Foldable airbag device for sealing off train fire smoke in tunnels and its usage method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of tunnel disaster prevention and rescue technology, and in particular to a folding airbag device and its method of use for sealing off smoke from train fires in tunnels. The device includes a train consisting of a driver's cab and multiple carriages, and several identical folding airbag devices. These devices are arranged sequentially at intervals from the first to the last end of the carriages and are all fixed to the top of the carriages. In the event of a fire, the folding airbag device of this invention effectively seals off smoke, creating an effective isolation layer and increasing evacuation time for passengers in carriages that have not yet caught fire. It has the advantages of rapid response and high smoke blocking efficiency, effectively extending the available safe evacuation time for passengers in carriages that have not yet caught fire, reducing the harm of fire smoke to passengers, and improving the safety and reliability of trains in railway tunnel fire accidents.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tunnel disaster prevention and rescue technology, and in particular to a foldable airbag device and its method of use for sealing off smoke from a train fire inside a tunnel. Background Technology

[0002] Train fires in railway tunnels occur frequently both domestically and internationally. With the increasing length of railway tunnels and the rise in train speeds and density, the risk and probability of train fires within railway tunnels are increasing. Railway tunnels are long and narrow structures with complex environments; therefore, the evacuation and rescue of personnel after a fire is a key consideration in railway tunnel disaster prevention. When a train catches fire, the fire spreads rapidly, and the oxygen-deficient environment of the tunnel produces large amounts of highly toxic and difficult-to-control smoke. The high density of people on trains, the long escape routes within tunnels, and the difficulty of external rescue operations all contribute to the challenges and limitations of external firefighting efforts. Therefore, smoke control design within tunnels is crucial to minimizing the loss of life and property caused by train fires.

[0003] Currently, smoke control in railway tunnels is primarily achieved through the smoke extraction systems of rescue stations. In the event of a fire, trains are prioritized for stopping at railway rescue stations to facilitate passenger evacuation. These stations are equipped with smoke extraction and ventilation systems to remove fire smoke and ensure passenger safety. Furthermore, to prevent smoke spread after a fire, air curtains and fine water mist systems are commonly used. Air curtains create a barrier by spraying a powerful airflow, effectively blocking the upward spread of smoke and providing a favorable environment for evacuation. Fine water mist systems use special nozzles to spray fine water droplets into the air, utilizing multiple mechanisms such as physical cooling, oxygen dilution, and smoke adsorption to block smoke diffusion. In addition to these traditional smoke extraction and blocking methods, some scholars have proposed fixed smoke barrier systems, such as inflatable airbag smoke barriers, for temporarily blocking smoke diffusion.

[0004] While current smoke control technologies can mitigate the threat of smoke to passenger safety to some extent in railway tunnel fires, they still have many shortcomings. First, using the smoke extraction system of rescue stations as a smoke extraction measure is subject to limitations imposed by external conditions. Due to the unpredictability of fires and the uncertainty of train power continuity, trains may not be able to reach the rescue station smoothly for passenger evacuation. In addition, the fire prevention facilities and smoke extraction systems inside the rescue stations may be old and lack maintenance, which will affect their effectiveness in the event of a fire and thus fail to guarantee passenger safety. At the same time, the establishment of rescue stations will increase the cost of tunnel construction, and due to the unique facility requirements of rescue stations, their maintenance and upkeep during long-term operation of the tunnel will also incur additional expenses.

