Spray device, preferably for fire fighting

Abstract

A spray device, preferably for firefighting, is proposed. The aim is to create a device that can effectively combat heat-intensive fires, such as burning vehicles with installed traction batteries, using largely conventional methods. The spray device comprises a spray head (1) and a pipe section (2) attached to it, which encloses a liquid channel (12). The spray head (1) is formed by a hollow body (30) into which the liquid channel (12) opens and which is provided with outlet openings (5) oriented such that liquid exits the spray head (1) three-dimensionally. The pipe section (2) is designed as a rigid tube and is provided at its end opposite the spray head (1) with a connection (4) for a fire hose (6).The connection (4) is a bayonet coupling (15) for pressure-resistant connection of the fire hose (6) equipped with a corresponding coupling counterpart (16). The pipe length of the pipe section (2) between the bayonet coupling (15) and the opening (32) of the liquid channel (12) into the hollow body (30) is between 1000 mm and 4000 mm.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a spraying device, preferably for fire fighting.

[0002] In certain situations, conventional firefighting using a hand-held extinguishing jet is ineffective. Such situations can include, for example, fires or smoldering fires in vehicles. The increasing number of electric vehicles on the road is playing an increasingly important role here. These vehicles have particularly powerful battery systems. However, these battery systems in particular have also proven to be a source of highly problematic fires. This is especially true for vehicles equipped with lithium-ion batteries.

[0003] While fires in road vehicles have always occurred, the source of the fire is often the gasoline or diesel fuel supply to the combustion engine. Such fires caused by highly flammable fuels can usually be extinguished using conventional methods, such as a standard handheld fire extinguisher.

[0004] This conventional firefighting method fails to combat fires that develop in modern, particularly powerful traction batteries. This results in significant heat buildup in the vehicle and its immediate surroundings, which is why conventional firefighting using a handheld fire extinguisher is of little use, simply because of the distance required to maintain from the heat source.

[0005] Therefore, firefighting procedures specifically for vehicles with burning traction batteries have already been proposed. However, these require special measures and appropriate technical equipment, which is not always available or readily available. Furthermore, these specialized firefighting measures require appropriately trained personnel.

[0006] DE 20 2007 000 443 U1 discloses a spray head for general firefighting applications. It features several nozzles, some directed forward and some directed diagonally forward. The diagonally forward nozzles emanate from a first nozzle chamber, and the forward nozzles emanate from a second nozzle chamber. The spray head is attached to the end of a firefighting lance.

[0007] NL 9 100 569 A discloses an extinguishing device that, among other things, consists of a multi-part pipe section composed of pipe sections. These sections can be telescoped into one another to shorten the pipe section. At the outlet end, the pipe section is provided with a spherical hollow body with evenly distributed nozzle openings around its circumference. At the other end, a fire hose is attached to the telescopic pipe section and connected to the pipe section in a steam-tight manner. The fire hose carries steam, which is provided by a steam generator. The device should be suitable for spraying water as well as steam.

[0008] The invention is intended to create a device with which heat-intensive fires can be effectively fought using largely conventional measures, for example burning vehicles with traction batteries installed in them.

[0009] To solve this problem, a spray device having the features of claim 1 is proposed.

[0010] The spray device is simple in design and very easy to operate, as it is largely conventional. This eliminates the need for specialized fire protection measures and the corresponding specialized equipment for battery fires, especially since both are not always readily available in an emergency. Instead, conventional firefighting means are largely used, which are also easy to operate and can be handled even without trained personnel.

[0011] Spray heads from which extinguishing fluid emerges three-dimensionally are known as such, e.g., from DE 10 2014 102 438 A1 or DE 533 649 B. The special feature of the invention, however, lies in the combination of the spray head with the attached pipe section that encloses the fluid channel leading to the spray head and at the same time significantly extends it. The pipe section has a smaller diameter than the spray head and is long enough to serve as a handle that the firefighter can easily grasp with one or both hands. This way, the spray head, which is directly exposed to the fire or heat source, can be handled from a greater distance, and the firefighter is therefore less exposed to the heat, especially the radiant heat, of the incident site.It has been found that a total length of 1000 mm to 4000 mm, and preferably between 1500 mm and 3000 mm, is advantageous for the rigid pipe section. This length allows the spray device to be handled effectively without becoming too cumbersome, and also allows the operator to maintain a sufficient distance from the spray head during handling, allowing the heat acting on the operator to remain manageable.

