Linear e-extinguishing lance with position retainer for fighting fires in electrically charged objects
The fire extinguishing lance with a voltage-insulating coating and position holder addresses the inadequacies of conventional lances by ensuring safe and efficient extinguishing of electric vehicle fires, reducing water usage and operator risk through ergonomic design and electrical insulation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2022169231
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-04-28
- Filing Date
- 2022-04-21
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-01
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-04-21
AI Technical Summary
Conventional fire extinguishing lances are inadequate for safely extinguishing electric vehicles due to lack of electrical insulation, posing risks to firefighters and requiring excessive water usage, and do not effectively address the hazards of high voltages and mechanical stresses in electric vehicle fires.
A fire extinguishing lance with a voltage-insulating coating and a position holder that allows the lance to be held at an angle, providing electrical insulation and maintaining a safe distance from the burning object, enabling ergonomic operation and reducing the risk of electrical hazards.
The solution ensures safe and effective extinguishing of electric vehicle fires with reduced water consumption, minimizing operator risk and enhancing firefighting efficiency by allowing controlled insertion and insulation against high voltages.
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Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to an extinguishing arrangement with a linear extinguishing lance for extinguishing burning electrical devices, such as vehicles equipped with electric motors, wherein the extinguishing lance has a holding section with a handle for an operator, an extinguishing agent supply with a coupling device for connecting a pressure hose for liquid extinguishing agent, and a linear tubular extinguishing section with a longitudinal axis adjoining the holding section and optionally the coupling device, from the free end of which extinguishing agent can be introduced under pressure into a burning object, wherein the handle and the tubular extinguishing section have, at least in the region of the holding section, a voltage-insulating coating which is designed to be electrically insulating even for electrical voltages U ≥ 500V, wherein the tubular extinguishing section is made of a material which has such a high tensile strength R m,that it withstands a mechanical stress σ ≥ 500 N / mm 2<, and which has a melting temperature ts ≥ 650°C, wherein the tubular extinguishing section is geometrically tapered at its free end opposite the holding section and has a narrowed clear flow cross-section for the extinguishing agent passed through under pressure, wherein the tubular extinguishing section and also the tapered free end of the tubular extinguishing section are made of stainless steel, and wherein the tapered free end of the tubular extinguishing section is additionally hardened.
[0002] Such an electric fire extinguishing lance is known from DE 20 2020 102 574 U1 (=reference [1]). Background of the invention
[0003] For reasons of environmental and climate protection, as well as sustainability, there are currently intensive international efforts to increasingly use electrical energy instead of fossil fuels. In recent years, photovoltaic systems have been increasingly installed, for example, on building roofs. Furthermore, individual mobility will increasingly be enabled by electric drive systems, such as electric vehicles, in the future.
[0004] However, little attention has been paid to the fact that such an increased use of electrical energy also entails considerable potential risks.
[0005] These potential dangers are already becoming increasingly apparent in view of the numerous fire incidents occurring worldwide due to non-functioning or poorly functioning batteries, for example in smartphones or notebooks.
[0006] A particularly high risk is seen in fires in the vicinity of electric vehicles, for example in hybrid or fully electric vehicles (see, for example, "E-Mobil-Brand in den USA"; https: / / www.welt.de / motor / news / article120704501 / E-Mobil-Brand-in-den-USA.html (=Reference [3], accessed on 09.11.2016)).
[0007] A particularly problematic aspect of a fire in such an electric vehicle is that extinguishing the fire not only poses significant risks from the fire itself, as well as potentially self-igniting elements such as lithium-ion batteries, but also from the dangers posed by spreading high voltages and high currents caused by the high-performance electrical systems and batteries installed in the vehicle. Effective prevention is therefore essential.
[0008] DE 10 2018 222 429 A1 (=reference
[12] ) describes an emergency kit for an electrically powered vehicle with a traction battery and a fire extinguishing lance access, which contains a fire extinguishing lance template.
[0009] US-A 4,802,535 (=reference [4]) describes a fire extinguishing lance constructed linearly along a longitudinal axis, in which hardened steel pipe is proposed as the material for the tubular extinguishing section. However, no electrical insulation of any kind is provided for the known extinguishing lance.
[0010] US 7 017 832 B1 (=reference
[13] ) discloses an extinguishing lance which is essentially linear in design but has a pipe section running at right angles to the lance axis for introducing liquid extinguishing agent.
[0011] US 2003 / 0159837 A1 (=reference [5]) shows a "multi-purpose water hammer" with a tapered nozzle designed to penetrate the object to be extinguished during use. The extinguishing head is mounted at a 90° angle to the tubular extinguishing section. This is therefore not a linear extinguishing lance constructed in the z-direction according to the generic term defined above. For a hammer-like application of this device on an electric vehicle, the impact on the outer shell of the vehicle would require working very close to the battery to be extinguished in order to achieve any effective effect. Furthermore, no electrical insulation of the extinguishing lance is provided or indicated here. In 2002 and 2003, electric vehicles were probably not yet considered, as they are today.