[0005] Air curtains also have drawbacks in practical applications. In terms of anti-interference capabilities, ambient winds and crosswinds in tunnels significantly reduce their smoke-blocking efficiency and weaken their effect. Regarding smoke-blocking performance, air curtains used alone can only block smoke spread for a short time and require coordination with a smoke exhaust system to achieve good smoke control. Furthermore, for high-concentration smoke, the momentum of the air curtain is insufficient to completely block it, and smoke may penetrate it. Fine water mist systems are significantly affected by external conditions; crosswinds and crosswinds in tunnels disperse the water mist, affecting its smoke-blocking effect. On the other hand, specially designed nozzles require higher water quality to ensure the particle size of the sprayed water mist. In cold regions, the water tank needs insulation to ensure the fine water mist functions properly, all of which limit the use of fine water mist systems. Additionally, there are issues with installing smoke-blocking measures inside train carriages. The formation of an air curtain requires a high-speed fan to continuously blow air; therefore, as long as the air curtain is open, a continuous supply of fresh air is necessary, but in a fire, the lack of a fresh air source makes it impossible to stably block the spread of smoke.

[0006] Fixed inflatable smoke barriers are non-vehicle-mounted and require multiple fixed locations within the tunnel to form an effective barrier against smoke spread. However, this method has significant drawbacks. First, fixed inflatable smoke barriers require numerous installation points within the tunnel, necessitating extensive foundation construction and equipment deployment, resulting in substantial investment costs and complex installation and maintenance, hindering long-term operation and management. Second, these fixed barriers cannot be flexibly adjusted according to the location of a fire or personnel evacuation needs, exhibiting limitations in space utilization and adaptability. Especially in long tunnels, installing numerous fixed smoke barriers is not only economically impractical but also severely impacts normal tunnel traffic and operational efficiency.

[0007] In summary, existing smoke control technologies have limitations in practical applications, and there is an urgent need to explore more effective smoke control methods to improve the safety and reliability of trains in railway tunnel fire accidents. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems, thereby providing a foldable airbag device and its usage method for sealing off train fire smoke in tunnels. In the event of a fire, the foldable airbag device of this invention seals off the smoke, forming an effective isolation layer and increasing evacuation time for passengers in unburned carriages. It has the advantages of rapid response and efficient smoke blocking, effectively extending the available safe evacuation time for passengers in unburned carriages and reducing the harm of fire smoke to passengers; thus improving the safety and reliability of trains in railway tunnel fire accidents.

[0009] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the aforementioned problem is as follows:

[0010] A foldable airbag device for sealing off train fire smoke in tunnels includes a train consisting of a driver's cab and multiple carriages, and several identical foldable airbag devices. These devices are arranged sequentially from the front to the rear of the carriages and are all fixed to the top of the carriages. Each foldable airbag device includes an airbag storage box fixed to the top of the carriages. The storage box comprises an upper and a lower hollow section connected vertically. A compensation airbag and a main airbag are arranged vertically within the upper section, and are connected to each other. An inflation system connected to the main airbag is also provided on the storage box. An airbag device switch located in the driver's cab is connected to both the storage box and the inflation system. The lower section is a sealed, hollow, elongated section. The upper compartment of the container includes a left folding plate, a right folding plate, a front folding plate, and a rear folding plate. The left folding plate, right folding plate, front folding plate, and rear folding plate are vertically fixed to the left, right, front, and rear sides of the upper surface of the long box, respectively. The front folding plate and the rear folding plate work together to close the top of the upper compartment. Connecting ropes are connected to the left and right sides of the main airbag. The other end of each connecting rope is attached to a connecting ring fixed to the left and right folding plates, respectively. Both connecting rings are located on the inner sides of the left and right folding plates. Electromagnetic locks are provided on the left and right folding plates to open the left, right, front, and rear folding plates together. A first switch connected to the two electromagnetic locks is provided on the airbag device switch.

[0011] Furthermore, the inflation system includes a primary inflation assembly, which includes at least one chemical gas-generating agent storage box located at the bottom inside the main airbag. The chemical gas-generating agent storage box includes a sealed and hollow box body, in which a chemical gas-generating agent and an electric detonator are disposed. A connecting wire is connected to the electric detonator, and the other end of the connecting wire is connected to a central controller located in the lower containment section.

[0012] Furthermore, the central controller includes a signal receiving module and a control circuit. The signal receiving module and the control circuit are connected together. The control circuit is connected to the electric detonator via a connecting wire. A second switch connected to the signal receiving module is provided on the airbag device switch.

