EP4286018A1

EP4286018A1 - Fire protection device

Info

Publication number: EP4286018A1
Application number: EP22176584.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Florian Hubert; Jack-Leonard Bolz-Mendel
Original assignee: Guardian Technologies GmbH
Current assignee: Guardian Technologies GmbH
Priority date: 2022-05-31
Filing date: 2022-05-31
Publication date: 2023-12-06

Abstract

Disclosed is a fire protection device (1) comprising at least one extinguishing unit (100, 300) configured to preventively discharge an extinguishing agent to a defined area (302) in an escape route, for example to an escape door (302).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fire protection device, in particular to an active fire protection system that enables automatic fire detection and suppression. The present invention also relates to fire protection devices which are configured to preventively discharge extinguishing agent to certain portions or areas, for example to secure escape routes. In particular, the present invention may relate to fire protection devices which are configured for preventively cooling predetermined portions and areas, such as doors.

BACKGROUND

Active fire protection devices are known in the prior art. Such fire protection devices typically comprise a fire detection device and a fire extinguishing or suppressing device for extinguishing a detected fire. However, current solutions that are used in buildings have the drawback that they are often bulky, space consuming and/or involve a high installation effort. Furthermore, known systems like sprinkler systems have the drawback that they are not able to locally extinguish or suppress fires. This often leads to damage caused by the extinguishing agent used. Furthermore, the activation of known systems is comparatively slow and does often not meet current needs and/or requirements. This may lead to undesired spreading of a fire which leads to a higher extinguishing effort.
Moreover, known fire protection devices typically focus on extinguishing detected fires as fast as possible and are, thus, only activated for active fire extinguishing. In other words, known systems are only configured to apply extinguishing agent to positions of a detected fire. Therefore, the spreading of fires is often not sufficiently prevented. This may lead to situations, in which fires spread and block escape routes.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, it is the object of the invention to provide a fire protection device which at least addresses the above drawbacks.
The object is solved by a fire protection device according to claim 1. Advantageous further formations are subject of the dependent claims.
Disclosed is a fire protection device. The fire protection device may serve for guarding an escape route. Such an escape route can be a stairway or an exit path and escape path, respectively, out of a building and may be a path which is only to be used in case of a fire. An escape route can also be a path leading to an exit path, such as a hallway. It is also possible that an escape route is a path out of an apartment which can extend on both sides of an apartment door.
The fire protection device for guarding an escape route may comprise at least one extinguishing unit configured to preventively discharge an extinguishing agent to a defined area in an escape route, for example to an escape door. In an embodiment it is possible that the defined area is one side of an escape door, in particular a door surface. An escape door or the defined area can be a door allowing to escape from a living space, such as an entry door, in particular an apartment door or a front door, used for entering and leaving an apartment or a house, respectively. It is also conceivable that an escape door or the defined area can be an emergency door additionally to an entry door. Thus, an escape door or the defined area can also allow to escape from a stairway or from a hallway. It is also possible that the defined area is an access to a gas sparger in a housing area. Of course, the fire protection device for guarding an escape route may include the use for rooms and/or doors requiring special protection, such as a heating room, a storage room for oil and/or gas, a storage room for fireworks, a storage room for important biological products and so on.
The escape route may extend on one or both sides of an escape door. Thus, the escape door may be positioned in the escape route. It is also possible that the escape door is limiting and bordering, respectively, the escape route if the escape door is e.g., an apartment door. With such a fire protection device and such an extinguishing unit respectively configured to preventively discharge an extinguishing agent, it is possible to prevent a defined area, such as an escape door, from burning down too quickly and/or from catching fire. Thus, an escape route and an escape door can respectively be secured for a certain period of time to allow persons to bring themselves to safety.
The fire protection device may be arranged at a wall portion above the defined area and the escape door, respectively.
The fire protection device may comprise a fire detection device. The fire protection device and the fire detection device, respectively, may comprise an IR-detector (infrared-detector) and/or a CO-detector (carbon monoxide detector) and/or a UV-detector (ultraviolet detector). The fire detection device as well as the fire protection device may comprise a flame detector and/or a heat detector and/or a smoke detector. The fire detection device and the fire protection device, for example the flame detector, may comprise at least one detection unit. The fire detection device and the fire protection device, respectively, may comprise a visual flame detector, for example at least one detection unit. The at least one detection unit may be configured to detect information which allow to determine whether there is a fire and/or smoke and/or whether there is an increase of temperature in the defined area such as an escape door. The at least one detection unit may comprise an imaging sensor. The at least one detection unit may be a camera system. The at least one detection unit may comprise at least one high-resolution detection unit. Regarding the at least one high-resolution detection unit further explanations can be found below.
The at least one detection unit can be configured to monitor a fire event, for instance. Further, the at least one detection unit may be configured to monitor a space and a predetermined space, respectively, for a fire event and/or to monitor a specific location within a space and a predetermined space, respectively, for a fire event. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible that the at least one detection unit may be configured to monitor the defined area, for example an escape door, in the space and/or to monitor a location within the space. A location may be a place at which a fire breaks out.
In the context of this description "space" means either an escape route or a sub-unit and a part, respectively, of an escape route. In other words, the "space" forms at least one part of the escape route or the "space" forms the escape route.
The space and the escape route, respectively, may be limited by the defined area, for example limited by an escape door. It is also possible that the defined area is within the space and within an escape route, respectively. Thus, the defined area can form a limiting area of the space and the escape route, respectively, or can be arranged within the space and the escape route, respectively.
The at least one detection unit can also be configured to output a signal, for example a video data signal. The signal and the video data signal, respectively, can be used for analysing the space monitored by the at least one detection unit and/or for analysing the location within the space monitored by the at least one detection unit and/or for analysing the defined area, for example an escape door, monitored by the at least one detection unit.
The fire detection device as well as the fire protection device, for example comprising the at least one detection unit, can be configured to monitor a space for a fire event and/or to monitor the defined area within a space or limiting a space, e.g., an escape door, for a fire event and to output a corresponding signal, for example a video data signal. According to the present disclosure, a space which is to be monitored by the at least one detection unit may be an interior space, in particular in a building, such as an office space, a commercial space or a private space. It is also possible that a space which is to be monitored by the at least one detection unit may be an escape route or a sub-unit and a part, respectively, of an escape route. As already indicated, a space can be limited by the defined area, such as a door and an escape door, respectively. It is also possible that the defined area is arranged in or within the space and the escape route, respectively. The defined area can also be monitored by the at least one detection unit.
The at least one detection unit can be configured to monitor a predetermined region of the space and/or the defined area. For that, the at least one detection unit may comprise a preset angle of view or field of view. The at least one detection unit may comprise a wide-angle lens. The wide-angle lens can comprise a detection angle equal to or greater than 100 degrees, for example both vertically and horizontally. The at least one detection unit may be configured to at least partially cover the space or a specific region of the same, for example a specific area of a floor with or without wall portions or ceiling portions, or the defined area or an escape door limiting the space or an escape route. Accordingly, depending on a position at which the at least one detection unit is provided, the at least one detection unit will be able to monitor a predetermined region of the monitored space e.g., such as the defined area and/or an escape door and/or an escape route. For example, the at least one detection unit can be provided such that at least during monitoring, the at least one detection unit is oriented substantially perpendicular to a wall or ceiling surface of the space. In such a configuration, the at least one detection unit may comprise a wide-angle lens having a detection angle which is greater than 130 degrees. For example, it is possible to use a wide-angle lens having a detection angle of 180 degrees. In this way, it is possible to monitor a large region of the space or substantially the entire space. In an exemplary configuration, the at least one detection unit may also be provided at an angle with respect to a wall or ceiling surface of the space to be monitored. In such a configuration, the angle of the wide-angle lens may be chosen depending on an angle spanned between the main orientation direction of the at least one detection unit and an adjacent wall or ceiling surface to which it is mounted. For example, if the at least one detection unit is mounted in a corner of the space, the angles spanned between the main orientation direction of the at least one detection unit, two adjacent wall surfaces and the ceiling surface may be taken into account for correctly determining the angle of the wide-angle lens to be used.
The at least one detection unit may be also configured to detect the presence of the defined area, for example an escape door, and/or of a floor and/or of an escape route and/or of a double door and/or of a glass door, and/or of a wooden door, and/or of a steel door, so that escape routes can be secured and doors can be prevented from burning down too quickly. The at least one detection unit may also be configured to detect contour information which allow to determine the contour of the defined area, for example an escape door, and/or of a floor, and/or of double door, and/or of an escape route. This allows to exactly taylor the application of an extinguishing agent by at least one extinguishing unit to the exact contour so that an extinguishing agent is only applied in the defined area, and/or in a floor, and/or in a double door, and/or in an escape route.
The fire protection device may comprise at least one movable extinguishing unit. The at least one extinguishing unit may be configured to discharge an extinguishing agent to the defined area, for example to an escape door. The at least one extinguishing unit can be configured to discharge the extinguishing agent only to the defined area. This allows firefighting and/or cooling in a particular defined area. By cooling the time period in which the defined area in an escape route or an escape door or an escape route can be securely passed is increased so that the defined area is prevented from burning and/or from catching fire. It is also possible that the at least one extinguishing unit may be configured to discharge the extinguishing agent to the defined area, for example formed as an escape door. The defined area may be in or within a space and in the escape route, respectively, in which a fire event may be detected. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible that the at least one extinguishing unit may be configured to discharge an extinguishing agent to a location within a space in which a fire event is detected by the fire detection device and by at least one detection unit, respectively, for example at least one high-resolution detection unit. The fire protection device may further comprise at least one movable extinguishing unit configured to discharge an extinguishing agent to a location within the space or to the defined area (e.g., an escape door) limiting the space in which a fire event is monitored by the at least one detection unit. Accordingly, the at least one extinguishing unit is on the one hand able to output an extinguishing agent and is on the other hand movable so as to correctly orient the at least one movable extinguishing unit towards a position of the detected fire event and/or towards the defined area. According to the present disclosure, the term fire event may relate to an event in which a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature is detected and/or flames are detected.
