GB2218632A

GB2218632A - A container for fighting coal-dust and/or fire damp explosions in underground workings

Info

Publication number: GB2218632A
Application number: GB8905492A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hansjorg Trautwein
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-03-12
Filing date: 1989-03-10
Publication date: 1989-11-22
Anticipated expiration: 2009-03-10
Also published as: GB2218632B; DE3808350C2; FR2629862A1; DE3808350A1; AU621090B2; AU3095089A; GB8905492D0

Description

1 21-18632 1.

A container for +iqhtinc; coal-dust and/or +iredarnD explosions in underground workinqs" The invention relates to a container +or +ighting coal-dust and/or + iredamp explosions in underground workings and which serves to hold an extinguisher +luid, being adapted to be mounted on the timbering or the like, and consisting a+ a bottom, one or a plurality o+ walls and possibly a top cover.

It is known to produce the containers +or explosion suppressors + r orn readily destructible rtiaterial so ensuring that they are as +ar as possible completely destroyed by the blast caused by the explosion, in order to achieve satis+actory -dispersal a+ the extinguisher +luid which they contain. The design o+ the prior art containers, with regard to their strength, proves to be di++icult because on the one band they must be able to hold +or comparatively long periods o+ time the extinguisher + luid which they contain and yet on the other they must be able to be destroyed by even a low strength c+ explosion in order to achieve the best possible distribution a+ the extinguisher +luid. The calculation a+ the strength o+ the prior art containers thus constitutes a compromise between the demands imposed by transporting the containers and holding the extinguisher +luid which they contain an the one hand, and the greatest possible response sensitivity on the other.

Since such a compromise excludes the possibility c+ achieving optimum qualities in either direction, this means that the prior art containers are either destroyed by explosions c+ low blast pressure, i+ at all, and then o+ten only partially, with the result that there is no or only an inadequate distribution a+ the extinguisher +luid or they are de+ormed, perhaps even damaged during transport, during

2 - storage, under the effect of heat or under a static loading etc.

On a basis of this state of the art, the invention is based on the problem c)+ avoiding the aforesaid disadvantages and of nevertheless providing a container c+ the type mentioned at the outset but which offers optimum properties with regard to high response sensitivity and a high resistance to stresses c+ all kinds.

According to the invention, this is achieved in that at least one component, or parts thereof, c+ the ccnt.ainc-r islare pivotably connected to at least one adjacent component, or parts thereof, of the container. As a. result D+ this development, the component parts of the container which are pivotally connected to one another are pivoted by the shock wave or blast caused by the explosion, simultaneously releasing the extinguisher fluid contained in the container which thus +ills the entire cross-section o+ the drift in an ultra-+ine distribution.

The components of the container, once i t has been triggered by the blast occasioned by the explosion, form, when viewed from the direction of the explosion, a substantially linear cross-section so that virtually no resistance is any longer offered to the pressure wave of the blast, which can thus exert its pressure effect fully on the extinguisher +luid.

Advantageously, the pivotable component(s) c+ the container islare freely movable in respect of the timbering or the like, so that the latter cannot offer any resistance of any kind to the pivotable mobility c+ the components of the container, 50 ensuring perfect distribution of the extinguisher liquid.

1 4 3 The bottom and/or at least one wall of the container. is/are rigidly connected to the timbering or the like parallel with the presumed direction of the explosion, so that release of the extinguisher fluid present in the container takes place abruptly at its mounting site, so that there is no possibility' of the container being removed while at least a part of the extinguisher fluid is retained in the container.

According to a further feature of the invention, the non-+luid-tight mutually adjacent marginal zones of component parts o+ the container is or are provided with one or more gaskets in order to secure the extinguisher fluid which is present in the container. The gasket or. gaskets is/are sD constructed and +itted that if the internal pressure exerted on the extinqui sher present in the container is slightly exceeded by the gasket or C3askets being destroyed or stretched, the pivotable components of the container are released and therefore the extinguisher fluid present in the container can be dispersed freely by the blast.

