CH716336A2 - Fire simulation device. - Google Patents

Abstract

In a fire simulation device (1) for simulating fires of different fire classes, comprising a device housing (2) with a burner pan, at least one ignition device (204) being arranged in the burner pan and gas lines (203) to a first burner (201) and a second Burners (202) run and the gas supply through valves (213) and the at least one ignition device (204) can be controlled via control electronics (211) so that either the first burner (201) or the second burner (202) depending on the desired fire class simulation in Is feasible, different fire classes should be simulated quickly and safely in the shortest possible time. This is achieved in that a position switch is operatively connected to the control electronics (211) in the device housing (2) and the control electronics (211) recognizes the orientation of the device housing (2) at all times by evaluating the position switch (214) and when the device housing is pivoted (2) only the burner (201, 202) is supplied with gas about a pivot axis (D), the burner trough opening (2010, 2020) of which is oriented upwards from the floor (G).

Description

Technical area

The present invention describes a fire simulation device for simulating fires of different fire classes, comprising a device housing with a burner pan, wherein at least one ignition device is arranged in the burner pan and gas lines run to a first burner and a second burner and the gas supply through valves and the at least one ignition device can be controlled via control electronics so that either the first burner or the second burner can be put into operation depending on the desired fire class simulation, as well as a fire simulation method carried out with a fire simulation device.

State of the art

So far, complex fire simulation devices are known that can simulate fires or fire points according to defined fire classes A / C or B. From the definition of the fire classes it is clear that different areas of fire should have different intensities, surface areas and flame heights in order to simulate the desired fire classes as realistically as possible. It has proven to be complicated in practice to simulate fires of different fire classes with a fire simulation device.

[0003] As an example of a known fire simulation device, the fire simulation device from Naderer Brandsimulation AG, known under the name “FirePocket Business”, is mentioned at https://www.naderer-firetrainer.com/de/handfeuerloeschtrainer/ according to the link. This handheld fire extinguisher trainer is successful on the market for training different fire-fighting operations with hand-held fire extinguishers. This fire simulation device essentially comprises a device housing and control electronics in a control electronics housing. A fire site is simulated in the device housing, which is maintained under the control of the control electronics.

Device housing and control electronics, and thus the entire fire simulation device, are designed to be mobile and can easily be set up at different locations. Gas lines and signal lines run from the control electronics housing to the device housing. In the device housing there is at least one burner pan with a burner, whereby depending on the design of the burner pan, fires of fire class "A", solid fires by using a waste paper basket module or fires of fire class "C", gas flowing out and burning under pressure can be simulated. In the burner pan of the fire simulation device, a fire is ignited by means of control electronics by means of an ignition device while the gas is supplied, and the resulting fire is kept in operation for a certain time in a controlled manner. During the fire simulation, fire-fighters can extinguish the fire with various extinguishing devices. In such an exercise there is neither a danger for the trainer nor for the trainee, as the fire with the desired fire class burns in a fully controlled process.

The fire simulation takes place in each case on the open side of the burner pan or fire pan, the burner pan having to be converted beforehand to change the fire class simulation before a changed, desired fire class can be simulated. For example, a burner pan opening of the burner pan is varied, for which purpose tools or a dummy module must be used. By simulating different fire classes, learning the tactically correct procedure can be trained using different dummy modules, for example to extinguish a screen, a deep fryer fire or a tire fire.

The known fire simulation device is mobile and transportable, but does not allow a simple quick change of the fire simulation from one fire class to another fire class. For example, dummy modules need to be assembled or additional sheets or constructions must be placed on them. This is cumbersome and requires additional time, especially if it is necessary to wait for the device housing to cool down and if assembly tools have to be used.

Presentation of the invention

The present invention has set itself the task of creating a fire simulation device which allows the simulation of fires for training fire-fighting personnel, without great effort and in the shortest possible time, to simulate different fire classes. The use of tools, the complete cooling of the fire simulation device and the use of additional material should be dispensed with.

