Gas-based fire extinguishing equipment

Abstract

To provide a pipe joint for a winding pipe part that can be readily constructed, and to provide gas-based fire extinguishing equipment using the same.SOLUTION: A pipe joint for a winding pipe part used for gas-based fire extinguishing equipment includes: a bellows pipe including a pipe wall in which a crest part and a trough part are repeated; and a reinforcement member wound around the bellows pipe. The bellows pipe has flexibility. The trough part of the bellows pipe is a continuous groove that helically extends. The reinforcement member is wound around the bellows pipe along the trough part of the bellows pipe.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe fitting for a reel-out piping section and a gas-based fire extinguishing system using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Gas-based fire extinguishing systems have been proposed (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-206397 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-160953 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Given the shortage of engineers who install gas fire extinguishing systems and the aging of the workforce, it is desirable to make gas fire extinguishing systems easier to install and to improve the installability of gas fire extinguishing systems compared to conventional systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention includes the following embodiment.

[0006] A pipe fitting for a roll-out piping section used in a gas-based fire extinguishing system, a bellows tube having a tube wall with repeated peaks and valleys; a reinforcing member wound around the bellows tube, the bellows tube is flexible, the valley portion of the bellows tube is a continuous groove extending spirally, The reinforcing member is wound around the bellows pipe along the valley portion of the bellows pipe.

[0007] a fire extinguishing pipe connected to the storage vessel; an injection head for injecting the extinguishing gas; a winding piping section provided between the fire extinguishing piping and the injection head, The unwinding piping section is a gas-based fire extinguishing system having the above-mentioned pipe joint for the unwinding piping section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a pipe joint for a winding piping section that can be easily installed, and a gas-based fire extinguishing system using the same. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a gas-based fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2A] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a pipe joint for a winding-out piping section according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2B] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a pipe joint for a winding-out piping section according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2C] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a pipe joint for a winding-out piping section according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2D] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a pipe joint for a winding-out piping section according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2E] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a pipe joint for a winding-out piping section according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2F] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a pipe joint for a winding-out piping section according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2G] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a pipe joint for a winding-out piping section according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2H] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a pipe joint for a winding-out piping section according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic side view (before assembly) of a pipe joint for an unwinding pipe section according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view (after assembly) of the pipe joint for the unwinding pipe section according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is an enlarged view of a bellows tube 510 and a reinforcing member 520. FIG. [Figure 6A] 5A to 5C are schematic side views illustrating an example of a method for assembling a pipe fitting for a unwinding piping section according to an embodiment. [Figure 6B] 5A to 5C are schematic side views illustrating an example of a method for assembling a pipe fitting for a unwinding piping section according to an embodiment. [Figure 6C] 5A to 5C are schematic side views illustrating an example of a method for assembling a pipe fitting for a unwinding piping section according to an embodiment. [Figure 6D] 5A to 5C are schematic side views illustrating an example of a method for assembling a pipe fitting for a unwinding piping section according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Gas-based fire extinguishing equipment 1] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a gas-based fire extinguishing system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the gas-based fire extinguishing system 1 according to the embodiment is a gas-based fire extinguishing system having a fire extinguishing piping 30 connected to a storage container 20, a spray head 40 that sprays an extinguishing agent gas, and an unwinding piping section 50 provided between the fire extinguishing piping 30 and the spray head 40. Details will be described below.

[0011] The gas-based fire extinguishing system 1 is a fire extinguishing system that uses an extinguishing agent gas. Examples of fire extinguishing systems other than gas-based fire extinguishing systems include fire extinguishing systems that use water or foam. In the gas-based fire extinguishing system 1, when a fire breaks out within a protected compartment, the container valve of the storage container 20 is opened manually or automatically, and the extinguishing agent gas stored in the storage container 20 is released from the storage container 20 through the fire extinguishing piping 30 and into the protected compartment via the injection head 40 due to the difference between the pressure within the storage container 20 and the pressure within the fire extinguishing piping 30 (pressure within the storage container 20 > pressure within the fire extinguishing piping 30; the injection head 40 is always open, and the pressure within the fire extinguishing piping 30 is equal to or substantially equal to the pressure within the protected compartment). This reduces the oxygen concentration within the protected compartment, thereby extinguishing the fire within the protected compartment.

