Abstract
An electrical device having a housing containing at least one electrical component and an automatic fire prevention or extinguishing system with at least one heat and/or smoke sensor, the at least one heat and/or smoke sensor is operably connected to a container holding a fire-retarding, fire-extinguishing or fire-prevention material and the container is arranged to dispense the fire-retarding, fire-extinguishing or fire-prevention material into the housing and/or onto the electrical component when the at least one heat and/or smoke sensor detects heat and/or smoke inside the housing, as the fire-retarding, fire-extinguishing or fire-prevention material is dispensed through at least one conduit operably connected to the container holding the fire-retarding, fire-extinguishing or fire-prevention material. Each conduit is arranged to track electrical wiring of the electrical device or track at least part of an outer surface of at least one electrical component of the device.
Claims
1. An electrical device comprising an electrical component housing, said housing having within: at least one electrical component; and an automatic fire extinguishing system comprising: at least one of: a heat sensor and a smoke sensor, said fire extinguishing system configured to: detect a presence of at least one of: a heat and a smoke; and generate a signal upon the detection of said presence of at least one of: said heat and said smoke; a container holding a fire-control material; at least one perorated conduit having at least one first terminal end operably connected to the container and at least one second terminal end positioned at or adjacent to the at least one electrical component of the device; and at least one non-perforated sleeve defining a volume through which is positioned the at least one perforated conduit and electrical wiring associated with said at least one electrical component, wherein said wiring is located outside of the at least one perforated conduit, and wherein said container is arranged to dispense the fire-control material through the at least one perforated conduit in response to said signal, and the at least one perforated conduit is configured to deliver the fire-control material to at least a part of said at least one electrical component through the at least one second terminal end of the at least one perforated conduit and to at least a portion of said electrical wiring associated with said at least one electrical component through at least one perforation positioned along the length of the at least one perforated conduit.
2. The electrical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one perforated conduit comprises at least one terminal aperture positioned at the second terminal end of said at least one perforated conduit.
3. The electrical device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one terminal aperture is positioned at one of: at, and proximal to, the at least one electrical component.
4. The electrical device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said at least one terminal aperture is configured to dispense said fire control material on to an outer surface of said at least one electrical component.
5. The electrical device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plurality of perforated conduits comprising a plurality of apertures along a length of each of said plurality of perforated conduits.
6. The electrical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electrical wiring is positioned within a section of the conduit, wherein said fire control material is dispensed along at least a portion of the length of said at least one perforated conduit to said section.
7. The electrical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fire-control material is selected from a group consisting of: a liquefied gas, a compressible material, a gas, a compressed gas, a foam, a compressed foam, and mixtures thereof.
8. The electrical device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a gas sensor.
9. The electrical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing is one of a power socket housing, a plug socket housing, a light switch housing, and a plug housing.
10. The electrical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one electrical component is in an electrical appliance.
11. The electrical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one electrical component is a motor.
12. The electrical device as claimed in claim 1 comprising a circuit breaker configured to: cut off a supply of electricity to said electrical device in response to said signal.
13. The electrical device as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least one of a data receiver and a data transmitter, wherein said data receiver is configured to receive data from an external computing device; and said data transmitter is configured to transmit data to said external computing device.
14. The electrical device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the external computing device is selected from a group consisting of: a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet and a personal digital assistant (PDA).
15. The electrical device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the data receiver is one of a Bluetooth receiver and a Wi-Fi receiver; and said data transmitter is one of a Bluetooth transmitter and a Wi-Fi transmitter.
16. A fire suppression device to prevent or control or extinguish a fire within a housing containing at least one electrical component, said fire suppression device comprising: at least one sensor selected from a group consisting of: a heat sensor configured to detect a presence of heat within said housing, a smoke sensor configured to detect a presence of smoke inside said housing, and a gas sensor configured to detect a presence of a gas outside said housing, wherein said at least one sensor is configured to generate a signal in response to said detection of at least one of: said heat, said smoke and said gas; a container holding a fire control material; at least one perforated conduit having at least one first terminal end operably connected to said container and at least one second terminal end positioned at or adjacent to the at least one electrical component; and at least one non-perforated sleeve defining a volume through which is positioned the at least one perforated conduit and electrical wiring associated with said at least one electrical component, wherein said wiring is located outside of the at least one perforated conduit, and wherein said container is arranged to dispense the fire-control material through the at least one perforated conduit in response to said signal, and the at least one perforated conduit is configured to deliver the fire-control material to at least a part of said at least one electrical component through the at least one second terminal end of the at least one perforated conduit and to at least a portion of said electrical wiring associated with said at least one electrical component through at least one perforation positioned along the length of the at least one perforated conduit.