Above all, a quick switchover of a fire simulation of fire class B to fire simulation of fire classes A / C was desired, which can be easily achieved with the present fire simulation device.

What was desired was a changeover of the fire simulation between the fire classes which was safe for the user and which reliably avoids undesired fires.

Variations of combinations of features or minor adaptations of the invention can be found in the detailed description, shown in the figures and included in the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

The subject matter of the invention is described in detail below in connection with the accompanying drawings. Necessary features, details and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description, a preferred embodiment of the invention and some additional features or optional features being listed in detail.

It is shown in Figure 1a shows a perspective view of a fire simulation device with a view of an A / C fire class side of the device housing, while Figure 1b shows a perspective side view of the fire simulation device according to Figure 1a, with the A / C fire class side up shows. Figure 1c shows a perspective view of the device housing after omitting the burner pan and the technology compartment cover from the B fire class side, while Figure 1d shows a perspective view of the device housing with technology compartment cover and partially omitted burner pan and indicated flames of an A / C fire class simulation. The pivotability about an axis of rotation of the wheels or a pivot axis of the fire simulation device is indicated in all figures. FIG. 2a shows a perspective view of the fire simulation device from a B fire class side, with flames being indicated above the burner pan. FIG. 2b shows a further perspective view of the fire simulation device with the cover of the burner compartment and the technical compartment cover omitted. Figure 3 shows a partially sectioned side view of the device housing from the side of the technology compartment with details of the control electronics.

description

The fire simulation device 1 comprises a device housing 2 in which the actual fire is simulated. The device housing 2 stands on a floor G, with several orientations of the device housing 2 being possible. The fire simulation is triggered or kept in operation by means of a remote control 3, while sufficient gas is supplied as fuel from a gas reservoir 4. Optionally, a charger 5 is used here, which is guided into the device housing 2 via a charger connector 50.

Here the device housing 2 consists of a burner compartment 20, which is formed by a burner pan 200 and a technology compartment 21, in which means for controlling the fire simulation are arranged. The technology compartment 21 is provided with a technology compartment cover 210 so that the components are protected from fire and heat during operation. Both compartments 20, 21 could also be combined into one housing.

Depending on the orientation of the device housing 2 of the fire simulation device 1, a fire of fire classes A / C or B can be simulated. The alignment of the device housing 2 for the fire simulation of fire class A / C is described with reference to FIGS. 1a to 1d. In the bottom of the burner trough 200, a first burner trough opening 2010 is cut out, in the vicinity of which a first burner 201 is arranged. The first burner 201 is spaced here from the first burner pan opening 2010 in such a way that neither a gas line 203 nor an ignition device 204 is visible. When supplied with gas and after ignition, the flame of fire class A / C strikes out of the first burner pan opening 2010. The first burner 201 is only allowed to generate flames when the first burner trough opening 2010 is opposite the floor G on which the device housing 2 is placed.

The remote control 3 is connected via a remote control connection 30 and the gas reservoir 4 is connected to the technology compartment 21 via a gas connection 40. As long as a user is carrying out the fire simulation on the remote control 3, gas is supplied in a controlled manner and the fire simulation is carried out using the components in the technical compartment 21. The flames then strike out of the burner compartment 20, to the side of the device housing 2 facing away from the floor G, here from the first burner pan opening 2010 in the rear of the burner pan 200.

A plurality of handles 23 are arranged here on the burner compartment 20, in particular screwed on, in order to facilitate pivoting of the entire fire simulation device 1. Even when the burner trough 200 is hot, the entire device housing 2 can thus be pivoted about a pivot axis D. It makes sense to place the pivot axis D in the vicinity of the edge of the device housing 2, which extends away from the outer edge of the burner compartment 20. That is why the pivot axis D is placed here through the technical compartment 21, which is spaced apart from the burner compartment 20. At least one hollow shaft 22 with at least one wheel 220 is arranged on the technology compartment 21 or partially crossing it. The axis of rotation of the at least one wheel 220 here runs parallel to the pivot axis D. In addition to a rolling transport of the device housing 2, pivoting about the pivot axis D is also facilitated. For reasons of stability, the arrangement of two wheels 220, each rotatable on a hollow shaft 22, is recommended, with their axis of rotation D being aligned.