[0012] A fire extinguishing lance that is also non-linear in design, but rather "bent" at right angles to a longitudinal axis, is disclosed in CN 106 492 384 A (=reference
[11] ). For the same reasons as the fire extinguishing device according to reference [5], this non-generic arrangement is completely unsuitable for the purposes of the present invention.
[0013] In US 2002 / 019307 A1 (=reference [6]), insulation against electrical voltage in contact with wires in a building wall is indicated, but not insulation against high voltage, such as those found in batteries of electric vehicles. Furthermore, the extinguishing agent is fed through the end of the known extinguishing lance, which is constructed linearly in the z-direction, so that it is not possible to drive the lance into the outer shell of a vehicle with a striking tool. Such a conventional extinguishing lance is suitable for Deleteof buildings and possibly also of burning conventionally powered vehicles, but by no means to Delete from burning electric vehicles, especially because of the high electrical voltages U >> 200V that are to be expected there - in contrast to normal buildings (apart from power plants) and conventional vehicles.
[0014] This is demonstrated, among other things, by the magazine article "MOBILE LIFE - WHAT IF THERE'S A FIRE?" from the magazine "stern" dated June 19, 2019, p. 80 (=reference [7]). It popularly argues that electric vehicles with high-voltage batteries—which, as is well known, are expected to completely replace conventional combustion-engine vehicles in the very near future for environmental reasons—pose a significant threat to the life and limb of firefighters tasked with extinguishing such burning electric vehicles.
[0015] It is quite obvious that such an extinguishing operation cannot be carried out with the necessary safety using a conventional fire lance of the type described above.
[0016] Instead, DE 10 2016 211 854 B3 or EP 3 263 402 B1 (=reference [8]) proposes a special container containing extinguishing water into which a burning electric vehicle is to be completely immersed - a truly desperate Idea: Imagine an electric vehicle catches fire on a busy street. But instead of extinguishing the burning vehicle on site, as is usual, the fire department must first bring in a huge special container, fill it with a massive amount of extinguishing water on site, and then—somehow, somehow—dip the still-burning, but probably already completely burned-out electric vehicle into this large container. How this is supposed to be accomplished with a larger vehicle like an electric bus or truck remains a complete mystery.
[0017] The article "ELECTRIFYING OPERATION" from the fire service magazine "BRANDHEISS" in the July-August 2018 issue, p. 16 (=reference [9]), also describes, from the perspective of the expert—namely, the fire service—the new and very dangerous situation, especially for the firefighters on site, when extinguishing a burning electric vehicle. It states: "Although the burning electric van was relatively modest in size, the comrades of the Traun fire department were certainly challenged." ... "The extinguishing operation was particularly precarious in the initial phase, as electric vehicles are extinguished and handled completely differently than conventional cars. An initial extinguishing operation using breathing apparatus quickly proved effective, but the vehicle had to be "water bathed"—as is required for such fires—because the burned and destroyed batteries still pose an enormous fire hazard several hours later.Therefore, the wrecked vehicle was escorted on a tow truck by two fire engines with flashing blue lights directly to an industrial area in Traun, where it was immersed in a deep, environmentally protected water bath." ... "A GREAT EFFORT FOR A SMALL VEHICLE."
[0018] However, if there is no way to definitively extinguish a burning electric vehicle using a special container filled with water, the only alternative is often to continue the extinguishing process until the electrical components, in particular, no longer reignite. The consumption of extinguishing water in such a case is immense, as a particularly impressive, very recent example from the USA shows. For example, the digital edition of the Süddeutsche Zeitung, in the article "The driver's seat was empty" from April 19, 2021 (=reference
[10] , accessed on April 20, 2021), reports how, after an accident involving an electric car in Harris County, Texas, USA, the fire department needed more than 100,000 liters of water to extinguish an electric vehicle that had caught fire because the batteries repeatedly reignited.
[0019] A particularly high risk is seen in fires in the vicinity of electric vehicles, for example in hybrid or fully electric vehicles (see, for example, "E-Mobil-Brand in den USA"; https: / / www.welt.de / motor / news / article120704501 / E-Mobil-Brand-in-den-USA.html (=Reference [3], accessed on 09.11.2016)).
[0020] This underlines the high urgency of finding a technically much better, safer and also much more economical solution to the problems of extinguishing burning electric vehicles than suggested, for example, in reference [8].
[0021] In addition to the actual firefighting problems, the extremely negative environmental consequences must also be considered: After the firefighting operation described in the above reference [9], the destroyed vehicle was also placed in a "water bath" and "dunked" with enormous effort. But even before that—namely, during the actual firefighting process—an enormous amount of highly contaminated firefighting water had already been released into the environment, which the article does not report further.
[0022] In a vehicle fire, the usual and familiar mixture of respiratory toxins is always produced. However, additional, very significant quantities of highly dangerous respiratory toxins are released as a result of the "thermal runaway" of the lithium-ion battery. Lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF), hydrofluoric acid (HF), phosphoryl fluoride (POF), and phosphoric acid are released primarily as a result of the decomposition of the conductive salt present in the electrolyte. Therefore, when a burning or still smoldering electric vehicle is transported further, these hazardous substances continue to escape, contaminating the surrounding area. Using the electric fire extinguishing lance according to the invention also significantly reduces this environmental pollution, and only a small amount of water (20-50 liters) is contaminated during the firefighting operation.
