U.S. patent application number 10/007529 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-23 for curtain arrangement for preventing spread of smoke.
Invention is credited to Ciop, Michael, Konrad, Reinhard, Linde, Hansjuergen, Luther, Joachim, Schellenberger, Werner, Siller, Stefan, Stoebich, Jochen, Wegner, Thomas.
Application Number | 20020059985 10/007529 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27172438 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020059985 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stoebich, Jochen ; et
al. |
May 23, 2002 |
Curtain arrangement for preventing spread of smoke
Abstract
A curtain consists of a web of temperature resistant material
that forms a web surface and that may be unwound from a coil that
is arranged on a coil core. The curtain web has lateral edge
regions on either side of the web so as to be separated by the
curtain web's width and upper and lower end edge region. The
curtain web includes a first outer web layer, and inner layer of
fibrous material that extends over a predetermined length and that
forms two opposed surfaces, one of which is adjacent to the first
outer web layer. The curtain web also includes a second outer layer
that is adjacent to the other surface of the inner layer. The
curtain arrangement further includes a supply for a liquid fire
retardant that extends with in the region of the upper end edge
region and over the width of the curtain so as to supply the liquid
to the fibrous material.
Inventors: |
Stoebich, Jochen;
(Langelsheim-Wolfshagen, DE) ; Siller, Stefan;
(Seesen/Rhueden, DE) ; Luther, Joachim;
(Immenrode, DE) ; Schellenberger, Werner;
(Bopfingen, DE) ; Wegner, Thomas; (Bennewitz/b.
Leipzig, DE) ; Linde, Hansjuergen; (Coburg, DE)
; Konrad, Reinhard; (Coburg, DE) ; Ciop,
Michael; (Vienenburg, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Gerald H. Kiel
Reed Smith LLP
375 Park Avenue
New York
NY
10152
US
|
Family ID: |
27172438 |
Appl. No.: |
10/007529 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10007529 |
Dec 5, 2001 |
|
|
|
09235991 |
Jan 22, 1999 |
|
|
|
09235991 |
Jan 22, 1999 |
|
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08620942 |
Mar 22, 1996 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
160/41 ;
160/241 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B 9/13 20130101; E06B
9/50 20130101; E06B 9/11 20130101; E06B 9/17007 20130101; E06B 9/58
20130101; E06B 9/84 20130101; A62C 2/10 20130101; E06B 9/17046
20130101; E06B 9/56 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/41 ;
160/241 |
International
Class: |
A47H 001/00; A47G
005/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 22, 1995 |
CH |
00 815/95-0 |
Apr 1, 1995 |
DE |
195 12 355.7 |
Claims
In the claims:
1. A curtain arrangement comprising at least one curtain web of
temperature resistant material at least in part, being of a
predetermined length and having lateral edge regions on either side
of the web so as to be separated by the curtain web's width, as
well as-upper and lower end edge regions, said curtain web being
adapted to be wound onto and unwound from a coil, said curtain web
including a first outer web layer, at least one inner layer of
fibrous material extending over a predetermined length and forming
two opposed surfaces, one of them adjacent to said first outer web
layer, and a second outer layer adjacent to the other one of said
surfaces of said inner layer; at least one coil core winding said
at least one web to form said coil; and supply means for a liquid
fire retardant extending within the region of said upper end edge
region and over substantially said width so as to supply said
liquid to said fibrous material.
2. Curtain arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one
of said first and second outer layers is porous and has a
coating.
3. Curtain arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein said coating
is of a material melting under elevated temperatures.
4. Curtain arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least
one inner layer of fibrous material comprises a fleece
material.
5. Curtain arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one
of the inner layers is continuous over the whole width of the
curtain web and over its predetermined length.
6. Curtain arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one
of said first and second outer layers is porous.
7. Curtain arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least two
of said layers are wound on a common coil.
8. Curtain arrangement as claimed in claim 7, wherein said inner
and outer layers are fixed to each other to form an integral
curtain.
9. Curtain arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least two
inner layers are provided at least over part of said length of the
curtain web.
10. Curtain arrangement as claimed in claim 9, wherein said at
least two inner layers are of substantially identical material.
11. A curtain arrangement comprising at least one curtain web of
temperature resistant material at least in part and having lateral
edge regions on either side of the web so as to be separated by the
curtain web's width, as well as upper and lower end edge regions,
said curtain web being adapted to be wound onto and unwound from a
coil, said curtain web including a first outer web layer, and a
second outer web layer opposing said first outer web layer which,
thus define a space in-between them; at least one coil core winding
said at least one web to form said coil; and supply means for a
fire retardant agent extending within the region of said upper end
edge region and over substantially said width; said curtain web
having at least one outlet opening at its lower side, to allow at
least part of said agent to exit said space.
12. Curtain arrangement as claimed in claim 11, wherein said said
at least one outlet opening is provided within one edge region of
said curtain web.
13. Curtain arrangement as claimed in claim 12, wherein said at
least one outlet opening is provided within a lateral edge region
of said curtain web.
14. A curtain arrangement comprising at least one curtain web of
temperature resistant material at least in part and having lateral
edge regions on either side of the web so as to be separated by the
curtain web's width, as well as upper and lower end edge regions,
said curtain web being adapted to be wound onto and unwound from a
coil, said curtain web including a first outer web layer, and a
second outer web layer opposing said first outer web layer which,
thus define a space in-between them; at least one coil core winding
said at least one web to form said coil; and fire protection means
provided by said first and second outer web layers towards said
upper end, said fire protection means comprising at least one
intermediate fabric layer between said first and second outer
layers.
15. Curtain arrangement as claimed in claim 14, wherein said
reinforcing means comprise at least one intermediate, layer between
said first and second outer layers.
16. Curtain arrangement as claimed in claim 14, wherein said
reinforcing means comprise at least two intermediate layers between
said first and second outer layers.
17. Curtain arrangement as claimed in claim 14, herein said space
is filled with a material resistant to fire.
18. The curtain arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least
one inner layer being an inner fire protection layer containing
fire retardant material at least when a fire has broken out, said
fire protection layer extending over a predetermined length and
forming two opposed surfaces, one of said surfaces being adjacent
to said first outer web layer, said fire retardant material
including a substance developing a cooling activity under heat.
19. The curtain as claimed in claim 18, wherein said substance
developing a cooling activity comprises an endothermically reacting
substance to remove heat by chemical transformation.
20. The curtain as claimed in claim 19, wherein said substance
comprises zinc oxalate.
21. The curtain as claimed in claim 18, wherein said substance
developing a cooling activity comprises a material foaming under
the influence of heat.
22. A curtain arrangement of a predetermined curtain width,
comprising at least two webs of temperature resistant material
having two opposite web surfaces, each web being adapted to be
wound onto and unwound from a coil; at least two coil cores winding
each said one of said webs to form said coil, said core having two
axially spaced ends, said at least two coil cores being parallel to
each other and substantially of equal lengths, extending over said
predetermined curtain width; a bearing arrangement for each of said
coil cores, said bearing arrangement comprising at least one pair
of bearings each for one of said cores, the bearings of said pair
being situated side-by-side; drive means for said coil cores; and a
common end bar for said at least two webs.
23. Curtain arrangement as claimed in claim 22, wherein said at
least two coils and said bearing arrangement are accommodated
within a common housing.
24. Curtain arrangement as claimed in claim 23, wherein said
housing comprises a common outlet slot for said at least two
webs.
25. Curtain arrangement as claimed in claim 24, wherein said
housing comprises guide means for guiding said webs through said
slot.
26. A curtain arrangement of a predetermined curtain width,
comprising at least two webs of temperature resistant material
having two opposite web surfaces, each web being adapted to be
wound onto and unwound from a coil; housing means comprising at
least two individual, substantially identical housing modules, and
interconnecting means for said housing modules; at least two coil
cores in said housing and winding each said one of said webs to
form said coil, said core having two axially spaced ends, said at
least two coil cores being parallel to each other and substantially
of equal lengths, extending over said predetermined curtain width;
a bearing arrangement for each of said coil cores, said bearing
arrangement comprising at least one pair of bearings each for one
of said cores, the bearings of said pair being situated
side-by-side; drive means for said coil cores; and a common end bar
for said at least two webs.
27. A curtain arrangement of a predetermined curtain width,
comprising at least two webs of temperature resistant material
having two opposite web surfaces, each web being adapted to be
wound onto and unwound from a coil; at least two coil cores winding
each said one of said webs to form said coil, said core having two
axially spaced ends, said at least two coil cores being parallel to
each other and substantially of equal lengths, extending over said
predetermined curtain width; a bearing arrangement for each of said
coil cores, said bearing arrangement comprising at least one pair
of bearings each for one of said cores, the bearings of said pair
being situated side-by-side; drive means for said coil cores
including one electric motor per core in maximum; and a common end
bar for said at least two webs.