17. A kit comprising: an electrical device comprising: a electrical component housing, said housing comprising within it: at least one electrical component; and an automatic fire suppression system comprising: a container holding a fire-control material; at least one of: a heat sensor and a smoke sensor; at least one perforated conduit having at least one first terminal end operably connected to the container and at least one second terminal end positioned at or adjacent to the at least one electrical component; and at least one non-perforated sleeve defining a volume through which is positioned the at least one perforated conduit and electrical wiring associated with said at least one electrical component, wherein said wiring is located outside of the at least one perforated conduit, and wherein said container is arranged to dispense the fire-control material through the at least one perforated conduit in response to said signal, and the at least one perforated conduit is configured to deliver the fire-control material to at least a part of said at least one electrical component through the at least one second terminal end of the at least one perforated conduit and to at least a portion of said electrical wiring associated with said at least one electrical component through at least one perforation positioned along the length of the at least one perforated conduit.
Description
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(1) In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a side sectional view of a first embodiment of a device of the invention in the form of a plug socket.
(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a side sectional view of a device not of the invention in the form of a wall switch.
(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a side sectional view of an automatic fire prevention or extinguishing system of a device not of the invention adjacent to an appliance motor.
(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a side sectional view of the automatic fire prevention or extinguishing system of FIG. 3, further comprising a circuit breaker.
(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a second embodiment of a device of the invention in the form of a plug socket.
(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a third embodiment of a device of the invention in the form of a light switch.
(8) FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of a fourth embodiment of a device of the invention in the form of an electricity plug.
(9) FIG. 8 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a device of the invention in which the automatic fire prevention or extinguishing system has been retrofitted to an appliance.
(10) FIG. 9 illustrates a side sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a device of the invention comprising an automatic fire prevention or extinguishing system, comprising a fully integrated motor with carbon dioxide refill system.
(11) FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of an automatic fire prevention or extinguishing system of a seventh embodiment of a device of the invention comprising wire-tracking carbon dioxide conduits.
(12) FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic view of an automatic fire prevention or extinguishing system of an eighth embodiment of a device of the invention comprising wire-tracking carbon dioxide conduits.
(13) FIG. 12 illustrates a side sectional view of a portion of an automatic fire prevention or extinguishing system of a ninth embodiment of a device of the invention comprising a circuit board.
(14) FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-section through a wiring loom of use in the invention.
(15) FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section through an electrical connecting block of use in the invention.
(16) FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-section through an electrical socket of use in the invention.
(17) Referring firstly to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a device of the invention in the form of a plug socket 100, comprises a plug socket front housing 101 connected to fire-proof gasket 102. Fire-proof gasket 102 is connected to a back housing in the form of a back box 103, forming a substantially air-tight seal. The plug socket front housing 101 comprises a plug socket face plate 111. The plug socket face plate 111 includes electrical components in the form of electrical contact pins and associated wiring (not shown). At the back of back box 103 is located a container in the form of canister 104, which contains a fire prevention and extinguishing material in the form of compressed carbon dioxide gas. The canister 104 is mounted on the back box 103 by a bracket 107. The canister 104 further comprises a release valve 108, and is connected to a conduit 112. The conduit 112 runs along the bottom of back box 103 and then along the back of the plug socket face plate 111 and is perforated by multiple apertures in multiple locations along its length. Located at the front end of back box 103, close to and substantially above, plug socket face plate 111, are a smoke sensor 109 and a heat sensor 110. Smoke sensor 109 and heat sensor 110 are connected to a signaling system 105. Signaling system 105 is made of wires which run along the top of back box 103 to canister 104.
