CONTROL DEVICE FOR OPERATING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER SYSTEM AND EXTINGUISHER NOZZLE

Abstract

A control device operates a fire extinguisher system. The system includes a hose having an extinguisher nozzle arranged at the end of the hose for releasing pressurized extinguishing fluid. A conveying pump pressurized conveying of the extinguishing fluid towards the extinguisher nozzle. A first supply line connects the conveying pump to a tank of a fire extinguisher vehicle. A second supply line connects the conveying pump to stationary extinguishing fluid source. A controller is positioned at a distance from the extinguisher nozzle and functions as an operations center. A control line runs along the hose to the nozzle end of the hose. A radio device connected to the control line converts signals from the control line into radio signals and outputting the signals. An operator carried portable radio device receives radio signals output by the radio device. An operator carried display displays information based on the transmitted radio signals.

Claims

1. Control device for operating a fire extinguisher system, wherein the fire extinguisher system comprises the following: at least one hose having an extinguisher nozzle arranged at an end of the hose, by which a pressurized extinguishing fluid is releasable, a conveying pump for pressurized conveying of the extinguishing fluid in the hose towards the extinguisher nozzle, a first supply line to the conveying pump from a tank of a fire extinguisher device, a second supply line to the conveying pump from a stationary extinguishing fluid source, a controller positioned at a distance from the extinguisher nozzle and functioning as an operations center, a control line running along the hose the end of the hose with the nozzle, and a display, a first radio device connected to the control line proximate the extinguisher nozzle for converting signals from the control line into radio signals and outputting the radio signals, a second radio device to be carried by the operator of the fire extinguisher system receiving radio signals output by the first radio device, and a display to be carried by the operator of the extinguisher nozzle, on which information based on the transmitted radio signals is displayable.

2. Control device according to claim 1, wherein the display comprises a head-up display.

3. Control device according to claim 1, wherein the information displayed in the display based on the radio signals, is displayable in a further display which is located proximate an operations center.

4. Control device according to claim 1, further comprising a data interface which allows for a parallel data transmission via a communication cable between the control line and the display.

5. Control device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the following information is displayed in the display: current filling level of the tank with extinguishing fluid, time remaining for releasing extinguishing fluid from the tank, status indication with regard to the existence and/or non-existence of a conveying connection of extinguishing fluid from the stationary extinguishing fluid source to the fire extinguisher device, status indication with regard to the existence and/or non-existence of a radio link and/or an alarm signal.

6. Control device according to claim 1, wherein radio signals output by the second radio device are receivable by the first radio device.

7. Control device according to claim 1, wherein a bidirectional voice communication channel is carried out via the control line, the first radio device, and the second radio device.

8. Control device according to claim 1, wherein the extinguisher nozzle is an extinguisher nozzle which is portable by the firefighter or a permanently mounted extinguisher nozzle.

9. Control device according to claim 1, wherein, in the region of the first supply line and second supply line, a pressure-controlled manifold valve is provided upstream of the conveying pump.

10. Control device according to claim 9, wherein the pressure-controlled manifold valve is controlled via pressure applied in the second supply line to the manifold valve.

11. Control device according to claim 9, wherein the pressure applied in the second supply line to the manifold valve is supplied with a pump.

12. Control device according to claim 10, wherein the switching of the manifold valve takes place at a pressure threshold value, and the pressure threshold value is adjustable.

13. Control device according to claim 9, further comprising, in a loaded state of the manifold valve, a flow connection between the tank and pump.

14. Control device according to, claim 9, wherein the manifold valve is spring-loaded and/or magnet-loaded.

15. Control device according to claim 9, wherein a switching position of the manifold valve is displayable on the display.

16. Control device according to claim 9, further comprising a return line from the conveying pump to the tank.

17. Extinguisher nozzle for a fire extinguisher system, for use in a control system for operating a fire extinguisher system according to claim 9, wherein the first radio device is connected to the control line running along the hose for establishing a data communication connection, and the first radio device is configured to receive signals via the control line and to output the signals and/or to receive signals originating from a transmitter.

