Device for extinguishing fires, holder, and method for manufacturing such a device
The invention relates to a device for extinguishing fires, comprising: at least one extinguishing module which can be activated, and at least one thermally conductive element connected to the extinguishing module for activating the extinguishing module after a determined temperature has been exceeded, wherein the extinguishing module is provided with extinguishing agent adapted for expansion after activation by the thermally conductive element, with forming of an extinguishing aerosol. The invention also relates to a holder for use in such a device. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a device, comprising the step of: A) thermally coupling at least one extinguishing module which can be activated and at least one thermally conductive element.
Extinguishing modules which can be activated for local extinguishing of a fire are known in the prior art. Such an extinguishing module can be embodied as a pressure cylinder provided with extinguishing agent (such as powder, carbon dioxide, nitrogen etc.), but can also be embodied as an aerosol-forming fire extinguisher. An example of an aerosol-forming fire extinguisher is a 'FirePro® Aerosol Fire Extinguisher'. The FirePro® aerosol fire extinguisher comprises a reactor in which is arranged, among other things, an extinguishing agent which, after activation, is converted into an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the FirePro® fire extinguisher does not combat fire by making use of conventional methods based on smothering (depriving of oxygen) or based on cooling, but by ending the combustion reaction on a molecular basis. The free radicals present in the fire are herein bonded by the generated aerosol without affecting the local oxygen content. The FirePro® fire extinguisher thus functions in relatively environmentally-friendly, effective and efficient manner, wherein the fire can be combatted at the source, whereby (excessive) damage caused by extinguishing can be prevented. However, in addition to the above stated advantages, the known FirePro® aerosol fire extinguisher also has a drawback. In order to enable the extinguishing module to function autonomously, a thermally conductive element, in particular a so- called thermo-cord, must be coupled to the extinguishing module in order to activate the extinguishing module after a determined local temperature is exceeded. The mutual coupling of the extinguishing module and the thermo-cord is a specialist operation which has to be carried out by a qualified technician. In the case that the thermo-cord is
for instance damaged (for instance by breakage), or if a bend is arranged in the thermo- cord, the thermo-cord will then generally no longer function correctly, whereby the extinguishing module will generally not be activated in the case of fire. After purchasing the FirePro® Aerosol Fire Extinguisher, a non-specialist will thus always require a qualified technician to enable installation as well as use of the FirePro® fire extinguisher in correct and professional manner.
The invention has for its object to provide a relatively user-friendly device for extinguishing fires, while retaining the advantages of the prior art.
The invention provides for this purpose a device of the type stated in the preamble, characterized in that the device also comprises a holder for holding the extinguishing module and the thermally conductive element in an at least substantially fixed relative orientation. By already mutually coupling the extinguishing module and the thermally conductive element, preferably a thermo-cord, in correct manner beforehand and further (substantially) fixing the relative orientation of the two components, a purchaser of the device according to the invention will no longer need to call in a qualified technician after acquiring the extinguishing module. The device according to the invention is thus relatively user-friendly since the pre-installed device can be applied immediately after purchase. A pre-installed, ready-to-use assembly is thus provided, which can be fixed relatively quickly and easily by a non-specialist to, but preferably in an enclosed space of, for instance hardware (for instance computers, telephone exchanges, etc.), monitors, sound equipment, instruments, switchboxes, transformers, televisions, washing machines, dryers and microwaves. Since the extinguishing module - in accordance with the FirePro® aerosol fire extinguisher - is provided with extinguishing agent adapted to expand after activation by the thermally conductive element, with forming of an extinguishing aerosol, the extinguishing module, and thus the device, can be given a relatively compact form, which enhances the handling and application of the device according to the invention, and therewith the user-friendliness of the device. The thermally conductive element and the extinguishing module are herein coupled at least thermally, and generally also physically to each other, wherein a sufficient temperature rise in the thermally conductive element will result in initiation of the physical expansion process of the extinguishing agent, i.e. the formation of the extinguishing aerosol. The formed extinguishing aerosol then functions as a reactant in extinguishing
the fire, wherein the extinguishing aerosol in fact reacts with radicals present in the fire, as already stated above. The device therefore functions in relatively environmentally- friendly manner, in particular in ozone-friendly manner, wherein objects situated in close proximity to the device are furthermore not damaged and/or affected. The thermally conductive element thus functions as detector for detecting a fire which has started in the near vicinity, whereafter the extinguishing module is activated by the thermally conductive element. The thermally conductive element can herein be given a flammable form, for instance as a fuse or cord preferably manufactured from nylon, so as to enable reliable and stable activation of the fire extinguisher. It is however also possible to envisage manufacturing the thermally conductive element from a nonflammable material with a relatively high coefficient of heat-conduction. The device is generally adapted for once-only use and thus takes a 'disposable' form, which means that after use the already activated device must be wholly discarded and replaced with another as yet unused device.