[0012] Another advantage is that the spray device can be combined with commercially available fire hoses to supply extinguishing fluid. For this purpose, the rigid pipe section is equipped with a fire hose connection at the end facing away from the spray head. This connection is a bayonet coupling for pressure-tight connection to the fire hose equipped with a corresponding coupling counterpart. Because they use a bayonet rather than a fully threaded connection, these connections are very quick to use. The spray device can therefore be connected to the fire hose connected to an extinguishing agent pump in just a few familiar steps.

[0013] At the scene of the incident, the rigidity of the spray device, consisting of the spray head and the distance-creating pipe section, offers the advantage that, for example, thin walls or panes of glass located between the fire and the person fighting the fire can be destroyed by impact forces. The length and rigidity of the spray device make it ideal as a ram, which can be used to remove or destroy obstacles. For example, in a burning vehicle, the still intact windows can be shattered, allowing the spray head to be inserted into the vehicle's interior.

[0014] The pipe section should preferably have a cross-section that allows it to be easily gripped by hand, yet still allows the fluid channel running through it to transport sufficient extinguishing fluid. To achieve this, the average cross-sectional area of the fluid channel should be between 1250 mm² and 10000 mm², preferably between 1500 mm² and 6500 mm².

[0015] As the spray device, already connected to the fire hose, approaches the scene, the flexible fire hose is simply pulled along. To minimize excessive pulling resistance, the fire hose connection is positioned axially aligned with the main longitudinal extension of the pipe section.

[0016] The pipe section is equipped with a locking device for selectively locking or unlocking the fluid channel. The spray device can therefore initially be positioned near the source of the fire with the spray head facing forward. Only then is the locking device unlocked by opening a valve in the fluid channel to allow the extinguishing fluid to flow through. For optimal handling of the spray device during use, the locking device is located directly adjacent to the bayonet coupling, thus at a considerable distance from the spray head.

[0017] The hollow body forming the spray head is exclusively spherical outside the opening of the fluid channel, with the outlet openings distributed across the spherical surface. This results in a highly three-dimensional or spatial spray pattern. Liquid jets not only emerge forward and to the sides, but also diagonally backward from some outlet openings. This opens up the possibility of positioning the spray head directly at the location of the fire, smoldering fire, or heat source.

[0018] For optimal spatial fluid outlet, it is advantageous if the outer diameter of the hollow body is 1.5 to 3 times the outer diameter of the pipe section at the mouth of the fluid channel into the hollow body.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, the spray device consists of a shorter first section, which comprises the spray head, and a longer second section, with the sections being detachably connected to one another by a fluid-tight coupling. This separability opens up the possibility of combining one and the same pipe section with spray heads of different sizes, designs, or arrangements, depending on the intended use. The coupling used for this purpose is preferably of the same type as the fire hose connection.

[0020] The pipe section consists of a straight main longitudinal section and a shorter connecting section between the main longitudinal section and the spray head. The pipe section runs at an angle and / or parallel offset to the main longitudinal section on the shorter connecting section. The angled orientation of the spray head relative to the main longitudinal extension of the spray device is advantageous for handling the spray device, for example, when the spray head must first be inserted from outside into a room containing a fire or heat source.

[0021] Preferably, the outlet openings are not located directly in the shell of the hollow body forming the spray head, but rather are located in separate nozzle housings. The nozzle housings are mounted in through-holes in the hollow body. Preferably, each nozzle housing, with its external thread formed thereon, is screwed into a corresponding internal thread on the through-hole.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, each nozzle housing is provided with a radially expanded collar relative to the external thread, which supports the nozzle housing against the outside of the hollow body. This radially expanded collar can be designed as a polygon to facilitate the application of a wrench during assembly.

[0023] A further embodiment proposes that each nozzle housing contain two or more outlet openings whose jet directions diverge. For example, each nozzle housing can contain three outlet openings whose three jet directions diverge from one another, e.g., together forming a pointed cone.

