KR20230042436A - Compact schnell opening valve and extinguishing system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a compact Schnell opening valve and an extinguishment system valve assembly (10), which can freely guide extinguishment agent fluids. In particular, the valve assembly (10) for extinguishment agent fluids is provided with a housing (11). The housing (11) comprises: a container connector (12) for connecting a fluid container (20) compressed in a height direction (H); a fluid outlet (13) which is arranged to traverse the container connector and may be connected to the container connector (12) through a flow chamber (14); and a plunger (15). The plunger (15) is formed to move in a transverse direction (Q) between a closing location and an opening location and tightly closes the fluid outlet (13) for the container connector (12) at the closing location. A counter-pressure device (30) is located on the side surface of the plunger (15) facing the fluid outlet (13). The counter-pressure device (30) holds the plunger (15) at the closing location. The plunger (15) accommodates the opening location for the counter-pressure device (30) in the fluid outlet (13) through an increase in pressure.

Description

Compact schnell opening valve and extinguishing system {Compact schnell opening valve and extinguishing system}

The present invention relates to a valve assembly, and more particularly to a container connector for connection to a pressurized fluid container along a height direction, a fluid outlet arranged substantially across the container connector. It relates to a valve assembly for an extinguishing agent fluid having a housing including a fluid outlet.

In the area of stationary extinguishing systems, so-called Schnell opening valves are used, which allow pressurized extinguishing agents to be used in the shortest possible time.

A quick opening valve of this kind has an extinguishing fluid inlet, an extinguishing fluid outlet, and a flow chamber extending from the extinguishing fluid inlet to the extinguishing fluid outlet. In order to demarcate between a stationary state and a release state of the extinguishing fluid container, prior art quick-opening valves have a plunger and a valve seat. Since the plunger is movable between a release position or an open position and a closed position, the plunger and the valve seat are fluid-tightly adjacent to each other in the closed position and spaced apart from each other in the open position. In the open position, the extinguishing fluid inlet and the extinguishing fluid outlet may be connected to each other to direct the fluid.

In the prior art quick opening valve, the plunger lies parallel or along a coaxial axis with respect to the extinguishing fluid outlet. In an assembly of this kind, a resistance force must be supplied continuously when positioning the plunger in the closed position. Accordingly, an opening force higher than the resistive force is required to open the plunger. Therefore, a lot of energy is required to operate this kind of quick opening valve. Such a valve is also disclosed in EP 0 582 041 A1 or EP 2 428 714 A1 in which the plunger and the container connection for the fire extinguishing agent container are arranged in series with each other.

An object of the present invention is to provide a compact valve assembly that can be operated with minimal energy consumption regardless of the internal pressure of the connected fire extinguishing agent container.

This object is achieved by the features set out in claims 1 and 10. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a valve assembly, particularly a valve assembly for a fire extinguishing agent fluid, is provided. The valve assembly may preferably be formed as an axial valve, a lateral valve, a radial valve, or a transversal valve.

The valve assembly has a housing having a container connection portion for connecting to a pressurized fluid container along a height direction of the valve assembly. Preferably, the height direction runs geometrically with a longitudinal extension of the fluid container. The fluid container may be formed as a fire extinguishing agent container containing a fire extinguishing agent or a fire extinguishing agent fluid in liquid, gaseous form or powder form under pressure.

The valve assembly also includes a fluid outlet aligned substantially across the vessel connection. The fluid outlet may be connected to the container connection through a pressurized flow chamber. A plunger is also provided, the plunger being movable along the transverse direction between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position making the fluid outlet fluid-proof/fluidtight to the container connection. shut down The transverse direction is preferably diagonally aligned with the height direction.

A counter pressure device for holding the plunger in the closed position is disposed on the side of the plunger facing the fluid outlet. Here, the plunger is installed to accommodate (at least partially) the open position with respect to the counter pressure device at the fluid outlet through a pressure rise.

