CN113423510A

CN113423510A - Machine for outputting at least one fluid jet and corresponding method

Info

Publication number: CN113423510A
Application number: CN201880100682.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 沃尔特·里德
Original assignee: Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide; Technoalpin Holding SpA
Current assignee: Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide; Technoalpin Holding SpA
Priority date: 2018-12-11
Filing date: 2018-12-11
Publication date: 2021-09-21
Also published as: WO2020121022A1; EP3894088A1

Abstract

A machine (1) for outputting at least one fluid jet, comprising: a tubular body (2); -blowing means (5) operatively associated to the tubular body (2) for generating an air flow along a propagation direction (P); and a plurality of atomising nozzles (6) operatively associated to the tubular body (2) to eject at least a first fluid jet towards said air flow. In addition, the machine (1) comprises: an output mouth (7) located on an outer surface (8) of the tubular body (2) for emitting a second jet of fluid substantially along a longitudinal direction (L) parallel to the propagation direction (P); and first orientation means (9) for orienting said outlet mouth (7) so as to vary the inclination of said longitudinal direction (L) of said second fluid jet with respect to a direction parallel to said propagation direction (P) and passing through the outlet mouth (7).

Description

Machine for outputting at least one fluid jet and corresponding method

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a machine for outputting at least one jet of fluid (preferably, liquid).

Preferably, the machine is a gun or a gun for emitting at least one fluid jet.

In particular, the invention is applicable in the technical field of machines for reducing dust and/or reducing odours and/or relieving fires by emitting at least one fluid jet, preferably a water jet, to which a substance can be added for this purpose.

The invention further relates to a method for outputting at least one fluid jet, in which method the machine described above is used.

Background

A fire in an airport outbreak is particularly sensitive because it is closely related to saving lives.

The potential explosion hazard and/or the generation of significant heat is very high in view of the large amount of fuel. In this case, it is estimated that there is a useful time of several minutes (usually two or three minutes) for the intervention of the rescue vehicle. After this time, the risk of explosion increases exponentially and therefore it is better to leave.

Generally, rescue vehicles are trucks equipped with "cannon" shaped devices capable of delivering a large jet of a specific fluid (for example water or a water mixture with added foaming agent) to mitigate fires, and/or possibly to reduce odours and/or dust.

Today, the "cannon" shaped fire fighting equipment used comprises a tubular body in which an impeller (or a blower or a turbine) is inserted to generate an output airflow. In addition, the device comprises a crown of nozzles arranged at the outlet of the tubular body.

In this way, the atomizer nozzle sprays liquid into the output air stream to obtain a cloud of aerosol droplets that can help reduce the fire temperature, and the aerosol droplets contain the smoke and/or dust generated to prevent the smoke and/or dust from spreading into the environment.

However, it is often the case that smoke and/or dust from a fire propagates in different directions from the point of fire. The obvious drawbacks brought by the prior art are therefore related to the fact that: it is not always possible to accurately and simultaneously direct clouds to all points of interest. In this case, therefore, it is necessary to use at least two different fire-fighting settings capable of acting independently on two different zones (for example, a cannon for fumes and/or odours and a fire hose for direct intervention on the source of the fire).

However, this means that the material, overall size and personnel required and also the water supply in the fire are doubled.

Disclosure of Invention

On this background, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose a machine for outputting a fluid jet that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art described above.

In particular, the aim of the present invention is to provide a machine for outputting a fluid jet which is capable of reducing the intervention time for fire extinguishing or for eliminating dust and/or odours.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine for outputting a fluid jet that is capable of optimizing the directionality of the fluid jet with respect to different areas of interest of a fire and/or different areas of interest of dust propagation.

In particular, the aim of the present invention is to provide a machine for outputting a fluid jet that is able to act on two different areas of interest simultaneously, thus providing better performance and reducing the use of the device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine for outputting a fluid jet which is completely remote-controlled, for example by wireless technology, so as to reduce the risks for the operator.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for outputting at least one liquid flow, which can be applied to the aforesaid machine.