[0024] An embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1: an overall view of the spray device, with a portion of the pipe section shown in section; Fig. 2: a section through the spray head of the spray device; and Fig. 3: a detail showing a section through the spray head and a nozzle housing anchored therein with outlet nozzles.

[0025] The Fig. 1The spray device shown consists of a spray head 1, from which liquid can emerge in almost all directions, and a one-part or multi-part pipe section 2 which is firmly connected to the spray head 1. The pipe from which the pipe section 2 is made is of a smaller diameter than the diameter of the spherically shaped spray head 1 in order to be easily gripped by a person. The spray head 1 and the pipe section 2 are made of metal.

[0026] The liquid passes through the pipe section 2 to the spray head 1, so that the liquid can emerge under high pressure from a plurality of outlet openings 5 with which the spray head 1 is provided distributed over its outer surface.

[0027] At its end facing away from the spray head 1, the pipe section 2 is provided with a connection 4 for coupling to a fire hose 6. The non-rigid fire hose 6 establishes the connection to a pump not shown in the drawing. Liquid, for example, extinguishing liquid suitable for firefighting operations with or without chemical additives, is pumped by the pump, enters the pipe section 2 via the fire hose 6 or possibly several fire hoses connected in series, flows through it along its entire length, and thus reaches the interior of the spray head 1, from which the liquid then emerges in almost all directions.

[0028] Spray heads for distributing liquids in firefighting applications are known per se, for example from DE 10 2014 102 438 A1 or DE 20 2007 000 443 U1. The particular advantage of the spray device described here lies in the connection of the spray head 1 to the slimmer pipe section 2, whereby this pipe section 2 carries the liquid to the spray head 1, is rigid and of such a length that the spray head 1 can be handled from a greater distance and, for example, can be aligned or placed in a specific location. If, for example, the pipe section 2 is only grasped in its rear area near the connection 4, the distance between the person doing so and the spray head 1 is approximately 3 meters. Such a distance already considerably reduces the radiant heat reaching the person, provided the spray head 1 is located close to the heat source.

[0029] For optimum handling of the unit consisting of spray head 1 and pipe section 2, the length of pipe section 2, measured between the bayonet coupling 15 for connection to the non-rigid fire hose 6 and the mouth 32 of the liquid channel 12 into the interior of the spray head 1, is between 1000 mm and 4000 mm and preferably between 1500 mm and 3000 mm.

[0030] For easy handling and grip of the spray device, the pipe section 2 should also not have an excessively large diameter. On the other hand, the diameter should not be too small either, as this would reduce the cross-sectional area of the fluid channel 12 enclosed by the pipe section 2, and at the same pressure, less fluid would flow through the fluid channel 12 to the spray head 1. This diameter is preferably between 35 mm and 80 mm.

[0031] Preferably, the pipe section 2 is a round pipe over its predominant length and of such a diameter that the average cross-sectional area of the liquid channel 12 is between 1250 mm 2 and 10000 mm 2 , preferably between 1500 mm 2 and 6500 mm 2 . Preferably, the pipe section 2 is made of metal and is provided on its outer side with a coating to increase grip and reduce heat transfer.

[0032] According to Fig. 2 the outer diameter of the hollow body forming the spray head 1 is 1.5 to 3 times the outer diameter of the pipe section where the mouth 32 of the liquid channel 12 into the interior of the hollow body is located.

[0033] The connection 4 for the fire hose 6 consists of a bayonet coupling 15 on the pipe section 2 and the coupling counterpart 16, also designed as a bayonet, on the fire hose 6. The fluid-tight connection of the spray device to the fire hose 6 is thus achieved using the same coupling means as those generally used for commercially available fire hoses, e.g., a so-called C-coupling. This makes connecting the spray device to the available fluid source simple and safe, even for less trained personnel.

[0034] Fire hose 6 is otherwise of conventional design. Its hose section consists of a pressure-resistant, flexible fabric material, which can be rubber-coated on both the inside and outside. The fabric material causes the hose section of fire hose 6 to behave essentially slackly when depressurized. The hose then assumes a flat, slit-shaped cross-section, exhibiting little flexural elasticity and thus slackly. This has the advantage that fire hose 6 can be folded in a zigzag pattern along its length for transport purposes or rolled up flat. It can therefore be stored in a space-saving manner when not in use. Only when fluid pressure is applied does the hose assume its circular cross-section.