The gasket or gaskets can consist of a fluid-tight film inlay which covers the entire interior surface of the container, at least as far as the upper desired fluid level. The film inlay rests on the inner surface of the container, with the exception of creases in the non-+luid-tic3ht mutually adjacent marginal zones of components of the container. The film inlay is wholly or partially connected to the inner surface of the container.

It is ideal if at least the supporting components of the container are made from rigid and/or unbreakable material, for example sheet steel, so that the container is re-usable, since the release of its extinguisher fluid is not dependent upon the container being destroyed.

According to a further proposal within the invention, the pivotable component(s) of the container, when the latter is filled, islare maintained in its/their intended positions by means of one or a plurality of triggering devices responding automatically to the pressure of a blast occasioned by an explosion. When the preset pressure level is exceeded, triggering occurs and thus the release of the extinguisher fluid which is present in the container. The response level of the triggering device or devices is adjustable so that it is readily possible to adapt to any particular circumstances. The response level of the triggering device or devices is so adjusted that it is very slightly higher than the internal pressure exerted by the extinguisher fluid present in the container an the component parts thereof, so that the components are readily able to withstand the pressure +ram the extinguisher fluid but, if the preset value is exceeded, the container is triggered and all the extinguisher fluid is released.

According to a further feature of the invention, at least one edge of at least one of the walls of the container or partial walls thereof extending substantially transversely to the presumed direction of the explosion is pivotally connected to an edge of an adjacent component of the container. Thus it is possibles if the container is for example of rectangular construction, +or both component parts of adjacent +or them or bottom.

walls to be pivotally connected to one another or their components to be connected pivotally to the A Advantageously, the walls of the container or their partial walls which extend substantially transversely to the presumed direction of explosion are pivotally connected to the bottom of the container. As a result of this development, the walls or their partial walls which are pivotally connected to the bottom and which extend transversely to the presumed direction of the explosion are folded over by the blast caused by the explosion, simultaneously releasing the extinguisher fluid held in the container which thus +ills the entire cross-section of the drift in an ultra-+ine dispersion. The wall of the container or the partial walls thereof which +ace the blast will perform a pivoting movement in the direction of the blast, the wall or its partial walls resting on the bottom of the container. The wall of the container or its partial walls which islare remote from the blast will perform a pivoting movement in the same direction. Therefore, a substantially horizontal panel is +armed which consists c+ the container bottom and the +olded-over walls$ which means that the extinguisher fluid can enjoy optimum dispersal by the blast. The container itself, by virtue of the +act that its end +ace is now reduced to virtually twice the thickness of the bottom, can only offer quite negligible resistance to the blast. In the case of walls which are rigidly attached to the bottom and which extend in the presumed direction of the explosion, the said walls are so fitted that the walls extending transversely to the presumed direction of the explosion can be freely forced against the bottom c+ the container by a pressure wave or blast.

The walls o+ the container or the partial walls thereof which extend substantially transversely to the presumed direction of the explosion can also be pivotally connected to the walls of the container or its partial walls which extend substantially in the presumed direction of the explosion.

Furthermore, it is possible for the walls of the container or its partial walls wh ich extend substantially transversely to the presumed direction of the explosion and/or the walls of the container or its partial walls which extend in the presumed direction of the explosion to be pivotally connected to a frame of the container.

According to a further feature c+ the invention, the 6 walls a+ the container which extend substantially in the presumed direction o+ the explosian are divided in their, middle portions, their partial walls being rigidly connected to their associated walls which extend transversely to the presumed direction a+ the explosion, while the latter are not connected to the bottom. When a pressure wave or blast occurs, therefore, the partial walls with the walls connected rigidly to them and extending transversely to the presumed direction c+ the explosion perform a joint pivoting movement, one of the partial walls passing by outside the bottom and so ensuring a completely free +old-over a+ the walls which extend transversely to the direction of the explosion.