(18) The use of plug socket 100 will now be described with reference to FIG. 1. When sufficient levels of heat and/or smoke are given off by a fire (or the beginnings of a fire) or by the electrical component(s) inside the housing (the housing is the space enclosed by back box 103 and the face plate 101 and/or fire-proof gasket 102), heat sensor 110 and/or smoke sensor 109 detect said heat and/or smoke and send a signal through the wiring of the signaling system 105 to the release valve 108 of the container 104. This signal causes release valve 108 to be activated, thus the compressed carbon dioxide in canister 104 is expelled into the conduit 112. The carbon dioxide expands rapidly and so moves along the entire length of conduit 112. Carbon dioxide is thus expelled out of the perforations along the length of conduit 112 into the housing, and it rapidly expands to fill the housing (formed by the back box 103 and front housing 101) while also cooling significantly due to said expansion. The fire or potential fire is therefore smothered in carbon dioxide, thus depriving it of oxygen, and the interior of the housing and its electrical components are simultaneously cooled, thereby extinguishing any fire or preventing a potential fire from starting. Carbon dioxide efficiently reaches all areas of the housing due to being dispensed in multiple locations within the housing, substantially simultaneously (effected by the perforations along conduit 112). Canister 104 can be refilled in order for the invention to be reset ready for subsequent use. In some examples, the canister 104 may not comprise conduit 112, and may be arranged or constructed to dispense the carbon dioxide by exploding or rupturing, such as through activation by an ignition system, and in these cases, may be replaceable.
(19) FIG. 2 shows a device not of the invention in the form of a wall switch 200. The wall switch 200 comprises a front housing in the form of a face plate 201, a fire proof gasket 202, a rear housing in the form of a back box 203, a first canister 204 filled with compressed carbon dioxide, a smoke sensor 209, a heat sensor 210, all of which are as substantially described above for the embodiment of FIG. 1. The wall switch 200 comprises a number of differences to the plug socket 100 of FIG. 1, namely; there is an extra carbon dioxide canister 207 inside, and adjacent to the bottom face of, the back box 203; there is an ignition system 205 in place of a signaling system (also comprised of wires), which runs along the perimeter of canister 204 and second canister 207; includes a light switch 211 connected to the face plate 201 in place of a plug socket; lacks a carbon dioxide conduit (112 in FIG. 1), instead having canisters 204 and 207 which comprise a frangible material arranged to rupture and/or explode upon activation by the ignition system 205, when a signal is sent by the smoke sensor 209 and/or heat sensor 210. The canisters 204 and 207 may also be mounted on a bracket, as in the embodiment of FIG. 1.
(20) Light switch 200 functions in essentially the same way as described for plug socket 100 with the following key differences; when a signal is sent from smoke sensor 209 and/or heat sensor 210, instead of causing release of carbon dioxide through a perforated conduit, it causes canisters 204 and 207 to rupture and/or explode, thereby releasing their contents of carbon dioxide, which floods the housing formed by the front plate 201, gasket 202 and back box 203. Light switch 200 may also comprise a membrane which separates canisters 204 and 207 from the rest of the housing, arranged to be ruptured and/or disintegrated either directly by the ignition system, or by the rapidly expanding carbon dioxide gas.
(21) FIG. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of an automatic fire prevention or extinguishing system 300 not of the invention adjacent to an appliance motor 304 of an electrical device of the invention. In this example the housing of the electrical device is not shown but is the casing of the electrical device, which may be an appliance such as a washing machine, tumble dryer or the like, for example and thus the motor 304 is a motor of the appliance. The system 300 further includes a canister 301 (containing compressed carbon dioxide) which is located above said motor 304. Attached to the underside of canister 301 is heat sensor 302 and smoke sensor 303. The sensors may alternatively be spaced apart from canister 301 and connected by means of, for example, wires. Other components such as the housing and electrical wiring are not shown.
(22) In use, when motor 304 is on fire or starts to smoke or give off significant heat, this is detected by smoke sensor 303 and/or heat sensor 302, which sends a signal to canister 301. Canister 301 then dispenses/releases compressed carbon dioxide which is directed directly onto motor 304. The fire or potential fire is thus rapidly starved of oxygen by the rapidly-expanding carbon dioxide and is also cooled rapidly by the expanding carbon dioxide. The fire or potential fire is thus rapidly and efficiently prevented and/or extinguished. Canister 301 can then be refilled so as to reset the system ready for subsequent use.
