ALARM VALVE STATION OF A FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM, IN PARTICULAR A SPRINKLER OR SPRAY WATER EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM

Abstract

An alarm valve station (80) of a fire extinguishing system (100) includes a fire extinguishing system valve (1) having a housing (2, 3) which has a fluid inlet chamber (8), a fluid outlet chamber (9) and a closing body (4a) reciprocable between a blocking state and a release state, wherein the fluid inlet chamber (8) and the fluid outlet chamber (9) are separated from each other in the blocking state and communicate with each other in fluid-conducting relationship in the release state. In particular it is proposed that the evaluation unit is connected in signal-conducting relationship to one or more actuators, and is adapted to control the actuator or actuators by the control commands, wherein the alarm valve station preferably has one or more sensors and the evaluation unit is connected in signal-conducting relationship to the sensor or sensors and is adapted to control the actuator or actuators in dependence on the sensor data present thereat.

Claims

1. An alarm valve station (80) of a fire extinguishing system (100), in particular a sprinkler or spray water extinguishing system, comprising a fire extinguishing system valve (1) comprising a housing (2, 3) which has a fluid inlet chamber (8), a fluid outlet chamber (9) and a closing body (4a) reciprocable between a blocking state and a release state, wherein the fluid inlet chamber (8) and the fluid outlet chamber (9) are separated from each other in the blocking state and communicate with each other in fluid-conducting relationship in the release state, an electronic evaluation unit (50) which is integrated in the housing (2, 3), arranged externally on the housing or arranged in the proximity of the fire extinguishing system valve (1), wherein the evaluation unit is connected in signal-conducting relationship to one or more actuators, and is adapted to control the actuator or actuators by means of the control commands, wherein the alarm valve station preferably has one or more sensors and the evaluation unit is connected in signal-conducting relationship to the sensor or sensors and is adapted to control the actuator or actuators in dependence on the sensor data present thereat.

2. An alarm valve station according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit has a data interface (10) for receiving control commands by means of the data interface and is adapted to control the actuator or actuators by means of the control commands which are received and preferably subjected to further processing.

3. An alarm valve station according to claim 1, wherein the closing body (4a) has an actuator as a control drive and the electronic evaluation unit (50) is adapted to move the closing body (4a) selectively into the release or into the blocking position by means of the control drive.

4. An alarm valve station according to claim 1, wherein the closing body (4a) has an actuator in the form of a pilot control drive and the electronic evaluation unit (50) is adapted to either lock or unlock the closing body (4a) by means of the pilot control drive.

5. An alarm valve station according to claim 1, wherein the alarm valve station (80) has an alarm passage (5) and a testing valve (17) for flooding the alarm passage (5), wherein the testing valve has an actuator as a control drive and the electronic evaluation unit (50) is adapted to move the testing valve (17) selectively into the release or into the blocking position by means of the control drive.

6. An alarm valve station according to claim 1, comprising: one of more sensors, wherein the evaluation unit (50) is connected in signal-conducting relationship to the sensor or sensors for receiving data for data processing into at least one of: state information, or operating instructions and is adapted to transmit the state information and/or operating instructions to a display unit (40).

7. An alarm valve station according to claim 1, comprising a display unit (40) preferably adapted to receive the state information and/or operating instructions from the evaluation unit and to display same.

8. An alarm valve station according to claim 7, wherein the display unit is integrated in the housing (2, 3).

9. An alarm valve station according to claim 7, wherein the display unit is arranged externally on the housing or in the proximity of the alarm valve station.

10. An alarm valve station (80) according to claim 7, wherein the display unit (40) is adapted to reproduce numerical values and/or text characters, wherein the display unit (40) preferably includes a display, in particular an LCD or LED display (41).

11. An alarm valve station (80) according to claim 7, wherein the display unit (40) is in the form of a portable communication device, preferably a mobile radio device.

12. An alarm valve station (80) according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit (50) and/or display unit (40) includes an input device (43) for the input of control commands.