The pivotable connections between the walls of the container which extend transversely to the presumed direction of the explosion, and the bottom of the container may consist a+ hinges of conventional type so that according to the direction a+ the blast, so pivoting of the walls is possible in both one direction and the other. In particular, if the container is produced +ram synthetic plastics material, the pivotable connections between the walls a+ the container which extend transversely to the presumed direction of the explosion, and the bottom a+ the container, are also +armed by edges of the container which are of smaller thickness than the walls. Also in this case, by virtue c+ the diminished thickness in the corner regions, an easy hinge-like +oldover is assured and thus a response to relatively 1 levels.

ow pressure According to a further suggestion a+ the invention, also the walls o+ the container or the partial walls thereof which extend in the presumed direction a+ the explosion are pivotally connected to the bottom of the container, the pivotable connections between the-walls or the partial walls thereof and the bottom of the container being so constructed that the walls can only perform a pivoting movement outwardly and away from the bottom. It is known that if a blast occurs as the result of an explosion, on the wall of a container which is towards the blast and which extends transversely thereto, an over-pressure is exerted while all the other. three walls of the container are exposed to a negative pressure. By virtue of the additional pivotable construction of the walls which extend in the direction of the explosion, therefore$ it is possible to achieve a release of extinguisher fluid which is unhampered in any direction. The angle between the walls or the partial walls which extend in the presumed direction o+ explosion and the bottom of the container is greater. than 90 degrees, so that an uninhibited pivoting movement is possible.

The +luid-tight film inlay is attached to the walls a+ the container which extend transversely to the presumed direction o+'the explosion as well as to the bottom a+ the container, preferably by adhesion, except + or the creases in the film inlay which are present in the corners a+ the container, so that by reason of the existing slits between the walls or partial walls and these and the bottom, no extinguisher fluid can emerge outwardly which means that the extinguisher fluid present in the container can be kept +or a comparatively long period of time. I+ all the walls 0+ the container are pivotally connected to the bottom o+ the container, then if the walls are flat and if the container is emptied, the film inlay will advantageously cover the bottom and the walls including the free angle zones between the edges of adjacent walls. With this embodiment, and when the container is +illedg the film inlay has the same creases in the corner zones so that a free pivoting capacity a+ the walls is feasible.

According to a. further feature of the invention, the walls or their partial walls which extend transversely to the presumed direction of the explosion and/or the walls or the partial walls of the container which extend in the presumed - a - direction of the explasion, when the container is filled, are held in their intended position by means o+ at least one trigger device. This trigger device ensures that after filling with the extinguisher fluid, the pivotably disposed walls c+ the container cannot fly away under the influence c+ the filling. Instead, the extinguisher fluid present in the container is reliably held.

The triggering device has at le&st one desired breaking point and/or at least one pressure-sensitive switch. The construction and/or design of the triggering device therefore makes it possible on the one hand to guarantee the necessary stability to hold the extinguisher fluid and on the other to adjust the desired high response sensitivity so that the container responds at even low strengths of explosion.

The triggering device can be so mounted and constructed that it withstands the pressure exerted by the extinguisher fluid but opens automatically when above-atmospheric pressure acts on the wall which is towards the direction of the explosion and/or negative pressure acts on the wall remote from the direction of the explosion and on the walls extending in the direction of the explosion wave. Thus, the above- atmospheric and also negative pressure which form when an explosion occurs are utilised for pivoting the walls of the container so ensuring optimum release of extinguisher fluid.

According to a further proposal of the invention, the triggering device is constructed in that the walls which extend transversely to the presumed direction of the explosion and/or in the presumed direction of the explosion and which are pivotally connected to the bottom of the container are extended beyond the bottom of the container and in that pressure-sensitive switches are associated with the edges of these extensions and are so constructed and mounted that their pressure elements bear on the inner edges of the extensions of c c 1 the walls. The pressure elements can for example be spring-loaded balls projecting +ram cylinders and which bear on the inner edges of the extensions o+ the walls so that when they are in their intended vertical position, they are supported against the pressure exerted on them by the extinguisher fluid. As soon as the walls are exposed to an above- atmospheric or a negative pressure, they perform a pivoting movement towards or away +ram the bottom a+ the container, so releasing the extinguisher fluid.

The level a+ the response pressure +or. automatic opening o+ the triggering device is advantageously adjustable so that it is possible to adapt to whatever are the prevailing conditions.