(23) FIG. 4 illustrates a further automatic fire prevention or extinguishing system 400 not of the invention further comprising a circuit breaker 405. System 400 is structurally the same as system 300 of FIG. 3 and like numerals represent like components, but further comprises circuit breaker 405 and plug 406. Plug 406 and circuit breaker 405 are wired to each other, and circuit breaker 405 is wired to motor 304, such that motor 304 receives an external supply of electricity, for example from a mains supply. In other examples, the power supply is not limited to mains power, but may be, for example, a battery. In such examples, there may be no plug 406 present/needed.
(24) In use, when a fire or potential fire occurs in or on motor 304, smoke sensor 303 and/or heat sensor 302 detect the heat and/or smoke and the system proceeds to automatically prevent and/or extinguish the fire as described hereinabove for system 300. In system 400, smoke sensor 303 and/or heat sensor 302 also send a signal to circuit breaker 405 when activated. Circuit breaker 405 then breaks the circuit between the power supply into which the plug is inserted, and the motor 304, thus cutting off supply of electricity to motor 304. In this way, reoccurrence or persistence of a fire can be at least partially mitigated. This also allows for a person to more safely access the inside of the system, without risk of electrocution. Circuit breaker 405 can also be arranged to cut off electricity supply to the entire device in which motor 304 is located, as opposed to just to the motor 304.
(25) A front view of an embodiment of an electrical device of the invention in the form of a plug socket 500 is shown in FIG. 5. The socket 500 includes a housing (not shown) in the form of a back box similar to that described for the plug socket 100 of FIG. 1 and includes heat and smoke sensors, connected to an ignition or signaling system which in turn is connected to a container of compressed carbon dioxide gas. The socket 500 comprises a face plate 501 on/in to which various components are arranged. In the centre is a standard 3-pin plug socket 502 for receiving a 3-pin plug. In addition, the 3-pin plug socket 502 includes electrical components in the form of electrical contacts and associated wiring. 3-pin plug socket 502 may be replaced with any means of wiring into a power supply, for example plugs/plug sockets from other countries or regions. Arranged vertically on the right of socket 502 are, from top to bottom; smoke/carbon monoxide sensor warning light 506, gas sensor 507 and heat sensor warning light 508. In the top left corner of face plate 501 is a “CO.sub.2 deployed” indicator 503 electrically connected to the container of CO.sub.2 within the device 500. In the bottom left corner of the face plate 501 is a Bluetooth receiver/transmitter 504. Bluetooth receiver/transmitter 504 can be replaced by a Wi-Fi receiver/transmitter. To the left of socket 502 is circuit breaker warning light 505, electrically connected to a circuit breaker, which in turn is connected to the heat, smoke and/or gas sensors of the device.
(26) In use, when the smoke and/or heat sensors (not shown) have been triggered, this will cause smoke sensor warning light 506 and/or heat sensor warning light 508 to light up. Heat sensor warning light 508 may show graduated intensities of light, or different colours of light, depending on the amount/strength/magnitude of heat detected. Upon receipt of a signal from the smoke and/or heat sensor, carbon dioxide (or another fire-retarding material) will be dispensed from the canister in the back box (not shown) as described hereinabove for other embodiments and examples. The “CO.sub.2 deployed” indicator 503 is then activated and lights up (or it may emit a sound, or both). Any of the indicators/warning lights mentioned may be replaced or combined with a sound alarm that triggers at the same time as the indicator/warning light. Simultaneously, the circuit breaker (not shown) and the Bluetooth receiver/transmitter 504 will be activated and perform their function as described hereinabove for other embodiments and examples. The circuit breaker warning light 505 is activated upon activation of the circuit breaker. Gas sensor 507 is arranged to detect gas outside the housing (i.e. in the surrounding environment) and is electrically connected to the circuit breaker, so as to cut off electricity when gas is detected. The gas sensor 507 may also be associated with a further warning light and/or a sound alarm. In some embodiments, the gas sensor may also be arranged to detect gas inside the housing and/or a device/appliance (for example in an appliance using gas and electricity, such as a boiler).
(27) The warning/alert lights and/or sound alarms provide easy reference for anyone dealing with, using, looking at, repairing, replacing and/or refilling the device.
