NO345274B1 - Robotized fire distinguisher for flexible connection to a supply line - Google Patents

Description

ROBOTIZED FIRE DISTINGUISHER FOR FLEXIBLE CONNECTION TO A SUPPLY LINE

The present invention relates to a system for firefighting, the system comprising a robotized fire distinguisher. The robot is adapted to move along a fluid extinguishing agent supply line, and establish a fluid flow connection between the supply line and a nozzle arranged on the robot. The invention also relates to a tunnel and a building comprising the said system for firefighting.

Background

Tunnels for passenger transportation may become a deadly trap in case of a fire. One of the worst incidents happened in the St. Gotthard tunnel in Switzerland in 2001, where 10 people died in the 17 kilometres long tunnel. In 2013 and 2015 respectively a truck and a bus caught fire in the 11-kilometre-long Gudvangen tunnel in Norway. Tens of people were injured, and the tunnel was closed for weeks, causing long detours.

Over the last decades there has been an increasing amount of sub-sea road tunnels, especially in Norway. Some of these tunnels may be very steep, with an inclination of up to 10 %. In a few years, we can expect sub-sea tunnels with a length close to 30 kilometres going down to 390 meters below sea level. Many trucks have caught fire during their descent into sub-sea tunnels because their brakes become overheated.

Previous tunnel fires have shown that the tunnel is filled with smoke in a very short time. No or limited visibility in combination with high temperature and deadly smoke may become a deadly trap for people inside the tunnel. Many tunnels are in rural areas with a relatively long distance to a fire brigade.

Over the years there have been numerous attempts to improve the fire safety for tunnels. New tunnels may comprise an emergency room and large fans arranged to lead the smoke in one direction, enabling people to escape and the fire brigade to access from the other direction. Some tunnels also comprise surveillance cameras and a great amount of handheld fire distinguishers in order to detect and put out a fire, respectively.

In order to control a fire until the fire brigade arrives, autonomous firefighting systems have been presented. However, the present systems have some major drawbacks; limited amount of fire extinguishing agent or high weight due to onboard reservoirs and/or problematic to retrofit in existing tunnels.

Patent document WO2004/018050 discloses a fire extinguishing installation for tunnels. This installation comprises a rail that is arranged above the traffic route, and at least two extinguishing units, which are guided on the rail. Each unit comprises a drive system connected to the rail, a reservoir for an extinguishing agent that is connected to at least one positionable nozzle, and smoke and heat sensors. The extinguishing units further comprises couplings placed at both ends, used for re-filling the unit with the extinguishing agent.

As the extinguishing agent is being transported in an onboard reservoir, the weight of the system may excess several hundred kilos. Consequently, a very solid and costly connection between the rail and the tunnel roof is required. The high weight also limits, or even excludes, the use of the system in tunnels with a high gradient, for instance in a sub-sea tunnel. The on-board reservoir has a limited capacity, meaning that re-filling may be required during a fire fighting. The re-filling involves transportation of the extinguishing units to a fixed re-filling point. The re-filling operation may take several minutes, depending on the distance from the fire site and to the re-filling point. During the re-filling operation, the unit will not be able to extinguish the fire, which is a big drawback.

Patent document WO03/090874 A1 discloses a fire extinguishing installation for tunnels. An extinguishing supply line and two rails are installed along the tunnel wall. The two rails are arranged on each side of the tunnel. A transverse carriage is connected to the rails and is movable along the rails. Said carriage comprises a reservoir for an extinguishing agent, water nozzles, and means to establish a fluid flow from the supply line and to the carriage by perforating the supply line.

The transverse carriage extends across the width of the tunnel, and requires an accurate distance between the rails and a solid and costly connection between the rails and the tunnel. Furthermore, the transverse carriage limits the height in the tunnel and limits the possibilities for sign posts, lights and ventilation components to be suspended from the roof.

