Fire extinguishing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fire extinguishing apparatus for extinguishing fires in vehicles. The object of the invention is to provide a product and a method for extinguishing fires in a vehicle, especially when it is in an area with limited working space around it. The fire extinguishing apparatus for extinguishing fires in vehicles comprises: - at least one lower tube, wherein said lower tube has at least one inlet opening and at least one closed end, the lower tube is provided with at least one nozzle, - at least one first side tube and at least one second side tube, each with at least one inlet opening and at least one closed end, said first side tube and said second side tube are each provided with at least one nozzle, and said first side tube and said second side tube are arranged substantially parallel to said lower tube.- an inlet distributor is arranged in fluid communication with the inlet opening in said lower tube and the inlet opening in said first side tube and the inlet opening in said second side tube, wherein said first side tube is arranged in a first position with respect to the lower tube and a second side tube is arranged in a second position with respect to the lower tube, wherein in use the inlet distributor is capable of distributing fluid to said lower tube and said first side tube and said second side tube, such that the fluid flows through the nozzles of said lower tube and the nozzles of said first side tube and the nozzles of said second side tube, towards a fire extinguishing zone.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a fire extinguishing apparatus for extinguishing fires in vehicles.Background of the Invention

[0002] It is a well-known fact that vehicles may have a risk of catching or initiating fire. Safety is a very important issue when limiting, containing and / or putting out the fire, especially for the people and surroundings involved in the process.

[0003] When looking towards electric vehicles, a new issue occurs regarding safety of lithium-ion batteries and the risk of initiating fire. The safety of lithium-ion batteries in vehicles is a priority of the automotive industry.

[0004] One example may be lithium-ion batteries that may suffer thermal runaway and cell rupture if overheated or overcharged. In extreme cases, the thermal runaway and cell rupture may lead to combustion. To reduce these risks, lithium-ion battery packs contain fail-safe circuitry that shuts down the battery when the temperature of the battery is outside the safe range. When handled improperly, or if manufactured defectively, some rechargeable batteries can experience thermal runaway resulting in overheating. Sealed cells will sometimes explode violently if safety vents are overwhelmed or non-functional.

[0005] Another example may be a lithium-ion battery that may be damaged, for example when the electric vehicle runs over some debris, and the driver might not be aware of the damage. And then a fire may start well after the initial incident. That could theoretically cause a fire after the electric vehicle is parked in a garage or in a vehicle park. The lithium-ion cells may cause and explosion or a fire may occur.

[0006] The electric vehicles and their lithium-ion batteries are hazardous. Fires from electric vehicle batteries can burn for hours or even days, and sometimes reigniting after fire-fighters think the blaze is over. The fire in electric vehicles may cause a huge risk for the firefighters involved in the process, especially if the electric vehicles are located for example in troubled locations, such as in vehicle parks, parking garages / basements or parking decks in ferries, where a plurality of vehicles are present with limited space between each vehicle.

[0007] DE202017002156U1 discloses a fire extinguishing device comprising sprinkler pipe for firefighting, wherein the low construction height allows this extinguishing device to be used specifically only under vehicles for firefighting and / or for cooling gas tanks, high-voltage batteries.

[0008] DE202005021584U1 discloses a liquid distributor with a fire hose, having a round cross-section in pressurized operation, which is provided with lateral outlet nozzle distributed over the length of the hose, wherein outlet nozzles of a first row have an angular offset of the jet directions relative to outlet nozzles of a second row.

[0009] CN206762088U discloses a moveable a fire extinguishing device for fighting fire wherein the fire extinguishing device comprises an annular closed pipeline, a water inlet pipeline and a connecting pipeline. The fire extinguishing device can be pushed under a vehicle or arranged at one side of a vehicle.

[0010] CN204208218U discloses an automatic fire extinguishing system for preventing and extinguishing flame within a passenger vehicle. The automatic fire extinguishing system is a stationary system arranged inside the vehicle. The automatic fire extinguishing system is integrated as a part of the vehicle and cannot extinguishing flames in other vehicles.Object of the Invention

[0011] It is an object of the invention to provide a product and a method for extinguishing fire in a vehicle, especially when the vehicle is located in an area with limiting working space around the vehicle.Description of the Invention

[0012] The present invention addresses this by providing a fire extinguishing apparatus for extinguishing fires in vehicles according to appended claim 1, as well as a method of extinguishing fire in a vehicle according to the appended claim 11.