[0013] Furthermore, the inflation system also includes a secondary inflation assembly, which includes two pressure sensors. Both pressure sensors are located at the bottom inside the main airbag, and each pressure sensor is connected to an independent wire. The other end of the two independent wires is connected to a programmable logic controller (PLC) located in the lower compartment. An electric vortex pump located in the lower compartment is connected to the PLC, and a stainless steel inflation tube connected to the main airbag is connected to the electric vortex pump. The PLC is connected to a second switch located on the airbag device switch.

[0014] Furthermore, both the compensation airbag and the main airbag are layered composite structures, including an inner layer, a middle layer and an outer layer. The inner layer is a polyurethane material layer, the middle layer is a Kevlar mesh reinforcement layer, and the outer layer is a composite layer consisting of an aramid fiber base fabric and a ceramicized silicone rubber coating.

[0015] Furthermore, the expansion cross-section of the compensating airbag is arc-shaped, while the expansion cross-section of the main airbag is arch-shaped. The arc-shaped lower surface of the compensating airbag fits and connects with the arc-shaped upper surface of the main airbag, and the arc-shaped upper surface of the compensating airbag is adapted to the curvature of the tunnel arch.

[0016] Furthermore, a concave receiving groove is provided on both the compensation airbag and the main airbag. The receiving groove is located at the apex of the main airbag and divides the compensation airbag into left and right parts from bottom to top.

[0017] Furthermore, airbag doors are provided on the lower left and right sides of the main airbag.

[0018] A method for using a folding airbag device to seal off smoke from a train fire inside a tunnel includes the following steps:

[0019] S1. After a train fire occurs, the data from the smoke, temperature and flame sensors on the train will be transmitted to the train's control system. The control system will confirm the fire and locate the carriage where the fire is located based on preset parameters of smoke concentration and temperature changes, and will feed back the carriage location information to the train's driver's cab.

[0020] S2. Subsequently, the train conductor made a decision based on the fire situation on the train, activated the train brakes, and the train slowly decelerated until it came to a stop.

[0021] S3. Subsequently, the train conductor activated the first switch on the airbag device switch. The two electromagnetic locks on the folding airbag device popped open the left folding plate, the right folding plate, the front folding plate, and the rear folding plate. During this process, the left folding plate and the right folding plate pulled the main airbag and the compensation airbag to both sides of the carriage through the connecting pull ring and the connecting pull rope.

[0022] S4. When the train conductor starts the first switch, the second switch is started simultaneously, which in turn starts the inflation system. Then the first-stage inflation component starts to inflate, causing the main airbag and the compensation airbag to expand rapidly, thereby forming a sealing barrier.

[0023] S5. Next, the secondary inflation component begins inflation. During this process, the electric vortex pump and pressure sensor work together to ensure that the main airbag and the compensation airbag are inflated to fit the tunnel cross section, thereby isolating the smoke and ensuring the safe evacuation of passengers.

[0024] S6. During the deployment of the main airbag and the compensation airbag, the evacuation work is also carried out simultaneously. After the carriage doors are opened, the passenger staff use the train's own broadcast system to guide passengers to evacuate outside the train. Passengers in the blocked area push open the airbag doors to evacuate, while passengers far away from the blocked area evacuate to the safe area at the same time.