Patent document JPH10179782 discloses a fire extinguishing installation for tunnels. The installation comprises a fire extinguishing supply line and an extinguishing robot. The robot is arranged on a wagon running on a railway track next to the supply line. The robot comprises a water nozzle and means to establish a water flow from the supply line, by perforating the supply line. The supply line and the track are arranged next to the carriageway in the tunnel.

One disadvantage with the system of JPH10179782 is that the installation requires an extra wide tunnel. A second disadvantage is that the system can work only from one side of the carriageway and from a low height. The low position makes it impossible to distribute the fire distinguisher from the top, where the effect is best. Another disadvantage is that the wagon is running on the rail as an ordinary train, meaning that it can only handle a limited inclination and it can easily derail.

Patent document CN103075175 discloses a trail-constrained suspension type tunnel firefighting robot comprising box body, a guide rod, a water injecting pipeline and a guide rail. The robot is running on the guide rail and connects to the water injecting pipeline by quick change coupler being part of the robot.

Patent document JPH08276027 discloses a means for controlling a fire robot for transferring the fire robot to a position appropriate for the fire fighting on the basis of the information on the origin of fire from a means for detecting the origin of fire after the fire robot is transferred quickly to a determined point for the transferring fire fighting on the basis of the information from a fire sensor, whole line non-contact type feeder and receiver systems, and a hose reel having a contact type fluid coupling are provided.

Patent document DE10300370 discloses a fire extinguishing unit, actuated with a drive system, is movable along a horizontal railing at the inner surface of a tunnel lining. The drive unit consists of a propellant reservoir, a fire extinguishing agent reservoir, vertical pipes connected to a horizontal line and set with nozzles, a sensor, and couplings connecting the line to the agent reservoir.

Equally to a tunnel, a fire in a tall building may prevent a quick access for a fire brigade using a fire truck. The deadly fire in the Grenfell Tower in London, June 2017, is such an example. Tall buildings must therefore to a great extent rely on on-site fire distinguishing systems and helicopters when a fire occurs at a high level.

The invention

The invention has for its object to remedy or to reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative to prior art.

The invention is defined by the independent patent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments of the invention.

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a system for firefighting, the system comprising - a supply line for a fluid extinguishing agent;

- a robot for distributing the fluid extinguishing agent, the robot comprising a nozzle and a coupling arranged to establish a fluid flow connection between the supply line and the nozzle;

- the robot being arranged to move along the supply line;

- the robot comprising means to secure the robot in a set distance to the supply line; and - the robot being arranged on the supply line.

The effects of the firefighting system in accordance with the invention are as follows: The invention offers a simple and flexible firefighting system which eliminates the need for the fire distinguishing robot to carry the fluid extinguishing agent. Instead, the robot connects to the supply line for establishing a fluid flow between the supply line and the robot.

The coupling comprises a first end and a second end. The first end is arranged to connect with a perforation means arranged to perforate the supply line. The second end is arranged to connect with a conduit arranged to distribute the fluid flow from the coupling to the nozzle. The conduit may comprise a fluid pump. The coupling may comprise means for rotating and moving the perforation means. The coupling itself may be rotating and movable. The rotation may be arranged by an electric motor. The movement is typically linear and may be arranged by an electric actuator, a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder. The coupling may comprise a swivel know from prior art for transferring the fluid.

The robot can connect to the supply line at any position along the supply line. When the perforation means is positioned, and the fluid flow is established, the nozzle may distribute the fluid extinguishing agent. The invention may comprise more than one supply line and more than one robot can be arranged on the supply line.

The robot is arranged to move on the supply line. The supply line may be a conduit. The supply line may be arranged in any angle between 0 and 90 degrees, relative to a ground plane, and the supply line and the rail may be twisted.

The supply line is connected to one or more reservoirs, and the amount of fire distinguishing agent is limited by the size of the reservoirs only. The reservoirs may for instance be a tank or a lake. The reservoir may be a mobile reservoir, arranged on a truck.

