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(11) | EP 3 552 669 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | SYSTEM FOR DETECTING AND FIGHTING FIRES |
| (57) The object of the invention relates to a system for detecting and fighting fires,
where said system comprises a plurality of supports (1) comprising an asbestos lining
(2) and housing at the upper end thereof fire detectors (3) and video surveillance
cameras (4) for detecting the presence of a fire; a plurality of collapsible columns
(9) comprising a central body (11), such that the collapsible columns (9) are configured
for collapsing, and a plurality of first asbestos mats (10), such that a first asbestos
mat (10) is wound around the central body (11) of each collapsible column (9), and
where the first asbestos mat (10) is unwound to act as a firebreak path, with the
collapsible columns (9) being in the collapsed position; and a plurality of vertical
shielding columns (36) comprising a plurality of second asbestos mats (10) wound around
same, and where the asbestos mat is unwound to act as a vertical shield or parapet
without requiring the collapse of the shielding columns (36).
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Field of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a system for detecting and fighting fires comprising two action phases, a first detection phase and a second fighting phase against an already active fire.
Background of the invention
[0002] In firefighting, work aimed at the early detection of a possible fire is very important, so complete control of areas where said possible fire may occur is necessary. For said early detection of a possible fire, currently people are stationed at strategically located surveillance posts, such the only job of these people is to monitor a possible presence of fire and to sound the alarm to subsequently check for the presence or absence of fire in the field in order to call on the firefighting crews.
[0003] When fighting against fire a number of firefighting elements are known, the most widespread being land means consisting of trucks carrying water for the fire, or, in extreme cases, heavy machinery which, if needed, cuts access paths or firebreaks, but the problem with this heavy machinery is that it has a very limited availability as it is not just standing by waiting for a possible fire.
[0004] Aerial means which collect water from where it is available close to a fire and transport it and cast it on a fire or a possible focal point of the fire are also known among firefighting means known in the state of the art, but the problem with these aerial means is their availability and the economic cost associated with their use, as it is considerably high.
[0005] The fire-resistant characteristics of materials made with asbestos are known. However, no system like the one disclosed herein, which combines a surveillance element monitoring for fires and a series of elements for fighting the fire once it has started is known.
[0006] The system object of the invention provides a global system for the control, surveillance, and fire fighting, not provided by any of the systems known in the state of the art with the advantages inherent thereto.
Description of the invention
[0007] An object of the invention is a system for detecting and fighting fires, which system comprises a plurality of supports comprising an asbestos lining and housing at the upper end thereof fire detectors and video surveillance cameras for detecting the presence of a fire; a plurality of collapsible columns comprising a central body, such that the collapsible columns are configured for collapsing; a plurality of vertical shielding columns, a plurality of first asbestos mats and a plurality of second asbestos mats.
[0008] In the system for detecting and fighting fires object of the invention, a first asbestos mat is wound around the central body of each collapsible column such that the first asbestos mat is unwound to act as a firebreak path, with the collapsible columns being in the collapsed position; a second asbestos mat is wound around each vertical shielding column such that the second asbestos mat is unwound to act as a vertical shield or parapet, and where the collapsible columns and the vertical shielding columns comprise a worm and worm gear mechanism to facilitate rotation around their vertical axis, which facilitates the unwinding or winding of the plurality of asbestos mats of each column.
[0009] In the system for detecting and fighting fires object of the invention, the collapsible columns comprise an asbestos lining configured for facilitating a winding of the first asbestos mats around the central body.
[0010] In the system for detecting and fighting fires object of the invention, to fix the asbestos lining to the central body of the collapsible column, rivets are arranged both at the beginning and at the end of the asbestos lining.
[0011] In the system for detecting and fighting fires object of the invention, the asbestos lining comprises a rack at one end, and each first asbestos mat of the collapsible column comprises a rack at one end; furthermore connecting the rack of the asbestos lining to the rack of the first asbestos mat fixes the first asbestos mat to the lining.
[0012] In the system for detecting and fighting fires object of the invention, each first asbestos mat comprises a detachable connection at one end to fix an end on the first asbestos mat itself.
[0013] In the system for detecting and fighting fires object of the invention, the central body of each column is divided into a lower part and an upper part, such that the upper part is configured for collapsing onto the ground of a wooded area.