For safety reasons, the device housing 2 should only be transported and / or pivoted when the fire simulation is switched off.

If the burner tray 200 of the burner compartment 20 and the technology compartment cover 210 are removed, the first burner 201, parts of a second burner, gas lines 203, a second burner opening 2020 and the components in the technology compartment 21 are clearly visible.

A burner is understood to mean a device which has at least one body with an outlet from which gas supplied can escape, so that a gas-air mixture can be formed which can be ignited by means of a spark.

The first burner 201 is designed as a hollow cylinder which is arranged centrally below the first burner pan opening 2010 or walls of the first burner pan opening 2010 and at a distance from the position of the wall of the burner pan 200. The hollow cylinder of the first burner 201 could also protrude from the burner trough 200, but this makes the device housing 2 more susceptible to damage, since the protruding hollow cylinder may get caught somewhere. A gas line 203 opens into the hollow cylinder from the direction of the technology compartment 21, so that the gas supplied can rise from the plane of the paper through the hollow cylinder, according to FIG. 1c, or flames rise in this direction after ignition.

In the technology compartment 21 an electronic control unit 211 is arranged, which controls the control of valves 213. An accumulator (not shown) ensures that the control electronics 211 can also function without an external voltage connection. To complete this, a battery monitor 212 is arranged, which indicates as soon as the internal accumulator has to be recharged by connecting the charger 5. The electronic control system 211 controls the valves 213 so that a desired, targeted gas supply to the first burner 201 or the second burner 202 can be set at the time. For safety reasons, a main valve 213 can be installed, which can stop the entire gas supply through the gas connection 40.

As ignition device 204, at least one ignition electrode is provided, which generates a spark in the technology compartment 21 by high voltage, which ignites a gas-air mixture in the area of the first burner 201 or the second burner 202.

Visible here is an elongated electrode from the technology compartment 21 to the burner trough 200 or to just before the outer wall of the hollow cylinder, which is marked with a lightning bolt. A spark occurs between the electrode tip and the outer wall of the hollow cylinder, which ignites the air-gas mixture, regardless of which burner 201, 202 the gas emerges from.

As can be seen in the perspective view of FIG. 1d, the first burner 201 or the hollow cylinder is arranged sunk in the interior of the burner trough 200. Since all components are preferably made of steel, from stainless steel to Corten steel, a spark can be generated and the components withstand the high temperatures during the fire simulation. In FIG. 1d, when looking at the underside of the device housing 2, an arrow indicates that the entire device housing 2 can be pivoted about the pivot axis D, which is facilitated by the handles 23 and the at least one wheel 220 and the hollow shaft 22.

The second burner 202 comprises a gas line 203 which has individual openings in its course. The gas line 203 here has approximately the course of a square with rounded corners. Gas can escape in a controlled manner from the individual openings which are distributed along the gas line 203 and are recessed. In the fire class position B of the device housing 2, an area fire can be simulated after the gas has emerged from the plurality of gas outlet openings. The openings are advantageously arranged distributed on the side of the first burner trough opening 2010 or in the direction of the first burner trough opening 2010 in the course of the gas line 203.

If one looks at the front of the device housing 2 according to FIG. 2a, in the direction of the fire class position B of the device housing 2, one looks into a larger second burner pan opening 2020 in the burner pan 200. In this pivoted position of the device housing 2, the rear side of the first burner 201 and the first burner trough opening 2010 in the lower trough wall can be seen in the interior of the burner trough 200. The gas line 203 of the second burner 202 runs inside the burner pan 200 and gas rises upwards from the burner pan 200. The device housing 2 is placed here on the floor G in such a way that the second burner pan opening 2020 points away from the floor G.

