FR3050118A1 - LAUNCH OF FIRE FIGHTING - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a fire-fighting lance comprising at least a first pipe (18); a second supply line (8) which includes a misting nozzle; a first bypass valve (10) having first and second outlets respectively connected to the first and second pipes (18, 8); first selecting means (14) for supplying pressurized fluid selectively and alternately to the first outlet or to the second outlet; a third supply pipe; and second selection means (19) for alternately and selectively conveying fluid flowing from the first outlet to the first supply line (18) or to the third supply line. The lance further includes a cylindrical slider configured to intercept the jet flowing from the first pipe (18) to change the width thereof.

Description

LAUNCH OF FIRE FIGHTING DESCRIPTION

Application domain

The present invention is generally applicable to the technical field of fire-fighting systems and equipment and it relates in particular to a fire-fighting lance for feeding and pointing a liquid flow on flames.

Context of the invention

Many embodiments of fire lances are known. In particular, the CN201939919 patent, whose owner is Shaanxi Yinhe Fighting Fire Technology and Equipment Co. Ltd, discloses a lance having a handle, a control lever acting on an internal valve for the selective supply of a stream of water to be directed at the fire, a pressurized water inlet and a pipe having an opening for the outlet of the water flow. The pipe has a nozzle for spraying the water, placed near the opening for the outlet of the pipe.

An obvious disadvantage of the known solution is the fact that a single pipe with a single nozzle for the feed, even if it is adjustable, may not be suitable for different types of fire. In addition, even when extinguishing the fire with it, the optimum water supply conditions can vary rapidly during shutdown. For this reason, another disadvantage of the known solution is the fact that it does not allow a fast and safe adjustment of the water flow.

Another disadvantage of the known solutions is that they do not include a water outlet nozzle, designed to obtain a mist and dispersion of the optimized water droplets.

Another disadvantage of the known solutions lies in the fact that they do not make it possible to produce a jet of water spray with finely dispersed droplets and, subsequently, to easily produce a jet of water without misting. From documents EP1930083, FR2930167 and FR2741540, other fire suppression lances are known.

In addition, such known solutions provide poorly movable and unsuitable lances for the use of confined spaces. Summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to overcome at least partially the disadvantages mentioned above, by providing a lance that can supply different types of liquid jets to extinguish a fire.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lance which makes it possible to select the type of flows supplied during the use thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lance which allows optimum misting and dispersion of the particles of the liquid.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lance which can even easily adjust, in addition to the jet type of the liquid, the longitudinal flow range and the amplitude of the jet of fluid supplied.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lance that can be used in narrow and / or confined spaces.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lance that can be used by an operator with one hand.

These objects, as well as others which will emerge below, are made by a lance according to the invention.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined according to the appended claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a fire-fighting lance according to the invention, shown by way of example non-limiting with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures la and 1b are a perspective view of a lance according to the invention in two different operating phases;

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lance of Figure 1;

Figures 3a, 4a and 5 are a partially sectional view of a lance according to the invention in different operating positions;

Figures 3b and 4b are an enlarged view of certain details, respectively, of Figure 3a and Figure 4a;

Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a detail of the lance of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of another detail of the lance of Figure 1.

Detailed description of some preferred embodiments

Referring to the above figures, a fire-fighting lance, generally indicated by reference numeral 1, is disclosed for supplying a jet of fluid to the flames to be extinguished. The lance 1 comprises a handle 2 for user input and an inlet line 3 of the pressurized fluid that can be fed by a suitable flexible supply conduit, not shown in the drawings. The lance 1 may include a coupling 4 placed near the handle 2 to connect the flexible supply conduit.

In addition, the lance 1 comprises at least a first pipe 18 defining a first longitudinal axis L for supplying the fluid jet and a main valve 6 for selectively placing the inlet line 3 in fluid communication with the first pipe 18. The main valve 6 can be actuated by a first control lever 7 placed near the handle 2, so that the user can easily grasp the handle 2 with one hand and, with his hand, activate the first control lever 7 when it wishes to release the jet of fluid.

In addition, the lance 1 comprises at least a second supply pipe 8 comprising a misting nozzle 9 and a first bypass valve 10 to appropriately deflect the flow rates of fluid directed towards the first and second supply lines 18, 8. The second supply line 8 is configured to produce a jet of finely dispersed droplets and defines a second longitudinal axis L ', which may be substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis L.

