Extinguishing unit; method for extinguishing a fire by means of an extinguishing unit

Abstract

The invention relates to an extinguishing unit (1) and to a method for extinguishing a fire by means of an extinguishing unit (1), wherein the extinguishing unit (1) comprises: a high-pressure pump (2); at least one drive (13) for the high-pressure pump (2); at least one supply line for at least one extinguishing agent; a pump discharge line (3) having an end remote from the pump; and a nozzle (6) located at the end of the pump discharge line (3) remote from the pump, wherein the extinguishing unit (1) comprises at least one carrying device (9), as a result of which the extinguishing unit (1) is transportable and is transportable in a carried manner by at least one person or by an unmanned vehicle at least temporarily while the fire is being extinguished, wherein the extinguishing unit (1) according to the invention is preferably also transportable in a carried manner by at least one person at least temporarily before and / or after the fire is extinguished and / or by an unmanned vehicle at least temporarily before and / or after the fire is extinguished.

Description

[0001] Extinguishing unit; method for extinguishing a fire using an extinguishing unit

[0002] State of the art

[0003] The invention is based on an extinguishing unit according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for extinguishing a fire by means of an extinguishing unit according to the preamble of claim 11.

[0004] When extinguishing a fire, an extinguishing agent is used that interrupts the combustion process through its extinguishing effect. The selection of the appropriate extinguishing agent depends on both the physical and chemical properties of the various combustible materials and the properties of the extinguishing agent itself. Since not every extinguishing agent is suitable for every combustible material, different extinguishing agents can be used to extinguish a fire depending on the fire class.

[0005] For fires involving solid materials (class A fire), which are mainly organic in nature and normally burn with embers, water is the preferred extinguishing agent. This is because, in addition to being non-toxic and environmentally friendly, water is often available in sufficient quantities, particularly from hydrants, wells, rivers or lakes. As water has a boiling point that is very high in relation to the size of its molecules, water is characterized by a high heat absorption capacity, which is noticeable in the cooling extinguishing effect when fighting a fire. The cooling effect can be influenced by the size of the water droplets, so that the cooling effect when fighting a fire with a spray jet at a water pressure of 5 to 10 bar, for example, is greater with the same amount of water than when fighting a fire with a full jet due to the much larger surface area.

[0006] In fires involving liquid or liquefiable substances (fire class B), extinguishing water is ineffective because it sinks to the bottom of the burning liquid. In such fires, foam produced by expanding a water-foam concentrate mixture, consisting of water, foam concentrate, and air, is used as the extinguishing agent. Depending on the expansion factor, which indicates the factor by which the volume of the water-foam concentrate mixture has increased due to expansion, a distinction is made between low-expansion foam (high water content, expansion factor up to 20), medium-expansion foam (medium water content, expansion factor 20 to 200), and high-expansion foam (low water content, expansion factor over 200). Due to its air content, foam is lighter than a liquid, so the extinguishing effect of foam is based on suffocation by covering the fire.However, foam is also used for Class A fires, as heavy expansion foam, which has a high water content, has a cooling effect.

[0007] In addition to low-pressure extinguishing methods, extinguishing methods are also known in which high pressure is used, so that a very fine spray jet is generated. European patent EP 1 924 330 B1 discloses a high-pressure cutting system for use by rescue services for creating holes by cutting into roofs, walls, doors, etc. in the event of a fire in, for example, buildings, cisterns, tanks and containers for various purposes, and vehicles, trains, ships, etc. for firefighting, wherein the high-pressure cutting system has a pressure source for supplying a pressurised extinguishing liquid, a portable lance with an extinguishing nozzle and a hose line between the pressure source and the extinguishing nozzle for supplying the extinguishing liquid, wherein the extinguishing liquid emerges from the extinguishing nozzle in the form of a cutting jet in order to create a hole for introducing the extinguishing agent, providing access to the burning room.The advantage is that the fine atomization of the water jet minimizes water usage and thus water damage, and the advance of the firefighters is facilitated by the fact that smaller hose diameters are possible for high-pressure extinguishing methods, where the cooling effect of the extinguishing agent can be further enhanced by increasing the water pressure. However, the disadvantage is that this current high-pressure technology is based on vehicle-mounted equipment, which is very heavy. As a result, the device can only be deployed in a stationary manner, either directly from the vehicle or by helicopter, or with several people unloaded onto it.

[0008] Vehicle-independent fire extinguishing units are disclosed in European patent application EP 4 062 979 A1, Korean patent application KR 10 2017 02 100 782 A, and Chinese patent application CN 1 02 397656 A. However, these solutions can only be used in stationary applications.

