Firefighting equipment
The firefighting device with a shock sensor module and pyrotechnic means addresses the inefficiency of existing devices by ensuring immediate agent dispersion upon impact, improving fire extinguishing efficacy.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023006847
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-05
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-06-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing firefighting devices that employ a destructible container with a pyrotechnic detonator and dispersible chemical are not effective in extinguishing fires due to their tendency to exit the fire before the fuse can ignite, especially on uneven terrain or with improper projection speed.
A firefighting device with an envelope containing a dispersible extinguishing agent and pyrotechnic means, including an explosive charge and electrical detonating means with a shock sensor module, which triggers the explosion upon impact, ensuring immediate dispersion of the agent within the fire.
The device ensures instantaneous release of the extinguishing agent upon impact, eliminating the need for prolonged exposure to fire and enhancing firefighting effectiveness.
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Firefighting device Technical field of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to the field of firefighting.
[0002] It relates more particularly to fire-fighting devices. State of the art
[0003] Whether they occur in urban areas or in the countryside, fires are likely to cause significant damage, both human and material.
[0004] In general, the human resources and equipment mobilized to fight fires are adapted to their scale and to the site concerned.
[0005] Many types of firefighting equipment are known, from simple foam or powder fire extinguishers to fire tanker trucks and water bomber aircraft.
[0006] As described in US-6 796 382, there is also known a fire-fighting device consisting of a destructible container in the form of a sphere of low-density rigid plastic foam (e.g., expanded polystyrene foam), from about ten centimeters to a few tens of centimeters in diameter, and which contains a dispersible chemical active against fire and a pyrotechnic detonator associated with a fuse.
[0007] In an "active" approach, it would be interesting to throw this firefighting device directly into the fire, so that its fuse ignites, ensuring the activation of the detonator, followed by the destruction of the container and the dispersion of the dispersible chemical.
[0008] But, in practice, such firefighting devices are unfortunately not totally effective for this approach, particularly depending on the position of the fire to be extinguished or the configuration of the terrain.
[0009] It is indeed necessary that these firefighting devices remain in the fire for a sufficient time (at least a few seconds) to ignite its fuse and to activate the detonator ensuring the release of the dispersible chemical.
[0010] However, due to its inertia and trajectory, the fighting device is likely to come out of the fire before its fuse has had time to catch fire.
[0011] This is the case, for example, when the fighting device bounces out of the fire, when the ground is sloping or when the projection speed was not adapted.
[0012] There is therefore a need to improve these control mechanisms to allow such an "active" approach. Presentation of the invention
[0013] The present invention therefore proposes a firefighting device, improving / perfecting the firefighting devices conforming in particular to US-6 796 382, which is particularly suited to such an active approach (projected / launched directly into the fire).
[0014] The device comprises:
[0015] - an envelope that delimits an internal cavity in which at least a dispersible extinguishing agent, and
[0016] - pyrotechnical means adapted to generate an explosion causing a rupture of said envelope and dispersion of said extinguishing agent,
[0017] which pyrotechnic means include:
[0018] - at least one explosive charge, generating said explosion, and
[0019] - electrical detonating means intended to trigger said explosion of said at least one explosive charge,
[0020] which electrical detonating means include:
[0021] - an electric ignition component, also called an igniter, designed for trigger, in an active state, said explosion of said at least one explosive charge, and
[0022] - a shock sensor module, connected to said electric ignition component, designed to detect a mechanical shock received by said device and to bring said electrical ignition component into said active state upon detection of said mechanical shock,
[0023] which shock sensor module comprises an electrical circuit including:
[0024] - a source of electrical energy,
[0025] - an electrical connector, for connecting said shock sensor module with said electric ignition component,
[0026] - at least one electronic vibration sensor, intended to emit a pulse electrical shock upon detection of said mechanical shock,
[0027] - an electronic switch with memory, having two states:
[0028] — a blocked, nominal, and
[0029] — a state passing, under the effect of said electrical impulse emitted by said at least an electronic vibration sensor,
[0030] - a static relay, exhibiting two states:
[0031] — a blocked, nominal, and
[0032] — a passing state, generated by the passing state of said electronic memory switch, in which the electrical energy from said electrical energy source is transmitted to said electrical ignition component for its transition to the active state.