28. A curtain arrangement of a predetermined curtain width,
comprising at least two webs of temperature resistant material
having two opposite web surfaces, each web being adapted to be
wound onto and unwound from a coil; at least two coil cores winding
each said one of said webs to form said coil, said core having two
axially spaced ends, said at least two coil cores being parallel to
each other and substantially of equal lengths, extending over said
predetermined curtain width; a bearing arrangement for each of said
coil cores, said bearing arrangement comprising at least one pair
of bearings each for one of said cores, the bearings of said pair
being situated side-by-side; drive means for said coil cores
including one electric motor per core in maximum, said electric
motor comprising electric brake means; and a common end bar for
said at least two webs.
29. Curtain arrangement as claimed in claim 22, wherein said drive
means are commonly assigned to drive said cores.
30. Curtain arrangement as claimed in claim 22, wherein said cores
comprises at least two individual, substantially identical core
modules, and interconnecting means for said core modules.
31. A curtain arrangement of a predetermined curtain width,
comprising at least two webs of temperature resistant material
having two opposite web surfaces, each web being adapted to be
wound onto and unwound from a coil; at least two coil cores winding
each said one of said webs to form said coil, said core having two
axially spaced ends, said at least two coil cores being parallel to
each other and substantially of equal lengths, extending over said
predetermined curtain width; a bearing arrangement for each of said
coil cores, said bearing arrangement comprising at least one
intermediate bearing arranged at one side of a web; drive means for
said coil cores; and a common end bar for said at least two webs.
Description
[0001] This is a divisional application under 37 CFR 1.53(b) of a
continuation-in-part application Ser. No. 09/235,991 filed Jan. 22,
1999 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application,
Ser. No. 08/620,942 filed Mar. 22, 1996 which claims foreign
priority to foreign applications Switzerland 00 815/95-0 filed Mar.
22, 1995 and Germany 195 12 355.77 filed Apr. 1, 1995. The entire
disclosure of application Ser. Nos. 09/235,991 and 08/620,942 is
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a curtain comprising a web of
temperature resistant material forming a web surface and having
lateral edge regions on either side, which web may be wound onto
and unwound from a coil arranged on a coil core having two ends and
being supported by a bearing arrangement including at least one
supporting surface. If, in this context, the term "temperature
resistant" is used, the degree of any temperature resistance will
depend, also on the other fire protection measures discussed later
in connection with the curtain, which can render a higher degree of
temperature resistance superfluous.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In case of a fire, a dangerous element is constituted by the
flames and the relatively high temperatures themselves.
Simultaneously, there is also another potential danger from
developing fumes or smoke having, certainly, also a higher
temperature which, however, will not be as high as that of the
blaze's source. This smoke which, due to its higher temperature,
will generally pass through the upper regions of a room, has the
tendency to spread in large rooms and to cool down on cooler walls.
Then it will fill also the lower regions of the room so as to
deprive people and animals as well of the breath.
[0004] Therefore, an endeavor has to be to prevent the smoke from
spreading and to draw it off in such a manner that it no longer
constitutes a hazard for breathing air in lower regions of a room.
Admittedly, an arrangement to provide surfaces for drawing off or
blocking the smoke is difficult, because such surfaces should not
obstruct the normal use of a room.
[0005] From DE-A-23 38 352, a curtain with the characteristics of
the introductory part of claim I is known by which draw off
surfaces without any obstruction are provided, such surfaces being
optionally adapted to shield against a blaze (fire-resistance). A
disadvantage of this known attempt resides in that the curtains, by
virtue of their support and by the arrangement of loose webs which
are movable relatively to each other, are difficult to maintain in
tight condition so that they do not result in effectively drawing
off or shielding in case of a fire with the resulting air current
developing thereby.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a
better and more, secure guiding of the curtain, by which a
deformation of the curtain in the manner of a wind-blown sail, or
forcing it out of its position by a strong air current is avoided.
According to the invention, this object is achieved by designing
the curtain with the coil core, at least on one of its ends, being
supported adjustably in height within a guidance and/or the curtain
is guided by lateral guide bars including an arrangement for
preventing the inserted curtain edge to be drawn out and/or that at
least two curtain webs the surfaces of which face each other have a
common end bar forming a weight for the curtain.
[0007] If one considers the support of the coil at the upper end of
a curtain and the end bar at the lower end thereof as a guide, in
the broadest sense of this term, the concept of the present
invention consists in general terms in providing a guidance to at
least one of the ends or edges of a curtain so as to maintain the
curtain tight in a planar configuration, without bulging or
flapping even with a strong air current during a blaze. The
temperature-resistive materials mentioned in the claim may be
formed by thin metal sheets as well as by fabrics, particularly by
woven clothing, made of temperature-resistive materials, preferably
glass fibers, but also from carbon fibers, polycarbon fibers or
ceramic fibers. A preferred embodiment will be described later.
[0008] The problem with large widths of a web resides, of course,
in the coil core's bending. Since, however, the curtain will
suitably be uninterrupted and continuous with adjacent mutually
interconnected webs, the accommodation of an intermediate support
is difficult, but is achieved by the invention.
[0009] A support will preferably be arranged at one of the edge
regions, i.e. at those places where either two strips of web are
situated edge by edge and/or where a free edge of the curtain is
located. In this way, the web can be wound in a more tightened
fashion resulting in less problems.
[0010] With the inventive design, it is easier to minimize or
reduce actuation means for moving the curtain, i.e., only a single
device will normally be necessary, e.g. a single motor rotating the
coil.
[0011] For better guiding and for holding the curtain in a more
tightened fashion, it is convenient to provide lateral guide bars,
e.g. for large-area subdivision of a room by a curtain according to
the invention.
[0012] In this way, a further problem can be under control. For the
curtains are, of course, easily displaced out of their desired
position by the air current developing during a fire, whereby
sealing and proper draw off of fumes would no longer be ensured.
This problem is especially avoided, if a gripping device is
assigned to each guide bar ensuring that the curtain cannot slide
out of the bars.
[0013] The end bar common to at least two curtain webs, whose
surfaces face each other, prevents a relative movement of the webs
under the air current of a blaze and results in a good guidance
uniformly tightening both webs. Additionally, the advantage of a
seal between the webs is achieved which opens up further
possibility of fire protection, as will be discussed below.
[0014] By providing an intermediate support, bending of coil cores,
in particular of those of great length, is avoided. By this
optional support, the necessity of providing a connection between
adjacent s trips of web is dispensed. Moreover, one can take
advantage of a single drive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Further details and characteristics of the invention will
become apparent from the following description of embodiments
schematically illustrated in the drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 shows a room equipped with a fume curtain;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-section along the line II-II of FIG.
1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a detail;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cross-section through a lateral guide bar for a
curtain;
[0020] FIG. 4a illustrates an alternative embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a view along the line V-V of FIG. 2;
[0022] FIGS. 6a and 6b are alternative embodiments of a guide bar
in a cross-section similar to FIG. 4 and in a lateral view;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a further embodiment of a
curtain;
[0024] FIG. 8 represents a cross-sectional view of a wall
separation having an opening to be closed in case of a fire,
through which a roller conveyer extends, showing two embodiments of
fire protection shutters according to the present invention;
[0025] FIGS. 9 and 10 each illustrate a modified embodiment of a
fire protection shutter;
[0026] FIG. 11 shows a preferred design of a curtain;
[0027] FIGS. 12 and 13 depict each a favorable embodiment, one in a
lateral view, the other in a front view; and
[0028] FIGS. 14 and 16 illustrate an especially preferred
embodiment, FIG. 14 showing an elevation of a curtain arrangement
when seen in the direction of arrow XIV to FIG. 15 which is an
enlarged lateral view partly in cross-section, and FIG. 16 showing
the detail XVI of FIG. 15 on a still enlarged scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 shows the interior of a building having at least two
floors of the type usual for banking halls or shopping centers. For
the admission of light, a glass structure (not shown in FIG. 1)
rests on top of columns 1, the structure being provided with a flue
flap meeting the rules for fire protection. In this way, the
columns support the overarch of a kind of a domed hall, whereas the
adjoining corridors 2 comprise a ceiling 3 on the level of the
first floor. For these corridors 2, a separate flue is provided
(not shown).
