Fire stick end cap

Abstract

To provide an end cap for a fire stick equipped with a lighting function to assist in evacuation and fire-fighting operations in dark places. [Solution] An end cap 60 for a fire extinguisher stick includes an end cap body 9 that is detachably attached to a hollow cylindrical portion of the handle of a fire extinguisher stick, and an illumination unit 66 provided on the end cap body 9. The illumination unit 66 is provided on the axially opposite side of the tip of the end cap body 9. The illumination unit 66 includes an illumination housing 67, one or more LEDs 69 held inside the illumination housing 67, and a battery 68 that supplies power to the LEDs 69. A user first turns on the illumination unit 66 of the end cap 60 to grasp the surrounding situation and then can evacuate or perform fire extinguishing operations.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an end cap for use on a fire extinguisher stick. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a general powder fire extinguisher equipped with an LED is known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which an LED is provided near a lock pin that fixes the lever of a powder fire extinguisher. The LED illuminates the area of ​​the lock pin and the user's hand, allowing the user to easily and immediately find the lock pin. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2007-508885 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The application of the prior art of Patent Document 1 is limited to conventional general fire extinguishers that spray powder extinguishing agents by squeezing a lever. In addition, the LED in Patent Document 1 is merely an indicator device that shows the position of the lock pin, and is not intended to illuminate the surroundings during evacuation or fire extinguishing operations in dark places.

[0006] Compared to conventional general fire extinguishers, the fire extinguishing stick is a small, lightweight rod-shaped fire extinguishing device that sprays extinguishing agent from the tip, and is suitable for initial fire extinguishing immediately after a fire breaks out (for example, within 2 minutes). However, no auxiliary device with a lighting function to assist with evacuation and fire extinguishing operations in dark places has been known up to now.

[0007] The present invention was created in consideration of these points, and its purpose is to provide an end cap for a fire extinguisher stick that has a lighting function to assist in evacuation and fire extinguishing operations in dark places. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The end cap for a fire extinguisher stick according to the present invention comprises an end cap body (9) that is removably attached to the hollow cylindrical portion (15) of the handle (5) of a fire extinguisher stick (1), and a lighting portion (66) provided on the end cap body.

[0009] For example, if a fire breaks out in a house and the interior of the house becomes dark due to the power breaker being shut off, the resident who uses it can first turn on the lighting part of the end cap to understand the surrounding situation and then evacuate or perform fire-extinguishing operations. The small and lightweight fire extinguisher stick can be held by the user in one hand and can be used as a lighting tool like a flashlight.

[0010] Disappear The fire stick sprays the extinguishing agent enclosed inside the stick body by rubbing the side agent (10) against the ignition agent (7) placed at the tip of the stick body (3) to ignite it. The side agent is provided at the tip, which is the end of the end cap body that is attached to the hollow cylindrical part of the handle.

[0011] After igniting the ignition agent with the end cap removed from the handle and starting the spraying of the extinguishing agent, the user can hold the extinguishing stick in one hand and aim the spray while shining the lighting part of the end cap held in the other hand forward, thus effectively supporting the initial fire extinguishing work with the extinguishing stick. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a view of a fire extinguisher stick with a protective cap and a first embodiment of an end cap attached. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the state in which the protective cap has been removed from the state shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which an end cap has been removed from the state shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] A diagram explaining how to use a fire extinguisher stick. [Diagram 5] 1A is a plan view, FIG. 1B is a front view, and FIG. 1C is a bottom view of an end cap body constituting an end cap according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the end cap body attached to the hollow cylindrical portion of the handle. FIG. [Figure 7] (a) Plan view and (b) front view of an end cap with an illumination section. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a whistle is accommodated in an accommodation space of a handle in a second embodiment. [Figure 9] A diagram showing a situation where a whistle is used to call for rescue in the event of a fire, etc. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Several embodiments of the end cap for a fire extinguisher stick according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The fire extinguisher stick to which this end cap is applied is a small, lightweight rod-shaped fire extinguisher capable of spraying extinguishing agent from the tip. The fire extinguisher stick is kept on hand, for example, in private homes, offices, vehicles, etc., and is used for extinguishing operations when a fire breaks out. In this embodiment, a 100-second spray type fire extinguisher stick will be described as a representative example.

