Support structure for unwinding piping in gas-based fire extinguishing systems

Abstract

To provide a support structure of an unwinding piping of a gas-based fire extinguishing facility, which prevents a load generated by using a flexible joint from adversely affecting a structure while enjoying advantages of simplification of construction and shortening of time of the flexible joint by using the flexible joint for the unwinding piping of the gas-based fire extinguishing facility.SOLUTION: A flexible joint provided with a bellows part having flexibility is used for unwinding piping 5, and a load generated in the flexible joint during the gas-based fire extinguishing agent being discharged is supported by a ceiling slab or a beam of the building structure through a hanging member 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support structure for an unwinding pipe of gas-based fire extinguishing equipment that uses an extinguishing agent gas such as a halide gas or an inert gas.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 22 for example, the unwinding pipe 5 of a gas-based fire extinguishing facility that uses an extinguishing agent gas such as a halide gas or an inert gas (see Patent Document 1, for example) has adopted a structure that requires multiple screwing operations, in which the position is adjusted by combining a plurality of steel pipes and joints such as elbows to accurately mount the injection head at the hole position of the ceiling board. However, positioning during the construction of this unwinding pipe requires skilled technology and time to cut out pipes with accurate dimensions, which has been a burden on constructors.

[0003] By the way, in order to solve this problem, it is conceivable to apply a flexible flexible joint (see Patent Document 2, for example) that is used for unwinding pipes of water fire extinguishing equipment to the unwinding pipe. That is, by using a flexible joint for the unwinding pipe, the screwing work with a plurality of steel pipes can be completed in one operation, which can be expected to lead to simplification of construction and reduction of construction time.

[0004] Based on this idea, the applicants of the present application have proposed a flexible joint that can be used for an unwinding pipe of a gas-based fire extinguishing facility (see Patent Document 3, for example).

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0006] However, when flexible joints are used in the unwinding piping of gas-based fire extinguishing systems, the pressure of the extinguishing agent gas used in gas-based fire extinguishing systems is higher than that of the water-based extinguishing agent used in water-based fire extinguishing systems. Therefore, the pressure on the flexible joint when the gas-based extinguishing agent is released is also higher. For this reason, depending on the installation method of the flexible joint, the load generated by the extension of the flexible joint may act on structures such as ceilings, so some measures are necessary to prevent adverse effects on the structures.

[0007] This invention addresses the problem of loads acting on structures such as ceilings when flexible joints are used in the unwinding piping of the above-mentioned gas-based fire extinguishing system. By using flexible joints in the unwinding piping of the gas-based fire extinguishing system, the advantages of simplified construction and reduced construction time that flexible joints offer are enjoyed, while the loads generated by the use of flexible joints do not adversely affect the structure. The objective is to provide a support structure for the unwinding piping of a gas-based fire extinguishing system that prevents damage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the support structure for the unwinding piping of a gas-based fire extinguishing system of the present invention is a support structure for the unwinding piping of a gas-based fire extinguishing system, characterized in that a flexible joint equipped with a bellows section is used for the unwinding piping, and the load generated in the flexible joint when the gas-based fire extinguishing agent is released is supported by the ceiling slab or beam of the building structure via a suspension member.

[0009] In this case, both ends of the unwinding pipe can be supported by the ceiling slab or beams of the building structure via suspension members.

[0010] Furthermore, the suspension member may be equipped with a length adjustment mechanism.

[0011] Furthermore, the suspension member can be connected to a support member that fixes the tip of the unwinding pipe.