13. An alarm valve station (80) according to claim 12, wherein the input device has pressure-sensitive input elements.

14. An alarm valve station (80) according to claim 7, wherein arranged on the housing (2, 3) of the fire extinguishing system valve (1) is a fixing device (45) for reversibly releasably fixing the display unit (40).

15. An alarm valve station according claim 2, wherein the data interface (10) is adapted for unidirectional or bidirectional, preferably wireless data exchange with a remotely spaced data processing unit.

16. An alarm valve station according to claim 7, wherein the display unit and the evaluation unit are connected in signal-conducting relationship by means of the data interface (10).

17. An alarm valve station according to claim 7, wherein the display unit and the evaluation unit are connected in signal-conducting relationship by means of a second dedicated data interface which is in the form of: USB interface, PCI interface, PCI express interface, Thunderbolt interface, WPAN interface, in particular VFIR-IrDA, IFIR-IrDA, Bluetooth or NFC.

18. An alarm valve station according to claim 17, wherein the display unit and the evaluation unit are adapted to mutually identify each other by means of the dedicated interface and to preferably automatically form the signal-conducting connection.

19. An alarm valve station (80) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor or sensors include one or more pressure sensors (6) preferably integrated in the housing (2, 3).

20. An alarm valve station (80) according to claim 1, wherein one or more temperature sensors (70) adapted to detect the fluid temperature within the fire extinguishing system valve and/or the temperature in one or more further components of the alarm valve station and/or the ambient temperature of the alarm valve station.

21. An alarm valve station (80) according to claim 1, wherein one or more internal measuring devices (21) for detecting the water hardness and/or for detecting a flow speed.

22. A fire extinguishing system (100), in particular a sprinkler or spray water system comprising at least one fluid line (11), and an alarm valve station to which one or more fluid lines are connected, wherein the alarm valve station is designed according to claim 1.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0094] The disclosure is described in greater detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying Figures and by means of preferred embodiments by way of example.

[0095] In the Figures:

[0096] FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a fire extinguishing system according to the disclosure together with an alarm valve station,

[0097] FIGS. 2a and b show diagrammatic views of a housing cover for a fire extinguishing system valve of the fire extinguishing system according to the disclosure,

[0098] FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a fire extinguishing system according to the disclosure,

[0099] FIG. 4 shows a diagrammatic view of a further embodiment of a fire extinguishing system according to the disclosure,

[0100] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the fire extinguishing system of FIG. 4,

[0101] FIG. 6 shows a diagrammatic view of a fire extinguishing system valve of the fire extinguishing system according to the disclosure, and

[0102] FIG. 7 shows a diagrammatic view of a pressure sensor of the fire extinguishing system according to the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0103] The fire extinguishing system 100 in FIG. 1 is in the form of a sprinkler extinguishing system and has a fire extinguishing system valve 1, a plurality of fluid lines 11 and a display unit 40. The fire extinguishing system valve 1 and the display unit 40 are component parts of an alarm valve station 80.

[0104] The fire extinguishing system valve 1 for blocking and opening the fluid lines 11 includes a housing 2, 3 having a fluid inlet chamber 8, a fluid outlet chamber 9 and a closing body 4a reciprocable between a blocking state and a release state. Reciprocal includes here not only a translatory movement but also rotatory and other forms of movement. The fluid inlet chamber 8 and the fluid outlet chamber 9 are separated from each other in the blocking state and are in fluid-communicating relationship with each other in the release state. Integrated into the housing 2 is the alarm passage 5 which is in communication with the valve seat 4b and in which a pressure sensor 6 is operatively disposed. The pressure sensor 6 is integrated in the housing cover 3 of the housing 2. A data interface 10 is passed outwardly by way of a signal-conducting connection, and can be picked up from outside on the housing cover 3.

[0105] The fire extinguishing system valve 1 is arranged in a fluid line 11 adapted to feed extinguishing fluid to the plurality of sprinkler nozzles 12.

[0106] In addition the alarm valve station 80, preferably the fire extinguishing system valve 1, has an electronic evaluation unit 50 which is connected in signal-conducting relationship to the display unit 40 for receiving data and for transmitting state information of the valve 1 and/or operating instructions.