[0014] (Fire stick configuration) The configuration of the fire extinguisher stick 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. The fire extinguisher stick 1 is composed of a stick body 3, a protective cap 4, and a handle 5, which are coaxially arranged along a central axis O. The handle 5 is integrally connected to the stick body 3. The protective cap 4 is detachable from the stick body 3. In addition, an end cap 60 is detachably attached to the handle 5 on the side opposite to the stick body 3. The stick body 3 is made of metal, and the protective cap 4, the handle 5, and the end cap 60 are made of resin.

[0015] Fig. 1 shows the state in which the protective cap 4 and the end cap 60 are attached. Fig. 2 shows the state in which the protective cap 4 has been removed from the state in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 shows the state in which the end cap 60 has been removed from the state in Fig. 2. The left side of the paper in Figs. 1 to 3, from which the extinguishing agent is sprayed, is defined as the tip side. The side opposite the tip side of the fire extinguisher stick 1 is called the base side.

[0016] The stick body 3 is composed of a cylindrical metal tube, and a cartridge filled with a fire extinguishing agent is stored inside. An ignition agent 7, equivalent to the head powder of a match, is applied or stuck to the tip of the stick body 3. The handle 5 is connected to the stick body 3 at its tip end, and has a hollow cylindrical portion 15 that opens to the base end. The user can hold the handle 5 when using the fire extinguisher stick 1.

[0017] The protective cap 4 is a bottomed cylindrical shape with a closed tip end, and is placed over the stick body 3 from the tip end side to cover the outside of the stick body 3. A protective cap gripping part 13 with an axial protrusion is provided on the outer wall on the base end side of the protective cap 4. The user can hold the protective cap gripping part 13 and remove the protective cap 4 towards the tip end.

[0018] The end cap 60 is detachably attached to the hollow cylindrical portion 15 of the handle 5 from the base end side of the fire extinguisher stick 1. The end cap 60 of this embodiment includes an end cap body 9 and an illumination unit 66. The detailed configuration of the illumination unit 66 will be described later.

[0019] A side agent 10 is applied or stuck to the tip of the end cap body 9. An end cap grip 91 having an axial ridge is provided on the outer wall of the end cap body 9. A user can hold the end cap grip 91 and fit the end cap body 9 into the hollow cylindrical section 15. The outer wall of the end cap body 9 fits into the inner wall of the hollow cylindrical section 15 with a light interference fit to prevent it from falling off.

[0020] With the end cap 60 attached to the hollow cylindrical portion 15, the side medicine 10 is contained inside the handle 5. When removing the end cap 60, the user can remove the end cap 60 from the hollow cylindrical portion 15 of the handle 5 by holding the end cap gripping portion 91 and pulling it out.

[0021] (How to use the fire extinguisher stick) With reference to FIG. 4, the method of using the fire extinguisher stick will be described. In the first step, the user removes the protective cap 4 from the stick body 3 of the fire extinguisher stick 1. In the second step, the user removes the end cap 60 from the handle 5. This exposes the ignition agent 7 and the side agent 10 that were covered during storage. In the third step, the user rubs the side agent 10 of the end cap 60 against the ignition agent 7 of the stick body 3 to ignite it, which sprays the extinguishing agent sealed inside the stick body 3. In the fourth step, the user points the nozzle at the bottom of the flame to put out the fire.

[0022] In the third stage, when the ignition agent 7 in the stick body 3 is ignited, the components inside the cartridge undergo a chemical reaction, and the extinguishing agent is sprayed from the tip of the stick body 3. In more detail, potassium nitrate and dicyandiamide combust through a chemical reaction, and an inert gas containing white vapor-like potassium particles is sprayed. The large amount of potassium radicals have a suffocating and suppressing effect that depletes the oxygen inside and around the flame, interrupting the chain of combustion.

[0023] (Comparison between the fire extinguisher stick and a comparable type of fire extinguisher) A conventional general powder fire extinguisher (general fire extinguisher) is used as a comparative form, and the characteristics of the fire extinguisher stick are compared with the comparative form. For example, the size of the 100-second spray type fire extinguisher stick, excluding accessories, is 4 cm in diameter, 33 cm in total length, and weighs 365 g, making it small and lightweight.

[0024] The general fire extinguisher of the comparative embodiment uses a large diameter cylindrical metal container and is heavy, weighing, for example, 5 kg. It is difficult to spray extinguishing agent at a flame source in a high place or a narrow space using a heavy fire extinguisher. In addition, it is necessary to hold the fire extinguisher body with one hand and hold the lever with the other hand to spray, which means both hands are occupied and operability is poor. In contrast to the comparative embodiment, the fire extinguisher stick used in this embodiment is small and lightweight and can be used with one hand, making it easy to operate and convenient. Below, we will compare each item.

