Electrically Triggerable Fusible Link Opening Element of an Extinguishing Fluid-Conducting Element

Abstract

There are a large number of different sprinklers which are used in firefighting installations, in particular a water extinguishing installation having a blocking and an enabled state, wherein the extinguishing fluid-conducting element has a fusible link opening element having a predetermined electrical resistance, wherein the fusible link opening element is integrated in an electrical circuit which has a switch (S) and through which when the switch (S) is closed there flows a current by which the fusible link opening element is opened.

Claims

1. An extinguishing fluid-conducting element for a firefighting installation having a blocking and an enabled state, wherein the extinguishing fluid-conducting element has a fusible link opening element having a predetermined electrical resistance, wherein the fusible link opening element is integrated in an electrical circuit which has a switch (S) and through which when the switch (S) is closed there flows a current by which the fusible link opening element is opened.

2. The extinguishing fluid-conducting element as set forth in claim 1 wherein the fusible link opening element has a fusible link and the fusible link softens, melts, or disintegrates by the flow of the electric current through the fusible link opening element.

3. The extinguishing fluid-conducting element as set forth in claim 2 wherein the extinguishing fluid-conducting element has a thermal resistance which touches the fusible link opening element or is arranged in the immediate proximity thereof and which is integrated in the electrical circuit and which when the switch (S) is closed generates a predetermined amount of thermal energy, by which the fusible link is heated so that the parts of the fusible link opening element which are held together by the fusible link are released from each other.

4. The extinguishing fluid-conducting element as set forth in claim 1 wherein the extinguishing fluid-conducting element is a fusible link sprinkler or a control valve having a fusible link opening element.

5. A fire extinguishing installation having a blocking and an enabled state, comprising an extinguishing fluid-conducting element as set forth in claim 1.

6. A method of testing an extinguishing fluid-conducting element as set forth in claim 1 wherein there is provided a test cycle in which a test current flows through the electrical circuit, wherein the test current is markedly lower than the current for triggering the fusible link opening element and wherein in the test cycle contacts and/or ageing or functional capability of the extinguishing fluid-conducting element or the fusible link opening element are checked.

Description

[0031] The invention is described hereinafter by means of examples and also with reference to drawings in which:

[0032] FIG. 1a shows a cross-section through a known extinguishing fluid-conducting element of a firefighting installation,

[0033] FIG. 1b shows a side view of an extinguishing fluid-conducting element as shown in FIG. 1a,

[0034] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view through an extinguishing fluid-conducting element according to the invention in the form of a fusible link sprinkler,

[0035] FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic view of an extinguishing fluid-conducting element in the form of a control valve with fusible link opening element,

[0036] FIG. 4 shows a diagrammatic view of a zonal division of a room in which different regions can be supplied with extinguishing fluid,

[0037] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration as shown in FIG. 1a, and

[0038] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an extinguishing fluid-conducting element as shown in FIG. 5.

[0039] FIG. 1 shows in the two views in FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b the cross-section (FIG. 1a) and the view (FIG. 1b) of a known fusible link sprinkler with a fusible link triggering element.

[0040] Such a sprinkler 1 has a detector 2 which has a screw 3 passing centrally therethrough. The triggering mechanism 4 of the fusible link triggering element can be adjusted with that screw, the triggering element for example comprising a rod 5, a curved lever 6 mounted between the screw 3 and the rod 5, and two plates connected by a fusible link.

[0041] As can be seen from FIG. 1a the lever 6 with its front part 7 carries a plate 8. Resting on that plate 8 is a further plate 9 which in turn is carried by a straight lever 5. The fusible link 23 is located therebetween and initially connects the two plates.

[0042] The straight lever 5 has a foot end 10 which rests on a support 11 which in turn is received by a receiving means 12 (a so-called pip cap). In addition each lever has a head end 25 which is disposed in a recess 26 in the lever 6. That receiving means 12 has a peripherally extending shoulder 13 bearing on a spring 16, for example a plate spring (Belville), which is in the form of a circular ring, and comes to bear at the outside on the frame of the sprinkler body 14. In the lower region the sprinkler body 14 has a thread 15 which can be screwed into a pipe, through which water or another fluid extinguishing agent is supplied to the sprinkler and, as the sprinkler body 14 is internally hollow, pushes the fluid extinguishing agent (indicated by Flm) against the receiving means 12 and the spring 16 from the interior.

