Fire extinguishing equipment

Abstract

This invention discloses a technology that can suppress the spread of fires in buildings that are being extinguished. [Solution] The fire extinguishing system includes a first fire extinguishing liquid tank for storing fire extinguishing liquid, and extinguishes the fire in the object to be extinguished by submerging it in the fire extinguishing liquid in the first fire extinguishing liquid tank. The fire extinguishing system may also include an exhaust pipe connected to the first fire extinguishing liquid tank for discharging gas generated by the fire in the object to be extinguished to the outside of the first fire extinguishing liquid tank, and a fan for sending the gas in the exhaust pipe downstream of the exhaust pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a fire extinguishing device.

Background Art

[0002] [[ID=1 (11)]] Patent Document 1 discloses a device that includes a water tank for storing water and extinguishes a fire in a battery by submerging the battery in the water in the tank. The battery and the water tank are arranged in an inspection room.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the device of Patent Document 1, when a fire occurs in the battery, the gas generated by the fire may fill the inspection room. The gas generated by the battery fire may contain flammable components, and in that case, the fire may become larger due to the combustion of the flammable components in the inspection room. This specification discloses a technology that can suppress the growth of a fire in a fire extinguishing target.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In a first aspect of this technology, a fire extinguishing device includes a first fire extinguishing liquid tank for storing a fire extinguishing liquid, and extinguishes a fire in a fire extinguishing target by submerging the fire extinguishing target in the fire extinguishing liquid in the first fire extinguishing liquid tank. The fire extinguishing device may be connected to the first fire extinguishing liquid tank and include an exhaust pipe that discharges the gas generated by the fire in the fire extinguishing target to the outside of the first fire extinguishing liquid tank, and a fan that sends the gas in the exhaust pipe to the downstream side of the exhaust pipe.

[0006] This configuration allows for the rapid discharge of gases generated by a fire at the target building from the first fire extinguishing liquid tank. Therefore, if the gases generated by the fire at the target building contain flammable components, these flammable components can be rapidly discharged from the first fire extinguishing liquid tank. This helps to prevent the fire at the target building from growing larger.

[0007] In a second aspect of this technology, in the first embodiment described above, the object to be extinguished may be a device equipped with a lithium-ion battery.

[0008] In devices equipped with lithium-ion batteries, fires can escalate due to thermal runaway of the lithium-ion batteries. Furthermore, fires can also escalate due to flammable components contained in lithium-ion batteries. However, the fire extinguishing device disclosed herein can suppress the escalation of fires, making it particularly effective for fire-fighting targets equipped with lithium-ion batteries.

[0009] In a third aspect of this technology, in the first or second aspect described above, the fire extinguishing device may further include a support member for supporting the object to be extinguished, a lowering mechanism for lowering the support member into the fire extinguishing liquid in the first fire extinguishing liquid tank, a sensor for detecting an abnormality in the object to be extinguished, and a control device. The control device may, when the sensor detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished, operate the lowering mechanism to lower the support member into the fire extinguishing liquid in the first fire extinguishing liquid tank, thereby submerging the object to be extinguished, which is supported by the support member, into the fire extinguishing liquid in the first fire extinguishing liquid tank.

[0010] With this configuration, when the sensor detects an abnormality in the object being extinguished, the object can be quickly submerged in the extinguishing fluid in the first extinguishing fluid tank. This helps to prevent the fire at the object from spreading.

[0011] In a fourth aspect of this technology, in any one of the first to third aspects described above, the fire extinguishing device may further include a sensor for detecting an abnormality in the object to be extinguished and a control device. The control device may operate the fan when the sensor detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished.

[0012] With this configuration, when the sensor detects an abnormality in the object being extinguished, the gases generated by the fire in the object can be quickly discharged outside the first fire extinguishing fluid tank. This helps to prevent the fire in the object from growing larger.

[0013] In a fifth aspect of this technology, in any one of the first to fourth aspects described above, the fire extinguishing device may further include an air supply pipe connected to the first fire extinguishing liquid tank for supplying fire extinguishing gas into the first fire extinguishing liquid tank, a valve for opening and closing the air supply pipe, a sensor for detecting abnormalities in the object to be extinguished, and a control device. The control device may open the valve when the sensor detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished.

[0014] With this configuration, when the sensor detects an abnormality in the object being extinguished, fire extinguishing gas can be quickly supplied to the first fire extinguishing liquid tank. This helps to prevent the fire in the object from growing larger.

[0015] In a sixth aspect of this technology, in any one of the first to fifth aspects described above, the fire extinguishing system may further include: a second fire extinguishing liquid tank for storing fire extinguishing liquid; a supply pipe connected to the first fire extinguishing liquid tank and the second fire extinguishing liquid tank for supplying the fire extinguishing liquid in the second fire extinguishing liquid tank to the first fire extinguishing liquid tank; a pump for sending the fire extinguishing liquid in the supply pipe from the second fire extinguishing liquid tank side to the first fire extinguishing liquid tank side; a sensor for detecting abnormalities in the object to be extinguished; and a control device. The control device may operate the pump when the sensor detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished.