Here, the pressure rise can occur at the fluid outlet with positive pressure or with negative pressure, to be precise, in the counter pressure device.

The valve assembly can be connected between the closed position and the open position without breakage or reversibly. There is no need to replace parts such as rupture discs, for example.

The negative pressure inside the fire extinguishing agent container disposed across the plunger as compared to the plunger acts in both directions, ie to the right and to the left. In summary, a force equivalent to zero develops on the plunger. By this means, only the friction force of the shut-off seal and the support spring or spring force of the counter pressure device must be overcome in order to operate the valve assembly. This allows the valve assembly to be operated with minimal energy requirements.

The counter pressure device should apply only minimal force onto the plunger. The reason is that no force acts on the plunger through the fluid container in the closed position. The counter pressure device preferably includes a restoring means installed to act on the plunger to apply a restoring force onto the plunger in the direction of the closed position.

If the plunger is movable in a perforation or recess between the closed and open positions, the valve assembly can be formed particularly compact and technologically simple. Thus, for the plunger, no defined valve seat located within the piston housing is required. The plunger may be placed directly into a bore in the piston housing.

According to another embodiment, the counter pressure device is configured to receive pressure from a pressurized triggering/release tube to place the plunger against the force of the support spring in the closed position. Here, when the separation is performed, a pressure drop in which the support spring can no longer be pressed is performed in the triggering/release pipe, so that the plunger is moved to an open position through the support spring.

Alternatively, the counter pressure device has a negative pressure. To this end, the fluid outlet can likewise be moved under negative pressure. When separation is performed, the negative pressure in the fluid outlet is replaced by ambient pressure, for example through a rupture element in a conduit connected to the fluid outlet. With this, the counter pressure device can no longer hold the plunger in the closed position, and the plunger is switched to the open position.

If the plunger can be offset to the open position with the positive pressure of the fluid outlet, the valve assembly can be technically realized particularly simply. Here, the plunger can be fixed/locked in the open position by overflow pressure. Once the frictional force of the sealing material near the plunger and the spring force of the counter-pressure device are overcome, the overflow pressure increases through the flow chamber until the fluid container equalizes its own static pressure to substantially the ambient pressure. It is possible to hold the plunger in position for a long time. Subsequently, the plunger may be moved to a newly closed position through the counter pressure device.

According to another embodiment, the plunger is disposed downstream along the outflow direction of the extinguishing agent fluid of the flow chamber inside the flow chamber. By placing the plunger inside the flow chamber, the height of the piston housing and the valve assembly can be reduced.

In the case where the plunger has a circulation surface facing the container connection in the open position of the plunger, the fire extinguishing agent fluid flowing through the flow chamber in the open position of the plunger will flow out with a particularly small loss. can For example, the plunger may have a rounded face facing the container connection, the rounded face flowing around from escaping agent fluid in the open position. In particular, through this means, pressure loss in the valve assembly can be minimized.

If the housing or the piston housing is provided with a static pressure protector which enables the vessel connection to be connectable to the fluid outlet in case of positive pressure or to allow the vessel connection to the external environment, the valve assembly can be implemented particularly safely. can The static pressure protector can be formed, for example, in the form of a static pressure valve or a static pressure opening with a rupture disc. The static pressure protector may be formed as a safety device against static pressure, and may also be formed as a burst cap, burst member, burst screw, burst socket, and the like. If a predetermined pressure inside the flow chamber, inside the fluid outlet and/or inside the container connection is exceeded, the static pressure protector may be released or fail, and the connection leading the fluid may be exposed to the environment. The static pressure protector can preferably operate independently of the state or position of the plunger.

According to another embodiment, a ventilation valve and a triggering/release unit for controlling the ventilation valve are disposed inside the housing. Here, the vent valve and/or the triggering/releasing part is moved to the container connection part in the transverse direction and is disposed inside the housing. Through this positioning of the vent valve and the triggering/releasing part, the height of the valve assembly can be minimized. In particular, the vent valve and the triggering/releasing portion may be bent laterally with respect to the fluid outlet.