[0030] In the case of a fire, irrespective whether the fire breaks
out in the area of the domed hall or in the area of the corridors
surrounding this hall or in one of the adjacent rooms, it is the
first requirement to prevent the smoke from spreading, e.g. from
the corridors 2 into the domed hall where it cools and sinks down,
thus, endangering breathing of the people which is present in the
hall. Rather it should be ensured that the smoke is drawn off the
shortest way.
[0031] To facilitate the drawing off of smoke box-like casings 4
are installed around between the columns in the border region
between the corridors 2 and the domed hall situated in front of
them. These casings 4 house in their interior a coil 12 of a smoke
curtain 5 which can be lowered, if necessary, in the manner shown
in FIG. 1.
[0032] Curtains 5 are provided with lower end bars 6 which serve as
a tightening weight when the curtains are unwound into their
operative or use, position, while closing a slot 7 in storage
position of the curtains which slot forms the exit for the curtain
5.
[0033] The curtain 5 consists suitably of a nonflammable woven
fabric, for example of glass fibers, carbon fibers, polycarbon
fibers or ceramic fibers, optionally in combination also with one
of the other type of fibers mentioned above which can also be used.
If desired, the curtains may also comprise a nonflammable
impregnation and/or coating. Another embodiment which is preferably
used for fire protection will be discussed below.
[0034] It is not necessary under all circumstances to lower the
curtains fully to the bottom, because the hot fumes will pass along
the ceiling and will-be drawn off in the corridors in the direction
of arrow 8, while in the domed hall it is, for example, drawn
upwardly along the arrow 9.
[0035] It can be seen that the distance between the columns 1 is
relative large and can, amount to several meters. Since a normal
width of woven fabric is not sufficient in some cases and expensive
large width looms had to be used, it is possible to arrange for
several fabrics of smaller width adjacent and partially overlapping
each other to be unwound each from a coil core supported within the
casing 4. This leads, however, to an expensive construction,
because each coil core must have its own drive, and the drives have
to be mutually synchronized. For this reason, such a design is
adapted for rather smaller rooms.
[0036] In order to provide a simpler construction for larger rooms,
as of the type shown in FIG. 1, it is preferred within the scope of
the present invention if the individual strips of curtain web are
interconnected, for example by sewing the edges in the form of a
butt joint or of an overlapping joint of fabric edges. In this
case, however, a coil core is necessary which extends over the
whole length of the casing 4, and, thus, some problems with
supporting the coil will arise, since bending of the coil core and
obstruction when unwinding the curtains 5 from their upper
inoperative position into their operative position shown should be
avoided.
[0037] This supporting problem may be overcome by an arrangement as
shown in FIG. 2. In this design, the casing 4 is fastened to a
tiling 10 of the building by means not shown but known per se.
Within the casing 4, there is a coil core 11 onto which a coil 12
of a curtain 5 is wound. Also the end bar 6 mentioned above is
shown.
[0038] The coil 12 is supported by a supporting arrangement
preferably consisting of two supporting rollers 14 parallel to each
other and rotatably mounted on two arms 13 (one only is visible)
which project from one wall of the casing 4. The arms 13 are
reinforced at the side of the casing wall by reinforcing ribs 13'.
Theoretically, a single roller 14 beneath the coil 12 would be
sufficient as it would also be possible to arrange a whole cage of
several rollers around part of the circumference of the coil
12.
[0039] In this way, the coil 12 may be supported by pairs of
supporting rollers 14 axially spaced from each other (the rollers
of the pair being spaced in radial direction), although the coil as
such, being continuous over its total length, would not allow
otherwise for an intermediate support. Certainly, the consequence
is that the coil 12, according to the unwinding length required and
according to the length actually unwound, will assume different
positions within the casing 4. Thus, the complete coil (i.e. the
position corresponding to that of the end bar 6, as shown) will
assume the position 12' represented in dash-dot-dotted lines
whereas with unwound coil the core will assume the dash-dotted
position 12". In order to ensure reliable unwinding, a draw off
guide is preferably provided about in a vertical center plane V of
slot 7, said guide being possibly formed by a draw off roller, but
is preferably formed by a draw off edge 15, suitably being slightly
resilient.
[0040] In order to enable a reliable movement of the core and the
coil 12 up and down from position 12", to position 12' and
vice-versa it is preferred to provide a vertical guidance in the
form of a guiding slot 16 or a guiding bar, the slot, for example,
being defined by two struts 17 of the casing 4. The construction
within the region of this guiding slot 16 will be discussed in
detail below when reference is made to FIG. 5.
[0041] In FIG. 2, the above-mentioned end bar 6 is illustrated
whose construction is shown in detail and at an enlarged scale in
FIG. 3. As has already been mentioned, the purpose of this bar is
among others to serve as a weight, but it is clear that tightening
of the woven fabric securing such a large room, as in FIG. 1, is
also of eminent importance to enable proper winding onto the core
and that it is difficult to accomplish with such a large width of
the curtain.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the end bar 6 consists of two bar legs
18 and 18', which, for example, could be integrally and resiliently
formed, but in the embodiment illustrated are constructed as
separate parts to facilitate handling. This also makes it easier to
achieve a modular construction by combining the separate parts 18,
18' off-set over a desired length, thus achieving great stability
without the need for additional connection parts. Each of these bar
legs 18 and 18' has a clamping surface 19 at its free end, the two
clamping surfaces 19 preferably being parallel to each other in the
clamping position, as shown, in order to distribute the clamping
force over a larger area. As will become apparent, it is preferred
if the two clamping surfaces 19 are formed as smooth surfaces,
although it would be theoretically possible to provide them with
projections, such as teeth, biting into the fabric of curtain
5.
[0043] The purpose of this preferred construction to suitably
enable an adjustment in length after clamping the end of the
curtain wherein portions of the curtain which form wrinkles may be
drawn deeper into the end bar, while too tightened portions are
redrawn. This will be facilitated if clamping is achieved purely by
friction so that drawing of individual curtain portions is rendered
possible.
[0044] Actuation of the clamping device is effected in such a
manner that the bar legs 18 and 18', first take an open position
indicated by interrupted lines. In this position, a clamping bolt
20 is not yet screwed tightly into aligned bores 21, 22 of
overlapping connection cross-pieces 25, 25', and in a clamping
socket or nut 23 shown in FIG. 3, i.e. a desired length of the
curtain 5 may be inserted between the two bar legs 18, 18' and
their clamping surfaces 19 being open now. Then, with screwing the
clamping bolt 20 in, the two clamping surfaces 19 approach each
other and hold firmly the clamped portion of the curtain 5. The
clamping socket or nut 23 may be formed as a separate part or may
be rigidly secured to the connection cross-piece 25 of the bar leg
18. In particular, it is a riveted nut.
[0045] Preferably the design is such that at least one of the two
bar legs 18, 18', particularly both, comprise each an inclined
portion 24, 24', which forms an angle with the vertical center
plane V mentioned above, the two inclined portions 24, 24' forming
a kind of wedge. Suitably, a clamp piece 26 is inserted in that
wedge which is preferably rounded in a rod-like manner and has
particularly a circular cross-section.
[0046] As may be seen in FIG. 3, the end of the curtain can be
wrapped around the clamp piece 26, and then protrudes as end 5'
outside the clamping surfaces 19. Due to the smooth form of the
clamping surfaces 19 and the rounded peripheral surface of the
clamp piece, it is easy to balance the tension of the curtain under
the weight of the end bar 6 by drawing the free end 5' or the
curtain before tightening the clamping bolt 20 so that the curtain
in its lower, operative position (cf. FIG. 1) is uniformly
tensioned over its entire width. In this situation, a clamping
action will result between the clamp piece 26 and the inner
surfaces of the inclined portions 24, 24', forming an inner wedge.
Only when a balance of tension is attained which ensures winding of
the curtain 5 onto the coil 12 without wrinkles (cf. FIG. 2), the
clamping bolt will be finally tightened so that the bar legs 18,
18' assume their position shown in full lines in FIG. 3. In
accordance with the application, the clamp piece 26, may have less
or more weight and, thus, will also act as a load element.
[0047] It has already been mentioned above that it is, in
principle, possible to accommodate individual webs of curtains
either in an adjacent position or overlapping each other onto
separate coil cores. In such a case, however, a tight lateral
closure will not be attained. Although this will at first lead to
only a relatively small slot-like opening (which nevertheless has
to be taken into account), but will result in bulging of the
curtain by the air current arising in the case of a blaze. This
will displace the curtain out of its vertical position so that its
function as a guide for fumes or as a barrier against the fire will
be called into question. It is true that the above-mentioned weight
of the end bar 6 has a stabilizing effect, but still a further
improvement may be provided within the scope of the invention (but
also independently from the movable support of the coil 12 or the
construction of the end bar) by guiding or sealing the border edges
of the curtain 5 composed of several (or at least two webs of
fabric within (in the arrangement of FIG. 1) substantially
vertically extending guide rails or bars comprising a holding
device. A first embodiment of such a guide bar is shown in FIG.