[0012] In the construction of the gas-based fire extinguishing system 1, the storage container 20, the fire extinguishing piping 30, the unwinding piping section 50, and the spray head 40 may be constructed by different persons (construction contractors) at different times. According to this embodiment, the bellows pipe 510 of the unwinding piping pipe fitting 500 is flexible and can be bent (in other words, deformed) into shapes such as those shown in FIGS. 2A to 2H . This allows even an unskilled worker to easily construct the unwinding piping section 50 according to the conditions of the construction site (such as the layout of building materials and other objects, the size of the construction site, such as the ceiling or wall). This prevents delays in the construction of the spray head 40 due to, for example, the inability to secure a skilled worker to construct the unwinding piping section 50 after the storage container 20 and the fire extinguishing piping 30 have been constructed. That is, even if it is difficult to secure the schedule of a skilled worker after the storage container 20 and the fire extinguishing piping 30 have been installed, an unskilled worker can install the unwinding piping section 50 and then move on to the phase of installing the jet head 40. For ease of understanding, Figures 2A to 2H show not only the piping joint 500 but also the jet head 40 and the like.

[0013] (protected area) A protected section is a section to which extinguishing gas is supplied. For example, one room in a building such as a building, power plant, or factory can be one protected section. Also, multiple rooms can be grouped together to form one protected section. Computer rooms in which electronic devices are installed and electrical rooms in which switchboards and the like are installed are suitable protected sections for the gas-based fire extinguishing system 1. This is because extinguishing a fire with water or foam would cause damage to the electronic devices, switchboards, etc. There is no particular limit to the number of protected sections in one building.

[0014] (Storage container 20) The storage container 20 is a container for storing the extinguishing agent gas. The storage container 20 includes a cylinder or the like. In this embodiment, the storage container 20 is installed outside the protected area, but the storage container 20 can also be installed inside the protected area.

[0015] The capacity of the storage container 20 is, for example, 0.3 m when the extinguishing agent gas is filled in the storage container 20 as a gas. 3 More than 50m 3 It is preferable that the storage container 20 has a capacity capable of storing 0.65 kg to 100 kg of extinguishant gas, and when the extinguishant gas is filled in the storage container 20 as a liquid, it is preferable that the storage container 20 has a capacity capable of storing 0.65 kg to 100 kg of extinguishant gas. When the extinguishant gas is stored in the storage container 20 as a liquid, for example, it is in a liquid state or a gas-liquid mixture state in the fire extinguishing piping 30 and becomes completely gaseous when it is released into the protected compartment from the injection head 40. The pressure inside the storage container 20 is higher than the pressure inside the protected compartment, for example, 0.2 MPa to 30 MPa. It is preferable that these capacity and pressure are set so that 100% or 90% or more of the total amount of extinguishant gas required to extinguish a fire in the protected compartment (the total amount is specified by laws and regulations, etc.) is released within 10 seconds to 3 minutes, preferably 1 minute or 2 minutes, from the start of release of the extinguishant gas.

[0016] The storage container 20 is equipped with a container valve. The container valve is opened manually or automatically in the event of a fire within the protected area. When the container valve is opened automatically, a heat-sensing sensor or the like can be installed within the protected area, and the container valve can be opened based on a signal from this sensor.

[0017] The number of storage containers 20 may be one or two or more. Three storage containers 20 are illustrated in Fig. 1. When multiple storage containers 20 are provided, the container valves of all of the multiple storage containers 20 may be opened, or at least one or more of the container valves may be opened depending on the scale of the fire, etc.

[0018] (Fire pipe 30) The fire extinguishing piping 30 is a piping that is connected to the storage container 20 and supplies the extinguishing agent gas. The fire extinguishing piping 30 can be arranged, for example, above the ceiling or behind a wall, but can also be arranged inside a room.

[0019] As the extinguishing gas, various gases that can be used for fire extinguishing can be used. For example, halide gases and inert gases (inert gases) are examples of extinguishing gases. As the inert gas (inert gas), nitrogen gas or argon gas can be used. In particular, nitrogen gas is preferably used as the extinguishing gas because it has little adverse effect on the human body.

[0020] The fire extinguishing piping 30 is connected to the container valve of the storage container 20. The fire extinguishing piping 30 may be directly connected to the container valve, or may be indirectly connected via another component such as a connecting pipe. A direct connection means that no other component (e.g., a valve) is present between the storage container 20 and the fire extinguishing piping 30, while an indirect connection means that another component is present. The manner in which the fire extinguishing piping 30 is connected to the container valve includes both such direct and indirect connections.

[0021] When multiple storage containers 20 are installed, the fire extinguishing piping 30 can be connected to the container valves of all of the multiple storage containers 20. The fire extinguishing piping 30 is an empty piping under normal circumstances. In other words, the fire extinguishing piping 30 communicates with the internal space of the protected compartment, and under normal circumstances, air, not extinguishing agent gas, exists inside the fire extinguishing piping 30.