In order to simulate fire class B as precisely as possible, the burner trough 200 is filled with a liquid, which is not shown here, the fuel rising from the liquid after setting by the control electronics 211 and being distributed on the surface. If the gas-air mixture is ignited there, a wildfire results along the entire second burner pan opening 2020. The flames strike away from the second burner pan opening 2020, onto the side of the device housing 2 facing away from the floor G. The openings of the second burner 202 are for such an optimal fire simulation on the side opposite to the burner pan opening 2020 in the gas line 203. If one would like to carry out the fire simulation without liquid, these openings could also be recessed in the side of the gas line 203 facing the second burner pan opening 2020.

To protect the at least one wheel 220, flame guide plates 24 are arranged in the area of the wheels 220 here. The technology compartment cover 210 and the spacing of the control electronics 211 with all its components, the valves 213 and the hollow shaft 22 from the burner trough 200 is advantageous because of the high temperatures. The hollow shaft 22 is understood here to mean the positions of both wheels 220 and the space which crosses the technology compartment 21, so that both wheels 220 are supported on a hollow shaft 22. The design of several hollow shafts 22 would also be possible.

The electronic control system 211 has a position switch 214 as a sensor, or is operatively connected to it, in order to determine the current alignment of the device housing 2. In the view of the technology compartment 21 according to FIG. 3, an electromechanical position switch 214 is shown, a ring being mounted movably along a web. Due to the force of gravity, the ring is mechanically deflected and makes contact. Depending on the closed contact, the control electronics 211 can determine how the device housing 2 is aligned and to which the burner 201, 202 the gas inflow is to be opened. The wiring of the position switch 214 with the control electronics 211 and the contacts with the control electronics 211 are not shown here. Of course, it must be ensured that the position switch 214 can detect the alignment of the device housing 2 and forward it to the control electronics 211.

Some embodiments of such electromechanical position switches 214 are known. A position switch 214 that can withstand very high temperatures must be used here. A purely electrical position switch 214 would also be possible, which does not include a movably mounted body and is therefore less prone to failure. This position switch 214 prevents gas from escaping into the burner pan 200 or out of the burner pan 200 by opening the wrong valve 213 on the wrong burner 201, 202. If the device housing 2 is pivoted by actuating the handles 23, the control electronics 211 automatically recognize the respective position and prevent incorrect operation, that is to say undesired flames.

In Figure 3 it is again clear that the wheels 220 should be placed on hollow shafts 22 so that the control electronics 211 and the valves 213, as well as supply lines, not shown, can run through the technology compartment 21. A pivoting of the entire device housing 2 does not affect the connections 30, 40, 50 either. The flames, i.e. the fire class simulation, may only emerge on one side, pointing away from the floor. The simplified pivotability of the device housing 2 makes it easy to switch from a fire class orientation to a fire class orientation, the position switch 214 automatically preventing gas from escaping from the burner 201, 202 on the undesired side.

In practice, the device housing 2 or the control electronics 211 is connected to the remote control 3. Similar to a dead man's switch, a button must be kept pressed permanently so that the correct valve 213 is opened and a correct fire simulation can take place.

In the orientation of the device housing 2, so that the fire class A / C are simulated, the flames rise from the smaller first burner pan opening 2010. In this orientation, dummy modules (not shown) can be placed on the burner pan opening 2010, for example a dummy module in the form of a waste paper basket, screen, electrical cabinet or electric motor. Strictly speaking, this means that class A fires are correctly simulated.

List of reference symbols

1 fire simulation device 2 device housing 20 burner compartment 200 burner pan 201 first burner 2010 first burner pan opening (small, A / C) 202 second burner 2020 second burner pan opening (large, B) 203 gas line (internal) 204 ignition device (at least one, optionally with dead man's switch) 21 Technical compartment 210 Technical compartment cover 211 Control electronics 212 Accumulator / battery monitor 213 Valve 214 Position switch (to control the gas supply to the respective burners) 22 Hollow shaft 220 Wheel D Rotation axis of the wheels / pivot axis of the BSV G Floor 23 Handle 24 Flame guide plate 3 Remote control with connection 30 Remote control connection 4 Gas reservoir with gas supply line 40 gas connection 5 charger 50 charger connection A / C fire class side A / CB fire class side B