4.
[0048] In this embodiment, the curtain 5, which besides could
consist of one or more webs commonly wound around a core, suitably
has an edge 27 turned up and sewed forming a reinforcement of the
fabric web at this location. This edge area of the curtain 5
extends into a guide bar F which substantially is formed as a
so-called "open surface box section" as shown, i.e. it is a box
section one surface 28 of which is open to form a slot 29 in the
longitudinal direction.
[0049] Within the region of this slot 29, preferably at least one
of two devices are arranged which serve for tightening the curtain
(to avoid bulging under the air current of a blaze), on the one
hand, and for sealing (to avoid permeable gaps), on the other hand.
One of these devices is formed by a sealing brush 30. In difference
to the common arrangement being about perpendicular to a slot,
however, the sealing brush is preferably obliquely inclined to the
plane of the curtain 5 in such a manner that the ends of its
bristles point against the edge area 27 of the curtain 5. This has
two effects: First, the individual bristles brace themselves
against small unevenness' provided by the curtain threads forming
of the curtain surface, particularly against its warp threads, in
the case that the curtain 5 is formed by a woven fabric, as is
preferred. Second, if the edge 27 is thicker, as shown, the
bristles, ends of the sealing brush 30 will brace also against this
thicker edge and will provide a strong resistance given by their
elasticity and their stiffness against drawing the curtain 5 out of
the guide bar F, thus, virtually rendering impossible to draw the
curtain out of the guide bar F.
[0050] A further arrangement for holding and sealing the curtain
consists of a strip 31 of material which swells or expands under
the effect of heat, e.g. a material being on the market under the
trade name PROMASEAL. Preferably, a parallel abutment surface 32
defining the slot 29 is opposite this sealing strip 31. While the
sealing strip 31 normally does not resist the movement of the
curtain 5, it expands in case of a fire by the increased
temperature and, thus, seals the slot 29, and holds the curtain 5
firmly pressed against the abutment surface 32. Also in this
manner, the position of the curtain is stabilized in case of a
fire. All the measures described up to now can be realized either
separately or in common as well as also in combination with the
embodiment described later with reference to FIGS. 6a and 6b.
[0051] In FIG. 4, it is indicated by interrupted lines how the legs
18 and 18', could be formed as modules of limited length. In such a
construction, it is advantageous if, over the length of the end bar
6 (similarly to the alternate arrangement of webs 12a to 12d in the
embodiment of FIG. 7 discussed later), alternately a module 18a of
leg 18 is opposite each half section 18c and 18d each pertaining to
another module of bar leg 18'. By this alternating arrangement, the
opposite legs 18, 18', hold each other firmly so that a separate
connection device can optionally be omitted. It may, however, be
provided in a similar manner to that, as will be described for the
casing 4 or 4 and 4' or also for the coil cores.
[0052] In the case of FIG. 4a, a guide bar F" having approximately
a U-shaped cross-section 27.1 into which, in the present
embodiment, a pair of smaller profiles, 27.2 are inserted on each
side in such a manner that a slot or gap 129 is formed for
receiving bar-shaped elements 115', of an inner layer 115 between
two curtain webs 5. Instead of a pair of smaller profiles, a single
one might be provided on either side, as is also conceivable that
the profiles 27.2 situated adjacent the elements 115', serve for
receiving additional layers or webs.
[0053] Normally, the elements 115', will form an about rectangular
end edge 115", as is indicated in FIG. 4a by dash-dotted lines.
However, material expanding under heat is preferably provided
within an edge region 128, the material expanding the edge to the
position shown in uninterrupted lines. Either at least the edge
region of the elements 115', is enclosed by a flexible layer or
hull, or outlet opening or even a slot is provided within the edge
region between the two webs of the curtain 5 allowing exiting the
swelling material so as to assume, for example, the position shown.
In this way, the curtain, e.g. forming a fire protection, is firmly
held in place in case of a fire and is not permitted to move out of
its position under the influence of a developing air current,
because the elements 115', which may be formed by fire-proof
granular material or interconnected packages of it, can abut or
prop with their lateral expanded rim against the back side of the
profiles 27.2.
[0054] In FIG. 5, a view along the line V-V of FIG. 2 is
illustrated. In this figure, one of the struts 17 is shown guiding
a supporting body 33 (only partially visible in FIG. 2). A similar
strut 17' is provided at the opposite end of the coil core 11 (at
right hand in FIG. 5). The supporting body 33, however, props on a
resilient propping device, suitably in the form of a spring 34, as
shown, so as to balance the weight of a motor for moving the
curtain 5 up and down which is accommodated within the interior of
the coil core at this location and, therefore, is not visible. This
motor uses suitably the metallic coil core 11 as an external rotor
which is provided with a series of permanent magnets in its
interior, while the current supply lines for the centered stator
are connected with a rigid axle 35, as is known for motors of the
external rotor type. Instead of a spring 34, any other propping
arrangement may be used, such as a balancing weight, a pneumatic
spring or the like. Moreover, such a propping arrangement may be
dispensable, if the weight of the coil 12 and of its coil core 11
is about uniform over their axial lengths, for example because a
mechanic device is used for actuation and release of the curtain 5,
as is known from rigid, generally plate-like fire shutters.
[0055] The above-mentioned motor may be of any kind. It may,
however, be desirable to brake the downward movement of the curtain
caused by the weight of the end bar after release, or even to be
able to control it with respect to its speed. According to the
invention it is more favorable to use an electric brake instead of
the mechanical brakes employed heretofore. This can be done, for
example, in such a manner that an eddy current brake is provided by
a generator circuit of a DC motor, optionally of an AC motor
instead (e.g. comprising condensers), i.e. that the motor is
operated as a generator at least during lowering the respective
curtain, but optionally is also switched this way during stopping.
Thus, the curtain may normally be held by a mechanical stopping
brake in its wound up condition. Only when a fire breaks out, the
brake is released, for example by a fusing or melting holding
device, after which the curtain is unwound by the weight of its end
bar. During this movement, the motor is either switched into its
generator mode, particularly continuously, or an appropriate pulse
control is assigned to it, the pulse frequency determining the
speed of the curtain. The motor is only operated in its prime mover
mode to rise the curtain. It should be noted that such an electric
brake is inventive independently from the type of support of the
coil core or from the construction of the end and guide bars.
[0056] It has been mentioned that other arrangements for an
electric brake are also conceivable. For example, the motor can be
connected and controlled by a pulse supply circuit in which case
the motor may be either formed as an asynchrone, a synchrone or
even as a stepping motor. In the case of a DC motor, the pulses
would have to be transformed into a corresponding DC current when
operated in its prime mover mode. In this way, it is possible to
predetermine exactly the rotational speed of the motor, and it is
also possible to pre-select a predetermined nominal speed and to
control the pulse supply to meet this nominal speed, e.g. by means
of rotational speed transducer connected either to the motor or to
the coil core.
[0057] It may further be seen from FIG. 5 that the supporting
rollers 14 are conveniently arranged where thickening of the coil
12 will occur by adjacent fabric webs due to overlapping edge
regions 37. By this arrangement, tight winding onto the coil core
11 without any problem is ensured. These edge regions 37 may be
interconnected by a connection arrangement, such as a series of
clasps, preferably at least one seam 37a. Since the coil 12 is
thickened by the overlapping edges, it may be advantageous to
provide the coil core 11 in these regions 37 with a peripheral
recess 11", as is indicated in FIG. 5 with interrupted lines.
[0058] Since the curtains according to the present invention should
be used in buildings of various dimensions, it is favorable if the
casing 4 and/or the coil core 11 and/or the end bar 6 is
constructed of individual, substantially uniform modules which may
be connected in the axial direction by appropriate connection
means. In FIG. 5, for example, two casing modules 4 and 4' are put
together in a butt joint and are interconnected by means of a
connecting collar 38. Likewise, it is indicated that the portion of
the coil core 11 which forms the external rotor of the drive motor
has an opening 38 at its right end (with reference to FIG. 5) into
which a coupling end 40 of restricted diameter of the adjacent coil
core module 11, is inserted for common rotation.