[0012] Furthermore, the suspension member can be configured to have a rigid fire extinguishing pipe or a branch pipe of a fire extinguishing pipe interposed between them. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the support structure for the unwinding piping of a gas-based fire extinguishing system of the present invention, by using a flexible joint equipped with a flexible bellows section for the unwinding piping, the advantages of simplified construction and reduced construction time that the flexible joint offers can be enjoyed. Furthermore, the load generated in the flexible joint when the gas-based fire extinguishing agent is released is supported by the ceiling slab or beam of the building structure via a suspension member, thereby preventing the load generated by the use of the flexible joint from adversely affecting the structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing a first embodiment of the support structure for the unwinding piping of a gas-based fire extinguishing system according to the present invention. [Figure 2]It is an explanatory drawing of a hanging member used in a support structure for an outlet piping of the same gas fire extinguishing system. [Figure 3] It is an explanatory drawing of a support member and a furring channel receiver used in a support structure for an outlet piping of the same gas fire extinguishing system. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory drawing of a hanging member of a support structure for an outlet piping of the same gas fire extinguishing system. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory drawing of a hanging member of a support structure for an outlet piping of the same gas fire extinguishing system. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory drawing showing a second embodiment of a support structure for an outlet piping of the same gas fire extinguishing system. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory drawing showing a third embodiment of a support structure for an outlet piping of the same gas fire extinguishing system. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory drawing showing a fourth embodiment of a support structure for an outlet piping of the same gas fire extinguishing system. [Figure 9] It is an enlarged view of a main part of a support structure for an outlet piping of the same gas fire extinguishing system. [Figure 10] It is an enlarged view of a main part of a support structure for an outlet piping of the same gas fire extinguishing system. [Figure 11] It is an enlarged view of a main part of a support structure for an outlet piping of the same gas fire extinguishing system. [Figure 12] It is an explanatory drawing of a hanging member of a support structure for an outlet piping of the same gas fire extinguishing system. [Figure 13] It is an explanatory drawing of a hanging member of a support structure for an outlet piping of the same gas fire extinguishing system. [Figure 14] It is an explanatory drawing of a hanging member of a support structure for an outlet piping of the same gas fire extinguishing system. [Figure 15] It is an enlarged view of a main part showing a fifth embodiment of a support structure for an outlet piping of the same gas fire extinguishing system, wherein (a) is a front view and (b) is a side view. [Figure 16] It is an enlarged view of a main part of a support structure for an outlet piping of the same gas fire extinguishing system. [Figure 17] It is an explanatory drawing showing an outlet pipe joint that constitutes an outlet piping of a gas fire extinguishing system. [Figure 18]This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a spray head with a noise-reducing function used in gas-based fire extinguishing systems. [Figure 19] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pipe fitting for unwinding piping (before assembly) that constitutes the unwinding piping of a gas-based fire extinguishing system. [Figure 20] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pipe fitting for unwinding piping (after assembly) that constitutes the unwinding piping of a gas-based fire extinguishing system. [Figure 21] This is an enlarged view of a key part showing an example of a pipe fitting for unwinding piping that constitutes the unwinding piping of a gas-based fire extinguishing system. [Figure 22] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a support structure for the unwinding piping of a conventional gas-based fire extinguishing system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the support structure for the unwinding piping of the gas-based fire extinguishing system of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the support structure for the unwinding piping of the gas-based fire extinguishing system of the present invention. This gas-based fire extinguishing system 1, like the conventional gas-based fire extinguishing system 1 shown in Figure 22, has a fire extinguishing pipe 3 and branch pipes 31 connected to a storage container 2, a spray head 4 for spraying fire extinguishing agent gas, and a winding pipe 5 provided between the fire extinguishing pipe 3 and the spray head 4. Here, with the exception of the unwinding pipe 5, each component of the gas-based fire extinguishing system 1 can use conventionally used equipment and materials. Furthermore, various types of gases suitable for firefighting can be used as fire extinguishing agents. For example, halogenated gases and inert gases are examples of fire extinguishing agents. Examples of inert gases include nitrogen gas and argon gas. In particular, nitrogen gas is preferable as a fire extinguishing agent because it has fewer adverse effects on the human body.

[0017] In the gas-based fire extinguishing system 1, when a fire occurs in a protected area, the container valve of the storage container 2 is opened manually or automatically, and the extinguishing agent gas stored in the storage container 2 is released from the storage container 2 through the fire extinguishing pipe 3 into the protected area from the spray head 4. As a result, the oxygen concentration in the protected area decreases, and the fire in the protected area is extinguished.

[0018] By the way, in the installation of gas-based fire extinguishing equipment 1, the storage container 2, fire extinguishing piping 3, discharge piping 5, and spray head 4 may be installed by different people (contractors) on different days and times. According to this embodiment, for example, as shown in Figure 17, the bellows pipe 51 of the pipe fitting 50 for unwinding piping that constitutes the unwinding piping 5 is flexible and can be bent (in other words, deformed), so that even an unskilled worker can easily install the unwinding piping 5 depending on the conditions of the site where the unwinding piping 5 is installed (arrangement of building materials and other objects, size of the installation area such as the space behind the ceiling or wall, etc.). Therefore, for example, even if the storage container 2 and fire extinguishing pipe 3 have been installed, the installation of the spray head 4 may be delayed due to reasons such as the inability to secure a schedule for a skilled worker to install the unwinding pipe 5. In other words, even if it is difficult to secure a schedule for a skilled worker after the storage container 2 and fire extinguishing pipe 3 have been installed, the unwinding pipe 5 can be installed by an unskilled worker, and the process can move on to the phase of installing the spray head 4.

[0019] The spray head 4 is a device that sprays (i.e., releases) fire extinguishing agent gas. The spray head 4 is connected to the fire extinguishing pipe 3 via the winding pipe 5. The spray head 4 is, for example, an open type and is always open. The spray head 4 can be installed in various locations, such as ceilings and walls, where fire extinguishing agent gas can be released into the protected area. The spray head 4 can be a ceiling-mounted spray head, a wall-mounted horizontal spray head, etc. In this embodiment, the spray head 4 can be a spray head equipped with a sound-dampening function, such as those disclosed in Patent Documents 4 to 7, preferably a spray head equipped with a sound-dampening member made of a porous material. Examples of this injection head 4 include injection head 4A, shown in Figure 18(a), which is equipped with multiple orifices 42 and has a cylindrical porous sound-dampening member 41 at its outlet, which is constructed by layering a three-dimensional mesh-like metal porous material 41a with large pore diameters in the center and a metal porous material 41b with smaller pore diameters on the outer circumference to eliminate turbulence in the airflow; injection head 4B, shown in Figure 18(b), which has an orifice plate 43 with an orifice 43a formed at the inlet of injection head 4A and a metal porous material 41c with a three-dimensional mesh-like structure; and injection head 4C, shown in Figure 18(c), which has an orifice plate 43 with an orifice 43a formed at the inlet of injection head 4A and further has a metal porous material 41d with a three-dimensional mesh-like structure arranged in the space downstream thereof.