Conveniently, the two supply lines 18 and 8 may be superimposed therebetween.

The first deflection valve 10 comprises an inlet section 11 in fluid communication with the main valve 6 and two outlet sections 12, 13 respectively connected to the first and second pipes 18, 8. A first selection means 14 is provided for conveying the flow of the fluid through the outlet sections 12, 13 towards the first or the second supply pipe 18, 8. With this arrangement, the first bypass valve 10 is placed fluidly downstream relative to the valve main 6 so as to receive the flow of fluid when the latter is open, and upstream relative to the first and the second supply pipe 18, 8 so as to convey in the latter the flow from the main valve 6.

As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the first selection means 14 may comprise a slider 16 housed in a threaded seat 15 of the first deflection valve 10 so as to selectively plug the outlet sections 12, 13. The displacement of the slider 16 allows the flow of fluid to be diverted towards the first and second supply lines 18, 8. In particular, the user acting on the first selection means 14 can completely block the flow of fluid towards the first pipe 18 and deflect it to the second pipe 8. Conversely, the user still acting on the first selection means 14 can completely block the flow of fluid to the second pipe 8 and divert it to the first pipe 18.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first selection means 14 can comprise a control button 17 fixed to the slide 16, so that the user can easily move the slide 16.

The lance 1 may comprise a third supply pipe 5 coaxial with the first pipe 18 and internal to it. In addition, a second selection means 19 may be provided, interposed between the first bypass valve 10 and the first and third supply lines 18, 5 to place the latter alternately in fluid communication with the first outlet section 12 of the first valve In this way, the second selection means 19 alternately and selectively directs the flow of fluid from the section 12 of the first diverting valve 10 to the first or third supply line 18, 5.

The second selection means 19 may comprise a second control lever 20 rotatable between a first working position in which the outlet section 12 of the first bypass valve 10 is in fluid communication with the first pipe 18, shown in FIG. 4a. and a second working position in which the outlet section 12 of the first bypass valve 10 is in fluid communication with the third pipe 5, shown in Figure 3a. According to one aspect, said second selection means comprises a control lever rotatable between said first and second working positions, said control lever being connected to a second deflection valve 19 'so that the rotation the first corresponds to the rotation of the latter, for alternately and selectively convey fluid flowing from the first outlet 12 of said first diverting valve 10 towards said first supply pipe 18 or towards said third pipe power supply 5.

The first supply duct 18 may be coaxial with respect to the third supply duct 5 and may have a substantially annular cross-section, while the third supply duct 5 may be internal to the first supply duct 18 and it can have a substantially circular cross section.

Conveniently, the first supply line 18 may comprise a first spray nozzle 24 'which, as shown in the figure, comprises a plurality of holes 26 for increasing the turbulence of the pressurized fluid and for spraying a jet with a dispersion relatively high flow from the first supply line 18.

On the other hand, the third supply line 5 may comprise a second spray nozzle 21 'for spraying a jet with a reduced dispersion flowing from the third supply line 5.

Suitably, the first spray nozzle 24 'may include the second spray nozzle 21'.

The lance 1 may comprise a single central hole 23 placed substantially along the first longitudinal axis L in correspondence with the ends of the first and third pipes 18, 5. Optionally, the lance 1 may comprise an outlet end element 21 placed in position. corresponding to the free longitudinal end 22 of the third supply pipe 5 and provided with the single central hole 5.

Furthermore, the spray nozzle 24 'may further comprise an annular element 24 placed in correspondence with the end end 25 of the first supply pipe 18 and provided at the periphery with longitudinal holes 26, the latter being in fluid communication. with the single central hole 23.

In this way, the fluid flowing from the first supply line 18 enters the longitudinal holes 26, which are transversely misaligned with respect to the first longitudinal axis L, and subsequently it converges towards the central hole 23 which, on the other hand, is substantially aligned with the first longitudinal axis L.

This particular configuration determines an increase in turbulence and enables a fluid jet to be produced with relatively high transverse dispersion as the fluid flow passes through the first supply line 18, ie when the lever 20 is in the second working position shown in FIGS. 4a and 5.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the first pipe 18 may have a variable length. In particular, the latter may comprise a tubular slider 40 substantially coaxial with the first pipe 18, capable of intercepting the flow flowing therefrom.