[0025] The present invention, which adopts the above technical solution, has the following prominent features compared with the prior art:

[0026] In the event of a fire, when smoke from inside a train car spreads to adjacent cars, the folding airbag device of this invention rapidly deploys the main airbag and the compensation airbag, thereby sealing off the smoke and forming an effective isolation layer, increasing evacuation time for passengers in the unburned cars. It has the advantages of rapid response and efficient smoke blocking, effectively extending the available safe evacuation time for passengers in the unburned cars and reducing the harm of fire smoke to passengers. Furthermore, the inflation system supplying gas to the main airbag and the compensation airbag employs multi-stage inflation response measures, enabling rapid inflation after the folding airbag device is deployed, filling the gap between the tunnel and the burning car, thus effectively blocking the smoke and buying valuable time for emergency evacuation. Therefore, the folding airbag device improves the safety and reliability of trains in railway tunnel fire accidents. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the sealing effect of the folding airbag device of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the folding airbag device of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the folding airbag device of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the folding airbag device of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded upper receiving portion of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded upper receiving portion of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded upper receiving portion of the present invention. Figure 3 ;

[0034] In the diagram: 1. Carriage; 2. Folding airbag device; 3. Airbag storage box; 4. Upper compartment; 5. Lower compartment; 6. Compensating airbag; 7. Main airbag; 8. Storage slot; 9. Airbag device switch; 10. Left folding plate; 11. Right folding plate; 12. Front folding plate; 13. Rear folding plate; 14. Connecting pull ring; 15. Connecting pull rope; 16. Chemical gas generator storage box; 17. Programmable logic controller; 18. Electric scroll; 19. Pressure sensor; 20. Central controller; 21. Stainless steel inflation tube; 22. Airbag door. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The following description of the embodiments will help the public better understand the present invention. However, the specific embodiments provided by the applicant should not and should not be regarded as a limitation on the technical solution of the present invention. Any changes to the definition of components or technical features and / or formal but not substantive changes to the overall structure should be regarded as the scope of protection defined by the technical solution of the present invention.

[0036] See Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0037] A folding airbag device for sealing off train fire smoke in tunnels includes a train consisting of a driver's cab and multiple carriages 1, the number of which is determined according to actual needs. It also includes several folding airbag devices 2 with the same structure, the number of which is determined according to the number of carriages 1. The several folding airbag devices 2 are arranged sequentially from the first end to the last end of the multiple carriages 1 and are all fixed to the top of the carriages 1. One folding airbag device 2 is installed at the first end and the last end of the multiple carriages 1 arranged together. In the remaining carriages 1, one folding airbag device 2 is installed on every two carriages 1.

[0038] The foldable airbag device 2 includes an airbag storage box 3, which is fixed to the top of the vehicle compartment 1. It includes an upper receiving part 4 and a lower receiving part 5. The upper receiving part 4 and the lower receiving part 5 are connected vertically and both the upper receiving part 4 and the lower receiving part 5 are hollow inside. A compensation airbag 6 and a main airbag 7 are arranged from top to bottom in the upper receiving part 4. The compensation airbag 6 and the main airbag 7 are connected and are folded and installed in the upper receiving part 4.

[0039] Furthermore, both the compensating airbag 6 and the main airbag 7 are layered composite structures, including an inner layer, a middle layer, and an outer layer. The inner layer is a polyurethane material layer to improve the airtightness of the compensating airbag 6 and the main airbag 7. The middle layer is a Kevlar mesh reinforcement layer to improve the tensile strength of the compensating airbag 6 and the main airbag 7. The outer layer is a composite layer consisting of an aramid fiber base fabric and a ceramicized silicone rubber coating to ensure that the compensating airbag 6 and the main airbag 7 maintain good performance under high-temperature environments and prevent them from being damaged by high-temperature flue gas. The expansion cross-section of the compensating airbag 6 is arc-shaped, and the expansion cross-section of the main airbag 7 is arch-shaped. The structural design of the compensating airbag 6 and the main airbag 7 allows for a closer fit with the tunnel, improving the smoke sealing effect. The arc-shaped lower surface of the compensating airbag 6 fits and connects with the arc-shaped upper surface of the main airbag 7. The arc-shaped upper surface of the compensating airbag 6 matches the curvature of the tunnel arch, sealing the gap between the main airbag 7 and the tunnel through the compensating airbag 6. A concave receiving groove 8 is provided on both the compensating airbag 6 and the main airbag 7. The receiving groove 8 is located in the main airbag 7. The arc-shaped apex divides the compensating airbag 6 into left and right parts from bottom to top. The receiving groove 8 can accommodate the pantograph contact wire to prevent damage to the pantograph contact wire during inflation of the compensating airbag 6 and the main airbag 7. At the same time, the receiving groove 8 not only ensures the integration of the compensating airbag 6 and the main airbag 7, but also compresses the separated parts of the compensating airbag 6 and the main airbag 7 together after inflation, effectively preventing smoke leakage. Opening and closing airbag doors 22 are provided on the lower left and right sides of the main airbag 7 to allow the main airbag to... The area on the left and right sides of the main airbag 7, which is 1 meter wide and 2 meters high, is optimized by reducing the thickness of this area and creating a groove at a height of 2 meters to form an opening and closing airbag door 22. This facilitates the rapid evacuation of passengers in the sealed area of ​​the carriage 1. Passengers can easily push the opening and closing airbag door 22, and when no one pushes it open, the air pressure inside the main airbag 7 will cause the opening and closing airbag door 22 to automatically return to its original position. This ensures the sealing effect of the main airbag 7 and prevents smoke leakage, while also providing a convenient evacuation route when needed.

