Partition forming a draft-free fire barrier; and a draft-free fire barrier; and, further, methods of their operation

• US 6,079,162 A
• Filed: 08/17/1998
• Issued: 06/27/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 12/16/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Company KG (dormakaba Holding AG)
• Original Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Company KG (dormakaba Holding AG)
• Inventors: Hein, Christian
• Primary Examiner(s): Kent, Christopher T.
• Application Number:
  US09/135,137
• Time in Patent Office: 680 Days
• Field of Search: 52/1, 49/1, 49/6
• US Class Current: 52/1
• CPC Class Codes: E05D 15/48 allowing alternative movements E05D15/0604 takes precedence ; for vertically-sliding wings E05D15/22
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 1/16 for sliding wings
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/643 operated by flexible elongated pulling elements, e.g. belts, chains or cables by flexible elongated push-pull mechanisms E05F15/635
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/72 responsive to emergency conditions, e.g. fire
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/216 Clutches
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/246 by auxiliary motors, magnets, springs or weights
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/41 for closing
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/422 for opening
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/462 Electromagnets
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/854 Switches
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/16 Applicable on combinations of fixed and movable wings
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/25 Emergency conditions
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/746 emergency or extended
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/134 Fire doors
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 3/50 with more than one kind of movement E06B3/48 takes precedenceE06B3/92 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 3/5072 the horizontal sliding wings having the possibility of an additional rotational movement
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 5/16 Fireproof doors or similar closures; Adaptations of fixed constructions therefor

Abstract

This invention relates to a fire barrier which includes a functional combination of at least one single-panel casement panel and a sliding panel which is connected or adjacent to it. The sliding panel, which can be automatically moved horizontally during normal operation, contains an auxiliary drive mechanism which, in an emergency, moves the sliding panel without an outside power source into the open position. The casement panel is moved simultaneously by a closing mechanism from its fixed or open position into the correct closed position to create or act as a barrier.

Claims

1. A partition which forms a substantially draft-free fire barrier comprising:

an opening;

an at least one first panel;

said at least one first panel being mounted rotationally on hinges;

said rotationally mounted at least one first panel having an opened and closed position to open and close said opening;

a mechanism to close said rotationally mounted at least one first panel;

said closing mechanism being disposed to move said rotationally mounted at least one first panel into the closed position;

said closing mechanism comprising an arrangement for storing energy to close said rotationally mounted at least one first panel without energy being transferred to said closing mechanism from outside said closing mechanism;

a device to retain said rotationally mounted at least one first panel;

said retaining device being disposed to hold said rotationally mounted at least one first panel in the open position;

said retaining device comprising an arrangement to release said rotationally mounted at least one first panel;

an at least one second panel;

said at least one second panel being disposed to be horizontally movable;

said at least one second panel having an opened and closed position to open and close said opening;

a detection system to sense combustion;

said combustion-sensing detection system being operatively connected to close said rotationally mounted at least one first panel;

said partition is openable and closable;

said at least one second panel comprises one of a sliding door and a telescoping door;

a frame;

said frame being disposed and configured to support said at least one second panel;

a profile;

said profile being disposed adjacent to said at least one first panel;

said frame being disposed to be affixed to said profile;

a drive mechanism;

said drive mechanism being operatively connected to said at least one second panel;

said drive mechanism being configured to move said at least one second panel;

an auxiliary drive mechanism being configured and disposed to move said at least one second panel;

said auxiliary drive mechanism being configured to store energy upon movement of said at least one second panel from said opened position to said closed position;

a switchable coupling;

said switchable coupling being able to be activated to transmit power and able to be deactivated to end transmission of power;

said switchable coupling being connected to said drive mechanism;

a drive belt;

said drive belt being disposed to connect said drive mechanism to said at least one second panel;

said switchable coupling being configured and disposed to disconnect said drive mechanism from said drive belt upon said coupling being in said deactivated condition; and

said auxiliary drive mechanism being configured to move said at least one second panel into said opened position upon said switchable coupling disconnecting said drive belt from said drive mechanism.

3. The openable and closable partition according to claim 1 comprising:

a first electrical wiring system;

said first electrical wiring system connecting said combustion-sensing detection system to said retaining device;

said first electrical wiring system being configured to permit actuation of said retaining device;

a second electrical wiring system;

said second electrical wiring system connecting said combustion-sensing detection system to said switchable coupling; and

said second electrical wiring system being configured to permit deactivation of said switchable coupling.

4. The openable and closable partition according to claim 3 in combination with a passageway wherein:

said openable and closable partition is disposed in said passageway to permit escape from a structure upon a fire occurring in the structure.

5. The openable and closable partition according to claim 4 comprising:

at least one stationary side part;

said at least one stationary side part being disposed adjacent to said at least one first panel and said profile;

a transom arrangement; and

said transom arrangement being disposed adjacent to said profile.

6. The openable and closable partition according to claim 5 comprising a functional combination of said at least one first panel and said at least one second panel.