In a preferred embodiment the device is provided with a plurality of extinguishing modules which can be activated. The device thus obtains an increased extinguishing capacity. The different extinguishing modules are here preferably situated in the same plane, wherein the further relative orientation of the extinguishing modules can be freely determined.
The thermally conductive element is preferably enclosed by a protective element. Damage to or deformations of the thermally conductive element caused by a third party can thus be prevented or at least countered. The protective element can herein be of very diverse nature and form, but preferably forms a housing for the extinguishing module and the thermally conductive element. The housing will preferably take an at least substantially inflexible and rigid form in order to be able to ensure the relative orientation between the extinguishing module and the thermally conductive element. A housing which (almost) completely encloses the extinguishing module and the thermally conductive element can provide a relatively reliable protection of the extinguishing module and the thermally conductive element. In a particular preferred embodiment, the housing is provided with at least one passage opening for extinguishing agent arranged in the extinguishing module in order to enable relatively simple and effective discharge of the (generated) extinguishing agent from the housing
so as to thus effectively extinguish the fire which has started. In the case a plurality of extinguishing modules is applied, the number of passage openings preferably corresponds with the number of extinguishing modules. The housing can thus protect both the extinguishing modules and the thermally conductive element in optimal manner without the exit of extinguishing agent being impeded. The housing preferably has a thermally conductive form so as to maximize the heat transfer from the housing to the thermally conductive element. Detection of the fire by the extinguishing module via the thermally conductive element will thus be able to take place relatively quickly, whereafter the extinguishing module will be activated. The housing is preferably provided with at least one entry opening for a medium surrounding the device, in particular air. Such entry openings further contribute to optimal functioning of the device. It is noted that the housing can be constructed as a single entity. However, the housing preferably has a modular construction, wherein the housing can for instance be constructed from a base structure and a top structure, whereby assembly of the extinguishing module and the thermally conductive element can be simplified.
In a preferred embodiment the holder is provided with coupling means for coupling the device to an external object. After being acquired, the device can herein be fixed to an external object by the purchaser himself in relatively simple manner by means of the coupling means. The coupling means can be of very diverse nature. In a preferred embodiment the coupling means are formed by an adhesive. The adhesive, for instance a glue, can be applied as an adhesive layer to a side of the holder whereby the device can be adhered to an external object. In addition however, it is also possible to apply at least one mechanical fixing element, such as for instance a clamp, screw, spring etc., for fixing the device to an external object. In the case the device is not provided with coupling means, the device can be stationed unfixed at a determined location, wherein the device can for instance support on the external object.
The invention also relates to a holder for use in such a device.
The invention further relates to a method of the type stated in the preamble, characterized in that the method is also provided with the step of: B) fixing the extinguishing module and the thermal element in an at least substantially fixed relative orientation with the holder. Step B) is generally carried out after step A) is completed. It
is however also possible to envisage first completing step B) before the extinguishing module and the thermally conductive element are mutually coupled as according to step A). The method can be performed by a qualified specialist and in automated manner. After performing the method according to the invention the device is ready for marketing and also ready for use and thus immediately applicable by a third party.
