JP2020006198A - Fire extinguisher with internal mixing and gas cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a portable fire extinguisher on which frequent and simplified inspection and maintenance can be performed with minimal training and without need for custom equipment.SOLUTION: A puncturing mechanism for a portable fire extinguisher 19 is composed of: a lift plate; a puncturing pin 62 coupled to the lift plate, configured to puncture a pressurized gas cartridge 50 to release gas from the pressurized gas cartridge 50 into a chamber 22 of the fire extinguisher 19; and a trigger mechanism 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Cross-reference of related applications
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application 14 / 313,761 filed on June 24, 2014, of applicant's co-pending application 14/13/761, filed May 5, 2015. Nos. 704,820 are continuation-in-part applications, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

  [0002] The present invention relates to improvements in portable fire extinguishers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fire extinguisher that uses a replaceable gas cartridge that provides a propellant that forces a fire extinguishing medium out of the fire extinguisher.

  [0003] Many portable fire extinguishers have a similar design such that the fire extinguishing powder is contained in a continuously pressurized chamber. This type of fire extinguisher requires scheduled maintenance performed by qualified and trained technicians issued by each state fire sheriff. This maintenance involves extinguishing, cleaning and refilling the fire extinguisher. If not done regularly, the powder in the chamber may become solidified and / or the pressure in the chamber may leak and be insufficient to propel the powder out of the dispensing nozzle. there is a possibility. If maintenance is not performed correctly, water absorption by the fire extinguishing powder will cause solidification and shut off the dispensing nozzle. The conditions mentioned above will prevent the fire extinguishing powder from being dispensed properly when needed.

  [0004] Current fire extinguishers are prone to wear and tear due to constant pressure and the development of tears. Fire extinguishers are drained into a recycle chamber when serviced and all parts must be disassembled and cleaned. All pressure rings must be replaced and all parts must then be reassembled, where new powder will be placed in the chamber before pressurizing the chamber. Such maintenance of current fire extinguishers often causes the fire extinguisher to wear and tear than when used to extinguish a fire.

  [0005] US Patent No. 6,189,624, issued to James on February 20, 2001, and Japanese Patent No. 9,225,056, issued to Yamazaki Tomoki on September 2, 1997. A fire extinguishing mechanism is disclosed wherein the chamber is not continuously pressurized and the pressurized cartridge is a separate entity integrated within the chamber. Although these patents disclose separate pressurized cartridges, the cartridges are not located in a location that is easy to service, replace, or inspect. This minimizes the ability to determine the charge level of the cartridge to be pressurized.

[0006] US Patent No. 2,541,554 issued to CH Smith on February 13, 1951 ("US '551") and Glavaski on November 2, 2002.
G. FIG. D. Issued Russia patent et RU2,209,101 ( "RU'101") discloses a fire extinguisher with an external CO ₂ gas cartridge. For US'554, CO ₂ gas cartridge is seated on the fire extinguisher chamber, not integrated in the fire extinguisher of the handle. In the case of RU'101, the CO ₂ gas cartridge is outside the fire extinguisher and is connected to the fire extinguisher using a pipe or hose. These both patents disclose CO ₂ cartridges that are outside of the chamber, such as the fact that none of these are arranged in the handle is a simplified be inspected and exchanged structural extinguishers It has not been possible to do so.

[0007] US Patent No. 7,128,163, issued November 21, 2006, US Patent No. 7,318, issued January 15, 2008, all issued to Hector Rousseau. U.S. Patent No. 7,793,737, issued September 14, 2010, discloses a fire extinguisher with a gas cartridge in a handle and a fluffing mechanism. . These patents have similar features, but are oriented so that the gas cartridge discharges vertically upward. When the gas is discharged from the cartridge containing the compressed liquefied gas, such as CO _2, it shall cause evaporation from the liquid contained in order to maintain the thermodynamic equilibrium with the cartridge. Heat is required to cause evaporation, and the temperature and pressure of the compressed liquefied gas is reduced if there is insufficient heat available from the surrounding environment of the cartridge. When the pressure of CO ₂ drops below 517 kPa (75 psig), the liquid CO ₂ solidifies to dry ice. Since the cartridge type fire extinguisher is usually used immediately after piercing the cartridge, the generated dry ice changes into gas and contributes to the effective discharge of the fire extinguisher. Do not have enough time to absorb the heat. This effect is exacerbated when the ambient temperature is low, and it has been measured that existing cartridge-type fire extinguishers that are commercially available waste 40% of the amount of CO ₂ charge at −40 ° C. However, even if this gas is unused during normal discharges, the fire extinguisher must be structurally designed based on the full pressurized gas load, which will result in an optimal design. Will not be. In addition, in order to the possibility of flow paths by dry ice or frozen valve causes that the temperature is reduced due to expansion of CO ₂ is shut off to minimize, on the basis of the unique properties of CO _2, the main fire extinguishers The complexity of the path between the chamber and the cartridge must be avoided.