[0107] In the illustrated embodiment the closing body 4a is in the form of a wet alarm valve station without a dedicated actuator, but optionally can have such an actuator (not shown) as its control drive. The electronic evaluation unit 50 is then adapted to move the closing body 4a selectively into the release position or the blocking position by means of the control drive.

[0108] The display unit 40 is adapted to provide a user with displays about given operating states and/or to instruct the user. The display unit 40 is adapted to reproduce numerical values and text characters and graphics and images. The display unit 40 includes an LCD display 41 and is in the form of a portable mobile radio device. The display unit 40 further includes an input device 43 for the input of control commands and information, the input device 43 having pressure-sensitive input elements. The pressure-sensitive input elements are press buttons.

[0109] The fire extinguishing system valve 1 further has a temperature sensor 70 adapted to detect the fluid temperature within the fire extinguishing system valve 1. The temperature sensors 20 are connected in signal-conducting relationship by way of the evaluation unit 50 to the display unit 40 for output of the detected temperature data.

[0110] In addition the fire extinguishing system 100 has two internal measuring devices 21a, b. The first internal measuring device 21a is adapted to detect water hardness and the second internal measuring device 21b is adapted to detect a flow speed. The internal measuring devices 21 are connected in signal-conducting relationship by way of the evaluation unit 50 to the display unit 40 for output of the detected measurement data as state information.

[0111] A housing cover 3 is a component part of the housing 2 and is screwed fluid-tightly thereto.

[0112] In the interior of the housing 2 the closing body 4a is arranged on a valve seat 4b, a seal 7 providing for fluid-tight separation of the fluid inlet chamber 8 and the fluid outlet chamber 9 with respect to the alarm passage 5.

[0113] Unlike the structure shown in FIG. 1 in FIGS. 2a and 2b the display unit 40 and the evaluation unit 50 are integrated in the housing cover 3 of the housing 2. The housing cover 3 is in the form of a hand hole cover. In the illustrated embodiment the housing cover 3 has a recess 13 which is provided with a transparent cover member and which is recessed in the side that is remote from the housing 2 in the mounted state of the housing cover 3. Arranged in the recess 13 are a first and a second pressure sensor 6 respectively connected by way of a fluid line 14a, b as a redundant system to a fluid port 15. The fluid port 15 is so positioned that when the housing cover 3 is mounted on the housing 2 it is connected in fluid-conducting relationship to the alarm passage 5. For reasons of clarity the Figures do not show an emptying device for automatically emptying the alarm passage when the closing body 4a is closed. As an alternative to the arrangement shown here it would also be possible to connect a plurality of pressure sensors to different fluid ports, wherein each fluid port is connected in fluid-conducting relationship to another fluid chamber of the housing in order to be able to simultaneously measure the different pressures prevailing at various locations of the alarm valve.

[0114] The pressure sensors 6 are respectively connected in signal-conducting relationship to an evaluation unit 50. The pressure sensors 6 and the evaluation unit 50 are communicated with each other in such a way that the evaluation unit 50 can detect and process the pressure data output by the pressure sensors 6. The evaluation unit 50 is connected in data-connecting relationship to a data memory 16 and is adapted to store data processing results in the data memory 16 and/or to read in and process data stored in the data memory, in particular pressure data, from the pressure sensors 6.

[0115] Optionally the data memory 16 is alternatively or additionally directly connected to the pressure sensors 6 in data-conducting relationship in order to store pressure data received from same.

[0116] The evaluation unit 50 is optionally alternatively or additionally connected in data-conducting relationship to a display unit 40 and is adapted to feed the display unit 50 with information which can be called up, in particular state information of the fire extinguishing system valve 1.

[0117] The various possible data connections between the pressure sensors, the evaluation unit 50, the data memory 16 and the display unit 40 as well as the data interface 10 are shown by way of example by lines in FIG. 2a.