[0016] With this configuration, when the sensor detects an abnormality in the object being extinguished, the extinguishing liquid in the second extinguishing liquid tank can be quickly supplied to the first extinguishing liquid tank. This allows for the supply of new extinguishing liquid to the first extinguishing liquid tank, thereby preventing the fire at the object being extinguished from spreading.

[0017] In a seventh aspect of this technology, in any one of the first to sixth aspects described above, the fire extinguishing device may further include a blocking member for closing the opening of the first fire extinguishing liquid tank, a lowering mechanism for lowering the blocking member to the opening of the first fire extinguishing liquid tank, a sensor for detecting an abnormality in the object to be extinguished, and a control device. The control device may, when the sensor detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished, operate the lowering mechanism to lower the blocking member to the opening of the first fire extinguishing liquid tank, thereby closing the opening.

[0018] With this configuration, in a fire extinguishing system that submerges an object to be extinguished in the extinguishing liquid in the first extinguishing liquid tank, the opening of the first extinguishing liquid tank can be quickly closed when the sensor detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished. This allows the contents of the first extinguishing liquid tank to be suffocated, thereby preventing the fire at the object from growing larger. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the fire extinguishing device of the embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing the first fire extinguishing device of the embodiment (a diagram showing the state in which the blocking member does not block the opening of the fire extinguishing liquid tank). [Figure 3] A schematic diagram showing the first fire extinguishing device of the embodiment (a diagram showing the blocking member blocking the opening of the fire extinguishing liquid tank). [Figure 4] A schematic diagram showing the blower device of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] The fire extinguishing device 100 of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the fire extinguishing device 100 of the embodiment includes a first fire extinguishing device 2 and a second fire extinguishing device 102. The first fire extinguishing device 2 and the second fire extinguishing device 102 are each a device for extinguishing a fire of a fire extinguishing target object 4 (for example, a device including a lithium-ion battery). Hereinafter, mainly the first fire extinguishing device 2 will be described among the first fire extinguishing device 2 and the second fire extinguishing device 102. For the second fire extinguishing device 102, the same reference numerals will be given to the same configuration as that of the first fire extinguishing device 2, and the detailed description will be omitted. For the second fire extinguishing device 102, the configuration different from that of the first fire extinguishing device 2 will be described.

[0021] The fire extinguishing target object 4 in the fire extinguishing device 100 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is a device including a lithium-ion battery. The device including a lithium-ion battery is, for example, an electric vehicle, a power storage facility, an electric product, or the like. The fire extinguishing target object 4 includes, for example, a lithium-ion battery and a housing that houses the lithium-ion battery.

[0022] In a device including a lithium-ion battery, a fire may grow due to thermal runaway of the lithium-ion battery. When a fire occurs in a lithium-ion battery, the temperature of the lithium-ion battery may reach 1000°C or higher. Further, when a fire occurs in a lithium-ion battery, a gas containing a combustible component (for example, hydrogen (H2)) or a toxic component (for example, hydrogen fluoride (HF)) may be generated from the lithium-ion battery. Also, the same gas may be generated in other fire extinguishing target objects 4.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the fire extinguishing device 2 includes a fire extinguishing liquid tank 10, an exhaust pipe 20, an air supply pipe 24, a first liquid supply pipe 30, a second liquid supply pipe 40, a first drain pipe 34, and a second drain pipe 44. Further, the fire extinguishing device 2 includes a support member 50 that supports the fire extinguishing target object 4, a closing member 60 that closes the opening 10a of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10, and a lifting mechanism 70 that raises and lowers the support member 50 and the closing member 60. The fire extinguishing device 2 further includes a sensor 92 that detects an abnormality of the fire extinguishing target object 4, a blower device 80 (see FIG. 4), and a control device 90. The control device 90 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and executes control regarding the fire extinguishing device 2 based on a predetermined program. The control executed by the control device 90 will be described later. The fire extinguishing device 2 is a device that extinguishes a fire of the fire extinguishing target object 4 by submerging the fire extinguishing target object 4 supported by the support member 50 in the fire extinguishing liquid in the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10.

[0024] The fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the fire extinguishing device 2 is, for example, buried underground. In a modified example, the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 may be installed on the ground. The fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 is, for example, made of reinforced concrete, resin, or metal. The fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 includes a storage portion 12 that stores the fire extinguishing liquid. The storage portion 12 of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 stores the fire extinguishing liquid and can accommodate the fire extinguishing target object 4. The capacity of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 is not particularly limited as long as it can accommodate the fire extinguishing target object 4. The fire extinguishing liquid in the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 may be, for example, water or a liquid other than water. Further, the fire extinguishing liquid in the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 may contain a fire extinguishing agent (for example, ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate, etc.).

[0025] The fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 includes an engaging convex portion 14 provided around the opening 10a and an engaging concave portion 16 provided around the engaging convex portion 14. The engaging convex portion 14 protrudes upward around the opening 10a of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10. The engaging concave portion 16 is recessed downward around the engaging convex portion 14. A seal member 16a is disposed at the bottom of the engaging concave portion 16. The engaging convex portion 14 of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 engages with the engaging concave portion 66 of the closing member 60 described later. The engaging concave portion 16 of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 engages with the engaging convex portion 68 of the closing member 60 described later.