The valve assembly may be disposed directly over the fluid container or agent container, or may be indirectly connected to the fluid container, for example by means of a hose connection or pipe connection.

If an alarm switch installed to detect the open position of the plunger or a pressure loss in the flow channel or a pressure rise in the fluid outlet is disposed in the housing, the valve assembly can be connected to an existing notification or alarm system with particular efficiency. there is. Through this means, for example, when the plunger is switched to the open position, an electrical signal or a mechanical signal can be generated. The alarm switch may be, for example, a hall sensor, an infrared sensor, or an optoelectronic sensor electrically connected to a controller or driver. At this time, the control device or the driving unit may be integrated into the alarm switch or formed as an external device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a fire extinguishing system is provided. The fire extinguishing system includes a valve assembly according to the present invention, in which a fire extinguishing agent container is connected to a container connection portion of the valve assembly to induce fluid. The fluid outlet of the valve assembly is connected to at least one extinguishing conduit.

Further, the fire extinguishing system has a fire extinguisher installed to create an imbalance between a pressure in the fluid connection and a pressure in the counter pressure device capable of steering the plunger from a closed position to an open position. Through these means, it is possible to provide an energy efficient fire extinguishing system.

When the counter pressure device of the valve assembly operates with negative pressure and the fire extinguishing tube functions as a negative pressure triggering/release tube, the fire extinguishing system can be formed in the conduit with a minimum number. For example, the triggering/release tube may have spatially distributed rupture members that rupture upon temperature rise. Through rupture of the at least one bursting member, a connection is formed between the digestive tract serving as a triggering/release tube and the surroundings of the digestive system, thereby increasing the pressure in the digestive tract and the fluid outlet. This type of imbalance between the counter pressure device and the pressure inside the fluid outlet induces the return spring of the plunger to move to an open position. Thus, the extinguishing agent fluid can reach the fluid outlet and the digestive tract from the fluid container. The fire extinguishing agent fluid from the digestive tract may be discharged via the ruptured rupturing member or a nozzle and/or sprinkler provided therefor.

If the counter pressure device of the valve assembly is operated with positive pressure to mutually press the support spring of the plunger, the fire extinguishing system can function based on an alternative principle of action. Here, the counter pressure device induces the fluid and is connected to the triggering/release tube. Through this means, the triggering/release tube can be separated from the digestive tract, whereby the desired induction of the extinguishing agent fluid can be performed. When the digestive tract is disconnected, for example, it leaks out, thereby allowing the static pressure inside the counterpressure device to escape. Accordingly, the fluid outlet has a positive pressure against the counter pressure device, and the plunger can be switched to the open position to discharge the fire extinguishing agent fluid from the fluid container.

1A and 1B are cross-sectional views of a valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2A and 2B are sectional views seen from FIG. 1A for explaining in detail an open position and a closed position of the plunger.
3 is a cross-sectional view for explaining details of the valve assembly of FIG. 1 in detail.
Figure 4 is a schematic view of a fire extinguishing system having the valve assembly of Figure 1;
5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fire extinguishing system having a valve assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1A and 1B show cross-sectional views of a valve assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The valve assembly 10, in the illustrated embodiment, is provided for a fire extinguishing agent fluid in liquid, gas or powder form.

The valve assembly 10 has a housing 11 having a container connection portion 12, which is connected to a pressurized fluid container 20 along a height direction H. is composed for The valve assembly 10 is formed as a quick opening valve, in particular a radial valve or a lateral valve.

In addition, the housing 11 is provided with a fluid outlet 13. The fluid outlet 13 is aligned substantially across the vessel connection 12 . Here, the fluid outlet 13 runs in a transverse direction Q shown transverse to the height direction H.