  [0008] Due to the pressurized condition that exists when using a pressurized fire extinguisher, due to the structural requirement that the pressure in the chamber must be constantly maintained, an opening where powder is placed in the fire extinguisher Departments are restricted. The filing application eliminates this need by providing an external gas cartridge, thereby allowing the chamber to be normally unpressurized. The lack of pressure on the chamber allows the top opening of the fire extinguisher to be enlarged, thereby filling the fire extinguisher with powder or checking the amount and / or condition of the powder in the chamber. It will be easier.

[0009] The gas cartridge is oriented to discharge only the liquid propellant into the body of the fire extinguisher, and the fire extinguisher further comprises a fluffer accessible from outside the chamber; There is a need for a fire extinguisher with replaceable gas cartridges, such that the chamber has an enlarged top opening for filling the fire extinguisher. The proposed fire extinguisher provides this solution by providing a fire extinguisher with an external gas cartridge oriented to discharge downwards, an external mechanism for starting the internal agitator, and a large opening. By doing so. Discharging the compressed liquefied gas downwards causes the liquid to be discharged into the fire extinguisher, which is approximately equivalent to the amount that causes the evaporation required to maintain the temperature and pressure in the cartridge above the triple point. It is no longer necessary for the cartridge to absorb any amount of heat, thereby avoiding solidification of the propellant. For compressed liquefied CO _2, in this concept, to discharge the CO ₂ almost 100% even if prerequisite extinguisher is -40 ℃ from the cartridge has been demonstrated experimentally.

[0010] The purpose of this fire extinguisher is to eliminate the need for maintenance personnel to enter the protected area. Fire extinguishers can receive high levels of service, can operate with automatic "self-service," and / or can be serviced manually by the owner or end user. This eliminates the need to have non-employees enter the business and government's privacy area. The fire extinguisher can be operated, maintained, recharged, and charged with minimal training without the need for custom equipment.

  When placing a fire extinguisher in a protected area, it is ideal to reduce external maintenance and maintenance of the fire extinguisher. This would reduce or eliminate the possibility of terrorists using the fire extinguisher as a weapon or using a pseudonym as a fire extinguisher mechanic to enter a protected area.

[0012] The purpose of this fire extinguisher is to provide a fire extinguisher with an external gas cartridge. The inverted external gas cartridge allows the liquid in the gas cartridge to be discharged directly into the fire extinguisher. Widely accepted gas cartridge, such as CO ₂ cartridge or nitrogen cartridges used in other applications can be adapted to work with this fire extinguisher. Because the gas cartridge is outside the chamber, it can be easily replaced or replaced without having to replace the entire fire extinguisher. This provides significant benefits when servicing multiple fire extinguishers at once.

  [0013] Another object of the fire extinguisher is to provide a fire extinguisher with an optional externally accessible stirring mechanism. The size, structure and need of the stirring mechanism may be based on the size of the fire extinguisher. An externally accessible stirring mechanism is used to maintain the powder in a fluffed, agitated, agitated, or disturbed state for the purpose of preventing the powder from solidifying, and Promotes preventing powder in the chamber from bridging to maintain the powder in a liquefied state for proper discharge over fire. Agitation is achieved using a paddle, flapper, chain, rod, or other mixing mechanism located within the chamber. The mixing mechanism is accessed using connections at the top, bottom or sides of the chamber and can be operated manually or using some type of tool.

  [0014] Another object of the fire extinguisher is to provide a fire extinguisher with an enlarged filling opening. The enlarged filling opening makes it easier and faster to fill and / or empty the chamber. Also, the top can be easily removed to visually inspect the condition of the powder in the chamber.