In particular, the tubular slide 40 can slide on the first pipe 18 between a first working position in which the lance 1 has a minimum length LUmin (FIG. 1b) and a second working position in which the lance 1 has a maximum length LUmax (Figure la).

Suitably, when the tubular slide 40 is in the first working position, the jet flowing from the first spray nozzle 24 'can have a maximum transverse dispersion (FIG. 5), whereas, when the same first nozzle of FIG. Spray 24 'is in the second working position, the jet flowing from the first spray nozzle 24' can have a minimum transverse dispersion and a maximum flow range (Figure 4a).

On the other hand, when the flow of fluid passes through the third supply line 5, that is to say when the control lever 20 is in the first working position shown in FIG. 3a, the fluid passes exclusively through the second spray nozzle 21 'and the single central bore 23 which, advantageously, may be substantially aligned to minimize turbulence so that the jet has reduced dispersion.

Advantageously, in this case, the flow flowing from the central hole 23 does not intercept the tubular slide 40 so that the jet flowing from the second spray nozzle 21 'has a high flow rate range.

In particular, the tubular slide 40 can be dimensioned in such a way that it does not intercept the jet flowing from the third pipe 5 nor in the first working position nor in the second working position to allow the jet flowing from having a maximum flow range. For this purpose, the tubular slide 40 may have an appropriate length and internal diameter.

In a preferred embodiment, but not exclusively, of the lance 1 according to the invention, illustrated in FIG. 2, the annular element 24 can be screwed directly onto the free longitudinal end 22 of the third supply pipe 5. , while the outlet end member 21 can be screwed onto the annular element 24. The misting nozzle 9 may have a wall 27 which converges towards an outlet 28 substantially aligned with the second longitudinal axis L 'and it may comprise a dispersion element 29 of the fluid placed upstream of the outlet 28. In particular, this dispersion element 29 may have a longitudinal channel 30 substantially aligned with the outlet 28 and a curved wall 31 facing the convergent wall 27 and provided with a plurality of radial slots 32 to permit movement of a fraction of fluid in the radial direction and to increase turbulence and misting of the fluid jet.

In one embodiment of the lance according to the invention, illustrated in Figure 7, the radial slots 32 of the dispersion element 29 may be angularly spaced between them at a predefined angle and substantially equal to 45 °. In another embodiment of the lance according to the invention, not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the predefined spacing angle between the radial slots 32 may be 15 to 30 ° sexagesimal. The misting nozzle 9 may also include a socket 33 for holding the dispersion member 29 in position.

In addition, the maximum length LUmax and the weight of the lance 1 can be particularly reduced so as to allow an operator to easily manipulate his lance 1 with one hand in confined spaces.

For example, the lance 1 may have a maximum length LUmax of less than 70 cm and more preferably less than 65 cm.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the lance 1 may have a minimum length L min of 57 cm and a maximum length L max of 64 cm.

In addition, the lance 1 can be manufactured in such a way as to have a weight of less than 3 kg, preferably less than 2.6 kg and, more preferably, 2.2 kg to 2.6 kg in order to facilitate its manipulation by the user.

With such a configuration, the user can manipulate the lance 1 in an easy manner ensuring a high efficiency fire extinguishing.

In particular, the lance 1 can be easily manipulated and moved with one hand so as to facilitate its use during the extinction of a fire and / or in a dangerous situation. In addition, the user with the other hand and without stopping the operation of its lance 1 can act on the first selection means 14 and / or the second selection means 19 and / or on the tubular slide 40 to vary the type of jet flowing from the lance 1. In light of the foregoing, it should be understood that the invention responds to the intended objects.