The technical task indicated and the aims indicated are substantially achieved by a machine for outputting fluid jets and by a method for outputting at least one fluid jet, comprising the technical features listed in the independent claims. The dependent claims correspond to further advantageous aspects of the invention.

It should be noted that this summary introduces some concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description.

The invention relates to a machine for outputting at least one fluid jet. In particular, the machine comprises a tubular body (which provides a characteristic gun shape), a blowing device, a plurality of atomising nozzles, an output nozzle and a first orienting device.

The tubular body extends between its air inlet and its air outlet, and blowing means are operatively associated to the tubular body for generating an air flow along the propagation direction of the air from the inlet towards the outlet. A plurality of atomising nozzles are operatively associated to the outlet of the tubular body to emit at least a first fluid jet towards the air flow generated by the blowing means along the propagation direction. An output nozzle is located on the outer surface of the tubular body for emitting a second jet of fluid substantially along a longitudinal direction, which is parallel to the direction of propagation of the air flow. Advantageously, the machine further comprises first orientation means for orienting the outlet mouth so as to vary the inclination of the longitudinal direction of the second fluid jet with respect to a direction parallel to the propagation direction and passing through the outlet mouth. In addition, the first orientation means comprise one or more actuating members which can be commanded to adjust the direction of the output mouth.

In other words, the output mouth defines a kind of "monitor" of the emission of the fluid jet along the longitudinal direction. While the atomizing nozzle defines a crown for realizing a cloud of suspended liquid particles propelled by the air flow towards the propagation direction.

In this way, the machine is set up to manipulate at least two different fluid jets. The first fluid jet is emitted by the atomizing nozzle towards the gas stream such that the gas stream carries the aerosol droplets towards the area of interest, thereby forming a cloud, for example to confine any existing fire and/or smoke and/or odors.

On the other hand, the second fluid jet is emitted from an output mouth (external to the tubular body) orientable by an orienting device comprising at least one activation member. In particular, the activation means govern the orientation means, to determine the direction of the output mouth, and to adjust the inclination of the output mouth, to orient the exit direction of the first fluid flow and finally to modify at any time in use, as required.

Preferably, the first orientation means are configured to change the inclination of the longitudinal direction on a horizontal plane parallel to the propagation direction, or on a vertical plane associated with the propagation direction, or on a combination between the horizontal and vertical planes.

In this way, the change of inclination can advantageously be carried out both with respect to the vertical and/or with respect to the horizontal, so as to vary the range and the displacement of the second fluid jet.

Preferably, the output mouth is located substantially on a top portion of the outer surface of the tubular body with respect to the vertical direction, to output the second fluid jet substantially above with respect to the tubular body.

Advantageously, this positional arrangement of the output mouth makes the output mouth more visible and accessible to the operator during the adjustment or maintenance phase.

According to an aspect of the invention, the machine comprises a control unit connected at least to the orientation means. The control unit is configured to send a movement signal to the activation member to change the inclination of the longitudinal direction of the second fluid jet with respect to a direction parallel to the propagation direction.

Advantageously, the control unit allows the operator to indirectly manage the activation member, reducing risks and even being able to change direction during use of the machine. More advantageously, the control unit is configured to regulate other parameters during operation of the machine, in addition to turning the machine on and off.

Preferably, the control unit comprises a receiving module configured to receive a remote command signal and to send it to the control unit itself to remotely vary the inclination of the longitudinal direction of the second fluid jet with respect to a direction parallel to the propagation direction.

In this way, the operator is advantageously able to control the machine remotely, for example by means of a tablet computer or a specific electronic device, for example by means of wireless technology.

According to another aspect of the invention, the delivery mouth is arranged at the outlet of the tubular body and, in addition, it projects in a longitudinal direction beyond the lying plane of the delivery mouth itself.

Advantageously, this positional arrangement of the delivery nozzle allows avoiding any interference between the first fluid jet and the second fluid jet emitted by the atomizing nozzle and by the delivery nozzle, respectively.

According to other aspects of the invention, a plurality of atomizing nozzles are arranged in a crown around the outlet of the tubular body. In particular, the delivery nozzle is located outside the plurality of atomizing nozzles with respect to the radial direction of the tubular body.