[0040] The folding process of the compensation airbag 6 and the main airbag 7 is as follows: When folding, first pull down the compensation airbag 6 and the main airbag 7 hanging down to both sides of the carriage 1 to the lowest point, so that the compensation airbag 6 and the main airbag 7 on the roof are close to the bottom of the upper receiving part 4; then fold the compensation airbag 6 and the main airbag 7 hanging down from both sides of the carriage 1 to the middle of the upper receiving part 4 to form two "Z" shaped diagonal lines, and then fold the compensation airbag 6 and the main airbag 7 to the other end, so that the compensation airbag 6 and the main airbag 7 present two "Z" shapes, and repeat this process; finally, compress the folded compensation airbag 6 and the main airbag 7 longitudinally to ensure that the compensation airbag 6 and the main airbag 7 can be completely placed in the upper receiving part 4;

[0041] An inflation system is also provided on the airbag storage box 3, which is connected to the main airbag 7. The airbag device switch 9 located in the driver's cab is connected to both the airbag storage box 3 and the inflation system. The lower receiving section 5 is a sealed long box with a hollow interior. The foldable airbag device 2 is fixed to the top of the vehicle compartment 1 through the long box. The upper receiving section 4 includes a left folding plate 10, a right folding plate 11, a front folding plate 12, and a rear folding plate 13. The left folding plate 10, right folding plate 11, front folding plate 12, and rear folding plate 13 are all vertically fixed to the left, right, front, and rear sides of the upper surface of the long box, respectively. Thus, the left folding plate 10, right folding plate 11, front folding plate 12, and rear folding plate 13 together form the upper receiving section 4, and the front folding plate 12 and rear folding plate 13 work together to close the top of the upper receiving section. Connecting ropes 15 are attached to the left and right sides of the main airbag 7. The other ends of the two connecting ropes 15 are attached to connecting rings 14 that are fixed on the left folding plate 10 and the right folding plate 11 respectively. The two connecting rings 14 are located on the inner sides of the left folding plate 10 and the right folding plate 11. Electromagnetic locks are provided on the left folding plate 10 and the right folding plate 11 to open the left folding plate 10, the right folding plate 11, the front folding plate 12 and the rear folding plate 13 together. A first switch is provided on the airbag device switch 9. The first switch is connected to the two electromagnetic locks. After receiving the opening signal from the first switch, the two electromagnetic locks can be unlocked, and then the left folding plate 10 and the right folding plate 11 will pop open. At the same time, the front folding plate 12 and the rear folding plate 13 will be opened, so that the compensation airbag 6 and the main airbag 7 will be deployed to the left and right sides of the vehicle compartment 1.