[0022] The fire extinguishing piping 30 may include, for example, one or more stainless steel pipes. When the fire extinguishing piping 30 includes multiple stainless steel pipes, these multiple stainless steel pipes can be connected using one or more fittings. In this case, the fittings may be made of a metal other than stainless steel, such as copper or brass, or may be made of stainless steel. When the fittings are made of stainless steel, a gas-based fire extinguishing system 1 can be provided that is easier to install and more corrosion-resistant than when the fittings are not made of stainless steel. Methods for connecting the fittings and the stainless steel pipes include screws, welding, flange connections, and housing connections.

[0023] (Injection head 40) The spray head 40 is a device that sprays (i.e., releases) the extinguishing agent gas. The spray head 40 is connected to the fire extinguishing piping 30 via the unwinding piping section 50. The spray head 40 is, for example, an open type and is always open. The spray head 40 can be installed in various locations, such as a ceiling or a wall, from which the extinguishing agent gas can be released into the protected area. The spray head 40 can be a spray head installed on the ceiling surface, a spray head for lateral spraying installed on a wall, or a silent spray head. The shape and size of the spray head 40 are not particularly limited. At least one spray head 40 is installed, and it is preferable that the number of spray heads 40 is at least one, and is a number that can spread the extinguishing agent gas evenly and quickly throughout the entire protected area.

[0024] (unwinding piping section 50) The unwinding piping section 50 is provided between the fire extinguishing piping 30 and the spray head 40. The unwinding piping fitting 500 is a component included in the unwinding piping section 50. The unwinding piping section 50 may be composed of only one unwinding piping fitting 500, or may include components other than the unwinding piping fitting 500, or may include multiple unwinding piping fittings 500. Examples of components other than the unwinding piping fitting 500 included in the unwinding piping section 50 include at least one of other piping, other unwinding piping fittings having a configuration similar to the unwinding piping fitting 500 according to the embodiment, and fittings such as elbows, sockets, and tees. If the unwinding piping section 50 includes these components, the installation area of ​​the unwinding piping section 50 can be expanded.

[0025] (Pipe fitting 500 for unwinding piping) FIG. 3 is a schematic side view (before assembly) of a pipe fitting for use in an unwinding piping section according to an embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a schematic side view (after assembly) of the pipe fitting for use in an unwinding piping section according to an embodiment. In FIGS. 3 and 4, for ease of understanding, some of the components are depicted transparently so that the components covered by those components can be seen. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a pipe fitting for use in an unwinding piping section 500 according to an embodiment is a pipe fitting for use in an unwinding piping section used in a gas-based fire extinguishing system 1, and includes a bellows pipe 510 having a pipe wall with repeated peaks and valleys, and a reinforcing member 520 wound around the bellows pipe 510. The bellows pipe 510 is flexible, the valleys of the bellows pipe 510 are continuous grooves extending spirally, and the reinforcing member 520 is wound around the bellows pipe 510 along the valleys of the bellows pipe 510. The pipe joint 500 for the unwinding pipe section (bellows pipe 510) is flexible and can be bent into various shapes as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2H.

[0026] In addition to the above-described bellows tube 510 and reinforcing member 520, the pipe fitting 500 for unwinding pipe according to the embodiment may also include an extension suppression member 530 that covers the outer surface of the bellows tube 510 and suppresses extension of the bellows tube 510, a first jig fixing ring 542 provided on one end of the bellows tube 510, a second jig fixing ring 544 provided on the other end of the bellows tube 510, a cylindrical hollow member 550 connected to one end of the bellows tube 510, a nut 560 rotatably attached to the hollow member 550, a first attachment member 572 that threadably engages with the nut 560, and a second attachment member 574 joined to the second jig fixing ring 544. These will be described in detail below.

[0027] (Bellows tube 510) The bellows pipe 510 is a hollow member. The bellows pipe 510 is sometimes called a tube. The extinguishing agent gas supplied from the fire extinguishing piping 30 passes through the inside (hollow portion) of the bellows pipe 510. The bellows pipe 510 can be manufactured, for example, by bending (or rolling or winding) a metal plate into a tubular (cylindrical) shape to form a cylindrical pipe, and then using a device such as a die to form a shape in which peaks and valleys are repeated on the pipe wall of the cylindrical pipe. The bellows pipe 510 can be made of, for example, stainless steel, or more specifically, an alloy steel containing chromium and nickel. When such an alloy steel is used, the chromium content of the bellows pipe 510 is, for example, 18% or more of the total weight of the bellows pipe 510.

[0028] The pipe wall of bellows pipe 510 has a shape in which peaks and valleys are repeated. These peaks and valleys are sometimes called "pleats," or convex portions and concave portions. Bellows pipe 510 may be extended by the pressure of the extinguishant gas passing through bellows pipe 510, but in this embodiment, extension of bellows pipe 510 is restrained by extension restraining member 530, which will be described later.