[0020] The unwinding pipe 5 is installed between the fire extinguishing pipe 3 and the spray head 4. The pipe fitting 50 for unwinding piping is a component of the unwinding piping 5. The unwinding piping 5 may consist of only one pipe fitting 50, or it may have components other than the pipe fitting 50, or it may have multiple pipe fittings 50. An example of components other than the pipe fitting 50 that the unwinding piping 5 may have is at least one of other pipes, other pipe fittings for unwinding piping having a similar configuration to the pipe fitting 50 according to the embodiment, elbows, sockets, and tees. When the unwinding piping 5 has these components, the range of installation of the unwinding piping 5 can be expanded.

[0021] Here, the pipe joint 50 for unwinding piping can preferably be the one disclosed in Patent Document 3 (which may be referred to as a "flexible joint" in this specification). Figure 19 is a schematic side view (before assembly) of the pipe fitting for unwinding piping according to this embodiment, and Figure 20 is a schematic side view (after assembly) of the pipe fitting for unwinding piping according to this embodiment. In Figures 19 to 20, in order to facilitate understanding, parts of each component are drawn transparently as appropriate, so that the components covered by those components are visible. As shown in Figures 19 to 20, the pipe fitting 50 for unwinding piping according to this embodiment is a pipe fitting for unwinding piping used in a gas-based fire extinguishing system 1, and comprises a bellows pipe 51 having a pipe wall with repeating peaks and valleys, and a reinforcing member 52 wrapped around the bellows pipe 51. The bellows pipe 51 is flexible, and the valleys of the bellows pipe 51 are continuous grooves extending in a spiral shape, and the reinforcing member 52 is wrapped around the bellows pipe 51 along the valleys of the bellows pipe 51, making it a pipe fitting for unwinding piping. The pipe fitting 50 for unwinding piping (bellows pipe 51) is flexible and can be bent into various shapes.

[0022] The pipe joint 50 for unwinding piping according to this embodiment may include, in addition to the bellows pipe 51 and reinforcing member 52, an extension suppressing member 53 that covers the outer surface of the bellows pipe 51 and suppresses the extension of the bellows pipe 51, a first jig fixing ring 54a provided on one end of the bellows pipe 51, a second jig fixing ring 54b provided on the other end of the bellows pipe 51, a cylindrical hollow member 55 connected to one end of the bellows pipe 51, a nut 56 rotatably attached to the hollow member 55, a first mounting member 57a that screws onto the nut 56, and a second mounting member 57b joined to the second jig fixing ring 54b.

[0023] The bellows tube 51 is a hollow component. The bellows tube 51 is sometimes called a tube. The fire extinguishing agent gas supplied from the fire extinguishing pipe 3 passes through the inside of the bellows tube 51 (the hollow part). The bellows tube 51 can be manufactured, for example, by bending (or rolling or winding) a metal plate into a tubular shape (cylindrical shape) to create a cylindrical tube, and then using a device such as a die to shape the wall of the manufactured cylindrical tube into a shape with repeating peaks and valleys. As for the material of the bellows tube 51, for example, stainless steel, or more specifically, alloy steel containing chromium and nickel can be used. When using such alloy steel, the chromium content in the total weight of the bellows tube 51 is, for example, 18% or more.

[0024] The wall of the bellows tube 51 has a shape in which peaks and valleys are repeated. These peaks and valleys are sometimes called "folds," or convex and concave parts. The bellows tube 51 may expand due to the pressure of the fire extinguishing agent gas passing through it, but in this embodiment, the expansion of the bellows tube 51 is suppressed by an expansion suppression member 53, which will be described later.

[0025] The bellows pipe 51 is flexible. This allows the pipe fitting 50 for unwinding piping, and consequently the unwinding piping 5, to be bent to accommodate obstacles between the fire extinguishing pipe 3 and the spray head 4, as well as the distance between the fire extinguishing pipe 3 and the spray head 4, at the construction site where the gas-based fire extinguishing system 1 is being installed. As a result, even unskilled workers can easily connect or link the fire extinguishing pipe 3 and the spray head 4 with the unwinding piping 5, depending on the conditions at the construction site. In other words, there is no need to measure the dimensions at the site, cut the piping according to the measured dimensions, or form threads on the cut piping; the pipe fitting 50 for unwinding piping can be bent according to the conditions at the site to construct the unwinding piping 5. Obstacles and distances may vary from site to site where the gas-based fire extinguishing system 1 is installed, but because the bellows pipe 51 is flexible, even unskilled workers can connect or link the spray head 4 and the fire extinguishing pipe 3 according to the various conditions at the site.

[0026] Figure 21 is an enlarged view of the bellows pipe 51 and the reinforcing member 52. In Figure 21, the arrows are shown to illustrate the spiral extension. As shown in Figure 21, the valleys of the bellows tube 51 are continuous grooves that extend in a spiral. The reinforcing members 52, described later, are wrapped around the bellows tube 51 along the valleys of the bellows tube 51. If there are multiple independent valleys in the wall of the bellows tube 51, it is necessary to provide multiple independent reinforcing members 52 for each valley and fix each reinforcing member 52 to each valley of the bellows tube 51. However, according to this embodiment, by inserting the reinforcing member 52 into a continuous groove that extends in a spiral and compressing the bellows tube 51, the reinforcing member 52 can be easily sandwiched in the valley (i.e., in the recess that becomes the valley), and the reinforcing member 52 can be tightly fixed to the valley.