According to an aspect of the invention, the first orientation means comprises a fixed portion and a movable portion associated to the fixed portion. The fixed portion is connected to the fluid supply conduit and the movable portion is connected to the output nozzle. In addition, the movable part comprises a swivel joint configured to change the inclination of the longitudinal direction of the second fluid jet with respect to a direction parallel to the propagation direction.

Advantageously, the use of a swivel joint (for example a ball joint) to connect the output mouth to the supply duct allows to orient the second fluid jet in any direction inclined with respect to the direction parallel to the propagation direction. Thus, changes in inclination can be easily made both with respect to the vertical and/or with respect to the horizontal to vary the extent and displacement of the second fluid jet.

Preferably, the activation means comprise at least one hydraulic piston externally associated to the swivel joint to adjust and maintain the inclination of the longitudinal direction of the second fluid jet with respect to a direction parallel to the propagation direction. The orientation means comprises hydraulic pistons each operatively interposed between the fixed part and the movable part.

Advantageously, the hydraulic piston is configured to move the movable part of the orienting device relative to the fixed part connected to the fluid supply line. In addition, the hydraulic piston is shaped to maintain a certain position of the movable part with respect to the fixed part, so as to maintain the inclination of the second fluid jet constant for a predetermined time.

According to an aspect of the invention, the machine comprises a valve for controlling the pressure or flow of the fluid. In particular, the valve is interposed between the fixed part of the orienting device and the fluid supply conduit.

Preferably, the valve comprises an adjustment mechanism configured to vary the flow rate of said fluid between a maximum value substantially equal to the maximum flow rate of said fluid and a minimum value substantially comprised between 10% and 80% of the maximum flow rate of said fluid.

Advantageously, the valve is configured to vary its flow rate between its inlet and outlet portions so as to regulate the flow rate of the second fluid jet. Preferably, the adjustment is done remotely by an operator based on the required and determined water supply.

According to another aspect of the invention, a machine includes a first conduit for transporting a fluid and a second conduit for transporting a fluid. The first conduit extends between an inlet portion thereof associated with the fluid source and an outlet portion thereof connected to the plurality of atomizing nozzles. While the second conduit extends between its inlet portion associated with the respective fluid source and its outlet portion connected to the output mouth.

In this way, the machine is configured to manage the supply of the output nozzle and the atomizing nozzle independently of each other. In addition, the machine is advantageously configured to start or stop the emission of one of the two fluid jets as required.

Preferably, the second duct comprises a pair of subsidiary ducts which diverge from the inlet portion of the second duct itself towards two corresponding appendixes of the outlet portion.

In this way, the output mouth receives a balanced fluid supply from two preferably opposite feed lines.

According to an aspect of the invention, the machine comprises at least one light source connected to the output mouth for projecting a light cone substantially along the longitudinal direction.

Advantageously, the light source allows the operator to easily operate in the area of interest (even in situations of poor visibility).

According to another aspect of the invention, the machine comprises at least a camera associated with the tubular body. In particular, the camera is configured to take pictures or video along a longitudinal direction or a propagation direction.

Advantageously, the operator can remotely manage the machine for extinguishing fires even in situations where the site of interest cannot be directly seen, for example due to dense smoke.

According to other aspects of the invention, the machine comprises moving means associated to the tubular body for moving the machine. In particular, the moving means comprise rubber-covered wheels or tracks and/or rail wheels.

The use of a handling device allows the operator to preferably remotely bring the machine as close as possible to the area of interest and to correct the position of the machine as needed and in a way that how they evolve over time.

A method for outputting at least one fluid jet, comprising the following operating steps:

-pre-positioning said machine for outputting at least one fluid jet;

-activating blowing means for generating an air flow in a propagation direction from the inlet towards the outlet;

-adjusting the inclination of the output mouth with respect to a direction parallel to the propagation direction and passing the output mouth;

-emitting at least a first fluid jet from a plurality of atomizing nozzles;

-ejecting a second fluid jet from the output nozzle.

Preferably, the step of ejecting at least a first fluid jet from the plurality of atomizing nozzles is performed after the step of ejecting a second fluid jet from the output nozzle.