The fluid outlet 13 may be connected to the container connection part 12 through a pressurized flow chamber 14 . The valve assembly 10 also has a plunger 15 disposed within the housing 11 as well. The plunger 15 is disposed in the perforation 16 in the housing 11 and can be placed in a fluid-proof/fluidtight closed position through the housing-side sealing material 17 .

The plunger 15 is disposed in the closed position in the illustrated embodiment and connects with the sealant 17 to close the flow chamber 14 extending from the fluid container 20 to the fluid outlet 20. Through this, the fluid flow from the fluid container 20 into the fluid outlet 13 is blocked by the flow chamber 14 .

The plunger 15 is formed to be movable between the closed position and the open position along the transverse direction Q. In particular, since the plunger 15 is movable between the open position and the closed position, the plunger 15 does not require any valve seat, because the sealant 17 This is because the sealing action is performed through the

The plunger 15 is formed as a hollow piston in the illustrated embodiment. Depending on the application area, the plunger 15 can also be made of a complete material.

On the side of the plunger 15 facing the fluid outlet 13, a counter pressure device 30 holding the plunger 15 in the closed position is disposed. To this end, an internal support spring 31 in the counterpressure device 30 presses the plunger 15 in the transverse direction Q to brake the plunger 15 in the closed position. The support spring 31 can press directly onto the plunger 15 or transmit a force to the plunger 15 via an intermediate piston 32 .

The plunger 15 is sealed, for example, also against the counter pressure device 30 via a sealant 17, in order to block fluid exchange between the counter pressure device 30 and the fluid container 20. .

The support spring 31 is preferably formed such that a constant air pressure in the fluid outlet 13 allows the plunger 15 to be pressed against the support spring 31 . Accordingly, the plunger 15 is installed to accommodate the open position through the pressure increase of the fluid outlet 13 relative to the counter pressure device 30.

1 b shows a perspective view of the valve assembly 10 . At this time, it is shown in detail that a pressure indicator 33 for the adjacent pressure of the fluid container 20 in the flow chamber 14, a manual disconnect switch 34 and an alarm switch 35 are disposed near the housing 11. do.

The pressure indicator 33 is, for example, a pressure gauge showing mechanical values. A mechanically movable numerical needle is used to monitor the presence of the correct pressure in the agent container or fluid container (20).

The alarm switch 35 is installed to detect an open position of the plunger 15 or a pressure loss in the flow chamber 14 or a pressure rise in the fluid outlet 13. The alarm switch 35 is formed as a device for providing an alarm when disconnected.

For example, the alarm switch 35 is implemented as an alarm pressure switch in the form of a mechanical end position switch monitoring. Here, a mechanically movable switch is used to monitor whether pressure exists in the outlet area or inside the fluid outlet 13 . When the valve assembly 10 is separated, that is, when the plunger 15 is opened, the alarm switch 35 is operated. The alarm provisioning function is monitored manually and/or visually and/or electronically, for example.

2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of FIG. 1A, showing the open position and closed position of the plunger 15 in detail. Here, FIG. 2A shows the plunger 15 in a closed position and FIG. 2B shows the plunger 15 in an open position.

Here, FIG. 2A shows that the plunger 15 has a circulation surface 18 directed toward the container connection 12 in the open position of the plunger 15 . In the illustrated embodiment, the flow surface 18 is realized as a rounded or phasing distal side of the plunger 15 .

3a, 3b and 3c are cross-sectional views illustrating details of the valve assembly of FIG. 1 in detail. 3a and 3c, an additional filling valve 38 is provided. The filling valve 38 is protected from contamination to the outside through a blind screw 39 .

When the fluid container 20 is filled with the fire extinguishing agent, a driving gas for operating the fluid container 20 may be introduced at a predetermined pressure through the filling valve 38 . As a driving gas, compressed air or an inert gas can be used, for example.

In particular, FIG. 3b shows the positioning of the ventilation valve 36 in the housing 11 and the triggering/release unit controlling the ventilation valve 36 .