[0023] To date, firefighters have been only partially, and generally not at all, prepared to deal with such hazards. For example, the above-mentioned articles report that firefighters fighting a fire involving an electric vehicle maintained or were required to maintain a significant distance from the vehicle, which, of course, significantly limits the effectiveness of firefighting or reduces the positive impact of the otherwise well-known firefighting measures, if not renders them impossible.
[0024] In order to deal with such extended risks, a completely new type of electric fire extinguishing lance is required, which is not only designed for the actual extinguishing itself, but as well as thermal as also mechanical and especially can withstand electrical hazards.
[0025] For the first time, the electric extinguishing lance (linearly constructed in the z-direction) according to DE 20 2017 104 411 U1 and WO 2019 / 020507 A1 (=reference [2]) succeeded in protecting the extinguishing tool against thermal and / or mechanical hazards and additionally providing it with high-voltage protection. A comparable linear electric extinguishing lance had not been suggested to the relevant expert until then, at least apparently not by the conventional extinguishing devices described in references [6] to [8].
[0026] However, even this innovative electric extinguishing lance does not fully and comprehensively ensure compliance with the comparatively strict legal standards for electrician's tools. Thus, there is still a risk that when extinguishing live electrical objects—especially when the extinguishing lance is wet, which is typical for this application—electrical voltages or currents from the non-electrically insulated tubular extinguishing section could reach the operator at an unacceptably high level, potentially causing serious injury or even death during firefighting operations.
[0027] The electric extinguishing lance known from DE 20 2020 102 574 U1 (=reference [1]) cited at the beginning therefore ensures that the minimum requirements for protection against thermal hazards as well as for protection against mechanical overloads and for protection against electrical hazards are met by the tubular extinguishing section having, at least in the area of the holding section with handle part, a voltage-insulating coating which is designed to be electrically insulating for electrical voltages U ≥ 500V. Object of the invention
[0028] The object of the present invention is to modify an extinguishing arrangement of the type defined above using the simplest technical means possible, in a simple and cost-effective manner, so that ergonomically simpler and more effective operation of the electric extinguishing lance is enabled during use and the safety of the operators is significantly increased by allowing the extinguishing lance to be held in a way that reduces the strain on the operator. Furthermore, it should be possible to increase or decrease the distance between the electric extinguishing lance and the positioner on the position holder depending on the specific circumstances of the application. Brief description of the invention
[0029] This task - which in practice is life-saving and life-saving for the operator - is achieved by the present invention in a surprisingly simple and effective manner in that the extinguishing arrangement comprises a position holder which is designed such that the extinguishing lance can be held in an operating phase during an extinguishing operation by an assistant located at a lateral distance from the extinguishing lance in a geometric position in which the longitudinal axis of the tubular extinguishing section is aligned at an angle of between 60° and 90° to the earth's surface, while a firefighter operates the extinguishing lance during the extinguishing operation, that the position holder has a tubular holding part with a longitudinal axis which projects laterally away from the extinguishing lance during operation, and that the tubular holding part is designed to be extendable with respect to its longitudinal axis.
[0030] This makes it possible to adjust the distance between the electric extinguishing lance and the positioner on the position holder as needed. This distance can be increased to such an extent that, for example, when extinguishing a fire in an electrical installation, the distance between the burning object and the positioner is sufficiently large, for example, 1 meter, so that firefighters on duty pose little or no danger when attempting to extinguish the fire.
[0031] The holding part allows the operator to comfortably hold the extinguishing lance in its operating position. The operator can easily drive the extinguishing lance into the object to be extinguished, while the positioner is safely positioned at a distance on the position holder.
[0032] The present invention provides an extinguishing assembly with a position holder and an electric extinguishing lance that fully solves the above-stated inventive problem. In particular, the extinguishing assembly with position holder and electric extinguishing lance is also particularly suitable for lithium-ion batteries installed in electric vehicles. Fire departments thus have an effective and completely safe extinguishing system at their disposal for applications involving burning objects with high voltage.
[0033] In an emergency, the electric fire extinguishing lance can be inserted into an electrical system, for example, the battery of a burning electric vehicle or an electronic generator. To do this, the electric fire extinguishing lance is positioned above the electrical system using a positioner, and an operator drives the electric fire extinguishing lance with its tip into the electrical system, usually through the vehicle floor in the case of an electric vehicle. With the help of the positioner, the positioner can easily and automatically maintain a critical distance from both the burning electrical system and their fellow operator. This minimizes the risk of injury due to an electrical accident for all firefighters directly involved in extinguishing the burning electrical equipment.
[0034] Furthermore, the position holder can be used to regulate and increase the distance between the operator and the positioner. Particularly in situations where visibility is limited (e.g., when there is heavy smoke development) or in situations where a particularly rapid response is required (e.g., when there is a risk of explosion if too hesitant action is taken), the immediate danger of the operator inadvertently hitting and injuring the positioner, thus further endangering the extinguishing attempt and the positioner, can be minimized. Furthermore, the position holder can increase the distance from the burning object for both actively involved firefighters, thereby also reducing heat radiation to the emergency responders.