[0014] Each collapsible column of the system for detecting and fighting fires object of the invention comprises a steel stop to reinforce the lower part of the central body of the collapsible column, two steel plates for the upper part of the central body of the column reinforcing the mentioned upper part of the central body of the collapsible column, a clamp configured for securing the connection of the upper part and the lower part of the central body of the collapsible column, and two tightening and clamping screws which are fixed around the clamp and loosened for the collapsing of the collapsible column; such that once the tightening-clamping screws have been loosened and the clamp removed the two steel plates for the upper part of the central body of the column fall in a downward vertical movement to the steel stop.
[0015] Each shielding column of the system for detecting and fighting fires object of the invention comprises a central body, two lower hooks welded at the lower base of each vertical shielding column separated 180°; two upper hooks welded at the upper base of each vertical shielding column, separated 180°, vertically aligned with the two lower hooks; a first fire-resistant cord located in the lower part of the plurality of second asbestos mats; and a second fire-resistant cord located in the upper part of the plurality of second asbestos mats.
[0016] The system for detecting and fighting fires object of the invention comprises an articulated telescopic arm with a Y-shaped tool at one end of the articulated telescopic arm, where said Y-shaped tool is configured for being fixed to the upper end of the central body of the collapsible column and for collapsing the collapsible column.
[0017] In the system for detecting and fighting fires object of the invention, the Y-shaped tool comprises a retractable pin complementary with a hole located at the end of the articulated telescopic arm.
[0018] In the system for detecting and fighting fires object of the invention, the articulated telescopic arm comprises a casing where it can be stowed in a folded position, such that the casing comprises an outer asbestos canvas lining and an inner glass wool lining.
[0019] In the system for detecting and fighting fires object of the invention, the fire detectors and the video surveillance cameras, are protected by casings which in turn comprise an asbestos canvas insulation covering the casing on the outside and a glass wool lining on the inside.
Brief description of the drawings
[0020] A series of drawings which help to better understand the invention and expressly relate to an embodiment of said invention presented as a non-limiting example thereof is very briefly described below.
Figure 1 shows a braced round column where the fire detector and video surveillance camera are installed.
Figure 2 shows a fire detector insulated with glass wool, its casing, and asbestos canvas lining.
Figure 3 shows a video surveillance camera insulated with glass wool, its casing, and asbestos canvas lining.
Figure 4 shows a 3D depiction of an embodiment of a collapsible column with an asbestos lining riveted to the wrought iron column, with a rack at the end the asbestos lining wrap attached to the lining, which receives the engagement.
Figure 5 shows a 3D depiction of the foundation of the columns of the system object of the invention, showing a footing with lean concrete, spacers, impermeable canvas, corrugated rods, and the space for concrete.
Figure 6 shows a 3D depiction of an embodiment of the round, wrought iron collapsible column with its components: a stop; reinforcements of the underground column: two thick steel plates; a pre-configured flange and two tightening-clamping screws, where the clamp is depicted without its front face to see the inner part better, and where the footing is not depicted.
Figure 7 shows a section view of a vertical shielding column of the system object of the invention.
Figure 8 shows an asbestos mat that can be wound on the collapsible column of the system object of the invention, showing the rack and the detachable Velcro connection.
Figure 9 shows an asbestos mat that can be wound on the vertical shielding column of the system object of the invention showing the rack and the detachable Velcro connection and a pair of fire-resistant cords.
Figure 10 shows an embodiment of the use of the plurality of asbestos mats developed into a vertical shielding.
Figure 11 shows an elevational view of the collapsible column with all its components.
Figure 12 shows an elevational view of the collapsible column without an asbestos canvas.
Figure 13 shows an elevational view of the collapsible column without an asbestos canvas, where the tightening-clamping screws have been loosened so that the thick steel plates can fall to the steel stop.
Figure 14 shows an elevational view of the collapsible column of Figures 11 to 13 where the tightening screws have been loosened and the steel hoop-type flange has been completely loosened. The tightening-clamping screws and hoop-type flange are not depicted.
Figure 15 shows the initial point of the process for collapsing the collapsible column of Figure 5.
Figure 16 shows the intermediate point of the process for collapsing the collapsible column of Figure 5.
Figure 17 shows the final point of the process for collapsing the collapsible column of Figure 5.
Figure 18 shows a 3D depiction of the crank-type wrench for tightening or loosening the tightening-clamping screws.
Figure 19 shows a 3D depiction of the Y-shaped tool for being inserted at the tip of the S™ -40 articulated telescopic arm.
Figure 20 shows a 3D depiction of the S™ -40 articulated telescopic arm folded up inside its casing. The articulated arm is insulated with glass wool on the inner part of the entire inner surface of its casing and with asbestos canvas covering the entire outer surface thereof.