According to the present disclosure, the fire protection device may be configured to determine a location in which a fire event is detected and/or may be configured to determine an increase of temperature of the defined area. For that, the fire protection device can be configured to determine three dimensional coordinates indicating the location of the fire event and/or indicating the defined area in an escape route. The fire protection device can be configured to determine coordinates based on the signal output, such as the video data signal output, from the at least one detection unit, for example a high-resolution detection unit. Based on the detected location and/or the defined area and/or escape door and/or escape route, the fire protection device may be configured to move the at least one movable extinguishing unit such that an output device thereof, for example a nozzle, is oriented such that an extinguishing agent reaches the location in which a fire event is detected and/or reaches the defined area and/or reaches the escape route.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one detection unit may comprise an image sensor. The at least one detection unit, for example the image sensor, may comprise a resolution which is equal to or more than one megapixel. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one detection unit may comprise a resolution of equal to or more than six megapixels.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one detection unit may include an infrared prefilter. The infrared prefilter may be formed as a high pass filter. The infrared prefilter may comprise a near infrared filter. In an exemplary embodiment, the infrared prefilter is configured to allow light having a wavelength equal to or greater than 950 nm to pass therethrough. Accordingly, it is possible to filter undesired wavelengths that do not contribute to detecting a fire event.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the fire protection device may comprise a control unit. The control unit may be configured to control the at least one extinguishing unit, for example a movement of the at least one movable extinguishing unit, based on a signal received from at least one detection unit. The detection unit may be configured to monitor a location within a space which is monitored for a fire event and/or configured to monitor the defined area, for example an escape door, within a space which is monitored for a fire event. The control unit may also be configured to control a movement of the at least one movable extinguishing unit based on a signal received from at least one detection unit or based on predetermined movement sequences stored in the control unit to discharge the extinguishing agent to the defined area, (e.g., an escape door) and/or to the space and to the escape route, respectively. The detection unit may be configured to monitor a location within a space which is monitored for a fire event and/or may be configured to monitor the defined area, for example an escape door, and/or may be configured to monitor the defined area within a space which is monitored for a fire event. The control unit may be configured to identify a fire event in the signal based on machine learning and/or to determine coordinates from the signal, preferably three-dimensional coordinates, to determine the location in which the fire event is identified. It is further possible that the control unit may be configured to identify an increase of temperature in the signal, for example in the video data signal, based on machine learning and/or may be configured to determine position coordinates from the signal to determine critical positions in the defined area, for example in the escape door, on which extinguishing agent needs to be applied. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible that the control unit may be configured to determine critical positions in a space which is monitored for a fire event, wherein for critical positions extinguishing agent may be needed to be applied. The identification of a fire event and/or of critical positions may be carried out based on machine learning, for example through use of a trained neural network.
Alternatively, the fire protection device may comprise a control unit which is configured to control the at least one extinguishing unit based on a signal received from an external fire alarm, for example of a fire alarm control unit. Thus, the fire protection device can be activated from an external trigger signal, namely an external fire alarm, without actively detecting a fire on its own. The external fire alarm can be triggered by a flame detector, such as a high-resolution detection unit, an IR-detector, a heat detector, a smoke detector, a CO-detector and/or a UV-detector. All mentioned detectors triggering an external fire alarm are examples. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible that the fire protection device may comprise a control unit configured to receive a signal from at least one detection unit configured to monitor a space for a fire event and may be configured to forward the signal to a fire alarm control unit. In this case it is possible that the fire protection device notifies a fire alarm control unit that a fire event is detected. Hence, the fire protection device can share its signal to a fire alarm control unit so that other fire protection devices which are not detecting or not monitoring a fire can be activated by a fire alarm control unit. In the context of the above, it is possible that the signal may correspond to the defined area and/or to a space which is monitored for a fire event and/or that the signal may correspond to a location within a space which is monitored for a fire event. Further, it is also possible that the control unit may be configured to receive a video data signal from the at least one detection unit configured to monitor the escape route for a fire event and may be configured to forward an alerting signal to a fire alarm control unit so that the fire alarm control unit can be informed of a fire. Hence, the fire protection device can share its information gathered by the detection unit to a fire alarm control unit so that other fire protection devices which are not detecting or not monitoring a fire can be activated by a fire alarm control unit. To do this the control unit may comprise a wireless or a wired communication unit cross-linking the fire alarm control unit to the fire protection device. Individual fire protection devices may be configured to directly communicate with each other for transferring signals containing information on detected fire events.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit may be configured to switch the at least one extinguishing unit between several operating states. In a first operating state in which no fire event is detected in the space and/or in which no increase of temperature of the defined area, for example of the escape door, is detected, the at least one extinguishing unit may remain in a standby state. In a second operating state in which a fire event is detected in the space and/or in which an increase of temperature of the defined area, for example of the escape door, is detected, the at least one extinguishing unit may be controlled by the control unit such that the at least one extinguishing unit may be firefighting and/or may be cooling the defined area in the space and/or may be cooling a location within the space. In a third operating state in which a fire event is detected by a fire alarm control unit and/or another fire detecting device remote from the extinguishing unit, for example in another room of a building, for example on an opposite side of a door, the at least one extinguishing unit may be controlled by the control unit such that the at least one extinguishing unit may be cooling the defined area, for example the escape door, in the space and/or may be cooling a location within the space which may be monitored for a fire event. In the third operating state the fire alarm control unit sends a signal to the control unit so that the control unit can control and activate the at least one extinguishing unit. For example, with such a configuration, it is possible that an outer side of a door is applied with extinguishing agent although a fire event was detected on the inner side of the door. Also, it is possible that doors are applied with extinguishing agent although no fire event was detected adjacent the doors to secure the escape route. In an exemplary configuration, a fire protection device provided in a stairway of a building may be triggered to apply extinguishing agent on the entry door of a space, for example of an apartment, if a fire event is detected inside the space.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit may be configured to control the at least one extinguishing unit in a manner that the at least one extinguishing unit discharges the extinguishing agent to the defined area and/or to the space and/or to the location within the space. In an exemplary embodiment, it is also possible that the control unit may be configured to control the at least one extinguishing unit in a manner that the at least one extinguishing unit discharges the extinguishing agent in the form of a spray pattern. In this context, it is also possible that the at least one extinguishing unit discharges the at least one extinguishing agent to the defined area. It is further possible that the at least one extinguishing unit discharges the at least one extinguishing agent within the escape route. The spray pattern may be a pattern which applies extinguishing agent onto a portion of the defined area. The spray pattern may be a cross pattern. The spray pattern may be a pattern being equal to or greater than the defined area to be cooled and/or a quadrangular pattern for cooling edges of the defined area. Additionally or alternatively, the spray pattern may be a linear pattern for cooling at least one edge of the defined area, in particular the top edge, and/or may be a meander-shaped pattern for cooling exceptional locations within the defined area or within the escape route. Further, additionally or alternatively, the spray pattern may be a line-by-line pattern for cooling the defined area and/or may be a row-by-row pattern for cooling the defined area. Each pattern has advantages for special use cases. A linear pattern for instance is easy to realize. Same applies to a line-by-line or to a row-by-row pattern. Cooling of exceptional locations and their surroundings can, for instance, ensure the correct function of the defined area, for example of an escape door. In this context, it could be advantageously to realize a pattern in which door hinges and/or a door handle is sprayed with the extinguishing agent by the at least one extinguishing unit. To apply the pattern, the extinguishing unit may be movable to generate the pattern by changing the orientation of an extinguishing agent output, in particular a jet, by corresponding movement of the extinguishing unit, for example a nozzle, for instance.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit may comprise a microcontroller which is configured to learn or detect a contour of the defined area, for example an escape door, and/or of a floor and/or of an escape route and/or of a double door so as to self-detect contour information which allow to determine the contour of the defined area, for example an escape door, and/or of a floor and/or of a double door and/or of an escape route and/or further objects worth being protected. Thus, the effort for installation of the fire protection device can be kept low. Further, to learn a contour means also that the microcontroller may be configured to determine the exact scale of the defined area so that the extinguishing agent can be used for the whole defined area or for special regions of the defined area. The microcontroller may also be configured to learn routes frequently used by persons by evaluating video data and to add or set portions or entire ones of the learned routes as the defined area. The microcontroller may also be configured to automatically learn positions of doors based on video data and to add or set portions or entire routes of the learned routes as the defined area. In other words, to learn a contour means that the microcontroller may be configured to process a signal and a video data signal, respectively, based on machine learning algorithms, for example by a neural network, on the basis of various criteria, for example whether the motion of an object is a motion of a door used by persons or whether a space and an escape route, respectively, is a static space in which only persons move. Thus, the microcontroller executes a computer program and/or a computer program is stored in the microcontroller.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the fire protection device may comprise an at least one movable extinguishing unit which is at least movable between a standby position and an operating position. The standby position may be a position in which the at least one extinguishing unit is in a stowed state. In the stowed state, the at least one extinguishing unit may be accommodated in a housing. In the standby position, the at least one extinguishing unit may be in a state in which it is not able to fight a fire. In particular, in such a standby position, the at least one extinguishing unit may be accommodated or at least oriented such that it is not possible to output an extinguishing agent towards the location of the detected fire event and/or towards the defined area, such as an escape door. The operating position may be at least a position in which the at least one extinguishing device is able to fight a fire. In other words, in the operating position, it is possible to output an extinguishing agent towards the location at which a fire event was detected and/or towards the defined area. The standby position may in addition or alternatively be a position in which the at least one movable extinguishing unit is oriented towards a predetermined location in the monitored space and/or towards the defined area for example in the monitored space. Such a predetermined location and/or the defined area may be for example the center of the monitored space or the center of the floor area of the monitored space or the center of an escape route or the center of an escape door. In this way, the reaction time of the fire protection device may be enhanced as an orientation of the at least one movable extinguishing unit towards the location of a detected fire event and/or towards the defined area may be accelerated.