[0035] When the electric extinguishing lance is inserted into an object to be extinguished, the tip at the front can easily pierce obstructing material, such as a floor panel or a battery wall. This high-strength, yet pointed nozzle prevents or at least minimizes wear and facilitates penetration into the surface of the object to be extinguished.
[0036] Flow-restricted nozzle(s) at the tip of the lance also ensure that sufficient extinguishing success can be achieved quickly and efficiently, and in particular with a relatively low use of extinguishing water.
[0037] There is currently no alternative method available on the market for extinguishing an electric vehicle battery that is both direct and safe for firefighters. Factory fire departments of renowned automobile manufacturers have successfully extinguished electric vehicle fires in numerous tests. withoutThe position holder according to the invention with an electric fire extinguishing lance can hardly be brought under control at all, and if so, then only with the use of extremely large amounts of water and foam, but always without effective protection for the firefighter acting against high electrical voltages.
[0038] The situation is very similar when extinguishing fires caused by transformers, electrical generators or other high-voltage devices such as those used in photovoltaic systems. Preferred embodiments and developments of the invention
[0039] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the extinguishing arrangement according to the invention, it is provided that the tubular holding part projects laterally away from the extinguishing lance during operation approximately at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the tubular extinguishing section.
[0040] The right-angled alignment of the holding part to the electric extinguishing lance makes it particularly easy to align the lance and to hold it stably and precisely in an optimal extinguishing position.
[0041] A further preferred embodiment of the extinguishing arrangement according to the invention is characterized in that the position holder is permanently attached to the extinguishing lance.
[0042] This is a particularly simple and compact design that is also inexpensive to manufacture. Furthermore, it allows for standardized operation, allowing the operator to quickly grasp the position holder's intended use. Furthermore, the layout is easily understood by touch, enabling uncomplicated use.
[0043] However, alternative embodiments of the extinguishing arrangement may also be advantageous, in which the position holder is detachably attached to the extinguishing lance at least during the duration of an operating phase.
[0044] This allows the operator to quickly respond to current on-site requirements and, if necessary, optimally adjust the geometry of the position holder with just a few simple steps. For longer firefighting operations or those with a limited operating radius, the operator can select the safest and most ergonomic setting for their needs. This also saves space during transport and storage of the extinguishing system between firefighting operations and reduces its pack size.
[0045] A further development is particularly advantageous in which the tubular holding part of the position holder has a voltage-insulating coating which is designed to be electrically insulating for electrical voltages U ≥ 500V.
[0046] This insulation can prevent the operator or positioner from suffering an electric shock when extinguishing an electrical system. The voltage-insulating coating can be arranged in the grip area of the position holder. It can then also mark the grip area for the operator. Furthermore, the voltage-insulating coating can provide protection against cold, for example, when extinguishing with extremely cold water or other extinguishing fluid. It can also act as a shock-absorbing layer, for example, when an operator drives the extinguishing lance into the electrical system.
[0047] In a preferred development of this embodiment, it is provided that the voltage-insulating coating of the tubular holding part has a layer thickness d ≥ 2 mm, in particular between 2 mm and 5 mm, and is designed to be electrically insulating for electrical voltages U up to 1000 V and above.
[0048] These are particularly proven thicknesses of the voltage-insulating coating in practice. The insulating effect of the voltage-insulating coating can be further improved by choosing a larger layer thickness.
[0049] In a further advantageous development, the tubular holding part of the position holder is made of aluminum, in particular of an Al alloy, preferably of approximately 30 mm thick AlCuMgPb, and the stress-insulating coating of the tubular holding part is made of polyvinyl chloride.
[0050] These materials have proven particularly useful in practice. Aluminum and aluminum alloys such as AlCuMgPb have a low density of approximately 2.5 g / cm³ to 3 g / cm³ and are therefore lighter than, for example, different steels that could be used for similar components. This allows the weight of the tubular holding part of the position holder to be kept particularly low, which is important for quick and uncomplicated operation of the extinguishing assembly. In addition, aluminum components are cost-effective to manufacture and highly resistant to corrosive attack. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has a high tracking resistance (i.e. the insulation strength of the surface of insulating materials). This is particularly important for the voltage-insulating coating of the tubular holding part. PVC components are also cost-effective to produce and long-lasting.
[0051] A further preferred development of the invention is one in which the tubular holding part of the position holder can be reversibly coupled to the extinguishing lance by means of a mechanical coupling device, in particular a clamp, a clamp, a fork or a pair of pliers.
[0052] This allows for quick installation in areas with limited visibility and in situations with limited visibility. The tubular support element can be easily mounted, and the installation process is simplified to such an extent that even a non-technical person can immediately attach the tubular support element to the fire lance without any problems. This improves the safe and correct installation of the tubular support element, especially in hectic situations where potentially fatal errors can occur.
[0053] Furthermore, a further development of this embodiment is preferred, which is characterized in that the mechanical coupling device is rigidly fastened to the tubular holding part of the position holder.