[0042] The inflation system includes a primary inflation assembly, which comprises three chemical gas-generating agent storage boxes 16. Each of the three chemical gas-generating agent storage boxes 16 is fixed to the bottom of the main airbag 7. Each chemical gas-generating agent storage box 16 includes a sealed, hollow box filled with chemical gas-generating agent. An electric detonator is installed within the chemical gas-generating agent, and a connecting wire is connected to the electric detonator. The other end of the connecting wire is connected to a central controller 20 located in the lower receiving section 5. The structural design, where the electric detonators in the three chemical gas-generating agent boxes are connected by three independent wires, ensures that each electric detonator... The triggering of the tube can be controlled independently, thus ensuring safety. The central controller 20 includes a signal receiving module and a control circuit. The signal receiving module and the control circuit are connected. The control circuit is connected to the electric detonator through a connecting wire. A second switch is set on the airbag device switch 9. The second switch is connected to the signal receiving module. After the second switch is activated, the activation signal is transmitted to the electric detonator. The electric detonator receives the activation signal and is triggered. The chemical gas-generating agent quickly expands the volume of the compensation airbag 6 and the main airbag 7 to 80%, ensuring that the compensation airbag 6 and the main airbag 7 form a basic sealing barrier in the shortest possible time.

[0043] The inflation system also includes a secondary inflation assembly, which includes two pressure sensors 19. Both pressure sensors 19 are fixed to the bottom inside the main airbag 7. Both pressure sensors 19 are used to detect the internal pressure of the airbag in real time, thereby analyzing the contact pressure between the compensation airbag 6 and the main airbag 7 and the tunnel wall to ensure the smoke-blocking effect of the folding airbag device 2. The dual pressure sensor configuration ensures reliability; if one pressure sensor 19 fails, the other pressure sensor 19 can continue to provide pressure data, ensuring that the compensation airbag 6 and the main airbag 7 remain within the optimal working pressure range. Each pressure sensor 19 is connected to an independent wire, the other end of which is connected to a programmable logic controller (PLC) 17. The PLC 17 is installed in the lower receiving section 5. An electric scroll pump 18 is connected to the PLC 17 and is also installed in the lower receiving section 5. A stainless steel inflation tube 21 is connected to the electric scroll pump 18 and is connected to the main airbag 7. The programmable logic controller (PLC) 17 is connected to the second switch. After receiving real-time pressure data from the two pressure sensors 19, the PLC 17 can control the electric scroll pump 18 for adjustment. For example, if insufficient inflation is detected, the PLC 17 will send a start signal to the electric scroll pump 18, and when the compensation airbag 6 and the main airbag 7 are fully inflated, the PLC 17 will send a stop signal to the electric scroll pump 18. Furthermore, the inflation system adopts a multi-stage inflation design, using a chemical gas generator and an electric... The combination of the vortex pump 18 enables rapid inflation of the compensating airbag 6 and the main airbag 7, improving inflation efficiency. In addition, the multi-stage inflation design of the inflation system ensures that the compensating airbag 6 and the main airbag 7 remain in an inflated state, so that they are still operational even after a certain period of time has passed since the evacuation of personnel. Thus, when smoke from the burning carriage 1 spreads to adjacent carriages 1, the compensating airbag 6 and the main airbag 7 can quickly deploy to form an effective isolation layer, blocking the spread of smoke and buying valuable time for passenger evacuation.

[0044] A method for using a folding airbag device to seal off smoke from a train fire inside a tunnel includes the following steps:

[0045] S1. After a train fire occurs, the data from the smoke, temperature and flame sensors on the train will be transmitted to the train's control system. The control system will confirm the fire and locate the ignition point in carriage 1 based on preset parameters of smoke concentration and temperature changes, and will feed back the location information of carriage 1 to the train's driver's cab.

[0046] S2. Subsequently, the train conductor made a decision based on the fire situation on the train, activated the train brakes, and the train slowly decelerated until it came to a stop.