[0029] The bellows pipe 510 is flexible. This allows the pipe fitting 500 for the unwinding piping section, and ultimately the unwinding piping section 50, to be bent while flexibly responding to obstacles between the fire extinguishing piping 30 and the spray head 40, the distance between the fire extinguishing piping 30 and the spray head 40, and the like, at the site where the gas-based fire extinguishing system 1 is being installed. Therefore, even an unskilled worker can easily connect or join the fire extinguishing piping 30 and the spray head 40 with the unwinding piping section 50 according to the conditions of the site where the unwinding piping section 50 is being installed. In other words, it is not necessary to measure the dimensions of the site for each condition of the site, cut out the piping according to the measured dimensions, or form a thread groove in the cut piping, but the unwinding piping section 50 can be constructed by bending the pipe fitting 500 for the unwinding piping section according to the conditions of the site. Obstacles and distances may vary depending on the site where the gas-based fire extinguishing equipment 1 is installed, but because the bellows pipe 510 is flexible, even an unskilled worker can connect or link the injection head 40 and the fire extinguishing piping 30 according to the various conditions at the site.

[0030] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of bellows tube 510 and reinforcing member 520. Arrows in FIG. 5 are used to illustrate the spiral extension. As shown in FIG. 5, the valleys of bellows tube 510 are continuous grooves extending in a spiral shape. Reinforcing member 520, which will be described later, is wound around bellows tube 510 along the valleys of bellows tube 510. If the wall of bellows tube 510 has multiple independent valleys, it is necessary to provide multiple independent reinforcing members 520 for each valley and fix each reinforcing member 520 to each valley of bellows tube 510. However, according to this embodiment, reinforcing member 520 is inserted into the continuous grooves extending in a spiral shape, and bellows tube 510 is compressed, whereby reinforcing member 520 can be easily sandwiched between the valleys (i.e., within the recesses that become the valleys) and tightly fixed to the valleys.

[0031] The wall thickness T1 of the bellows tube 510 is preferably 0.5 mm or less, and more preferably 0.35 mm or less, so as not to impair the flexibility of the bellows tube 510. On the other hand, the wall thickness T1 of the bellows tube 510 is preferably 0.2 mm or more, and more preferably 0.25 mm or more, so as to provide the bellows tube 510 with pressure resistance strength. Generally, the wall thickness T1 of the bellows tube 510 is increased to satisfy the pressure resistance strength, but within the above numerical range (even the upper limit of 0.5 mm), there is a risk that the bellows tube 510 will not be able to meet the pressure resistance strength required for gas fire extinguishing. However, if the wall thickness T1 of the bellows tube 510 is made greater than the upper limit (0.5 mm) of the above numerical range, there is a risk that the flexibility of the bellows tube 510 will be impaired. Therefore, in this embodiment, by providing a reinforcing member 520 in the valley portion of the bellows tube 510, the flexibility and pressure resistance of the bellows tube 510 are both achieved.

[0032] The diameter (inner diameter) of the bellows pipe 510 is preferably larger than the diameter (inner diameter) of the fire extinguishing piping 30 and / or the diameter (inner diameter) of the injection head 40. This has the effect of reducing pressure loss when the extinguishing agent gas is released at a high flow rate.

[0033] (reinforcing member 520) Reinforcing member 520 is a member that is wrapped around bellows tube 510 to reinforce the pressure resistance of bellows tube 510, and is provided around the valley portions of bellows tube 510. Providing such reinforcing member 520 prevents loss of flexibility due to disorder of bellows tube 510 (deformation of the shape of the peaks and valleys (the shape of the pleats) of bellows tube 510 due to elongation, etc.) caused by a pressure increase when extinguishing agent gas passes through, and improves pressure resistance. As described above, in order to provide flexibility to bellows tube 510, it is effective to keep the wall thickness T1 of bellows tube 510 to a level that does not impair the flexibility of bellows tube 510. However, doing so makes it impossible to provide bellows tube 510 with sufficient pressure resistance. In general, in the case of gas fire extinguishing, the pressure inside the piping is greater than in the case of water or foam fire extinguishing, and therefore bellows tube 510 needs to have a greater pressure resistance than in the case of water or foam fire extinguishing. Therefore, in this embodiment, by wrapping reinforcing member 520 around bellows tube 510, it is possible to provide bellows tube 510 with adequate flexibility and sufficient pressure resistance. The maximum operating pressure of bellows tube 510 when reinforcing member 520 is wrapped around it is preferably, for example, 2 MPa or more and 10.8 MPa or less, and more preferably 3.8 MPa or more and 10.8 MPa or less.