According to an aspect of the invention, the step of adjusting the inclination of the output nozzle is performed simultaneously with the step of ejecting the second fluid jet from the output nozzle.

Thus, in this way, the operator is able to regulate the direction of the second fluid jet during operation of the machine.

According to another aspect of the invention, the method further comprises the following operating steps:

-adjusting the inclination of the central mouth with respect to the propagation direction;

-emitting a third fluid jet from the central nozzle.

Preferably, the step of adjusting the inclination of the output mouth is performed independently of the step of adjusting the inclination of the central mouth.

Advantageously, the first, second and third fluid jets may cover three different areas to enhance the extinguishing of the fire to reduce the intervention time.

Thus, the operator is advantageously able to remotely govern the direction of the first fluid jet during operation of the machine and also during operation of the output mouth itself.

Drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the general and therefore non-limiting description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a machine for outputting at least one fluid jet, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows a side view of a machine for outputting at least one fluid jet;

figure 2 shows a front view of the machine;

figure 3 shows a top view of the delivery nozzle on the machine, for emphasizing the movement of the delivery nozzle with respect to a horizontal plane;

figure 4 shows a side view of the delivery spout on the machine for emphasizing the movement of the delivery spout with respect to a vertical plane;

fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the machine arranged on top of a rescue vehicle, for showing the different directions between the first fluid jet and the second fluid jet;

fig. 6 shows a top view of the machine arranged on a rescue vehicle for showing the different directions between the first fluid jet and the second fluid jet towards the aircraft.

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates to a machine for outputting at least one fluid jet, which machine is preferably capable of reducing the time required for extinguishing a fire.

In the following of the present description reference will be made mainly to the fire fighting field as a preferred but not exclusive field of application of the invention.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, a machine for outputting at least one fluid jet has been generally indicated by the numeral 1.

Other numerical references relate to features of the present invention unless there are various indications or obvious structural incompatibility, those skilled in the art know how to apply these features to all of the various embodiments described.

As shown in fig. 1, a machine 1 for outputting at least one fluid jet according to the invention comprises a tubular body 2, which tubular body 2 extends between an air inlet 3 thereof and an air outlet 4 thereof. The particular shape of the tubular body 2 gives the machine 1 its own "cannon" or gun shape. In addition, the tubular body 2 is operatively associated with blowing means 5 to generate an air flow along an air propagation direction P from the inlet 3 to the outlet 4. The blowing means 5 comprise an impeller (or rotor or turbine) located at least partially within the tubular body 2 at the inlet 3.

In addition, the machine 1 comprises a plurality of atomising nozzles 6, said plurality of atomising nozzles 6 being operatively associated to the outlet 4 of the tubular body 2 to emit at least a first fluid jet towards the air flow along the propagation direction P. In particular, a plurality of atomising nozzles 6 are arranged in a crown around the outlet opening 4 of the tubular body 2. Advantageously, the first fluid jet is emitted towards the gas flow, so that the gas flow carries suspended droplets of the fluid towards the area of interest, forming a cloud, for example to limit any fire and/or fumes and/or odours present.

The machine 1 therefore comprises an output mouth 7 arranged on an outer surface 8 of the tubular body 2 for emitting a second jet of fluid substantially along a longitudinal direction L parallel to the propagation direction P. In particular, the outlet mouth 7 is arranged externally of the tubular body along the extension thereof, so that the second fluid jet is emitted along the longitudinal direction L towards a point substantially in front of the outlet 4 of the tubular body 2.

According to an aspect of the invention, as shown in the accompanying figures, the delivery mouth 7 is preferably located substantially at the top portion of the outer surface 8 of the tubular body 2 with respect to the vertical, to deliver a second jet of fluid substantially above with respect to the tubular body 2 itself. Preferably, the delivery spout 7 is located outside the plurality of atomising nozzles 6 with respect to the radial direction of the tubular body 2 (more precisely, with respect to the radial direction of the outlet 4). More preferably, as shown in fig. 1, the delivery mouth 7 provided at the outlet 4 of the tubular body 2 projects in the longitudinal direction L out of a lying plane (lying plane) of the outside of the tubular body 2.

