FR2671372A1 - Device for controlling the opening of an opening panel connected to a stationary frame in order to provide, on the one hand, ventilation and, on the other hand, rapid evacuation of smoke (fumes) and heat from a building - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention concerns a device for controlling the opening of an opening panel connected to a stationary frame in order to provide, on the one hand, ventilation and, on the other hand, rapid evacuation of smoke and heat from a building. The device is characterised in that it includes, in combination: - motor means (5) for controlling the opening of the opening panel (2) into the ventilating position; - motor means (6) for controlling the closure; - motor means (7) for the purpose of opening the opening panel (2) into a position for rapid evacuation of the smoke and heat; - means (8) for storing up energy necessary for the operation of the motor means (7); - means for detecting the presence of smoke and heat for ensuring the operation of the said motor means (7); - and means for detecting the cut-off of energy supply to the device, to which detection means are slaved the means (8) for accumulating energy for ensuring the operation of these motor means (7) precisely in the event of this energy supply being cut off.

Description

 The present invention relates to a device for controlling the opening of an opening leaf connected to a frame to ensure, on the one hand, ventilation and, on the other hand, rapid evacuation of smoke and heat d 'a building.

 In fact, devices are already known as defined above and which, applied to buildings, for example, to industrial premises or open to the public, have, among other things, a great interest in terms of safety. However and as this is explained below, these devices known up to now are not able to fully fulfill this security function which is due to them.

 Thus, we know, in particular from document FR-A-2,500,871, a device for ventilation, lighting and rapid evacuation of smoke from industrial premises or receiving from the public which comprises a set of three spring cylinders or gas cylinders designed and positioned so that, when the leaf is closed, these cylinders are in a horizontal position and in total compression. This opening is, moreover, connected to the sleeping frame through a vertical central shaft inside which is disposed a spring which causes the initiation of the upward movement of the opening appearing, in this case , in the form of a dome intended to cooperate with a fixed hopper disposed at the level of the roof of the building.

 This known device also makes use of a control cable whose purpose is to release, at the time of the opening command, on the one hand, the aforementioned spring and, on the other hand, the jacks which provide the total opening of said opening. It can be seen that the opening control, the intermediate positioning of the opening relative to the frame and, finally, the closing of this opening is ensured through a control cable which, itself, can be operated by a pull-release winch, a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder or an electric motor.

 The operation of this motor means actuating the control cable can be ensured, either manually or automatically, in particular through any sensor that detects the presence of smoke or the increase in heat in the building.

 In fact, the manual solution is not to be retained when one seeks to obtain maximum security. In fact, in the event of a fire or the spread of smoke inside a building, the occupants must be concerned only with the evacuation of the premises. The command to open the sashes must then be obtained automatically.

 Consequently, in the event of smoke or heat detection, the appropriate sensor ensures the operation of the motor means with a view to actuating the control cable to guarantee the opening of the door and, in the context of the prior document above, the release of the dome resting, initially, on its giving formed by a fixed hopper.

 However, it is quite obvious that in the event of a power failure, linked, for example, to an incipient incident inside the building, the motor means cannot act and the opening is maintained in the closed position.

 There are also such problems in the context of the aeration and smoke evacuation device described in document FR-A2.535.443. Indeed, in this case, the opening, coming to be articulated at one of its sides on a dormant frame, is actuated through a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder both for opening and during closing . However, it is obvious that in the event of a power failure or of the fluid supply stopping, the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder cannot perform any of its functions and, moreover, in the event that this incident occurs when the opening is in the intermediate position, called ventilation, it automatically comes to fall on its frame and therefore to close while it is precisely the opening that we seek to obtain in these conditions.

 The present invention seeks, precisely, to solve all of the aforementioned drawbacks with a view to obtaining through a device for controlling the opening of an opening to ensure ventilation and rapid evacuation of the fumes and the heat, the required degree of security.