[0013] Preferred embodiments of the fire extinguishing apparatus are set out in the dependent claim.

[0014] Fire incidents in electric vehicles occur relatively frequently. Fire in electric vehicles where the lithium-ion battery is ignited is in some areas more challenging than in ordinary vehicle fires. Even when the battery fire is obvious, it is well-known that it easily may take 24 hours for a lithium-ion battery fire in an electric vehicle to be fully extinguished. Experience from fires in electric vehicles as well as a number of guides in the area uncovers the difficult challenges which may arise in handling a fire in the electric vehicle or any other types of vehicle. If the vehicles are located in troubled locations, such as in vehicle parks, parking garages / basements, garage for repairs or parking decks in ferries, a fire may be more troublesome, because a plurality of vehicles are present with limited space between each vehicle. The fire extinguishing apparatus easily fits between the vehicles.

[0015] With an electric vehicle fire, there is a need for water. In many cases, modern fire departments use foam or dry chemicals that are better than water at suppressing fires. While dry chemicals are great at putting down ordinary electrical fires, they may be ineffective with a fire stemming from a vehicle's battery. Water is therefore the best approach to a lithium-ion battery fire or any other battery in a vehicle. The best way to extinguish fires in an electric vehicle is to keep a direct and focused stream on the battery until the battery relents and temperature is greatly decreased.

[0016] If the battery is placed under the hood, it is relatively easy to extinguish a fire. It is much more difficult if the battery is positioned in the rear part of the vehicle or directly in the middle under the vehicle. The fire extinguishing apparatus may therefore be arranged under and around the electric vehicle, by placing the electric vehicle in a controllable fire extinguishing zone provided by the fire extinguishing apparatus.

[0017] Fire extinguishing apparatus has a bottom section, which comprises at least one bottom pipe. Fire extinguishing apparatus also has a first side section, which comprises at least one first side pipe, and a second side section, which comprises at least one second side pipe. The bottom pipe, the first and second side pipe form a pipe frame system. The bottom pipe, the first and second side pipe may be arranged in an elevated position to a ground level and forming a bottom plane. The bottom pipe is arranged between the first side pipe and the second side pipe.

[0018] The fire extinguishing apparatus comprises a bottom pipe or bottom pipes, which may be arranged under a vehicle. The fire extinguishing may be a moveable fire extinguishing, easy to move. The fire extinguishing apparatus also comprises side pipes, where the side pipes may be arranged on each side of the vehicle. The first side pipe is arranged in a first position away from the bottom pipe and a second side pipe is arranged in a second position away from of bottom pipe. The first side pipe may be arranged in a first direction away from bottom pipe, and the second side pipe may be arranged in a second direction away from the bottom pipe in the opposite direction of the first direction. The first side pipe or first side pipes are arranged on one side of the vehicle, and the second side pipe or second side pipes are arranged on the other side of the vehicle. The bottom pipe or pipes and the first and second side pipes are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0019] It is possible to push or drive the fire extinguishing apparatus into a position relative to the vehicle, wherein the fire extinguishing apparatus is arranged such that the first side pipe is on one side of a set of wheels of the vehicle away from the other set of wheels and the second side pipe is on the other side of the other set of wheels of the vehicle. The bottom pipe or pipes are arranged between the set of wheels. The fire extinguishing apparatus is capable of extinguishing fire underneath the vehicle as well as on each side of the vehicle. This will cool down the vehicle, such that the fire is prevented from spreading further in the vehicle. The fire is also prevented from spreading to other vehicles parked next to the burning vehicle. The fire extinguishing apparatus may even prevent the fire from starting, when cooling the vehicle down rapidly.

[0020] The bottom pipe or pipes may have inlet openings and closed ends. The first and second side pipes may also be provided with inlet openings and closed ends. The pipes may contain a fluid such as water or similar. The bottom pipe or pipes are provided with at least one nozzle each, preferably a plurality of nozzles arranged in a predefined pattern along the bottom pipe or pipes. The nozzles are directed toward the vehicle. The first and second side pipe or pipes may also be provided with at least one nozzle each, preferably a plurality of nozzles arranged in a predefined pattern along the side pipe or pipes. The nozzles are directed towards the vehicle.