(28) Plug socket 500 may be modified to be a light switch or a general power socket switch. FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a device of the invention in the form of a light switch box 600, wherein the essential difference from socket 500 of the embodiment of FIG. 5 is that the 3-pin plug socket 502 has been replaced with a light switch 601. Light switch 600 comprises a face plate 501 on/in to which various components are arranged. In the centre is light switch 601. Arranged vertically on the right of light switch 601 are, from top to bottom; smoke/carbon monoxide sensor warning light 506, gas sensor 507 and heat sensor warning light 508. In the top left corner of face plate 501 is a “CO.sub.2 deployed” indicator 503 electrically connected to the container of CO.sub.2 within the device 600. In the bottom left corner of the face plate 501 is a Bluetooth receiver/transmitter 504. Bluetooth receiver/transmitter 504 can be replaced by a Wi-Fi receiver/transmitter. To the left of light switch 601 is circuit breaker warning light 505. Light switch 600 works in essentially the same way as described hereinabove for plug socket 500.
(29) FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of an electrical device of the invention in the form of an electricity plug 700. Plug 700 comprises plug housing 701 with 3 plug pins 702 protruding from the front face (the lower side of plug housing 701 in FIG. 7). Mounted on the back of plug housing 701 by a bracket 706 is a canister 704, which contains compressed carbon dioxide gas. Canister 704 further comprises a release valve 705, and is connected to a conduit network 708. Conduit network 708 comprises a single branched conduit perforated along its length. At one terminal end of the conduit network 708 is nozzle 707. Plug housing 701 also comprises circuit breaker warning light 703, which is present and visible on the outside of plug housing 701 and is connected to a circuit breaker (not shown).
(30) In use, when the system is activated by a signal from the smoke and/or heat sensor (not shown) as described hereinabove, release valve 705 activates and allows release of carbon dioxide from container 704 into the conduit network 708. Carbon dioxide thus rapidly expands and rushes through conduit network 708 and into plug housing 701, both through the multiple perforations in the branched conduit of the conduit network 708, and through the nozzle 707. Carbon dioxide is therefore dispensed in multiple locations within the housing 701, which allows substantially the entire interior volume of the housing 701 to be efficiently and rapidly filled with carbon dioxide gas. The expanding carbon dioxide gas thus rapidly starves the fire or potential fire of oxygen and rapidly cools/freezes it, therefore efficiently preventing and/or extinguishing the fire or potential fire. Substantially simultaneously, the circuit breaker (not shown) is activated and cuts off the flow of electricity through plug 700, which causes circuit breaker warning light 703 to activate/light up. Circuit breaker warning light 703 may be, or may be used alongside, a sound alarm. Features not shown in FIG. 7 but which are incorporated in the plug 700 are; a smoke sensor, a heat sensor and a circuit breaker. It should be appreciated that plug 700 may be modified using features present in other embodiments of the invention and examples as described herein (as is the case for all specific embodiments disclosed herein), such as by adding an extra container or canister and/or switching the canister and conduit network for a rupturable canister as described in the example of FIG. 2—an ignition system would also be introduced if the canisters were arranged to explode and/or rupture as in the example of FIG. 2. Indicators and/or warning/alert lights and/or a data receiver/transmitter may also be incorporated, which function as described hereinabove.
(31) FIG. 8 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an automatic fire prevention or extinguishing system 800 retrofitted to an appliance containing a motor 806, to form an electrical device of the invention. System 800 comprises a container 809 which holds compressed carbon dioxide and has been retrofitted into the appliance. Container 809 is bonded/fastened/secured to the appliance by means of an adhesive 802 which sticks a base 801 (which is itself secured to container 809) to the appliance. In other embodiments, adhesive 802 could be replaced by a different means of fastening, such as screws, rivets or the like. Container 809 further comprises smoke and heat sensors 807 wired to release valve 803. The sensors 807 are also wired to a circuit breaker 804, which is in turn wired to a plug 805. The system prevents and/or extinguishes a fire or a potential fire in essentially the same way as described hereinabove for previous embodiments and examples. Arrows 808 show the direction of carbon dioxide release upon activation of the system by the heat and/or smoke sensors, i.e. towards and smothering the motor 806.