[0026] The fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 is connected to an exhaust pipe 20, an air supply pipe 24, a first liquid supply pipe 30, a second liquid supply pipe 40, a first drain pipe 34, and a second drain pipe 44. The exhaust pipe 20 is connected to the top of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10. The exhaust pipe 20 is connected to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 at a position higher than the liquid level of the fire extinguishing liquid inside the tank. The exhaust pipe 20 discharges gases generated by the fire in the fire extinguishing object 4 to the outside of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 when the fire extinguishing object 4 is contained within the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10.

[0027] The exhaust pipe 20 is connected to the blower pipe 82 of the blower device 80 shown in Figure 4. The blower device 80 is a device that supplies air to the exhaust pipe 20 of the first fire extinguishing device 2 and the exhaust pipe 20 of the second fire extinguishing device 102. The blower device 80 is a device that discharges the gas in the exhaust pipes 20 of each fire extinguishing device 2 and 102 to the outside of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 by sending the gas in the exhaust pipes 20 to the downstream side of the exhaust pipes 20.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the blower 80 comprises a blower pipe 82 and a blower fan 22. The blower pipe 82 comprises an upstream main section 84 and a first branch section 86 and a second branch section 88 located downstream of the main section 84. The blower pipe 82 branches from the downstream end of the main section 84 into the first branch section 86 and the second branch section 88. The downstream end of the first branch section 86 is connected to the exhaust pipe 20 of the first fire extinguishing device 2. The downstream end of the second branch section 88 is connected to the exhaust pipe 20 of the second fire extinguishing device 102.

[0029] The main section 84 of the air duct 82 comprises a large-diameter section 84a on the upstream side, a reduced-diameter section 84b downstream of the large-diameter section 84a, and a small-diameter section 84c downstream of the reduced-diameter section 84b. The large-diameter section 84a, the reduced-diameter section 84b, and the small-diameter section 84c constitute a Venturi tube. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the small-diameter section 84c is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the large-diameter section 84a. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the reduced-diameter section 84b gradually decreases from the large-diameter section 84a towards the small-diameter section 84c.

[0030] A blower fan 22 is positioned in the large-diameter section 84a of the main flow section 84. The blower fan 22 sends the air in the blower pipe 82 downstream, thereby sending the air in the blower pipe 82 through the main flow section 84 and the first branch section 86 to the exhaust pipe 20 of the first fire extinguishing device 2. The blower fan 22 also sends the air in the blower pipe 82 downstream, thereby sending the air in the blower pipe 82 through the main flow section 84 and the second branch section 88 to the exhaust pipe 20 of the second fire extinguishing device 102.

[0031] The first tributary section 86 comprises a large-diameter section 86a on the upstream side, a reduced-diameter section 86b downstream of the large-diameter section 86a, and a small-diameter section 86c downstream of the reduced-diameter section 86b. The large-diameter section 86a, the reduced-diameter section 86b, and the small-diameter section 86c constitute a Venturi tube. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the small-diameter section 86c is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the large-diameter section 86a. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the reduced-diameter section 86b gradually decreases from the large-diameter section 86a towards the small-diameter section 86c.

[0032] A blower valve 87 for opening and closing the first branch section 86 is located in the large-diameter section 86a of the first branch section 86. When the blower fan 22 is operating and the blower valve 87 is open, air in the blower pipe 82 is supplied to the exhaust pipe 20 of the first fire extinguishing device 2 through the first branch section 86.

[0033] The second branch section 88 of the air blower pipe 82 comprises a large-diameter section 88a, a reduced-diameter section 88b, and a small-diameter section 88c. An air blower valve 87 is located in the large-diameter section 88a of the second branch section 88. Note that the second branch section 88 of the air blower pipe 82 has the same configuration as the first branch section 86, and the same reference numerals are used, omitting a detailed explanation.

[0034] Returning to Figures 1 through 3, the configuration of the fire extinguishing system 100 will be explained. As shown in Figures 1 through 3, one end of the air supply pipe 24 of the first fire extinguishing system 2 is connected to the upper part of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10. The other end of the air supply pipe 24 is connected to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 at a position higher than the liquid level of the fire extinguishing liquid in the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10. The other end of the air supply pipe 24 is connected to a fire extinguishing gas supply source (for example, a fire extinguishing gas supply device equipped with a fire extinguishing gas tank).

[0035] An air supply valve 26 is provided in the air supply pipe 24 to open and close the air supply pipe 24. When the air supply valve 26 is open, fire extinguishing gas is supplied from the fire extinguishing gas source to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 through the air supply pipe 24. The fire extinguishing gas is, for example, an inert gas or a gas containing halogenated compounds.