Since the robot do not have to carry the weight of the extinguishing agent, the robot may be made small with a low weight. The low weight makes is possible to arrange the system where the construction has limited carrying capacity. This makes the system ideal for arrangement in a roof, for instance in a tunnel roof, or on a building facade. The low weight also means less material and less cost, compared to system with a on board reservoir.

The nozzle is arranged to distribute the fluid extinguishing agent. The nozzle may be controlled manually or autonomous.

The system may comprise means to add a chemical extinguishing agent into the fluid. The chemical may be dry or wet.

The means for securing the robot in a set distance to the supply line may in one embodiment be a drive unit, and the drive unit may comprise wheels. The wheels may be arranged around a portion of the rail or the supply line. By securing the robot in a set distance to the supply line, the robot may keep its relative position to the supply line regardless of the routing of the supply line. The securing is radially only, meaning that the robot is free to move along the supply line. If the supply line is vertical or twisted, the means for securing ensures the robot to always follow the supply line in a correct position, which is important for establishing the fluid flow connection. The perforation should preferably be perpendicular to the supply line. The securing means may also prevent the robot to derail or to be taken away from the supply line, accidently or intentionally.

In an embodiment of the firefighting system in accordance with the invention, the robot may be arranged on the supply line. By using the supply line as the rail for the robot, the system may have the smallest possible cross section, simplifying the routing of the system. This is of special importance in a tunnel where a plurality of sign posts, light systems and ventilation system are suspended in the roof. Arranging the robot on the supply line will also reduce the components needed and thereby also the cost. Combining the rail and the supply line will also eliminate the risk for varying distance between the robot and the supply line.

In an embodiment of the firefighting system in accordance with the invention, the pressure inside the supply line may be created at least partially by means of the water column therein. This may exclude the need for a pump to generate the needed pressure. A pressure made by the water column will be the case when the supply line is connected to a reservoir arranged at a higher altitude than the supply line. One example is a system arranged in a sub-water tunnel, where the reservoir is arranged above the tunnel inlet. In an alternative embodiment, a pump or a compressor may be used to create said pressure.

To control the pressure inside the supply line, a pressure valve may be added to the system. This is primarily relevant in a sub-sea tunnel with great depth, giving a big pressure difference between the inlet of the tunnel and the bottom of the tunnel. If the tunnel is 200 metres below the sea level, the pressure difference between the sea level and the bottom will be 20 bars. The system may also comprise a closing valve for cutting of the fluid flow in parts of the supply line during service and maintenance.

In an embodiment of the firefighting system in accordance with the invention, the robot may comprise a drive unit. The drive unit is arranged to move the robot along the supply line, and may be arranged to move the robot at any gradient, also vertical. This makes it possible to give the supply line the best possible routing without the robot giving noteworthy limitations. The drive unit may comprise wheels, and one or more wheel may be driven. Three or more wheels may be arranged around the track or the supply line giving necessary friction for the wheels to move the robot in any direction. The wheel system may comprise means for pressing the wheels to the rail or the supply line. Said means may for instance be a spring or an actuator. The wheel system may comprise a brake, arranged to reduce the speed of the robot, and keep the robot parked at any position.

In an embodiment of the firefighting system in accordance with the invention, the robot may comprise a stabilizer. The stabilizer keeps the robot stable and fixed to the rail or the supply line during the establishment of the fluid flow connection between the supply line and the nozzle. When connecting to the supply line, a fixed position is required to allow the perforating means to perforate the supply line correctly. During distribution of the agent, a force will be generated, trying to turn the robot in the opposite direction from the nozzle outlet. When the stabilizer is activated, the stabilizer will prevent said rotation and undesirable movement of the robot. The stabilizer may comprise brackets arranged to be clamped to the rail. The brackets may be operated by an actuator.