[0033] Thus, in practice, the device according to the invention can be projected directly into the fire and can release its extinguishing agent within this fire (or even in the immediate vicinity or above) thanks to its impact triggering system.
[0034] Indeed, as soon as the projected device strikes a surface (advantageously within this fire), its shock sensor detects a mechanical shock and brings the ignition device (instantly) into its active state.
[0035] The ignition device, in its active state, causes (instantaneously) the explosion of said at least one explosive charge and, as a corollary, the rupture of said casing and the dispersion of said extinguishing agent.
[0036] Such a device according to the invention therefore no longer needs a time of exposure to fire, as necessary with the known firefighting devices of the prior art.
[0037] Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the product according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows:
[0038] - the electrical circuit includes at least two electronic vibration sensors which are arranged according to two different orientations;
[0039] - said electronic memory switch consists of a thyristor; preferably, the electrical circuit includes electronic components intended to maintain a holding voltage in said electronic memory switch for an additional time, advantageously when the voltage from the electrical power source decreases and during the ignition time by said electrical ignition component; preferably, the electronic components include at least one diode and at least one capacitor (preferably two capacitors in parallel);
[0040] - the electrical circuit includes a resistor located between said at least one electronic vibration sensor and said electronic memory switch to limit the current passing through a trigger of said electronic memory switch;
[0041] - the electrical circuit includes a resistor located between the energy source electrical and electronic memory switch, to guarantee its locking;
[0042] - the electrical circuit includes a controllable light-emitting diode between two states: an off state, when the solid-state relay is in its blocked state, and an on state, when the solid-state relay is in its conducting state;
[0043] - the electrical connector is chosen from among the self-tightening electrical connectors;
[0044] - the electrical connector is positioned in the center of the underside of a card electronics to ensure perfect mechanical integration;
[0045] - the electrical circuit includes electrical connectors associated with an insulator removable, to electrically isolate said electrical circuit from the electric ignition component;
[0046] - the electric ignition component includes a primer head which cooperates with said at least one explosive charge indirectly, via a pyrotechnic fuse which connects said primer head and said at least one explosive charge, or directly, within said at least one explosive charge;
[0047] - the shock sensor module is external to said internal cavity, on the surface of the envelope or at a distance from the envelope, or integrated into the internal cavity;
[0048] - the shock sensor module is implanted in a shell which has a surface exterior comprising a concave spherical outer face, designed to fit the envelope, and a convex spherical outer face.
[0049] The present invention further relates to the electrical detonating means for a device according to the invention.
[0050] Of course, the various features, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Detailed description of the invention
[0051] In addition, various other features of the invention become apparent from the attached description made with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention and where:
[0052] [Fig-1] is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a device for combating fires according to the invention comprising electrical detonating means also according to the invention;
[0053] [Fig.2] is a schematic and perspective view of the fighting device conforming to [Fig.1], in which the shock sensor module is separated from the casing;
[0054] [Fig.3] is a schematic, exploded view of the shock sensor module;
[0055] [Fig.4] is a schematic top view of the shock sensor module;
[0056] [Fig.5] is a schematic bottom view of the shock sensor module;
[0057] [Fig.6] is a schematic view of the electrical circuit equipping the sensor module of shock.
[0058] It should be noted that, in these figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.
[0059] The present invention thus relates to a fire-fighting device, also referred to as the "device".
[0060] In general, device 1 comprises:
[0061] - an envelope 2 which delimits an internal cavity 3 in which is referred to minus one dispersible 4-agent extinguishing agent, and
[0062] - pyrotechnic means 5 adapted to generate an explosion causing a rupture of the envelope 2 and a dispersion of the extinguishing agent 4.