[0027] The wall thickness T1 of the bellows tube 51 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 51. On the other hand, the wall thickness T1 of the bellows tube 51 is preferably 0.2 mm or more, and more preferably 0.25 mm or more, in order to give the bellows tube 51 pressure resistance strength. Generally, to satisfy pressure resistance strength, the wall thickness T1 of the bellows tube 51 is increased, but within the above numerical range (even at the upper limit of 0.5 mm), there is a risk that the bellows tube 51 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 51 is made larger than the upper limit of the above numerical range (0.5 mm), there is a risk that the flexibility of the bellows tube 51 will be impaired. Therefore, in this embodiment, reinforcing members 52 are provided in the valleys of the bellows tube 51 to achieve both flexibility and pressure resistance of the bellows tube 51.

[0028] The reinforcing member 52 is a member that is wrapped around the bellows pipe 51 to reinforce the pressure resistance strength of the bellows pipe 51, and is provided in the valleys of the bellows pipe 51. By providing this, it is possible to prevent loss of flexibility due to turbulence of the bellows tube 51 (deformation of the shape of the peaks and valleys (folds) of the bellows tube 51 due to elongation, etc.) caused by the pressure rise when the fire extinguishing agent gas passes through, and to improve pressure resistance. As described above, in order to give the bellows tube 51 flexibility, it is effective to keep the wall thickness T1 of the bellows tube 51 to an extent that does not impair the flexibility of the bellows tube 51, but if this is done, the bellows tube 51 cannot be given 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 fire extinguishing or foam fire extinguishing, so it is necessary to give the bellows tube 51 greater pressure resistance than in the case of water fire extinguishing or foam fire extinguishing. Therefore, in this embodiment, by wrapping the reinforcing member 52 around the bellows tube 51, the bellows tube 51 is given appropriate flexibility while being given sufficient pressure resistance. The maximum operating pressure of the bellows tube 51, with the reinforcing member 52 wrapped around it, is preferably, for example, 2 MPa or more and 10.8 MPa or less, and more preferably greater than 3.8 MPa and 10.8 MPa or less.

[0029] The reinforcing member 52 is preferably sandwiched in the valleys of the bellows pipe 51. That is, it is held in place by being sandwiched between the inner walls of the valleys (recesses). This sandwiching by the valleys can be achieved, for example, by compressing the bellows pipe 51 after providing the reinforcing member 52 in the valleys (i.e., compressing the bellows pipe 51 so that its length in the longitudinal direction is shortened). When the bellows pipe 51 is compressed, the width P of the valleys of the bellows pipe 51 becomes substantially equal to the width of the reinforcing member 52. In this way, the reinforcing member 52 is in close contact with the valleys of the bellows pipe 51, making it possible to install the reinforcing member 52 in a predetermined position (for example, it is possible to position the reinforcing member 52 so that it does not protrude more than necessary from the valleys of the bellows pipe 51). This prevents the effective outer diameter of the bellows pipe 51 from expanding (i.e., the outer diameter of the bellows pipe 51 as defined by considering the wrapped reinforcing member 52 as part of the bellows pipe 51, including the wire diameter of the reinforcing member 52). In other words, by wrapping the reinforcing member 52 around the bellows pipe 51, the outer diameter of the bellows pipe 51 itself does not increase, but the wire diameter of the reinforcing member 52 prevents the bellows pipe 51 from becoming substantially circumferentially bulging. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress deformation of the bellows pipe 51 due to the pressure when fire extinguishing agent gas passes through the pipe fitting 50 for unwinding piping (specifically, inside the bellows pipe 51).

[0030] As described above, if the valleys of the bellows pipe 51 are independent, it is necessary to provide multiple independent reinforcing members 52 in each valley and fix each of them to each valley of the bellows pipe 51. However, according to this embodiment, one reinforcing member 52 can be inserted into a continuous groove formed by the spiral arrangement of multiple valleys and fixed to the valley by compressing the bellows pipe 51. If two or more reinforcing members 52 are inserted into a continuous groove formed by the continuous arrangement of multiple valleys, the pressure resistance can be further improved. However, if the number of reinforcing members 52 is increased unnecessarily, the flexibility of the bellows pipe 51 will be impaired. Therefore, it is preferable that the number of reinforcing members 52 wrapped around the bellows pipe 51 is a number that does not impair the flexibility of the bellows pipe 51. In this embodiment, one reinforcing member 52 is wrapped around the bellows pipe 51.

[0031] For the reinforcing member 52, it is preferable to use a wire or metal wire with a circular cross-section, and in particular, a wire or metal wire made of a material having strength and corrosion resistance equal to or greater than that of the bellows tube 51 is preferred. If the bellows tube 51 is made of stainless steel, for example, the wire or metal wire can also be made of stainless steel.

[0032] As described above, since a single reinforcing member 52 is made of a linear member such as a single wire or metal wire, the reinforcing member 52 can be called a "reinforcing wire".