[0036] One end of the first liquid supply pipe 30 is connected to the lower part of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing device 2. The other end of the first liquid supply pipe 30 is connected to the lower part of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the second fire extinguishing device 102. Both ends of the first liquid supply pipe 30 are connected to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 at a position lower than the exhaust pipe 20 and air supply pipe 24 of each fire extinguishing device 2, 102.

[0037] A first liquid supply pump 32 is located in the first liquid supply pipe 30. In the first mode, the first liquid supply pump 32 pumps the fire extinguishing liquid in the first liquid supply pipe 30 from the second fire extinguishing device 102 side to the first fire extinguishing device 2 side. In the second mode, the first liquid supply pump 32 pumps the fire extinguishing liquid in the first liquid supply pipe 30 from the first fire extinguishing device 2 side to the second fire extinguishing device 102 side. When the first liquid supply pump 32 operates in the first mode, the fire extinguishing liquid in the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the second fire extinguishing device 102 is supplied to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing device 2 through the first liquid supply pipe 30. On the other hand, when the first liquid supply pump 32 operates in the second mode, the fire extinguishing liquid in the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing device 2 is supplied to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the second fire extinguishing device 102 through the first liquid supply pipe 30.

[0038] The first liquid supply pump 32 operates in the first mode when the fire to be extinguished on the object 4 is not extinguished by the second fire extinguishing device 102, but the fire to be extinguished on the object 4 is extinguished by the first fire extinguishing device 2. Conversely, the first liquid supply pump 32 operates in the second mode when the fire to be extinguished on the object 4 is not extinguished by the first fire extinguishing device 2, but the fire to be extinguished on the object 4 is extinguished by the second fire extinguishing device 102.

[0039] One end of the second liquid supply pipe 40 is connected to the lower part of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10. The other end of the second liquid supply pipe 40 is connected to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 at a lower position than the exhaust pipe 20 and the air supply pipe 24. The other end of the second liquid supply pipe 40 is connected to a source of fire extinguishing liquid (for example, a fire extinguishing liquid tank of another fire extinguishing system).

[0040] A second liquid supply pump 42 is located in the second liquid supply pipe 40. The second liquid supply pump 42 pressurizes the fire extinguishing liquid in the second liquid supply pipe 40 from the supply side to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 side. When the second liquid supply pump 42 is operating, fire extinguishing liquid is supplied from the fire extinguishing liquid supply source to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 through the second liquid supply pipe 40. The second liquid supply pump 42 operates when the fire to be extinguished on the object 4 is being extinguished in the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10.

[0041] Next, the drain pipes 34 and 44 will be described. One end of the first drain pipe 34 is connected to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing device 2. The other end of the first drain pipe 34 is connected to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the second fire extinguishing device 102. Both ends of the first drain pipe 34 are connected to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 at a position lower than the exhaust pipe 20 and air supply pipe 24 of each fire extinguishing device 2 and 102. The first drain pipe 34 is connected to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 at a position higher than the first liquid supply pipe 30 and second liquid supply pipe 40 of each fire extinguishing device 2 and 102.

[0042] If the level of the extinguishing liquid in the extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing system 2 is higher than the level of the extinguishing liquid in the extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the second fire extinguishing system 102, the extinguishing liquid is discharged from the extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing system 2 to the extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the second fire extinguishing system 102 through the first drain pipe 34. On the other hand, if the level of the extinguishing liquid in the extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing system 2 is lower than the level of the extinguishing liquid in the extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the second fire extinguishing system 102, the extinguishing liquid is discharged from the extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the second fire extinguishing system 102 to the extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing system 2 through the first drain pipe 34.

[0043] One end of the second drain pipe 44 is connected to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10. One end of the second drain pipe 44 is connected to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 at a lower position than the exhaust pipe 20 and the air supply pipe 24. One end of the second drain pipe 44 is connected to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 at a higher position than the first liquid supply pipe 30 and the second liquid supply pipe 40.

[0044] The other end of the second drain pipe 44 is connected to a destination for the fire extinguishing liquid (for example, a fire extinguishing liquid tank of another fire extinguishing system). If the level of fire extinguishing liquid in the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing system 2 is higher than the level of fire extinguishing liquid at the destination, the fire extinguishing liquid is discharged from the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing system 2 to the destination through the second drain pipe 44.

[0045] Next, the support member 50 will be described. The support member 50 is, for example, a member made of metal, resin, or reinforced concrete. The support member 50 is configured so that the fire extinguishing liquid can pass through it vertically. For example, the support member 50 has a plurality of through holes, and is configured so that the fire extinguishing liquid can pass through the plurality of through holes vertically. In a modified example, the support member 50 is configured in a mesh-like manner, and is configured so that the fire extinguishing liquid can pass through the mesh vertically.

[0046] The support member 50 is configured to move up and down by being driven by the lifting mechanism 70. When the support member 50 moves downward, it sinks into the fire extinguishing liquid in the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10. The support member 50 sinks into the fire extinguishing liquid in the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 while supporting the object to be extinguished 4. As a result, the object to be extinguished 4, which is supported by the support member 50, is submerged in the fire extinguishing liquid, and the fire on the object to be extinguished 4 is extinguished by the fire extinguishing liquid. On the other hand, when the support member 50 moves upward, it can move the object to be extinguished 4 out of the fire extinguishing liquid.