[0059] While FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a guide bar F in
which, for example, the sealing brush 30 is provided as an element
elastically propping between guide bar F and curtain 5, such an
element or a plurality thereof may also be formed in the manner
shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b. According to this embodiment spring or
tension elements 41 are incorporated into the curtain 5, e.g. sewed
or woven in. These springy elements consist, for example, of
elastic spring steel and are connected to a clamping plate 42 at
their ends. As is especially clearly shown in FIG. 6a, the clamping
plate 42 consists of two plate elements 42' and 42", having
convexities 43 to define an elongate cavity in which a respective
one of the springy wires 41 is received and is, for example,
secured by a clamping screw 44. Such springy wires may consist of
chromium steel and may have a reinforcing effect onto a woven
fabric from a relatively low temperature melting material, such as
glass, as will be explained later.
[0060] Both plate elements. 42', 42", have, however, still another
purpose. To wit, each of the plate elements is provided with an
oblique bearing slot 45, 45', the inclination of these bearing
slots being oriented in opposite directions so that one (45) opens
at the upper edge of the pertaining plate element 42', while the
other (45') opens at the lower edge of the pertaining plate element
42". The axle 46 of a roller 47 is now inserted in each of the
bearing slots 45, 45', the inclination facilitating inserting under
tension.
[0061] Also in this embodiment, the guide bar F' is formed as an
open surface box section, thus providing a roll on surface or rail
48 for the rollers 47 on either side of the slot 29. It may be seen
that in this way a small gap S remains between the guide bar and
the edge of the curtain which, although being in general
neglectable, may be covered by either a protruding wing of the
guide bar F1 or by arranging the roll on surface 48 farther in the
interior of the box section which would result in two legs jutting
out and covering the gap S on either side of the curtain 5.
Moreover, this embodiment could be combined with that of FIG. 5,
for example by realizing an arrangement of strip 31 and abutment
surface 32. In addition, the sealing brush 30 may be provided if
necessary in special applications. In any case the springy or
tensioning wires 41 provide for a certain tension of the curtain 5
even in case of a strong air current.
[0062] FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment to that discussed
with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5. In this case, a pair of coil cores
11a, 11b are provided which extend throughout the whole length of
the hall or room to be shut off. Each of the coil cores 11a, 11b
has individual webs 12a to 12d wound in a distance a from each
other, the distances being chosen in such a way that there is an
overlapping edge region 17' at the edges of the webs 12a to 12d. In
order to wind the webs 12a to 12d in the form of separated coils,
the adjacent curtain webs are not interconnected in this
embodiment.
[0063] Due to the distances a, there are portions of the coil cores
11a, 11b where the same are uncovered so that embodiment of FIGS. 2
and 5, can be connected to the casing module 4 in a stationary
manner) in which the movement of the motor, having a stator 35, is
transmitted by gear wheels, as is indicated in interrupted lines.
Of course, the two coils 11a, 11b will rotate in opposite sense to
each other. Such a common drive may be a non-electricone, as
already me may comprise the electric brake discussed above).
Another embodiment could provide that the support arrangement's of
FIGS. 2 and 7 are combined, for example, the bearings 14a and 14b
for one (11a or 11b) of the coil cores, the rollers 14 of FIG. 2
for the other one. While the two coil cores 11a, 11b are relatively
closely adjacent to each other, this is not necessary in each case,
since with embodiments comprising a common outlet slot 7 the webs
12a to 12d will be combined in it. Moreover, reference is made to
the embodiment of FIG. 12 described later. On the other hand, the
foregoing embodiments have shown that the coil cores 11a, 11b
within the casing 4 may be stationary in horizontal direction; this
also is not forcibly necessary, because it would be possible that
at least one of the coil cores is supported moveably against the
other and is urged (pressed or drawn) against it by a biasing
arrangement, such as a spring, in order to ensure tight engagement
of the coil webs 12a and 12b with the webs 12c and 12d. In each
case, any gap between the webs are reduced if a single end bar (as
6 in FIGS. 2 and 3) is common to all webs, thus tightening the free
ends of those webs 12a to 12d and constituting a common, relatively
large weight against movement by any air current. If desired, it is
also possible to provide only part of the webs, for example the
webs 12a and 12c facing each other, on the one hand, and 12b and
12d on the other hand, with a common end bar, but, in general, this
will not add any advantage. Another means for reducing gaps are the
above-mentioned guide bars.
[0064] As has already been explained above with reference to FIG.
5, a modular construction is of advantage also in this case. While
the points of interconnection of individual modules of the coil
cores 11a, 11b are not shown (they are covered by the coils 12a to
12d or by the bearings 13a to 13d), the joint between the casing
modules 4, 4' may be seen as a mere non-limiting example. In this
example, the joint is of the plug connection type in a similar way,
as has been described with reference to the coil core modules 11,
11, of FIG. 5. The module 4' has a restricted connecting edge 50 to
be plugged simply into the module 4. If desired, an additional
connection by cementing, soldering, brazing or welding may be
provided; it is further conceivable to prestress the individual
modules by means of bracing elements, such as bracing wires so that
dismounting is easier possible. For example for a large hall, a
plurality of such modules (either of the casing and/or of the coil
core and/or of the end guide) may be put together, the last one
being fittingly cut. It is to be understood that the casing 4, 4'
of FIG. 7, for the rest, will be constructed in analogous manner as
represented in FIG. 2, although modifications are within the scope
of the invention.
[0065] Furthermore, it is within the scope of the present invention
to use other means as curtain webs instead of a fabric provided the
material is temperature resistant and/or inflammable. A special
embodiment will be described later.
[0066] For supporting the respective coil, a supporting arrangement
13, 14 having at least one supporting surface is provided. As a
supporting surface a supporting roller, a supporting belt or even a
slide surface may be used. In the case of a slide surface, friction
should be as much reduced as possible to which end optionally an
air cushion is employed.
[0067] In the case of FIG. 8, two rooms 2a, 2b are separated from
each other by a wall 110, but are connected through an opening 104
of wall 110. A conveyor extends through the opening 104, the
conveyor, in this embodiment being represented as a roller conveyor
101, but may be formed by any other conveyor, e.g. as a belt
conveyor. It is clear that the opening 104 constitutes only a
possible, non-limiting example of an application of a curtain
according to the invention.
[0068] Although this conveyor 101 obstructs closing of the opening
104, this opening has to be shut off quickly and securely in the
case of a fire. Known plate-like shutters have a relatively great
mass even with relatively small openings (as the opening 104) for
which reason it is necessary to provide brakes for their closing
movement, the above-mentioned electric brake being a preferred
embodiment. In this way, accidents and damages of piece goods or of
the shutter itself are avoided However, by such brakes the speed of
achieving closure will be limited.
[0069] This drawback is avoided by the embodiment shown on the
left-hand side of FIG. 8 in that a fire protection shutter 106 for
separating the rooms 2a and 2b consists of a fire protection
curtain 105 (in contrast to the fume curtain discussed above) which
has little mass and, therefore, can be quickly unwound from the
coil 12a. This coil 12a is mounted on wall 110 by a bracket 109
indicated by interrupted lines and has a drive, e.g. a motoric
drive in th6 manner explained above. It is also possible, however,
to move the coil 12a by energy mechanically stored, e.g. by a
weight or a spring or the like, as has also been discussed above.
It is to be understood that the above described supporting
arrangement may also be used instead of a bracket, but this will
not be necessary with the ordinarily small widths of wall openings
104.
[0070] The flexible outer layer 105 (the curtain) will, in general,
be formed by a fabric woven from glass fibers, carbon fibers,
ceramic fibers, silicon fibers or polycarbon fibers, optionally
from metal, such as thin metal sheet or wire, or of a combination
of these materials. It has been found that it may be suitable to
combine a material of lower melting point, e.g. one listed above,
with a material of higher melting point. If, for example, a layer
of metal sheet covers a woven fabric, e.g. of glass, protection is
achieved for the glass material which has a comparatively lower
melting point, particularly not at last by the reflection of heat
radiation into the burning room, but also by a mechanical
reinforcement for even in case of melting (and the resulting
caking) of the glass material, the metal sheet will hold it
together.
[0071] For example, threads or wires of chromium material, such as
chromium steel, have been proved to be especially. suitable.
Threads or wires of chromium steel may be woven in a fabric in more
or less large distances, because they have to hold only the fabric
together and to provide a sufficient strength when the material of
lower melting point cakes. Distances of 0.2 to 3 cm (in warp and/or
in weft) are realistic according to the respective application. Of
course, the distance between the threads or wires is not limited in
their lower values, but to higher values there are some resulting
from temperature resistance and properties of the material of lower
melting point as well as from the application of the curtain.