18. Extinguisher nozzle according to claim 17, wherein, for operating the first radio device, the extinguisher nozzle has an electrical energy source, or electrical energy for operating the first radio device is obtained via the control line.

Description

[0046] FIG. 1 shows a situation of a typical firefighting mission when fighting a fire that has broken out in a basement room of a building. After the arrival of the fire engine 1, a firefighter goes into the basement of the building with the hose 3 and releases extinguishing fluid for immediate firefighting via the extinguisher nozzle 4. The extinguishing fluid is obtained from a tank in the fire engine 1. This makes it possible to start fighting the source of the fire as soon as the fire engine 1 arrives. At the same time, further firefighters search the area for an unlimited extinguishing fluid source 2, such as a hydrant, a lake 27, or a stream. This can take a considerable amount of time. As soon as an unlimited extinguishing fluid source has been found, it is connected to the fire engine 1 via a feed line. The hose 3 located at the source of the fire can then be supplied with extinguishing fluid from the unlimited extinguishing fluid source.

[0047] For firefighting, a plurality of hoses is usually provided in a fire engine 1, which can also be used simultaneously if required. For the sake of clarity, FIG. 1 only shows a second hose with an extinguisher nozzle arranged at its end. This extinguisher nozzle is operated by a further firefighter.

[0048] In order to fight the fire, the firefighter can manually adjust the extinguisher nozzle 4 such that the extinguishing fluid is released from the extinguisher nozzle 4 at a small opening angle. As a result, a maximum extinguishing effect on the source of the fire can be achieved. However, if the source of the fire spreads despite the firefighting efforts and threatens the firefighter, the firefighter can manually adjust the extinguisher nozzle 4 such that the extinguishing fluid is released by the extinguisher nozzle 4 at a very large opening angle. As a result, the firefighter is protected from fire and/or excessive heat and can leave the building safely. Both modes of operation of the extinguisher nozzle 4 are shown schematically in FIG. 1. If there is an unforeseen interruption in the supply of extinguishing fluid, the firefighter can suddenly find himself in a life-threatening situation because said firefighter can, for protection, no longer release extinguishing fluid at a very large opening angle.

[0049] FIG. 2 shows a simplified schematic diagram of the control device according to the invention. In this case, the components surrounded by the dashed line are preferably located in the region of the fire extinguisher device, i.e., in the region of the fire extinguisher vehicle 1. The components comprise a controller 11 with a multiplicity of control and/or signal lines (dotted lines), which are connected to different functional components of the overall system. In particular, the tank 8 for providing extinguishing fluid directly on the fire extinguisher vehicle 1 is shown. The tank 8 is connected via a first supply line 7 to the conveying pump 5, e.g., a centrifugal pump.

[0050] In addition, a second supply line 9 is provided which is connected to a feed line and supplies the conveying pump 5 with extinguishing fluid from the stationary extinguishing fluid source 2.

[0051] The first supply line 7 and the second supply line 9 open into a preferably pressure-controlled manifold valve 10 provided upstream of the conveying pump 5. The manifold valve 10 thus ensures that, depending on the pressure applied to the second supply line 9, the inflow to the conveying pump 5 is switched from the tank 8 to the stationary extinguishing fluid source 2. In FIG. 2, the pressure control 30 of the manifold valve 10 is only shown schematically.

[0052] The hose 3, at the end of which a portable extinguisher nozzle 4 is located, is supplied with extinguishing fluid via the conveying pump 5. For the sake of clarity, only a single additional hose with an extinguisher nozzle is shown in FIG. 2. However, if necessary, a multiplicity of extinguisher nozzles and associated hoses, which are supplied with extinguishing fluid via the conveying pump 5, can also be provided. In the region of each supply line to the extinguisher nozzle, a valve 31, 32 is located which is connected to the controller 11 via a control and/or signal line and can be actuated via the controller 11.

[0053] The output of the conveying pump 5 is also connected to a return line 33, via which, also controlled via a valve 34 connected to the controller 11, extinguishing fluid from the stationary extinguishing fluid source 2 can be returned to the tank 8 in order to refill it.