[0034] Reinforcing member 520 is preferably sandwiched between the valleys of bellows tube 510. That is, reinforcing member 520 is held by being sandwiched between the inner walls of the valleys (recesses). The sandwiching by the valleys can be achieved, for example, by providing reinforcing member 520 in the valleys and then compressing bellows tube 510 (that is, compressing bellows tube 510 so that the length of bellows tube 510 in the longitudinal direction is shortened). When bellows tube 510 is compressed, width P of the valleys of bellows tube 510 becomes substantially equal to the width of reinforcing member 520. In this way, reinforcing member 520 is in close contact with the valleys of bellows tube 510, making it possible to install reinforcing member 520 in a predetermined position (for example, reinforcing member 520 can be arranged so as not to protrude more than necessary from the valleys of bellows tube 510). This makes it possible to prevent the substantial outer diameter of bellows tube 510 from increasing (i.e., the outer diameter of bellows tube 510 determined by considering reinforcing member 520 around it as part of bellows tube 510 and including the wire diameter of reinforcing member 520). In other words, winding reinforcing member 520 does not increase the outer diameter of bellows tube 510 itself, but it makes it possible to prevent bellows tube 510 from becoming shaped in a manner that is substantially bulging in the circumferential direction due to the wire diameter of reinforcing member 520. It also makes it possible to prevent deformation of bellows tube 510 due to the pressure when extinguishing agent gas passes through unwinding piping fitting 500 (specifically, inside bellows tube 510).

[0035] As described above, when the valleys of the bellows tube 510 are independent, it is necessary to provide multiple independent reinforcing members 520 for each valley and fix each to the corresponding valley of the bellows tube 510. However, according to this embodiment, one reinforcing member 520 can be inserted into a continuous groove formed by a plurality of spirally connected valleys, and the bellows tube 510 can be compressed to fix the reinforcing member to the valley. Inserting two or more reinforcing members 520 into a continuous groove formed by a plurality of connected valleys can further improve the pressure resistance. However, if the number of reinforcing members 520 is increased more than necessary, the flexibility of the bellows tube 510 is impaired. Therefore, it is preferable that the number of reinforcing members 520 wound around the bellows tube 510 be a number that does not impair the flexibility of the bellows tube 510. Note that in this embodiment, one reinforcing member 520 is wound around the bellows tube 510.

[0036] It is preferable to use wire or metal wire with a circular cross section for reinforcing member 520, and it is particularly preferable to use wire or metal wire made of a material having strength and corrosion resistance equal to or greater than that of bellows tube 510. If bellows tube 510 is made of stainless steel, for example, the wire or metal wire can also be made of stainless steel.

[0037] As described above, since one (single) reinforcing member 520 uses a linear member such as one wire or metal wire, reinforcing member 520 can be called a "reinforcing wire."

[0038] (Extension suppression member 530) The extension suppression member 530 covers the outer surface of the bellows tube 510 and suppresses the extension of the bellows tube 510. The extension suppression member 530 is sometimes called a braid. When internal pressure is applied to the bellows tube 510, the bellows tube 510 has the property of extending in the longitudinal direction and then returning to a straight pipe. If the shape of the peaks and valleys (the shape of the pleats) of the bellows tube 510 becomes distorted, the inherent flexibility of the bellows tube 510 is lost. The extension suppression member 530 is, for example, braided into a cylindrical shape and covers the outer periphery of the bellows tube 510 so as to fit closely to the bellows tube 510. The extension suppression member 530 is fixed (e.g., firmly fixed) to both ends of the bellows tube 510 by welding, crimping, crimping, or a combination of one or more of these methods. That is, by fixing one end of elongation suppression member 530 to one end of bellows tube 510, and the other end of elongation suppression member 530 to the other end of bellows tube 510 in the above-described manner, it is possible to suppress elongation of bellows tube 510. Elongation suppression member 530 can be made, for example, by weaving stainless steel wire or strip material and ordinary steel wire.

[0039] (First jig fixing ring 542, second jig fixing ring 544) The first jig fixing ring 542 and the second jig fixing ring 544 are portions to which a jig (a jig for attaching the pipe fitting for unwinding piping 500 to construction materials or the like) is fixed. In other words, by fixing a jig to the first jig fixing ring 542 or the second jig fixing ring 544 and then fixing this fixed jig to construction materials or the like at the construction site of the pipe fitting for unwinding piping 500, the pipe fitting for unwinding piping 500 can be fixed at the construction site. The first jig fixing ring 542 and the second jig fixing ring 544 are sometimes called braid holding rings because they are provided to hold down one end or the other end of the extension suppression member 530 (braid). The first jig fixing ring 542 is provided on one end side (fire extinguishing piping 30 side) of the bellows pipe 510. The second jig fixing ring 544 is provided on the other end side (the ejection head 40 side) of the bellows tube 510. The first jig fixing ring 542 and the second jig fixing ring 544 are hollow members. The bellows tube 510 and the extension suppression member 530 covering the outer surface thereof are inserted into the hollow portions.