7. The openable and closable partition according to claim 6 wherein:

said at least one first panel comprises one of a), b), c) and d);

a) wood;

b) steel;

c) a light alloy metal; and

d) glass;

said at least one stationary side part comprises one of a), b), c) and d);

a) wood;

b) steel;

c) a light alloy metal; and

d) glass; and

said transom arrangement comprises one of a), b), c) and d);

a) wood;

b) steel;

c) a light alloy metal; and

d) glass.

2. A partition which forms a substantially draft-free fire barrier comprising:

an opening;

an at least one first panel;

said at least one first panel being mounted rotationally on hinges;

said rotationally mounted at least one first panel having an opened and closed position to open and close said opening;

a mechanism to close said rotationally mounted at least one first panel;

said closing mechanism being disposed to move said rotationally mounted at least one first panel into the closed position;

said closing mechanism comprising an arrangement for storing energy to close said rotationally mounted at least one first panel without energy being transferred to said closing mechanism from outside said closing mechanism;

a device to retain said rotationally mounted at least one first panel;

said retaining device being disposed to hold said rotationally mounted at least one first panel in the open position;

said retaining device comprising an arrangement to release said rotationally mounted at least one first panel;

an at least one second panel;

said at least one second panel being disposed to be horizontally movable;

said at least one second panel having an opened and closed position to open and close said opening;

a detection system to sense combustion;

said combustion-sensing detection system being operatively connected to close said rotationally mounted at least one first panel;

a first electrical wiring system;

said first electrical wiring system connecting said combustion-sensing detection system to said retaining device;

said first electrical wiring system being configured to permit actuation of said retaining device upon sensing of combustion by said combustion-sensing detection system;

a second electrical wiring system;

said second electrical wiring system being configured to operatively connect said combustion-sensing detection system to said at least one second panel to close said at least one second panel; and

said second electrical wiring system being configured to permit opening of said at least one second panel upon sensing of combustion by said combustion-sensing detection system.

8. A method for operating a partition which forms a substantially draft-free fire barrier, said partition comprising:

an opening;

an at least one first panel;

said at least one first panel being mounted rotationally on hinges;

said rotationally mounted at least one first panel having an opened and closed position to open and close said opening;

a mechanism to close said rotationally mounted at least one first panel;

said closing mechanism being disposed to move said rotationally mounted at least one first panel into the closed position;

said closing mechanism comprising an arrangement for storing energy to close said rotationally mounted at least one first panel without energy being transferred to said closing mechanism from outside said closing mechanism;

a device to retain said rotationally mounted at least one first panel;

said retaining device being disposed to hold said rotationally mounted at least one first panel in the open position;

said retaining device comprising an arrangement to release said rotationally mounted at least one first panel;

an at least one second panel;

said at least one second panel being disposed to be horizontally movable;

said at least one second panel having an opened and closed position to open and close said opening;

a detection system to sense combustion;

said combustion-sensing detection system being operatively connected to close said rotationally mounted at least one first panel;

said partition is openable and closable;

said at least one second panel comprises one of a sliding door and a telescoping door;

a drive mechanism;

said drive mechanism being operatively connected to said at least one second panel;

said drive mechanism being configured to move said at least one second panel;

an auxiliary drive mechanism being configured and disposed to move said at least one second panel;

said auxiliary drive mechanism being configured to store energy upon movement of said at least one second panel from said opened position to said closed position;

a switchable coupling;

said switchable coupling being able to be activated to transmit power and able to be deactivated to disconnect transmission of power;

said switchable coupling being connected to said drive mechanism;

a drive belt;

said drive belt being disposed to connect said drive mechanism to said at least one second panel;

said switchable coupling being configured and disposed to disconnect said drive mechanism from said drive belt upon said coupling being in said deactivated condition; and

said auxiliary drive mechanism being configured to move said at least one second panel into said opened position upon said switchable coupling disconnecting said drive belt from said drive mechanism, said method comprising the steps of;

activating the retaining device and holding the rotationally mounted at least one first panel in the open position with the retaining device;

storing energy within the closing device to close the rotationally mounted at least one first panel without energy being transferred to the closing mechanism from outside of the closing mechanism;

providing with said combustion-sensing detection system an indication of combustion upon the occurrence of combustion;

releasing from said retaining device the rotationally mounted at least one first panel upon the receiving of said indication of combustion;

moving the rotationally mounted at least one first panel into the closed position with the energy stored in the closing mechanism upon release of the rotationally mounted at least one first panel by said retaining device;

moving the at least one second panel horizontally into its opened position;

said step of moving the at least one second panel horizontally into its opened position comprising one of;

sliding of a sliding door or telescopic moving of a telescoping door;

activating the switchable coupling to transmit power;

moving the at least one second panel with the drive mechanism;

storing energy within the auxiliary drive mechanism upon movement of the at least one second panel from the opened position to the closed position;

deactivating the switchable coupling to end transmission of power;

disconnecting the drive belt from the drive mechanism upon said deactivation of the switchable coupling; and

activating the auxiliary drive mechanism to move the at least one second panel into the open position upon the disconnection of the drive belt from the drive mechanism.