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing an extinguishing unit which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and a method for extinguishing a fire by means of an extinguishing unit which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] The invention and its advantages

[0011] The extinguishing unit according to the invention, with the features of claim 1, and the method according to the invention for extinguishing a fire by means of an extinguishing unit, with the features of claim 11, have the advantage that the extinguishing unit according to the invention for extinguishing a fire has a high-pressure pump, at least one drive for the high-pressure pump, at least one supply line for at least one extinguishing agent, a pump discharge line having an end facing away from the pump and at least one nozzle arranged at the end of the pump discharge line facing away from the pump, wherein the extinguishing unit has at least one carrying device, whereby the extinguishing unit is transportable and can be transported in a carrying manner by at least one person or by an unmanned vehicle at least temporarily during the extinguishing of the fire.Preferably, the extinguishing unit according to the invention can also be transported in a supporting manner at least temporarily before and / or after the fire has been extinguished by at least one person and / or at least temporarily before and / or after the fire has been extinguished by an unmanned vehicle.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the extinguishing unit according to the invention, at least one nozzle is arranged on a hand gun or a nozzle rod.

[0013] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the extinguishing unit according to the invention, the extinguishing unit has at least one tank for at least one extinguishing agent.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the extinguishing unit according to the invention, at least one tank is detachably mounted on the extinguishing unit. This has the advantage that the entire extinguishing unit according to the invention does not have to be brought to the filling station to fill the tank. A further advantage is that when multiple tanks are used, an empty tank can be immediately replaced with a full tank, allowing the extinguishing process to continue quickly. If the extinguishing unit according to the invention has two detachable tanks, an uninterrupted extinguishing process could be realized as the first tank becomes increasingly empty and, for example, switches over to the second tank in good time if the first tank is either replaced with a full other tank while the second tank still contains extinguishing agent, or is refilled and attached to the extinguishing unit.

[0015] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the fire extinguishing unit according to the invention, at least one carrying device is a backpack, a case, a shoulder strap, a carrying frame, a handle, or a carrying loop. This allows the fire extinguishing unit according to the invention to be transported in a carrying manner, preferably by a single person, in particular the person extinguishing the fire who operates the handgun, or a person walking alongside or behind the person extinguishing the fire.

[0016] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the extinguishing unit according to the invention, at least one carrying device is detachable. This has the advantage that when the carrying device is not in use, it can be detached from the extinguishing unit according to the invention and, if necessary, stored elsewhere or within the extinguishing unit according to the invention.

[0017] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the extinguishing unit according to the invention, the extinguishing unit according to the invention has an accessory storage compartment. Accessories such as nozzles, lances, etc. are thus within easy reach.

[0018] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the extinguishing unit according to the invention, the extinguishing unit according to the invention has a volume flow controller. This has the advantage of allowing the flow rate of the extinguishing agent to be regulated. In addition to stepwise regulation, continuous regulation is also conceivable.

[0019] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the extinguishing unit according to the invention, the handgun is detachably mounted on the pump discharge line. A coupling is preferably used for this purpose. This makes it possible to replace the handgun.

[0020] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the extinguishing unit according to the invention, at least one drive is an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. When using an electric motor, it is preferably powered by at least one rechargeable battery. Preferably, the rechargeable battery(ies) are replaceable, thus ensuring an uninterrupted extinguishing process.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention for extinguishing a fire by means of an extinguishing unit which has a high-pressure pump, at least one drive for the high-pressure pump, at least one supply line for at least one extinguishing agent, a pump discharge line having an end facing away from the pump, and at least one nozzle arranged at the end of the pump discharge line facing away from the pump, wherein the extinguishing unit has at least one carrying device, whereby the extinguishing unit is transportable and is carried in a carrying manner by at least one person or by an unmanned vehicle at least temporarily during the extinguishing of the fire, the transportable extinguishing unit is carried in a carrying manner by at least one person at least temporarily before and / or after the extinguishing of the fire and / or at least temporarily before and / or after the extinguishing of the fire by an unmanned vehicle.Preferably, the person is the person extinguishing the fire or a person running next to or behind the person extinguishing the fire.

[0022] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the transportable extinguishing unit is transported at least temporarily on the back of a person or by the unmanned vehicle.

[0023] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the unmanned vehicle is an aircraft or a land vehicle. Preferably, the aircraft is a drone.

[0024] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the extinguishing agent is applied at least temporarily at least 15 bar, in particular at least 80 bar, in particular at least 150 bar, i.e. by means of high pressure.

[0025] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the extinguishing agent is applied at least temporarily at a pressure of at least 300 bar, i.e. by means of high pressure.

[0026] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, an extinguishing unit according to one of claims 1 to 10 is used as the extinguishing unit.

[0027] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the following description and the drawings. Drawings

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the subject matter according to the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail below.

[0029] Fig. 1 is a sketchy perspective view of an extinguishing unit according to the invention,

[0030] Fig. 2 is a sketchy perspective view of a second embodiment of an extinguishing unit according to the invention and

[0031] Fig. 3 is a sketchy perspective view of a third embodiment of an extinguishing unit according to the invention.