[0047] The support member 50 is provided with an insertion hole 59 into which the support column 72 of the lifting mechanism 70 is inserted. The insertion hole 59 penetrates the support member 50 vertically. A female screw is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 59. The lifting mechanism 70 will be described later.

[0048] Next, the blocking member 60 will be described. The blocking member 60 covers the object to be extinguished 4, which is supported by the support member 50. The blocking member 60 is, for example, made of metal, resin, or reinforced concrete.

[0049] The blocking member 60 is configured to move up and down by being driven by the lifting mechanism 70. The blocking member 60 moves up and down together with the support member 50. When the blocking member 60 moves downward, it closes the opening 10a of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10. When the blocking member 60 is closing the opening 10a of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10, the support member 50 and the object to be extinguished 4 are submerged in the fire extinguishing liquid in the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10. On the other hand, when the blocking member 60 moves upward, it opens the opening 10a of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10.

[0050] The closing member 60 comprises a main body portion 62, an insertion projection 64, an engaging recess 66, and an engaging projection 68. The closing member 60 also has an insertion hole 69 into which the support column 72 of the lifting mechanism 70 is inserted. The insertion hole 69 penetrates the main body portion 62 and the insertion projection 64 vertically. A female screw is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 69.

[0051] The main body 62 of the blocking member 60 covers the opening 10a of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 in a state where the blocking member 60 blocks the opening 10a of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10. The insertion projection 64 protrudes downward from the center of the main body 62. The insertion projection 64 is inserted into the opening 10a of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 in a state where the blocking member 60 blocks the opening 10a of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10.

[0052] The engaging recess 66 and engaging projection 68 of the blocking member 60 are provided around the insertion projection 64. The engaging recess 66 is recessed upward around the insertion projection 64. A sealing member 66a is positioned at the bottom of the engaging recess 66. The engaging projection 68 protrudes downward around the engaging recess 66. When the blocking member 60 is blocking the opening 10a of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10, the engaging recess 66 of the blocking member 60 engages with the engaging projection 14 of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10, and the engaging projection 68 of the blocking member 60 engages with the engaging recess 16 of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10.

[0053] When the blocking member 60 is blocking the opening 10a of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10, the engaging projection 68 of the blocking member 60 comes into contact with the sealing member 16a of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10, thereby sealing the gap between the blocking member 60 and the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10. Additionally, the engaging projection 14 of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 comes into contact with the sealing member 66a of the blocking member 60, thereby sealing the gap between the blocking member 60 and the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10.

[0054] Next, the lifting mechanism 70 will be described. The lifting mechanism 70 is a mechanism for raising and lowering the support member 50 and the closing member 60. The lifting mechanism 70 comprises a plurality of support columns 72 and a plurality of motors 74 for rotating the plurality of support columns 72.

[0055] The support column 72 of the lifting mechanism 70 is erected inside the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10. The support column 72 extends vertically and passes through the opening 10a of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10. The lower end of the support column 72 is located below the opening 10a of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10, and the upper end of the support column 72 is located above the opening 10a of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10. The support column 72 supports the support member 50 and the closing member 60.

[0056] The support column 72 is inserted into the insertion hole 59 of the support member 50 and the insertion hole 69 of the closing member 60. A male thread is provided on the outer surface of the support column 72. The male thread on the outer surface of the support column 72 is screwed into a female thread provided on the inner surface of the insertion hole 59 of the support member 50. Similarly, the male thread on the outer surface of the support column 72 is screwed into a female thread provided on the inner surface of the insertion hole 69 of the closing member 60. The support member 50 and the closing member 60 move up or down along the support column 72 as the support column 72 rotates. The support column 72 supports the support member 50 and the closing member 60, and also allows the support member 50 and the closing member 60 to move up and down.

[0057] The lifting mechanism 70 can lower the support member 50 to the bottom of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 by rotating the support column 72. The lifting mechanism 70 can also lower the closing member 60 to the opening 10a of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 by rotating the support column 72. The support column 72 is rotated by the drive of the motor 74.