[0043] The spring 16 is coated with Teflon to deploy a sealing action which is as great as possible, for as long as the sprinkler triggering mechanism 4 is still in the sprinkler 1, a sufficient force must be opposed to the pressure of the fluid extinguishing agent (Flm) and at the same time the fluid extinguishing agent may also not escape from the interior of the sprinkler body 14.

[0044] FIG. 1b shows the side view of the sprinkler shown in FIG. 1a.

[0045] It can be clearly seen therefrom that the sprinkler body 14 has an O-shaped frame 16 carrying the deflector 2. The frame 17 in this case is a part of the sprinkler body 14 and, as can be seen, the screw 3 passes through the frame 16 where the deflector is also held by the frame.

[0046] If now the screw 3, as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, is tightened (that is to say moved downwardly in the view), then it presses (stresses) the triggering mechanism 4 by way of the foot region 10 of the rod 5 into the support. At the same time in that case the receiving means 12 is pressed against the inner region of the spring 16 and thereby also applies the spring 16 with its outer region in sealing relationship against the sprinkler body 14.

[0047] As can also be seen from FIG. 1a the connection between the rod 5 and the lever 6 is arranged slightly displaced out of the central axis Z. Accordingly by tightening the screw 3 a force is also applied to the lever 6, the outer region of which seeks to move away from the rod 5.

[0048] It will be appreciated however that this is prevented by the two plates 8 and 9 being connected with a fusible link 23.

[0049] The fusible link can be of such a nature depending on the respective use, location, type and wish, that it melts at a desired temperature, and, when that is the case, the plates 8 and 9 are released from each other, that is to say the front part 7 of the lever 6 moves outwardly (towards the right in the direction 24 in FIG. 1a) and the entire triggering mechanism drops out of its arresting engagement as shown in FIG. 1 with the consequence that there is now no longer any pressure acting from the outside in opposition to the internal pressure of the fluid extinguishing agent and the latter thus flows out of the interior of the sprinkler body 14 and in so doing preferably sprays against the deflector 2 which provides that this causes a desired sprinkler disk or fan spread.

[0050] FIG. 2 shows a development according to the invention of the known sprinkler.

[0051] In that respect the following preliminary remarks are in order.

[0052] In the ideal case, upon melting of the fusible link, all parts of the triggering mechanism are detached from the sprinkler in order not to interfere with or divert the fluid flow of the extinguishing agent.

[0053] The sprinkler body 14 regularly comprises metal, for example brass, the deflector also comprises metal, for example phosphor bronze, the support 11 also comprises metal, for example brass, the screw 3 also comprises metal, for example stainless steel and the levers 5 and 6 also comprise metal, for example stainless steel. The two fusible link plates 8 and 9 also comprise metal, for example a nickel-beryllium alloy, and the receiving means 12 also comprises metal, for example brass or copper.

[0054] The spring 16 also comprises metal but is also coated for example with polytetrafluorethylene (Teflon). This means that the receiving means 12 resting on the spring 16 is electrically non-conductingly connected to the sprinkler body 4.

[0055] It is now also possible to see from FIG. 2 that the frame of the sprinkler body 14 but at least the screw 13 is connected by way of an electric line to the pole of a voltage source. By way of a further line there is a connection in the foot region 10 of the lever 5 to the other pole of the voltage source 27. It can be seen from the view that the electric line between the foot region of the lever 5 and the voltage source 27 is made by way of the electrically conducting support 11 which is electrically conductingly connected to the receiving means 12, to which the first electric line 18 is clamped. The second electric line 19 can be releasably or non-releasably mounted/connected (for example screwed, soldered, and so forth) to the frame of the sprinkler 14 but also directly to the screw 3 or the head end 25 of the triggering mechanism 4 or another part of the sprinkler body.