[0033] The extension-restricting member 53 covers the outer surface of the bellows tube 51 and suppresses the extension of the bellows tube 51. It is a component. The elongation-restricting member 53 is sometimes called a braid. The bellows tube 51 has the property of stretching in the length direction when internal pressure is applied and trying to return to a straight pipe. If the shape of the peaks and valleys (the shape of the pleats) of the bellows tube 51 is disturbed, the original flexibility of the bellows tube 51 will be lost. The elongation-restricting member 53 is, for example, woven into a cylindrical shape and covers the outer circumference of the bellows tube 51 so as to be in close contact with the bellows tube 51. The elongation-restricting member 53 is fixed (e.g., firmly fixed) at both ends of the bellows tube 51 by welding, crimping, compression, or a combination of one or more of these methods. In other words, by fixing one end of the elongation-restricting member 53 to one end of the bellows tube 51, and the other end of the elongation-restricting member 53 to the other end of the bellows tube 51 in the above way, the elongation of the bellows tube 51 can be suppressed. The elongation-restricting member 53 can be manufactured, for example, by weaving together stainless steel wire, strip, or ordinary steel wire.

[0034] The first jig fixing ring 54a and the second jig fixing ring 54b are the parts to which the jig (a jig for attaching the pipe fitting 50 for unwinding piping to building materials, etc.) is fixed. In other words, by fixing the jig to the first jig fixing ring 54a and the second jig fixing ring 54b, and then fixing this fixed jig to building materials, etc. at the construction site of the pipe fitting 50 for unwinding piping, the pipe fitting 50 for unwinding piping can be fixed at the construction site. The first jig fixing ring 54a and the second jig fixing ring 54b are sometimes called blade retaining rings because they are provided to hold down one end or the other end of the extension suppressing member 53 (blade). The first jig fixing ring 54a is provided on one end side of the bellows pipe 51 (fire extinguishing pipe 3 side). The second jig fixing ring 54b is provided on the other end side of the bellows pipe 51 (injection head 4 side). The first jig fixing ring 54a and the second jig fixing ring 54b are hollow members. A bellows tube 51 and an extension-restricting member 53 covering its outer surface are inserted into the hollow portion.

[0035] The first jig fixing ring 54a and the second jig fixing ring 54b can be fixed to the outer surface of the extension-restricting member 53 by, for example, welding, crimping, compression, or a combination of one or more of these methods. The outer shape of the first jig fixing ring 54a and the second jig fixing ring 54b is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, cylindrical or polygonal prism.

[0036] During a fire, the recoil (radiation reaction force) from the release of the extinguishing agent gas causes the bellows tube 51 to vibrate violently, resulting in an unstable position for the spray head 4. To suppress this vibration, a jig is needed to firmly fix the bellows tube 51 to building materials at the construction site. The reaction force during the release of the extinguishing gas is much greater than that of general water-based fire extinguishing equipment, requiring a larger jig and specialized fittings for fixing. Therefore, anticipating the use of various jigs, it is preferable that both the first jig fixing ring 54a and the second jig fixing ring 54b are longer than those used in water or foam fire extinguishing. Specifically, it is preferable that they be at least twice and no more than ten times the length of those used in water or foam fire extinguishing. More specifically, it is preferable that both the first jig fixing ring 54a and the second jig fixing ring 54b are at least 50 mm and no more than 200 mm in length.

[0037] The hollow member 55 is a cylindrical member. The hollow member 55 is fixed to the end of the bellows tube 51 by methods such as welding or adhesive. The boundary between the hollow member 55 and the bellows tube 51 may or may not be covered by the first jig fixing ring 54a or the second jig fixing ring 54b.

[0038] A hollow member 55 is connected to one end of the bellows tube 51 (specific example of connection: joining by welding, etc.), and a nut 56 is inserted into the hollow member 55. The hollow member 55 is sometimes called a sleeve. The hollow member 55 has a protrusion X, and the nut 56 is used for fixing the first jig. The nut 56 is movable in the longitudinal direction of the hollow member 55 in the space D between the first jig fixing ring 54a and the protrusion X. In other words, the nut 56 can be moved in the left-right direction in Figure 20 in the space D between the first jig fixing ring 54a and the protrusion X. Thus, in this embodiment, instead of joining (welding, etc.) the first mounting member 57a (mounting member on the fire extinguishing pipe 3 side) to the bellows pipe 51, the nut 56 is provided between the bellows pipe 51 and the first mounting member 57a.

[0039] The nut 56 is rotatably attached to the hollow member 55. This allows the first mounting member 57a to be attached to the fire extinguishing pipe 3 (or to other members connected to the fire extinguishing pipe 3, such as fittings like elbows, sockets, and tees; hereinafter, the fire extinguishing pipe 3 or members connected to the fire extinguishing pipe 3 will be referred to as "fire extinguishing pipe 3, etc.") simply by rotating the nut 56, without having to rotate the entire pipe fitting 50 for unwinding piping.