[0054] This allows the position holder to be moved and positioned with particular precision. Slipping can thus be reliably prevented. This improves the handling of the entire extinguishing assembly according to the invention.
[0055] A further development is also particularly advantageous in which the mechanical coupling device has a two-part clamp, the two halves of which are each C-shaped and the two ends of which are opposite one another in an operating phase of the extinguishing arrangement, wherein the clamp is placed around the outer circumference of the tubular extinguishing section, preferably in the region of the holding section with the handle part, and the two opposite ends of the C-shaped halves are each brought closer together by means of a clamping device, so that the clamp is pulled together around the tubular extinguishing section and clamps it.
[0056] In this way, the position holder with the mechanical coupling device can be connected to or detached from the tubular extinguishing section particularly easily, quickly and simply.
[0057] Variants of this further development of the invention are also advantageous, which provide that the clamping devices comprise a hinge and / or a clamping screw.
[0058] The hinge or clamping screw can facilitate handling of the extinguishing system according to the invention by eliminating the risk of the C-shaped halves of the mechanical coupling device falling apart when the clamping device is opened. This prevents these parts from getting lost, especially in situations where the situation is difficult to assess or visibility is limited, for example, by smoke from the fire source. Furthermore, the extinguishing system can be brought into operational mode more quickly.
[0059] Also advantageous is a variant which provides that the clamping screw has a threaded bushing, a threaded bolt, a threaded pin and a screw handle, in particular a cross handle.
[0060] The components can be securely installed and thus not lost during use of the extinguishing system. A clamping screw designed in this way is particularly easy to operate, and the electric extinguishing lance can be quickly and securely connected to the position holder via the mechanical coupling device.
[0061] A particularly advantageous embodiment is one in which the tubular holding part can be pulled apart or compressed in a telescopic manner.
[0062] This is technically particularly easy to implement in practice and can represent a simple and compact way of varying the length.
[0063] However, an alternative embodiment may also be advantageous in which the tubular holding part has a base part and one or more extension pieces which can be connected to the base part in the direction of the longitudinal axis, preferably with it and optionally screwed to one another.
[0064] The extension pieces allow the distance between the operator of the position holder and the electric fire extinguishing lance to be increased even further. In particularly confusing and dangerous situations, the fire extinguishing lance can be held in position from a safe distance, ensuring the safety of the operators.
[0065] Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and the drawings. Likewise, the above-mentioned and further-described features can be used individually or in combination in any desired manner. The embodiments shown and described are not intended to be exhaustive, but rather are exemplary in nature for describing the invention. Detailed description of the invention and drawing
[0066] The invention is illustrated in the drawing and is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments.
[0067] They show: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the extinguishing arrangement according to the invention in a practical application with a positioner that operates the position holder and an operator that drives the electric extinguishing lance into the object to be extinguished with a hammer; Fig. 2a shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of an extinguishing lance, as can be used in the extinguishing arrangement according to the invention, with a voltage-insulating coating of the tubular extinguishing section in the area of the handle; Fig. 2b shows the embodiment of Fig. 2ain a partially transparent view from above in the direction of the axis of the tubular extinguishing section; Fig. 3a a schematic side view of an extension piece for extending the axial length of the tubular holding part in a vertical longitudinal section; Fig. 3b a schematic side view of a base part of the tubular holding part of the position holder in a vertical longitudinal section; Fig. 4a a schematic side view of a mechanical coupling device with a view of the area in which a clamping screw for the clamping device is attached; Fig. 4b the embodiment of Fig. 4a in a schematic plan view in a vertical longitudinal section; Fig. 5 a schematic side view of the individual parts of a clamping screw for use in the mechanical coupling device of Fig. 4a .
[0068] The Fig. 1shows an embodiment of the extinguishing arrangement according to the invention in a practical application, in this case the extinguishing of a car with an electric motor. The extinguishing arrangement comprises a fire lance 10 at the Position holder 30 and a pressure hose for liquid extinguishing agent is attached. An assistant (positioner) uses the position holder 30 to laterally spaced from a tubular extinguishing section 13 to hold the fire lance in position. An operator strikes a Impact plate 14' one Section 14, to drive the extinguishing lance 10 into the object to be extinguished.
[0069] The tubular extinguishing section 13 is in a Longitudinal axis zAligned to the earth's surface. The angle between the tubular extinguishing section 13 and the earth's surface is approximately 90° in this illustration. The best power transmission during impact can be achieved at this angle. When extinguishing difficult-to-access areas, it may also happen that the angle between the longitudinal axis z of the tubular extinguishing section 13 and the earth's surface is less than 90°. However, within an angle range of 60° to 90°, the operator can still optimally drive the extinguishing lance 10 into the object to be extinguished.
[0070] The position holder 30 is designed as a tubular holding part 31 trained with a Longitudinal axis a which protrudes laterally from the extinguishing lance 10. In the case shown here, the longitudinal axis a of the tubular holding part 31 is arranged almost at right angles to the longitudinal axis z of the tubular extinguishing section 13. This enables particularly precise and simple positioning of the extinguishing lance 10 relative to the earth's surface.