To this end, the invention relates to a device for controlling the opening of an opening leaf connected to a frame to ensure, on the one hand, ventilation and, on the other hand, rapid evacuation of the fumes and the warmth of a building, characterized in that it comprises, in combination
- motor means for opening the opening control in the ventilation position
- motor means for closing the opening control
- motor means for controlling the opening of the sash in the position for rapid evacuation of smoke and heat
- energy storage means necessary for the operation of the motor means for controlling the opening of the door in the position for rapid evacuation of smoke and heat
- means for detecting the presence of smoke or heat to actuate the motor means for controlling the opening of the door in the position for rapid evacuation of smoke and heat
- and means for detecting a break in the supply of energy to the device, detection means to which the energy storage means are controlled to ensure the operation of the motor means for the opening control in the position for rapid discharge of the smoke and heat.

 According to a first and second embodiment of the invention, said motor means for controlling the opening of the opening element in the position for rapidly evacuating smoke and heat consist of at least one energy storage cylinder. such as a spring or gas cylinder, connecting the frame to the door and coming to be compressed when the latter is in the closed position, such motor means thereby integrating the energy storage means necessary for their operation.

 Furthermore and according to these embodiments, the motor means for the closing control of the opening are constituted, on the one hand, by an electric motor connected through a transmission, such as control cable, rack or the like , at the opening, this connection of the electric motor to said transmission being obtained through disengageable means coming to disengage said electric motor from this transmission in the event of a power cut in order to release the means of energy accumulation associated with the means motors for opening control in position for rapid evacuation of smoke and heat from the cylinder.

 According to a third embodiment, said motor means for controlling the opening in the ventilation position, as well as the motor means for controlling the closing of the opening leaf and the motor means for controlling the opening of this opening leaf. position for rapid evacuation of smoke and heat are constituted by an electric motor connected by means of a transmission to the opening, said energy storage means being constituted, under these conditions, by an accumulator maintained, in permanently, in charge and coming to deliver its energy to control the opening of the sash in position for rapid evacuation of smoke and heat in the event of detection of power supply cut-off of the device.

 The advantages obtained thanks to this invention consist, essentially, in that, whatever the incident occurring in the premises of a building, in particular, the power cut following a fire, it cannot be put out of service motor means for opening the opening control in the position for rapid evacuation of smoke and heat. On the contrary, such a power cut immediately generates this evacuation position at this opening.

 In fact, this invention constitutes, through the means which compose it, a so-called positive safety which is not known in the state of the prior art.

 Other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear in the course of the description which follows, relating to embodiments which are given only by way of non-limiting indication.

The understanding of this description will be facilitated by referring to the attached drawings, in which
- Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an opening leaf hinged on the sleeping frame equipped with an opening control device according to the invention and executed according to a first embodiment
- Figure 2 is the block diagram of this opening control device corresponding to this first embodiment illustrated in Figure 1;
- Figure 3 is a block diagram of an opening control device executed according to a second embodiment
- Figure 4 is the block diagram of an opening control device corresponding to a third embodiment.

 As this appears, more precisely, in FIG. 1, the present invention relates to a device 1 for controlling the opening of an opening leaf 2, corresponding, for example, to a window in the roof, or to a fanlight, but which can also correspond to any other type of opening and, in particular, to a door. This opening 2 is connected to a frame 3, this by means, for example, of joints 4, as shown in FIG. 1 or even through any other connecting means, for example, of the compass arms or, , a set of arms forming an articulated parallelogram.

 In fact, it is, through this device 1 for controlling the opening of an opening 2, ensuring either ventilation or the rapid evacuation of smoke or heat which could, possibly, clear inside the premises of any building of any use and more particularly in establishments open to the public.

Thus and according to the invention, this opening control device l comprises, in combination
- motor means 5 for opening the opening 2 in the ventilation position, intermediate position of this opening between closing and total opening
- motor means 6 for controlling the closing of this opening 9
- motor means 7 for controlling the opening of this opening 2 in the position for rapid evacuation of the fumes and heat corresponding, generally, to the maximum opening position of said opening 2
- Means 8 for accumulating energy necessary for the operation of the motor means 7 for opening control in the evacuation position
- Detection means 9 for the presence of smoke or increase in heat, means which can be constituted by an appropriate sensor perfectly known to those skilled in the art, these detection means 9 being, moreover, subject to the means motors 7 intended more particularly for the evacuation of smoke and heat
- And, finally, means 24 for detecting the absence of the main energy supply to this opening control device 1 with a view to controlling these motor means 7 through accumulation means 8.