  [0015] Yet another object of the fire extinguisher is to provide a top housing that is quickly opened and closed, thereby allowing a user to quickly open and refill the fire extinguisher. This also allows a firefighter to load a desired fire extinguishing medium based on the type of fire.

  [0016] From the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like components, various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be described. It becomes clearer.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a fire extinguisher. [0018] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a fire extinguisher. [0019] FIG. 3 is a detailed view showing a dispensing valve. [0020] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a head of a fire extinguisher. [0021] FIG. 5 illustrates the step of removing the safety device before discharging the fire extinguisher. It is a figure which shows the stage of removing a safety device before discharging a fire extinguisher. It is a figure which shows the stage of removing a safety device before discharging a fire extinguisher. FIG. 3 is a detailed view showing a pressurized gas cartridge perforation mechanism. [0023] FIG. 3 is a detailed cross-sectional view showing a piercing pin. 4 is a graph showing the amount of dry ice generated based on the direction of the pressurized gas. [0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a stirring and wicking tube. [0026] FIG. 3 illustrates details of a plurality of suction inlets and a stirring arm.

  FIG. 1 shows an external perspective view of the fire extinguisher 19. Fire extinguisher 19 is generally cylindrical with a bottom housing 20 and a top housing 30. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom housing 20 and the top housing 30 are made of a lightweight elastic material such as plastic, but may be made of other materials including steel, brass, copper or aluminum. The bottom housing 20 may also be manufactured from a transparent material that allows for visual inspection within the fire extinguisher 19. The top housing 30 is screwed onto the bottom housing 20, but may be mounted using a bayonet mechanism or a latch mechanism. The bottom housing 20 has an enlarged opening to allow the bottom housing 20 to be more easily filled with a fire suppression material. The wall hanging mechanism may be incorporated into the top housing 30 of the fire extinguisher 19, or may be wrapped around the body of the bottom housing 20, or the top housing 30 of the fire extinguisher 19 may be forked.

  Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a handle 40 allows the operator to hold the fire extinguisher 19 by positioning the hand to pass through the gripping area 41. This allows the fire extinguisher 19 to be held in an upright position when transported or used. Also, although the fire extinguisher 19 can be stored and / or transported in an upright position, it is not critical that the fire extinguisher 19 be in an upright position for storage and operation. Partially within handle 40 and top housing 30, a replaceable pressurized gas cartridge 50 is located below transparent portion 42 of handle 40. Transparent portion 42 provides the ability to confirm that pressurized gas cartridge 50 is installed in fire extinguisher 19. In the preferred embodiment, pressurized gas cartridge 50 is shown partially within handle 40 and top housing 30, although other arrangements are contemplated.

[0029] replaceable pressurized gas cartridge 50 is essentially composed of the compressed gas cartridge CO _2, another type of gas cartridges that do not promote the spread of fire are also possible. Because the gas in the cartridge is under high pressure and potentially in a liquid state, a small propellant cartridge is required to release the flame suppression material 99 inside the fire extinguisher 19. It is also contemplated that multiple gas cartridges may be used to accommodate larger fire extinguishers without departing from the inventiveness of this design. Pressurized gas cartridges are available and can be replaced or serviced without having to service the entire fire extinguisher 19. The handle 40 and its transparent part 42 protect the pressurized gas cartridge 50 when the fire extinguisher 19 falls or is handled poorly. Trigger mechanism 60 activates pressurized gas cartridge 50 to pressurize chamber 22 and release flame suppression material 99 into and out of hose 81 and outlet port 90.

[0030] Although some figures of this document show and describe a flexible hose 81, some contemplated embodiments may include a duct, hollow passage or nozzle 97, where a fire suppression The medium is extinguished by passing media out of the body of the fire extinguisher and out of the nozzle 97. A control valve lever 92 opens and closes the outlet port 90, thus preventing the fire suppression material 99 from overflowing the fire extinguisher when the chamber is pressurized. If a nozzle 97 is used, a control valve may be located near the nozzle to control the flow of the fire extinguishing medium out of the fire extinguisher. The perforation mechanism of the pressurized gas cartridge and the path from the gas cartridge 50 to the chamber 22 are shown and described in FIG.

  FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the fire extinguisher 19. The operator can position his or her hand or glove to pass through the gripping area 41 of the handle 40, and can carry, transport, or use the fire extinguisher 19 with either hand. When the top housing 30 is disengaged from the bottom housing 20, a flame suppression material 99 is placed into the chamber 22 in the bottom housing 20 through the enlarged cylindrical opening 70. Over time, the flame suppression material 99 is compressed and solidified within the bottom of the chamber 22. When the flame suppressing substance 99 is in a solidified state, the risk of inappropriate discharge is increased. Within the fire extinguisher 19, a plurality of stirring arms 120 are disposed on the central shaft 110. The stirring wheel 100 can be accessed from below the fire extinguisher 19. The rotation of the stirring wheel 100 causes the flame suppression material 99 to be stirred again, minimizing the risk of improper discharge of the suppression material 99 from the fire extinguisher 19. Turning the agitator wheel 100 will also loosen the flame suppression material 99 as can be seen in a hood mixer.

  [0032] Polycarbonate is one of the cost-effective candidates for providing a transparent bottom housing 20, but because polycarbonate contacts ammonia gas, the main component of ABC dry chemicals, degradation of the material occurs. It is necessary to isolate or protect the polycarbonate from direct exposure, especially at high temperatures. If a polycarbonate material is used, the interior of the bottom housing 20 is preferably coated with a transparent protective coating 21 comprising a siloxane base or its equivalent. This coating 21 improves the chemical and abrasion resistance and also provides UV protection. Coating 21 may be applied in a number of similar ways to isolate the exposure of the polycarbonate to monoammonium phosphate and any ammonia gas released. The coating 21 provides the required chemical resistance, while the polycarbonate bottom housing 20 provides the required strength and impact resistance.

  [0033] In another contemplated embodiment, the bottom housing 20 is configured as a transparent cylinder from two separate cylinders, wherein the inner cylinder 21 is inserted into the outer cylinder 23 of the bottom housing 20. This can be achieved by molding a transparent inner cylinder of tritan, acrylic, styrene acrylonitrile, or other equivalent material into an outer cylinder 23 of polycarbonate. If the outer cylinder 23 is polycarbonate, it functions to provide the required strength and impact resistance of the assembly, while the inner cylinder 21 provides the required chemical resistance of monoammonium phosphate. In these embodiments, the strength of the inner cylinder 21 may be sufficient to ensure safe operation when the outer cylinder 23 of the bottom housing 20 is damaged from harsh environments or shocks.

  [0034] To release the flame suppression material 99 from within the fire extinguisher 19, an operator must pierce the pressurized gas cartridge 50. Pressurized gas cartridge 50 is secured by threads 52 or otherwise secured within the top housing of fire extinguisher 19. Within the top housing 30, a replaceable pressurized gas cartridge 50 is located below the transparent portion 42 of the handle 40. The handle 40 and its transparent portion 42 protect the pressurized gas cartridge 50 when the fire extinguisher falls, and further allow the operator to confirm that the pressurized gas cartridge 50 is installed in the fire extinguisher 19. To When a hole is made in the pressurized gas cartridge 50, the operator lowers or rotates the trigger mechanism 60, and the trigger mechanism 60 pushes the piercing pin 62 into the pressurized gas cartridge 50. Details of the trigger mechanism 60 and the piercing pin 62 are shown and described in more detail in FIGS. When the pressurized gas cartridge 50 is pierced, gas and / or liquid is forced into the chamber 22.

[0035] As the liquefied gas is exhausted from the pressurized gas cartridge 50, it must cause evaporation from the contained liquid to maintain a thermodynamic equilibrium within the pressurized gas cartridge 50. It is necessary to cause evaporation in order to maintain thermodynamic equilibrium heat. If there is insufficient heat available from the surrounding environment of the cartridge, the temperature and pressure of the compressed liquefied gas will decrease. In the case of liquefied CO ₂ , when the pressure drops below 517 kPa (75 psig), the liquid CO ₂ solidifies to dry ice. When dry ice is generated, the dry ice is heated for a period of time to absorb the ambient thermal mass sufficiently to change the phase to gas and contribute to the effective discharge of the fire extinguisher 19. Do not have.