[0063] More generally, pyrotechnic means 5 include:
[0064] - at least one explosive charge 6 (also called a "pyrotechnic charge"), generating the explosion capable of causing the rupture of the casing 2 and the dispersion of the extinguishing agent 4, and
[0065] - electrical detonating means 7 intended to trigger said explosion said at least one explosive charge 6.
[0066] Generally speaking, the electrical detonating means 7, forming here an impact-triggering system, comprise:
[0067] - an electric ignition component 8, also called an igniter, designed to trigger, in an active state, the explosion of said at least one explosive charge 6, and
[0068] - a shock sensor module 9, connected to the electric ignition component 8, designed to detect a mechanical shock received by device 1 and to bring the electrical ignition component 8 into its active state upon detection of this mechanical shock. Envelope
[0069] The envelope 2 thus advantageously consists of a frangible envelope, also called "destructible", adapted to be degraded by the explosion generated by the pyrotechnic means 5 while being able to withstand a mechanical shock described below.
[0070] This envelope 2 advantageously has the shape of a sphere (spherical shape).
[0071] This envelope 2 is advantageously made of a plastic material, preferably rigid low density, for example of the foam type, for example expanded polystyrene foam.
[0072] This envelope 2 is advantageously wrapped in a protective plastic film.
[0073] This envelope 2 advantageously has an outside diameter of about ten, or a few tens, of centimeters. Fire extinguishing agent
[0074] Said at least one extinguishing agent 4 preferably consists of a dispersible chemical, advantageously a powder, active against fire.
[0075] Said at least one extinguishing agent 4 is advantageously chosen from among extinguishing powders which are composed mainly of non-toxic inorganic salts, mixed with water-repellent and anti-caking agents as well as various additives (stearates, silicones, starch, inert minerals, etc.) to facilitate their flow.
[0076] Such powders may be based on sodium or potassium bicarbonate, or on ammonium phosphate and / or sulfate (preferably ammonium phosphate). Explosive charge
[0077] Said at least one explosive charge 6 is advantageously implanted within the internal cavity 3, preferably still in the center of the latter.
[0078] Said at least one explosive charge 6 is advantageously embedded in said at least one extinguishing agent 4. In other words, said at least one explosive charge 6 is advantageously surrounded (or enveloped) by said at least one extinguishing agent 4.
[0079] Said at least one explosive charge 6 is for example chosen from black powders for fireworks (advantageously deflagrating mixtures of sulfur, potassium nitrate (saltpeter) and charcoal), in particular from bursting charges.
[0080] Said at least one explosive charge 6 is advantageously contained in a casing which can be made of different materials (paper, fabric, plastic, etc.). Electric ignition component
[0081] The electrical ignition component 8 advantageously consists of means adapted to initiate the combustion of said at least one explosive charge 6.
[0082] Such an electrical ignition component 8 is advantageously chosen from pyrotechnic detonators. It generally consists of a resistor mounted in a short circuit, which is brought into contact with a pyrotechnic mixture ball.
[0083] Such an electrical ignition component 8 thus has two states:
[0084] - an inactive, initial and inert state, not triggering said explosion of said at minus one explosive charge 6, and
[0085] - an active, final state capable of triggering the explosion of said at least one charge explosive 6.
[0086] This electric ignition component 8 may advantageously have two main arrangements relative to said at least one explosive charge 6:
[0087] - a "direct" arrangement (in particular [Fig. 1]), in which the component an electric ignition device 8 is positioned directly within said device, at least one explosive charge 6, or
[0088] - an "indirect" arrangement (not shown), in which the ignition component electrical 8 is connected to said at least one explosive charge 6 by means of a pyrotechnic fuse.
[0089] In practice, the electrical ignition component 8 advantageously comprises a primer head 81 which cooperates with said at least one explosive charge 6:
[0090] - indirectly, via a pyrotechnic fuse that connects this head primer 81 and said at least one explosive charge 6, or
[0091] - directly, within said at least one explosive charge 6 ([Fig.1]).
[0092] For example, the primer head 81 (for example composed of mercury fulminate) is welded to a double conductor 82. When the short circuit is created at the level of the double conductor 82, the primer head 81 heats up by Joule effect and reaches its auto-ignition temperature.