In an embodiment of the firefighting system in accordance with the invention, the perforation means may comprise a needle. The needle is arranged to be pushed into the supply line, generating a fluid flow between the supply line and the nozzle. A needle is a simple means for perforation, assuming the supply line is made of material enabling the needle to penetrate. A portion of the needle may comprise a fluid inlet, where said fluid inlet is arranged to be positioned inside the supply line during operation.

In an embodiment of the firefighting system in accordance with the invention, the perforation means may comprise a rotating element. If the supply line is made of a hard material, for instance high density polyethylene (HDPE), aluminium or steel, the perforation may require drilling in order to penetrate the supply line. The rotating element may comprise an end portion comprising a drill bit and a fluid inlet.

The rotating element may comprise threads, the threads being arranged to make a screwable connection between the rotating element and the supply line. The rotating element may be a supply line fluid coupling, arranged for temporary or permanent arrangement to the supply line. Said supply line fluid coupling may be part of a fluid coupling comprising a male and female coupling. The fluid coupling may comprise a depressurization device enabling the couplings to be connected and disconnected when the supply line is pressurized.

In an embodiment of the firefighting system in accordance with the invention, the robot may comprise means to connect to a pre-positioned fluid coupling. Connecting to a prepositioned valve may give a faster establishment of the fluid flow connection than perforating the supply line. The pre-positioned fluid couplings may be arranged to the supply line during installation of the system. The pre-positioned fluid couplings may be arranged to the supply line by the robot during a fire fight operation. A connection to a pre-positioned fluid coupling requires that the coupling is close to the place of the fire. The system may comprise a control system arranged to identify the position of the pre-positioned fluid couplings.

When a supply line fluid valve is arranged into the supply line, said supply line fluid valve may be removed after use, and the perforation in the supply line may be closed by exchanging a part of the supply line or sealing the perforation. Alternatively, the supply line fluid valve may be left for permanently fixation in the supply line,and being available for reuse. The possibility to disconnect the robot from the supply line fluid valve may be advantageous if a re-positioning of the robot is required during a fire fight.

The robot may comprise a storage for supply line fluid valves and means for arranging a plurality of supply line fluid valves into the supply line.

As described, the robot may connect to a pre-positioned supply line fluid valve. Consequently, the system may operate with a supply line comprising pre-positioned supply line fluid valves. Pre-assembled supply line fluid valves may be advantageous if the robot is used for maintenance in fixed positions, for instance for cleaning of the tunnel walls.

In an embodiment of the firefighting system in accordance with the invention, the system may comprise explosives for perforating the supply line. By using explosives, the time for establishing a fluid flow connection may be shorter than using a needle or a rotating element. When using explosives, the operation may comprise arrangement of a robe around the perforation.

In an embodiment of the firefighting system in accordance with the invention, the system may comprise means for detecting a flame and/or smoke. Said means makes it possible for the system to detect and identify the position of a possible fire at an early stage. When arranged on the robot, said means may be used to position the robot in the correct distance from the place of fire. Said means may also be arranged along the supply line. Information from said means may be transferred to a control centre.

In an embodiment of the firefighting system in accordance with the invention, the robot may comprise a control system arranged for autonomous firefighting. An autonomous system may reduce the reaction time compared to a manually operated system, as the system can operate without an operator being close by. For autonomous firefighting, the system may comprise cameras and detectors arranged to identify smoke and gasses, and an associated control system enabling the robot to position at the optimum location.

The system may be arranged so an operator can take control of the robot at any time, for instance from a control room in a fire station or from a mobile control panel. The robot may comprise a camera arranged to transfer visuals to an operator. The camera may be an IR-camera arranged to identify heat, temperature and people covered by smoke.

In an embodiment of the firefighting system in accordance with the invention, the supply line and/or the rail may comprise a guide. The guide is arranged to connect the supply line or the rail to the surroundings, and to keep the robot in the correct angle relatively to the supply line. When the robot is arranged to the supply line or the rail, at least one wheel may be arranged on each side of the guide. When the guide is vertical above the rail, the robot will be in a neutral position. This position is typically when the robot is arranged in a roof. When the rail is arranged to a wall, the guide will hold a horizontal position, and the robot will also be horizontal. When the rail is arranged to a floor, the guide will hold a vertical downwards position, and the robot will be upside down. The guide may be fixed to the rail or being part of the rail.