[0036] Dry ice production is exacerbated at low temperatures. Testing agencies such as UL and CSA require that fire extinguishers operate at temperatures down to -40 ° C (-40 ° F). If the pressurized gas cartridge using CO ₂ is oriented so that the exhaust port is in a vertical position to place it on top (ie, the screw 52 is in the upper position), the test indicates that the fire extinguisher has been exhausted. Later, it was shown that up to 40% (by weight) of CO ₂ could maintain the form of dry ice. Pressurized gas cartridge 50 comprises CO _2, when it is oriented such that an inverted orientation (i.e., threaded portion 52 is in the lower position), pressurized to maintain the temperature and pressure above the triple point There is no need for the cartridge to absorb an amount of heat substantially equivalent to evaporating the liquid CO ₂ from the pressurized gas cartridge 50, thereby avoiding the generation of dry ice within the cartridge 50. In such concepts, to discharge the CO ₂ almost 100% even if fire extinguisher is to be a prerequisite to -40 ℃ (-40 ° F) from the cartridge has been demonstrated experimentally. When CO ₂ enters the chamber 22, and sufficient heat and surface area to a relatively large volume within obtain to rapidly convert the liquid CO ₂ to CO ₂ gas.

  [0037] A mixture of flame suppressant 99 and gas is forced through central shaft 110 and through flow path 80 in top housing 30, where the mixture is hosed to valve 95, which is manually operable. It is pushed through 81 and discharged out of the outlet port 90. The central shaft 110 has an integral wick 112, wherein the flame suppression material 99 is forced through the integral wick 112 into a plurality of holes at the bottom of the central shaft 110. A dispensing nozzle 96 has a valve 95 that operates with a control rod 94 for opening and closing the valve 95. A control rod 94 uses a spring 93 to hold the valve 95 closed. The operator pushes down the control valve lever 92 to overcome the spring 93 and opens the valve 95. The dispensing nozzle 96 can be operated by either hand. This is shown and described in more detail in FIG.

  FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the dispensing nozzle 96. This figure shows a part of the handle 40 and the grip area 41. The top housing 30 has a flow path 80 through the top housing 30 from within the fire extinguisher 19. When the valve 95 is in the closed position, the fire extinguisher 19 can maintain the pressurized state after the pressurized gas cartridge 50 is pierced. In this “ready” state, the pressure in the fire extinguisher 19 and the flame suppression material 99 are all controlled by the valve 95. A dispensing nozzle 96 has a valve 95 connected to a control rod 94. When the control rod 94 is pulled back, it can flow from the hose 81 to the outlet port 90.

[0039] The operator can hold the dispensing nozzle 96 of the fire extinguisher 19 with one hand and operate the lever 92 with the same one hand. The operator can then direct the dispensing nozzle 96 toward the fire. When the lever 92 is depressed, the lever presses the spring 93 and slides the control rod 94 to open the valve 95. When valve 95 is opened, flame suppression material 99 flows out of outlet port 90. When the lever 92 is released, the spring 93 closes the valve 95, thereby preventing further dispensing of the fire suppression material 99. Thereby, the pressure in the chamber 22 of the fire extinguisher 19 is maintained.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the top housing 30 of the fire extinguisher 19. The handle 40 allows the operator to hold the fire extinguisher 19 by positioning the hand to pass through the gripping area 41. A trigger mechanism 60 is connected to the lift plate 55, which lifts the piercing pin 62 into the closed end of the pressurized gas cartridge 50 under the transparent portion 42 of the handle 40. Pressurized gas cartridge 50 is secured by threads 52 or otherwise secured within top housing 30. Details of the trigger mechanism 60 and the piercing pin 62 are shown and described in more detail in FIGS. If the cartridge 50 is filled with compressed liquid CO ₂ , the flow path between the pressurized gas cartridge 50 and the interior of the fire extinguisher 19 produces dry ice that can block or restrict the flow path. Must be as smooth as possible to limit fear. Bottom housing 20 is shown connected to top housing 30. When the valve 95 is opened, the static pressure from the CO ₂ or compressed gas from the gas cartridge 50 pushes the flame suppression material 99 down into the opening of the central shaft 110 and further raises the integral wick 112. And pushed through the flow path 80 to the hose 81. If the seal 109 leaks with respect to the top housing 30, gas from the gas cartridge 50 bypasses the suppression material 99 and travels directly into the flow path 80 and ultimately enters the outlet valve 95, Thereby, the range of the suppressing substance 99 is reduced, and the emission amount is reduced. In order to properly assemble the seal 109 to the top housing 30, the guiding features of the top housing 30 capture the central shaft 110 when the bottom housing 20 is installed relative to the top housing 30.