[0025] (1) Spray time: The fire extinguishing stick can be sprayed continuously for up to 100 seconds. This is effective in extinguishing a fire in its initial stage, which is said to be extinguished within two minutes of the fire starting. (2) Weight: The fire extinguisher stick (excluding accessories) is lightweight at 365g, making it easy to carry in the event of a fire. (3) Residues: Fire extinguishing sticks spray inert gas, so no harmful residues remain. This makes it easy to restore items and equipment in the affected area after the fire is extinguished. (4) Fire extinguisher sticks can be used to deal with flammable gas fires that general fire extinguishers cannot handle.

[0026] (5) Expiration date: The expiration date of the fire extinguisher stick is 15 years, which is longer than that of ordinary fire extinguishers. (6) Durability: The fire extinguisher stick is non-pressurized, making it highly durable and impact resistant. (7) Regular inspection: Fire extinguisher sticks do not require regular inspection by a legally qualified person. (8) Safety and environment: The gas used to propel the fire extinguisher is an inert gas. This means that it does not adversely affect the breathing or eyesight of the operator or those around, and it does not contribute to global warming or the destruction of the ozone layer.

[0027] For comparison, the specifications for a general-purpose fire extinguisher are as follows: (1) Injection time: The injection period of a general fire extinguisher is, for example, about 15 seconds. In many cases, it is not possible to achieve initial extinguishing of the fire. (2) Weight: A typical fire extinguisher weighs about 5 kg, making it difficult to carry in the event of a fire. (3) Residues: General fire extinguishers leave chemical residue and dirt behind after spraying, making it difficult to restore items and equipment in affected areas after the fire is extinguished. (4) Ordinary fire extinguishers are not suitable for flammable gas fires.

[0028] (5) Expiration date: Ordinary fire extinguishers deteriorate quickly and have a short expiration date. (6) Durability: Since general fire extinguishers are pressurized, they have poor durability and impact resistance. (7) Regular inspection: General fire extinguishers require regular inspection by a legally qualified person, and are complicated to handle. (8) Safety and the environment: The chemicals sprayed by ordinary fire extinguishers can easily affect the breathing and eyesight of the operator and those nearby, and are also a cause of global warming and the destruction of the ozone layer.

[0029] First Embodiment Next, the configuration of the end cap 60 for a fire extinguisher stick according to the first embodiment will be described. The end cap 60 of this embodiment is configured by assembling an illumination unit 66 to an end cap body 9. First, the configuration of the end cap body 9 will be described with reference to Figs. 5(a)-(c) and 6. Assuming that the end cap body 9 is attached to the handle 5 with the opening 151 of the hollow cylindrical portion 15 of the handle 5 facing upward, Figs. 5(a), (b), and (c) will be referred to as a plan view, a front view, and a bottom view, respectively.

[0030] The end cap body 9 is formed of resin and has the shape of a cylindrical container with a bottom centered on a central axis O. Since the end cap 60 of this embodiment is formed of yellow resin, it has a strong contrast with the black handle 5 and is easily noticeable in dark places. The end of the end cap body 9 that is attached to the hollow cylindrical portion 15 of the handle 5 is defined as the tip portion. The end cap body 9 has a grip portion 91, a fitting portion 92, and a protruding portion 93, in that order from the opening side toward the tip side.

[0031] The grip portion 91 is cylindrical and has a larger diameter than the fitting portion 92, and is connected to the fitting portion 92 via a step. A plurality of ridges 912 extending in the axial direction are formed on the outer peripheral wall of the grip portion 91. As shown in FIG. 6, when the grip portion 91 is attached to the hollow cylindrical portion 15 of the handle 5, the step between the grip portion 91 and the fitting portion 92 interferes with the edge of the opening 151 of the hollow cylindrical portion 15, so that the grip portion 91 is exposed outside the opening 151 and can be gripped by the user. The user can remove the end cap body 9 from the hollow cylindrical portion 15 by holding the grip portion 91. At this time, the end cap body 9 can be easily removed by hooking a finger on the ridges 912 and twisting it.

[0032] The fitting portion 92 is formed in a straight shape with a constant outer diameter at the axial middle portion. The outer diameter of the fitting portion 92 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the opening 151 of the hollow cylindrical portion 15, and more specifically, is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the opening 151. When attached to the handle 5, the outer wall of the fitting portion 92 fits into the inner wall 152 of the hollow cylindrical portion 15. The degree of this fit is set to a degree that prevents the end cap body 9 from falling off under its own weight due to a light interference fit between the resin members, and allows the user to easily remove the end cap body 9.