[0093] For the "direct" mounting, preferably, the double conductor 82 extends radially within the envelope 2 and the cavity 3 so as to terminate with an external electrical connector 83 allowing its connection to the shock sensor 9 equipped with the complementary electrical connector 12 ([Fig.2]).
[0094] For the "indirect" assembly, the aforementioned pyrotechnic fuse then advantageously extends from said at least one explosive charge 6 and emerges at the level of the outer surface of the envelope 2.
[0095] Such a pyrotechnic fuse may be of interest for considering, in addition to active use (projected onto a target surface), a passive use of the device 1 which would come into contact with a fire. Shock sensor module
[0096] In general, the shock sensor module 9 is advantageously:
[0097] - external to the internal cavity 3, on the surface of the envelope 2 ([Fig. 1] in particular) or at distance from envelope 2, or
[0098] - integrated into the internal cavity 3.
[0099] For surface fixing, the shock sensor module 9 is for example attached to the casing 2, by means of adhesive means A (double-sided for example).
[0100] In practice, the shock sensor module 9 is designed to, on the one hand, detect a mechanical shock received by the device 1 and, on the other hand, bring the aforementioned electrical ignition component 8 into said active state upon detection of this mechanical shock.
[0101] The term "mechanical shock" advantageously encompasses very high-amplitude accelerations resulting from the impact / collision of device 1 with a receiving or target surface. Such a mechanical shock also corresponds to a discontinuity in the velocity of the moving device 1.
[0102] For example, and not limiting, such a mechanical shock corresponds to the impact of the device 1 on a rigid receiving surface, which is dropped from a drop height of at least 0.5 m (or even at least 1 m, or even at least 1.5 m).
[0103] The shock sensor module 9 is designed not to trigger the ignition of the electric ignition component 8 if the device 1 is shaken or when thrown by its user.
[0104] The shock sensor module 9 advantageously has two states:
[0105] - an initial rest state in which the electric ignition component 8 remains also in its inactive state, and
[0106] - an activated, final state in which this shock sensor module 9 drives the component electrical ignition 8 in its active state capable of triggering the explosion of said at least one explosive charge 6.
[0107] To ensure this operation, as illustrated in Figures 3 to 6, the shock sensor module 9 includes an electrical circuit 10 comprising a combination of electrical components:
[0108] - an electrical energy source 11,
[0109] - an electrical connector 12, for the electrical connection of the sensor module shock 9 with the electric ignition component 8,
[0110] - at least one electronic vibration sensor 13, intended to emit a pulse electrical shock upon detection of the aforementioned mechanical shock.
[0111] - an electronic memory switch 14, and
[0112] - a static relay 15.
[0113] The electrical circuit 10 is advantageously supported by an electronic card 101.
[0114] The electronic card 10 advantageously comprises two faces 101a, 101b:
[0115] - a lower face 101a ([Fig.5]), intended to be oriented towards the casing 2, and
[0116] - an upper face 101b ([Fig.4]), intended to be oriented in the opposite direction to envelope 2.
[0117] The electrical power source 11 consists for example of a lithium battery, advantageously of 3 Volt CR2477, soldered onto the electronic board 101.
[0118] Preferably, the electrical connector 12 is chosen from among the self-tightening electrical connectors, preferably even more from among the self-tightening quick electrical connectors.
[0119] By "self-tightening electrical connector" is advantageously understood an electrical connector without a tightening system to ensure electrical continuity.
[0120] The electrical connector 12 is advantageously positioned in the center of the lower face 101a of the electronic board 101, to ensure perfect mechanical integration ([Fig.5]).
[0121] Said at least one electronic vibration sensor 13 is intended to emit an electrical pulse upon detection of the aforementioned mechanical shock (preferably an impact of the device 1 on a rigid receiving surface).
[0122] In this case, the electrical circuit 10 comprises at least two of said electronic vibration sensors 13 which are arranged in two different orientations, for example at 90°. Such an embodiment is advantageous for responding to all positions of the shock sensor module 9 during mechanical shock.