[0118] The data memory 16, the display unit 40, the electronic evaluation unit 50, the pressure sensors 6 and the data interface 10 are functionally independent units which as an alternative to the embodiment shown by way of example can also be integrated in separate recesses or mounting means in the housing 2 or in the housing cover 3. Depending on the respective functional content of the fire extinguishing system valve, that is desired by the customer, preferred embodiments provide that not all of the illustrated elements but only individual elements or sub-combinations of the elements are integrated in the housing or the housing cover.

[0119] The data interface 10 is connected to a data processing unit 20 by way of remote data transmission means. The data processing unit is adapted to process the information read in from the data interface 10 and/or to pass it on, for example to output it to external display means 30 and/or in the form of alarm notifications, depending on what kind of state information the data interface 10 provides.

[0120] As an alternative to the integration in the housing cover as shown here, one, more or all of the integrated elements shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b can be integrated in another region of the housing 2 of the fire extinguishing system valve 1, or for example also in an intermediate flange fitted between the main housing 2 and the housing cover 3. The basic mode of operation is preferably the same as in the embodiment shown here.

[0121] FIG. 3 diagrammatically shows a fire extinguishing system 100. The fire extinguishing system 100 monitors a plurality of fire extinguishing system valves 1a, b, c insofar as it communicates in data-conducting relationship with respective data interfaces 10a, b, c provided at the fire extinguishing system valves 1a, b, c and calls up state information provided thereby. The state information is processed in a data processing unit 20 and for example either passed to external display means 30 or returned to the fire extinguishing system valves 1a, b, c and reproduced there on internal display units 40. Optionally the data processing unit 20 is adapted to control the valves 1a, b, c by means of suitable control commands, for example to close or open the closing bodies thereof.

[0122] The valves 1a, b, c operate in operation in such a way that at least one of the pressures in the fluid inlet chamber and/or fluid outlet chamber and/or in the alarm passage is permanently monitored. The pressure data obtained in that way are processed by the electronic evaluation unit 50 or the data processing unit 20, in particular being compared to predetermined limit values. The pressure data and/or deviations from a target pressure pattern or situations where the pressure rises above or falls below the predetermined limit values are recorded for example in the data memory 16 of the fire extinguishing system valves or a data memory (not shown) of the data processing unit 20. If for example the pressure in the fluid inlet chamber drops although the closing body is signalled as being in the locking position then the data processing unit or the evaluation unit is preferably adapted to output a corresponding fault signal. If for example the pressure in the alarm passage—which in the readiness condition is at atmospheric pressure—rises due to opening of the alarm valve then the data processing unit or the evaluation unit is preferably adapted to output a corresponding alarm signal.

[0123] If for example the pressure in the fluid outlet chamber falls below a given limit value, for example after triggering of the sprinkler nozzles, being the value below which the closing body should open but in spite of the signal from the valve that the closing body is in the release position, no change in pressure occurs in the fluid inlet region and/or the alarm passage, then the data processing unit is preferably adapted to also output for that purpose a corresponding signal for the presumed disruption.

[0124] In a similar manner, the occurrence of leaks or other functional disruptions can be remotely detected by means of ongoing pressure monitoring in the interior of the fire extinguishing system valve. Manual maintenance interventions can then be started in specifically targeted fashion. That is especially the case if the location and the type of the fire extinguishing system valve are also communicated in the state information in respect of the valve, and if there is a clear text display. That simplifies briefing the maintenance personnel with instructions.

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 arranged on the housing 2, 3 of the fire extinguishing system valve 1 which is in the form of a wet alarm valve is a fixing device 45 for reversibly releasable fixing of the display unit 40. The display unit 40 includes an input device 43 for the input of control commands, the input device 43 having a pressure-sensitive input element which is in the form of a press button. An electronic evaluation unit 50 is integrated in the display unit 40. The evaluation unit 50, with the display unit, forms an integral unit arranged externally on the fire extinguishing system valve.

[0126] The display unit 40 includes a display 41 and three LED units of differing colors. A graduated display concept can be implemented by means of the three LED units. Lighting of the red LED unit signals that a fire was detected, lighting of the yellow LED unit signals that there is a disruption, and lighting of the green LED unit signals that neither was a fire detected nor is there a disruption in the fire extinguishing system.