In practice, the output mouth 7 is a "monitor" of the emission of the liquid jet. In any case, the second liquid jet emitted by the outlet mouth 7 has a higher flow rate than the first liquid jet emitted by the plurality of atomising nozzles 6, for example a value of about 5000 litres/minute or more. Alternatively, if the machine 1 is used to reduce dust, the output mouth 7 is configured to emit a liquid jet at a flow rate lower than the above-mentioned value.

Advantageously, the machine 1 is configured to spray two different fluid jets independently of each other. The first fluid jet is caused to propagate like a cloud of atomized liquid under the action of the air flow generated by the blowing means 5 and thus substantially along the propagation direction P of the air. While the second fluid jet propagates along an emission direction (directable longitudinal direction L) that is variable in time as required, which may be parallel (figures 1-4) or inclined (figures 5 and 6) with respect to a direction parallel to the propagation direction P of the air, or more precisely, in the first case, the direction of the fluid flow extends along the same vertical plane parallel to the propagation direction P, and in the second case, they extend along two different vertical planes that intersect each other.

Thus, advantageously, the machine 1 is configured to direct the second fluid flow towards a site of interest (for example, the location of a fire source or a site where excess dust falls) and to direct the cloud towards different critical areas where smoke and/or odours may be present, in order to confine and burn them. In other words, the two fluid jet directions are independent, and in particular the second fluid jet is adjustable relative to the first fluid jet in order to guide the second fluid jet differently as required.

According to the above-mentioned aspect, the machine 1 comprises first orientation means 9, which first orientation means 9 are intended to determine the orientation of the delivery nozzle 7 in order to vary the inclination of the longitudinal direction L of the second fluid jet with respect to a direction parallel to the propagation direction P (which also passes through the delivery nozzle 7 itself). To this end, the first orientation means comprise one or more actuating members 10 which can be commanded to adjust the orientation of the output mouth 7.

In other words, the first orientation means 9 are configured to govern the position of the output mouth 7 so as to change the direction of the output mouth 7 with respect to the propagation direction P. More specifically, the first orienting means may tilt the output mouth 7 in different directions on a horizontal plane parallel to the propagation direction P, or on a vertical plane associated with the propagation direction P, or on a combination between the horizontal and vertical planes.

According to an aspect of the invention, as better illustrated in figures 3 and 4, the first orientation means 9 comprise a fixed portion 11 and a movable portion 12 associated with the fixed portion 11. The fixed portion 11 is connected to a fluid supply conduit 19, while the movable portion 12 is connected to the output mouth 7. In other words, the first orientation means 9 interconnect the output mouth 7 and the associated fluid supply conduit 19, and additionally the first orientation means 9 are configured to change the direction of the output mouth 7 and thus the direction of the second fluid jet.

Advantageously, the first orientation means 9 comprise a swivel joint 14 (for example a "knee" joint), the swivel joint 14 being configured to vary the inclination of the longitudinal direction L of the second fluid jet with respect to a direction parallel to the propagation direction P. The swivel joint 14 includes a swivel head (movable part 12) and a swivel base (fixed part 11). Preferably, the swivel head has a spherical or cylindrical shape, while the swivel base has a pair of appendages cantilevered with respect to the main body, parallel to each other and between which the swivel head can be housed, so that the swivel head can rotate with respect to its own fulcrum to allow varying the inclination of the first fluid jet with respect to the propagation direction P. In other words, this articulated joint is mechanically rigid.

According to one aspect of the invention, as better shown in fig. 3 and 4, a pin 15 is provided between the rotating head and the rotating seat, or more generally between the fixed part 11 and the movable part 12, to hold the parts together and allow the output mouth 7 to rotate on a horizontal plane parallel to the propagation direction P, or on a vertical plane associated with the propagation direction P, or on a combination between the horizontal and vertical planes. According to this aspect, the possible adjustment of the range of the second fluid jet can be carried out by varying the inclination of the entire tubular body 2 with respect to the support 16, wherein the tubular body 2 is connected in a swivelling manner to the support 16 by means of a pair of transversal supports.