The triggering / releasing part is formed as a static pressure protection part 37, in which case the container connection part 12 can be connected to the fluid connection part 13 or the container connection part 12 can be connected to the external environment in case of positive pressure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the static pressure protector 37 is formed as a bursting disc or bursting member, and the bursting disc or bursting member connects to the ventilation valve 36 to supply static pressure to the external environment.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a fire extinguishing system 100 having the valve assembly of FIG. 1 . The fire extinguishing system 100 includes a valve assembly 10, and in the valve assembly 10, the fire extinguishing agent container 20 is connected by inducing fluid at the container connection part 12 of the valve assembly 10. The fluid outlet 13 of the valve assembly 10 is connected to at least one digestive tract 110, 111.

The digestive tubes 110 and 111, in the illustrated embodiment, are simultaneously formed as triggering/release tubes, and the heat-sensitive tearing member 113 arranged in line with the nozzle 112 of the digestive tubes 110 and 111 provide

The counter pressure device 30 of the valve assembly 10 is operated with negative pressure, and the digestive tubes 110 and 111 function as triggering/release tubes to which negative pressure is applied. By rupturing at least one rupturable member 113, a connection is formed between the digestive tracts 110 and 111 functioning as triggering/release tubes and the periphery of the digestive system 100, thereby forming the digestive tracts 110 and 111 and the digestive tracts 110 and 111. The pressure in the fluid outlet (13) rises. Due to this kind of imbalance of pressure between the counter-pressure device 30 and the fluid outlet 13, the support spring 31 of the counter-pressure device 30 moves the plunger 15 to the open position. Thus, the extinguishing agent fluid can reach the fluid outlet 13 and the digestive tract 110, 111 from the fluid container 20. The fire extinguishing agent fluid from the digestive tracts 110 and 111 is discharged by the ruptured rupture member 113 or the nozzle 112 and/or the sprinkler provided therefor.

4 also shows that the lift pipe 21 is disposed in the fluid container 20, and the lift pipe 21 reaches the flow chamber 14 (flow space). The lifting pipe 21 can be rigid or flexible after application. Depending on the position of the fluid container 20, the lift pipe 21 follows the progress or position of the extinguishing agent fluid in the fluid container 20.

5A and 5B are schematic cross-sectional views of a fire extinguishing system 100 having a valve assembly 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Here, the valve assembly 10 is shown in the closed position of the plunger 15 in FIG. 5A, and the valve assembly 10 in FIG. 5B is shown in the open position of the plunger 15. To be distinguished from the fire extinguishing system 100 shown in FIG. 4, here, the digestive duct 110 and the triggering/release duct 114 are formed separately from each other.

The counter pressure device 30 of the valve assembly 10 operates with positive pressure to mutually press the support spring 31 of the plunger 15 . The counter pressure device 30 induces fluid and is connected to the triggering/release pipe 114 . Through this means, the triggering/release tube 114 can be separated from the first gut 110 . Figure 5a shows that the plunger 15 is disposed in the closed position as the valve assembly 10 is not in a closed or disconnected state.

5B shows the fire extinguishing system 100 with the valve assembly 10 in which the plunger 15 is switched to the open position. The triggering/release tube 114 is not sealed when disconnected, for example. The reason is that the rupturable member 113 is ruptured through the thermal effect and causes a leak 115 . Accordingly, the positive pressure in the counter pressure device 30 can escape. Therefore, the fluid discharge port 13 has a positive pressure against the counter pressure device 30, and by shifting the plunger 15 against the support spring 31 to an open position, the fire extinguishing agent fluid is discharged into the fluid container. can flow from (20).

5a and 5b, the plunger 15 is provided with an alternative flow surface 18, which is formed as a circular groove, and in the open position of the plunger 15, the fire extinguishing surface 18 is formed. It is shown in detail that flow through the drug fluid, eg through the negative pressure of turbulence, is preferred.