[0021] The predefined pattern may be provided using nozzles, wherein each of the nozzles has different sizes and shapes of holes providing different angles of fluid in the fire extinguishing zone. The fluid may be distributed in such way that the fire extinguishing zone is covered in fluid distributed from different angles from the nozzles into the fire extinguishing.

[0022] The inlet distributor is arranged in fluid communication with the inlet openings in the bottom pipe and the first and second side pipes. The inlet distributor is capable of distributing fluid too so the fluid flows through the nozzles of the bottom pipe or pipes and through the nozzles of the first and second side pipes. The fluid is directed towards the vehicle, which is arranged in the fire extinguishing zone of the fire extinguishing apparatus.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, said first side pipe and said second side pipe are arranged in an elevated position relative to said bottom pipe, forming a part of said fire extinguishing zone between the bottom pipe and said first side pipe and said second side pipe, and the nozzles of said bottom pipe and the nozzles of said first side pipe and the nozzles of said second side pipe are directed substantially towards said part of said fire extinguishing zone.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, said first side pipe and said second side pipe are arranged in an equally elevated position relative to said bottom pipe, forming a part of said fire extinguishing zone between the bottom pipe and said first side pipe and said second side pipe, and the nozzles of said bottom pipe and the nozzles of said first side pipe and the nozzles of said second side pipe are directed substantially towards said part of said fire extinguishing zone.

[0025] The first side pipe or pipes and the second side pipe or pipes are arranged in an elevated position relative to said bottom pipe. Furthermore, the first side pipe or pipes and the second side pipe or pipes are arranged in a substantially equally elevated position relative to said bottom pipe. The space between the pipes forms a U-shaped fire extinguishing apparatus. The space in the U-forms the fire extinguishing zone or a part of the fire extinguishing zone. The nozzles of the bottom pipe or pipes and the nozzles of all the side pipe or pipes are directed substantially towards the vehicle arranged in the fire extinguishing zone.

[0026] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a first pipe pair comprising said first side pipe and said second side pipe is arranged in a first position relative to said bottom pipe, and a second pipe pair comprising said first side pipe and said second side pipe is arranged in a second position relative to said bottom pipe.

[0027] The first pipe pair may be the upper side pipes on each side of a vehicle. The first pipe pair is arranged in a first position relative to said bottom pipe. The second side pair may be the lower side pipes on each side of a vehicle, which is arranged in a second position relative to said bottom pipe. The numbers of nozzles provided on the pipes in the first pipe pair may differ from the number of nozzles provided on the pipes in the second pipe pair. The fluid distribution pattern of the nozzles provided on the pipes in the first pipe pair may differ from the fluid distribution pattern of nozzles provided on the pipes in the second pipe pair.

[0028] In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one cross pipe is provided with at least one nozzle, and the cross pipe is arranged perpendicular to said bottom pipe and said first pipe side and said second pipe side, and the cross pipe is in fluid communication with said inlet distributor.

[0029] A cross pipe may be provided in the end where the fluid is provided with a fire extinguishing apparatus. The cross pipe or cross pipes are arranged perpendicular to the bottom pipe and / or the first and second side pipes. The cross pipe is in fluid communication with said inlet distributer. The cross pipe may be provided with at least one nozzle, which may be directed towards the vehicle in the fire extinguishing zone. The cross pipe may extend from a first pipe side to a second pipe side, for example between the first side pipe to the second side pipe in the first pipe pair and / or between the first side pipe to the second side pipe in the second pipe pair.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, said cross pipe is the inlet distributor, and the cross pipe is in fluid communication with said bottom pipe and said first side pipe and said second side pipe.

[0031] The cross pipe may be in fluid communication with the bottom pipe and the first side pipe and the second side pipe, when the cross pipe is being the inlet distributor. The cross pipe is capable of distributing fluid to the bottom pipe and the first side pipe and the second side pipe. The fluid then flows through the nozzles of the said bottom pipe and the nozzles of said first side pipe and the nozzles of said second side pipe and the nozzles of the cross pipe into the fire extinguishing zone.