Advantageously, in order to adjust and maintain the inclination of the longitudinal axis L of the second fluid jet with respect to the direction parallel to the propagation direction P, the activation member 10 connected to the first orientation means 9 comprises at least one hydraulic piston 17 externally associated to the swivel joint 14. As shown in fig. 3 and 4, each hydraulic piston 17 is operatively interposed between the fixed portion 11 and the movable portion 12.

The hydraulic piston 17 is configured in one of its rest positions such that the output mouth 17 defines a longitudinal direction L parallel to the propagation direction P, while the sliding of the piston in extension and retraction with respect to the corresponding cylinder involves the movement of the swivel head of the swivel joint around the respective pin 15.

Preferably, the first orienting means 9 comprise two different hydraulic pistons 17, each hydraulic piston 17 being able to orient the output mouth 17 with respect to a vertical or horizontal plane with respect to the ground. The embodiment of two hydraulic pistons 17 advantageously allows orienting the output mouth 7 in various ways to define the large-scale conical action of the second fluid jet.

According to an aspect of the invention, the machine 1 comprises a first duct and a second duct 19 for conveying the fluid. The first conduit extends between its inlet portion associated with the fluid source and its outlet portion connected to the plurality of atomising nozzles 6. While the second conduit 19 extends between its inlet portion 22 associated with the respective fluid source and its outlet portion 23 connected to the outlet mouth 7.

In addition, the second duct 19 comprises a pair of subsidiary ducts 24, the pair of subsidiary ducts 24 being separated from the two corresponding appendixes of the inlet portion 22 towards the outlet portion 23 of the second duct 19 itself. Each auxiliary conduit 24 thus extends externally to the tubular body 2 for feeding the emission ports 6 in a balanced manner.

As shown in fig. 1, 3 and 4, the machine 1 comprises a valve 25 for controlling the pressure or flow of the fluid. A valve 25 is interposed between the fixed portion 11 and the fluid supply conduit 19.

Preferably, the valve 25 comprises an adjustment mechanism configured to vary the flow rate of the fluid between a maximum value (substantially equal to the maximum flow rate of the fluid) and a minimum value (substantially comprised between 10% and 80% of the maximum flow rate of the fluid). More precisely, the valve 25 is configured to regulate the amount of fluid that has to reach the outlet mouth 7. During fire extinguishment or during dust reduction, in effect, the flow of the relevant fluid being sprayed decreases over time to avoid excessive pressure displacing the fire or dust cloud rather than extinguishing or dissipating it.

Thus, the valve 25 is preferably a valve for reducing the pressure and flow of the fluid. The valve 25 therefore has a feedback loop capable of varying the quantity of fluid passing between its inlet section (connected to the fluid supply conduit) and its outlet section (connected to the outlet mouth 7) between a zero value of 0% and a maximum value of 100%.

In addition, the machine 1 may comprise a central mouth connected to the tubular body 2 for emitting a third fluid jet substantially along the propagation direction P. The central mouth is arranged inside the gas flow, substantially along the extension axis a of the tubular body 2, to output a third fluid jet substantially central with respect to the tubular body 2 itself.

The central mouth is centred with respect to the crown of the atomising nozzle 6 and therefore with respect to the outlet 4, and is supported by several radial supports.

In this way, the central mouth is arranged along the extension axis a of the tubular body 2 and is partially external to the tubular body 2, so that its cone of movement with respect to the propagation direction P may be maximum. There is therefore no interference between the third fluid jet and the tubular body 2 of the machine 1 and with the first fluid jet produced by the atomising nozzle 6.

Preferably, the central mouth is also orientable, so that the machine 1 comprises second orientation means for orienting the central mouth itself so as to vary the inclination of the third fluid jet with respect to the propagation direction P.

More preferably, the first orientation means 9 and the second orientation means are configured to orient the output mouth 7 and the central mouth, respectively, independently of each other.

According to one aspect of the invention, the machine 1 comprises a control unit connected at least to its main components, namely the first orienting device 9, the delivery nozzle 7 and the plurality of atomizing nozzles 6. The control unit is configured to send a movement signal to the activation member to change the inclination of the longitudinal direction L of the second fluid jet with respect to a direction parallel to the propagation direction P.