[0040] Preferably, the nut 56 is attached to the hollow member 55 in a way that allows it to be tilted in addition to being rotatable (i.e., rotatable and tiltable). Specifically, it is preferable that a gap Q (play) is provided between the opening of the nut 56 and the outer surface of the hollow member 55 so that the nut 56 can be slightly tilted. In this way, even if the fire extinguishing pipe 3 is tilted, the first mounting member 57a can be attached to the fire extinguishing pipe 3 in accordance with the tilt (angle) of the fire extinguishing pipe 3, and the nut 56 can be attached to the first mounting member 57a in accordance with the tilt (angle) of the first mounting member 57a. If the nut 56 can be tilted slightly, even if the fire extinguishing pipe 3 etc. is slightly tilted, the first mounting member 57a can be attached to the fire extinguishing pipe 3 etc. in accordance with the tilt (angle) of the fire extinguishing pipe 3 etc., and then the nut 56 can be tilted and the first mounting member 57a can be attached to the nut 56 without tilting the entire pipe fitting 50 for unwinding piping (especially the bellows pipe 51).

[0041] A screw groove is formed on the inside of the nut 56. This screw groove engages with a screw groove provided on the outer surface of the first mounting member 57a. In this embodiment, the nut 56 and hollow member 55 are provided only on the fire extinguishing pipe 3 side, but the nut 56 and hollow member 55 can also be provided on the spray head 4 side. In this case, the nut 56 and hollow member 55 on the fire extinguishing pipe 3 side described above will be referred to as the first nut and first hollow member, and the nut and hollow member on the spray head 4 side will be 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, etc.). The second nut and second hollow member have the same configuration and function as the nut 56 and hollow member 55 on the fire extinguishing pipe 3 side described above.

[0042] For the nut 56, it is preferable to use, for example, a cap nut.

[0043] The first mounting member 57a (mounting member on the fire extinguishing pipe 3 side) is a member for attaching the pipe fitting 50 for unwinding pipes to the fire extinguishing pipe 3, etc. The second mounting member 57b (mounting member on the spray head 4 side) is a member for attaching the pipe fitting 50 for unwinding pipes to the spray head 4 (or a fitting such as an elbow, socket, or tee, or any other component connected to the spray head 4; hereinafter, the spray head 4 or any component connected to the spray head 4 will be referred to as "spray head 4, etc."). Examples of mounting methods include screwing, fitting, or a combination thereof. When mounting by screwing, screw grooves are provided on, for example, the inner surface of the first mounting member 57a or the second mounting member 57b.

[0044] If the pipe fitting 50 for unwinding piping has the above-mentioned nut 56 (first nut) on the fire extinguishing pipe 3 side, the first mounting member 57a is attached to the first nut by screwing it in. If the pipe fitting 50 for unwinding piping has a second nut on the spray head 4 side that has the same configuration and function as the above-mentioned nut 56, the second mounting member 57b is attached to the second nut by screwing it in. If the pipe fitting 50 for unwinding piping has the above-mentioned nut 56 (first nut) only on the fire extinguishing pipe 3 side If the spray head 4 does not have a second nut having the same configuration and function as the nut 56 described above, the second mounting member 57b is joined to the bellows pipe 51 by welding or the like.

[0045] The distance between the end of the first mounting member 57a and the end of the second mounting member 57b, that is, the total length L of the pipe joint for unwinding piping (flexible joint) 50, is not particularly limited.

[0046] The first mounting member 57a is sometimes called an adapter. The second mounting member 57b is sometimes called a nipple when it is joined to the bellows tube 51 by welding or the like, and when it is attached to the second nut by screwing, it is sometimes called an adapter, similar to the first mounting member 57a. When the second mounting member 57b functions as a nipple, it is a member that is joined to the bellows tube 51 by welding or the like, and is connected to the spray head, etc. by screw connection. When the second mounting member 57b and the bellows tube 51 are joined by welding or the like, the bellows tube 51 will be rotated when connecting the second mounting member 57b to the spray head 4, etc.

[0047] As described above, with the pipe fitting 50 for unwinding piping, the bellows pipe 51 is flexible, allowing even unskilled workers to install the unwinding piping 5 in accordance with the conditions of the construction site of the gas-based fire extinguishing system 1. Furthermore, since at least one reinforcing member 52 (a number that does not impair the flexibility of the bellows pipe 51) is wrapped around the bellows pipe 51 along the valleys of the bellows pipe 51, the pressure resistance of the bellows pipe 51 can be ensured while maintaining its flexibility. Therefore, it is possible to provide a pipe fitting 50 for unwinding piping and a gas-based fire extinguishing system 1 using the same that can be easily installed while ensuring pressure resistance.

[0048] In this embodiment, the nut 56 and the first mounting member 57a are connected by parallel threads, making connection and removal easy. The nut 56 is loosely fitted to the hollow member 55 beforehand and can rotate and move back and forth freely. The sleeve of the hollow member 55 is joined to the bellows pipe 51 by welding or the like. When connecting to the fire extinguishing pipe 3, etc., only the first mounting member 57a can be removed from the nut 56, and only the first mounting member 57a can be connected to the fire extinguishing pipe 3, etc. When connecting the first mounting member 57a to the bellows pipe 51, the nut 56, which is integrated with the bellows pipe 51, can be placed against the first mounting member 57a connected to the fire extinguishing pipe 3, etc., and the connection can be made simply by rotating only the nut 56. Unlike when connecting the second mounting member 57b to the spray head 4, etc., there is no need to rotate the bellows pipe 51, which has the advantage of making the work easier.