[0054] Reference sign 29 denotes a device, or a so-called “pressure governor,” for controlling the conveying pump. This device is capable of adapting the pump output to the required output rates of extinguishing fluid. If, for example, a pressure drop is effected by activating a further hose or a further extinguisher nozzle, the device 29 for controlling the conveying pump controls the pump output such that the latter is increased in order to adapt the conveying pressure of extinguishing fluid in the respective hose to the previous level.

[0055] Reference sign 26 in FIG. 2 denotes a further pump which is provided to determine the pressure conditions in the second supply line 9 from the stationary extinguishing fluid source 2 to the conveying pump 5, provided that an extinguishing fluid source 2 has been found that is not pressurized. The pump 26 is preferably a type of air pump or suction pump which is provided to influence the pressure conditions in the second supply line 9 such that extinguishing fluid, for example, from a lower-lying lake or stream, flows via the supply line 9 toward the manifold valve 10 (possibly also located at a higher level). The pressure conditions created by the pump 26 in the second supply line 9 at the entrance to the manifold valve 10 are used for triggering the switching process of the same. As a result, the control device can switch over automatically as soon as a local extinguishing fluid source 2 has been found and connected to the fire extinguisher device.

[0056] FIG. 2 further shows that the controller 11 is connected via control line means 12 to a radio device 13 connected to the control line 12 in the region of the extinguisher nozzle 4. The control line means 12 can either be attached to the hose 3 on its jacket or integrated into the hose wall. The control line means 12 is preferably an electric conductor for the transmission of electrical signals, data and/or for energy supply. The radio device is preferably a radio module for data transmission between transmitter and receiver over short distances, such as WPAN or WLAN. This type of radio transmission technology is preferably geared towards covering the work area around the radio device 13.

[0057] Furthermore, a radio device 14 to be carried by the firefighter operating the extinguisher nozzle 4 is provided, which is capable of receiving the radio signals 15 output by the radio device 13 and displaying them on a display 16, preferably in the form of a head-up display, to be carried by the firefighter operating the extinguisher nozzle 4. As a result, only a very short transmission path of the data is established by radio directly in the work area of the firefighter, which is therefore much less susceptible to interferences. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2, data is only transmitted in one direction, as is illustrated by the directional arrow of the radio signals 15 shown in FIG. 2.

[0058] If the display 16, as in FIG. 2, is configured as a head-up display in the helmet 6 of the firefighter, the firefighter, during a mission, is provided with particularly good visibility conditions with regard to information originating from the operations center, especially also often under poor visibility conditions caused, e.g., by poor lighting conditions, smoke, soot or the like.

[0059] A rechargeable battery (not depicted) can be provided on the extinguisher nozzle 4 or in the region thereof for supplying data to the radio device 13. Alternatively, the radio device 13 can also be supplied with electrical energy via the control means 12 or via additional electrical energy-carrying conducting means (also not depicted), which also run in or on the hose 3.

[0060] The information shown in the display 16 can preferably be displayed, preferably simultaneously, in a display 17 of the fire extinguisher device or the fire extinguisher vehicle 1, and so the operator at the fire engine simultaneously sees the data or information transmitted to the firefighter at the extinguisher nozzle 4.

[0061] FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the communication bridge between the extinguisher nozzle 4 and the display 16. In this case, a data interface 18 can additionally be provided, which also makes it possible to establish a cable connection from the control line 12 to the display 16. For this purpose, at least one, preferably two plug contact connections 18a, 18b can be provided as the data interface 18. The additional data interface 18 only serves as a backup position for emergencies.

[0062] The display 16 provided as a head-up display in the helmet 6 of the firefighter is connected via an energy source (not depicted in FIG. 3), e.g., a rechargeable battery. The short radio transmission bridge according to the invention in the region of the extinguisher nozzle 4 makes it possible in a simple manner to provide the additional data transmission via a communication cable 19 as a backup position.