Distances as high as 5 cm are, in fact, conceivable. Optionally,
such a woven fabric may comprise a coating either of metal sheet or
any other suitable material. Among others, a coating of
polyurethane has been found advantageous, especially when
exhibiting a certain reflectivity.
[0072] It may be seen that the outer layer 105, thus obtained, due
to its flexibility, may easily conform to the shape of the rollers
102 of the roller conveyor 101, thus ensuring tight closing of the
opening 104. It may further be seen that the curtain 105 is
favorably formed as a loop for reasons still to be explained, where
the right-hand end 103 of the loop in FIG. 8 may be fastened to the
upper side of the opening 104.
[0073] The loop-shaped design enables insertion of fire-proof or
fire resistant material into the loop in an especially favorable
manner. This can be done either shortly after lowering the, outer
layer 105 or during it. In this way, the position of the lower end
of the loop is, not at last, secured between the rollers 102, since
a considerable air current may develop through the opening 104 in
case of a fire. The fire-proof or fire resistant material
introduced into the loop may be of any type, as will still become
apparent from the following description, but a flowable material,
such as a powdery or granular material, is preferred of course it
would also be possible to move a fire-proof or fire resistant plate
into the loop.
[0074] As a flowable material, water or another liquid could be
sprayed into the loop. Although it is known to spray water on both
sides of a curtain, the arrangement of such a spraying device in
the interior of a double curtain results in a more effective use of
sprayed liquid, while maintaining the advantage of a double closure
of the opening 104. For, on the one hand, a single spraying
arrangement is necessary only (instead of a double one), and on the
other hand, this liquid will remain for a longer time within the
hull formed by the curtain, thereby developing a longer cooling
effect, while with increasing temperatures being expelled in the
form of steam through the pores (in the case of a woven fabric) or
openings of the curtain, thus cooling the outer surface, as will be
explained later.
[0075] A special kind of such flowable material are fire protection
foams or mineral foams which will either foam by an additive
introduced into the loop or by the temperature of the blaze itself.
In many cases, it may be convenient to admix various additives to
such a foaming material. Thus, it may be advantageous to admix
material which foams under the influence of heat just within the
region of the rollers 102, because the interspace between the
roller will be sealed in this way most effectively. Optionally, a
swelling material, as discussed with reference to FIG. 4a, can be
used either alone or in combination.
[0076] Another favorable additive may consist of a substance which
reacts endothermically which removes heat by chemical
transformation, thus cooling the fire shutter and imparting a
longer resistance. An example of such a substance is zinc oxalate,
but a series of substances having similar properties are
conceivable. Furthermore, it is possible to add a solidifying
binding agent, but optionally merely water. A further possibility
in this connection will be discussed later with reference to FIG.
11. Other suitable additives may be anti-freezing agents, for
example if the rooms 2a or 2b are subjected to temperatures below
the freezing point. In an environment endangered by corrosion,
corrosion-proofing agents could be added, for example to preserve
the curtain web or a hull provided for the fire-proof material
incorporated. For example it would be possible to pack a bulk
material into bags, which optionally are interconnected, and to
introduce them, in case of a fire, between two curtain webs or to
lower them on one side of a curtain (e.g. if only one is
provided).
[0077] Introducing such materials into a loop may be effected in
various ways. For example, the housing 111 of a screw conveyor 112
(or any other conveyor, such as the plunger of a plunger pump) may
be provided on the upper surface defining the opening 104 may be
provided. This housing 111 can have a plurality of outlet openings
113 axially distributed over its length at its bottom side. In the
case of a liquid, such as water, connection via a valve to an
appropriate source, such as the line system, may be sufficient
instead of a special conveyor.
[0078] When a fire breaks out, the coil 12 a is first unwound and
simultaneously or shortly after, the conveyor 11-13 is actuated,
e.g. the screw 112 is rotated, so that fire protection material,
such as powdery or granular material, is discharged into the loop
of the curtain web through the openings 113, thus forming an inner
layer 115. This material is supplied from a source not shown, such
as a supply bin or a tank. Such a supply bin will be discussed
later with reference to the embodiment shown on the right side of
FIG. 8. It is clear, however, that the kind and construction of the
conveyor is of no importance, and that also other types of
conveyors-may be used, for example chain conveyors of the Redler
type.
[0079] The openings 113 may have uniform cross-sections over the
axial length of the housing 111, or the openings can exhibit an
increasing cross-section--when starting from the above-mentioned
supply bin. This would contribute to a more uniform distribution of
the material within the loop of the curtain web 105. In the
simplest case, a single opening 113, for instance in the middle of
the width of the wall opening 104 (when measured in axial direction
of the housing) may also be sufficient, in which case a more or
less steep alluvial cone will form. Such an opening 113 needs not
forcibly to be provided at the bottom side of the housing 111, but
can also be laterally located (in particular in the case of
liquids) or at the front side (in which case the housing will
extend only over part of the width of the opening 104) Instead of a
single conveyor 111-113, a plurality thereof may be provided,
either in order to introduce a ready mixture of fire-proof or fire
resistant material simultaneously at different locations, or by
having at least part of the conveyors connected to at least one
source of an additive discussed above.
[0080] Instead of the conveyor 111-113 extending in horizontal
direction, as shown, one or more tubes for supplying fire
protection material may be lowered from inside the wall 110 about
simultaneously with the curtain. In this case, optionally a grid of
at least two such conveyor tubes are provided which, for example
will spray a fire protection liquid over the length and width of
the curtain at different locations when a fire breaks out.
[0081] It has already been mentioned that the right-hand side of
FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment. This refers, above all, to
its modified construction, but it is easily possible to apply two
or more curtains according to the present invention in a single
wall opening 104, a variety of combinations of the embodiments
described herein as well as of their individual features being, of
course, possible. The reason for a difference in the construction
of two curtains with surfaces which face each other can, for
example, reside in a different danger of fire in the two rooms 2a
and 2b so that one would provide a more effective fire protection
towards the room of greater hazard.
[0082] If the free end 103 of the curtain 105 is fixed, as in the
embodiment facing the room 2a, the lower end of the loop, thus
formed, will move with only half the speed of rotation of the coil
12a. Since one is not limited with respect to this speed, this may
be still faster than with braking the fire shutter.
[0083] If, however, a greater speed is to be achieved and the
parallel portions of the loop should not move relatively to each
other, it is preferred if both ends of the curtain are moveable, as
in the previous embodiments. This needs not necessarily to be done
by arranging two coils, but can also be effected in the manner
discussed later with reference to FIG. 9.
[0084] In FIG. 8 (at right) both ends of the curtain 105a are wound
each on a coil 12b and 12c, the coil 12b being mounted on a bracket
109a below the upper surface defining the wall opening 104, whereas
the coil 12c is mounted by means of a bracket 109b on a supply bin
114. It has already been mentioned that there are various
possibilities to unwind these coils, for example by means of a
motor drive. These drives must not necessarily have the same speed,
i.e. there is no need for a synchronization.
[0085] Between the coils 12b and 12c, the supply bin 114 for the
material of the inner layer 115 is provided and discharges it
trough the open cross-section of the discharge opening 113a, e.g.
after opening a slider or valve 116 which is only schematically
indicated. However, it would also be possible that the web of the
curtain itself covers the discharge opening 113a in wound up
condition of the two coils 12b, 12c, for example to prevent powdery
or granular material from exiting. In the same manner as mentioned
with reference to the previous embodiment, a plurality of supply
bins 114 may be provided, e.g. distributed over the width of the
wall opening 104.
[0086] A specialty of this embodiment is that at least one,
preferably a series of outflow openings 117 are provided at the
lower side of the curtain loop. This requires, of course, that
these openings 117 will assume the position shown, i.e. the two
coils 12b, 12c will, in general, be unwound with the same speed,
although even in this embodiment it is not necessary. The
respective opening 117 may be covered by a coating melting under
elevated temperatures so that a sealing effect is only achieved
after melting (or evaporating) of this coating. Analogously, the
pores of a woven fabric, as described above, comprising a cooling
agent exiting from the interior could be covered by a coating which
melts under the heat of a blaze (thereby absorbing further heat),
this being possible independently from the presence of the other
characteristics of the invention and, thus, constituting an
invention for its own.
[0087] The fire-proof or fire resistant material being discharged
through the opening(s) 117 seals the space between adjacent rollers
102 and cools this area. The arrangement can also be such that at
the beginning a material is filled into the loop of the curtain
105a which expands and swells under heat, particularly after being
discharged through the outflow opening(s) 117, thus filling all
spaces and gaps when expanding.