[0033] The protruding portion 93 is formed, for example, in a hemispherical shape so that the diameter decreases from the fitting portion 92 toward the tip. When attached to the handle 5, the protruding portion 93 faces the hole bottom 153 of the hollow cylindrical portion 15. At the top of the protruding portion 93, a base portion 94 is formed which protrudes further from the hemispherical surface and has a flat end surface. The side medicine 10 is installed on the end surface of the base portion 94 by coating or pasting. By installing the side medicine 10 on the end surface of the base portion 94 protruding from the hemispherical surface of the protruding portion 93, it becomes easier to narrow down the target point when rubbing the side medicine 10.

[0034] Thus, the basic function of the end cap body 9 is to function as a mounting member for the side drug 10. The end cap body 9 protects the protrusion 93 on which the side drug 10 is mounted from external contact during storage, and allows it to be easily removed from the handle 5 during use. Meanwhile, a cap inner space 90 is formed inside the end cap body 9 through the gripping portion 91, the fitting portion 92, and the protrusion 93. Therefore, by utilizing the space in the cap inner space 90 and attaching the lighting portion 66, an end cap 60 with a lighting function is provided.

[0035] 7(a) and (b), the configuration of the illumination unit 66 will be described. The illumination unit 66 is provided on the base end side of the end cap body 9, i.e., on the opposite side to the handle 5. The illumination unit 66 has an illumination housing 67, one or more LEDs 69, a battery 68 that supplies power to the LEDs 69, and the like. The illumination housing 67 has a cylindrical shape including an outer cylinder portion 671 and an inner cylinder portion 672, and a part of the axial direction is fitted into the cap inner space 90 of the end cap body 9 and is coaxially connected thereto.

[0036] The outer cylinder portion 671 is formed of black resin in a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter approximately equal to that of the grip portion 91 of the end cap body 9. It is easy to visually distinguish it from the yellow grip portion 91 because it is black. A transparent cover that transmits the light of the LED 69 is provided on the surface of the inner cylinder portion 672.

[0037] Inside the lighting housing 67, there are provided an LED 69, a battery 68, and a board on which a circuit for lighting the LED 69 is mounted. The LED 69 is held inside the lighting housing 67. In the configuration example shown in Fig. 7(a), three LEDs 69 are arranged symmetrically about the central axis O in an inner cylinder portion 672 of the lighting housing 67. The battery 68 is, for example, a button battery.

[0038] For example, the outer cylinder 671 of the lighting housing 67 is rotatable relative to the inner cylinder 672, and is configured so that when the outer cylinder 671 is rotated in one direction, the LED 69 is turned ON, and when it is rotated in the other direction, the LED 69 is turned OFF. In other words, the lighting housing 67 of this embodiment not only holds the LED 69, but also functions as a switch for switching ON / OFF. Any type of switch may be used, such as a rotary type, a push type, a lever type, etc. Also, the brightness when ON may be switched between two or more levels.

[0039] The fire extinguishing stick with lighting function according to this embodiment is preferably kept in each room in an apartment or condominium, not in a common corridor. When a fire breaks out, the power breaker is often shut off, and the corridors and stairs that serve as evacuation routes become dark not only at night but also during the day, making it difficult to evacuate quickly. For example, when a fire breaks out in a house and the interior of the house becomes dark due to the shutoff of the power breaker, the user can first turn on the lighting part 66 of the end cap 60 to grasp the surrounding situation and perform evacuation and fire extinguishing work. The small and lightweight fire extinguishing stick 1 can be held by the user in one hand and can be used as a lighting tool like a flashlight.

[0040] After starting the spraying of the extinguishing agent by igniting the ignition agent 7 with the end cap 60 removed from the handle 5, the user can hold the fire extinguisher stick 1 in one hand and aim the spray destination while shining the lighting part 66 of the end cap 60 held in the other hand forward. Therefore, by taking advantage of the characteristics of the fire extinguisher stick 1, particularly its small size and light weight and its ability to spray inert gas continuously for 100 seconds, it is possible to effectively support initial fire extinguishing work immediately after a fire breaks out (for example, within 2 minutes).