The invention will be elucidated on the basis of non-limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein: figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a device for extinguishing fires according to the invention, figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a device for extinguishing fires according to the invention, and figure 3 shows a bottom view of a third preferred embodiment of a device for extinguishing fires according to the invention.
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a device 1 for extinguishing fires according to the invention. Device 1 comprises a holder 2 and two actuable extinguishing modules 3, 4 connected to holder 2. A first extinguishing module 3 here takes a cylindrical form and a second extinguishing module 4 here takes a hat- shaped form. A FirePro® model FP-20 can for instance be applied here as first extinguishing module 3 and a FirePro® model FP-8 for instance as second extinguishing module 4. Both extinguishing modules 3, 4 can be activated by a thermally conductive cord 5 connected to extinguishing modules 3, 4. When cord 5 has reached a temperature of (about) 172° C, the extinguishing modules 3, 4 thermally coupled to cord 5 will be activated in order to thus extinguish the fire that has started. After activation the extinguishing modules 3, 4 preferably form an aerosol as extinguishing agent, which has particular advantages as already described in the foregoing. Cord 5 is connected at both outer ends to holder 2, whereby the relative orientation of extinguishing modules 3, 4 on the one hand and cord 5 on the other is substantially fixed. Fixation of such an orientation and mutual coupling of extinguishing modules 3, 4 and cord 5 is specialist work, although very relevant for the correct operation of device 1, i.e. timely activation of extinguishing modules 3, 4. In the shown situation the (pre-installed) device 1 can be purchased by a third party and thus used immediately. Device 1 can herein be placed on or close to an easily flammable object,
but can also be connected to the object by means of for instance glue or tape. It is noted that instead of a cord 5 a different thermally conductive element relatively susceptible to damage could also be applied, such as for instance a strip or button.
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a device 6 for extinguishing fires according to the invention. Device 6 comprises a housing 7 and two identical extinguishing units 8 accommodated in the housing. Extinguishing units 8 herein correspond in construction with the hat-shaped extinguishing module 4 shown in figure 1. Both extinguishing units 8 can be activated by one or more heat-conducting cords (not shown) thermally coupled to extinguishing units 8. The relative orientation of the extinguishing units 8 and the cords is at least substantially fixed in order to ensure correct operation of extinguishing units 8. The cords and a part of each extinguishing unit 8 is now accommodated in and protected by housing 7. Housing 7 is built up of a base structure 9 and a top structure 11 connected to base structure 9 by means of pop rivets 10. The top structure 11 is herein provided with two exit openings 12 for extinguishing agent arranged in extinguishing units 8. After activation of extinguishing units 8 the (generated) extinguishing agent will leave housing 7 via spray openings 13. Housing 7 is preferably manufactured from metal, wherein base structure 9 is provided in each upright wall 14 with a plurality of passage openings 15 for air in order to optimize heat exchange with a local atmosphere surrounding device 6. A side of the base structure 9 remote from top structure 11 is provided with an adhesive layer (not shown), wherein the adhesive layer is now (temporarily) protected by a protective foil 16. After removal of protective foil 16 the device 6 can be fixed (adhered) in relatively simple manner to an external object.
Figure 3 shows a bottom view of a third preferred embodiment of a device 17 for extinguishing fires according to the invention. Device 17 comprises a housing 18 and, accommodated in housing 18, an assembly of an extinguishing module 19 and an activating ribbon 20 coupled to extinguishing module 19. Activating ribbon 20 is adapted to activate the extinguishing module 19 after a determined ambient temperature is exceeded, as already described in detail above. The relative orientation of extinguishing module 19 and activating ribbon 20 is substantially fixed, which - as already noted above - is important for correct functioning of the assembly. Housing 18
wholly encloses the assembly, wherein one (under)side of housing 18 is provided with a grid 21 to enable passage of extinguishing agent arranged in extinguishing module 19. Housing 18 is provided with hooks 22 pivotally coupled to housing 18 for coupling the device 17 to another object, such as for instance a computer.
It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described here, but that within the scope of the appended claims a large number of variants are possible which will be self-evident to a skilled person in the field.