(32) FIG. 9 illustrates a side sectional view of another embodiment of an electrical device 900 of the invention, comprising a fully integrated motor with carbon dioxide refill system. The device 900 comprises appliance motor 901 enclosed within and entirely surrounded by casing membrane 902. Casing membrane 902 defines a housing interior space 911 in which motor 901 resides. Completely surrounding casing membrane 902 is an outer casing 903. Casing membrane 902 and outer casing 903 define a container 904, in which is stored compressed carbon dioxide. Container 904 is secured by bracket 906 and further comprises a refill nipple 909 and a release valve 912. Electrical wires 905 run through gaps in container 904 and stretch between the motor 901 and outside of the casing 904 and have associated wire-tracking carbon dioxide conduits 910 which follow the path of the electrical wires 905. Also inside the housing interior space 911 (i.e. the housing where the motor 901 is present) are heat sensors 907 and smoke sensors 908. Release valve 912 (connection shown), heat sensors 907 (connection not shown) and smoke sensors 908 (connection not shown) are electrically connected to circuit breaker 913, which is in turn electrically connected to plug 914. The electrical connections are in the form of wires.
(33) In use, when the heat sensors 907 and/or smoke sensors 908 detect heat and or smoke coming from the motor 901, they send a signal to the release valve 912 of container 904, which activates release valve 912 and so allows compressed carbon dioxide gas to be dispensed inwardly onto the motor 901. The rapidly expanding carbon dioxide rapidly cools the motor and/or fire or potential fire and starves the fire or potential fire of oxygen, thus efficiently and quickly preventing and/or extinguishing it. Carbon dioxide may also be dispensed into other areas of the appliance in which the motor is located, through wire-tracking carbon dioxide conduits 910 (which may be and function substantially as described for the embodiments of FIG. 10, 11, 12 or 13) and/or additional carbon dioxide conduits (as described hereinabove and hereinbelow, not shown) that run throughout the rest of the appliance or to critical or desired areas of the appliance. Container 904 is able to be topped up or refilled with carbon dioxide by means of refill nipple 909. Circuit breaker 913 is also activated by the heat sensors 907 and/or smoke sensors 908 and cuts off electricity to the motor 901 and/or to the whole appliance in response to a signal from them. Circuit breaker 913 works in substantially the same way as described hereinabove for previous embodiments and examples.
(34) FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of an automatic fire prevention or extinguishing system 1000 of a seventh embodiment of a device of the invention comprising wire-tracking carbon dioxide conduits. System 1000 comprises an appliance 1002, a motor 1003 belonging to the appliance 1002, and a canister 1001 of compressed carbon dioxide gas. The appliance comprises heat and/or smoke sensors 1004 placed at multiple locations (for example in critical areas) within it and is electrically connected (by means of wires 1007—solid lines in FIG. 10) to motor 1003. Canister 1001 comprises release valve 1005 and is connected to carbon dioxide conduits 1009 and wire-tracking carbon dioxide conduits 1006 by means of conduit connectors 1008. Conduit connectors 1008 may be push or screw fit. Wire-tracking conduits 1006 follow the path of electrical wires 1007 in the device and may be present in/run through, for example, a wiring loom which contains said wires 1007 (see FIG. 13 for an example of a wiring loom of use in the invention). Conduits 1009 run to other areas of the appliance, for example areas where wires do not run into, and so would not be reached by wire-tracking conduits 1006.
(35) The system prevents and/or extinguishes a fire or a potential fire in essentially the same way as described hereinabove for previous embodiments. When wires are present in a wiring loom, wire-tracking conduits 1006 are particularly advantageous as they may be able to extinguish or prevent a fire within said wiring looms, which previous systems may be unable to accomplish.
(36) FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic view of an automatic fire prevention or extinguishing system 1100 of an eighth embodiment of a device of the invention comprising wire-tracking carbon dioxide conduits. System 1100 comprises; a compressed carbon dioxide canister 1103 connected to a conduit network 1104 (consisting of a single branched conduit) by means of conduit connector 1106; and an appliance 1101 electrically connected to an appliance motor 1102 by means of a wire 1105. Canister 1103 further comprises a release valve 1107. Conduit network 1104 runs from canister 1103 along a single path which branches into two paths when it meets the wire 1105, thereafter running as two distinct conduit paths in opposite directions along the wire 1105. One path runs into and around the appliance 1101 and one path runs into and around the appliance motor 1102.