[0071] The tubular support member 31 consists of an approximately 30 mm thick AlCuMgPb alloy. Tubular support members 31 according to the invention can generally be made of aluminum or other aluminum alloys. Of particular interest here are the properties of these materials, namely, low weight due to the low density of the aluminum or aluminum alloys, good durability in general, good corrosion resistance, as well as cost-effective production and processing.
[0072] The tubular holding part 31 can further be designed such that it can be extended along its longitudinal axis a, for example, by being telescopically pulled apart or compressed (not shown here). In the operating state, the distance between the fire extinguishing lance 10 and the assistant can thus be easily and flexibly varied. For example, the distance can be increased in situations of great danger, thus reducing the risk of injury, or at least reduced in situations where high precision in the alignment of the electric fire extinguishing lance 10 is required.
[0073] The tubular holding part 31 has a voltage-insulating coating 30aThe voltage-insulating coating 30a should generally be designed to provide electrical insulation for electrical voltages U≥500V, thus minimizing the risk of electric shock to the assistant and operator. In the present embodiment, polyvinyl chloride is used as the voltage-insulating coating 30a because this material has high tracking resistance, is easily deformable, and is inexpensive to manufacture. The layer thickness d of the voltage-insulating coating 30a should be d ≥ 2mm (particularly in a range between 2mm and 5mm) in order to provide electrical insulation for electrical voltages U up to 1000V and higher.
[0074] In the embodiment shown here, the position holder 30 is also attached to the electric fire lance 10 in such a way that the position holder 30 can be released again during operation, particularly after completion of the extinguishing action. This allows, on the one hand, rapid adaptation of the geometry of the fire extinguishing assembly to the conditions of the site, and, on the other hand, transport to and from the site in a compact form. In another embodiment, not shown here, the position holder can be permanently connected to the fire lance. Such a structure is easily understandable in its functionality even for those with little manual skills and can also be produced cost-effectively.
[0075] The mechanical coupling of the extinguishing lance 10 of the tubular holding part 31 of the position holder 30 is carried out by means of a mechanical coupling device 32The tubular holding part 31 is rigidly attached to the mechanical coupling device 32. This prevents the position holder 30 from slipping and further improves the handling of the extinguishing assembly.
[0076] In the Figures 2a and 2b The drawing shows an improved embodiment of the electrically insulating electric extinguishing lance 10 according to the invention for extinguishing burning objects under electrical voltage. As with the improved electric extinguishing lance known from the closest prior art attributable to the applicant itself, the electric extinguishing lance 10 used in the extinguishing arrangement according to the invention also has a holding section with a handle 11 for an operator, an extinguishing agent supply with a Coupling device 12for connecting a pressure hose for liquid extinguishing agent, as well as the tubular extinguishing section 13 adjoining the holding section and, if applicable, the coupling device 12, from whose free end extinguishing agent can be introduced under pressure into a burning object. The coupling device 12 is therefore designed and constructed exclusively for connecting a pressure hose, and not for any type of spacer function. The handle part 11 of the holding section has a voltage-insulating coating 11a which is designed to be electrically insulating even for electrical voltages U ≥ 500V, wherein the tubular extinguishing section 13 is geometrically tapered at its free end and has a narrowed clear flow cross-section for the extinguishing agent passed through under pressure.
[0077] Compared to known, older fire extinguishing lances of the applicant, the electric fire extinguishing lance 10 used according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that now also the tubular fire extinguishing section 13, at least in the area of the holding section with handle part 11, has a voltage-insulating coating 13a which is electrically insulating for electrical voltages U ≥ 500V.
[0078] In particular, this voltage-insulating coating 13a of the tubular extinguishing section 13 can have a layer thickness d ≥ 2 mm, in particular between 2 mm and 5 mm, at least in the region of the holding section with handle part 11, and the voltage-insulating coating 11a of the handle part 11 of the holding section as well as the coating 13a of the extinguishing section 13 can even be designed to be electrically insulating for electrical voltages U up to 1000 V and above.
[0079] Furthermore, the tubular extinguishing section 13 can be made of VA steel, in particular of austenitic, acid-resistant 18 / 10 Cr-Ni steel, and the stress-insulating coating 13a of the tubular extinguishing section 13 can be made of polyvinyl chloride.
[0080] In the Figures 2a and 2b In the embodiment shown, the handle part 11 of the holding section has two Bow handles 11', 11" for two-handed operation of the electric fire extinguishing lance 10.
[0081] The electric extinguishing lance 10 used in the extinguishing arrangement according to the invention can have an actuating valve (not shown) on the extinguishing agent supply for admitting or stopping an extinguishing agent flow into the tubular extinguishing section 13 and a trigger device on the holding section, preferably on the handle part 11, for manually controlling this actuating valve.
[0082] Furthermore, the Fig. 2aThe illustrated embodiment of the electric extinguishing lance 10 has, at the end facing the operator, the preferably replaceable impact section 14 in extension to the tubular extinguishing section 13, which serves to apply impact force in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the extinguishing lance 10 in order to drive it into an object to be extinguished. On the side remote from the operator, the free end of the extinguishing lance 10 is preferably also replaceable and specially hardened. Peak 15 designed.