Figure 21 shows a plan view of the circular asbestos canvas for air and land transport.
Figure 22 shows a plan view of the wing-shaped asbestos canvas to be used, by deploying it, if necessary, according to the arrows marking the position towards where the wind blows.
Figure 23 shows an elevational view of the asbestos canvas which can be used at the boundaries or boundary zone of the fire.
Figure 24 shows a plan view of a roll of asbestos canvas that land vehicles can use.
[0021] The list of reference numbers used in the drawings is:
1. support,
2. asbestos lining,
3. fire detector,
4. video surveillance camera,
5. glass wool lining,
6. brace,
7. casing,
8. asbestos canvas,
9. collapsible column,
10. first asbestos mat,
11. central body,
11A. lower part of the central body of the collapsible column,
11B. upper part of the central body of the collapsible column,
12. asbestos lining,
13. rivet,
14. rack of the asbestos lining,
15. rack of the asbestos mat,
16. detachable connection,
17. outer asbestos canvas lining of the casing of the articulated arm,
18. footing,
19. lean concrete,
20. spacer,
21. impermeable canvas,
22. corrugated rod,
23. concrete,
24. steel stop,
25. vertical axis of the collapsible column,
26. steel plate,
27. clamp,
28. tightening and clamping screw,
29. crank-type wrench,
30. telescopic arm,
31. Y-shaped tool,
32. retractable pin,
33. casing of the telescopic arm,
34. support shim,
35. inner glass wool lining of the casing of the articulated telescopic arm,
36. vertical shielding column,
37A. lower hook,
37B. upper hook,
38A. first fire-resistant cord,
38B. second fire-resistant cord,
39. asbestos mat of the vertical shielding columns,
40. vertical axis of the vertical shielding column, and
41. central body of the vertical shielding column.
Detailed description of the invention
[0022] In view of the preceding description and in reference to the reference numbers used in the drawings, the object of the invention is a system for detecting and fighting fires, comprising two different parts, a first part which is for monitoring possible fires and a second part which provides elements for being able to fight an already existing fire.
[0023] The first part of the system object of the invention comprises a plurality of supports (1) which, in the preferred embodiment are round, their dimensions being 2 meters in diameter and 25 meters in height, comprise an asbestos lining (2) and being held by two braces (6) to assure their stability. The supports (1) of the first part of the system object of the invention house at their upper end fire detectors (3) and video surveillance cameras (4).
[0024] Both the fire detectors (3) and the video surveillance cameras (4) are used to monitor the possible presence of a fire, as well as the magnitude thereof, should one exist.
[0025] The fire detectors (3) and video surveillance cameras (4) are also protected by casings (7) and by an asbestos canvas insulation (8) covering the casing (7); furthermore, both the fire detectors (3) and the video surveillance cameras (4) have a glass wool lining (5) covering the entire inner surface of their casings (7).
[0026] With respect to the second part of the system object of the invention, the part intended for fighting an already existing fire, said second part comprises:
- a plurality of collapsible columns (9), configured for acting as firebreak paths by means of the hanging of first asbestos mats (10) which are wound around the mentioned collapsible columns (9); and
- a plurality of vertical shielding columns (36) with second asbestos mats (39) wound around the mentioned vertical shielding column (36) configured for acting as a vertical shield.
[0027] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the collapsible columns (9) comprise a square, wrought iron central body (11), and they furthermore comprise an asbestos lining (12), the function of which is to facilitating a winding of the first asbestos mats (10) around the central body (11). To fix the asbestos lining (12) to the central body (11) of the collapsible column (9), rivets (13) are arranged both at the beginning and at the end of the asbestos lining (12). The final end of the asbestos lining (12) has a rack (14) where one end of the first asbestos mat (10) which is wound around the central body (11) is fixed. So each first asbestos mat (10) comprises at one end a rack (15) for being fixed to the asbestos lining (12) of the collapsible column (9), and at the opposite end, the end that is visible once the first asbestos mat (10) has been wound around the central body (11), is fixed on the first asbestos mat (10) itself with a Velcro®-type detachable connection (16), see Figure 8.
[0028] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the dimensions of the first asbestos mats (10) which are wound on the central body (11) of the collapsible column (9) are 600 meters in length and 1.5 cm in thickness; therefore, in the aforementioned preferred embodiment of the invention, the collapsible columns (9), with the first asbestos mat (10) 600 meters in length wound thereon, are 8 meters tall and 1.5 meters wide.