[0058] Next, the sensor 92 will be described. The sensor 92 is attached to the lower surface of the blocking member 60. The sensor 92 is positioned to face the object to be extinguished 4, which is supported by the support member 50. The sensor 92 can detect abnormalities in the object to be extinguished 4. The sensor 92 is, for example, a hydrogen (H2) sensor, and it detects abnormalities in the object to be extinguished 4 by detecting hydrogen (H2) generated from the object to be extinguished 4. For example, if the object to be extinguished 4 is a device containing a lithium-ion battery, and hydrogen is generated from the lithium-ion battery, there is a possibility that a fire may occur in the lithium-ion battery, or a fire may have already occurred in the lithium-ion battery. The hydrogen sensor can detect hydrogen generated from the lithium-ion battery. Note that the configuration of the hydrogen sensor is already known, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0059] Furthermore, sensor 92 may be a sensor other than a hydrogen sensor. The configuration of sensor 92 for detecting abnormalities in the object to be extinguished 4 is not particularly limited. For example, sensor 92 may be a fire sensor for detecting a fire in the object to be extinguished 4. Sensor 92 may be, for example, a flame-detecting fire sensor, a smoke-detecting fire sensor, or a heat-detecting fire sensor. Sensor 92 detects abnormalities in the object to be extinguished 4 by detecting a fire in the object to be extinguished 4. Note that the configuration of the fire sensor is already known, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0060] Next, the operation of the fire extinguishing device 2 will be described. In the fire extinguishing device 2 of this embodiment, under normal conditions, the support member 50 and the object to be extinguished 4 are not submerged in the extinguishing liquid in the extinguishing liquid tank 10. Also, under normal conditions, the blocking member 60 does not block the opening 10a of the extinguishing liquid tank 10. Note that the normal condition is a state in which no abnormality (for example, a fire) has occurred in the object to be extinguished 4.

[0061] In this fire extinguishing system 2, if an abnormality occurs in the object to be extinguished 4, the sensor 92 detects the abnormality in the object to be extinguished 4. For example, the sensor 92 detects hydrogen (H2) emitted from the object to be extinguished 4. When the sensor 92 detects hydrogen (H2), it means that there is a possibility of a fire breaking out in the object to be extinguished 4, or that a fire has already broken out in the object to be extinguished 4.

[0062] When the sensor 92 detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished 4, the control device 90 activates the lifting mechanism 70. The lifting mechanism 70 moves the support member 50 and the blocking member 60 downwards according to the control of the control device 90. The lifting mechanism 70 lowers the support member 50 until the support member 50 and the object to be extinguished 4 are submerged in the extinguishing liquid in the extinguishing liquid tank 10. The lifting mechanism 70 also lowers the blocking member 60 until the blocking member 60 closes the opening 10a of the extinguishing liquid tank 10.

[0063] In the fire extinguishing device 2, the fire on the object to be extinguished 4 can be extinguished or prevented from starting as the object to be extinguished 4 is submerged in the fire extinguishing liquid. In addition, the blocking member 60 blocks the opening 10a of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10, causing suffocation inside the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10, thereby suppressing the fire on the object to be extinguished 4.

[0064] On the other hand, even if object 4 is submerged in the extinguishing liquid, the fire in object 4 may not be extinguished immediately. For example, if object 4 is a device that includes a lithium-ion battery and a housing that contains the lithium-ion battery, the housing of the device will be cooled when object 4 is submerged in the extinguishing liquid, but the fire in the lithium-ion battery inside the housing may continue. In this case, even if object 4 is submerged in the extinguishing liquid, the fire in the lithium-ion battery may continue, causing gas to continue to be emitted from object 4.

[0065] In the fire extinguishing system 2 of this embodiment, when the sensor 92 detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished 4, the control device 90 operates the blower fan 22 of the blower device 80. Also, when the sensor 92 detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished 4, the control device 90 opens the air supply valve 26 located in the air supply pipe 24. Also, when the sensor 92 detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished 4, the control device 90 operates the first liquid supply pump 32 located in the first liquid supply pipe 30. Also, when the sensor 92 detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished 4, the control device 90 operates the second liquid supply pump 42 located in the second liquid supply pipe 40.

[0066] In the fire extinguishing device 2 of the embodiment, when the blocking member 60 is blocking the opening 10a of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10, the gas generated from the object to be extinguished 4 is discharged outside the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 through the exhaust pipe 20. Also, when the blower fan 22 of the blower device 80 is operating, the gas in the exhaust pipe 20 is sent to the downstream side of the exhaust pipe 20 by the operation of the blower fan 22.

[0067] Furthermore, in the fire extinguishing system 2, when the air supply valve 26 located in the air supply pipe 24 is open, fire extinguishing gas is supplied to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 through the air supply pipe 24 from the fire extinguishing gas supply source (for example, a fire extinguishing gas supply device). In the fire extinguishing system 2, the negative pressure caused by the gas in the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 being discharged outside the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 through the exhaust pipe 20 supplies fire extinguishing gas to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 through the air supply pipe 24.

[0068] Furthermore, in the fire extinguishing system 2, the first liquid supply pump 32 located in the first liquid supply pipe 30 operates, supplying the fire extinguishing liquid from the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the second fire extinguishing system 102 to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing system 2 through the first liquid supply pipe 30.

[0069] Furthermore, in the fire extinguishing system 2, the second liquid supply pump 42 located in the second liquid supply pipe 40 operates, supplying fire extinguishing liquid from a source of fire extinguishing liquid (for example, the fire extinguishing liquid tank of another fire extinguishing system) to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing system 2 through the second liquid supply pipe 40.

[0070] Furthermore, in fire extinguishing system 2, when the liquid level of the extinguishing liquid in the extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing system 2 rises higher than the liquid level of the extinguishing liquid in the extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the second fire extinguishing system 102, the extinguishing liquid in the extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing system 2 is discharged into the extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the second fire extinguishing system 102 through the first drain pipe 34. The liquid level of the extinguishing liquid in the extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing system 2 rises higher than the liquid level of the extinguishing liquid in the extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the second fire extinguishing system 102 because extinguishing liquid is supplied into the extinguishing liquid tank 10 through the first supply pipe 30 and the second supply pipe 40.

