provided as data interface 18. The additional data interface 18 merely serves as a backup position for the emergency.

The intended as a head-up display in the helmet 6 of the firefighter display 16 via a (not shown in Fig. 3) energy source, eg. B. a rechargeable battery connected. The inventively short radio transmission bridge in the area of the extinguishing nozzle 4 makes it possible in a simple manner to provide the additional data transmission via a communication cable 19 as a backup position.

In addition, in a further embodiment, the invention also makes it possible to set up bidirectional data transmission between the first and second radio devices 13 and 14. Preferably, in addition to data for display in the display 16, voice files can also be transmitted both from the firefighter person operating the extinguishing nozzle 4 to the controller 1 1 and / or voice files from the firefighter on the controller 1 1 to the firefighter at the extinguishing nozzle 4.

4a shows the switching position of the multi-way valve 10 when supplying the feed pump 5 by Loschfluid from the tank 8. The supply of extinguishing fluid from the tank 8 must be maintained until the supply of the feed pump 5 via a stationary extinguishing fluid source 2 is. For this purpose in question come either a permanently installed hydrant 28 or a lake 27 or a stream, river or the like. If a hydrant 28 is present, the second inlet 9 of the feed pump 5 is connected to the connection of the hydrant 28. For example, extinguishing water from a hydrant has a pressure of about 3 bar. The fire-extinguishing water will thus be present after opening the hydrant 28 with this pressure at the multi-way valve 10 via the second supply line 9. The pressure causes a switching of the multi-way valve 10 from that shown in Fig. 4a in the switching position shown in Fig. 4b. In this case, it may be expedient, if necessary, for the pump 26 to set the pressure arising in the second inlet 9 to the required pressure or pressure range. However, the pump 26 is particularly important if no hydrant 28, but only a body of water such. As a lake 27, is available. In this case, it is often the case that the water surface of the lake is lower than the fire fighting vehicle 1, so that the pressure conditions in the second supply line 9 are influenced by actuation of the pump 26 so that the extinguishing water from the lake 27 can reach the delivery pump 5 via the multiway valve 10 ,

For pressure control 30 of the multi-way valve 10, an elastic element 25, e.g. a spring, be provided, by means of which the multi-way valve 10 is held biased in the switching position shown in Fig. 4a. Alternatively or additionally, a (not shown) magnetic element may be provided for pressure control of the multi-way valve 10.

The illustration in FIG. 5 shows the display 16, preferably a head-up display, in the helmet 6 of the firefighter. The display 16 may expediently reproduce the following information individually or in any desired combination:

the up-to-date level 20 of the tank 8 with extinguishing fluid, the remaining time 21 of the release of extinguishing fluid from the tank 8, a status indication 22 relating to the existence of a delivery connection of extinguishing fluid from the stationary extinguishing fluid source 2 to the fire extinguisher, a status indication 22 relating to the non-existence of a delivery connection of extinguishing fluid from the stationary extinguishing fluid source 2 to the fire extinguisher, a status indication 23 relating to the existence and / or non-existence of a radio connection and / or an alarm signal 24 and / or the switching position of the multiway valve 10.

It is expressly pointed out that the invention also includes subcombinations of all the above features.

REFERENCE LIST

1 fire engine

2 stationary extinguishing fluid source

3 hose

4 extinguishing nozzle

5 feed pump

6 helmet

7 first supply line

8 tank

9 second supply line

10 multiway valve

11 controllers

12 control line

13 first radio module

14 second radio module

15 radio signals

16 display

17 display

18 data interface

18a plug contact connection

18b plug contact connection

19 communication cables

20 current filling level

21 remaining time

22 Condition information conveying connection

23 Status information Radio connection

24 alarm signal

25 spring-elastic element

26 pump

27 lake hydrant

Delivery pump control Pressure control

Valve

return

Valve

Claims

PAT E N TAN S P R O C H E

A control device for operating a fire extinguishing system, the fire extinguishing system comprising:

at least one hose (3) having an extinguishing nozzle arranged at the end of the hose (3), by means of which an extinguishing flame conveyed under pressure can be released,

a feed pump (5) for conveying the quenching fluid in the hose (3) under pressure to the quenching nozzle,

a first supply line (7) to the feed pump (5) from a tank (8) of a fire extinguishing device, in particular a fire fighting vehicle (1), a second supply line (9) to the feed pump (5) from a stationary extinguishing fluid source (2), characterized in that in the region of the first supply line (7) and second supply line (9) of the feed pump (5) upstream multi-way valve (10) is provided.

Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the multi-way valve (10) is pressure-controlled.

Control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the multiway valve (10) via the in the second supply line (9) at the multiway valve (10) pending pressure is controllable.

Control device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the second supply line (9) at the multi-way valve (10) pending pressure with a pump (26) can be fixed.

Control device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching of the multiple way valves (10) takes place at a pressure threshold and the pressure threshold is adjustable.

Control device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the loaded state of the multi-way valve (10) between the tank (8) and pump (5) there is a flow connection (basic position).

Control device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multi-way valve (10) is connected via control line means with a serving as an operation center controller (1 1).

Control device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching position of the multiway valve (10) can be displayed.

Control device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multi-way valve (10) is a switching valve.

Multiway valve (10) for a control device for operating a fire extinguishing system, with

a first extinguishing fluid connection for connection to an extinguishing fluid line to a tank (8) of a fire-extinguishing device, in particular of a fire-extinguishing vehicle (1),

a second extinguishing fluid connection for connection to an extinguishing fluid line to a stationary extinguishing fluid source (2),

a third extinguishing fluid connection for connection to an extinguishing fluid line to a feed pump (5).

1 1. Multi-way valve (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that it switches between the first and second extinguishing fluid connection, preferably controlled by extinguishing fluid pressure. 12. Multiway valve (10) according to claim 10 or 1 1, characterized in that the Löschfluiddruck control the second Löschfluid- connection is associated with a pump (26), with the in the second supply line (9) at the multi-way valve (10) pending Pressure is fixed.

Multiway valve (10) according to at least one of claims 10-12, characterized in that the multiway valve (10) is spring loaded and / or magnetically loaded.

Multi-way valve (10) according to at least one of claims 10-13, characterized in that the multi-way valve (10) is driven by a motor.

15 multi-way valve (10) according to at least one of claims 10-14, characterized in that the multi-way valve (10) is a 3/2-way valve.