[0032] Description of the embodiment

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a sketchy perspective view of an extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention. The extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention has a high-pressure pump 2, which preferably has an output of 2 - 10 l / min and 80 - 300 bar and is driven by a battery-operated drive (drive unit) and to which a pump discharge line 3 is detachably or permanently connected. At its end facing away from the pump, the pump discharge line 3 is detachably or permanently connected to a hand gun 4 (spray gun). A lance 5 is detachably or permanently arranged on the hand gun 4, which lance 5 has, at its end facing away from the hand gun 4, a nozzle 6 which is detachably or permanently connected to the lance and from which the extinguishing agent can emerge at high speed. The extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention has, for storing an extinguishing agent (e.g.Water) has a tank 7, which preferably has a capacity of 2 to 30 l and whose filler neck can be closed by means of a lid 8. A carrying device 9, which has shoulder straps 10 and is designed as a backpack, enables at least easy transport during extinguishing the fire on the back of a person (not shown), who is preferably the person extinguishing the fire who operates the hand gun 4, or a person running next to or behind the person extinguishing the fire. In addition, the carrying device 9 can optionally also serve to enable easy transport before and / or after extinguishing the fire on the back of a person (not shown), who is preferably the person extinguishing the fire who operates the hand gun 4, or a person running next to or behind the person extinguishing the fire.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows a sketchy perspective view of a second embodiment of an extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention has a case 11 as a carrying device 9, which is equipped with a handle 12 and in which, in particular, the high-pressure pump 2, the tank 7 and the battery-operated drive 13 are stowed. It would also be conceivable for the case 11 to have a shoulder strap. According to the invention, this embodiment enables at least easy transport during, but optionally also before and / or after, the fire has been extinguished in the hand of a person (not shown), who is preferably the person extinguishing the fire who operates the hand gun 4, or a person walking next to or behind the person extinguishing the fire.

[0035] Fig. 3 shows a sketchy perspective view of a third embodiment of an extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention has a case 11 as a carrying device 9, which is equipped with a handle 12 and in which the tank 7 is stowed when it is not itself functioning as a tank 7. The high-pressure pump 2 is arranged on or in the hand gun 4 and can be driven by means of a battery that is detachably and thus replaceably arranged on the hand gun 4. It would also be conceivable for the case 11 to have a shoulder strap. According to the invention, this embodiment enables at least easy transport during, but optionally also before and / or after, the fire has been extinguished in the hands of a person (not shown), who is preferably the person extinguishing the fire who operates the hand gun 4, or a person walking next to or behind the person extinguishing the fire.

[0036] In all three embodiments, the high-pressure pump 2 finely atomizes the extinguishing agent water, allowing the highest extinguishing effects to be achieved. This is demonstrated by the fact that with previous extinguishing methods operating in the 8 bar range, 400 times the amount of water is required compared to an application pressure of 300 bar with the method according to the invention. With the extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention, only 0.25% of the usual amount of water is required. Since the extinguishing principle is not "drowning", even the smallest amounts of water, which can in particular be carried by a single person, are highly effective for incipient fires such as room fires, vehicle fires and vegetation fires. The water mist which is created due to the high speed escaping from the nozzle 6 (e.g. atomizer nozzle) also reaches fires that are difficult to access. In addition, the formation of water vapor, which reduces the oxygen concentration orIf the oxygen supply is impeded, a suffocation effect will occur. Another benefit of the fine water atomization is that no water damage occurs, as almost 100% of the water evaporates and is used to fight the fire. This also virtually eliminates consequential damage from runoff and / or contaminated extinguishing water.

[0037] The extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention offers the advantage of rapid operational readiness without setup times. With the extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention, the fire is extinguished directly by actuating the hand gun 4, whereby, in contrast to conventional extinguishing methods, only a slight recoil is noticeable. The extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention is so compact that it can be transported in standard cars or, off-road, on even the smallest vehicles and even on a motorcycle or bicycle. Distances that can only be covered on foot can, thanks to its handiness, also be reached directly with the extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention. Due to the combination of tank 7 and high-pressure pump 2 with drive technology as a portable solution, in particular a backpack solution, firefighting can begin immediately. The time from alarm to the first water jet is significantly reduced.The extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention can be operated completely independently and is self-sufficient. The extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention can be used universally by changing the nozzle and / or lance, so that, for example, a multi-nozzle or a swivel nozzle, which enables firefighting around corners, and different lance lengths can be used. The extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention is a mobile high-pressure extinguishing unit that, thanks to the tank 7 (integrated or directly coupled water tank) and the battery-powered electric motor (although a gasoline engine, for example, would also be conceivable), can be used independently, eliminating the previously necessary connection to a fire engine.