[0088] When in this connection the question is of a loop of the
curtain 105 or 105a, one may ask what the arrangement-may be at the
lateral edges of the web. In fact, there is some possibility that
fire protection material (liquid, foam, powdery or granular
material) could leave the loop through lateral gaps. This, however,
can be prevented by the guide bars already mentioned and/or by
arranging the curtain closely to the wall of the opening 104,
particularly by a guide bar according to FIG. 4a.
[0089] Even if it has been stated that simultaneous unwinding both
ends of a loop formed by a curtain accelerates closing of a wall
opening, this must not necessarily be done with two (or more)
separated coils 12b, 12c. FIG. 9 shows an approach where both ends
of a curtain loop are wound up in two layers to form a common coil
12c, thus enabling common unwinding and achieving a more compact
arrangement. The housing 111 of the conveyor for the fire
protection agent serves, in this embodiment, also as a deflection
means and as a spacer for the two parallel portions of the loop of
the curtain 105.
[0090] Another embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 10 where four
layers of curtain web are provided. Two outer curtains 105a, 105b
are again interconnected by a common end bar 106 which optionally
prevents that fire protection material, which may be introduced
from above (see the conveyor 111-113 of the previous embodiment),
can fall down (or only in a controlled manner through outflow
openings 117). Between the two outer curtain webs 105a, 105b, this
embodiment shows a double curtain web 105c forming a loop. Also
into this loop, fireproof or fire resistant material may be filled
(either in addition to filling the outer space 126 defined by the
curtains 105a and 105b or alternatively to that) in the, manner
discussed above. Unwinding and supporting the coils of the curtains
105a to 105c may be effected according to one of the arrangements
discussed previously. It is not even necessary to provide two
separate curtains 105a, 105b, for the end bar could have deflection
rollers at its upper side (or in its interior) through which a loop
of the web forming the curtain 105a is drawn up as the curtain
105b. Likewise, four (or another number) of separate curtains may
be provided which may optionally have different properties
(reflecting, a melting coating etc.).
[0091] Given the above-mentioned preconditions, a fire protection
layer 115 between two curtains 105d (comprising either a loop or
not) may preferably be formed in accordance with FIG. 11. It should
be understood that also in this embodiment the application of a
moveable support for the upper end of the curtain or the common end
bar as well as the guide bars are of advantage, but that this
embodiment has inventive character for its own. To wit, if the
curtain 105d is provided with a number of openings 132, which are
preferably evenly distributed over at least part of its surface,
these openings may be used to blow out a cooling gas forming a
protective and isolating boundary layer to increase the endurance
of the fire protection shutter in case of a blaze. The openings
132, in the simplest case, are formed by the pores of a woven
fabric, e.g. of a plain woven fabric or even a sateen fabric or any
other porous curtain web. Also use of a-jour weave having spaced
holes may be favorable.
[0092] The inner fire protection layer 115 may be formed from a
special additive which dissociates or transforms to a cooling (in
comparison to the temperature of a blaze) gas or may even consist
only of it. The simplest example for producing such a gas is water
which transforms into steam under the heat of fire, thus fixing the
temperature of the fire protection curtain to 100.degree. C. for a
certain time. Water may be supplied via the conveying line 111
mentioned above and through spraying nozzles corresponding to
openings 113.
[0093] In order to ensure uniform delivery of water steam, it is
advantageous (just in the case of a curtain consisting of the two
webs shown as well as of the inner layer of sufficient flexibility
to be wound up provided therebetween) if the inner fire protection
layer 115 consists of a fire-proof or fire resistant mineral foam
which contains a gas used for foaming which is ordinarily air. When
producing the foam, the gas is removed from the pores by
introducing the porous foam into an air-tight chamber after which a
vacuum is applied. Subsequently, water is introduced into the
chamber, and pressure is normalized again so that the pores of the
foam will suck the water off.
[0094] It is advantageous to take measures to ensure that the
watery contents of the foam remains in place and to prevent escape.
To this end, the water containing material may be enveloped with a
protective mass, for example with a material melting under elevated
temperatures, thus dissipating heat, and/or with a gel. This can be
done by adding a gel or a dispersion of plastic material to the
liquid, i.e. generally water, optionally with additives, at the end
of sucking into the pores of the foam, allowing it to deposit.
Alternatively, depositing is. effected by a precipitating reaction,
as is known to those skilled in chemical processes.
[0095] Of the additives, again zinc oxalate should be mentioned
(which, due its bad solubility in water may easily applied together
with water) or such substances which, for example contain bound
water, and which may be used in addition or alternatively to the
foam mentioned above. Examples include mineral foams having a high
degree of water of crystallization, zeolites, lycopodium spores
and/or hydrogel. Additives may also be introduced into water, such
as the above-mentioned antifreezing or corrosion-proofing agents.
Such additives are particularly advantageous if the inner layer
115, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, is only introduced in case of a
fire.
[0096] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment taking another effect into
account which may be of particular effect with high fire protection
shutters (see the hall of FIG. 1). It concerns the fact that the
temperature in case of a blaze is much higher at top than at
bottom. This means that the fire protection shutter will be
subjected to a higher temperature stress at its upper side than at
its bottom portion. This effect can be counter-acted by broadening
and reinforcing the fire protection shutter (curtain 105) towards
to upper portion thereof. This measure can also be applied to fire
protection shutters of rigid material, such as with plate-like
shutters, roller blinds etc.; therefore, it constitutes a technical
approach of inventive character for its own, although the use of a
curtain in form of a loop is particularly preferred. The ratio of
broadening in upward direction will, of course, depend upon the
respective given conditions (e.g. height of the room, height of the
fire protection shutter) as well as upon the actual hazards (e.g.
presence of more or less hazardous materials etc.) or upon the
requires quality of fire protection. In this connection, it will be
clear that the interior of the loop shown in FIG. 12 may be filled
with fire-proof or fire resistant material in the manner already
described, for example also analogously to FIG. 10 by arranging the
loop-shaped curtain 105c to extend only over the upper part of the
height of the curtain 105 shown in FIG. 12.
[0097] The front view of FIG. 13 shows a curtain 205 without the
end bar or the guide bars which may be formed in the manner
described above. The curtain 205 is represented in unwound
condition from a coil core 111. This embodiment illustrates another
kind of multilayer construction of the curtain 205, since this
curtain has fleece pads arranged in directions perpendicular to
each other and being spaced by distances a and b, respectively.
These pads p favor the evaporation of any fire protection liquid
supplied, such as water. The distances a and b may be equal or
different, and the distances a can also broaden in upward direction
in order to provide less resistance to the liquid supplied into
the, thus, formed capillary channels c at top than below.
[0098] The fleece pads p may be applied, optionally being glued or
stitched, e.g. in individual points, onto the outer surface of the
clothing forming the channels c, thus constituting an outer layer.
This may be effected on one side or on both sides of the curtain
205. Moreover, it is possible to weave a layer of sponge cloth into
the fabric forming the channels c. A further possibility consists
in forming a hollow clothing, the fleece pads or any other fiber
layers favoring evaporation being inserted or woven into the
cavities.
[0099] Supply of fire protection liquid is effected in this
embodiment through a supply tubing t, for example, receiving water
via a rotary joint known per se in engineering and not shown in
FIG. 13. This tubing t is connected to a cylindrical cavity h
extending over the whole coil core 111 from which discharge
openings o depart for discharging the fire protection liquid
supplied. The number of openings o is not critical, but it is
favorable, if at least one opening o faces a capillary channel c
over which the liquid id distributed in the direction of arrows f
by gravity, on the one hand, and by capillary action, on the other
hand. The diameter of the openings o can be increased with
increasing distance from the tubing t in order to attain a more
uniform distribution of the liquid over the length of the core
111.
[0100] Supplying water via the cavity h makes, of course,
accommodation of a motor within the interior of the coil core 111
more difficult., though not impossible, since such a motor might be
accommodated in a lateral prolongation of the core 111 beyond the
width of the curtain 205, or on the outside of the core. The water
(or any other fire protection liquid) supplied will evaporate on
the surface of the curtain 205 in the same manner as has been
described above with reference to FIG. 11, thus, protecting the
fabric which is permeable for the developing steam due to its
pores. Also in this embodiment, a coating may be provided on the
surface of the curtain, which melts in case of a fire, thus,
dissipating heat, and freeing the pores of the fabric only after
having molten. Another possibility is to form a surface of the
curtain 205 which is gas permeable, but locks any liquid. It is to
be understood that the supply of a fire protection liquid via the
coil core, on the one hand, and the provision of a multilayered
integral curtain contains inventive characteristics being
independent from the other characteristics described in this
specification.