[0071] Similarly, the fire extinguishing liquid in the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing system 2 is discharged through the second drain pipe 44 to the destination of the fire extinguishing liquid (for example, the fire extinguishing liquid tank of another fire extinguishing system). For example, if the level of the fire extinguishing liquid in the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing system 2 becomes higher than the level of the fire extinguishing liquid at the destination, the fire extinguishing liquid in the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing system 2 is discharged through the second drain pipe 44 to the destination. The level of the fire extinguishing liquid in the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing system 2 becomes higher than the level of the fire extinguishing liquid at the destination due to the supply of fire extinguishing liquid to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 through the first supply pipe 30 and the second supply pipe 40.

[0072] (effect) The fire extinguishing device 100 of the embodiment has been described above. As is clear from the above description, the fire extinguishing device 100 includes an exhaust pipe 20 connected to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 and a blower fan 22 that sends the gas in the exhaust pipe 20 to the downstream side of the exhaust pipe 20. The control device 90 operates the blower fan 22 when the sensor 92 detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished 4.

[0073] This configuration allows for the rapid discharge of gases generated by the fire at object 4 from the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10. Furthermore, if the gases generated by the fire at object 4 contain flammable components, these flammable components can be rapidly discharged from the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10. This helps to prevent the fire at object 4 from growing larger.

[0074] The object to be extinguished 4 may be a device equipped with a lithium-ion battery. In devices equipped with a lithium-ion battery, the fire may escalate due to thermal runaway of the lithium-ion battery. In addition, the fire may escalate due to flammable components contained in the lithium-ion battery. However, the fire extinguishing device 100 disclosed herein can suppress the escalation of the fire, and is therefore particularly effective for objects to be extinguished 4 equipped with a lithium-ion battery.

[0075] When the sensor 92 detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished 4, the control device 90 operates the lifting mechanism 70 to lower the support member 50 into the extinguishing liquid in the extinguishing liquid tank 10, thereby submerging the object to be extinguished 4, which is supported by the support member 50, into the extinguishing liquid in the extinguishing liquid tank 10. With this configuration, when the sensor 92 detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished 4, the object to be extinguished 4 can be quickly submerged into the extinguishing liquid in the extinguishing liquid tank 10. This helps to prevent the fire in the object to be extinguished 4 from growing larger.

[0076] The fire extinguishing system 100 includes an air supply pipe 24 connected to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 and an air supply valve 26 that opens and closes the air supply pipe 24. The control device 90 opens the air supply valve 26 when the sensor 92 detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished 4. With this configuration, when the sensor 92 detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished 4, fire extinguishing gas can be quickly supplied into the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 through the air supply pipe 24. This helps to prevent the fire in the object to be extinguished 4 from growing larger.

[0077] The fire extinguishing system 100 includes a fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the second fire extinguishing system 102, a first liquid supply pipe 30 connected to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing system 2 and the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the second fire extinguishing system 102, which supplies the fire extinguishing liquid in the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the second fire extinguishing system 102 into the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing system 2, and a first liquid supply pump 32 that sends the fire extinguishing liquid in the first liquid supply pipe 30 from the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 side of the second fire extinguishing system 102 to the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 side of the first fire extinguishing system 2. The control device 90 operates the first liquid supply pump 32 when the sensor 92 detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished 4.

[0078] The control device 90 may, when the sensor 92 detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished 4, operate the lifting mechanism 70 to lower the closing member 60 to the opening 10a of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10, thereby closing the opening 10a. With this configuration, in a fire extinguishing device 100 that submerges the object to be extinguished in the fire extinguishing liquid in the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10, the opening 10a of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 can be quickly closed when the sensor 92 detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished 4. This can suffocate the inside of the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 and suppress the fire at the object to be extinguished 4 from growing larger.

[0079] With this configuration, when the sensor 92 detects an abnormality in the object 4 to be extinguished, the extinguishing liquid in the extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the second fire extinguishing device 102 can be quickly supplied to the extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing device 2. As a result, new extinguishing liquid can be supplied to the extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing device 2, thereby preventing the fire at the object 4 from growing larger.

[0080] (Correspondence) The fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the first fire extinguishing system 2 is an example of a "first fire extinguishing liquid tank". The fire extinguishing liquid tank 10 of the second fire extinguishing system 102 is an example of a "second fire extinguishing liquid tank". The lifting mechanism 70 is an example of a "lowering mechanism".