[0041] <Second embodiment> A second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. As shown in Figure 8, a storage space 154 with a diameter of about 3 cm and a depth of about 5 cm is formed in the hollow cylindrical portion 15 of the handle 5, further back than the portion where the end cap 60 is attached. A whistle 88 with a neck cord is stored in the storage space 154. When the user removes the end cap 60 from the handle 5, the whistle 88 can be taken out.

[0042] Thus, the end cap 60 of the second embodiment functions as a mounting member for the side agent 10, as a lighting unit 66, and also as a lid for the storage space 154 in which the whistle 88 is stored. If the whistle 88 is stored in a location separate from the fire extinguisher stick 1, it may take time to remove them in an emergency. In the second embodiment, the whistle 88 can be removed at the same time as removing the end cap 60 from the handle 5, allowing for quick use.

[0043] With reference to FIG. 9, a situation in which the whistle 88 is used will be described. For example, when a fire breaks out in a house, a resident in a room on the second floor or higher first removes the end cap 60 from the handle 5 of the fire extinguisher stick 1 and takes out the whistle 88. The resident then blows the whistle 88, for example, toward the outside from a window on the second floor. Because the fire extinguisher stick 1 is small and lightweight, it is possible to hold the fire extinguisher stick 1 in one hand to put out a fire while holding the whistle 88 in the other hand to call for rescue. In addition, by hanging the neck cord of the whistle 88 around the neck, the user can use both hands freely.

[0044] When there are two or more residents in a room, a quick response is possible by having one person blow the whistle 88 to call for rescue while another person performs the fire-extinguishing work with the fire extinguishing stick 1. Therefore, the initial fire-extinguishing work by the fire extinguishing stick 1 can be supported more effectively.

[0045] In addition to fires, Whistle 88 can also be used to call for rescue in the following situations: when the surrounding area is flooded due to heavy rain or river overflowing, when a house collapses in an earthquake and you are left stranded in a room, or when a robber or suspicious person breaks into your home.

[0046] <Other embodiments> (a) The fire extinguisher stick is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, but may be any rod-shaped fire extinguisher capable of spraying extinguishing agent from the tip and having a hollow cylindrical portion of a handle to which an end cap is detachably attached.

[0047] (b) The lighting unit is not limited to being provided on the axially opposite side of the tip of the end cap body 9. For example, the lighting unit may be provided on the side wall of the grip portion 91 of the end cap body 9.

[0048] (c) The lighting means of the lighting unit is not limited to LEDs, and may be light bulbs, luminous materials utilizing chemical reactions, etc. The battery of the lighting unit is not limited to button batteries, and may be a storage battery that can be charged by solar power generation, etc.

[0049] (d) When the fire extinguishing stick with lighting function of this embodiment is kept in a vehicle and used to extinguish vehicle fires, it is particularly suitable for fire extinguishing operations at night or for extinguishing fires while illuminating dark places such as under a truck.

[0050] As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1 Fire extinguisher stick, 5 Handle; 15 Hollow cylindrical portion; 60···(for fire stick) end cap, 66 Lighting section, 9 End cap body, 91...Gripping part, 92 ... fitting portion, 93...protrusion.

Claims

1. An end cap body (9) that is detachably attached to a hollow cylindrical portion (15) of a handle (5) of a fire extinguisher stick (1); An illumination unit (66) provided on the end cap body; Equipped with The fire extinguishing stick is configured such that the extinguishing agent enclosed inside the stick body is sprayed by rubbing the side agent (10) against the ignition agent (7) attached to the tip of the stick body (3) to ignite it, An end cap for a fire extinguisher stick, wherein the side agent is provided at the tip portion, which is the end portion of the end cap body that is attached to the hollow cylindrical portion of the handle.

2. 2. An end cap for a fire extinguisher stick as described in claim 1, wherein the end of the end cap body that is attached to the hollow cylindrical portion of the handle is defined as the tip, and the lighting portion is provided on the axially opposite side of the tip of the end cap body.

3. The illumination unit includes: A lighting housing (67); one or more LEDs (69) held within the lighting housing; A battery (68) for powering the LED; 3. An end cap for a fire extinguisher stick according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

4. The end cap body includes: a gripping portion (91) that is exposed outside the opening (151) of the hollow cylindrical portion when attached to the handle and can be gripped by a user; A fitting portion (92) whose outer wall fits into the inner wall (152) of the hollow cylindrical portion; A protrusion (93) facing the bottom (153) of the hollow cylindrical portion and having the side agent installed at its top; 2. The end cap for a fire extinguisher stick of claim 1, comprising:

Images