The fire-fighting lance according to the invention is capable of numerous modifications and variations, all falling under the innovative concept expressed in the appended claims. All the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements, and the materials can be different according to the requirements, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

A fire fighting lance comprising: - a handle (2) having an inlet (3) for a fluid under pressure; - at least a first supply line (18) defining a first longitudinal axis (L), said first supply line (18) comprising a first spray nozzle (24 '); a second supply pipe (8) superimposed on said first supply pipe (18), said second supply pipe (8) defining a second longitudinal axis (L ') substantially parallel to said first longitudinal axis (L), said second supply line (8) comprising a misting nozzle (9) for generating a jet of finely dispersed droplets; a first deflection valve (10) comprising an inlet (11) in fluid communication with the inlet (3) of said shaft (2) and first and second outlets (12, 13) respectively connected to said first and second pipes (18); , 8); first selection means (14) acting on said first bypass valve (10) for supplying the pressurized fluid selectively and alternately to said first outlet (12) or to said second outlet (13); at least one third pipe (5) coaxial with and at least one first supply pipe (18); said third supply line (5) comprising a second spray nozzle (21 ') with a high flow rate range; a second selection means (19) placed downstream with respect to said first diverting valve (10) movable between a first operating position where said first outlet (12) of said first diverting valve (10) is in fluid communication with said first first supply line (18) and a second operating position wherein said first outlet (12) of said first bypass valve (10) is in fluid communication with said third supply line (5); a tubular slide (40) configured in such a way as to intercept the jet flowing from said first pipe (18) so as to modify the width thereof; wherein said tubular slider (40) is substantially coaxial with and slides over said at least one first pipe (18) between a first working position in which the jet flows from said first spray nozzle (24 '). ) has a maximum width and a minimum flow range, and a second working position in which the jet flowing from said first spray nozzle (24 ') has a minimum width and a maximum flow range; wherein said tubular slider (40) has a predefined length and internal diameter so as not to intercept the jet flowing from said third pipe (5) neither in said first working position nor in said second working position to allow in jet of it to have a maximum flow range; wherein said first selection means (14), the second selection means (19) and said tubular slide (40) are configured so that they can be operated by a user with one hand during operation of the lance (1), the latter having a maximum length (LUmax) and a weight so as to allow an operator to move his spear with the other hand. The lance of claim 1, wherein said first spray nozzle (24 ') includes said second spray nozzle (21'), said first spray nozzle (24 ') including a plurality of transversely misaligned axial holes (26). with respect to said first longitudinal axis (L) and in fluid communication with a single central hole (23) so that when said second selection means (19) is in said second working position, the fluid flow passes exclusively through said third pipe (5) to minimize turbulence of the fluid and to spray a jet with reduced dispersion, and so that when said second selection means (19) is in said first working position, the fluid flow passes exclusively through said first conduit (18) to increase the turbulence of the pressurized fluid and spray a jet with a relatively high dispersion. The lance of claim 2, wherein said first selection means (14) comprises a slider (16) screwable on a threaded seat (15) of said first deflection valve (10) for selectively closing said exit sections ( 12,13). A lance according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said second selection means (19) comprises a control lever (20) rotatable between said first and second working positions, said control lever (20) being connected a second deflection valve (19 ') so that the rotation of the first corresponds to the rotatioh of the latter, to convey alternately and selectively fluid flowing from the first outlet (12) of said first valve deflection (10) towards said first supply line (18) or towards said third supply line (5). A lance according to any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising an outlet end member (21) located in correspondence with the free longitudinal end (22) of said third supply pipe (5) and provided with said single central hole (23) positioned along said first longitudinal axis (L). A lance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first spray nozzle (24 ') further comprises an annular element (24) located in correspondence with the end end (25) of said first supply pipe (18) and provided at the periphery of said axial holes (26). Lance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said misting nozzle (9) has a wall (27) which converges towards an outlet (28) substantially aligned with said second longitudinal axis (L '), said nozzle of misting apparatus (9) further comprising a fluid dispersion member (29) upstream of said outlet (28), said dispersion member (29) having a longitudinal channel (30) substantially aligned with said outlet (28) and a curved wall (31) facing said convergent wall (27) and provided with a plurality of radial slots (32) to permit displacement of a fluid fraction in the radial direction and to increase turbulence and misting fluid jet. The lance of claim 7, wherein said radial slots (32) of said dispersing member (29) are angularly spaced from each other at a predefined angle of 15 ° to 30 °. 9. A lance according to any one of the preceding claims, having a maximum length (LUmax) less than 70 cm, and more preferably less than 65 cm. Lance according to any one of the preceding claims, having a total weight of less than 3 kg, preferably less than 2.6 kg, and still more preferably from 2.2 kg to 2.6 kg, so that that the operator can move his spear with one hand.