[0032] The cross pipe or pipes may be in fluid communication with a main fluid source, so that the cross pipe may distribute fluid from the main fluid source to all the pipes in the fire extinguishing apparatus. The fluid flows through the nozzles of the said bottom pipe, said first pipe side and said second side pipe, and into the fire extinguishing zone.

[0033] In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention, said bottom pipe and said first side pipe and said second side pipe are arranged in a collapsible pipe frame system, where the first side pipe and the second side pipe are capable of folding on top of said bottom pipe.

[0034] The pipe frame may be a fixed pipe frame system or a collapsible pipe frame system. The folded position may be a storage position. In a folded position, the fire extinguishing apparatus does not take up much space while being stored. The fire extinguishing apparatus may then be quickly accessible and unfolded before use. The fire extinguishing apparatus is furthermore easy to store and easy to transport. The costs for transport and storage are greatly reduced.

[0035] The bottom pipe, the first side pipe and the second side pipe are arranged in a pipe frame system. The pipe frame may comprise support rails to keep a predefined distance between the pipes to provide a stable and robust fire extinguishing apparatus. If more than one bottom pipe is provided, the bottom pipes are arranged in a predefined distance from each other. The distance is maintained using support rails attached from one bottom pipe to another. The support rails may also be provided as pipes comprising nozzles. The support rails may be in fluid communication with one or more bottom pipes.

[0036] The distance between the first pipe pair and the second pipe pair is provided by support rails to keep a predefined distance between pipe pairs to provide stable and robust sides of the fire extinguishing apparatus. The distance is maintained using support rails attached from one side pipe to another side pipe above and / or below the one side pipe. The support rails may also be provided as pipes comprising nozzles. The support rails may be in fluid communication with one or more bottom pipes in the first pipe pair or the second pipe pair.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, said fire extinguishing apparatus is provided with moveable means.

[0038] The fire extinguishing apparatus may be capable of moving on a substantially plane surface relative to a vehicle, so the fire extinguishing apparatus easily may be arranged in a fire extinguishing position relative to the vehicle. The moveable means may comprise wheels or roller ball transfers etc. The moveable means may be provided on the support rails, the bottom pipe or pipes, or even on the lower first and second side pipes.

[0039] The moveable means may provide an easy and agile manoeuvring of the fire extinguishing apparatus, when needed.

[0040] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fire extinguishing apparatus has a control system.

[0041] The fire extinguishing apparatus may be equipped with a control system. The control system may be in a wired or wireless communication with an external control unit. The control system may be monitoring the function or functions of the fire extinguishing apparatus to ensure that the fire extinguishing apparatus is functional during use.

[0042] In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention, said fire extinguishing apparatus is operated remotely using controlling means.

[0043] The fire extinguishing apparatus may be operated remotely using controlling means which may be controlled through the control system, such as a remote controlled fire extinguishing apparatus. This may be an easy, safer and more secured way for the firefighters to arrange the fire extinguishing apparatus in fire extinguishing position relative to the burning vehicle.

[0044] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fire extinguishing apparatus comprises detecting means for detecting fire and / or smoke.

[0045] The control system may be monitoring the function or functions of the fire extinguishing apparatus to ensure that the fire extinguishing apparatus is functional during use. The fre extinguishing apparatus may detect fire and / or smoke using detecting means. Furthermore, the detecting means may comprise temperature sensors and pressure means for measuring the pressure related to the fluid flow. The fire extinguishing apparatus may be activated automatically when detecting a fire inside or outside the fire extinguishing zone or similar. The fire extinguishing apparatus may be provided as a safety installation, so the vehicle does not catch fire from a burning neighbour vehicle. The fluid from the fire extinguishing apparatus may be turned on for protection reason.

[0046] Method of extinguishing fire in a vehicle using a fire extinguishing apparatus according to following steps: providing a fire extinguishing apparatus, connecting the fire extinguishing apparatus to a main fluid supply, arranging said fire extinguishing apparatus relative to said vehicle, so the vehicle is arranged in a fire extinguishing position in the fire extinguishing zone, where the inlet distributor is in fluid communication with a main fluid source, so that the inlet distributor is capable of distributing fluid from the main fluid source, so the fluid flows through the nozzles of the said bottom pipe, said first side pipe and said second side pipe, and into the fire extinguishing zone.