[0038] It would also be conceivable for the extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention to be connected to an existing water network, for example, by means of a coupling. Due to the low water requirements, a domestic water network is sufficient for refueling or continuous operation. Water intake by suction from open waterways or from tanks provided for refueling in the field or for continuous operation would also be conceivable.

[0039] It would also be conceivable for the extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention to include a sludge vacuum and be used, for example, to empty cellars and pits to extract sludge and liquids. For this purpose, the sludge vacuum is connected to the hand gun 4, whereby, due to the negative pressure generated, sludge and liquids can be extracted, for example, up to a discharge head of 5 m.

[0040] It would also be conceivable for the extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention to have an injector (piercing extinguishing lance) so that hard-to-reach embers can be reached.

[0041] It would also be conceivable to attach a container for foam agent or a foam lance to the hand gun 4 of the extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention to generate a water-foam agent mixture. Foam generation prevents flashback.

[0042] It would also be conceivable for the extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention to have a washing lance for vehicle and street cleaning.

[0043] It is also conceivable, although not shown, that the carrying device 9 is designed such that, in addition to or as an alternative to the transport of persons, a detachable connection to an unmanned vehicle, in particular to an unmanned aerial vehicle (e.g., drone), can be established, whereby the extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention for extinguishing the fire and / or the extinguishing unit 1 according to the invention or at least the tank 7 for refilling the tank 7 is carried by the unmanned vehicle. If an unmanned vehicle is used, it is conceivable that at least one nozzle 6 is used instead of the hand gun 4, which nozzle 6 can optionally be arranged on a nozzle rod.

[0044] All features presented in the description, the following claims and the drawings may be essential to the invention both individually and in any combination with one another.

[0045] Reference number list

[0046] 1 extinguishing unit

[0047] 2 high-pressure pumps

[0048] 3 Pump discharge

[0049] 4 hand gun

[0050] 5 Lance

[0051] 6 nozzle

[0052] 7 Tank

[0053] 8 lids

[0054] 9 Carrying device

[0055] 10 shoulder strap

[0056] 11 suitcases

[0057] 12 handles

[0058] 13 Drive

[0059] 14 battery

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Extinguishing unit (1 ) for extinguishing a fire, - with a high pressure pump (2), - with at least one drive (13) for the high-pressure pump (2), - with at least one supply line for at least one extinguishing agent, - with a pump discharge line (3) having an end facing away from the pump and - with at least one nozzle (6) arranged at the end of the pump discharge line (3) facing away from the pump, characterized in that the extinguishing unit (1) is a transportable extinguishing unit (1) which has at least one carrying device (9) and which can be transported in a carrying manner by at least one person or by an unmanned vehicle at least temporarily during the extinguishing of the fire.

2. Extinguishing unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one nozzle (6) is arranged on a hand gun (4) or a nozzle rod.

3. Extinguishing unit (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the extinguishing unit (1) has at least one tank (7) for at least one extinguishing agent.

4. Extinguishing unit (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one tank (7) is detachably arranged on the extinguishing unit (1).

5. Extinguishing unit (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that at least one carrying device (9) is a backpack, a suitcase (11), a shoulder strap, a carrying frame, a handle, a carrying strap.

6. Extinguishing unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one carrying device (9) is detachable.

7. Extinguishing unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extinguishing unit (1) has an accessory storage.

8. Extinguishing unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extinguishing unit (1) has a volume flow regulator.

9. Extinguishing unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hand gun (4) is detachably arranged on the pump discharge line (3).

10. Extinguishing unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one drive (13) is an electric motor or an internal combustion engine.

11. Method for extinguishing a fire by means of an extinguishing unit (1) which has a high-pressure pump (2), at least one drive (13) for the high-pressure pump (2), at least one supply line for at least one extinguishing agent, a pump discharge line (3) having an end facing away from the pump and at least one nozzle (6) arranged at the end of the pump discharge line (3) facing away from the pump, characterized in that the extinguishing unit (1) has at least one carrying device (9), whereby the extinguishing unit (1) is transportable and at least temporarily during extinguishing the fire by at least one person or by an unmanned vehicle in a supporting manner.

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the transportable extinguishing unit (1) is transported in a supporting manner at least temporarily before and / or after the extinguishing of the fire by at least one person and / or at least temporarily before and / or after the extinguishing of the fire by an unmanned vehicle.

13. Method according to claim 11 or claim 12, characterized in that the transportable extinguishing unit (1) is transported at least temporarily on the back of a person or by the unmanned vehicle.

14. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the unmanned vehicle is an aircraft or a land vehicle.

15. Method according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the extinguishing agent is applied at least temporarily at a pressure of at least 15 bar.

16. Method according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the extinguishing agent is applied at least temporarily at a pressure of at least 300 bar.

17. Method according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the erasing unit (1) is an erasing unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

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