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the fire protection device may be a stationary fire protection device. In the context of the present disclosure, stationary fire protection device is to be understood as a device in which the mounting position of the device remains stationary in the space to be monitored or in front of the defined area such as an escape door to be monitored. In other words, the stationary fire protection device may be fixedly mounted in the space to be monitored or in front of the defined area to be monitored. For example, the at least one detection unit can be arranged and/or provided such that it is fixedly and non-movably arranged at a specific position within the space to be monitored or in front of the defined area to be monitored. The at least one detection unit can be fixedly and non-movably provided on a wall or ceiling of the space to be monitored or in front of the defined area such as an escape door to be monitored. In such a configuration, the detection region in the space or of the defined area to be monitored cannot be changed. In particular, in such a configuration, the at least one detection unit is not moved for scanning a specific area in the space to be monitored or is not moved for scanning the defined area to be monitored, remains stationary and can only monitor the region or area or the defined area within its field of view.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one movable extinguishing unit may be supported at least partially translatory and/or at least partially rotatably movable along a path by means of a supporting assembly or support arrangement, for example comprising a bearing. The supporting assembly may be configured to support the at least one movable extinguishing unit so as to be movable along a straight path. In addition or alternatively, the at least one movable extinguishing unit may be rotatably held by means of a pivot bearing arrangement. The pivot bearing arrangement may comprise two pivot bearings supporting the at least one movable extinguishing unit rotatable about two rotational axis that may for example be oriented perpendicular to each other. One of the two pivot bearings may be configured such that a main extension direction of its first rotational axis is parallel to a main extension direction of the path described before.
Accordingly, a configuration may be provided in which the at least one movable extinguishing unit is moved along a substantially straight path for moving the same from the standby position to the operating position. With such a movement, it is for example possible to move the at least one movable extinguishing unit out of a housing or an accommodating portion provided within the wall or ceiling of the space. In a preferable configuration, an orientation movement of the at least one movable extinguishing unit by means of the pivot bearing arrangement may already be at least partially carried out during transfer of the at least one movable extinguishing unit from the standby position to the operating position. In this way, the time which is necessary for orienting the at least one movable extinguishing unit towards the location of the detected fire event may be reduced.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one detection unit is provided on the at least one movable extinguishing unit. Accordingly, at least one detection unit can be provided on the at least one movable extinguishing unit so as to be integrally movable with the same. The at least one movable extinguishing unit may be configured so as to orient and hold the at least one detection unit towards at least a predetermined region of the space to be monitored or towards the defines area to be monitored. During monitoring, the at least one movable extinguishing unit is held immovably so that the at least one detection device may monitor a predetermined area or the defined area. In addition or alternatively, the at least one movable extinguishing unit can be configured such that the at least one detection unit is oriented perpendicular with respect to a wall or ceiling surface on which the fire protection device is mounted. In addition or alternatively, the main orientation direction of the at least one detection unit may be parallel to the first rotational axis of the pivot bearing arrangement and/or parallel to the main extension direction of the path along which the at least one movable extinguishing unit is moved from the standby position to the operating position.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one movable extinguishing unit may comprise a housing with a cover portion. The cover portion may be a flat cover portion. The cover portion may be configured such that in the stowed state of the at least one movable extinguishing unit, the cover portion substantially seamlessly integrates in a surrounding surface structure, for example a housing surface of the fire protection device or a wall or ceiling surface, wherein the at least one detection unit can be provided in or on the cover portion. The cover portion may comprise an opening for the at least one detection unit. In addition or alternatively, at least one detection unit may be provided remote and independent from the at least one movable extinguishing unit so as to remain independent of a movement of the at least one movable extinguishing unit. In addition or alternatively, at least a portion of the cover portion comprises an indicating portion configured to signalize a detected fire event and/or activity and/or movement of the at least one movable extinguishing unit. For example, the indicating portion can be configured to provide a visual signal and may comprise a translucent section allowing light of an interior signal light to pass therethrough. The translucent section may comprise diffuse characteristics and may be made from a plastics material.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fire protection device may be flush-mountable or surface-mountable. Thus, the fire protection device can be easily installed during a building construction or in an existing building.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure the at least one movable extinguishing unit may comprise an at least one extinguishing nozzle for applying an extinguishing agent. An output opening of the at least one extinguishing nozzle may comprise a diameter equal to or smaller than 10 mm. According to a further configuration, the output opening of the at least one extinguishing nozzle may comprise a diameter which is equal to or smaller than 1 mm. A very specific but nonlimiting a configuration may comprise a nozzle with a diameter of 0.8 millimeters. According to an exemplary configuration, the at least one extinguishing nozzle may be a nozzle which is normally used in 3D printers for printing purposes. Accordingly, it is possible to use an already available nozzle for fire extinguishing purposes.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure the at least one extinguishing unit may comprise an at least one extinguishing nozzle for applying the extinguishing agent. An output opening of the at least one extinguishing nozzle may be adapted to the geometry of the defined area, for example to the shape of an escape door, to be protected from fire. An output opening of the at least one extinguishing nozzle may be variably changeable between one or more shapes wherein at least the shape of said defined area may be included. The at least one extinguishing unit may be configured to discharge the extinguishing agent in the form of mist, for example water mist, wherein an output opening of the at least one extinguishing nozzle may be adapted to generate mist. Generation of mist has several advantages, firstly the cooling effect is higher in comparison to a jet of water; secondly less water is needed to extinguish a fire or to cool an object in comparison to a jet of water. Thus, water can be saved. And thirdly, the mist knocks down smoke gas and thus protects the escape route from toxic gases (protection from smoke poisoning), such as nitrogen oxides, etc. Throughout the present description the terms "shape" and "contour" are used as synonyms. Thus, "shape" means "contour" and "contour" means "shape".
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one movable extinguishing unit may comprise a thermal radiation detection device. The thermal radiation detection device may be at least used to verify a fire event detected by the at least one detection unit. The at least one extinguishing nozzle and the thermal radiation detection device may be oriented in parallel. In other words, the at least one extinguishing nozzle and the thermal radiation detection device may be oriented in the same direction. In such a configuration, the at least one extinguishing nozzle may always be oriented in the direction of the thermal radiation detection device so that there is no or almost no need to additionally and/or separately orient the at least one extinguishing nozzle after verification of the fire event based on data received from the thermal radiation detection device.
The fire protection device may further comprise a distance sensor for determining a distance between a detected fire event and the at least one movable extinguishing unit. The distance sensor may be arranged on the at least one movable extinguishing unit, for example with an orientation that is parallel to the orientation of the at least one extinguishing nozzle and/or parallel to an orientation of a thermal radiation detection device. The distance sensor, the at least one extinguishing nozzle and/or the thermal radiation detection device may be arranged on the same side of the at least one movable extinguishing unit. It is also possible to provide the distance sensor and/or the at least one extinguishing nozzle and/or the thermal radiation detection device on opposite sides of the at least one movable extinguishing unit. In other words, the latter components may be arranged such that they face away from each other. For example, the at least one extinguishing nozzle and the thermal radiation unit may face in one direction and the distance sensor may face in opposite direction. The housing of the at least one movable extinguishing unit may comprise corresponding openings for the latter components.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fire protection device may comprise a pump device and/or an extinguishing agent reservoir. The extinguishing agent reservoir may be pressurized, allowing to omit the pump. The pump device or just the pressurized extinguishing agent reservoir is connected to the extinguishing agent reservoir and configured to supply an extinguishing agent from the reservoir to at least one movable extinguishing unit, in particular to a nozzle thereof. The pump device may comprise a pump with a flow rate of 5 liters per minute or less. For example, the pump may comprise a flow rate of 3 liters per minute or less. In an exemplary embodiment, the pump may comprise a flow rate of 1 liter per minute or less. A specific exemplary embodiment may comprise a pump with a flow rate of 0.5 to 0.6 liters per minute. In addition or alternatively, an operating pressure of the pump may be in a range from 10 bar to 30 bar and may in a specific but nonlimiting embodiment be in a range from 10 bar to 20 bar. In addition or alternatively, the extinguishing agent reservoir may comprise a volume which is equal to or smaller than 5 liters. In an exemplary configuration, the extinguishing agent reservoir may in addition or alternatively be configured as a replaceable cartridge. In another exemplary configuration, the extinguishing agent reservoir is configured refillable and, for that purpose, may comprise a refill valve. The extinguishing agent reservoir, the pump device and the nozzle may be dimensioned and adjusted such that a continuous output of extinguishing agent is possible for 5 min to 15 min or to 30 min.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the fire protection device comprises a housing which is configured to be installed in or on a wall and/or in or on a ceiling and/or in or on a furniture of the space to be monitored. The housing may be configured to fully accommodate the at least one movable extinguishing unit, the reservoir and/or the control unit in the housing when the at least one movable extinguishing unit is in the standby position. In addition or alternatively, the housing may comprise an opening through which the at least one movable extinguishing unit may be at least partially passed to move the same to the operating position. The housing may comprise a compact size equal to or smaller than 1000 mm x 1000 mm x 1000 mm. In addition or alternatively, the housing may be configured couplable to a wall or ceiling by means of an engaging mount. The engaging mount may comprise a bayonet mount or a hook mount. The housing may be openable and closable for granting access to an interior of the same. For that, the housing may comprise a flap or door arrangement.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the fire protection device may be adapted to preventively discharge extinguishing agent to a defined area, such as an escape door, which has to be protected from burning down too quickly and/or from catching fire. Thus, the fire protection device may switch from a mode in which a fire is actively fighted to a mode in which for example the defined area is prevented to catch fire.
The fire protection device may be configured to be coupled to a household power supply. The fire protection device may comprise an ethernet interface and power may be supplied over ethernet. Furthermore, the fire protection device may comprise a backup power supply, in particular an accumulator so that an operation of the fire protection device remains available even in case the power is cut off.
It is noted that the features of the above and below mentioned embodiments may be suitably combined. Although an at least one detection unit is described, any fire detection device may be used instead. For example, a smoke detecting device may be provided.
Additional features and advantages of the above aspects and embodiments may be gleaned by the person skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which are not to be construed as limiting, however, drawing reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the embodiments and to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments.