[0063] In a further embodiment, the invention also makes it possible to establish a bidirectional data transmission between the first and the second radio device 13 and 14. In addition to transmitting data to be shown in the display 16, voice files can preferably also be transmitted from the firefighter operating the extinguisher nozzle 4 to the controller 11 and/or voice files can be transmitted from the firefighter at the controller 11 to the firefighter at the extinguisher nozzle 4.

[0064] The drawing according to FIG. 4a shows the switching position of the manifold valve 10 when the conveying pump 5 is supplied with extinguishing fluid from the tank 8. The supply of extinguishing fluid from the tank 8 must be maintained until the supply of the conveying pump 5 is established via a stationary extinguishing fluid source 2. For this purpose, either a permanently installed hydrant 28 or a lake 27 or a stream, river or the like are suitable.

[0065] If a hydrant 28 is present, the second inflow 9 of the conveying pump 5 is connected to the connection of the hydrant 28. For example, extinguishing water from a hydrant has a pressure of approximately 3 bar. After opening the hydrant 28, the extinguishing water will thus be applied at said pressure at the manifold valve 10 via the second supply line 9. The pressure causes the manifold valve 10 to be switched from the switching position shown in FIG. 4a to the switching position shown in FIG. 4b. In this case, it can be expedient, if necessary, that the pump 26 adjusts the pressure which is generated in the second inflow 9 to the required pressure or pressure range.

[0066] However, the pump 26 is particularly important when no hydrant 28 is available but only a body of water, such as a lake 27. In such event, it is often the case that the water surface of the lake is lower-lying than the fire engine 1, and so an actuation of the pump 26 influences the pressure conditions in the second supply line 9 such that the extinguishing water from the lake 27 can reach the conveying pump 5 via the manifold valve 10.

[0067] For the pressure control 30 of the manifold valve 10, an elastic element 25, e.g., a spring, can be provided, by means of which the manifold valve 10 is held pre-tensioned in the switching position shown in FIG. 4a. Alternatively or additionally, a magnetic element (not depicted) can also be provided for the pressure control of the manifold valve 10.

[0068] The drawing in FIG. 5 shows the display 16, preferably a head-up display, in the helmet 6 of the firefighter. Expediently, the following information can be displayed individually or in any combination via the display 16: [0069] the current filling level 20 of the tank 8 with extinguishing fluid, [0070] the time remaining 21 for releasing extinguishing fluid from the tank 8, [0071] a status indication 22 with regard to the existence of a conveying connection of extinguishing fluid from the stationary extinguishing fluid source 2 to the fire extinguisher device, [0072] a status indication 22 with regard to the non-existence of a conveying connection of extinguishing fluid from the stationary extinguishing fluid source 2 to the fire extinguisher device, [0073] a status indication 23 with regard to the existence and/or non-existence of a radio link and/or [0074] an alarm signal 24 and/or [0075] the switching position of the manifold valve 10.

[0076] It must be expressly noted that the inventive concept also includes partial combinations of all of the above features.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0077] 1 Fire engine

[0078] 2 Stationary extinguishing fluid source

[0079] 3 Hose

[0080] 4 Extinguisher nozzle

[0081] 5 Conveying pump

[0082] 6 Helmet

[0083] 7 First supply line

[0084] 8 Tank

[0085] 9 Second supply line

[0086] 10 Manifold valve

[0087] 11 Controller

[0088] 12 Control line

[0089] 13 First radio module

[0090] 14 Second radio module

[0091] 15 Radio signals

[0092] 16 Display

[0093] 17 Display

[0094] 18 Data interface

[0095] 18a Plug contact connection

[0096] 18b Plug contact connection

[0097] 19 Communication cable

[0098] 20 Current filling level

[0099] 21 Time remaining

[0100] 22 Status indication conveying connection

[0101] 23 Status indication radio link

[0102] 24 Alarm signal

[0103] 25 Elastic element

[0104] 26 Pump

[0105] 27 Lake

[0106] 28 Hydrant

[0107] 29 Conveying pump control

[0108] 30 Pressure control

[0109] 31 Valve

[0110] 32 Valve

[0111] 33 Return line

[0112] 34 Valve