[0029] The central body (11) of the collapsible column (9) is divided into a lower part (11A) and an upper part (11 B), such that:
- the upper part (11B) is useful for winding the first asbestos mat (10) around same; and,
- the lower part (11A) is what fixes the position of the collapsible column (9) in its place of final use.
[0030] The collapsible column (9) is fixed to the ground by means of a footing (18) comprising a layer of lean concrete (19), an impermeable canvas (21) covering all the faces of the footing (18), spacers (20), corrugated rods (22), and concrete (23).
[0031] The collapsible columns (9) comprise elements which allow the central body (11) with the first asbestos mat (10) wound around same to be placed in the horizontal position; however, it does not touch the ground because the system object of the invention comprises support shims (34) on which the collapsible column (9) is located to facilitate the hanging of the first asbestos mats (10).
[0032] To collapse the collapsible columns (9), the collapsible column (9) itself comprises:
- a steel stop (24) reinforcing the lower part (11A) of the central body (11) of the collapsible column (9),
- two steel plates (26) in the upper part of the central body of the column (11) reinforcing the mentioned upper part (11B) of the central body (11) of the collapsible column (9),
- a clamp (27) configured for securing the connection of the upper part (11B) and the lower part (11A) of the collapsible column (9); and,
- two tightening-clamping screws (28) which are fixed around the clamp (27) and loosened for the collapsing of the collapsible column (9).
[0033] Once the two tightening and clamping screws (28) have been loosened and the clamp (27) removed, the steel plates (26) move vertically downwards. Said downward vertical movement is stopped by the steel stop (24). Figures 12 to 14 show a sequence of the removal of the clamp (27) preparing the collapsible column (9) for its collapse. Figures 15 to 17 show a sequence of the collapsing of a collapsible column (9).
[0034] Given that the collapsible columns (9) are used as a support for the first asbestos mats (10), the distance between the different collapsible columns (9) is equal to the length of the first asbestos mats (10) which, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, is 600 meters.
[0035] To collapse the collapsible columns (9) with the first asbestos mat (10), the system object of the invention comprises an articulated telescopic arm (30) with a Y-shaped tool (31), see Figure 16, at the end of the articulated telescopic arm (30), such that said Y-shaped tool (31) is fixed to the upper end of the central body (11) of the collapsible column (9). The telescopic arm is spaced about 9 meters from each collapsible column (9).
[0036] When the articulated telescopic arm (30) is folded up, it is located inside a casing (33) comprising an outer asbestos canvas lining (17) and an inner glass wool lining (35). The Y-shaped tool (31) is fixed at the end of the articulated telescopic arm (30) by means of a retractable pin (32) which is fixed in a hole of the end of the articulated telescopic arm (30).
[0037] Collapsing the collapsible columns (9) comprises the following steps:
- gradually loosening the tightening-clamping screws (28) with a crank-type wrench (29) for the purpose of loosening the two steel plates (26) until they fall vertically to the steel stop (24);
- inserting the Y-shaped tool (31) of the telescopic arm (30) in the upper end of the central body (11) of the collapsible column (9);
- loosening the clamp (27) until it is completely loose: at which time the upper part (11B) of the collapsible column (9) is loose and supported in the lower part (11A) of the collapsible column (9) itself;
- collapsing the collapsible columns (9) onto the ground of a wooded area.
[0038] The vertical shielding columns (36) comprise:
- a central body (41),
- two lower hooks (37A) welded at the lower base of each vertical shielding column (36), separated 180°;
- two upper hooks (37B) welded at the upper base of each vertical shielding column (36), separated 180°, vertically aligned with the two lower hooks (37A);
- a first fire-resistant cord (38A) located in the lower part of the plurality of second asbestos mats (10); and,
- a second fire-resistant cord (38B) located in the upper part of the plurality of second asbestos mats (10).
[0039] The plurality of shielding columns (36) to be arranged as a vertical shield have the following dimensions: the height of the column is 15 meters; its diameter 2.5 meters; and the distance between each shielding column (36) is 200 meters. Furthermore, each shielding column (36) is connected to the ground by means of a footing (18) similar to that used in the collapsible columns (9).
[0040] Given that the vertical shielding columns (36) are used to support the asbestos mats (38), the distance between the vertical shielding columns (36) is equal to the length of the second asbestos mats (10) which, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, is a distance of 200 meters.