[0040] The first jig fixing ring 542 and the second jig fixing ring 544 can be fixed to the outer surface of the elongation suppressing member 530 by, for example, welding, crimping, crimping, or a combination of one or more of these methods. The outer shapes of the first jig fixing ring 542 and the second jig fixing ring 544 are, for example, cylindrical or polygonal prism-like, but are not particularly limited thereto.

[0041] During a fire, the reaction force (radiation reaction force) generated when the extinguishing agent gas is released causes the bellows pipe 510 to move violently, resulting in an unstable position of the spray head 40. To prevent this movement, a jig is required to firmly secure the bellows pipe 510 to the construction materials at the construction site. The reaction force generated when the extinguishing gas is released is much greater than that of typical water-based fire extinguishing equipment, so the fixing jig is large and requires specialized hardware. Therefore, considering the use of various jigs, the first jig fixing ring 542 and the second jig fixing ring 544 are preferably longer than those used for water or foam fire extinguishing. Specifically, the length is preferably between two and ten times longer than that for water or foam fire extinguishing. More specifically, the length of the first jig fixing ring 542 and the second jig fixing ring 544 is preferably between 50 mm and 200 mm.

[0042] (Hollow member 550, nut 560) Hollow member 550 is a cylindrical member. Hollow member 550 is fixed to the end of bellows tube 510 by welding, adhesive, or other methods. The boundary between hollow member 550 and bellows tube 510 may or may not be covered by first jig fixing ring 542 and second jig fixing ring 544.

[0043] A hollow member 550 is connected to one end of the bellows pipe 510 (specific example of connection: joining by welding or the like), and a nut 560 is inserted into the hollow member 550. The hollow member 550 is sometimes called a sleeve or the like. The hollow member 550 has a protrusion X, and the nut 560 is movable in the length direction of the hollow member 550 between the first jig fixing ring 542 and the protrusion X. In other words, the nut 560 can be moved in the left-right direction in FIG. 4 between the first jig fixing ring 542 and the protrusion X. As described above, in this embodiment, the first mounting member 572 (mounting member on the fire extinguishing piping 30 side) is not joined (welded or the like) to the bellows pipe 510, but the nut 560 is provided between the bellows pipe 510 and the first mounting member 572.

[0044] The nut 560 is rotatably attached to the hollow member 550. As a result, when attaching the first attachment member 572 to the fire extinguishing piping 30 (or a member connected to the fire extinguishing piping 30, such as a fitting such as an elbow, socket, or tee. Hereinafter, the fire extinguishing piping 30 or a member connected to the fire extinguishing piping 30 will be referred to as the "fire extinguishing piping 30, etc."), the first attachment member 572 can be connected or coupled to the unwinding piping section pipe fitting 500 (the bellows pipe 510) simply by rotating the nut 560, without rotating the entire pipe fitting 500 for the unwinding piping section.

[0045] Furthermore, it is preferable that the nut 560 is attached to the hollow member 550 so as to be tiltable in addition to being rotatable (that is, rotatable and tiltable). Specifically, it is preferable that a gap Q (play) is provided between the opening of the nut 560 and the outer surface of the hollow member 550 so that the nut 560 can be tilted slightly. In this way, even if the fire extinguishing piping 30 or the like is tilted, the first mounting member 572 can be attached to the fire extinguishing piping 30 or the like in accordance with the tilt (angle) of the fire extinguishing piping 30 or the like, and the nut 560 can be attached to the first mounting member 572 in accordance with the tilt (angle) of this first mounting member 572. If the nut 560 can be tilted slightly, even if the fire extinguishing piping 30 or the like is slightly tilted, the first mounting member 572 can be attached to the fire extinguishing piping 30 or the like in accordance with the tilt (angle) of the fire extinguishing piping 30 or the like, and then the nut 560 can be tilted and the first mounting member 572 can be attached to the nut 560 without tilting the entire pipe fitting 500 for the unwinding piping section (particularly the bellows pipe 510).

[0046] The nut 560 has, for example, a thread formed on its inner surface. This thread engages with a thread formed on the outer surface of the first mounting member 572. In this embodiment, the nut 560 and hollow member 550 are provided only on the fire extinguishing piping 30 side, but the nut 560 and hollow member 550 can also be provided on the jet head 40 side. In this case, the nut 560 and hollow member 550 on the fire extinguishing piping 30 side are referred to as the first nut and first hollow member, and the nut and hollow member on the jet head 40 side are referred to as the second nut and second hollow member. The second hollow member is connected to the other end of the bellows pipe (specific example of connection: joining by welding or the like). The second nut and second hollow member have the same configuration and function as the nut 560 and hollow member 550 on the fire extinguishing piping 30 side.