[0081] (modified version) In the above embodiment, the blower fan 22 was located in the blower pipe 82 of the blower device 80, but the configuration is not limited to this. In a modified example, the blower fan 22 may be located in the exhaust pipe 20. The blower fan 22 located in the exhaust pipe 20 may be configured to send the gas in the exhaust pipe 20 to the downstream side of the exhaust pipe 20.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the lifting mechanism 70 was configured to include a support column 72 and a motor 74. However, the configuration of the lifting mechanism 70 is not particularly limited. For example, the lifting mechanism 70 may be configured to include a chain and gears, and the support member 50 and the closing member 60 may be raised and lowered by the rotation of the chain and gears. Alternatively, the lifting mechanism 70 may be configured to include an actuator, and the support member 50 and the closing member 60 may be raised and lowered by the actuator.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the support member 50 was lowered into the fire extinguishing liquid in the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10, thereby submerging the object to be extinguished 4, which is supported by the support member 50, into the fire extinguishing liquid in the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10. However, the configuration is not limited to this. In a modified example, the support member 50 may be released from supporting the object to be extinguished 4, thereby submerging the object to be extinguished 4 into the fire extinguishing liquid in the fire extinguishing liquid tank 10.

[0084] The specific examples of the technology disclosed herein have been described in detail above, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples described above. Furthermore, the technical elements described herein or in the drawings exhibit technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated herein or in the drawings achieves multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives itself constitutes technical usefulness. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 2: First fire extinguishing device, 4: Object to be extinguished, 10: Fire extinguishing liquid tank, 10a: Opening, 12: Storage section, 14: Engaging projection, 16: Engaging recess, 16a: Seal member, 20: Exhaust pipe, 22: Blower fan, 24: Air supply pipe, 26: Air supply valve, 30: First liquid supply pipe, 32: First liquid supply pump, 34: First drain pipe, 40: Second liquid supply pipe, 42: Second liquid supply pump, 44: Second drain pipe, 50: Support member, 5 9: Insertion hole, 60: Closure member, 62: Main body, 64: Insertion projection, 66: Engaging recess, 66a: Seal member, 68: Engaging projection, 69: Insertion hole, 70: Lifting mechanism, 72: Support column, 74: Motor, 80: Blower, 82: Blower pipe, 84: Main stream section, 86: First branch section, 87: Blower valve, 88: Second branch section, 90: Control device, 92: Sensor, 100: Fire extinguishing device, 102: Second fire extinguishing device

Claims

1. It is equipped with a first fire extinguishing liquid tank for storing fire extinguishing liquid, A fire extinguishing device that extinguishes a fire in an object by submerging the object in the fire extinguishing liquid in the first fire extinguishing liquid tank, An exhaust pipe connected to the first fire extinguishing liquid tank, which discharges gas generated by the fire in the object to be extinguished outside the first fire extinguishing liquid tank, A fire extinguishing device comprising: a fan for sending the gas in the exhaust pipe downstream of the exhaust pipe.

2. A fire extinguishing device according to claim 1, The object to be extinguished is a fire extinguishing device equipped with a lithium-ion battery.

3. A fire extinguishing device according to claim 1 or 2, A support member that supports the object to be extinguished, A lowering mechanism for lowering the support member into the fire extinguishing liquid in the first fire extinguishing liquid tank, A sensor for detecting abnormalities in the object to be extinguished, A control device is also provided, The control device, when the sensor detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished, operates the lowering mechanism to lower the support member into the extinguishing liquid in the first extinguishing liquid tank, thereby submerging the object to be extinguished, which is supported by the support member, into the extinguishing liquid in the first extinguishing liquid tank.

4. A fire extinguishing device according to claim 1 or 2, A sensor for detecting abnormalities in the object to be extinguished, A control device is also provided, The control device is a fire extinguishing device that operates the fan when the sensor detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished.

5. A fire extinguishing device according to claim 1 or 2, It is connected to the first fire extinguishing liquid tank, and a fire extinguishing gas supply air supply pipe is located inside the first fire extinguishing liquid tank, A valve for opening and closing the aforementioned air supply pipe, A sensor for detecting abnormalities in the object to be extinguished, A control device is also provided, The control device is a fire extinguishing device that opens the valve when the sensor detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished.

6. A fire extinguishing device according to claim 1 or 2, A second fire extinguishing fluid tank for storing fire extinguishing fluid, A supply pipe is connected to the first fire extinguishing liquid tank and the second fire extinguishing liquid tank, and supplies the fire extinguishing liquid from the second fire extinguishing liquid tank into the first fire extinguishing liquid tank. A pump that sends the fire extinguishing liquid in the supply pipe from the second fire extinguishing liquid tank side to the first fire extinguishing liquid tank side, A sensor for detecting abnormalities in the object to be extinguished, A control device is also provided, The control device is a fire extinguishing device that operates the pump when the sensor detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished.

7. A fire extinguishing device according to claim 1 or 2, A blocking member that closes the opening of the first fire extinguishing liquid tank, A lowering mechanism for lowering the blocking member to the opening of the first fire extinguishing liquid tank, A sensor for detecting abnormalities in the object to be extinguished, A control device is also provided, The control device, when the sensor detects an abnormality in the object to be extinguished, operates the lowering mechanism to lower the blocking member to the opening of the first fire extinguishing liquid tank, thereby closing the opening.

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