[0056] It can also be seen that there is a switch S which is in the open position in FIG. 2. By closure of the switch S current can finally flow through the frame of the sprinkler body, the parts of the triggering mechanism which are metallically connected thereto, with the support 10 and the receiving means 12, which, as mentioned, comprise electrically conducting materials.

[0057] Accordingly a current then flows through the frame of the sprinkler 14, through the screw, the levers 5 and 6 and through the plates 7 and 8.

[0058] In the situation where the second electric line 19 is fitted to the frame 14 or the screw 13 or the lever 6 and between the head end 25 of the rod 5 on the one hand and the recess 26 in the lever 6 on the other hand there is an electrical insulation by providing there for example an electrically non-conducting material or seal, for example plastic, the electric current then flows solely through the lever 6 and the plates 8 and 9 as well as the fusible link 23 to the foot region 10 of the rod 5, so that in that way the maximum current can flow through the plates 8, 9 and the fusible link 23, in order thereby to raise the temperature of the fusible link to the fusing temperature as quickly as possible.

[0059] As, as mentioned, the spring 16 is coated with Teflon that spring 16 electrically insulates the receiving means 12 from the frame of the sprinkler 14.

[0060] The flow of current has the consequence that instantly the levers 5 and/or 6 and/or the plates 8 and 9 and possibly also the fusible link 17 which connects the plates are heated so that triggering and release of the triggering mechanism also occurs virtually immediately because the fusible link can be caused to melt very quickly with the flow of current.

[0061] So that the known fusible link sprinkler therefore has an electrically triggerable function it only requires a line connection and a closed circuit, for example at the receiving means 12 and the sprinkler frame 14, 17.

[0062] When the switch S is closed a current I flows from the voltage source or current source (the voltage source can be a dc voltage but also an ac voltage source); by virtue of integration of the extinguishing fluid-conducting element in the illustrated circuit the current also flows through the levers 5 and 6, or the plates 8 and 9, and the interposed fusible link 23. The fusible link material is preferably a material which has a specific electric resistance.

[0063] A typical material for the fusible link is beryllium nickel UNS-N03360. Such a beryllium nickel alloy has a specific electrical resistance of 28.7 to 43 cm. Another fusible link material with an even greater specific electrical resistance is also suitable according to the invention and then leads to even faster melting so that even quicker triggering is possible.

[0064] If moreover the rod 5 and the lever 6 are also heated by the flow of current therethrough, then as mentioned, that results in very rapid attainment of the melting temperature of the fusible link and then virtually electric triggering of the indicated fusible link sprinkler.

[0065] FIG. 2 does not show that the switch S can also be controlled, that is to say closed, by a sensor, for example a room, radiation or temperature sensor when a value detected by the sensor exceeds a predetermined value.

[0066] FIG. 3 also shows the application of the invention for a control valve having an input line 20 and two output lines 21, 22. Those lines are designed for the flow of fluid extinguishing agent. As can be seen from FIG. 2 the triggering mechanism 4 is again provided between two pressure points.

[0067] In FIG. 3 the fusible link opening elementthis is indicated by the circleis of a configuration as shown in FIG. 2.

[0068] While the two pressure points in FIG. 1 form the screw 3 and the support 11 of the receiving means 12 the pressure points in FIG. 2 in turn comprise a screw 30 and a valve stem 31. The valve stem 31 in that case presses (from below) against a plate 32 which in turn bears against a counterpart mounting 34 of the control valve and on the other hand carries the triggering mechanism 4.

[0069] In the interior of the control valve the valve stem 31 with its rear part (not visible) closes the through-flow of a fluid extinguishing agent which bears with its pressure against the lower connection of the control valve.

[0070] When the triggering mechanism is triggered by closure of an electric switch S, as with the same or similar functionality as described with reference to FIG. 2, the valve stem is moved upwardly by the fluid pressure and thus enables the through-flow of the fluid extinguishing agent through the two outlets 21 and 22.

[0071] As an alternative to the illustrated structure in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 it is also possible for a heating wire resistance to be connected to the fusible link or arranged close thereto, and when then the heating wire resistance has a current flowing therethrough, the resistance is heated and thus causes the fusible link to melt.