[0047] When extinguishing fire in a vehicle, the fire-fighters may use a fire extinguishing apparatus, the fire-fighters may extinguish the fire in a vehicle according to following steps: At least one fire extinguishing apparatus may be provided. The fire extinguishing apparatus may be folded so the fire extinguishing apparatus has to be unfolded before use. The fire extinguishing apparatus may be connected to a main fluid supply. The connection to the main fluid supply may provide a continuing flow of fluid to the fire extinguishing apparatus. The fire extinguishing apparatus is arranged relative to the vehicle, so the vehicle is arranged in a fire extinguishing position in the fire extinguishing zone,

[0048] When the inlet distributor is in fluid communication with a main fluid source, the inlet distributor may distribute fluid from the main fluid supply. The fluid flows through the nozzles of the bottom pipe, which are arranged under the vehicle. The fluid is flushed toward the bottom side of the vehicle. The fluid also flows through the nozzles of the first and the second side pipe or pipes, wherein the first and the second side pipe or pipes are respectively arranged on each side of the vehicle. The fluid is flushed towards the sides of the vehicle, preferably the fluid also reaches the top and the front and back of the vehicle. The vehicle which is arranged in the fire extinguishing zone will be covered with fluid in a period keeping a direct and focused stream of fluid on the lithium-ion battery and surroundings until the temperature is decreased. The fire extinguishing apparatus may be used for extinguishing fire in electric vehicle, but may also be used for extinguishing fire in other types of vehicles, machines and / or stationary installations etc.

[0049] The invention has now been explained with reference to a few embodiments which have only been discussed in order to illustrate the many possibilities and varying design possibilities achievable with the fire extinguishing apparatus according to the present invention.Description of the Drawing

[0050] The embodiments of the invention are described in the following with reference to: Fig. 1: Illustrating a fire extinguishing apparatus. Fig. 2: Illustrating a fire extinguishing apparatus spraying fluid into a fire extinguishing zone. Fig. 3: Illustrating a fire extinguishing apparatus in an array of vehicles, where one fire extinguishing apparatus is in use. Fig. 4: Illustrating a fire extinguishing apparatus in an array of vehicles, where an array of fire extinguishing apparatus is in use. Fig. 5: Illustrating a collapsible pipe frame system in a folded position. Fig. 6: Illustrating a collapsible pipe frame system in a folded position stored on a trailer. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0051] An embodiment of the invention is explained in the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its scope to the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0052] Fig. 1 illustrates a fire extinguishing apparatus 1. The fire extinguishing apparatus 1 comprises two bottom pipes 2 connected to each other by support rails 5. The two bottom pipes 2 are arranged between the side pipes 3', 3", 4', 4". The bottom pipes 2 are provided with at least one nozzle distributed in a predefined pattern along the bottom pipes 2. The side pipes 3', 3", 4', 4" are provided with nozzles distributed in a predefined pattern along the pipes 3', 3", 4', 4". The first side of pipes comprises an upper side pipe 3' and a lower side pipe 4' separated by the use of support rails 5'. The second side of pipes comprises an upper side pipe 3" and a lower side pipe 4" separated by the use of support rails 5". The bottom pipes 2, the side pipes 3', 3", 4', 4" and the support rails 5, 5',5" form a pipe frame system, which pipe frame system is provided with moveable means 6, such as wheels, rollers or casters or similare. The moveable fire extinguishing apparatus 1 is capable of moving back and forth, and sidewards on a substantially plane surface, such as a floor.

[0053] The bottom pipes 2 and the side pipes 3', 3", 4', 4" each has an open end and a closed end. The side pipes 3', 3", 4', 4" are arranged substantially parallel to said bottom pipes 2. The open ends of said bottom pipes 2 and said side pipes 3', 3", 4', 4" are arranged in a first direction towards the inlet connection means 7 of the inlet distributor, and the closed ends of said bottom pipes 2 and said side pipes 3', 3", 4', 4" are arranged in a second direction away from the inlet connection means 7. The inlet connection means 7 is attached to a fluid pipe 10 providing fluid from a main fluid source.