[0047] The nut 560 is preferably a cap nut, for example.

[0048] (First mounting member 572, second mounting member 574) The first mounting member 572 (mounting member on the fire extinguishing piping 30 side) is a member for mounting the unwinding piping section pipe fitting 500 to the fire extinguishing piping 30, etc. The second mounting member 574 (mounting member on the jet head 40 side) is a member for mounting the unwinding piping section pipe fitting 500 to the jet head 40 (or a member connected to the jet head 40, such as a fitting, e.g., elbow, socket, or tee. Hereinafter, the jet head 40 or a member connected to the jet head 40 will be referred to as the "jet head 40, etc."). Examples of mounting methods include screwing, fitting, or a combination of these. When mounting by screwing, a thread groove is provided on, for example, the inner surface of the first mounting member 572 or the second mounting member 574.

[0049] When the unwinding piping fitting 500 has the above-mentioned nut 560 (first nut) on the fire extinguishing piping 30 side, the first attachment member 572 is attached by screwing onto the first nut. When the unwinding piping fitting 500 has a second nut on the jet head 40 side that has the same configuration and function as the above-mentioned nut 560, the second attachment member 574 is attached by screwing onto the second nut. When the unwinding piping fitting 500 has the above-mentioned nut 560 (first nut) only on the fire extinguishing piping 30 side, and does not have a (second nut) on the jet head 40 side that has the same configuration and function as the above-mentioned nut 560, the second attachment member 574 is joined to the bellows pipe 510 by welding or the like.

[0050] The distance L between the end of the first mounting member 572 and the end of the second mounting member 574 is preferably 2000 mm or less. In this way, when the pipe fitting 500 for an unwinding piping section according to the embodiment is used as a horizontal pipe, there is no need to support the pipe fitting 500 for an unwinding piping section.

[0051] The first mounting member 572 is sometimes called an adapter. The second mounting member 574 is sometimes called a nipple when it is joined to the bellows tube 510 by welding or the like, and when it is attached to the second nut by screwing, it is sometimes called an adapter, just like the first mounting member 572. When the second mounting member 574 functions as a nipple, it is a member that is joined to the bellows tube 510 by welding or the like, and is connected to the injection head or the like by a screw connection. When the second mounting member 574 and the bellows tube 510 are joined by welding or the like, the bellows tube 510 is rotated to connect the second mounting member 574 to the injection head 40 or the like.

[0052] According to the pipe fitting 500 for the unwinding piping section described above, because the bellows pipe 510 has flexibility, even an unskilled worker can install the unwinding piping section 50 in accordance with the conditions at the installation site of the gas-based fire extinguishing system 1. Furthermore, at least one reinforcing member 520 (a number of reinforcing members that does not impair the flexibility of the bellows pipe 510) is wound around the bellows pipe 510 so as to follow the valley portion of the bellows pipe 510, so that the pressure resistance of the bellows pipe 510 can be ensured while providing flexibility to the bellows pipe 510. Therefore, it is possible to provide a pipe fitting 500 for the unwinding piping section that can be easily installed while ensuring pressure resistance, and a gas-based fire extinguishing system 1 using the same.

[0053] In this embodiment, the nut 560 and the first mounting member 572 are connected by parallel threads, allowing for easy connection and disconnection. The nut 560 is loosely fitted to the hollow member 550 in advance, allowing for free rotation and back-and-forth movement. The sleeve of the hollow member 550 is joined to the bellows pipe 510 by welding or other means. When connecting to the fire extinguishing piping 30 or the like, only the first mounting member 572 can be removed from the nut 560 and connected to the fire extinguishing piping 30 or the like. When connecting the first mounting member 572 to the bellows pipe 510, the nut 560 integrated with the bellows pipe 510 is placed on the first mounting member 572 connected to the fire extinguishing piping 30 or the like, and the connection can be made by simply rotating the nut 560 alone. Unlike when connecting the second mounting member 574 to the spray head 40 or the like, there is no need to rotate the bellows pipe 510, which has the advantage of making the work easier.