In an embodiment of the firefighting system in accordance with the invention, the robot may comprise a power pack. The power pack enables the robot to operate without any wiring. The power pack is arranged to supply power to the systems being part of the robot, for instance the wheel system, the nozzle, the detectors and the cameras. The power pack may comprise rechargeable batteries.

In an embodiment of the firefighting system in accordance with the invention, the robot may comprise means for connecting to a mobile fluid reservoir. Connecting the robot to a mobile fluid reservoir makes it possible to use the robot for maintenance, for instance washing of the wall and various elements inside a tunnel. The mobile fluid reservoir may for instance be a water tank arranged on a truck. The mobile fluid reservoir may comprise a pump to give the needed flow and pressure in the nozzle. The mobile fluid reservoir may comprise a power supply for the robot, in order supply energy to the robot during operation. When connected to the mobile fluid reservoir, the robot may be operated by the truck driver.

In a second aspect the invention concerns a tunnel comprising a system according to the invention. The compact dimensions and flexible routing offered by the invention, makes it possible to install the system in an old tunnel as well as a new tunnel. A centralized position above the road may be preferable, as a tunnel normally is at its highest in the centre. A centre position also gives the best coverage of the fluid spread by the nozzle.

In a third aspect the invention concerns to a building construction and/or plant comprising a system according to the invention. A system according to the invention may be installed on a building, for instance outside on a tall building. As described previously, the supply line may be arranged at any angle, also vertically, and the robot may comprise a drive unit arranged for vertical movement on or along the supply line.

The system may be of special interest when upgrading old buildings. The supply line may be discreetly arranged to limit the visibility of the system. The robot may be positioned in a hidden position when not in use. The supply line may be connected to a reservoir arranged on the roof. The supply line may comprise means for connection to a fire hydrant or a fire truck.

In the following is described examples of preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows in perspective a first embodiment of a system according to the invention, the system comprising a robot and a supply line;

Fig. 2 shows the system in figure 1 from the top;

Fig. 3 shows the robot from the side when connected to the supply line and distributing a fluid extinguishing agent;

Fig. 4 shows in perspective a second embodiment of the system, the system comprising a robot and a supply line and a rail;

Fig. 5 shows a principle drawing of a drive unit being part of the robot;

Fig. 6 shows a principle drawing of a stabilizer being part of the robot;

Fig. 7-8 shows in a larger scale a rotating element arranged for perforating the supply line;

Fig. 9A-D shows in a smaller scale the robot and the supply line arranged in different positions;

Fig. 10 shows in a smaller scale and in perspective the system shown in figure 1 arranged in a tunnel;

Fig. 11 shows an end view of the system shown in figure 10;

Fig. 12 shows the robot connected to a mobile reservoir; and

Fig. 13 shows in a smaller scale and in perspective the system shown in figure 1 arranged outside a building.

Positional indications such as for example “above”, “below”, “upper”, “lower”, “left”, and “right”, refer to the positions shown in the figures.

In the figures, same or corresponding elements are indicated by the same reference numerals. For clarity reasons some elements may in some of the figures be without reference numerals.

A skilled person in the art will understand that the figures are just principal drawings. The relative proportions of some individual elements may also be strongly disordered.

Figure 1 and 2 shows a first embodiment of a system 1A according to the invention. Figure 1 shows the system 1A in perspective. Figure 2 shows the system 1A from above.