[0054] A cross pipe 8 is arranged perpendicular to said bottom pipes 2, said first and said second side pipe 3', 3'', 4', 4". The cross pipe 8 is provided with at least one nozzle distributed in a predefined pattern along the cross pipe 8. The cross pipe 8 is in fluid communication with the inlet connection means 7. The cross pipe 8 is used as an inlet distributor and is in fluid communication with the open ends of the bottom pipe 2 and the side pipes 3', 3", 4', 4".

[0055] Fig. 2 illustrates a fire extinguishing apparatus 1 spraying fluid into a fire extinguishing zone 11. A first pipe pair 3 comprising the first side pipe 3' and the second side pipe 3". The first pipe pair 3 is arranged in first position relative to said bottom pipe 2. A second pipe pair 4 comprising said first pipe side 4' and said second pipe side 4" are arranged in a second position relative to said bottom pipes 2.

[0056] The first side of pipes and the first side pipes 3',4' are arranged on a first side relative to the bottom pipes 2 and a second side of pipes, the second side pipes 3", 4" is arranged relative to a second side of bottom pipes 2. The first side pipes 3',4' and a second side pipes 3", 4" are arranged opposite each other on each side of the bottom pipes 2, so the first pair of pipes 3 and the second pair of pipes 4 are arranged in the same elevated position. The bottom pipes and the second pair of pipes 4 are arranged in the same horizontal level, and the first pair of pipes is arranged in an elevated position relative to the second pair of pipes. The bottom pipes 2, the side pipes 3', 3", 4', 4", the support rails 5, 5',5" and the cross pipe 8 forms a pipe frame system, where the cross section of the pipe frame system has a form as a U-shape. The fire extinguishing zone 11 is located inside the U. The fire extinguishing zone 11 extends in the length of the fire extinguishing apparatus 1.

[0057] The inlet distributor, which in this embodiment is the cross pipe 8, is in fluid communication with a main fluid source through the fluid pipe 10. The cross pipe 8 is capable of distributing fluid 9 from the main fluid source out through the nozzles arranged in the cross section and into the fire extinguishing zone 11. The cross pipe 8 is also capable of distributing fluid 9 through the said bottom pipe, the first and the second pipe sides and into the fire extinguishing zone 11. The fluid 9 is distributed in such way that the fire extinguishing zone 11 is covered in fluid distributed form different angles from the nozzles into the fire extinguishing zone 11.

[0058] The first pipe pair 3 may be the upper side pipes 3', 3" on each side of the fire extinguishing zone 11. The first pipe pair 3 is arranged in a first position relative to said bottom pipes 2. The second side pair 4 may be the lower side pipes 4', 4" on each side of the fire extinguishing zone 11, which is arranged in a second position relative to said bottom pipe 2. The number of nozzles provided in the pipes 3',3" in the first pipe pair 3 may differ from the number of nozzles provided in the pipes 4',4" in the second pipe pair 4. The fluid distribution pattern of the nozzles provided in the pipes 3',3" in the first pipe pair 3 may differ from the fluid distribution pattern of nozzles provided in the pipes 4', 4" in the second pipe pair 4.

[0059] Fig. 3 illustrates a fire extinguishing apparatus 1 arranged in between an array of vehicles 13 1< , 13 2< , 13 3< parked side by side in a parking garage 12. The fire extinguishing apparatus 1 is provided with moveable means, such as wheels or roller ball transfers. The fire extinguishing apparatus 1 is moved on a substantially plane surface, such as the deck of the parking garage 12. The fire extinguishing apparatus 1 is then easily arranged in a fire extinguishing position relative to the vehicle 13 1< , 13 2< , 13 3< . The moveable means on the bottom side of the bottom pipes and side pipes. The moveable means may provide an easy and agile manoeuvring of the moveable fire extinguishing apparatus, when needed. The moveable means may be wheels, rollers or casters or similar.