 Thus and according to a first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 and to which the synoptic diagram shown in FIG. 2 is related, the motor means 5 for controlling the opening of the leaf 2 in the ventilation position are formed, on the one hand , by at least one jack 10, either spring or pneumatic type connecting the opening 2 to the frame 3 and coming to be compressed completely or, at least, partially, in the closed position of this opening 2 and, on the other hand, by an electric motor 11 coming to cooperate, through a transmission 13, with said opening 2 and whose control in rotation releases the latter while limiting its rotation under the action of the jack 10 so as to give it the desired ventilation position, between the closed position and the fully open position.

 In fact, the jack 10 also constitutes the motor means 7 intended for controlling the opening of the opening panel 2 in the position for rapid evacuation of the fumes and heat. In addition, it incorporates the means 8 for accumulating energy necessary for its operation, that is to say, necessary to enable it to control the opening of the opening, in particular, in this position for rapid evacuation of the fumes. and heat in the event of any incident.

 Still according to this first embodiment, the motor means intended for the closing control of the opening leaf 2 are constituted by said electric motor 11 and by means of the transmission 13.

 Preferably, this transmission 13, according to this first embodiment, is constituted by a drum 14 subjected to rotation, around its axis, through the electric motor 11, drum 14 around which comes to wind one of the ends d 'a control cable 15, while the other end 16 of the latter is connected to said opening 2.

 Advantageously, this connection of the drum 14 to said electric motor It is ensured by means of disengageable connection means 12. These can be, according to a preferred embodiment, in the form of an electromagnetic clutch or an electromagnet which, when powered by an appropriate electrical current; is in the engaged position ensuring the transmission of the movement of the electric motor 11 to the drum 14. In a way and according to this preferred embodiment, these disengageable connecting means 12 constitute the means 24 for detecting the power supply cut of the device 1 since, precisely, during such a cut-off, there is a clutch between the electric motor 1 1 and the transmission 13. The latter is then released and the jack 10, constituting the motor means 7 for controlling d opening of the opening 2 in the position for rapid evacuation of the fumes and heat comes to be released and acts, without constraint, on this opening 2.

 However, it should be noted that in the event that the power supply of the disengageable connection means 12 is separate from that of the electric motor 11, or else that these connection means are formed by a non-electromagnetic clutch, the detection means of the absence of supply can be constituted by any current detector which, precisely, in the event of a break in this control supply, by means of these disengageable connection means 12, the disengagement of said electric motor 11 from the transmission 13 and, finally, the opening of the opening 2 through the jack 10.

 As for the detection means 9 for the presence of smoke or heat, these can, at the user's choice, be associated with the disengageable connection means 12 so that in the event of detection of smoke or heat, they come to cut the power supply to the electromagnetic clutch and, finally; order, release of the jack 10.

However, provision may also be made to control the operation of this electric motor 11 to such means for detecting the presence of smoke or heat, ensuring, however, that in the event that a prior command to open the opening 2 in the ventilation position does not annihilate any instructions communicated to this electric motor 11 through said detection means.

 Of course, this electric motor 1 1 can also be slaved to a manual control 31 through which an operator can control, at will, the rotation of the drum 14 and, ultimately, the length released from the control cable 15 in order to give opening 2 through the cylinder 10 the desired ventilation position.

 Likewise, at the level of the drum 14, limit switches 17, 18 may be placed capable of controlling the stopping of the operation of the electric motor 11 when the leaf 2 reaches one of its end positions, namely total closing or maximum opening corresponding, generally, to the position of rapid evacuation of smoke and heat.

 FIG. 3 illustrates the block diagram of a second embodiment of this device 1 for controlling the opening of an opening leaf 2.

 In fact and as this appears, precisely, in this FIG. 3, this device 1, executed according to this second embodiment, differs from that described above and corresponding to a first embodiment only through its means of disengageable link 12A and its transmission 13A.

 Thus, the latter is in the form of a rack 19 which can be disposed directly on the opening 2 or, again, associated with a control cable (not shown) connected to this opening 2. On this rack 19 comes to s '' meshing a toothed wheel 20 associated with the shaft 21 of the electric motor 11. However, and according to a preferred embodiment, this toothed wheel 20 meshes on this rack 19 only under the control of an electromagnet 22 constituting, substantially, the disengageable connecting means 12A. Note, in this regard, that such disengageable connection means 12A can, as before, take the form of an electromagnetic clutch allowing rotation of the toothed wheel 20 through the electric motor 11 only when it is under pressure.