[0072] A further preferred embodiment is moreover one in which the fusible link or the two plates 8, 9 which are connected by means of the fusible link are made from a material which has very good heating wire resistance properties, therefore a high specific resistance, so that when current flows through those parts, heat which is as great as possible is generated, very rapidly causing the fusible link to melt.

[0073] The thermal heating element (heating wire resistance) can be in the form of a heating resistance or in the manner of a safety fuse (such safety fuses are state of the art), that is to say, when the current flows through the safety fuse, not only is sufficient heat generated to melt the fusible link, but in that case the safety fuse itself is also destroyed (ruptured).

[0074] In that respect the safety fuse is so designed that it can have a predetermined current strength flowing therethrough for a predetermined period of time, and it is so designed that on the one hand sufficient heat is generated to reliably melt the fusible link, but on the other hand also for melting the safety fuse.

[0075] A further variant provides that the fusible link itself is electrically conductive and/or magnetic and is surrounded by a coil which, when a current flows through the coil, applies a force to the fusible link which causes it to rupture or which again heats the fusible link to such a degree that it virtually instantly melts and thus enables the sprinkler or valve function.

[0076] FIG. 4 shows a sketch of a surface which is subdivided into four sectors a, b, c, d. In that arrangement a corresponding switch S1, S2, S3, S4 is associated with each sector so that if necessary the corresponding sprinklers of a sector can be activated by closure of the corresponding switch, that is to say with a single switch command, for example with closure of the switch S1, the sprinklers of the sector a can virtually simultaneously begin to apply water to the surface of the sector a.

[0077] It is naturally also possible to cause all sprinklers of all sectors to be activated with a single switch which in FIG. 3 is arranged as the switch S5.

[0078] The switches can be fitted in the fire alarm and/or extinguishing control center (BMZ), but can also be associated spatially with the individual sectors in order if necessary, when a fire is developing, to be triggered by the corresponding personnel. The individual association of switches with the sprinklers however is also conceivable.

[0079] Insofar as FIG. 2 shows the solution according to the invention for a dc voltage/direct current source, it is noted that the invention also functions equally well with an ac voltage/alternating current source.

[0080] The voltage/current-carrying cables to the sprinkler can be fitted at the sprinkler or its feed components (like for example sprinkler pipes) both releasably (for example by screw means) or also non-releasably (for example welding, soldering, gluing), while a clamping mounting is also possible. If it important that an electrically conducting contact is ensured at any time between the current/voltage-carrying cables and the connected components of the sprinkler so that, with closure of the switch, the above-mentioned current can flow in order to melt the fusible link and thus trigger the sprinkler.

[0081] Division of an area into various sectors, for example in a large hall, in a large building, and so forth, is known as such, for example from US 2017/0120090, FIG. 1. It will be noted however that it is not known from that document for individual sectors also to have associated corresponding switches, by means of which electrical triggering of the provided sprinklers can be enabled.

[0082] The invention also includes the possibility that in a test mode electrical conductivity is tested, by a low testing current flowing through the line (for a short time) and by the existence of the electrical contacts and the conductivity of the current through the defined current path being tested by measurement of the test current. The current which occurs in that case can be measured but is not sufficient to cause the fusible link to melt.

[0083] Such a testing operation can also be routinely carried out at recurring intervals, for example once a week, once a year and so forth, and in that respect the test result can be recorded, stored and/or represented at a suitable display in the fire alarm and/or extinguishing control center (BMZ).

[0084] As mentioned, a test cycle is designed such that the current-carrying parts have a current flow therethrough, which is markedly lower than the current, by means of which the fusible link sprinkler can be electrically triggered.

[0085] If for example the current for electrically triggering the fusible link sprinkler is 10 A, then a markedly lower test current is a current of the order of magnitude of 10%, that is to say 1 A or less, for example 1 mA. It is crucial that in the test cycle the test current can still be reliably measured.

[0086] The test cycle according to the invention has the advantage that it is possible therewith under some circumstances to detect damage to the sprinkler. Ageing of the components of the sprinkler can also be detected therewith, more specifically when the components of the sprinkler, through which the current flows, are of an increased or reduced resistance by virtue of their ageing, which can occur due to material shrinkage, material oxidation and other ageing influences and also environmental influences.