[0060] Each vehicle 13 1< , 13 2< , 13 3< is enclosed by a fire extinguishing apparatus 1, so the vehicle is arranged in the fire extinguishing zone. The first pipe sides are arranged on a first side relative to the vehicle, and a second pipe sides is arranged relative to a second side of the vehicle. The first and said second side pipes are arranged in an elevated position relative to the vehicle, forming a fire extinguishing zone between the bottom pipe, the first and the second side pipes, where the vehicle is arranged in the fire extinguishing zone. In this example the first and said second pipe sides are arranged in a substantially equally elevated position relative to the vehicle, forming a fire extinguishing zone between the bottom pipe, the first and the second pipe side, where the vehicle is arranged in the fire extinguishing zone. The nozzles of said bottom pipes and the first and second pipe sides are directed substantially towards the fire extinguishing zone. One fire extinguishing apparatus 1 is in use and covering the vehicle 13 2< in fluid, such as water.

[0061] Fig. 4 also illustrates a fire extinguishing apparatus 1 arranged in between an array of vehicles 13 1< , 13 2< , 13 3< parked side by side in a parking garage 12. Each vehicle 13 1< , 13 2< , 13 3< is enclosed by a fire extinguishing apparatus 1, so the vehicle is arranged in the fire extinguishing zone. All the fire extinguishing apparatuses 1 are in use and covering each of the vehicles 13 1< , 13 2< , 13 3< in fluid, such as water.

[0062] The fire extinguishing apparatus 1 may be provided with a control system. The control system may be arranged in the pipe frame system. The control system may be in a wired or wireless communication with an external control unit. The fire extinguishing apparatus is operated remotely using controlling means, so the user may control the manoeuvring of the fire extinguishing apparatus 1. The user may then keep a safety distance to the vehicle. The control system may also be monitoring the function or functions of the fire extinguishing apparatus 1 to ensure that the fire extinguishing apparatus 1 is fully functional during use. Using a remote control is an easy, safer and more secured way for the user to arrange the fire extinguishing apparatus 1 in a fire extinguishing position relative to the burning vehicle 13 1< , 13 2< , 13 3< .

[0063] The fire extinguishing apparatus 1 may also comprises detecting means for detecting fire and / or smoke. The detecting means may be comprised in the pipe frame system, for example in the pipes or in the support rails. The detecting means may comprise temperature sensors and pressure means for measuring the pressure related to the fluid flow etc. The fire extinguishing apparatus 1 may be activated automatically when detecting a fire inside or outside the fire extinguishing zone. The fire extinguishing apparatus 1 provides a safety installation around the vehicles 13 1< , 13 3< , so the vehicles do not catch fire from a burning neighbour vehicle 13 2< . The fluid from the fire extinguishing apparatus 1 is turned on for protecting the other vehicles.

[0064] Fig. 5 is illustrating a collapsible pipe frame system in a folded position. The fire extinguishing apparatus has a collapsible pipe frame system. The first pipe side and the second pipe side are pivotably attached, so the first pipe side and the second pipe side are capable of folding on top of said bottom distribution pipes 2. The support rails 5 are arranged between the upper side pipes 3',3" and the lower side pipes 4', 4" is fastened to the upper side pipes 3',3" and pivotably attached to the lower side pipes 4', 4". In a folded position, the fire extinguishing apparatus 1 does not take up much space while being stored. The folded position is a storage position.

[0065] Fig. 6 is illustrating a collapsible pipe frame system in a folded position stored on a trailer. In a folded position, a plurality of fire extinguishing apparatuses 1 will easily be arranged on a trailer in a fire extinguishing apparatus frame 13. The fire extinguishing apparatus 1 may then be quickly accessible, easy to store and easy to transport. The costs for transport and storage are greatly reduced. The pipe frame system is provided with moveable means 6 and can easily be moved to the desired location. The fire extinguishing apparatus 1 may be folded into a folded position or folded out to an unfolded position using controlling means. The fire extinguishing apparatus 1 may be moved or allocated using controlling means for activating the moveable means 6.