The triggering device may be a bar which is angled or the like at its two ends, which are U-shaped, the walls and/or the walls of the container which extend in the presumed direction a+ the explosion being housed between the arms of the U-shaped member, which fit over the top edges a+ the aforesaid walls. Thus, either two or four a+ the pivotable walls are fixed, when the container is disposed as intended, so that the container can be filled with extinguisher fluid. In order as easily as possible to achieve a high response sensitivity, the arms of the angled portions or the like of the bar should comprise intended breaking points or the like which respond to even minimal pressures and so ensure the release a+ the extinguisher fluid present in the container.

It is also possible +or the walls a+ the container which extend in the presumed direction a+ the explosion to serve as a triggering device in which case they then consist a+ a flexible tearable film or the like.

According to a further proposal o+ the invention, the triggering device can also be operatively connected to at - 10 least one pressure-sensitive switch a+ which the response level is adjustable and which is disposed an a wall a+ the container which extends transversely to the presumed direction 0+ t. he explosion. The pressure- sensitive switch responds both to above-atmospheric and also to negative pressure so that regardless a+ the direction of the blast occasioned by the explosion, optimum release of the extinguisher +luid is guaranteed in any case.

In order to reduce evaporation of the extinguisher fluid, the container is also in per se known manner provided with a top cover which according to the teachings of the invention is constructed as a triggering device or devices +or the separable connection of the walls of the container which extend transversely to and/or in the explosion. Thus, it replaces one triggering means, its supporting similarly to those of the supporting presumed direction of the or a plurality 0+ special members being constructed bar.

An example of embodiment a+ the invention is explained in greater detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a first embodiment c+ a container in its filled statey Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the container in Fig. 13 in its empty state, Fig. 3 is a side view o+ the container in Fig. 1, 1 Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view of a second embod iment of container in its emptied state, Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of a third embodiment of a container in its filled state, Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic v i ew of the container in Fig. 5 immediately a+ ter it has responded to an explosion, Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the container in Fig. 5 in its emptied condition and Fig. 8 is a sectional view of a corner of the container with a triggering device.

Re+erence numeral 1 denotes the container of which the walls 2, 3 which extend transversely to the presumed direction of the explosion are pivotally connected to the bottorn 4. In the example of embodiment shown, the pivotable connections are conventional hinges 5. The walls 6, 7 of the container 1 which extend in the presumed direction o+ the explosion are in the embodiment in Figs. 1 to 3 divided in their middle portions so that between their end edges there is a slot 8. The resultant partial walls 9, 10 are rigidly connected to their associated walls 2, 3 which extend transversely to the presumed direction of the explosion being +or example constructed in one piece with them, while the said walls 2, 3 are not connected to the bottom 4 of the container 1, so that slots 11 are provided between their bottom edges and the bottom 4.

1 The container 1 is provided with a +luid-tight film inlay which is not shown, +or the sake of greater clarity. The film inlay is secured by adhesion to the walls 2, 3 of the container 1 which extend transversely to the presumed direction of the explosion, and to the bottom 4 and is open at the top so that the extinguisher fluid in the container 1 is securely held.

As Figs. 1 and 3 in particular show, the walls 2, 3 of the container I which extend transversely to the presumed direction of explosion are separably connected to each other - 12 by a triggering device. Serving as the triggering device is a rod 12 provided at both ends with angl-ed portions 13 which are a+ U-shaped construction. Between the arms 14, 15 thereof extend the top edges of the walls 2, 3 which extend transversely to the presumed direction a+ the explosion so that they are held in their vertical position by the rod 12.

The arms 15 o+ the angled portions 13 comprise intended breaking points the dimensions of which are such that the pressure exerted on the walls 2, 3 by the extinguisher fluid present in the container 1 can be absorbed by the walls and so that the intended vertical position a+ the walls 2, 3 is assured.