[0049] In conventional coiled piping used in gas-based fire extinguishing systems 1, multiple steel pipes and fittings such as elbows are combined to adjust the position and multiple screw-in operations are required to accurately attach the spray head 4 to the hole position in the ceiling board. However, aligning the coiled piping during installation requires skilled techniques, and cutting pipes to the correct dimensions takes time, which is a burden on the installer. Furthermore, earthquake-resistant ceiling construction is required to enable rapid restoration of operations in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as earthquakes. As described in this embodiment, by having a flexible bellows pipe 51 in the coiled piping, the screw-in operation of multiple steel pipes can be completed in a single screw-in operation, leading to simplified installation and reduced time. Generally, gas fire extinguishing systems, which operate at significantly higher pressures than water fire extinguishing systems, require high pressure resistance, necessitating the use of materials with poor flexibility. However, according to this embodiment, by providing reinforcing members 52 in the valleys of the flexible bellows pipe 51, it is possible to provide coiled piping for gas-based fire extinguishing systems that achieves both pressure resistance and flexibility. Furthermore, according to the gas-based fire extinguishing system extension piping 5 of this embodiment, which is equipped with a flexible bellows pipe 51, phase shifts that occur when vibrations such as earthquakes occur can be absorbed between the fire extinguishing pipe 3 fixed to the compartment and the spray head 4 fixed to the ceiling substrate. Therefore, the seismic resistance of the ceiling can be improved.

[0050] Incidentally, when a flexible joint is used for the pipe fitting 50 of the unwinding pipe 5 of the gas-based fire extinguishing system 1, the pressure of the extinguishing agent gas used in the gas-based fire extinguishing system 1 is higher than that of the water-based extinguishing agent used in the water-based fire extinguishing system. Therefore, the pressure on the flexible joint when the gas-based extinguishing agent is released is also high, and depending on the installation configuration of the unwinding pipe 5, the load generated by the extension of the flexible joint may act on structures such as ceilings. Thus, it was found that some measures are necessary to prevent adverse effects on the structures. The following describes a support structure for the unwinding piping of a gas-based fire extinguishing system, designed to prevent the load generated by the use of flexible joints from adversely affecting the structure.

[0051] In the first embodiment of the support structure for the unwinding piping of the gas-based fire extinguishing system of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1, a flexible joint equipped with a flexible bellows section is used for the unwinding piping 5, and the load generated in the flexible joint when the gas-based fire extinguishing agent is released is supported by the ceiling slab of the building structure (if the building structure is made of reinforced concrete (RC)) or a beam (if the building structure is made of reinforced concrete (RC) or steel frame (S)) via a suspension member 6. Here, the suspension members 6 can be supported on the ceiling slab or beams by installing inserts, driving in anchors, or welding suspension hooks.

[0052] Here, the unwinding pipe 5 is supported at both ends by suspension members 61 and 62, that is, the base end of the unwinding pipe 5 is supported by suspension member 61 and the tip end is supported by suspension member 62, by the ceiling slab or beam of the building structure.

[0053] As shown in Figure 2, the suspension member 6 can preferably be a steel rod (including steel material with threads formed at both ends or threaded rods with threads formed along their entire length) or a wire (steel wire) with hook-shaped ends and length adjustment mechanisms such as turnbuckles 6a or long nuts 6b.

[0054] The suspension member 61 can be directly connected to the base end of the unwinding pipe 5 using a fixing member such as a suspension band. However, in this embodiment, the suspension member 62 is indirectly connected to the branch pipe 31 of the rigid fire extinguishing pipe 3 to which the base end of the unwinding pipe 5 is connected, specifically by using a fixing member such as a suspension band on the branch pipe 31. The suspension member 61 and the branch pipe 31 of the fire extinguishing pipe 3 can be connected via a mounting fixture 31a attached to the branch pipe 31 of the fire extinguishing pipe 3, as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0055] The suspension member 62 can be directly connected to the tip of the unwinding pipe 5, but in this embodiment, the hook of the suspension member 62 is connected via the support member 71 that fixes the tip of the unwinding pipe 5 (and the spray head 4). The suspension member 62 and the support member 71 can be connected by either directly attaching them to the support member 71, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, or by attaching them via a mounting device 71a such as an eyebolt attached to the support member 71.

[0056] The support member 71 is made of a rigid shaped steel such as angle steel, and as shown in Figures 1 and 3, it is stretched across the joist support 72 (the joist support 72 is supported on the ceiling slab or beam via suspension members 74 (joist support hangers 74a)) that supports the joists 73 (rod-shaped members used to attach ceiling boards 76 etc. in a raised ceiling) of the building structure, and fixed using U-shaped bolts 75.

[0057] According to the support structure for the unwinding piping of this gas-based fire extinguishing system, by using a flexible joint equipped with a flexible bellows section in the unwinding piping 5, the advantages of the flexible joint, such as simplified construction and reduced installation time, are enjoyed while the gas-based fire extinguishing agent is released flexibly. By supporting the load generated at the joint with the ceiling slab or beam of the building structure via the suspension member 6, it is possible to prevent the load generated by the use of the flexible joint from adversely affecting the structure.