[0101] Although the present invention has mainly been described
with reference to fume or fire protection shutters to be moved in a
vertical plane up and down, it has to be understood that they may
optionally be used in vertical shafts, e.g. of a vertical conveyor,
where the curtain will then extend in a substantially horizontal
plane.
[0102] FIGS. 14 to 16 show an especially favorable combination of
the features described above with reference to the previous Figs.
Therefore, the same reference numerals are used as before and need
no longer to be described in detail.
[0103] In FIG. 14 an opening framed by lateral guide bars F (or FI)
and an upper casing of which only lateral walls 4" are shown in
cross-section while the remaining parts of the casing have been
removed for the sake of clearness to show the and indicated water
spraying nozzles 113 (cf. also FIG. 8). The upper part of the
curtain web 205' and its coil have been removed and are shown in
FIG. 15.
[0104] The curtain 205', is a combination of those described with
reference to FIGS. 4a and 8 to 13 with some slight modifications,
as will become apparent below. It can be formed by a single web or
by a series of laterally overlapping webs, as described with
reference to FIG. 5. Similarly, as described above with reference
to FIGS. 4a and 8, the curtain 205' has at least one outlet opening
117 which is preferably in a lateral edge region, but it would also
be conceivable to have a plurality of them and to arrange them in
the manner shown in FIG. 8. Likewise, the curtain 205', may be
formed by a loop of two opposing outer layers, as in FIG. 8 and
rolling from one coil or from at least two coils. Preferably, it is
an integral multilayered web sewn together at least at its lower
edge.
[0105] By arranging the outlet opening 117 a short length (as
compared with the length of the curtain 205') above the lower edge,
e.g. by 50 to 200 mm, particularly 115 mm, the lower end will form
a bead 5' when a fire retarding liquid is fed through the and
streams downwards. This bead 5' will have a double effect: On the
one hand, it stabilizes the curtain 205', in operative position,
because it adds weight at the lower end in addition to an end bar
that may be provided there, but is not shown in FIG. 14. On the
other hand, it forms a "swamp" of fire retarding liquid which,
under heat, provides cooling steam (maintaining 100.degree. C.)
within the interior of the multilayered curtain 205'. The steam
will, then, result in separating the individual layers of the
curtain web 205', thus making any spacer superfluous at least under
operative conditions.
[0106] Using at least one outlet opening 117, the fire retarding
effect of the curtain 205', will not be limited to the cooling
effect of a certain amount of fire retarding material (liquid or
water), but it is possible to operate the curtain 205', with
flowing liquid which may be supplied at a rate of about 2
Liters/m.sup.2 curtain area and minute. The outflowing liquid will
then be gathered in a pit p or other recess to drain off over an
exhaust conduit ec.
[0107] The communicates with at least one supply conduit sc. This
supply conduit sc includes at least one release stroke rs, but
preferably has at least two such strokes rs in redundancy and
connected in parallel. As is seen in FIG. 15, it is p referred that
the redundant release valves V1, V2 are in separate rooms (the wall
110 separating them) so that at least one of the conduits will
remain intact, even if fire in one of the rooms destroys the other.
Each release stroke rs contains a valve VI or V2 which is actuated
by either a smoke sensor or a temperature sensor sen to supply the
liquid (normally simply water) to the tube as soon as smoke or an
elevated temperature (e.g. by IR radiation) is sensed. Moreover, it
is preferred if the stroke rs comprises a check valve V3 or V4. In
this way, pressure can be maintained in the supply conduit sc, even
if one branch or release stroke is destroyed by fire. Furthermore,
it may be seen that liquid is supplied over both strokes rs, if
only one of the release valves V1 or V2 opens.
[0108] Each release stroke may have its own "switching box" sb one
of them being shown to comprise shutoff valve and test conduit
assembly st and, optionally a pressure regulating valve V5. The
boxes sb can suitably be locked to avoid unwanted manipulation.
Likewise, it would be possible to have a single switching box sb
for both release strokes rs. This would be the case, if a shutoff
valve V6 closes the connection to a conduit c1, but opens toward
the left box sb so as to receive water over a conduit c2.
[0109] While the general structure of the casing 4 shown in FIG. 15
is essentially the same as in FIG. 2, it contains the tube t'
which, in contrast to tube t of FIG. 13 that forms a coil core, is
installed near the coil 12. Furthermore, the multilayered structure
of the curtain web 205' differs slightly from that of FIG. 13, as
will be explained below.
[0110] FIG. 16 shows the detail XVI of FIG. 15, i.e. the structure
of the curtain web 205' just after leaving the casing 4. It
comprises two opposing outer layers 105a, 105b (cf. also FIG. 10).
Each outer layer 105a, 105b comprises suitably an outer coating
105a', 105b' to make it water impermeable, at least for the
beginning of a blast so that water from the nozzle openings 113 can
reach all regions of the web 205'. As mentioned above, such a
coating may be of a material melting under heat. This coating
105a', 105b' may be born on a porous fabric, as indicated in FIG.
16, e.g. of glass fibers, thus forming a temperature resistant
material.
[0111] At least one inner layer of fibrous material, such as a felt
or a fleece (similar to FIG. 13), e.g. of cotton or viscose rayon
so as to have a good liquid absorbency, is provided, but in the
embodiment shown has three inner layers 105c', 105c" and 105c'".
Suitably, these inner layers 105c', 105c" and 105c'" are of
substantially the same fibrous material to ensure equal
distribution of the fire retarding liquid. The inner layers 105c',
105c" and 105c'", can be formed by pads, as in FIG. 13, or by
strips of a fleece running in longitudinal direction or
transversely (similar to the structure shown in FIG. 3a). It is,
however, preferred to use webs of substantially equal dimensions as
the outer layers 105a and 105b.
[0112] The problem to overcome is that merely pouring water between
two outer layers 105a and 105b would result in such a weight that
the curtain, especially in an application as indicated in FIG. 1,
would tear off. Therefore, the inner layers 105c', 105c" and
105c'", have the objective of distributing the liquid by a
capillary effect, and to retain it also in the upper regions, while
gravity tends to gather liquid at the bottom.
[0113] As has been described with reference to FIGS. 10 and,
particularly, 12, it is favorable to have the fire protection
curtain reinforced in the upper region. In FIG. 15, this is done by
providing three inner layers 105c', 105c" and 105c'", in the top
most region, to have only two layers 105c" and 105c'" in a center
region and to leave only one inner layer, e.g. 105c" in a bottom
zone. Of course, it would be possible to have a single layer which
is broader at top and smaller at the bottom.
[0114] Such a structure has not only a beneficial effect due to
reinforced fire protection were temperatures are higher (i.e. at
top), but offers an additional advantage in connection with the
supplied fire retarding liquid. For with a single layer of uniform
width, water (or other liquid), due to gravity, would gather in the
bottom region. With a graded structure, however, the three layers,
105c', 105c" and 105c" provide for a greater water retention
capacity in the upper region than the two and the one layer below.
This is also one reason why it is preferred that the three layers,
or at least two of them, are of substantially the same material,
because in this way, distribution of liquid is more uniform.
Another benefit of the use of layers is that they act permanently
as spacers between the outer layers 105a, 105b, thus providing for
uniform distribution of water (with or without an additive, as
mentioned above) or other liquid over the whole area of the curtain
web, especially if at least one of the inner layers is continuous
over the whole width of the curtain web (which, in this context,
should include the case where a plurality of inner layer webs are
arranged side by side or with overlapping edges, as described with
reference to FIG. 5) and over its predetermined length, rather than
in form of pads or strips, as it was already the case with the
embodiment of FIG. 10.
[0115] One problem, mentioned already with reference to FIG. 13, is
the introduction of liquid between the outer layers 105a and 105b.
One approach, mentioned above, is to use the core 11 as the tube t
or t'. This, however, is only possible, if there is no water
impermeable coating 105a, or 105b'. To solve the problem, the outer
layer 105a could be made shorter, as indicated in FIG. 15, e.g. by
quilting its upper edge e to the inner layers 105c', 105c" and
105c'", and to leave them uncovered above so as to be exposed to
water sprayed from the nozzles 113. This can be done in a spaced
manner so that small pockets 5e will form, thus enhancing inflow of
water. Another approach could reside in making only the coating
105a' shorter so that the uppermost area facing the nozzles 113 is
uncovered. In this latter case, the liquid would penetrate the
glass or mineral fabric of the outer layer 105a and would be
absorbed by the inner layer(s).
* * * * *