[0087] It is possible to establish by means of the test cycle whether a sprinkler was exposed to an excessively high temperature upon transport to the installation position. If that was the case, it is possible to encounter invisible separation of the two plates, whereby the electrical conduction properties are decreased, which can be detected in the test cycle.

[0088] FIG. 5 shows a cross-section through an alternative arrangement or configuration of a fusible link sprinkler. The references respectively relate to the parts which are also described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0089] It is to be noted that the mechanical structure and thus the mechanical layout of the sprinkler shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is known as such, for example from U.S. Pat. No. 4,623,023. FIG. 5 however shows how such a sprinkler can be equipped so that it is also electrically triggerable.

[0090] The sole essential difference lies in the configuration and arrangement of the rod 5, the lever 6 and the plates 8 and 9. As can be seen from FIG. 5 the plate 9 is an integral component part of the rod 5, in contrast the plate 8 is an integral component part of the lever 6. As can be seen from FIG. 5 the rod 5 is arranged inclined slightly out of the center line Z so that the screw acts on the front part of the lever 6 so that when the screw is tightened the lever with the plate 8 thereof tries to move away from the rod or its plate 9. That is prevented by the fusible link 23 between the plates 8 and 9 as long as it is still in a solid state and as long as that fusible link is still not heated so greatly to its predefined triggering temperature. If that happens by virtue of closure of the switch S a current I then flows through the electrical circuit in which the fusible link opening element is integrated.

[0091] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the fusible link sprinkler of FIG. 5.

[0092] It can be clearly seen from the Figure that the external structure of the fusible link sprinkler is similar to the structure known from FIG. 1b, and that the essential difference only involves the structure, configuration and arrangement of the levers 5 and 6 as well as the plates 8 and 9 which are connected together by the fusible link.

[0093] It is further noted that electrical testing to ascertain whether a fusible link sprinkler is operational is known as such, for example from US 2017/0120090. The solution shown in that state of the art however is extremely complicated and only allows technical functional testing but not electrical triggering of a fusible link sprinkler.

[0094] As shown in the present application however with the devices for electrical triggering of the fusible link sprinkler when the electrically conducting parts are only acted upon with a low test current, it is also possible to perform technical functional checking, as mentioned, but without causing triggering of the sprinkler.

[0095] Accordingly the configuration and structure according to the invention of the extinguishing fluid-conducting element also permits implementation of a method of testing the extinguishing fluid-conducting element, in which respect there is then a test cycle in which a test current flows through the electrical circuit, wherein the test current is markedly lower, that is to say for example less than 10%, 5% or less than the current for triggering the fusible link opening element, and wherein in the test cycle the contacts and/or ageing or functional capability of the extinguishing fluid-conducting element or the fusible link opening element are checked, if for example it is established in the test cycle that the test current does not flow through the electrical circuit, it is to be assumed that there is a cycle interruption, for example a line break, so that in such a case it is possible to perform targeted fault checking or maintenance.

[0096] Thus it is possible to entirely dispense with the highly complex test structure as is known from US 2017/0120090 and a simpler structure is provided, which has at the same time at least two functions, more specifically on the one hand the possibility of effecting functional testing of the sprinkler and on the other hand also implementing electrical triggering thereof.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0097] 1 fusible link sprinkler [0098] 2 deflector [0099] 3 screw [0100] 4 triggering mechanism [0101] 5 rod [0102] 6 lever [0103] 7 front part [0104] 8 first plate [0105] 9 second plate [0106] 10 foot end [0107] 11 support [0108] 12 receiving means [0109] 13 shoulder [0110] 14 sprinkler body [0111] 15 thread [0112] 16 spring [0113] 17 frame [0114] 18 first line [0115] 19 second line [0116] 21 first output line [0117] 22 second output line [0118] 23 fusible link [0119] 24 outward direction [0120] 25 head end [0121] 26 recess [0122] 27 voltage/current source [0123] 30 screw [0124] 31 valve stem [0125] 32 plate [0126] 34 counterpart mounting [0127] S switch