[0058] Incidentally, in the first embodiment of the support structure for the unwinding pipe of the gas-based fire extinguishing system of the present invention, shown in Figure 1, the suspension member 62 connected to the tip of the unwinding pipe 5 is directly supported by the ceiling slab or beam of the building structure. However, as shown in the second to fourth embodiments of the support structure for the unwinding pipe of the gas-based fire extinguishing system of the present invention, shown in Figures 6 to 8, the suspension member 63 connected to the tip of the unwinding pipe 5 can also be connected to a branch pipe 31 of a rigid fire extinguishing pipe 3 to which the base end of the unwinding pipe 5, to which the suspension member 61 is connected, is connected. This ensures that the tip of the unwinding pipe 5 is supported by the ceiling slab or beam of the building structure via the suspension member 63, the branch pipe 31 of the fire extinguishing pipe 3, and the suspension member 61.

[0059] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the suspension member 62 connected to the tip of the unwinding pipe 5 can be connected via a support member 71 that fixes the tip of the unwinding pipe 5 (and the spray head 4), or as shown in Figure 11, via a fixing device 71b that fixes the tip of the unwinding pipe 5 (and the spray head 4) to the support member 71.

[0060] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the suspension member 62 connected to the tip of the unwinding pipe 5 and the branch pipe 31 of the fire extinguishing pipe 3 can be connected via an attachment 31a such as an eyebolt attached to the branch pipe 31 of the fire extinguishing pipe 3.

[0061] When using a wire (steel wire) for the suspension member 6, a wire (steel wire) equipped with a length adjustment mechanism such as a wire adjuster 6c can be suitably used, as shown in Figures 8 and 14.

[0062] Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the support structure for the unwinding pipe of the gas-based fire extinguishing system of the present invention, shown in Figure 1, the tip of the unwinding pipe 5 (and the spray head 4) is fixed to the support member 71. However, as shown in the fifth embodiment of the support structure for the unwinding pipe of the gas-based fire extinguishing system of the present invention, shown in Figures 15 and 16, the tip of the unwinding pipe 5 (and the spray head 4) can also be fixed to the ceiling joist support 72 by a fastener 72a. This allows the end of the unwinding pipe 5 (and the spray head 4) to be indirectly supported on the ceiling slab or beam by the suspension member 74 (furring strip hanger 74a) that supports the furring strip support 72 on the ceiling slab or beam.

[0063] The support structure for the unwinding piping of the gas-based fire extinguishing system of the present invention has been described above based on its embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the above embodiments, and its configuration can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention, such as by appropriately combining the configurations described in each embodiment. [Industrial applicability]

[0064] The support structure for the unwinding piping of a gas-based fire extinguishing system of the present invention utilizes flexible joints for the unwinding piping of the gas-based fire extinguishing system. This structure enjoys the advantages of flexible joints, such as simplified construction and reduced installation time, while preventing the load generated by the flexible joints from adversely affecting the structure. Therefore, it can be widely used in gas-based fire extinguishing systems that use extinguishing agent gases such as halogenated gases and inert gases. Furthermore, its application is not limited to newly installed gas-based fire extinguishing systems, but can also be applied to the renovation of existing gas-based fire extinguishing systems. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 1. Gas-based fire extinguishing equipment 2 Storage containers 3. Fire extinguishing piping 31 Branch pipe 31a Mounting hardware 4, 4A, 4B, 4C spray heads 5. Unwinding pipe 50 Pipe fittings for unwinding piping (flexible fittings) 51. Bellows tube (bellows section) 52 Reinforcement members 53 Extension-restricting member 54a First jig fixing ring 54b Second jig fixing ring 55 Hollow member 56 nuts 57a First mounting member 57b Second mounting member 6. Suspension Members 61 Suspension member 62 Suspension Members 6a Turnbuckle (length adjustment mechanism) 6b Long nut (length adjustment mechanism) 71 Support member 71a Mounting hardware 71b Fixtures 72. Ceiling joist support 72a Fixtures 73 veranda 74 Suspension Members 75 U-shaped bolts 76 Ceiling panels X Protrusions of the hollow member L Total length of the pipe fitting (flexible joint) for unwinding piping (distance between the end of the first mounting member and the end of the second mounting member) P: The distance between the valleys of the bellows tube (bellows section). T1 Bellows tube (bellows section) wall thickness

Claims

1. A support structure for the unwinding piping of a gas-based fire extinguishing system, The aforementioned unwinding pipe uses a flexible joint equipped with a bellows section, The load generated on the flexible joint when a gaseous fire extinguishing agent is released The tip of the unwinding pipe is supported by a support member made of shaped steel that is fixed via fasteners and spans across the joist support of the building structure, and The lower end of the unwinding pipe is supported by a suspension member extending diagonally upward to a rigid fire extinguishing pipe or a branch pipe of a fire extinguishing pipe, The upper end of the unwinding pipe is supported by the ceiling slab or beam of the building structure via a suspension member extending vertically upward, which is connected to a rigid fire extinguishing pipe or a branch pipe of the fire extinguishing pipe. A support structure for unwinding piping in a gas-based fire extinguishing system, characterized by the above.

2. The support structure for unwinding piping of a gas-based fire extinguishing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the suspension member is equipped with a length adjustment mechanism.

3. The support structure for an unwinding pipe of a gas-based fire extinguishing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the suspension member is connected to a support member that fixes the tip of the unwinding pipe.

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