9. The method for operating the openable and closable partition according to claim 8 in combination with a passageway wherein:

said openable and closable partition is disposed in said passageway to permit escape from a structure upon a fire occurring in the structure, said method comprising the steps of;

disposing the openable and closable partition in a passageway; and

permitting escape from a structure upon occurrence of fire.

10. An openable and closable partition which forms a substantially draft-free fire barrier to permit persons to exit an area containing a fire, said partition comprising:

an opening;

an at least one first casement panel;

said at least one first casement panel being mounted rotationally on hinges;

said at least one first casement panel having an opened and closed position to open and close said opening;

a mechanism to close said at least one first casement panel;

said closing mechanism being disposed to move said at least one first casement panel into the closed position;

said closing mechanism comprising an arrangement for storing energy to close said at least one first casement panel without energy being transferred to said closing mechanism from outside said closing mechanism;

a device to retain said at least one first casement panel;

said retaining device being disposed to hold said at least one first casement panel in the open position;

said retaining device comprising an arrangement to release said at least one first casement panel;

an at least one second casement panel;

said at least one second casement panel being disposed to be horizontally movable;

said at least one second casement panel having an opened and closed position to open and close said opening;

a detection system to sense combustion;

said combustion-sensing detection system being operatively connected to close said at least one first casement panel;

a drive mechanism;

said drive mechanism being operatively connected to said at least one second casement panel;

said drive mechanism being configured to move said at least one second casement panel;

an auxiliary drive mechanism being configured and disposed to move said at least one second casement panel;

said auxiliary drive mechanism being configured to store energy upon movement of said at least one second casement panel from said opened position to said closed position;

a switchable coupling;

said switchable coupling being able to be activated to transmit power and able to be deactivated to end transmission of power;

said switchable coupling being connected to said drive mechanism;

a drive belt;

said drive belt being disposed to connect said drive mechanism to said at least one second casement panel;

said switchable coupling being configured and disposed to disconnect said drive mechanism from said drive belt upon said coupling being in said deactivated condition; and

said auxiliary drive mechanism being configured to move said at least one second casement panel into said opened position upon said switchable coupling disconnecting said drive belt from said drive mechanism.

12. The openable and closable partition according to claim 10 comprising:

a first electrical wiring system;

said first electrical wiring system being configured to connect said combustion-sensing detection system to said retaining device;

said first electrical wiring system being configured to permit actuation of said retaining device;

a second electrical wiring system;

said second electrical wiring system being configured to operatively connect said combustion-sensing detection system to said switchable coupling; and

said second electrical wiring system being configured to permit deactivation of said switchable coupling.

13. The openable and closable partition according to claim 12 in combination with a passageway wherein:

said openable and closable partition is disposed in said passageway to permit escape from a structure upon a fire occurring in the structure.

14. The openable and closable partition according to claim 13 comprising:

at least one stationary side part;

said at least one stationary side part being disposed adjacent to said at least one first casement panel and said profile;

a transom arrangement; and

said transom arrangement being disposed adjacent to said profile.

15. The openable and closable partition according to claim 14 wherein:

said at least one first casement panel comprises one of a), b), c) and d);

a) wood;

b) steel;

c) a light alloy metal; and

d) glass;

said at least one stationary side part comprises one of a), b), c) and d);

a) wood;

b) steel;

c) a light alloy metal; and

d) glass; and

said transom arrangement comprises one of a), b), c) and d);

a) wood;

b) steel;

c) a light alloy metal; and

d) glass.

11. An openable and closable partition which forms a substantially draft-free fire barrier to permit persons to exit an area containing a fire, said partition comprising:

an opening;

an at least one first casement panel;

said at least one first casement panel being mounted rotationally on hinges;

said at least one first casement panel having an opened and closed position to open and close said opening;

a mechanism to close said at least one first casement panel;

said closing mechanism being disposed to move said at least one first casement panel into the closed position;

said closing mechanism comprising an arrangement for storing energy to close said at least one first casement panel without energy being transferred to said closing mechanism from outside said closing mechanism;

a device to retain said at least one first casement panel;

said retaining device being disposed to hold said at least one first casement panel in the open position;

said retaining device comprising an arrangement to release said at least one first casement panel;

an at least one second casement panel;

said at least one second casement panel being disposed to be horizontally movable;

said at least one second casement panel having an opened and closed position to open and close said opening;

a detection system to sense combustion;

said combustion-sensing detection system being operatively connected to close said at least one first casement panel;

a first electrical wiring system;

said first electrical wiring system being configured to connect said combustion-sensing detection system to said retaining device;

said first electrical wiring system being configured to permit actuation of said retaining device upon sensing of combustion by said combustion-sensing detection system;

a second electrical wiring system;

said second electrical wiring system being configured to operatively connect said combustion-sensing detection system to said at least one second casement panel to close said at least one second casement panel; and

said second electrical wiring system being configured to permit opening of said at least one second casement panel upon sensing of combustion by said combustion-sensing detection system.