Figure 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of a fire protection device according to the present disclosure.
Figure 2 shows a bottom view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.
Figure 4 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1.
Figure 5 shows a bottom view of a movable extinguishing unit according to the embodiment of Figure 1.
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of main components of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.
Figure 7 shows a front view of an embodiment of a fire protection device for guarding an escape route according to the present disclosure.
Figure 8 shows a side view of the embodiment of a fire protection device for guarding an escape route shown in figure 7.

The features and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the detailed description as given below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference signs identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar and/or structurally similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments and modifications will be described in the following with reference to the drawings. The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or summary or the following detailed description.
Figures 1 to 6 show details of a fire protection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fire protection device 1 according to the embodiment comprises a movable extinguishing unit 100, an optional housing 170 and at least one fire detection device 120, which for example comprises a high- resolution detection unit 2, 3 comprising a wide-angle lens 4. The high- resolution detection unit 2, 3 is configured to monitor a predetermined area of a space, for example a closed space in a residential or commercial building. However, different configurations including configurations in which an outdoor space is monitored are also possible.
The movable extinguishing unit 100 comprises an extinguishing nozzle 140 and a thermal radiation detection device 150 accommodated in a housing which is formed by an upper housing portion 101 and a lower housing portion 102. A high-resolution detection unit 3 with a wide-angle lens 4 is provided in a bottom portion 103 of the lower housing portion 102 as is shown in Figure 2. Although two high- resolution detection units 2, 3 are shown in the embodiment, it is noted that a single fire detection device 120, for example a single high-resolution detection unit 3 provided on the movable extinguishing unit 100, may be used. At least one fire detection device 120 may be provided remote and independent from movable extinguishing unit, for example on a wall or ceiling of a monitored space.
As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a distance sensor 110 for determining a distance between the detected fire event and the movable extinguishing unit 100 may be provided. The distance sensor 110 may be arranged on the movable extinguishing unit 100 with an orientation that is parallel to the orientation of the extinguishing nozzle 140 and/ or parallel to an orientation of a thermal radiation detection device 150. The distance sensor 110 may be coupled to the control unit 10. Based on the information received from the distance sensor 110, the position of the fire event may be determined with even higher accuracy. An exact location allows for a more precise generation of an extinguishing agent output by correspondingly controlling the pump and/or orientation of the nozzle 140.
The movable extinguishing unit 100 is rotatably supported on a support arrangement 200 which will be described with reference to Figures 1, 4, 5 and 6. The support arrangement 200 comprises an accommodating portion 220 which is configured to receive and support the movable extinguishing unit 100 rotatably about an axis B. Furthermore, the support arrangement comprises a support portion 210 which is configured to rotatably hold the accommodating portion 220 and to be coupled to a drive mechanism 190 for moving the support arrangement and, thus, the movable extinguishing unit 100.
The accommodating portion 220 of the support arrangement 200 may comprise a fork like structure with two prongs that are configured to hold the movable extinguishing unit 100 between them. More precisely, according to the embodiment, the support arrangement 200 comprises a first leg portion 221 and a second leg portion 222 extending substantially parallel with respect to each other and configured to support the movable extinguishing unit 100 on opposite sides. Lower end surfaces 223, 224 of the first and second leg portions 221, 222 may be formed flat and in the same plane. The bottom portion 103 of the movable extinguishing unit 100 may also be formed flat and the movable extinguishing unit 100 may be arranged such that the bottom portion 103 or its outer surface may be aligned with the lower end surfaces 223, 224 of the first and second leg portions 221, 222 when the movable extinguishing device 100 is in a standby position. The lower end surfaces 223, 224 and the bottom portion 103 may together form a substantially circular surface. Furthermore, the housing of the movable extinguishing unit 100 and the first and second leg portions 221, 222 may be formed such that they together form a substantially cylindrical body.
The support arrangement 200 is configured such that the accommodating portion 220 is rotatable about an axis A which is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis B about which the movable extinguishing unit 100 is rotatably held on the accommodating portion 220. The support portion 210 supports the accommodating portion 220 rotatably about axis A. The support portion 210 is held on the drive mechanism in a cantilevered manner. The support portion 210 comprises a housing 211 which is coupled to the drive mechanism 190 at one portion and supports the accommodating portion 220 at another portion. A drive motor 212 is operatively coupled to the accommodating portion 220 by means of a transmission 213 for actively moving the accommodating portion 220 about axis A.
The support arrangement 200 may, by means of the drive mechanism 190, be movable along a straight path P which in the shown configuration corresponds to an up and down direction. In general, the support arrangement 200 may be configured so as to be able to retract the movable extinguishing unit 100 into the housing 170 in order to transfer the same into a stowed state or standby position. By moving the movable extinguishing unit 100 in opposite direction, the same may be deployed for firefighting, more precisely brought to the operating position. In other words, the support arrangement 200 may be used to transfer the movable extinguishing unit 100 from the standby position to an operating position and vice versa. In Figure 1, an operating position of the movable extinguishing unit 100 is shown. The fire protection device 1 as shown in Figure 1 is thus in an operating state. As is shown in Figure 4, axis A and straight path P extend in parallel to each other whereas axis B about which the movable extinguishing unit 100 is rotatable with respect to the support arrangement is perpendicular to axis A in the embodiment. Other extension directions of the axes are possible as long as the movable extinguishing unit 100 can be oriented towards a detected fire event. In case the path P is curved, axis A may extend in parallel with a main extension direction of path P, for example defined by a line connecting a start point of the path and an end point of the path.
The drive mechanism 190 is embodied as a linear drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may comprise a spindle drive 191 with a drive motor 192. The spindle drive 191 may be operatively coupled to the support arrangement 200, for example by coupling the spindle to the support portion 210. The drive mechanism 190 may further comprise a guide 193 embodied as a straight rail, and a support member 194 embodied as a carriage. The support member 194 is translatory movable on the guide 193. The support arrangement 200, more precisely the support portion 210, may be fixedly coupled to the support member 194 and integrally movable therewith. Accordingly, by driving the spindle drive 191, the support arrangement 200 may be translatory moved along the guide 193 in the direction of path P. The drive mechanism 190 may further comprise a base support member 195 on which the guide 193, the spindle drive 191 and the support member 194 are mounted. The base support member 195 is configured to mount the drive mechanism, the support arrangement 200 and the movable extinguishing unit 100 to a further system component, such as the housing 170. Alternatively, the base support member 195 may be an integral part of housing 170 and may be a portion of a wall portion of the housing 170.
Some members of the movable extinguishing unit 100 were already described before. The movable extinguishing unit 100 may comprise a pivot arrangement for rotatably coupling the same to the support arrangement 200. The pivot arrangement may comprise a coupling member 106, for example a pin, which may be rotatably supported on a support structure 105 and may be coupled to the support arrangement 200. The pin may be coupled to a drive device, for example a step motor, which is configured to rotate the coupling member 106. The coupling member 106 may be fixedly coupled to the support arrangement so that the movable extinguishing unit 100 rotates about the coupling member 106 when the drive device is driven.
The housing 170 is configured as a cylindrical housing although other configurations like a box shape may also be provided. The housing comprises a bottom portion 175 a top portion 176 and doors 171, 172 that are hingedly coupled to a main support structure 174 by means of hinges 173. The doors 171, 172 are provided to grant access to an interior of the housing 170 where main components of the fire protection device 1 are provided. In the top portion 176 of the housing 170, engaging recesses 177 are provided to allow for a bayonet like fixation of the fire protection device 1 on a suitable support base such as a mounting plate mountable on a wall or ceiling prior to mounting the fire protection device 1. A portion of the bottom portion 175 is configured translucent and is made of a material having diffuse characteristics. A signal light may be provided in the housing and light generated by the same may be transmitted through the bottom portion 175 so as to be visible from outside. In this way, a detected fire event (alarm) and/or operation of the fire protection device 1 may be visually indicated, for example lighting the bottom portion 175 with a specific color.
As is shown in Figure 4, the fire protection device 1 may comprise, an extinguishing agent reservoir 161, a pump device 160, an optional back-up energy source 180, for example an accumulator, and a control unit 10 which is able to process data received form the fire detection device, for example a video data signal received from the high-resolution detection unit 2 or the high-resolution detection unit 3. The control unit 10 is coupled to a power supply 20, for example comprising a connector for coupling to a household power supply. The connector may be configured to receive power over ethernet and may comprise an ethernet connector for an attachment of an ethernet cable. Furthermore, the control unit 10 is coupled to the pump device 160, the fire detection device 2, 3, the drive mechanism 190, the support arrangement 200 and the movable extinguishing unit 100 for controlling the same based on the signal received from the fire detection device(s) and the thermal radiation detection unit 150. The pump device 160 is coupled to the extinguishing agent reservoir 161 by means of a pipe or hose 163. The extinguishing agent reservoir 161 may comprise a refill valve 162. Furthermore, the extinguishing agent reservoir 161 may be configured replaceable so that an empty reservoir may be replaced by a filled reservoir. Furthermore, the pump device 160 is connected to the nozzle 140 by a suitable piping or hose.