More precisely, the control unit comprises a receiving module configured to receive a remote command signal and to send it to the control unit itself in order to remotely vary the inclination of the longitudinal direction L of the second fluid jet with respect to a direction parallel to the propagation direction P.

When the machine 1 comprises a central mouth 26, the control unit is connected to the central mouth 26 and to the second orienting device 27 to remotely control the direction of the central mouth 26 independently of the first orienting device 9, of the output mouth 7 and of the plurality of atomising nozzles 6.

As better shown in fig. 2, the machine 1 comprises a plurality of light sources 28, the plurality of light sources 28 being connected to the output mouth 7 and to the tubular body 2 to project a light cone substantially along the longitudinal direction L and the propagation direction P.

In addition, the machine 1 comprises a plurality of cameras 29 associated to the outer surface 8 of the tubular body 2. The camera is configured to take pictures or video along the longitudinal direction L or along the propagation direction P, which can be transmitted to the operator in real time.

Thus, the operator can move the machine 1 remotely in a safe manner, even in situations where visibility from a fire is poor or zero.

To this end, the machine 1 may be mounted on top of a rescue vehicle, as shown in fig. 5 and 6, or the machine 1 may comprise moving means associated with the tubular body 2 for moving the machine 1 itself. Preferably, the moving means comprise rubber covered wheels or tracks and/or rail wheels.

An example of the operation of the machine 1 derives directly from the above description and is recalled again below.

Thanks to the moving means and the control unit installed on the machine 1 itself, the operator can place the machine 1 close to the fire either personally or remotely.

In this case, therefore, the operator activates the blowing means 5 for outputting at least one fluid jet along the propagation direction P.

The operator then activates the delivery nozzle 7, the plurality of atomising nozzles 6 and the central nozzle 26 (if installed) in any order according to the requirements and type of fire.

Depending on the fire range, the operator can adjust the direction of the delivery spout 7, the tubular body 2 (and therefore the plurality of atomising nozzles 6) and the central spout 26 (if the machine 1 is fitted).

Advantageously, the operator can regulate all the flows through the valve 25 connected at the fluid conduit.

More advantageously, since the operator can remotely control the machine 1, the orientation of the output mouth 7 and the ejection of the second fluid jet are carried out simultaneously.

Claims

1. A machine (1) for outputting at least one fluid jet, comprising:

-a tubular body (2), said tubular body (2) extending between its air inlet (3) and its air outlet (4);

-blowing means (5), said blowing means (5) being operatively associated to said tubular body (2) for generating an air flow along an air propagation direction (P) from said inlet (3) towards said outlet (4);

-a plurality of atomizing nozzles (6), said plurality of atomizing nozzles (6) being operatively associated to said outlet (4) of said tubular body (2) to emit at least a first fluid jet towards said air flow;

characterized in that said machine (1) comprises:

-an output mouth (7), said output mouth (7) being located on an outer surface (8) of said tubular body (2) for emitting a second fluid jet substantially along a longitudinal direction (L) parallel to said propagation direction (P);

-first orientation means (9), said first orientation means (9) being intended to determine the direction of said output mouth (7) so as to vary the inclination of said longitudinal direction (L) of said second fluid jet with respect to a direction parallel to said propagation direction (P) and passing through said output mouth (7); the first orientation means (9) comprise one or more activation members (10), the one or more activation members (10) being commandable to adjust the orientation of the output mouth (7).

2. Machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein said first orientation means (9) are configured to vary the inclination of said longitudinal direction (L) on a horizontal plane parallel to said propagation direction (P), or on a vertical plane associated with said propagation direction (P), or on a combination between said horizontal plane and said vertical plane.

3. Machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said output mouth (7) is substantially located at the top of said outer surface (8) of said tubular body (2) with respect to the vertical direction, to output said second fluid jet substantially above with respect to said tubular body (2).

4. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a control unit connected at least to said first orientation means (9), said control unit being configured to send a movement signal to said activation member (10) to vary the inclination of said longitudinal direction (L) of said second fluid jet with respect to said direction parallel to said propagation direction (P).