[0123] Furthermore, the electronic memory switch 14 has two states:
[0124] - a blocked, nominal, and
[0125] - a state passing, under the effect of the electrical impulse emitted by said at least one electronic vibration sensor 13.
[0126] According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic memory switch 14 consists of a thyristor.
[0127] Such a thyristor 14 advantageously comprises:
[0128] - two main terminals: the anode and the cathode, and
[0129] - a third terminal, called a trigger, which is used to control the thyristor.
[0130] In a conventional manner, the thyristor is a component that becomes conductive between its anode and its cathode if a current excites its gate (for example 1 pA typical, and 10 pA maximum).
[0131] The disappearance of the trigger current does not change the state of the thyristor: it remains conducting as long as a sufficient current passes between its anode and its cathode (holding current).
[0132] In this case, said at least one electronic vibration sensor 13 is preferably connected to the gate of this thyristor 14.
[0133] In addition, the electrical circuit 10 advantageously includes electronic components 17 for maintaining the holding voltage in the electronic memory switch 14 for an additional time, advantageously when the voltage from the electrical power source 11 decreases and during the ignition time by the electrical ignition component 8.
[0134] For this purpose, the electronic components 17 advantageously include at least one diode 171 and at least one capacitor 172.
[0135] The capacitors 172 are advantageously two in number, preferably mounted in parallel.
[0136] These electronic components 17 thus maintain the electronic memory switch 14 in a conducting state during the voltage drop of the electrical power source 11 during the ignition time of the electrical ignition component.
[0137] Preferably, the electrical circuit 10 further includes a resistor 18 implanted between said at least one electronic vibration sensor 13 and said electronic memory switch 14 to limit the current passing through the trigger of said electronic memory switch 14.
[0138] Preferably, the electrical circuit 10 includes a resistor 19 located between the electrical energy source 11 and the electronic memory switch 14, to ensure its blocking.
[0139] Furthermore, the static relay 15 (or static contactor) also has two states:
[0140] - a blocked, nominal, and
[0141] - a passing state, generated by the passing state of said electronic memory switch 14, in which the electrical energy from said electrical energy source 11 is transmitted to the electrical ignition component 8 for its transition to the active state.
[0142] In general, the electrical circuit 10 advantageously comprises a light-emitting diode 20 (or LED) controllable between two states:
[0143] - an off state, when the solid-state relay 15 is in its blocked state, and
[0144] - an on state, when the solid-state relay 15 is in its conducting state.
[0145] In general, the electrical circuit 10 advantageously includes electrical connectors 21 associated with a removable insulator 22 (also called a safety tab), to electrically isolate the electrical circuit 10 from the electrical ignition component 8.
[0146] The electrical connectors 21 advantageously include a double spring contact to ensure perfect electrical continuity during mechanical shock.
[0147] The removable insulator 22 is intended to be inserted at the level of these electrical connectors 21. This removable insulator 22 is intended to be removed before use.
[0148] Generally speaking, the shock sensor module 9 is advantageously housed in a shell 91 which has an outer surface comprising:
[0149] - a concave spherical outer face 911, intended to fit the envelope 2, formed advantageously by a first piece 911a (possibly in two parts), and
[0150] - a convex spherical outer face 912, advantageously formed by a second piece 912a.
[0151] The shell 91 is for example made of a rigid plastic material, advantageously resistant to the aforementioned mechanical shock.
[0152] Where appropriate, the two parts 911a, 912a are assembled, for example by means of screws 913, to enclose the electrical circuit 10.
[0153] The first part 911a advantageously includes an opening 911b for access to the electrical connector 12 intended to be electrically connected to the electric ignition component 8. Operating method
[0154] The shock sensor module 9 is installed on the device 1, advantageously by connecting it to the electrical ignition component 8 via the electrical connector 12.
[0155] Once in place, if applicable, the removable insulator 22 can be removed. The shock sensor module 9 is operational.