Should an explosion, arm 15 a+ the destroyed by pressure wave a. pressure wave or blast occur as the result of then at least the intended breaking point of the angled portion 13 which is towards the blast, is the force exerted an the walls 2, 3 by the +ram an explosion, so that the rod 12 becomes detached +ram the walls 2, 3, the walls 2, 3 performing a pivoting movement in the direction a+ the blast, completely releasing the extinguisher fluid in the container 1, the walls 2, 3 substantially assuming the pivoted position shown in Fig. 2. The container 1 then +arms a substantially horizontal panel of minimal thickness, so that the extinguisher fluid can be atomised in an ultra- fine d.ispersion by the pressure wave. The walls 2, 3 can also be pivoted downwardly beyond a horizontal disposition.

To ensure that an unhampered opening movement of the walls 2, 3 with the associated partial walls 9, 10 is possible, these latter project outwardly slightly beyond the bottom 4 so that they can-at the sides move past the edges of the bottom 4.

In Fig. 21 the arrow 16 shows the direction a+ a 13 pressure wave or blast caused by an explosion.

In the case of the example a+ embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the walls 6, 7 which extend in the direction a+ the presumed direction a+ the explosion are separate +ram the walls 2, 3 which extend transversely to the presumed direction of the explosion, these walls 6, 7 being either rigidly attachedto the bottom 4 or pivotally connected thereto, for example by means of hinges 5, as are the walls 2, 3.

I+ the walls 6, 7 are rigidly mounted on the bottom 4, these, like the partial walls 9, 10 in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3, are angled over slightly outwardly to offer an easy stacking capacity for storage and transport.

1+ the walls are pivotally mounted on the bottom 4, optimum stackability is achieved since the entire container, in the unfolded condition, assumes the +arm of a plate or panel.

In the case of this latter embodiment, the film which is inserted in order to achieve sealing tightness is preferably glued to the bottom and the inside +aces a+ the walls 2, 39 63 7 the film also covering the free corner zones 17 between the edges a+ adjacent walls 2, 3, 6, 7. Upwards pivoting of the walls 2, 35 69 7 results in creases farming in the film in the corner zones of the container 1 so ensuring unhampered pivoting of the walls when the explosion suppressor responds.

In Fig. 4, the double-headed arrows 18 indicate the pivoting capacity a+ the two walls 2, 3.

In the event o+ the walls 63 7 being likewise pivotally connected to the bottom 4, it is ensured that they can only 14 - perform an outwardly pivoting Tnovement3 in other words a movement away from the bottom 4, this pivoting movement possibly being feasible beyond the 90 degree position.

In the case of the embodiment according to Figs. 5 to 7, the walls 2, 3 of the container 1 which extend transversely to the presumed direction 'of the explosion are of divided construction, the said partial walls being designated 28 and 29. The partial walls 2S, 29 are pivotally connected, +or example by means of hinges, to the walls 5, 6 adjacent to therti and extending in the presumed direction of the explosibn. The partial walls 28, 29 o+ the walls 2, 3 which extend transversely to the direction of the explosion are connected to each other by means of a rod 12 so that they are capable c+. withstanding the internal pressure exerted on them by the extinguisher fluid.

As Fig. 6 shows, the partial walls 28, 29 of the walls 2, 3 which extend transversely to the presumed direction of the explosion perform a pivoting movement when a blast occurs, so that the extinguisher fluid is released. In order further to enhance the releasing effect, it is possible, as shown in Fig. 4, +or the walls 5, 6 of the container which extend in t.he presumed direction of the explosion to be pivotally connected to the bottom 4, so that when the container responds to the pressure wave from an explosion, the position shown in Fig. 7 is assumed.

It is also possible +or the walls 2 3 of the container which extend transversely to the presumed direction of the explosion to be pivotally connected to the adjacent walls 5, 6 which extend in the presumed direction of the explosion, by means c+ bearing journals or the like, so that when a pressure wave occurs, these walls are pivoted through 90 degrees and into their horizontal position.

-c M1 F i g. 8 shows a further possible embod iment D+ triggering device.

In the case of this triggering device, the walls 2, 3 or 6, 7 which extend transversely to and/or in the presumed direction of the explosion are extended beyond the bottom 4 of the container 1. The extensions are designated 19. The walls 2, 3 or 6, 7 are, as already explained above, pivotally connected to the bottom 4 of the container I by means of hinges 5.