[0054] In order to accurately install the injection head 40 in the hole position of the ceiling board, the unwinding piping for the gas-based fire extinguishing system 1 requires combining multiple steel pipes and fittings such as elbows, adjusting the position, and screwing in multiple times. However, aligning the unwinding piping requires skilled techniques, and cutting out the pipe to the exact dimensions is time-consuming, placing a burden on the installer. Furthermore, earthquake-resistant ceiling construction is required to quickly restore business operations even in the event of an unforeseen event such as an earthquake. As described in this embodiment, the unwinding piping includes a flexible bellows pipe 510, which allows the unwinding piping to be screwed in with multiple steel pipes in a single operation, simplifying construction and reducing time. While water fire extinguishing has already been put to practical use, the operating pressure required for gas fire extinguishing is higher than that of water. For this reason, flexible pipes that are rigid and lack flexibility have been required. However, according to this embodiment, by providing a reinforcing member 520 in the valley portion of the flexible bellows pipe 510, a unwinding piping for a gas fire extinguishing system that combines pressure resistance and flexibility can be provided. Furthermore, the unwinding piping section 50 for a gas-based fire extinguishing system according to the embodiment, which is equipped with a flexible bellows pipe 510, can absorb the phase shift that occurs when vibrations such as earthquakes occur between the fire extinguishing piping 30 fixed to the compartment and the injection head 40 fixed to the ceiling substrate, thereby improving the earthquake resistance of the ceiling.

[0055] [Method of assembling a pipe joint for a winding piping section according to the embodiment] 6A to 6D are schematic side views illustrating an example of a method for assembling a pipe fitting for an unwinding pipe section according to an embodiment. To facilitate understanding, in FIGS. 6A to 6D, some of the components are depicted transparently so that the components covered by those components can be seen. Hereinafter, a method for assembling a pipe fitting for an unwinding pipe section according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6D.

[0056] First, as shown in FIG. 6A, the reinforcing member 520 is wound around the bellows tube 510, and the pitch is compressed.

[0057] Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, the expansion suppressing member 530, the first jig fixing ring 542, and the second jig fixing ring 544 are fixed to the bellows tube 510.

[0058] 6C, hollow member 550 with nut 560 passed through is fixed to first jig fixing ring 542. Also, second mounting member 574 is fixed to second jig fixing ring 544.

[0059] Next, as shown in FIG. 6D, the first mounting member 572 is threaded onto the nut 560.

[0060] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these descriptions are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these descriptions in any way. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1. Gas-based fire extinguishing equipment 20 Storage Container 30 Fire extinguishing piping 40 injection head 50 Unwinding piping section 500 Pipe fitting for unwinding piping 510 Bellows tube 520 Reinforcement member 530 Extension restraining member 542 First jig fixing ring 544 Second jig fixing ring 550 Hollow Members 560 Nut 572 First mounting member 574 Second mounting member X: Convex portion of the hollow member 550 L is the distance between the end of the first mounting member 572 and the end of the second mounting member 574 P is the distance between the valleys of the bellows tube 510 T1 Bellows tube 510 wall thickness

Claims

1. a fire extinguishing pipe connected to the storage vessel; A gas-based fire extinguishing system having an injection head installed in a protected compartment for injecting a fire extinguishing agent gas, A flexible unwinding piping section is provided between the fire extinguishing piping and the injection head, The unwinding piping section has a pipe joint for the unwinding piping section, The pipe joint for the unwinding piping section is a bellows tube having a tube wall with repeated peaks and valleys; a reinforcing member wound around the bellows tube, the bellows tube is flexible, the valley portion of the bellows tube is a continuous groove extending spirally, the reinforcing member is wound around the bellows tube along a valley portion of the bellows tube, A gas-based fire extinguishing system, wherein the bellows pipe is made of stainless steel.

2. A gas-based fire extinguishing system as described in claim 1, A gas-based fire extinguishing system in which the extinguishing gas is a halide gas or an inert gas.

3. A gas-based fire extinguishing system according to claim 1 or 2, The stainless steel is an alloy steel containing chromium and nickel.

4. A gas-based fire extinguishing system according to claim 3, A gas-based fire extinguishing system, wherein the chromium content of the bellows pipe is 18% or more of the total weight of the bellows pipe.

5. A gas-based fire extinguishing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The gas-based fire extinguishing system, wherein the reinforcing member is sandwiched in the valley portion of the bellows pipe so that the reinforcing member is tightly fixed to the valley portion of the bellows pipe.

6. A gas-based fire extinguishing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A gas-based fire extinguishing system, wherein the reinforcing member is a wire having a circular cross section.

7. A gas-based fire extinguishing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The reinforcing member is a metal wire.

8. A gas-based fire extinguishing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A gas-based fire extinguishing system in which the wall thickness of the bellows pipe is 0.2 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less.

9. A gas-based fire extinguishing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A gas-based fire extinguishing system in which the maximum working pressure of the bellows pipe is 2 MPa or more and 10.8 MPa or less when the reinforcing member is wrapped around it.

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