In the following, the function of the fire protection device 1 will be exemplary described. The fire protection device 1 is normally in standby mode in which the movable extinguishing unit 100 is in a retracted position and in which the same may be accommodated in the housing 170. Figure 2 shows such a state. The movable extinguishing unit is retracted in the housing 170 with the bottom surface 103 being aligned with an outer surface of the bottom portion 175 of the housing. In this state, the fire detection unit continuously monitors the space, for example a high-resolution detection unit 3 continuously delivers video data signals to the control unit 10. Accordingly, the space to be monitored is permanently or continuously monitored for a fire event by the high-resolution detection unit 3 during standby mode. The high-resolution detection unit 3, for example an image sensor comprising an infrared prefilter, continuously delivers the video data signals to the control unit. The control unit 10 determines whether there is a high probability of a fire or smoldering. This can be done by detecting fire and/or smoke. In case a fire event is determined, the control unit calculates three dimensional coordinates of the position of the fire event and activates the movable extinguishing unit 100. In case of a detected fire event, the control unit 10 activates the movable extinguishing unit 100 and supplies the same with the coordinates. The movable extinguishing unit 100 is then moved from the standby position to an operating position through operation of the drive mechanism 190 controlled by the control unit 10. The movable extinguishing unit 100 is then oriented towards the coordinates of the detected fire event in such a manner that the thermal radiation detection device 150 is oriented towards the detected position. Based on a signal received from the thermal radiation detection device 150, the control unit verifies the presence of a fire and confirms the detected fire event. The control unit then activates an output of the extinguishing agent by controlling the pump 160 and the orientation of the nozzle 140. According to the embodiment, the high-resolution detection unit 3 may be deactivated as soon as a fire event is detected, and the coordinates are determined. In other words, monitoring by the high-resolution detection unit 3 may be interrupted if a fire event is detected based on the signal detected by the same.
Accordingly, a locally mounted extinguishing system is provided which may be mounted as a complete unit including mechanical components, control, processing, extinguishing agent reservoir, housing and any other parts necessary for operating the system. Embodiments of the disclosed do not need any connection to an external extinguishing agent supply. The system only requires a standard household power supply. For example, the fire protection device may be powered by power over ethernet. In case of a power failure, it may be supplied by a backup battery and operates autonomously. The place of installation can be chosen freely, preferably on the ceiling. In case of suspended ceilings / grid ceilings, installation above such ceilings is also possible. In the latter case, only a service opening is visible through which the fire detection device, for example the high-resolution detection unit 3, can monitor the room. The sensor has a wide angle in order to view as large areas as possible. The system can extend and retract a movable extinguishing unit 100 comprising an extinguishing nozzle 140 in one direction P, rotate around an axis A parallel thereto and swivel the nozzle about axis B which may be perpendicular to axis A. In this way, it is possible to orient the nozzle to any point in the room.
In the standby state of the system, the movable extinguishing unit 100 is retracted and barely visible from outside. The imaging sensor that "monitors" the room may positioned directly next to the housing 170 with a view in the direction of the direction P. Alternatively or in addition, the imaging sensor may be provided on the movable extinguishing unit 100.
The embodiment of a fire protection device 1 according to figures 1 to 6 can be used for guarding an escape route.
Such an escape route can be a stairway or an exit path and an escape path, respectively, out of a building only usable in case of a fire or a path leading to an exit path, such as a hallway. It is also possible for an escape route to be a path out of an apartment, which can be on either side of an apartment door through which the apartment is entered or left.
More specifically, the fire protection device 1 comprises the extinguishing unit 100 which can also be configured to preventively discharge an extinguishing agent to a defined area in an escape route, for example to an escape door. Thus, the fire protection device 1 can be switched from a mode in which the fire protection device 1 operates as described before, i.e. in which it monitors a space for a fire event and automatically fights a fire in case of a detected fire event, to a mode in which for example a defined area is prevented to catch fire by preventively discharging extinguishing agent to the defined area.
The defined area may be one side of an escape door, in particular a surface of an escape door. An escape door or the defined area may be a door allowing to escape from an apartment, such as the apartment door or a front door used for entering and leaving an apartment and a house, respectively. An escape door or the defined area can also be a special door or area additionally to a front door having the sole purpose of escaping a room, for example a kindergarten. An escape door or the defined area can also allow to escape from a stairway or from a hallway. It is also possible that the defined area is an access to a gas sparger in a housing area.
The afore-mentioned embodiment of a fire protection device 1 illustrated in figures 1 to 6 can be provided with additional features of the embodiment disclosed in the following in connection with figures 7 and 8. In particular, the control unit may be configured in a manner described below in greater detail.
Figure 7 shows a front view of an embodiment of a fire protection device 1 for guarding an escape route according to the present disclosure. Figure 8 shows a side view of the embodiment of a fire protection device 1 for guarding an escape route shown in figure 7. Figures 7 and 8 will be described in the following.
The fire protection device 1 for guarding an escape route according to the embodiment of figures 7 and 8 comprises an extinguishing unit 300 configured to preventively discharge an extinguishing agent 301 to a defined area 302 in an escape route. As indicated in figures 7 and 8 the fire protection device 1 for guarding an escape route can have two extinguishing units 300 one on each side of an escape door 302.
In this embodiment the defined area 302 is one side of an escape door 302. An escape door may be a normal door granting access to a room or may be a specifically configured door which is only used in case of an emergency. The escape route extends on one or both sides of the escape door 302. Thus, the escape door 302 is positioned in the escape route such that a person has to open the escape door 302 to escape. It is also possible that the escape door 302 is limiting and bordering, respectively, the escape route as the escape door 302 is e.g., an apartment door.
As shown in figures 7 and 8, the fire protection device 1 is arranged at a wall portion 400 above the defined area 302 and the escape door 302, respectively. The escape door 302 forms a passageway through a wall.
Further, in figures 7 and 8 the extinguishing unit 300 comprises an extinguishing nozzle 303 for applying the extinguishing agent 301. An output opening of the extinguishing nozzle 303 is adapted to the geometry and to the shape and to the contour, respectively, of the defined area / escape door 302 to be protected from fire. It is possible that, the output opening of the extinguishing nozzle 303 is variable changeable between one or more shapes wherein at least the shape of the defined area 302 is included.
The extinguishing unit 300 is configured to discharge the extinguishing agent 301 in the form of mist, for example water mist. Thus, the output opening of the extinguishing nozzle 303 is adapted to generate mist. Generation of mist has several advantages, firstly the cooling effect is higher in comparison to a jet of extinguishing agent; secondly less extinguishing agent is needed to extinguish a fire or to cool an object in comparison to a jet of extinguishing agent. Thus, extinguishing agent 301 can be saved and a fire extinguishing effect may be better. Thirdly, the mist knocks down smoke gas and thus protects the escape route from toxic gases (protection from smoke poisoning), such as nitrogen oxides, etc.
In general, the extinguishing unit 300 is configured to discharge the extinguishing agent 301 to the defined area 302 formed as escape door 302. The defined area 302 is in a space and in the escape route, respectively, in which a fire event can be monitored as well as be detected.
Regarding the defined area 302 it is possible that the defined area 302 is arranged in or within the space and in the escape route, respectively. It is also imaginable that the space is limited by the defined area 302, for example limited by the escape door. Concerning the space, it is noticeable that the space forms a part of the escape route or forms the escape route.
In a special embodiment the extinguishing unit 300 can be configured to discharge the extinguishing agent 301 to a location within the space and within the escape route, respectively, in which a fire event is detected by a detection unit, for example a high-resolution detection unit. In this special embodiment the fire protection device 1 of figures 1 to 6 is used wherein the fire protection device 1 is adapted to preventively discharge its extinguishing agent to a defined area, such as an escape door, which has to be protected from burning down too quickly and/or from catching fire. This means that the fire protection device 1 can be switched from a mode in which a fire is actively fighted to a mode in which for example the defined area 302 is prevented to catch fire.
In the present embodiment according to figures 7 and 8, the fire protection device 1 comprises a flame detector 304, such as a high-resolution detection unit 304. It is also possible that fire protection device 1 comprises an IR-detector and/or a heat detector and/or a smoke detector and/or a CO-detector and/or a UV-detector. The use of one or more special detectors depends on the field of application of the fire protection device 1.
In figures 7 and 8 the fire protection device 1 - as already mentioned - has a high-resolution detection unit 304 which is configured to monitor a fire event. In particular, the high-resolution detection unit 304 is configured to monitor the space and the escape route, respectively, for a fire event and is configured to output a video data signal. Thus, the high-resolution detection unit 304 is configured to monitor the defined area 302 in the escape route. It is also possible that the high-resolution detection unit 304 is configured to monitor a location within the escape route. The high-resolution detection unit 304 may be a camera system.
As depicted in figures 7 and 8 the fire protection device 1 comprises a control unit 305 configured to control the extinguishing unit 300 based on a video data signal received from the high-resolution detection unit 304. The high-resolution detection unit 304 is configured to monitor the defined area 302 within the escape route which is monitored for a fire event.
More particularly, the control unit 305 is configured to identify an increase of temperature in the video data signal based on machine learning and is configured to determine position coordinates from the video data signal to determine critical positions in the defined area 302 on which extinguishing agent 301 needs to be applied. It is also possible that the control unit 305 is configured to identify an increase of temperature in the video data signal based on machine learning and is configured to determine critical positions in the escape route which is monitored for a fire event.
The control unit 305 is also configured to control the extinguishing unit 300 based on a signal received from an external fire alarm, for example of a fire alarm control unit. Thus, the fire protection device 1 can be activated by a fire alarm control unit without detecting a fire. The external fire alarm can be triggered by a flame detector, an IR-detector, a heat detector, a smoke detector, a CO-detector and/or a UV-detector. All mentioned detectors triggering an external fire alarm are exemplarily shown in figure 8 having the reference sign 306.
The control unit 305 is further configured to receive a video data signal from the high-resolution detection unit 304 configured to monitor the escape route for a fire event and configured to forward an alerting signal to a fire alarm control unit so that the fire alarm control unit can be informed of a fire. Hence, the fire protection device 1 can share its information gathered by the high-resolution detection unit 304 to a fire alarm control unit so that other fire protection devices 1 which are not detecting or not monitoring a fire can be activated by a fire alarm control unit. To do this the control unit 305 may comprise a wireless or a wired communication unit cross-linking the fire alarm control unit to the fire protection device 1.