Associated with the end edges 20 a+ the extensions 19 are pressuresensitive switches 21 which are fixed to the bottom 4 +or instance by means of an angled member 22.

The pressure-sensitive switch 21 consists of a cylindrical housing 23 which is inserted into an aperture in the angled member 22. Fitment inside the angled member 22 is effected by means of two threaded nuts 24 which are screwed onto the external screw thread of the cylindrical housing. Screwed into the cylindrical housing is a knurled screw 25, on which is supported one end of a thrust spring 26, the other. end of which bears on the pressure element 27, which takes the form of a ball. The arrangement is such that the pressure element 27 rests on the end edge 20. The force of the spring 26 is adjustable by means of the knurled screw 25. This is so dimensioned that the walls 2, 3 or 6, 7 are held in their intended vertical position, in fact against the pressure exerted on the walls by the extinguisher fluid in the container. Thus, the entire system is in equilibrium. As soon as an above-atmospheric or negative pressure is exerted on the walls 2, 3 or 6, 75 these latter perform a pivoting movement in one or other direction of the arrows 1S, so releasing the extinguisher fluid present in the container.

16

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 A container for fighting coal-dust and/or firedamp explosions in underground workings and which serves to hold an extinguisher fluid, being adapted to be mounted on the timbering or the like, and consisting of a bottom, one or a plurality of walls and possibly a top cover, characterised in that at least one component, or parts thereof, of the container is/are pivotably connected to at least one adjacent component, or parts thereof, of the container.

2. A container according to claim 1, characterised in that the components of the container, after being triggered by the blast caused by an explosion, form a greatly reduced and substantially linear cross-section, viewed from the direction of the explosion.

3. A container according to claim 1, or 2, characterised in that the pivotable component(s) of the container is/are, freely movable in relation to the timbering or the like.

4. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom and/or at least one wall of the container is/are rigidly connected to the timbering or the like parallel with the presumed direction of the explosion.

5. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the non-fluid-tight mutually adjacent marginal portions of components of the container are provided with one or a plurality of gaskets.

6. A container according to claim 5, characterized in that the gasket(s) is/are so constructed and fitted that if they are destroyed or expanded by the internal pressure exerted on them by the extinguisher fluid disposed in the 17 container being slightly exceeded, then the pivotable components of the container will be released.

7. A container according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the gasket(s) consist(s) of a fluid-tight film inlay which covers the entire interior surface of the container at least as far as the upper desired fluid level.

8. A container according to claim 7, characterised in that the f i 1 m i n 1 ay bears on the inner surf ace of the container, with the exception of creases in the non-f luidtight mutually adjacent marginal zones of components of the container.

9. A container according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the film inlay is wholly or partly connected to the interior surface of the container.

10. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least the supporting components of the container are produced from rigid and/or unbreakable material.

11. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pivotable component(s) of the container, in the f i l led condition thereof, is/are maintained in its/their intended positions by means of one or a plurality of triggering means responding automatically to the pressure of a blast occasioned by an explosion.

12. A container according to claim 11, characterised in that the response level of the triggering device(s) is adjustable.

13. A container according to claims 11 or 12, characterised in that the response level of the triggering device is so adjusted that it is very slightly higher than k 18 the internal pressure exerted on- the components of the container by the extinguishing fluid which it holds.

14. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one front edge of at least one of the walls of the container extending substantially transversely to the presumed direction of explosion, or partial walls thereof, is pivotally connected to an edge of one of these adjacent components of the container.

15. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the walls of the container or the partial walls thereof which extend substantially transversely to the presumed direction of explosion are pivotally connected to the bottom of the container.

16. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the walls of the container or the partial walls thereof which extend substantially transversely to the presumed direction of explosion, are pivotally connected to the walls of the container or of its partial walls which extend substantially in the presumed direction of the explosion.

17. A container accord.ing to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the walls of the container or its partial walls which extend substantially transversely to the presumed direction of explosion and/or the walls of the container or its partial walls extending substantially in the presumed direction of explosion are connected to a frame of the container.

18. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the walls of the container which extend substantially in the presumed direction of the explosion are so constructed that they are divided in their l j 19 middle zones, their partial walls being rigidly connected to the associated walls which extend transversely to the presumed direction of explosion, while not being connected to the bottom.

19. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pivotable connections consist of hinges.

20. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that the pivotable connections are formed by edges of diminished thickness.

21. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that also the walls of the container which extend in the presumed direction of the explosion, or partial walls thereof, are pivotally connected to the bottom, the pivotable connections between said walls or the partial walls thereof and the bottom being so constructed that said walls or their partial walls can only perform a pivoting movement outwardly and away from the bottom.

22. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the angle between the walls or their partial walls which extend in the presumed direction of the explosion, and the bottom of the container is greater than 900.

23. A container according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterised in that the fluid-tight film inlay is fixed to the walls of the container which extend transversely to the presumed direction of explosion and to the bottom, preferably by adhesion, except for the creases in the film inlay which exist in the corners of the container.

24. A container according to claim 23, characterised in that with a pivotable connection of all the walls of the container to the bottom when the walls are in their intended position and when the container is empty, the film inlay covers the bottom as well as said walls including the free angle regions between the edges of adjacent walls.

25. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the walls or t.heir partial walls which extend transversely to the presumed direction of explosion and/or the walls or the partial walls of the container which extend in the presumed direction of the explosion, are, when the container is filled, maintained in their intended positions by means of at least one triggering device which responds automatically to the pressure of a blast caused by an explosion.

26. A container according to claim 25, characterised in that the triggering device is provided with at least one intended braking point and/or at least one pressure-sensitive switch.

27. A container according to claims 25 or 26, characterized in that the triggering device is so mounted and constructed that it withstands the pressure exerted by the extinguisher fluid but opens then automatically when an overpressure acts on the wall which is towards the direction of the explosion and/or negative pressure acts on the wall which is remote from the direction of the explosion and on the walls which extend in the direction of the blast from the explosion.

28. A container according to any one of claims 25 to 27, characterised in that the triggering device is constructed in that the walls which are pivotally connected to the bottom of the container and which extend transversely to the presumed direction of the explosion and/or in the direction of the anticipated explosion, are extended beyond the bottom, the end edges of these extensions having 4 1 J 21 associated with them pressure-sensitive switches which are so mounted and constructed that their pressure elements bear on the inner end edges of the extensions of said walls.

29. A container according to any one of claims 25 to 28, characterised in that the level of the response pressure for automatically opening the triggering device is adjustable.

30. A container according to any one of claims 25 to 29, characterised in that serving as a triggering device is a rod provided at both ends with angled portions which are of U-shaped construction and between the arms of which extend the top edges of the walls which extend transversely to the presumed direc.tion of the explosion and/or of the walls of the container which extend in the presumed direction of the explosion.

31. A container according to claim 30, characterised in that the arms of the angled portions or the like of the bar comprise desired breaking points or the like.

32. A container according to any one of claims 25 to 29, characterised in that serving as a triggering device are the walls of the container which extend in the presumed direction of the explosion and which consist of a flexible tearable foil or film or the like.

33. A container according to claim 25, characterised in that the triggering device is operatively connected to at least one pressuresensitive switch of which the response level is adjustable and which is disposed on a wall of the container which extends transversely to the presumed direction of the explosion.

34. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the container is provided with a top 1 22 cover which is constructed as a triggering device or devices for the separable connection of the walls or partial walls of the container which extend transversely to and/or in the presumed direction of the explosion.

35. A container for fighting coal-dust and/or firedamp explosions in underground workings, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, Fig. 4, Figs. 5 to 7 or Fig. 8 of the accompanying drawings.

Published 1989 at The Patent Office, State House, 66."71 High Holborn. London WCIR- 4TP Further copies maybe obtain d from The Patent Office. Sales Branch, St Mary Cray, Orpington, Kent BR5 3RD. Printed by Multiplex techniques ltd, St Mary Cray, Kent, Con. 1/67 I 1