(37) The system prevents and/or extinguishes a fire or a potential fire in essentially the same way as described hereinabove for previous embodiments.
(38) FIG. 12 illustrates a side sectional view of a portion of an automatic fire prevention or extinguishing system 1200 of an ninth embodiment of a device of the invention comprising a circuit board. System 1200 comprises a circuit board 1201 present inside an electrical appliance or device. Circuit board 1201 is wired to other parts of the device by means of wire 1203 connected to electrical connecting block 1202. The system further comprises wire-tracking conduit 1204 and conduit 1205. Conduit 1205 has a nozzle 1206 at its terminal end. Conduits 1204 and 1205 may be part of the same conduit network and are connected to other features of a fire extinguishing and/or prevention system of the invention as described hereinabove (for example, carbon dioxide canister, at least one smoke and/or heat sensor, release valve, circuit breaker, data transmitter/receiver).
(39) The system prevents and/or extinguishes a fire or a potential fire in essentially the same way as described hereinabove for previous embodiments. Upon receipt of a signal from the at least one heat and/or smoke sensor, carbon dioxide is dispensed onto the circuit board 1201 through nozzle 1206, and substantially simultaneously into connecting block 1202 through conduit 1204.
(40) FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-section through a wiring loom 1300 of use in the invention. The wiring loom 1300 comprises sleeve 1301, and multiple electrical wires 1302 and carbon dioxide conduits 1303. There is one conduit 1303 per wire 1302, however this may be changed such that there are a greater or fewer number of conduits 1303 than wires 1302. A wiring loom may be of use in embodiments with wire-tracking conduits, such as the embodiments of FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and 12.
(41) FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section through an electrical connecting block 1400 of use in the invention. The connecting block 1400 includes a housing 1401 and multiple electrical wires 1402 and carbon dioxide conduits 1403. As shown, there is provided one conduit 1403 per wire 1402 in an alternating arrangement across the connecting block 1400. In addition, there is provided sensors 1404a, 1404b positioned within the connecting block 1400 for detecting heat and/or smoke within the connecting block 1400. The sensors 1404a, 1404b are shown associated with respective pairs of wires 1402 and conduits 1403.
(42) FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-section through an electrical socket 1500 of use in the invention. The socket 1500 includes a housing 1501 and multiple electrical wires including an Earth wire 1502a, a Neutral wire 1502b and a Live wire 1502c. There is additionally provided carbon dioxide conduits 1503a and 1503b associated with the Neutral wire 1502b and the Live wire 1502c, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the conduits 1503a, 1503b comprise sub-conduits branching from a main conduit 1503 which may, for example, be fluidly connected to a container as described herein. In addition, there is provided sensors 1504a, 1504b positioned within the socket 1500 for detecting heat and/or smoke within the socket 1500. The sensors 1504a, 1504b are shown associated with respective pairs of wires 1502 and conduits 1503.
(43) In the embodiments shown in the Figures and described herein, the (or each) conduit comprises multiple apertures along its length. However, it will be appreciated that the conduits may comprise none, one or many apertures as suitable for the system/device in which the invention is utilized. For example, and as described herein, the electrical wiring and/or electrical component may be positioned within a section of the conduit and the system may be arranged to control a flow of the fire control material along at least a portion of the length of the conduit to the section of the conduit containing the electrical wiring and/or electrical component. In embodiments having one or more apertures within the conduit, the (or each) aperture may be positioned at or proximal to the location of at least one electrical component and/or electrical connection point within the housing and/or the device.
(44) Further, although not shown in the Figures, in embodiments at least a portion of the electrical wiring and/or other electrical component may be positioned inside the at least one conduit. The at least one conduit may define a volume in which the at least a portion of the electrical wiring and/or other electrical component may be positioned, in use and the at least one conduit may comprise one or more apertures through which the fire-control material may be dispensed into that volume. Alternatively, for example in embodiments where the at least one conduit does not comprise one or more apertures, the electrical wiring and/or electrical component may be positioned within a section of the conduit and the fire control material may be cause to flow along at least a portion of the length of the conduit to the section of the conduit containing the electrical wiring and/or electrical component.
(45) The above embodiments are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.