[0035] The bayonet coupling 15 can be locked to the mating coupling 16 by rotating it no more than 90°. In the locked position, the coupling can be secured against unintentional reversal by means of an additional locking pawl. The bayonet coupling 15 and the mating coupling 16 are identical in design and are, in principle, interchangeable. Therefore, it does not matter which of its two ends connects the fire hose 6 to the bayonet coupling 15 of the pipe section 2.

[0036] The bayonet elements include, among other things, bayonet hooks, which are locked against the mating coupling when the coupling is partially rotated. The rotation is achieved by means of an easily grippable locking and unlocking ring, which is also identical on the bayonet coupling 15 and the coupling counterpart 16.

[0037] In many situations, it is advantageous if the spray head is not yet operating while approaching the site of use, meaning no fluid is yet escaping. Therefore, the pipe section 2 has a blocking device 20 for selectively blocking or releasing the fluid channel 12. According to Fig. 1 the blocking device 20 is arranged close to the connection 4, i.e. at the end of the pipe section 2 facing away from the spray head 1. The blocking or releasing therefore takes place where the distance to the actual place of use is greatest.

[0038] To block or release the fluid channel 12, the blocking device 20 has a valve which is rotatably mounted on an axis arranged transversely to the main longitudinal extent of the pipe section 2 and is actuated by a lever 21.

[0039] The lever 21 can be provided with an eyelet to which a pulling element, such as a rope, is attached, which is guided rearward toward the fire hose 6. By pulling on the pulling element, the valve of the locking device 20 can be subsequently switched, i.e., after the spray device has already been placed at the site of use, in order to subsequently release the fluid channel 12 from an even greater and safer distance.

[0040] The spray device, including the spray head 1, consists of a shorter first section A1, which encompasses the spray head 1, and a longer second section A2, which is formed by a straight pipe. This allows the spray device to be separated by releasably connecting the two sections A1, A2 to each other at a fluid-tight coupling 27. The coupling 27 is preferably of the same type as the connection 4 for connecting the fire hose.

[0041] Fig. 1shows that the pipe section 2 is composed of a straight main longitudinal section 10 of greater length and a shorter connecting section 11 between the main longitudinal section 10 and the spray head 1. On the connecting section 11, the pipe section 2 runs obliquely compared to its course on the straight main longitudinal section 10. The bent design of the pipe section improves the handling of the spray device, particularly when fighting fires and smoldering fires.

[0042] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the drawing, the connecting section 11 can also extend parallel and offset to the main longitudinal section 10, e.g., by an S-shaped offset between the short connecting section 11 and the longer main longitudinal section 10.

[0043] The coupling 27 used to separate the spray head can either, as in Fig. 1shown, between the straight and the inclined section of the pipe. Or the separation point is located, which is shown on the Fig. 1 not shown, immediately in front of the spray head 1 and thus between the inclined connecting section and the spray head.

[0044] The Figures 2 and 3 show details of the spray head 1. This is a hollow body 30 that is largely spherical in shape both inside and out. The outlet openings 5 for the liquid discharge are preferably not located directly in the material of the hollow body 30, but rather on additional nozzle housings 40, which in turn are fastened in through-openings in the hollow body 30. This fastening is achieved by screwing each nozzle housing 40, with an external thread 41 formed thereon, into a corresponding internal thread on the through-opening.

[0045] According to Fig. 3Each nozzle housing 40 is provided with a collar 44 that is radially expanded relative to the external thread 41. The collar 44 supports the nozzle housing 40 against the outside of the hollow body 30. It is advantageous if the radially expanded collar 44 is designed as a polygon 45 to facilitate the application of a wrench when screwing in the nozzle housing 40.

[0046] In order to achieve the greatest possible number and spread of liquid jets, each nozzle housing 40 has at least two and preferably three outlet openings 5 for the liquid, the jet directions 51, 52 of which also diverge.