100 digestive system
110 First digestive tract
111 Second digestive tract
112 Nozzles in the digestive tract
113 triggering/release pipe rupture member
114 triggering/release tube
115 burst member
10 valve assembly
11 housing
12 container connection
13 fluid outlet
14 flow chamber
15 plunger
16 Drilling in the housing
17 sealant
18 Fluid plane
20 fluid container
21 rise pipe
30 counter pressure device
31 Support spring of counter pressure device
32 middle piston
33 pressure indicator
34 manual disconnect switch
35 alarm switch
36 ventilation valve
37 Static Pressure Protection Unit
38 filling valve
39 blind screw
H height direction
Q transverse direction

Claims (12)

As the valve assembly 10, in particular, the valve assembly 10 for the fire extinguishing agent fluid has a housing 11,
The housing 11,
a container connector 12 for connecting to the pressurized fluid container 20 along the height direction H;
a fluid outlet (13) substantially aligned across said vessel connection, said fluid outlet (13) connectable to said vessel connection (12) through a flow chamber (14); and
Equipped with a plunger (15),
The plunger 15 is formed to be movable along a transverse direction Q between a closed position and an open position, and closes the fluid outlet 13 with respect to the container connection part 12 in a closed position,
A counterpressure device (30) is located on the side of the plunger (15) facing the fluid outlet (13),
The counter pressure device 30 holds the plunger 15 in the closed position,
The valve assembly (10), characterized in that the plunger (15) receives the open position with respect to the counter pressure device (30) at the fluid outlet (13) through a pressure rise. According to claim 1,
The valve assembly (10), characterized in that the plunger (15) is movable in the perforation (16) or recess between the closed position and the open position. According to claim 1 or 2,
The counter pressure device 30 is arranged to receive the pressure of the triggering/release pipe 114 pressurized to position the plunger 15 against the force of a support spring 31 in the closed position, or
The valve assembly (10), characterized in that the counter pressure device (30) has a low pressure. According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The plunger 15 is switchable to the open position at the fluid outlet 13 with negative pressure,
The valve assembly (10), characterized in that the plunger (15) is fixed / lockable in the open position with an overflow pressure. According to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The valve assembly (10), characterized in that the plunger (15) is disposed inside the flow chamber (14) or downstream along the outflow direction of the extinguishing agent fluid of the flow chamber (14). According to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The plunger (15) has a circulation surface (18),
The valve assembly (10), characterized in that in the open position of the plunger (15), the flow surface (18) opposes the container connection (12). According to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The housing 11 is provided with a static pressure protection part 37 that allows the container connection part 12 to be connected to the fluid outlet 13 or to allow the container connection part 12 to be connected to the external environment in case of positive pressure. The valve assembly 10, characterized in that for. According to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A ventilation valve 36 and a triggering/release unit controlling the ventilation valve 36 are disposed in the housing 11,
The valve assembly (10), characterized in that the vent valve and / or the triggering / release portion is disposed in the housing (11) offset in the transverse direction (Q) to the container connection (12). According to any one of claims 1 to 8,
An alarm switch 35 is disposed in the housing 11,
The alarm switch (35) is installed to detect an open position of the plunger (15) or a pressure loss in the flow chamber (14) or a rise in pressure in the fluid outlet (13). ). 10. A fire extinguishing system (100) comprising a valve assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising:
The fire extinguishing agent container 20 is connected to the container connection part 12 of the valve assembly 10 by inducing a fluid,
The fire extinguishing system (100), characterized in that the fluid outlet (13) of the valve assembly (10) is connected to at least one digestive tract (110, 111). According to claim 10,
A negative pressure is applied to the counter pressure device 30 of the valve assembly 10,
The digestive system (100), characterized in that the digestive tract (110, 111) functions as a triggering / release tube to which negative pressure is applied. According to claim 10,
The counter pressure device 30 of the valve assembly 10 applies positive pressure to mutually press the support spring 31 of the plunger 15,
The fire extinguishing system (100), characterized in that the counter pressure device (30) induces fluid and is connected to the triggering / release pipe (114).

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