[0047] S3. Subsequently, the train conductor activates the first switch on the airbag device switch 9. The two electromagnetic locks on the folding airbag device 2 pop open the left folding plate 10, the right folding plate 11, the front folding plate 12, and the rear folding plate 13. During this process, the left folding plate 10 and the right folding plate 11 pull the main airbag 7 and the compensation airbag 6 to both sides of the carriage 1 through the connecting pull ring 14 and the connecting pull rope 15.

[0048] S4. When the train conductor starts the first switch, the second switch is started simultaneously, which in turn starts the inflation system. Then the first-stage inflation component starts to inflate, causing the main airbag 7 and the compensation airbag 6 to expand and deploy rapidly, thereby forming a sealing barrier with the main airbag 7 and the compensation airbag 6.

[0049] S5. Next, the secondary inflation component begins inflation. During this process, the electric vortex pump 18 and pressure sensor 19 work together to ensure that the main airbag 7 and the compensation airbag 6 are inflated to fit the tunnel cross section, thereby isolating the smoke and ensuring the safe evacuation of passengers.

[0050] S6. During the deployment of the main airbag 7 and the compensation airbag 6, the evacuation work is also carried out simultaneously. After the carriage door 1 is opened, the passenger staff uses the train's own broadcast system to guide passengers to evacuate outside the train. Passengers in the blocked area push open the airbag door 22 to evacuate, while passengers far away from the blocked area evacuate to the safe area at the same time.

[0051] In the event of a fire, when smoke from carriage 1 spreads to adjacent carriages 1, the folding airbag device of this invention rapidly deploys the main airbag 7 and the compensation airbag 6, thereby sealing off the smoke and forming an effective isolation layer, increasing evacuation time for passengers in the unburned carriages 1. It has the advantages of rapid response and efficient smoke blocking, effectively extending the available safe evacuation time for passengers in the unburned carriages 1 and reducing the harm of fire smoke to passengers. Furthermore, the inflation system supplying gas to the main airbag 7 and the compensation airbag 6 employs multi-stage inflation response measures, enabling rapid inflation after the folding airbag device is deployed, filling the gap between the tunnel and the burned carriage 1, thereby effectively blocking the smoke and buying valuable time for emergency evacuation. Thus, the folding airbag device improves the safety and reliability of trains in railway tunnel fire accidents.

[0052] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. All equivalent changes made based on the description and drawings of the present invention are included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A folding airbag device for sealing off train fire smoke in tunnels, comprising a train consisting of a driver's cab and multiple carriages, characterized in that: It also includes several structurally identical folding airbag devices, which are arranged sequentially and spaced apart from the first to the last end of multiple carriages and are all fixed to the top of the carriages. Each folding airbag device includes an airbag storage box fixed to the top of the carriage. The storage box comprises an upper and lower hollow section connected vertically. A compensation airbag and a main airbag are arranged vertically from top to bottom within the upper section, and the compensation airbag and the main airbag are connected. An inflation system connected to the main airbag is also provided on the airbag storage box. An airbag device switch located in the driver's cab is connected to both the airbag storage box and the inflation system. The lower section is a sealed, hollow, elongated box. The upper section includes a left folding plate, a right folding plate, a front folding plate, and a rear folding plate, all of which are vertically fixed. The upper compartment is fixed on the left, right, front, and rear sides of the long box body, with the front and rear folding plates working together to close the top of the upper compartment. Connecting ropes are attached to the left and right sides of the main airbag, with the other ends of each rope attached to corresponding connecting rings fixed to the left and right folding plates. Both connecting rings are located on the inner sides of the left and right folding plates. Electromagnetic locks are installed on both the left and right folding plates to open the left, right, front, and rear folding plates together. A first switch connected to both electromagnetic locks is installed on the airbag device switch. The expansion cross-section of the compensating airbag is arc-shaped, while the expansion cross-section of the main airbag is arched. The arc-shaped lower surface of the compensating airbag fits and connects with the arc-shaped upper surface of the main airbag, and the arc-shaped upper surface of the compensating airbag matches the curvature of the tunnel arch.