Claims

1. Fire extinguishing apparatus for extinguishing fires in vehicles, whereby the fire extinguishing apparatus (1) comprises: - at least one bottom pipe (2), where said bottom pipe (2) has at least one inlet opening and at least one closed end, the bottom pipe (2) is provided with at least one nozzle, - at least a first side pipe (3',4') and at least a second side pipe (3",4"), each having at least one inlet opening and at least one closed end, said first side pipe (3',4') and said second side pipe (3",4") are provided with at least one nozzle each, and said first side pipe (3',4') and said second side pipe (3",4") are arranged substantially parallel to said bottom pipe (2), wherein the bottom pipe (2) is arranged between the first pipe (3',4') and second side pipe (3'',4''), such that during use the bottom pipe is arranged under the vehicle and the first and second side pipes are arranged on each side of the vehicle, - an inlet distributor is arranged in fluid communication with the inlet opening in said bottom pipe (2) and the inlet opening in said first side pipe (3',4') and the inlet opening in said second side pipe (3",4"), where said first side pipe (3',4') is arranged in a first elevated position relative to the bottom pipe (2) and said second side pipe (3",4") is arranged in a second elevated position relative to the bottom pipe (2), wherein a part of a fire extinguishing zone is formed between the bottom pipe and said first side pipe and said second side pipe, wherein the inlet distributor is capable of distributing fluid to said bottom pipe (2) and said first side pipe (3',4') and said second side pipe (3'',4''), so that the fluid flows through the nozzles of said bottom pipe (2) and the nozzles of said first side pipe (3',4') and the nozzles of said second side pipe (3'',4''), into said fire extinguishing zone (11).

2. Fire extinguishing apparatus according to claim 1, where said first side pipe (3',4') and said second side pipe (3",4") are arranged in an equally elevated position relative to said bottom pipe (2), forming a part of said fire extinguishing zone (11) between the bottom pipe (2) and said first side pipe (3',4') and said second side pipe (3 ",4"), and the nozzles of said bottom pipe (2) and the nozzles of said first side pipe (3',4') and the nozzles of said second side pipe (3",4") are directed substantially towards said part of said fire extinguishing zone (11).

3. Fire extinguishing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, where a first pipe pair (3) comprising said first side pipe (3') and said second side pipe (3"), is arranged in a position relative to said bottom pipe (2), and a second pipe pair (4) comprising said first side pipe (4') and said second side pipe (4"), is arranged in a second position relative to said bottom pipe (2).

4. Fire extinguishing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, where at least one cross pipe (8) is provided with at least one nozzle, and the cross pipe (8) is arranged perpendicular to said bottom pipe (2) and said first side pipe (3',4') and said second side pipe (3'',4''), and the cross pipe (8) is in fluid communication with said inlet distributor.

5. Fire extinguishing apparatus according to claim 4, where said cross pipe (8) is the inlet distributor, and the cross pipe (8) is in fluid communication with said bottom pipe (2) and said first side pipe (3',4') and said second side pipe (3",4").

6. Fire extinguishing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, where said bottom pipe (2) and said first side pipe (3',4') and said second side pipe (3",4") are arranged in a collapsible pipe frame system, where the first side pipe (3',4') and the second side pipe (3",4") are capable of folding on top of said bottom pipe (2).

7. Fire extinguishing apparatus according to claim 6, where said fire extinguishing apparatus (1) is provided with moveable means (6).

8. Fire extinguishing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, where the fire extinguishing apparatus (1) has a controlling system.

9. Fire extinguishing apparatus according to claim 8, where the fire extinguishing apparatus (1) is operated remotely using controlling means through said control system.

10. Fire extinguishing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, where the fire extinguishing Apparatus (1) is activated detecting fire and / or smoke using detecting means.

11. Method of extinguishing fire in a vehicle using a fire extinguishing apparatus according to claim 1, according to following steps: - providing a fire extinguishing apparatus (1), - connecting the fire extinguishing apparatus (1) to a main fluid supply, - arranging said fire extinguishing apparatus relative to said vehicle (13), so the vehicle (13) is arranged in a fire extinguishing position in the fire extinguishing zone (11), where the inlet distributor is in fluid communication with a main fluid source, so that the inlet distributor is capable of distributing fluid from the main fluid source, so the fluid flows through the nozzles of the said bottom pipe (2), said first side pipe (3',4') and said second side pipe (3'',4''), and into the fire extinguishing zone (11).

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