[0083] In the Figures 3a and 3bThe drawing shows a schematic side view in vertical longitudinal section of a base part 35 and an extension piece 35' of the tubular holding part. The extension piece 35' is tubular in shape. One end comprises a threaded bolt, approximately half of which protrudes from the extension piece 35'; the other end has a threaded hole for a threaded bolt. The extension pieces 35' can be screwed together via the threaded holes and the threaded bolts.
[0084] The base part 35 is tubular. The handle-side end is hemispherical for ease of use. The connection-side end comprises a threaded bolt that protrudes approximately halfway out of the base part 35. The base part 35 can be connected either directly to the mechanical coupling device or to one or more interconnected extension pieces 35'. This allows for flexible configuration of the length of the tubular holding part.
[0085] The Figures 4a and 4b show the mechanical coupling device 32 from different views. The mechanical coupling device 32 is designed as a clamp here. In other embodiments not shown here, it is also possible to choose a clamp, a fork, or a pair of pliers as the mechanical coupling device 32.
[0086] The coupling device 32, designed as a clamp, consists of two Halves 32', 32",which are constructed in a C-shape. The 32' half includes both Ends 32a', 32b' and the half 32" includes both Ends 32a", 32b". In the form shown here, the ends 32a' and 32a" and the ends 32b' and 32b" are opposite each other, which later essentially corresponds to the operating phase of the extinguishing arrangement.
[0087] The clamp is typically (not shown here) placed around the outer circumference of the tubular extinguishing section of the extinguishing lance or the area of the holding section with the handle part of the extinguishing lance. The opposite ends 32a', 32a" and 32b', 32b" of the C-shaped halves are then Clamping device 33a, 33b brought closer together. This pulls the clamp together and clamps the tubular extinguishing section.
[0088] In the form shown here, the clamping devices 33a, 33b comprise a Hinge 34a,by which the ends 32a' and 32a" are firmly connected to each other and at the ends 32b' and 32b" internal thread for a clamping screw 34b, by means of which the clamping device 33a, 33b can then be tightened. Furthermore, the halves 32', 32" each comprise an internal thread into which the tubular holding part of the position holder can be fastened.
[0089] The clamping screw 34b is secured against loss (especially in confusing and hectic situations) and the ends 32b' and 32b" are additionally secured against falling apart by means of a Safety chain 34c.The safety chain 34c is connected to the clamping screw 34b and the end 32b". For this purpose, metal rings can be attached to the clamping screw 34b and in the area of the end 32b". These metal rings have eyelets into which the safety chain 34c can be hooked. The length of the safety chain 34c can be selected so that the clamping screw 34b connected to it is as close as possible to the internal thread provided for the clamping screw 34b and the clamping screw 34b can be easily inserted into the internal thread. Typically, the safety chain 34c can have a length between 50 and 100 mm. The safety chain 34c can also be easily implemented and intuitively operated.
[0090] The Fig. 5 shows in a schematic side view the individual parts of the clamping screw 34b, as used in the mechanical coupling device from Fig. 4a The clamping screw 34b consists of a Threaded bushing 34b'with internal thread, a Threaded bolt 34b", a Threaded pin 34b‴ and a screw handle that acts as a Cross grip 34bʺʺ and has an internal thread below the grip area. The clamping screw 34b is especially designed for the clamping device made of Fig. 4a suitable because it is easy and intuitive to use and the individual, interconnected components are not so easy to lose. List of reference symbols:
[0091] 10 Extinguishing lance 11 Handle 11', 11" Bow handles 11a Voltage-insulating cover 12 Coupling device 13 Tubular extinguishing section 13a Voltage-insulating cover 14 Impact section 14' Impact plate 15 Tip 30 Position holder 30a Voltage-insulating cover 31 Tubular holding part 32 Mechanical coupling device 32', 32" Halves 32a', 32b' Ends (of the first half) 32a", 32b" Ends (of the second half) 33a, 33b Clamping device 34a Hinge 34b Clamping screw 34b' Threaded bushing 34b" Threaded bolt 34b‴ Threaded pin 34bʺʺ Cross handle 34c Safety chain 35Base part 35'Extension piece aLongitudinal axis (of the tubular holding part) zLongitudinal axis (of the tubular extinguishing section) Reference list:
[0092] Publications considered for the assessment of patentability [1] DE 20 2020 102 574 U1 [2] DE 20 2017 104 411 U1 ≈ WO 2019 / 020507 A1 [3] https: / / www.welt.de / motor / news / article120704501 / E-Mobil-Brand-in-den-USA.html[4] US-A 4,802,535 [5] US 2003 / 0159837 A1 [6] US 2002 / 019307 A1 [7] "MOBILE LIFE - WHAT IF THERE'S A FIRE?" from the magazine "stern" of June 19, 2019, p. 80 [8] DE 10 2016 211 854 B3 ≈ EP 3 263 402 B1 [9] "ELECTRIFYING OPERATION" from the fire service magazine "BRANDHEISS" in the July-August 2018 issue, p. 16
[10] Article in the digital edition of the Süddeutsche Zeitung "The driver's seat was empty" of April 19, 2021, accessed on April 20, 2021https: / / www.sueddeutsche.de / wirtschaft / tesla-texas-unfall-1.5269139
[11] CN 106 492 384 A
[12] DE 10 2018 222 429 A1
[13] US 7 017 832 B1
Claims