 Thus, in the event of a power failure, this electromagnet 22 or the electromagnetic clutch is no longer supplied with energy. I1 follows from this the decoupling of the toothed wheel 20 from its rack 19 or from the electric motor 11 and the release, on the one hand, of the transmission 13A and, on the other hand, of the jack 10 controlling, then, the opening of the opening 2 in the smoke and heat evacuation position.

 As a result, there again; these disengageable connecting means 12A come to constitute said means 24 for detecting a cut in the power supply to the opening control device 1, capable of acting on the energy storage means 8 necessary for the operation of the means motors 7 for opening the opening 2 in the smoke and heat evacuation position, here the jack 10.

 However and just as before, it should be noted that the disengageable connection means 12A can take the form of any clutch, in particular non-electromagnetic, or even when it is an electromagnetic clutch or even an electro -magnet, the supply thereof may be separate from that of the electric motor 11. Also and under these conditions, the means for detecting the absence of supply will be constituted by a current detector capable of controlling the declutching of the toothed wheel 20 of the rack 19 or of this toothed wheel 20 of the electric motor 1 1 and, therefore, the disengagement of said disengageable connection means 12 in order to release the jack 10.

 Furthermore, it will be possible to find, at this opening control device 1, executed according to this second embodiment, limit switches 17, 18 associated with the transmission 13A in order to control the stop of operation. of the electric motor 1 1 when the leaf 2 reaches its end positions.

 Referring now to Figure 4 corresponding to a block diagram of an opening control device 1, according to the invention, still executed according to another embodiment.

 In fact and in this case, the opening control device 1 and, more precisely, these motor means 5 intended for controlling the opening of the opening panel 2 in the ventilation position, the motor means 6 ensuring the control of closing, as well as the motor means 7 for controlling the opening of this opening 2 in the position for rapid evacuation of the fumes and heat are constituted by a single electric motor 11B with which a transmission 13B is associated.

 The latter is in the form of a rack 1 9B, either disposed directly on the opening 2, or associated; to a control cable 15 connected to this opening 2. On this rack l9B comes to mesh a toothed wheel 20B driven in rotation by said electric motor 11B. Furthermore, at the level of this transmission 13B there are the limit switches 17, 18, capable of controlling the stop of operation of the electric motor 11B. Note, moreover, that this transmission 13B can adopt, as in the context of the first embodiment, the shape of a drum driven in rotation by the electric motor 11B and on which one of the ends of the '' a control cable, the other end of which is connected to the sash.

 In addition and according to this third embodiment, the energy storage means 8 necessary for the operation of the motor means 7 for controlling the opening of the opening 2 in the discharge position, motor means 7 formed in this case , by the electric motor 11B, are constituted by an accumulator 23 which is maintained permanently, in charge.

 Thus and in the event that the means for detecting the absence of energy supply to the device 1, means which may be constituted by any current detector 24, come to detect, precisely, such a break in the supply actuating the motor 11B electric through this accumulator 23 to control, under these conditions, the opening of the opening 2 in the position of the evacuation of smoke and heat.

 In fact, in the context of this third embodiment, the means 9 for detecting the presence of smoke or heat actuate the electric motor IB in the usual way in the sense that in the event of detection of smoke or heat, they come to control, directly, its operation.

 In conclusion, the present invention, whatever its embodiment described above, makes it possible to guarantee a systematic opening of the door in position for rapid evacuation of the fumes and heat in all cases which may arise. and, more particularly, in the event of a break in the energy supply to the opening control device 1. Also, this invention constitutes the realization of a so-called positive security not known through the prior art. That is to say, the latter makes it possible to satisfy all of the security conditions which it must comply with, unlike the devices which have existed in the past.