5. Machine (1) according to claim 4, wherein said control unit comprises a receiving module configured to receive a remote command signal and to send it to said control unit to remotely vary the inclination of said longitudinal direction (L) of said second fluid jet with respect to said direction parallel to said propagation direction (P).

6. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said output mouth (7) is provided at said outlet (4) and projects, along said longitudinal direction (L), out of a lying plane of the outside of said tubular body (2).

7. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said plurality of atomising nozzles (6) are arranged in a crown around said outlet (4) of said tubular body (2); the outlet mouth (7) is located outside the plurality of atomising nozzles (6) with respect to the radial direction of the tubular body (2).

8. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first orientation means (9) comprise a fixed portion (11) and a movable portion (12) associated to said fixed portion (11); the fixed portion (11) is connected to a fluid supply conduit (22), the movable portion (12) is connected to the output mouth (7); the movable portion (12) comprises a swivel joint (14), the swivel joint (14) being configured to vary an inclination of the longitudinal direction (L) of the second fluid jet with respect to the direction parallel to the propagation direction (P).

9. Machine (1) according to claim 8, wherein said activation member (10) comprises at least one hydraulic piston (17), said at least one hydraulic piston (17) being externally associated to said swivel joint (14) so as to adjust and maintain the inclination of said longitudinal direction (L) of said second fluid jet with respect to said direction parallel to said propagation direction (P); the at least one hydraulic piston (17) is operatively interposed between the fixed portion (11) and the movable portion (12).

10. Machine (1) according to claim 8 or 9, comprising a valve (25), said valve (25) being intended to control the pressure or flow of said fluid between said fixed portion (11) and said fluid supply duct (22).

11. Machine (1) according to claim 10, wherein said valve (25) comprises an adjustment mechanism configured to vary the flow rate of said fluid between a maximum value substantially equal to the maximum flow rate of said fluid and a minimum value substantially comprised between 10% and 80% of the maximum flow rate of said fluid.

12. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising:

-a first conduit for conveying a fluid, said first conduit extending between an inlet portion thereof associated to a source of fluid and an outlet portion thereof coupled to said plurality of atomizing nozzles (6);

-a second conduit (9) for conveying a fluid, said second conduit (9) extending between an inlet portion (22) thereof associated to a respective fluid source and an outlet portion (23) thereof connected to said outlet mouth (7).

13. Machine (1) according to claim 12, wherein said second duct (19) comprises a pair of auxiliary ducts (24), said pair of auxiliary ducts (24) being separate from the two corresponding appendixes of said inlet portion (22) towards said outlet portion (23) of said second duct (19).

14. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one light source (28), said at least one light source (28) being connected to said output mouth (7) to project a light cone substantially along said longitudinal direction (L).

15. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one camera (29) associated to said tubular body (2), said camera (29) being configured to take photographs or videos along said longitudinal direction (L) or said propagation direction (P).

16. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising moving means associated with said tubular body for moving said machine; the moving means comprise rubber covered wheels or tracks and/or rail wheels.

17. A method for outputting at least one fluid jet, comprising the following operating steps:

-pre-positioning a machine (1) for outputting at least one fluid jet according to any one of claims 1 to 16;

-activating blowing means (5) for generating an air flow along said propagation direction (P) from said inlet (3) towards said outlet (4);

-adjusting the inclination of said output mouth (7) with respect to said direction parallel to said propagation direction (P) and passing through said output mouth (7);

-emitting at least a first fluid jet from the plurality of atomizing nozzles (6);

-ejecting a second fluid jet from the output mouth (7).

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein said step of ejecting at least a first fluid jet from said plurality of atomizing nozzles (6) is performed after said step of ejecting a second fluid jet from said output nozzle (7).

19. Method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein said step of adjusting the inclination of said output mouth (7) is carried out simultaneously with said step of ejecting a second jet of fluid from said output mouth (7).

20. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 19 when dependent on claim 13, further comprising the following operating steps:

-adjusting the inclination of said central mouth (26) with respect to said propagation direction (P);

-emitting a third fluid jet from the central mouth (7).

21. Method according to claim 20, wherein said step of adjusting the inclination of said output is carried out independently of said step of adjusting the inclination of said central mouth (7).