[0041] For the purpose of winding and unwinding the plurality of asbestos mats of both the vertical shielding columns (36) and the collapsible columns (9), the system object of the invention comprises a worm and worm gear mechanism for:
- the plurality of vertical shielding columns (36) to rotate about a vertical axis (40) for the purpose of unwinding or winding the plurality of second asbestos mats (10); and,
- the plurality of collapsible columns (9) to rotate about a vertical axis (25) for the purpose of unwinding or winding the plurality of first asbestos mats (10).
[0042] The operation of the second part of the system object of the invention in relation to the second asbestos mats (10) wound on each vertical shielding column (36) comprises the following steps:
- tying a first fire-resistant cord (38A), 5 meters in length, attached in the lower base of the second asbestos mat (39) on the lower hook (37A) welded to the lower base of the wrought iron column,
- tying a second fire-resistant cord (38B), 5 meters in length, attached in the upper base of the second asbestos mat (39) on the upper hook (37B) welded to the upper base of the wrought iron column,
- fixing the fire-resistant cords (38A, 38B), respectively, on the lower (37A) and upper (37B) hooks welded to the plurality of vertical shielding columns (36) of two adjacent vertical shielding columns (36), and this connection is performed successively, up to the point required, to vertically hang the plurality of second asbestos mats (10).
[0043] To extinguish a fire, or at least to assess the possible actions to be taken for an active fire, the system object of the invention allows:
- once the presence of a fire has been confirmed,
- accessing the collapsible columns (9) by means of land or aerial vehicles, first using aerial vehicles which dump salt, glass sand, glass wool, and water right on one side where the collapsible columns (9) are located, to then unwind, by means of land vehicles, the asbestos mats carried by the land vehicles, see Figure 21,
- collapsing the collapsible columns (9) and unwinding the plurality of first asbestos mats (10), extending them out to reach the contiguous column,
- unwinding the plurality of second asbestos mats (10) in the form of a shield or parapet between the vertical shielding columns (36), and
- assessing if the extinction can continue with the firebreak now formed.
- a plurality of supports (1) comprising an asbestos lining (2) and housing at the upper end thereof fire detectors (3) and video surveillance cameras (4) for detecting the presence of a fire;
- a plurality of collapsible columns (9) comprising a central body (11), such that the collapsible columns (9) are configured for collapsing;
- a plurality of vertical shielding columns (36);
- a plurality of first asbestos mats (10); and
- a plurality of second asbestos mats (39);
such that a first asbestos mat (10) is wound around the central body (11) of each collapsible column (9) such that the first asbestos mat (10) is unwound to act as a firebreak path, with the collapsible columns (9) being in the collapsed position; a second asbestos mat (39) is wound around each vertical shielding column (36) such that the second asbestos mat (39) is unwound to act as a vertical shield or parapet, and where the collapsible columns (9) and the vertical shielding columns (36) comprise a worm and worm gear mechanism to facilitate rotation around their vertical axis, which facilitates the unwinding or winding of the plurality of asbestos mats (10, 39) of each column (9, 36).- the asbestos lining (12) comprises a rack (14) at one end, and
- each first asbestos mat (10) of the collapsible column (9) comprises a rack (15) at one end,
where connecting the rack (14) of the asbestos lining (12) to the rack (15) of the first asbestos mat (10) fixes the first asbestos mat (10) to the lining (12).- a steel stop (24) to reinforce the lower part (11A) of the central body (11) of the collapsible column (9),
- two steel plates (26) for the upper part of the central body of the column reinforcing the mentioned upper part (11B) of the central body (11) of the collapsible column (9),
- a pre-configured clamp (27) for securing the connection of the upper part (11B) and the lower part (11A) of the central body (11) of the collapsible column (9), and
- two tightening and clamping screws (28) which are fixed around the clamp (27) and loosened for the collapsing of the collapsible column (9);
where once the tightening-clamping screws have been loosened and the clamp (27) removed, the two steel plates for the upper part of the central body of the column (26) fall in a downward vertical movement to the steel stop (24).- a central body (41),
- two lower hooks (37A) welded at the lower base of each vertical shielding column (36), separated 180°;
- two upper hooks (37B) welded at the upper base of each vertical shielding column (36), separated 180°, vertically aligned with the two lower hooks (37A);
- a first fire-resistant cord (38A) located in the lower part of the plurality of second asbestos mats (39); and,
- a second fire-resistant cord (38B) located in the upper part of the plurality of second asbestos mats (39).