 Although the invention has been described in connection with a particular embodiment, it is understood that it is in no way limited thereto and that it is possible to make various modifications to the forms, materials and combinations of these. various elements, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims (12)

Claims  1. Device for controlling the opening of an opening (2) connected to a frame (3) to ensure, on the one hand, ventilation and, on the other hand, rapid evacuation of smoke and heat of a building, a device characterized in that it comprises, in combination:  - motor means (5) for controlling the opening of the opening (2) in the ventilation position;  - motor means (6) for controlling the closing of the opening (2)  - motor means (7) for controlling the opening of the door (2) in the position for rapidly evacuating smoke and heat  - means (8) for accumulating energy necessary for the operation of the motor means (7) for controlling the opening of the opening (2) in the position for rapid evacuation of the fumes and heat  - Detection means (9) for the presence of smoke and heat to ensure the operation of said motor means (7) for controlling the opening of the door (2) in the evacuation position  - And detection means (24) of the power supply interruption of the device 1, detection means to which the means (8) of energy accumulation are controlled to ensure the operation of the motor means (7) for the control opening the opening (2) in position for rapid evacuation of smoke and heat.  2. Opening control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the motor means (5) for controlling the opening of the opening (2) in the ventilation position consist of the combination of on the one hand, at least one spring or pneumatic cylinder (10), connecting the frame (3) to the opening (2) and coming to be compressed in the closed position of the latter and, on the other hand, by an electric motor (11) associated with a transmission (13, 13A) connected to the opening (2) to limit the opening angle of the latter and allow this opening (2) to reach a ventilation position any, between the closed position and in the fully open position, under the action of the jack (s) (10).  3. Opening control device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the motor means (6) for the closing control of the opening (2) are constituted by said electric motor (11) associated with the transmission (13, 13A) connected to the opening (2), the motor means (7) for controlling the opening of the opening (2) in the position for evacuating smoke and heat being constituted by the or the jacks (10) integrating, in addition, the means (8) of energy accumulation necessary for their operation.  4. Opening control device according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the electric motor (11) is connected to the transmission (13; 13A) through disengageable connection means (12 12A).  5. Opening control device according to claim 4, characterized in that the transmission (13) consists of a drum (14) rotated by the electric motor (11) through disengageable connecting means (12 ), on this drum (14) coming to wind one of the ends of a control cable (15), the other end (16) of the latter being connected to the opening (2).  6. Opening control device according to claim 4, characterized in that the transmission (13A) is constituted by a rack (19) connected; either directly, or through a control cable, to the opening (2), on this rack (19) coming to mesh, a toothed wheel (20) associated with the electric motor (11).  7. Opening control device according to claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the disengageable connection means (12A) consist of an electromagnetic clutch or an electromagnet interposed between the drum (14) or the toothed wheel (20) and the electric motor (11) or interposed between said toothed wheel (20) and the rack (19).  8. Opening control device according to claims 1 and 7, characterized in that the detection means (24) of power supply interruption of the device 1 are constituted by the electromagnetic clutch or the electromagnet forming the disengageable connection means (12, 12A) and which, when it is no longer supplied with energy, dissociates the drum (14) or the toothed wheel (20) from the electric motor (11) or decouples said toothed wheel ( 20) from the rack (19) and releases the jack (10) constituting the motor means (7) for controlling the opening of the opening (2) in the position for rapid evacuation of the fumes and heat.  9. Opening control device according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the detection means (24) of power supply interruption of the device (1) are constituted by a current detector which, in the event rupture of this supply, control via the disengageable connection means (12; 12A), the disengagement of the electric motor (11) of the transmission (13; 13A) and releases the jack (10) constituting the motor means ( 7) for the opening control of the opening (2) in the position for rapid evacuation of smoke and heat.  10. Opening control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the motor means (5) for controlling the opening of the door (2) in the ventilation position, the motor means (6) for the opening control of the opening (2) and the motor means (7) for the opening opening of the opening (2) in the position for rapid evacuation of smoke and heat are constituted by a single and unique associated electric motor (1 lob), through a transmission (13B) to said opening (2)  11. Opening control device according to claims 1 and 10 characterized in that the energy storage means (8) necessary for the operation of the motor means (7) for the opening control of the opening ( 2) in the evacuation position are constituted by an accumulator (23) maintained, permanently, in charge to authorize the control of the electric motor (11B) under the action of the detection means (24) of power supply interruption of the device (1).  12. Opening control device according to claims 5, 6 and 10 characterized in that it comprises limit switches (17, 18) associated with the transmission (13, 13A, 13B) in order to control stopping the operation of the electric motor (11; 11B) when the opening (2) reaches its closed position or its position for rapid evacuation of smoke and heat.