The system 1A comprises a fire distinguisher robot 10 and a supply line 20. The robot 10 is attached to the supply line 20. The robot 10 comprises a movable nozzle 110 arranged to distribute a fluid extinguishing agent, a coupling 120 arranged to establish a fluid flow connection between the supply line 20 and the nozzle 110. The coupling

A camera 131, an IR-camera 132 and heat and gas sensors 133 are arranged close to the nozzle 110. Information received by the sensors 133 and cameras 131 and 132 are used to steer the robot 10 and the nozzle 110 to the desired location. Said information may also be transferred to an external operator. A power pack 140 supplies the robot 10 with electric power. The power pack 140 comprises rechargeable batteries. Two drive units 150 are arranged at each end of the robot 10. A stabilizer 160 is arranged to fasten the robot 10 to the supply line 20 when needed (see more details on figure 6). The supply line 20 comprises a conduit 210 and a guide 220. The guide 220 comprises, with regular distance, an elevated portion 221 with holes 222 arranged to connect the supply line 20 with an external bracket 81 shown in the figures 9A-D.

Figure 3 shows a cross section view A-A of the robot 10 connected to the supply line 20. (The nozzle 110 is not part of the cross-section view.) A needle 121 has penetrated a conduit wall 210W of the supply line 20. The needle is connected to a coupling 120 pushing the needle 121 through the conduit wall 210W. The needle 121 is moved by an electric actuator (not shown) inside the coupling 120.The pressure inside the supply line 20 presses the fluid trough the needle 121 via a plurality of fluid inlets 124 and fluid outlets 127 (see the needle in a larger scale in figure 7). A fluid chamber 128 creates a waterproof connection with the supply line 20 and leads the fluid FL from the fluid outlets 127, via a tube 129, to the nozzle 110.

Figure 4 shows a second embodiment 1B of the system 1A. The robot 10 is arranged on a separate rail 20C, arranged in parallel with a simple supply line 20B. The rail 20C has the same profile as the supply line 20 shown in figure 1. The robot 10 comprises a connection valve 125, arranged to connect with a supply line fluid valve 230 arranged on the supply line 20B.

Figure 5 shows the drive unit 150. The drive unit 150 comprises four wheels 151 arranged cross axial around the conduit 210. The wheels 151 lock the robot 10 in a set distance to the supply line 20, both when the robot 10 is arranged to the supply line as shown in figure 5, and when it is arranged next to the supply line 20B as shown in figure 4. Two of the wheels 151 are electrically driven. Two guiding wheels 152 are arranged on each side of the guide 220. When the fluid is distributed through the nozzle 110, a force F1 is created and the force F1 will try to rotate the robot 10 around the conduit 210. The guiding wheels 152 will prevent the said rotation, and keep the robot 10 in the correct position. See further details about the effect of the guiding wheels 152 in figure 9A-D.

Figure 6 shows the stabilizer 160. The stabilizer 160 comprises two overlaying brackets 162 arranged on each side of the guide 220, and one bracket 161 arranged on the opposite side of the guide 220. Four actuators 163 are arranged to pull down the two brackets 162 until the robot 10 is fixed to the supply line 20. The stabilizer 160 may also be used as a brake. The actuators 163 are electrically operated.

Figure 7 shows in a larger scale a cross section view of the needle 121 described in figure 3.

Figure 8a and 8b shows a rotating element 122 arranged to penetrate the supply line 20 for establishing a fluid flow connection between the supply line 20 and the nozzle 110 shown in figure 1 and 3. The rotating element 122 comprises a drill head 125, enabling the rotating element 122 to penetrate the conduit wall 210W. Threads 126 are arranged to tighten the rotating element 122 to the supply line 20. During penetration, the rotating element 122 is connected to a coupling 123 connected to the coupling 120 shown in figure 1. When the rotating element 122 is connected, the extinguishing agent will flow through the fluid inlet 124 and trough the coupling 123 to the nozzle 110. The coupling 123 may be disconnected from the rotating element 122. The rotating element 122 comprises a lock valve which cut off the fluid flow when it is disconnected from the coupling 123. The rotating element 122 is connected to the coupling 120. When the system 1A comprises a rotating element 122, the coupling 120 comprises an electric motor (not shown) arranged to rotate the rotating element 122.