1. Extinguishing assembly comprising an extinguishing lance (10) for extinguishing burning electrical devices, such as vehicles equipped with an electric motor, the extinguishing lance (10) having a holding portion having a handle part (11) for an operating person, an extinguishing agent feed having a coupling device (12) for connecting a pressure hose for liquid extinguishing agent, and a tubular extinguishing portion (13) which adjoins the holding portion and optionally the coupling device (12) and has a longitudinal axis (z), and from the free end of which extinguishing agent can be introduced under pressure into a burning object, the handle part (11) and the tubular extinguishing portion (13), at least in the region of the holding portion, having a voltage-insulating coating (11a; 13a) which is also designed to be electrically insulating for electrical voltages U ≥ 500 V, the tubular extinguishing portion (13) being made of a material which has such a high tensile strength Rm that it withstands a mechanical stress σ ≥ 500 N / mm2, and which has a melting temperature tS ≥ 650°C, the tubular extinguishing portion (13) being geometrically tapered at the free end thereof opposite the holding portion and having a narrowed clear flow cross section for the extinguishing agent passed through under pressure, the tubular extinguishing portion (13) and the tapered free end of the tubular extinguishing portion (13) being made of stainless steel, and the tapered free end of the tubular extinguishing portion (13) being additionally hardened, characterized in that, the extinguishing assembly comprises a position holder (30) which is designed such that, in an operating phase during an extinguishing operation, the extinguishing lance (10) can thus be held by an assisting person at a lateral distance from the extinguishing lance (10) in a geometric position in which the longitudinal axis (z) of the tubular extinguishing portion (13) is oriented at an angle of between 60° and 90° to the surface of the earth, while an extinguishing person operates the extinguishing lance (10) in the extinguishing operation, that the position holder (30) has a tubular holding part (31) which has a longitudinal axis (a) and protrudes laterally away from the extinguishing lance (10) during operation, and that the tubular holding part (31) is designed to be extendable with respect to the longitudinal axis (a) thereof.
2. Extinguishing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the tubular holding part (31) protrudes away approximately at a right angle to the longitudinal axis (z) of the tubular extinguishing portion (13).
3. Extinguishing assembly according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the position holder (30) is permanently attached to the extinguishing lance (10).
4. Extinguishing assembly according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the position holder (30) is detachably attached to the extinguishing lance (10) during an operating phase.
5. Extinguishing assembly according to anyone of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the tubular holding part (31) of the position holder (30) has a voltage-insulating coating (30a) which is designed to be electrically insulating for electrical voltages U ≥ 500 V.
6. Extinguishing assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the voltage-insulating coating (30a) of the tubular holding part (31) has a layer thickness d ≥ 2mm, in particular between 2 mm and 5 mm, and is designed to be electrically insulating for electrical voltages U up to 1,000 V and above.
7. Extinguishing assembly according to anyone of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the tubular holding part (31) of the position holder (30) is made of aluminum, in particular an Al alloy, preferably AlCuMgPb approximately 30 mm thick, and the voltage-insulating coating (30a) of the tubular holding part (31) is made of polyvinyl chloride.
8. Extinguishing assembly according to anyone of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the tubular holding part (31) of the position holder (30) can be reversibly mechanically coupled to the extinguishing lance (10) by means of a mechanical coupling device (32), in particular a clamp, a clip, a fork or pliers.
9. Extinguishing assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the mechanical coupling device (32) is rigidly attached to the tubular holding part (31) of the position holder (30).
10. Extinguishing assembly according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the mechanical coupling device (32) has a two-part clamp, the two halves (32', 32") of which are each C-shaped and the two ends (32a', 32b'; 32a", 32b") of which are opposite one another in an operating phase of the extinguishing assembly, the clamp being placed around the outer circumference of the tubular extinguishing portion (13), preferably in the region of the holding portion having the handle part (11), and the two opposite ends (32a' and 32a" or 32b' and 32b") of the C-shaped halves (32', 32") each being brought closer to one another by means of a clamping device (33a; 33b), such that the clamp is drawn together around the tubular extinguishing portion (13) and encompasses said extinguishing portion in a clamping manner.
11. Extinguishing assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the clamping devices (33a; 33b) comprise a hinge (34a) and / or a clamping screw (34b).
12. Extinguishing assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the clamping screw (34b) has a threaded bushing (34b'), a stud bolt (34b"), a set screw (34b‴) and a screw handle, in particular a cross handle (34bʺʺ).
13. Extinguishing assembly according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular holding part (31) can be pulled apart or compressed in a telescopic manner.
14. Extinguishing assembly according to anyone of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the tubular holding part (31) has a base part (35) and one or more extension pieces (35') which can be connected to the base part (35) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (a), preferably screwed to the base part and optionally to one another.
Citation Information
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