Side note, the video data signal corresponds to the defined area 302 and/or to the space and to the escape route, respectively, which is monitored for a fire event.
According to the figures 7 and 8 the control unit 305 is configured to switch the extinguishing unit 300 between several operating states.
In a first operating state in which no fire event is detected in the escape route or in which no increase of temperature of the defined area 302 / of the escape door 302 is detected, the extinguishing unit 300 remains in a standby state. In the standby state the fire protection device 1 just monitors the defined area 302 and the escape route for a fire event.
In a second operating state in which a fire event is detected in the escape route or in which an increase of temperature of the escape door 302 is detected, the extinguishing unit 300 is controlled by the control unit 305 such that the extinguishing unit 300 is firefighting or is cooling the escape door 302 in the escape route.
In a third operating state in which a fire event is detected by a fire alarm control unit, the extinguishing unit 300 is controlled by the control unit 305 such that the extinguishing unit 300 is cooling the escape door 302 in the escape route. In the third operating state the fire alarm control unit sends a signal to the control unit 305 so that the control unit 305 can control and activate the extinguishing unit 300.
In a special embodiment the extinguishing unit 300 is a movable extinguishing unit 300, wherein the control unit 305 is configured to control a movement of the movable extinguishing unit 300 based on the video data signal received from the high-resolution detection unit 303 or based on predetermined movement sequences stored in the control unit 305 to discharge the extinguishing agent 301 to the escape door 302 or to the escape route. Regarding the movable extinguishing unit 300 it is stated that the fire protection device 1 of figures 1 to 6 comprises detailed explanations on how to move the movable extinguishing unit 300.
Not shown in figures 7 and 8 is an embodiment in which the control unit 305 is configured to control the extinguishing unit 300 in a manner that the extinguishing unit 300 discharges the extinguishing agent 301 in the form of a spray pattern. In this context, it is also possible that the extinguishing unit 300 discharges the extinguishing agent 301 to the escape door 302. It is further possible that the extinguishing unit 300 discharges the extinguishing agent 301 within the escape route.
Mentioned spray pattern could be a cross pattern being equal to or greater than the escape door 302 to be cooled, and/or could be a quadrangular pattern for cooling edges of the escape door 302, and/or could be a linear pattern for cooling at least one edge of the escape door 302, in particular the top edge. It is further possible that the spray pattern is a meander-shaped pattern for cooling exceptional locations and their surroundings, and/or a line-by-line pattern for cooling the escape door 302, and/or a row-by-row pattern for cooling the escape door 302.
In accordance to the embodiment of figures 7 and 8, the high-resolution detection unit 304 is configured to detect the presence of the escape door 302 and of a floor and of an escape route and of a double door and of a glass door and of a wooden door and of a steel door, so that escape routes can be optimally secured and doors can be prevented from burning down too quickly.
Further, the high-resolution detection unit 304 is configured to detect contour information which allow to determine the contour of the escape door 302 and of a floor and of a double door and of an escape route. Thus, the spray pattern can be adapted to the properties of the escape door 302.
Even further, the control unit 305 comprises a microcontroller which is configured to learn a contour of the escape door 302 and of a floor and of an escape route and of double door so as to self-detect contour information which allow to determine the contour of the escape door 302 and of a floor and of double door and of an escape route and of further objects worth being protected. Thus, the effort for installation of the fire protection device 1 can be kept low. Further, to learn a contour means also that the microcontroller may is configured to determine the exact scale of the defined area 302 so that the extinguishing agent 301 can be used for the whole defined area 302 or for special regions of the defined area 302. Thus, extinguishing agent 301 can be dispensed exactly. To learn a contour means that the microcontroller is configured to process a signal and a video data signal, respectively, based on machine learning algorithms, for example by a neural network, on the basis of various criteria, for example whether the motion of an object is a motion of a door used by persons or whether a space and an escape route, respectively, is a static space in which only persons move. Thus, the microcontroller executes a computer program and/or a computer program is stored in the microcontroller.
Accordingly, a fire protection device 1 is provided which may be mounted as a complete unit including mechanical components, control, processing, extinguishing agent reservoir, housing and any other parts necessary for operating the device.
Embodiments of the disclosed do not need any connection to an external extinguishing agent supply. The system only requires a standard household power supply. For example, the fire protection device may be powered by power over ethernet. In case of a power failure, it may be supplied by a backup battery and operates autonomously. The place of installation can be chosen freely, preferably in front of an escape door 302.
In an embodiment, the fire detection device may comprise a processing hardware (control unit), an imaging sensor (camera, for example an RGB camera or monochrome camera), an infrared filter, an optional smoke detection module, a thermal radiation detection device. The thermal radiation detection device may be configured to deliver thermal image data and may comprise a pyrometer, a thermal sensor, an infrared sensor or a thermal camera. The thermal radiation detection device may be configured to have a higher sensitivity compared to the imaging sensor used for example in a camera. Accordingly, the imaging sensor or camera using the same may be used for monitoring a space and determining whether a fire event is present whereas the thermal radiation detection device may be used to verify the detected event with even higher accuracy and to allow a more detailed determination of the position of the fire event. In general, a configuration is possible in which a large area monitoring or detection provided by the fire detection device, in particular by an imaging sensor such as the above-described high-resolution detection unit in combination with a wide-angle lens, is combined with a smaller area detection of higher accuracy, for example provided by the thermal radiation detection device. Furthermore, the fire detection device may comprise an optical and/or acoustic signalling unit (lighting of the bottom portion 175 of the housing and/or a loudspeaker). The imaging sensor may be equipped with a wide-angle lens with a field of view or view angle in a range from 1 degree to 180 degrees.
The imaging sensor may record data and may transmit them to the local processing control (control unit). In the control unit, the image is processed based on machine learning algorithms, for example by a neural network, on the basis of various criteria, whether in the individual frame (image section) an event (fire, smoke, etc.) is present. If no, the process is repeated. If yes, the system status changes to "Event". The software calculates the relative position of the event in the monitored space to the position of the sensor (in polar coordinates). Additionally, a corresponding notification of stored telephone numbers, possibly the fire department, fire alarm center, push notifications of any type, a voice alarm, an artificial intelligence-based call, and/or the visual and acoustic alarm may be initiated.
If an event is detected, the system moves the extinguishing unit 100 along path P to the operating position, so that the nozzle may be oriented towards any coordinate. At the nozzle there is a thermal radiation detection device, for example an infrared sensor oriented in axial direction of the nozzle. When the nozzle has reached a target position, the infrared sensor may check whether the detected event of the fire detection is actually a fire by determining the temperature. If this comparison is verified, the system starts the extinguishing process. If not, the system will return to the standby state.
In the extinguishing process, the extinguishing agent is pumped from the reservoir and supplied through the nozzle towards the determined coordinates. At the start of extinguishing, the system may precisely target the determined fire center based on the generated data, and an artificial intelligence may take over the coordination of the further deletion, for example to extinguish fires according to their size (from large to small in case of several fires). The system may continuously check whether the fire is still active or not. As soon as the system confirms that the fire has been extinguished, the system returns to its standby position and state.
Accordingly, the fire protection device may comprise one of the following features and characteristics. The fire protection device can be installed locally and does not require any external extinguishing agent supply, such as a water supply. However, it is also possible that the at least one extinguishing unit may be connectable to a water supply of a building, wherein the at least one extinguishing unit may be configured to control the water flow passing through a nozzle of the at least one extinguishing unit. This means that the water flow can be completely stopped or only a certain amount of water can be passed through correlating to the fire to be extinguished or correlating to the escape door to be cooled. The system may be operated with a standard household power supply so that no special power supply is necessary. As already mentioned, the system may be configured to be supplied with power by power over ethernet. A backup battery may be provided as a safeguard in case of power failure. The movable extinguishing unit may be retractable and extendable. An extinguishing agent reservoir may be directly arranged in the fire protection system so that no extra space is required. Extinguishing agent may be precisely directed into the center of a fire. The fire protection device may store detected events in order to use them for the analysis of the fire. In case of fire, the fire protection device may also provide a visual and acoustic alarm to make people aware of it. The optical alarm may be triggered by light signals, acoustic alarms by signals (beeps) or even by voice alarms or the playback of stored voice sequences. The number of imaging sensors and filters used may be adapted to the space to be monitored. In case of a detected event, the system may drive the movable extinguishing unit, so that the extinguishing nozzle is freely orientable in the room. Drive devices of the fire protection device may position the extinguishing nozzle on the basis of the data transmitted by the fire detection device. The event may additionally be verified by a thermal radiation detection unit. The thermal radiation detection unit may serve for determining the exact location of a fire. After successful validation by the thermal radiation detection unit which may be attached next to the nozzle, the control unit may identify the hottest point and may calculate the most effective trajectory for extinguishing the fire as quickly as possible with as little extinguishing agent as possible. The fire protection device 1 as described herein may not only be configured to be mounted to a wall or ceiling but may also be configured to be mounted on or in furniture.
In conclusion a, it is pointed out that the terms like "comprising" or the like are not intended to rule out the provision of additional elements or steps. Let it further be noted that "a" or "an" do not preclude a plurality. In addition, features described in conjunction with the different embodiments can be combined with each other however desired. It is also noted that the reference numbers in the claims are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Moreover, while at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing summary and detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist.
It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing an exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