  [0041] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate the steps of repositioning the safety knob 72 before the fire extinguisher 19 discharges. The initial stage of FIG. 5A is how the fire extinguisher 19 is present before activation. In this position, the safety knob 72 limits movement of the trigger mechanism 60. The safety knob 72 is essentially rectangular, thereby locking or blocking the trigger mechanism 60 in one orientation, such that when the safety knob 72 is rotated 90 degrees, the side of the trigger mechanism 60 is secured. It is possible to pass through the knob 72. Opposite vertical sides of the trigger mechanism 60 are secured using a flange portion 76 of the safety knob 72. To allow activation, the safety knob 72 is turned (68). The safety knob 72 can be operated by either hand.

  [0042] In FIG. 5B, the safety knob 72 is shown in a vertical orientation, allowing the trigger mechanism 60 to pass by the side of the safety knob 72. When the safety knob 72 is rotated, this rotation causes the internal pin 74 to shear or release the tamper indicator 73 or push it out. The release of the mischief display unit 73 indicates that the fire extinguisher 19 may have been discharged and that a service inspection is required. Also, when the safety knob 72 is in the vertical orientation, access to the gas cartridge 50 by opening the transparent portion 42 of the handle 40 is blocked. This design prevents the insertion of a new pressurized gas cartridge 50 without returning the trigger mechanism 60 to the locked upright orientation so that a new pressurized gas cartridge 50 can be punctured upon insertion. Is prevented.

  [0043] In FIG. 5C, the operator can then pull or push the trigger mechanism 60 down to a state 67 (dashed line) where the trigger mechanism 60 is shown in the lower position (69). When the trigger mechanism 60 is rotated from the upper position to the lower position 67, the piercing pin 62 is pushed into the pressurized gas cartridge 50 and pierces the pressurized gas cartridge 50. Trigger mechanism 60 can be operated with either hand.

FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of the piercing mechanism of the pressurized gas cartridge 50. A pressurized gas cartridge 50 is secured in a retainer 56 in the top housing 30 by a thread 52. When a hole is drilled in the end of the pressurized gas cartridge 50, the pressurized gas cartridge 50 and the threaded retainer 56 remain stationary. In this figure, a set of fixtures and overlapping parts have been removed for clarity. The pivoting of the trigger mechanism 60 about the shaft 58 provides additional mechanical advantage in piercing the end of the pressurized gas cartridge 50. The free end of the trigger mechanism 60 is connected to the lift rod 53 and the return spring 54, and the return spring 54 maintains the trigger mechanism 60 in a normal state. Do not touch The lift rods 53 (only one is shown) are connected together and work in unison to lift the lift plate 55 in a parallel relationship, thereby causing the piercing pins 62 to rise linearly.

FIG. 7 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the piercing pin 62. A piercing pin 62 has a pointed end 61 for piercing a seal on the end of the pressurized gas cartridge 50. The partially hollow central portion 65 passes gaseous or liquid CO ₂ from the pressurized gas cartridge 50 into the chamber 22 of the fire extinguisher 19 even when the pin 62 is held in the pierced position within the gas cartridge 50. Make it possible. The piercing pin 62 has a taper 66 to increase the size of the hole when the pin is inserted into the pressurized gas cartridge 50, and the taper 66 removes the pin from the cartridge 50 via the force applied by the spring 54. Provides a draft for easy extrusion. One end of the piercing pin 62 has an assembly feature 64, where the piercing pin 62 is retained on the lift plate 55. An enlarged shank 63 supports a piercing pin 62 between an assembly feature 64 and a partially hollow central portion 65. Since the piercing pin 62 is firmly supported, it is possible to prevent the gas cartridge 50 from being erroneously pierced when dropped or when used roughly.