2. The folding airbag device for sealing train fire smoke in tunnels according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inflation system includes a primary inflation assembly, which includes at least one chemical gas-generating agent storage box located at the bottom inside the main airbag. The chemical gas-generating agent storage box includes a sealed and hollow box body, in which a chemical gas-generating agent and an electric detonator are disposed. A connecting wire is connected to the electric detonator, and the other end of the connecting wire is connected to a central controller located in the lower containment section.

3. The folding airbag device for sealing train fire smoke in tunnels according to claim 2, characterized in that: The central controller includes a signal receiving module and a control circuit. The signal receiving module and the control circuit are connected together. The control circuit is connected to the electric detonator via a connecting wire. A second switch connected to the signal receiving module is provided on the airbag device switch.

4. The folding airbag device for sealing train fire smoke in tunnels according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inflation system also includes a secondary inflation assembly, which includes two pressure sensors. Both pressure sensors are located at the bottom inside the main airbag, and each pressure sensor is connected to an independent wire. The other end of the two independent wires is connected to a programmable logic controller (PLC) located in the lower compartment. An electric vortex pump located in the lower compartment is connected to the PLC, and a stainless steel inflation tube connected to the main airbag is connected to the electric vortex pump. The PLC is connected to a second switch located on the airbag device switch.

5. The folding airbag device for sealing train fire smoke in tunnels according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the compensation airbag and the main airbag are layered composite structures, including an inner layer, a middle layer and an outer layer. The inner layer is a polyurethane material layer, the middle layer is a Kevlar mesh reinforcement layer, and the outer layer is a composite layer consisting of an aramid fiber base fabric and a ceramicized silicone rubber coating.

6. The folding airbag device for sealing train fire smoke in tunnels according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the compensation airbag and the main airbag have a recessed receiving groove. The receiving groove is located at the top of the arc of the main airbag and divides the compensation airbag into left and right parts from bottom to top.

7. The folding airbag device for sealing train fire smoke in tunnels according to claim 4, characterized in that: Airbag doors are located on the lower left and right sides of the main airbag.

8. A method of using a folding airbag device for sealing train fire smoke in a tunnel according to claim 7, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1. After a train fire occurs, the data from the smoke, temperature and flame sensors on the train will be transmitted to the train's control system. The control system will confirm the fire and locate the carriage where the fire is located based on preset parameters of smoke concentration and temperature changes, and will feed back the carriage location information to the train's driver's cab. S2. Subsequently, the train conductor made a decision based on the fire situation on the train, activated the train brakes, and the train slowly decelerated until it came to a stop. S3. Subsequently, the train conductor activated the first switch on the airbag device switch. The two electromagnetic locks on the folding airbag device popped open the left folding plate, the right folding plate, the front folding plate, and the rear folding plate. During this process, the left folding plate and the right folding plate pulled the main airbag and the compensation airbag to both sides of the carriage through the connecting pull ring and the connecting pull rope. S4. When the train conductor starts the first switch, the second switch is started simultaneously, which in turn starts the inflation system. Then the first-stage inflation component starts to inflate, causing the main airbag and the compensation airbag to expand rapidly, thereby forming a sealing barrier. S5. Next, the secondary inflation component begins inflation. During this process, the electric vortex pump and pressure sensor work together to ensure that the main airbag and the compensation airbag are inflated to fit the tunnel cross section, thereby isolating the smoke and ensuring the safe evacuation of passengers. S6. During the deployment of the main airbag and the compensation airbag, the evacuation work is also carried out simultaneously. After the carriage doors are opened, the train attendants use the train's own broadcasting system to guide passengers to evacuate outside the train. Passengers in the blocked area push open the airbag doors to evacuate, while passengers far away from the blocked area evacuate to the safe area at the same time.

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