Fire protection device (1) for guarding an escape route, comprising at least one extinguishing unit (100, 300) configured to preventively discharge an extinguishing agent (301) to a defined area (302) in an escape route for example to an escape door (302).
Fire protection device (1) according to claim 1,
wherein the at least one extinguishing unit (100, 300) comprises at least one extinguishing nozzle (140, 303) for applying said extinguishing agent (301),

wherein an output opening of the at least one extinguishing nozzle (140, 303) may be adapted to the geometry of said defined area (302) or wherein an output opening of the at least one extinguishing nozzle (140, 303) may be variable changeable between one or more shapes.
Fire protection device (1) according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein the at least one extinguishing unit (100, 300) is configured to discharge said extinguishing agent (301) in the form of mist.
Fire protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the at least one extinguishing unit (100, 300) is configured to discharge said extinguishing agent (301) to said defined area (302), for example formed as an escape door, in said escape route in which a fire event is detected,
and/or

wherein the at least one extinguishing unit (100, 300) is configured to discharge an extinguishing agent (301) to a location within said escape route in which a fire event is detected by at least one detection unit (2, 3, 304), for example a high-resolution detection unit.
Fire protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the fire protection device (1) comprises a flame detector (2, 3, 304), such as an at least one detection unit (2, 3, 304), and/or comprises an IR-detector and/or comprises a heat detector and/or comprises a smoke detector and/or comprises a CO-detector and/or comprises a UV-detector.
Fire protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the fire protection device (1) comprises at least one detection unit (2, 3, 304) which is configured to monitor a fire event,