  [0046] Fire extinguishers generally require approval from regulatory agencies, such as the Underwriters Laboratory (UL). In most fire extinguishers, the housing is pressurized. The fire extinguisher disclosed in this document uses a separate pressurized cartridge 50 that is filled with a liquefied gas that must exit the cartridge 50 and expand into the bottom housing 20.

  [0047] In the case of a cartridge-operated fire extinguisher, an interval of 5 seconds after the cartridge has been punctured, with the aim of generating pressure before the discharge of the drug is initiated. May be placed. Fire extinguishers shall have a duration of at least 8 seconds of discharge or a minimum duration specified in the fire extinguisher evaluation and fire test standards.

  [0048] If the charged fire extinguisher is held in a vertical position, the discharge nozzle is in a horizontal position. The fire extinguisher will then be discharged and the duration to the gas point and the amount of dry chemical discharge recorded.

When discharged upward [0049] vertical direction, based on the orientation of the ambient temperature and the gas cylinder, varying amounts of dry ice (solid CO ₂₎ is held in a CO ₂ cartridge. On the other hand, when discharged vertically downward, only a minimal amount of dry ice was retained.

FIG. 8 shows a graph of the amount of dry ice generated based on the direction of the pressurized gas. This graph shows the amount of dry ice at a temperature 45 of 70 ° C. (70 ° F.) and a temperature 46 of −40 ° C. (−40 ° F.). At 70 ° C. (70 ° F.), it is shown that almost no dry ice is generated in almost all posture positions. At −40 ° C. (−40 ° F.), the amount of dry ice can be as high as over 40% when the cartridge is in the vertical orientation 47 or about 15% when the cartridge 48 is in the horizontal orientation 48. From a large amount exceeding 50% to approximately 0% of 49 when the cartridge 50 is inverted. When the cartridge is engaged in the fire extinguisher 19 (52), pushes more fluid vaporized CO ₂ cartridge 50 of the gas lightweight, heavier liquid in the CO ₂ out of the opening of the cartridge 50 In this way, the inverted cartridge 50 pushes the liquid CO _{2 out} of the cartridge 50.

[0051] with the proviso 70 ° C. the addition of pressure liquid CO ₂ cartridge (70 ° F) or -40 ℃ (-40 ° F), subjected to discharge at different orientations, these results were measured. After 30 seconds from the opening of the cartridge, the amount of dry ice remaining in the cartridge was measured.

  FIG. 9 shows the stirring arm 120 and the integral wick 112. In this preferred embodiment, the stirring arm 120 and the integral wick 112 are manufactured as a single unit around the central shaft 110. Although this embodiment shows a suction tube 112 with a stirring arm or blade 120, embodiments are also contemplated in which the stirring arm or blade 120 may not be incorporated. The inclusion of a stirring arm or blade 120 is generally determined by the fire extinguisher capacity and rating. The bottom cap 111 of the central shaft 110 fits into the bottom of the fire extinguisher 19. A seal around the bottom cap 111 prevents pressurized gas from passing out through the bottom of the fire extinguisher 19. The seal 109 on the upper end of the central shaft 110 allows the pressurized gas to bypass directly into the flow path 80 and ultimately into the outlet valve 95, thereby reducing the extent of the suppression material 99 and discharging Prevent the quantity from being reduced. The seal 109 and the seal around the bottom cap 111 allow the central shaft 110 to rotate within the fire extinguisher 19. To assist in manufacturing, the bottom cap 111, the integral wick 112 and / or the stirrer arm 120 may be separate pieces or combined in any efficient manner.

  [0053] The integral wick 112 is configured with an elongate tube member 119, the elongate tube member 119 having a blade 120 molded with the elongate tube. The bottom cap 111 is fixed to the elongated tube 119 by ultrasonic welding or the like.

  [0054] Because the pressurized gas cartridge 50 is inverted, substantially only the liquefied gas exits and expands in the fire extinguisher 19 into a gas, whereby substantially all of the gas in the cartridge is removed. Released. The pressure wave 113 moving at a speed close to the speed of sound pushes the top of the stirring arm 120 because the liquid / gas is released at a high speed. Gussets 116 support the stirring arm 120 to prevent the stirring arm 120 from being scraped off by pressure waves. In a short time, the pressure in the fire extinguisher 19 is stabilized. When the valve 95 is opened, the static pressure in the chamber 22 pushes the flame suppression material 99 toward at least one inlet 114 at the bottom of the central shaft 110 shown in other figures herein.