[0127] The fixing device 45 has plug means for reversibly releasably plugging the display unit 40 to the housing 2 of the fire extinguishing system valve 1. The fixing device 45 further has a hinge adapted to change the setting angle or the inclination of the fixed display unit 40.

[0128] Extending between the fluid inlet chamber and the fluid outlet chamber 9 of the fire extinguishing system valve 1 is a compensating line, by means of which it is possible to produce a fluid-conducting connection between the fluid inlet chamber and the fluid outlet chamber 9, by-passing the closing body. Arranged along the compensating line are two valves with a shut-off tap 19a, 19b and two manometers 18a, 18b as well as a non-return valve (not referenced).

[0129] The alarm passage 5 which in FIGS. 4 and 5 is prolonged in the form of an external line connects the fire extinguishing system valve 1 by way of a testing valve 17 to a pressure sensor (not shown) in the form of a pressure switch. In operation a given fluid pressure p2 prevails in the fluid outlet chamber 9 filled with extinguishing fluid, with the sprinkler nozzles closed, while a pressure p1 prevails in the fluid inlet chamber. The pressures p1 and p2 can be approximately equal or equal and are preferably in the range of 1 to 25 bars. The pressure in the fluid outlet chamber 9, being p2, falls as soon as the sprinkler nozzles open. As soon as a certain pressure drop between p2 and the pressure p1 in the fluid inlet chamber is reached or exceeded, the closing body of the valve 1 opens with a time delay, whereby the pressure p1 in the fluid inlet chamber also changes. The previously static pressure firstly falls directly after opening of the valve and a new pressure p3 gradually obtains, defined as flow pressure. Upon opening of the valve 1 there is also a change in pressure in the alarm passage, that is detected by the pressure sensor. As a consequence of the signal from the pressure sensor, when a change in pressure is detected, a suitable alarm signal is triggered, for example to a fire signalling and/or extinguishing control centre.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 6 the display unit 40 with display 41 is integrated in the housing cover 3 of the fire extinguishing system valve 1. The fluid inlet chamber of the fire extinguishing system valve 1 is connected in fluid-conducting relationship to an alarm passage 5 which is prolonged in the form of an external line. The alarm passage 5 is in turn connected to a pressure sensor 6 which is in the form of a pressure switch and which detects a change in pressure in the alarm passage 5, the change in the pressure thereof initiating an alarm signal, which in turn causes activation of the alarm means 22. The alarm means 22 can be an optical signalling means, for example a flashing lamp, or an acoustic signalling means, for example a horn.

[0131] Alternatively or in addition further components of the alarm valve station according to the disclosure can have a display unit 40. As shown in FIG. 7 for example the pressure sensor 6 which is in the form of a separate component and which is preferably in the form of a pressure switch can have a display unit 40. The display unit 40 is fixed to the pressure sensor 6. In the illustrated embodiment the display unit 40 is reversibly releasably fixed to the pressure sensor 6 by means of a fixing device.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0132] 1, 1a, b, c fire extinguishing system valve [0133] 2 housing [0134] 3 housing cover [0135] 4a closing body [0136] 4b valve seat [0137] 5 alarm passage [0138] 6 pressure sensor [0139] 7 seal [0140] 8 fluid inlet chamber [0141] 9 fluid outlet chamber [0142] 10, 10a, b, c data interface [0143] 11 fluid line [0144] 12 sprinkler nozzle [0145] 13 recess [0146] 14a, b fluid line [0147] 15 fluid port [0148] 16 data memory [0149] 17 testing valve [0150] 18a, 18b manometer [0151] 19a, 19b valves with shut-off tap [0152] 20 data processing unit [0153] 21 internal measuring devices [0154] 22 alarm means [0155] 23 display means [0156] 40 display unit [0157] 41 display [0158] 43 input device [0159] 44 LED units [0160] 45 fixing device [0161] 50 evaluation unit [0162] 70 temperature sensors [0163] 80 alarm valve station [0164] 100 fire extinguishing system