Figures 9A-D shows how the supply line 20 can be arranged in different positions, and how the support wheels 152 shown in figure 5 keep the robot 10 in the correct position relatively to the supply line 20. The supply line 20 is connected to a bracket 81. Figure 9A shows the robot 10 in a vertically suspended position, for instance arranged in a roof. Figure 9B shows the robot 10 in a vertically standing position, for instance arranged on a ground. Figure 9C shows the robot 10 in a sideways position, for instance arranged on a wall. Figure 9D shows the robot 10 in an angled position.

Figure 10 and 11 shows the system 1A arranged in a tunnel 80. The supply line 20 is arranged in the roof of the tunnel 80, enabling the robot 10 to give a top-down distribution of the fluid F on all kind of vehicles, for instance a tall truck 91 and a small car 92. Directing the nozzle 110 to the wall 88 as shown in figure 11 enables the fluid F to be distributed behind the truck 91.

Figure 12 shows the robot 10 used for cleaning the tunnel 80. The robot 10 is connected to a mobile reservoir 94 arranged on a truck 91. The robot 10 is remotely controlled by the truck driver. A flexible supply line 95 is remotely connected to the robot 10 by an arm 96 arranged on the truck 91.

Figure 13 shows the system 1A arranged outside a building 70. The supply line 20 is arranged vertical. The robot 10 can establish a fluid flow connection between the supply line 20 and the nozzle 110 in any position along the supply line 20. Thus, the system 1A can distribute the fluid distinguishing agent at both sides of the supply line 20. The supply line 20 may be connected to a reservoir 72 located at the top floor 71, or to a pressurized supply line arranged in the ground (not shown).

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims (15)

C l a i m s

1. A system (1A, 1B) for firefighting, the system (1A, 1B) comprising:

- a supply line (20) for a fluid extinguishing agent;

- a robot (10) for distributing the fluid extinguishing agent, the robot (10) comprising a nozzle (110), a coupling means (120) arranged to establish a fluid flow connection between the supply line (20) and the nozzle (110);

- the robot (10) being arranged to move along the supply line (20); and

- the robot (10) comprising means (150) to secure the robot (10) in a set distance to the supply line (20) ,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the robot (10) is arranged on the supply line (20).

2. System (1A, 1B) according to claim 1, where the pressure inside the supply line (20) may be created at least partially by means of the water column therein.

3. System (1A, 1B) according to any of the previous claims, where the robot (10) comprises a drive unit (150).

4. System (1A, 1B) according to any of the previous claims, where the robot (10) comprises a stabilizer (160).

5. System (1A, 1B) according to any of the previous claims, where the perforation means (120) comprises a needle (121).

6. System (1A, 1B) according to any of the previous claims, where the perforation means (120) comprises a rotating element (122).

7. System (1A, 1B) according to any of the previous claims, where the robot (10) comprises means to connect to a pre-positioned fluid coupling (230).

8. System (1A, 1B) according to any of the previous claims, where the system may comprise explosives for perforating the supply line (20).

9. System (1A, 1B) according to any of the previous claims, where the system (1A, 1B) comprises means (132, 133) for detecting a flame and/or smoke.

10. System (1A, 1B) according to any of the previous claims, where the robot (10) comprises a control system arranged for autonomous firefighting.

11. System (1A, 1B) according to any of the previous claims, where the supply line (20) and/or the rail comprises a guide (220).

12. System (1A, 1B) according to any of the previous claims, where the robot (10) comprises a power pack (140).

13. System (1A, 1B) according to any of the previous claims, where the robot (10) may comprise means for connecting to a mobile fluid reservoir (94).

14. Tunnel (80) comprising a system (1A, 1B) according to claim 1.

15. Building construction (70) and/or plant comprising a system (1A, 1B) according claim 1.