FIG. 10 shows details of the plurality of inlets 114 and the stirring arm 120. Stirring arm 120 is narrow, has a convex portion, is zigzag, and is tapered (115), thereby maximizing pushed flame suppression material 99 while minimizing rotational resistance. Mix and maximize the flow of pressurized inhibitor 99 during discharge. The holes 117 in the stirring arm 120 allow the flame suppression material 99 to pass around the stirring arm 120 and the support gusset 116. The liquefied gas pressure wave 113 is shown depressing the arm 120. The bottom of the central shaft 110 shows a plurality of inlets 114 in which the flame suppression material 99 is pushed into or drawn into the inlets 114 and passes through an integral wick 112, where Here, the flame suppression material 99 can exit the fire extinguisher 19 through the hose 81 and the dispensing nozzle 96. A bottom seal resides in a recess in the bottom cap 111 of the central shaft 110. Bottom cap 11
One lower portion 118 is configured with a head for gripping from the outside, and comprises a wheel that allows the head to rotate the central shaft 110 from the outside. In this embodiment, the drive is shaped like a "+", but other shapes that provide essentially equal power are also contemplated.

  [0056] Thus, certain embodiments of a portable fire extinguisher have been disclosed. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that many other modifications, in addition to those described above, are possible without departing from the inventive concept herein. Accordingly, the subject matter of the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

  [0057] The industrial applicability relates to fire extinguishers.

Claims (8)

A piercing mechanism for a portable fire extinguisher, wherein the portable fire extinguisher uses a chamber (22) configured to hold a flame suppression material (99) and the portable fire extinguisher. A pressurized gas cartridge (50) configured to pressurize said chamber (22) when actuated by a person.
The perforation mechanism,
A lift plate (55);
A piercing pin (62) connected to said lift plate (55), said pressurized pin for releasing gas from said pressurized gas cartridge (50) to said chamber (22) of said portable fire extinguisher. A piercing pin (62) configured to pierce the gas cartridge (50);
A trigger mechanism (60) connected to the lift plate (55), wherein the trigger mechanism (60) moves from a first position to a second position, thereby causing the lift plate (55) and the perforation to move. A corresponding movement of the pin (62) occurs and the piercing pin (62) pierces the pressurized gas cartridge (50) and releases the gas from the gas cartridge (50) to the chamber (22). A trigger mechanism (60) configured as follows.
Perforation mechanism. The drilling mechanism according to claim 1, wherein
The movement of the trigger mechanism (60) includes a downward movement of the trigger mechanism (60) toward the chamber (22) and an upward movement of the lift plate (55) and the piercing pin (62) away from the chamber (22). Perforation mechanism, including movement of the. The drilling mechanism according to claim 1, wherein
The piercing mechanism, wherein the piercing pin (62) is connected to a threaded retainer (56) configured to receive the pressurized gas cartridge (50). The drilling mechanism according to claim 1,
A perforation mechanism, wherein the lift plate (55) is biased away from the pressurized gas cartridge (50) by a return spring (54). A method of operating a portable fire extinguisher (19), the portable fire extinguisher comprising a chamber (22) configured to hold a flame suppression material (99); and the portable fire extinguisher. A pressurized gas cartridge (50) configured to pressurize said chamber (22) when actuated by a user;
The method comprises:
Moving the safety knob (72) from the first safety knob position to the second safety knob position to release the locked state of the trigger mechanism (60);
Moving the trigger mechanism (60) from a first trigger position to a second trigger position;
With
The step of moving the trigger mechanism (60) includes piercing the pressurized gas cartridge (50) so that gas is released from the pressurized gas cartridge (50) into the chamber (22). Moving the piercing pin (62) connected to the trigger mechanism (60). The method according to claim 5, wherein
The method of moving the safety knob (72) includes releasing or pushing a tamper indicator (73). The method according to claim 5, wherein
Moving the trigger mechanism (60) from the first trigger position to the second trigger position includes moving the trigger mechanism (60) in a first direction;
The method of moving the piercing pin (62) comprises moving the piercing pin (62) in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The method according to claim 5, wherein
The method further comprising using a return spring to bias the piercing pin (62) away from the pressurized gas cartridge (50).

Images