wherein the at least one detection unit (2, 3, 304) may be configured to monitor said escape route for a fire event,
and/or

wherein the at least one detection unit (2, 3, 304) may be configured to monitor said defined area (302) in said escape route,
and/or

wherein the at least one detection unit (2, 3, 304) may be configured to output a signal.
Fire protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the fire protection device (1) comprises a control unit (10, 305) configured to control said at least one extinguishing unit (100, 300) based on a signal received from at least one detection unit (2, 3, 304),

wherein the detection unit (2, 3, 304) may be configured to monitor said defined area (302) within said escape route which is monitored for a fire event.
Fire protection device (1) according to claim 7,
wherein said control unit (10, 305) is configured to identify an increase of temperature in said signal based on machine learning and/or is configured to determine position coordinates from said signal to determine critical positions in said defined area (302) on which extinguishing agent needs to be applied and/or to determine critical positions in said escape route which is monitored for a fire event.
Fire protection device (1) according to claim 7 or 8,
wherein the fire protection device (1) comprises a control unit (10, 305) configured to control said at least one extinguishing unit (100, 300) based on a signal received from an external fire alarm, for example of a fire alarm control unit,
and/or

wherein the fire protection device (1) comprises a control unit (10, 305) configured to receive a signal from said at least one detection unit (2, 3, 304) configured to monitor said escape route for a fire event and configured to forward said signal to a fire alarm control unit.
Fire protection device (1) according to one of the claims 7 to 9,
wherein the control unit (10, 305) is configured to switch the at least one extinguishing unit (100, 300) between several operating states,

wherein in a first operating state in which no fire event is detected in said escape route and/or in which no increase of temperature of said defined area (302) is detected, the at least one extinguishing unit (100, 300) remains in a standby state, wherein in a second operating state in which a fire event is detected in said escape route and/or in which an increase of temperature of said defined area (302) is detected, the at least one extinguishing unit (100, 300) is controlled by the control unit (10, 305) such that the at least one extinguishing unit (100, 300) is firefighting and/or is cooling said defined area (302) in said escape route, and

wherein in a third operating state in which a fire event is detected by a fire alarm control unit, the at least one extinguishing unit (100, 300) is controlled by the control unit (10, 305) such that the at least one extinguishing unit (100, 300) is cooling said defined area (302) in said escape route.
Fire protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 10, wherein at least one extinguishing unit (100, 300) is a movable extinguishing unit (100, 300),
wherein the control unit (10, 305) is configured to control a movement of the at least one movable extinguishing unit (100, 300) based on a signal received from at least one detection unit (2, 3, 304) or based on predetermined movement sequences stored in the control unit (10, 305) to discharge said extinguishing agent (301) to said area (302) and/or to said escape route.
Fire protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the control unit (10, 305) is configured to control the at least one extinguishing unit (100, 300) in a manner that the at least one extinguishing unit (100, 300) discharges the extinguishing agent in the form of a spray pattern, wherein said spray pattern may be created by moving said extinguishing unit, in particular by moving at least one extinguishing nozzle (140, 303) such that the extinguishing agent is applied in the form of the desired spray pattern,
and/or

wherein the control unit (10, 305) is configured to control the at least one extinguishing unit (100, 300) in a manner that the at least one extinguishing unit (100, 300) discharges the extinguishing agent to said defined area (302) and/or to said escape route.
Fire protection device (1) according to claim 12,
wherein the spray pattern is a cross pattern being equal to or greater than said defined area (302) to be cooled, and/or a quadrangular pattern for cooling edges of said defined area (302), and/or a linear pattern for cooling at least one edge of said defined area (302), in particular the top edge, and/or a meander-shaped pattern for cooling exceptional locations and their surroundings, and/or a line-by-line pattern for cooling said defined area (302), and/or a row-by-row pattern for cooling said defined area (302).
Fire protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the at least one detection unit (2, 3, 304) is configured to detect the presence of said defined area (302) and/or of a floor and/or of an escape route and/or of a double door and/or of a glass door and/or of a wooden door and/or of a steel door, so that escape routes can be secured and doors can be prevented from burning down too quickly.
Fire protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the at least one detection unit (2, 3, 304) is configured to detect contour information which allow to determine the contour of said defined area (302) and/or of a floor and/or of double door and/or of an escape route,
and/or

wherein the control unit (10, 305) comprises a microcontroller which is configured to learn a contour of said defined area (302) and/or of a floor and/or of an escape route and/or of double door so as to self-detect contour information which allow to determine the contour of said defined area (302) and/or of a floor and/or of double door and/or of an escape route and/or further objects worth being protected.