[0047] Overall, the spray head 1 achieves a three-dimensional spray pattern, which extends over almost 270°. This is also due to the fact that the hollow body 30, outside the opening 32 of the fluid channel 12 into the interior of the hollow body 30, is exclusively spherical in shape. The outlet openings 5 are distributed over the spherical surface, whereby fluid exits not only forwards and to the sides, but also diagonally backwards from some outlet openings 5, thus achieving an overall three-dimensional spray pattern. List of reference symbols

[0048] 1Spray head 2Pipe section 4Connection 5Outlet opening 6Fire hose 10Main longitudinal section 11Connecting section 12Liquid channel 15Bayonet coupling 16Coupling counterpart 20Locking device 21Lever 27Coupling 30Hollow body 32Mouth 40Nozzle housing 41External thread 44Collar 45Polygon 51Direction of jet 52Direction of jet A1first section of the spray device A2second section of the spray device

Claims

1. Spray device, preferably for fire fighting, having a spray head (1) and a pipe portion (2) which is fastened thereto and which encloses a liquid channel (12), wherein the spray head (1) is formed by a hollow body (30) into which the liquid channel (12) leads and which is provided with outlet openings (5) having an emission direction such that liquid exits three-dimensionally from the spray head (1), wherein the hollow body (30) is exclusively of spherical design outside the mouth (32) of the liquid channel (12), wherein the outlet openings (5) are arranged so as to be distributed over the entire spherical surface, wherein the pipe portion (2) is configured as a rigid pipe and is provided at its end remote from the spray head (1) with a connector (4) for a fire hose (6), characterized in that the connector (4) is a bayonet coupling (15) for the pressure-tight connection of the fire hose (6), which is provided with a corresponding coupling counterpart (16), wherein the pipe length of the pipe portion (2) between the bayonet coupling (15) and the mouth (32) of the liquid channel (12) into the hollow body (30) is between 1000 mm and 4000 mm, in that the pipe portion (2) is provided with a blocking apparatus (20) for selectively blocking or opening the liquid channel (12), in that the blocking apparatus (20) is arranged directly adjoining the bayonet coupling (15) and in that the pipe portion (2) is composed of a main longitudinal portion (10) running in a linear manner and a connecting portion (11) between the main longitudinal portion (10) and the spray head (1), wherein the pipe portion (2) on the connecting portion (11) runs obliquely and / or offset in parallel to the main longitudinal portion (10).

2. Spray device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the pipe length of the pipe portion (2) is between 1500 mm and 3000 mm.

3. Spray device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized in that the average cross-sectional area of the liquid channel (12) is between 1250 mm2 and 10000 mm2, preferably between 1500 mm2 and 6500 mm2.

4. Spray device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connector (4) for the fire hose (6) is arranged axially aligned with the main longitudinal extent of the pipe portion (2).

5. Spray device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the external diameter of the hollow body (30) is 1.5 to 3 times the diameter of the pipe portion (2) at the mouth (32) of the liquid channel (12) into the hollow body (30).

6. Spray device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is composed of a shorter first portion (A1) which comprises the spray head (1), and a longer second portion (A2), and in that the portions (A1, A2) are releasably connected to one another at a liquid-tight coupling.

7. Spray device according to Claim 6, characterized in that the liquid-tight coupling is of the same coupling type as the connector (4) for connecting the fire hose (6).

8. Spray device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet openings (5) are located in nozzle housings (40), wherein the nozzle housings (40) are fastened in through-openings in the hollow body (30).

9. Spray device according to Claim 8, characterized in that each nozzle housing (40) is screwed, with an external thread (41) configured thereon, into a corresponding internal thread on the through-opening.

10. Spray device according to Claim 9, characterized in that each nozzle housing (40) is provided with a collar (44) which is radially widened relative to the external thread (41), the nozzle housing (40) being supported by said collar against the outer face of the hollow body (30).

11. Spray device according to Claim 10, characterized in that the radially widened collar (44) is designed as a polygon (45), for positioning a wrench.

12. Spray device according to Claim 8 - 11, characterized in that two or more outlet openings (5) are located in each nozzle housing (40), the emission directions (51, 52) thereof diverging.

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