[0156] The device 1 can be set in motion (launched, projected, dropped, sent, etc.) within the fire to be extinguished, so as to land on a target surface.
[0157] During the mechanical shock, the electronic circuit 10 successively generates:
[0158] - the emission of an electrical pulse by said at least one electronic sensor of vibration 13,
[0159] - the triggering of the conduction (or commutation) of the electronic switch memory 14, which transitions from the blocked state to the switching state,
[0160] - the triggering of the conduction (or switching) of the solid-state relay 15 (state passing),
[0161] - the transmission of energy from the electrical energy source 11 to the component electric ignition 8, if necessary via electrical connector 12.
[0162] The shock sensor module 9, when activated, then drives the electric ignition component 8 into its active state.
[0163] If necessary, a short circuit is created at the level of the double conductor 82, so that the primer head 81 heats up by Joule effect and reaches its auto-ignition temperature.
[0164] The primer head 81 triggers the explosion of said at least one explosive charge 6 and the dispersion of said at least one extinguishing agent 4:
[0165] - directly, when the primer head 81 is housed directly within said at minus one explosive charge 6 ([Fig.1]), or
[0166] - indirectly, when the primer head 81 cooperates with the pyrotechnic fuse which connects said primer head 81 and said at least one explosive charge 6 (not shown).
Claims
1. Demands Firefighting device (1), which device (1) comprises: - an envelope (2) which delimits an internal cavity (3) in which at least one dispersible extinguishing agent (4) is placed, and - pyrotechnic means (5) adapted to generate an explosion causing a rupture of said envelope (2) and a dispersion of said extinguishing agent (4), which pyrotechnic means (5) include: - at least one explosive charge (6), generating said explosion, and - electrical detonating means (7) intended to trigger said explosion of said at least one explosive charge (6), which electrical detonating means (7) comprise: - an electrical ignition component (8), designed to trigger, in an active state, said explosion of said at least one explosive charge (6), and - a shock sensor module (9), connected to said electric ignition component (8), designed to detect a mechanical shock received by said device (1) and to bring said electric ignition component (8) into said active state upon detection of said mechanical shock, which shock sensor module (9) includes an electrical circuit (10) comprising: - a source of electrical energy (11), - an electrical connector (12), for connecting said shock sensor module (9) with said electric ignition component (8), - at least one electronic vibration sensor (13), intended to emit an electrical pulse upon detection of said mechanical shock, - an electronic memory switch (14), having two states: — a blocked, nominal state, and — a state passing, under the effect of said electrical impulse emitted by said at least one electronic vibration sensor (13), - a static relay (15), exhibiting two states: — a blocked, nominal state, and — a passing state, generated by the passing state of said electronic memory switch (14), in which the electrical energy of said electrical energy source (11) is transmitted to said electrical ignition component (8) for its transition to the active state.
2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical circuit (10) comprises at least two electronic vibration sensors (13) which are arranged in two different orientations.
3. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said electronic memory switch (14) consists of a thyristor.
4. Device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the electrical circuit (10) comprises electronic components (17) intended to maintain a holding voltage in said electronic memory switch (14) for an additional time, advantageously when the voltage from the electrical power source (11) decreases and during the ignition time by said electrical ignition component (8).
5. Device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the electronic components (17) comprise at least one diode (171) and at least one capacitor (172).
6. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the electrical circuit (10) comprises a light-emitting diode (20) controllable between two states: - an off state, when the static relay (15) is in its blocked state, and - an on state, when the static relay (15) is in its conducting state.
7. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the electrical connector (12) is selected from the self-tightening electrical connectors (12).
8. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the electrical connector (12) is positioned in the center of the lower face (101a) of an electronic card (101).
9. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the electrical circuit (10) comprises electrical connectors (21) associated with a removable insulator (22), to electrically isolate said electrical circuit (10) from the electric ignition component (8).
10. Firefighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the shock sensor module (9) is: - external to said internal cavity (3), on the surface of the casing (2) or at a distance from the casing (2), or - integrated into the internal cavity (3).