Claims (15)

A fire simulation device (1) for simulating fires of different fire classes, comprising a device housing (2) with a burner pan (200), at least one ignition device (204) being arranged in the burner pan (200) and gas lines (203) to a first burner (201) and a second burner (202) and the gas supply through valves (213) and the at least one ignition device (204) can be controlled via control electronics (211), so that either the first burner (201) or the second burner (202 ) can be put into operation depending on the desired fire class simulation, characterized in that a position switch (214) is operatively connected to the control electronics (211) and the control electronics (211) recognizes the orientation of the device housing (2) at any time by evaluating the position switch (214) and when the device housing (2) is pivoted about a pivot axis (D ) only the burner (201, 202) is supplied with gas, the burner tray opening (2010, 2020) of which is oriented upwards from the floor (G). 2. Fire simulation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one wheel (220) is arranged on at least one hollow shaft (22) in the edge region of the device housing (2), such that the pivot axis (D) of the device housing (2) coincides with the axis of rotation (D) of the at least one wheel (220) collapses. 3. Fire simulation device (1) according to claim 2, wherein two wheels (220) are arranged on the hollow shaft (22) in the edge region of the device housing (2) and facilitate pivoting of the device housing (2) about the pivot axis (D). 4. Fire simulation device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 3, wherein a remote control connection (30) and a gas connection (40) leads into the interior of the at least one hollow shaft (22). 5. Fire simulation device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the axis of rotation (D) of the at least one wheel (220) and the pivot axis (D) of the device housing (2) are aligned and cross the technology compartment (21). 6. Fire simulation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the position switch (214) is an electromechanical position switch (214) which preferably has a ring movable on a rod, which can be moved in two end positions depending on the force of gravity. 7. Fire simulation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control electronics (211) with an accumulator and the valves (213) are arranged in a technical compartment (21) at a distance from the burner pan (200). 8. Fire simulation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control electronics (211) comprises a battery monitor (212). 9. Fire simulation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control electronics (211) comprises a charger (5) for an accumulator. 10. Fire simulation device (1) according to claim 9, wherein a charger connection (50) leads into the interior of the at least one hollow shaft (22). 11. Fire simulation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control electronics (211) can be operated from outside the device housing (2) by connecting an external remote control (3). 12. Fire simulation method, carried out with a fire simulation device (1), comprising a device housing (2) with a burner pan (200), at least one ignition device (204) being arranged in the burner pan (200) and gas lines (203) to a first burner ( 201) and a second burner (202) and the gas supply through valves (213) and the at least one ignition device (204) can be controlled via control electronics (211), characterized by the steps: Placing the device housing (2) on a floor (G), Alignment of the device housing (2) pivoted about a pivot axis (D) in the edge area of the device housing (2) such that either a first burner pan opening (2010) or a second burner pan opening (2020) is oriented away from the floor (G), with both burner pan openings ( 2010, 2020) are arranged on opposite sides of the device housing (2), and automatic detection of the alignment of the device housing (2) in an A / C or B fire class alignment by means of a position switch (214) operatively connected to the control electronics (211), after which the burner (211) is then actuated by the control electronics (211). 201, 202) is supplied with outflowing gas, the burner opening (2010, 2020) of which is oriented away from the floor (G) and the ignition of the air-gas mixture formed by the at least one ignition device (204) is carried out by the control electronics (211). 13. Fire simulation method according to claim 12, wherein a hollow shaft (22) with two wheels (220) is arranged in the edge region of the device housing (2), the axis of rotation (D) of which corresponds to the pivot axis (D), so that the device housing (2) can pivot along this axis of rotation (D) takes place. 14. Fire simulation method according to claim 13, wherein a safe pivoting of the device housing (2) by connecting a remote control (3) and a gas reservoir (4) via a remote control connection (30) and a gas connection (40) through the interior of the hollow shaft (22) is feasible. 15. Fire simulation method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein at least one handle (23), which is arranged on the burner pan (200), is actuated to facilitate pivoting of the device housing (2).